August 2010 Operation Scarlet, Inc Chinese Shar-Pei Rescue of Lancaster, PA Scarlet s News INSIDE THIS ISSUE The Dog Days of Summer Avoiding Hyperthermia Tribute to Bear, Page 4 In most parts of the country, August will bring some of the hottest weather of the year. With this increase in temperature our canine companions become increasingly more susceptible to Hyperthermia. Hyperthermia or heatstroke occurs when the body temperature becomes elevated to a level that prevents the normal body mechanisms from keeping the body temperature in a safe range. Severe heatstroke can be fatal. Dogs with predisposing conditions like heart disease, obesity, older age, or breathing problems are more susceptible to Hyperthermia. Symptoms of Hyperthermia: We re Available, Page 3 Rapid panting, bright red tongue, red or pale gums Thick, sticky saliva Depression, weakness, dizziness Vomiting, diarrhea Shock, coma If you suspect that your dog is suffering from heatstroke, remove the dog from the hot area immediately. Lower the dog's temperature by wetting him thoroughly with cool water, not cold, and then increase air movement around him with a fan. Seek immediate attention from your veterinarian. Happy Tails, Page 6 Guidelines to help prevent Hyperthermia: Upcoming Events Page 8 When outside, keep your dog cool and in the shade. Provide access to water at all times. Do not leave your dog outside unsupervised or for extended periods of time in hot weather. Do not leave your dog in a car, even in shade or if only for a short time. Restrict your dog's exercise periods, limit to early morning or late evening. Do not muzzle your dog. Avoid walking your dog on hot concrete or asphalt areas. Taking the time to follow these guidelines will help to ensure that you and your canine companion have a great summer. Sponsor a Pei, Page 10
Scarlet s News Page 2 From the Heart An adopter of O.S. sent me this wonderful writing and it touched the very deepest part of my heart. I have always said that it is so difficult to put into words the wonderful feeling I get when a Pei enters O.S. One more Pei safe from harm. The feeling I get when one of Scarlet s kids walks out the door with its new family is without words. I have never really been able to express that joy. That thrill. That rush of excitement. It definitely comes from within. But when I received this writing, I became quite emotional because it says what I have for so many years wanted to share with others. I dedicate this to all animal rescuers the world over. It is so true and so very heartfelt. - Thank you Vicki Showers for sending this so that it can be shared with everyone. Dawn and Scarlet s Kids I am an Animal Rescuer I am an animal rescuer. I will never bring about world peace. I will not save the rain forest. I'm not a brain surgeon and I'll never transplant an organ to save a life. I don't have the ear of a powerful politician or world power. I can't end world hunger. I'm not a celebrity, and God knows I'm not glamorous! I'm not looked up to by millions around the world. Very few people even recognize my name. I'll never win the Nobel Prize. I'll never end global warming. There are a lot of things that I'll never do or become. But today I placed a dog! It was a small, scared, bundle of flesh and bones that was dropped off in a shelter by unfeeling people that didn't care what happened to it, but yet who were responsible for it even having existence in the first place. I found it a home. It now has contentment and an abundance of love. A warm place to sleep and plenty to eat. A child has a fuzzy new friend who will give them unquestioning devotion and teach them about responsibility and love. A wife and mother has a new spirit to nurture and care for. A husband and a father has a companion to sit at his feet at the end of a hard day of work and help him relax and enjoy life. And a sense of security, that when he is gone all day at work, that there is a protector and a guardian in his home to keep watch over his family. No, I'm not a rocket scientist, but today I saved one of God's precious creatures. Today, I made a difference! I Am An Animal Rescuer. My job is to assist God's creatures. I was born with the need to fulfill their needs. I take in new family members without plan, thought or selection. I have bought dog food with my last dime. I have patted a mangy head with a bare hand. I have hugged someone vicious and afraid. I have fallen in love a thousand times and I have cried into the fur of a lifeless body. I have Animal Friends and friends who have Animal Friends. I don't often use the word "pet." I notice those lost at the road side and my heart aches. I will hand raise a field mouse and make friends with a vulture. I know of no creature unworthy of my time. I want to live forever if there aren't animals in Heaven but I believe there are! Why would God make something so perfect and leave it behind? We may be master of the animals, but the animals have mastered themselves. Something people still haven't learned. War and abuse make me hurt for the world, but a rescue that makes the news gives me hope for humankind. We are a quiet but determined army and making a difference every day. There is nothing more necessary than warming an orphan. Nothing more rewarding than saving a life. No higher recognition than watching them thrive. There is no greater joy than seeing a baby play who only days ago, was too weak to eat. I am an Animal Rescuer. My work is never done. My home is never quiet. My wallet is always empty, but my heart is always full. In the game of life, I have already won! ~ Annette Kincker ~
Scarlet s News Page 3 We Are Looking For Our Forever Homes We are looking for our forever homes. Please contact OpScarlet@verizon.net if you would like to adopt a homeless Shar-Pei. Polly Star Colbie Shelby - Great News, I have just been chosen! Mugsy Roxy Bubba Bubba has just been chosen and is looking forward to going to his new home next month.
Scarlet s News Page 4 Rainbow Bridge Sasha Bobin Hannah Cappelli Scarlet continues to watch over these Shar-Pei as they cross the Rainbow Bridge This month's newsletter is combining the Rainbow Bridge Tribute with the Happy Tails story. How is it possible for the story of a Pei that has crossed the Bridge be linked with the story of a formerly homeless Pei having found their forever home? As heart wrenching as the loss of a beloved companion can be, if we teach ourselves that this does not have to be the end of the story, merely the end of one of many chapters in our lives, this may be possible. We must fight the urge to close the book, have the courage to turn the page, and it is then, and only then, that we will see what the next chapter will bring to our lives. In this month's story, Bear's passing led to Teddi finding a forever home. As with all good stories there needs to be a twist, and this story promises nothing less. Do our Pei that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge have the ability to accept their passing as the natural order of the universe? Do they sense that we as humans need help in accepting this transition? From the other side of the Rainbow Bridge, do they have the ability to help us heal by sending us another soul to cherish in this life? Bear and Teddi's Story Bear entered my life May of 1994, a rescue from Operation Scarlet (Chinese Shar-Pei Rescue). Bear being half Shar-Pei & Lab as later confirmed had the best of both breeds' qualities. He was estimated to be approximately six months of age. Having recently adopted a Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pig, (Hoggentoggler) who was barely two months of age I had my hands full and wasn't sure about taking on a dog. Not long after Bear's arrival things started to fall into place. Although we were not without our sibling rivalries. It seemed he really belonged and most of all really wanted to be a member of our family. Together we lived a fairly uneventful life, at least for the next four to five years. By March of 1999 I had filed for a divorce, my soon to be ex-husband agreed to relinquish custody of the loving pair now referred to as the Boys. I had a job that allowed me to work from home and I was able to provide them with the best companionship and quality care as humanly possible. By December of 1999 I had purchased a motor home, the boys and I embarked on our new life together traveling as much and as far as possible. All the while the bond between us became stronger. Not a day would go by that I wouldn't remind the Boys we would be together forever. In November of 2004, I purchased a home, we again turned the page to a new chapter in our lives, and by this time both my boys were in their senior years and each had their health issues but always bounced back. Bear could once again claim the land beneath his paws. And I being the animal lover soon became acquainted with anyone who passed by my house attached to a leash.
Scarlet s News Page 5 October of 2006, Bear developed a mass on his lower lip that a biopsy would later reveal was cancer, a short time later another lump appeared under his chin, again surgery revealed cancer. By April 2007 Bear had suffered another set back, while receiving acupuncture treatments for his hips I noticed a lump on the side of his face. Surgery would later confirm my worst fears, cancer once again had stricken one my belo ved boys. This time the diagnosis offered no hope. The veterinarian unable to tell me the results summoned his staff to bring the biopsy report. Bear was diagnosed with mast cell, another form of cancer. Reading further down the report it stated most patients were deceased within two years. Through tear filled eyes I handed the report back to the doctor and stated there must be some mistake. Not my Bear, after all my boys and I were going to be together forever. Our only hope was to see an Oncologist. After our initial visit Bear was started on chemotherapy. And later was scheduled for radiation. Once again the boys and I moved into the motor home this time headed to Bucks County so Toggler and I could be with him while he went through his treatments. I thought finally, my prayers have been answered, a cure had been found and I once again clung to the hopes we truly would be together forever. Mid June 2007 Bear had been through seven of the nineteen treatments when he crashed. I rushed him to a local Pet Emergency Hospital. And was informed they didn't hold out any hope. After spending two days in the hospital and being examined by the Oncologist, I was told that the cancer had moved and was now in his lungs. The decision to bring Bear home was an unconscious one. I only knew I just needed to be with him. The next morning at 9:00 a.m. I was back at my local veterinarian. This time I was faced with every pet guardian's nightmare, if there was no sign of improvement in Bears condition by the end of the day I would need to consider euthanasia. Bear quickly lifted his head and started barking at me. I couldn't possibly do this to him not after all we had been through. He was kept for observation and I was encouraged to keep in touch. They would do all they could. By 3:00 p.m. the same day I was headed back to the veterinarian office, on my way I placed a call only to be told Bear had just passed away. Toggler and I rushed to his side and the tears flowed like a river. For anyone who believes that animals don't have feelings should have been in the room to see Toggler walk up to Bear and rest his head on Bear's neck and say goodbye. I gathered up Toggler and the pieces of my broken heart. Together we headed back to Bucks County. We needed to once again start a new chapter in our lives and pick-up the motor home. Things just were not the same after that we had spent a week in the motor home and now had to face coming home, home to a house that no longer included Bear. All week long in the motor home I would spend time trying to convince myself Bear was just out getting a treatment or at Pet Emergency he would be home soon, right? When the time came to make the trip home I was reminded just how unfair life really was, the trio was now a duo. Over the next few months I sat drying more tears than I care to admit. I started to hear things, see things. Could this be Bear trying to reach out to me? After all we were going to be together forever right? If he wasn't with us in the flesh I would accept his spirit. At loose ends I contacted an Animal Communicator. She confirmed Bear was with us although he was confused. He had thought I had him put to sleep. Sobbing I explained I would never had done that, I couldn't! I had done everything I could to save his life! And was grieving greatly along with Toggler. She confirmed what I felt was true, he was with us. Even Toggler on occasion had run into him. And had most recently yelled at him for leaving, Stating that we were to be together forever. This statement confirmed she was genuine. Nobody ever knew I told the Boys we would be together forever. It was always something stated when we were alone and all together. I always wanted to reassure them we would be safe and always together. Continued next page
Scarlet s News Page 6 It wasn't long before I starting having dreams of a smaller Shar-Pei that tipped the scales at approximately fifty pounds. Each time I saw the Pei I would refer to it in the dream as, She. She would be coming in my door. Sitting in the co-pilot seat of the motor home, or just spending time with me. She was a light brown beautiful girl tipped in black. Along with the dreams came the words: Teddy, Teddy, Teddy. Immediately Bear would come to mind. Teddy Bear, is this what he was trying to tell me. Was he trying to cheer me up? Did he want me to get a Teddy Bear? Did he want one for himself? For his grave? What did this all mean? I had finally concluded it was official. I had gone off the deep end. After all I had handled human deaths better than Bear's. It was time to consult professional help. I needed to contact my doctor and get some help to cope with my loss. However this was the weekend and I wouldn't be able to speak with my doctor before Monday. So I did my best to occupy myself over the weekend, with my housework done I set off to do some shopping. On my way home I found myself passing Operation Scarlet, it was as if I was on auto pilot. I didn't really remember coming this way. I drove past the door and suddenly stopped. While backing up I noticed there was parking available right out front. After all I could use a Pei fix. At least this is how rationalized things. No such luck, nobody home. Oh well, I stated to myself. Maybe another time. I continued home, I just need to get through the remainder of the day and Sunday. Assuring myself I could do this. Sunday came and I busied myself with gardening and mowing the lawn. When on occasion I would hear Teddy, Teddy, Teddy. Again I reminded myself I would seek professional help first thing Monday morning. As I stated earlier I got to know everyone attached to a leash that walked past my home. While mowing the lawn later that same weekend a fellow dog lover passed. When he stopped to talk I explained that I had stopped at Operation Scarlet earlier, only to find nobody there. He informed me that they were having their fall luncheon and their guest speaker was an animal communicator. After our conversation I started back to the lawn mower. I have a vague memory of laying my hands on the lawn mower. The next thing I remember was sitting in my home office holding the phone. The ringing in my ear brought me back to reality. In front of me was the business card for Operation Scarlet. The founder answered. That's right I had just told my friend I wanted to speak with the animal communicator. This is what I was doing here. After a brief conversation I explained the events that brought me to this point. The animal communicator was there and confirmed Bear wanted to speak with me. An appointment was made for early that week. Putting my mind at ease that I wasn't crazy and could possibly get through this without the help of a professional at least not a professional M.D. I looked forward to my pending appointment. The animal communicator was kind enough to tape the reading. I wasn't nuts! Bear truly was trying to reach me. Teddy was being spelled Teddi by him. He wrote this five times meaning I would be getting a new companion in five's. Months, days, years? I mentioned the dog in my dreams. Even went as far as describing her. The communicator mentioned I was describing a dog that just came in on Friday. But it couldn't be her. Bear had only been gone just over 4 months. After speaking with the founder of Operation Scarlet, I was taken to the room that housed the dogs. When I looked around the room I was taken back when I came to a crate with a small cream colored girl weighing about fifty pounds. The exact same dog from my dreams, this couldn't be. Bear was specific this would take place in five's. We were only at 4 months. That was when I was told she would not be ready to leave the shelter for another few weeks. Which would put us at five months since Bear's passing. This my fellow animal lovers is how I came to know Teddi my beautiful cream colored girl tipped in black. I'll let Teddi finish the story from here.
Scarlet s News Page 7 I arrived at my forever home just before Thanksgiving November 2006, Bear had already gone to spirit but let me know I would recognize my new Mom right away since he would be with her when we met, and he had already informed her I was on my way. Sure enough he was right, I arrived at Operation Scarlet just a few days before Mom appeared. I knew her the moment I laid eyes on her. She recognized me too, I could tell by the surprised look on her face. After being taken home and introduced to my older brother who is a "PIG" Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pig that is! (Toggler) And the little girl Kiana, (Mom's grandaughter). I settled into a routine just before Christmas when I was introduced to the house on wheels, (Motorhome), I wasn't sure about this, there were numerous seats and I seemed to pick the one already occupied or the one with the big wheel in front that Mom informed me belonged to her. Two days later I was checking out the beaches on the coastline. By Easter I was touring Biltmore Estates in Ashville, NC. Attended the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. Celebrated 4th of July in Bar Harbor Maine. Labor Day in Ocean City, MD. My 2nd Christmas was spent in the FL Keys; I was at the southern most point of the U.S. (90 miles from Cuba). Visited a Dog Beach, (wanted nothing to do with those "soggy" friends!") They were just like the dolphins all they wanted to do was play in the water. Christmas number three took me to Brownsville, TX. Then to the Mexican border. Got stuck holding down the Motor home and babysitting the Pig, I really didn't mind after Mom explained it wouldn't be fair to take me and leave my brother behind, (because they objected to pork crossing the border). We've been home for awhile all except for short trips here and there. Can't wait to get back on the road again, but that part of the story will have to wait for the next chapter. In the meantime, I am enjoying my forever home. Thank you Operation Scarlet for rescuing me. Thank you Pam for adopting me and giving me a good home. Thank you Bear for... well you know what. The Many Faces of Millie Fretterd Millie is still like a puppy some days even though she is 10 years old now. A couple of weeks ago I got up, made the bed, and went into the shower. When I came out she was sitting in the middle of the bed with pillows all rearranged around her and a wagging tail. She looked at me as if to say "Isn't it better this way?" s Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest Pei of all?
Scarlet s News Page 8 Upcoming Events Saturday August 14 Sidewalk Sale at Operation Scarlet Hot dogs, drinks, baked goods and tables piled high with sale items. Join Us From 8:00AM to 12:00 PM at: 518, 520 & 522 S. Queen Street Lancaster, PA 17604 October 24 Operation Scarlet's Fall Luncheon Lancaster Host Resort, Lancaster, PA September 6 Pennies From Heaven Ends Time to Count Your Saved Change Please mark your check "Pennies" and mail to: Operation Scarlet PO Box 8463 Lancaster, PA 17604 November 13 & 14 Christmas Shopping Day at OS Shop the New Sale Items in Our Store Silpada jewelry, Mary Kay, Party Lite December 4 & 5 Pet Expo Lancaster Expo Center Located on corner of S. Queen and E King St On the square in Lancaster-Just blocks from OS! Sunday, June 5, 2011 20th Anniversary Celebration Drop in from 11AM to 4PM Lancaster Host Resort and Conference Center
Scarlet s News Page 9 Sponsor a Pei Program The Sponsor a Pei Program is used to raise money to pay for boarding when a dog needs to be rescued and there is no room at Operation Scarlet. These dogs might otherwise be euthanized if not taken in by Operation Scarlet. When a kennel becomes available at OS, a dog is removed from boarding and taken to OS to await its new home. The program is simple. When you sign up, your name is put on a list of sponsors. Requests for donations are made in a rotation and you are never obligated to donate each time you are contacted. When contacted by e-mail, unless you specifically request to be contacted by phone, you may donate as many days as you would like to cover. Boarding is currently $16 per day. The number of days you sponsor is up to you. Since the Sponsor A Pei program began in 2003, over 200 dogs have been saved with this program. Recent rescues Frankie, Shelby and Jonah needed to be placed in boarding until room was available at OS. Their boarding invoice is over $1200 and sponsors are needed to help with their bill. If you would be interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact ScarletsNews@aol.com. Shelby Frankie Jonah OS welcomes Phyllis Golden as a new member of the Sponsor a Pei Program. Phyllis adopted Mollie in 2004. Sponsoring a Pei is like throwing a life preserver to someone who is drowning
Scarlet s News Page 10 Thank You for Supporting Operation Scarlet Associate Renewals Gary Hewes Robin & Don Moyer Julie & Bob Breighner Catherine Havemeier & Kate Oppenheimer Travers & Cindy McLoughlin Representative Renewals Dan & Heather Dushanko Sponsor a Pei Denise Wilson Cindy & Travers McLoughlin Stephen and Valarie Hawkins Karen & Jerry Dalton OS appreciates their support in the program to keep Pei safe until there is an opening at the rescue. Community Service Volunteer Donna Rotandi Would You Like to Volunteer at the Rescue? Operation Scarlet is looking for volunteers to help at the rescue. Please contact OS if you would like to volunteer for a day, half day, a few hours, or on a reoccurring basis. Any help that you could give would be most appreciated. You are sure to find volunteering at OS to be a rewarding experience. Many employers offer paid community service days to their employees, so check to see if your employer will pay you for the days that you volunteer. Let your employer know that Operation Scarlet is a 501 (C) 3 Charitable Organization. Lucky, the Really Lucky Dog Lucky, ten year old homeless Shar-Pei, was adopted by Mary and Gary Hewes. Thank you Mary and Gary for adopting a senior Pei. Luck was with Mr. Lucky, his days were numbered at the shelter. He was down to one day when OS came to his rescue. Slinky, the Third Time Around About 6 years ago, Slinky was just a puppy, a few months old, when she showed up at OS for the first time. She went to a home but was returned after a brief stay. The second time she left OS, it was for almost 6 years. Fifteen months ago, Slinky found herself back at OS, once again homeless. Slinky never gave up hope that she would find a new home. Her waiting has been rewarded; Slinky has found a loving home with Carol Smale. Bella, on Her Way owner Bella, well-named, is a 4-year-old "charmer". She lost her home when her owner could no longer care for her. Bella has been placed and is looking forward to her adoption being finalized next month.
Scarlet s News Page 11 Contact Us: The Pei Days of Summer Operation Scarlet, Inc P.O.Box 8463 Lancaster, PA 17604 Choppie Rotandi "Boy, this corn is really good!" Phone 717-397-6362 Fax 717-399-9220 E mail OpScarlet@verizon.net Web Site OperationScarlet.com Dawn Hertzog Founder Sumo Dushanko "Look what my humans bought me." From the Web What happens to the canine "kids" in a divorce? Most states consider the family pet to simply be property that can be sold and funds divided by the divorcing parties. Recently a judge stepped outside the law to resolve this canine custody issue. Read the article: Landmark Precedent Did You Remember to Vote for Operation Scarlet? Vote for a Shelter @ The Animal Rescue Site In Memory of Scarlet Our First Rescue Shar-Pei 1986-1989 Scarlet s News Gerre Davis, Editor Please send comments, contributions or suggestions to ScarletsNews@aol.com Contest Ends August 22, 2010 Operation Scarlet's 2011 Calendars are Coming Soon! Don't miss your chance to purchase the 2011 Operation Scarlet Calendar. These full color calendars feature a different Rescued Shar-Pei for each month, plus other features such as the "Rescue Dog of the Year", a collage of all of the calendar contest participants and a special insert commemorating Scarlet s 20th anniversary. Calendars are $19 each, plus shipping and should be available in September. Contact OS to reserve your copy now! OpScarlet@verizon.net A dog can express more with his tail in seconds than his owner can express with his tongue in hours. ~Author Unknown