Gidget

This dog was rescued out of Campbell County, TN and fostered in Knoxville, TN while we got the vetting done.  She's recently been sent to Catahoula rescue in Canada.
 

Macie & Danny Boy

Misty Update

Here are the latest pictures of Misty taken today. She loves to snuggle with the kids on the couch when they have some TV time. Although living with four children is sometimes chaotic, one benefit is that there is just about always someone petting her.

To anwer your question, we haven't seen the play biting in about two weeks. The boys now know not to rile her up too much in the back yard. She doesn't chase them when they run; only when they INVITE her to chase them, which they now know not to do. (Again, the humans at fault, not the dog.) Also, she stops whatever she is doing, when I call her name and clap my hands. She is so eager to please! It's easier now that she's interested in fetch, because it gives her and the boys something to do together that doesn't involve chasing, which seems to stimilate her desire to nip. She likes tennis balls the best. Also, I think she gets enough play biting with Kipper now that they play so much together. Maybe that was what she missed, having lived with many other dogs for so long. SOmetimes she tries to play bite me when I am putting on her coat. I don't mind, although I still tell her "no". I know that she is just excited to go for her run.
Misty loves her walks and jogs! We've settled on a morning routine that is part jogging in the neighborhood on-leash, part walking in the woods (lots of sniffing) off-leash, and a 20 minute stop in between so we can all have water and the little ones can play at the play ground. She does just great with this; not overly friendly with other dogs on-leash (protecting?), but no problem. I have to hitch her to a bench at the park while the kids play, so I can give the kids my full attention. I hate it and she doesn't like it much either, but she seems to understand that I need to catch the babies if they fall, so she has to wait. We keep it brief, and she's fine. She's such a good smart dog. At night after all the kids are asleep, Mike or I take both dogs for a walk around the neighborhood. On weekends, we all take both dogs for long hikes in the woods. She gets a lot of exercise and loves it and is looking great! her waist line is really starting to show.

Misty is an expert at the "please feed me, I'm soooo hungry" look! She would weigh 120 lbs. if we gave her all the food she wanted. We are trying to stay firm with her diet plan, even though we all love her so much, we all really want to give her lots of cheese and other fun snacks. She's such a good sport, though, because when she does get into something we know she shouldn't have (No, Misty, that bread Edward dropped is not for you - too many carbs), she gives it up, no hard feelings. You can reach right into her big mouth and take it away and she just lets you. Cooked carrots are good, though. Not too fattening and she loves 'em.

More later,

Katie

One more of Misty

Jan. 2008 031
Originally uploaded by Michael Melanson.

It's a dog's life!

Misty

Jan 2008 018
Originally uploaded by Michael Melanson.

Misty now lives near Boston, Mass. Adopted Jan 6th!

Misty

Just an update on Misty. She went up to Massachusetts this weekend after being in rescue for over 3 yrs! She's doing very well! adopted to a home with 4 kids and a pom!
Things are going very well
Renee
***
Wed, 9 Jan 2008
Hi Renee!

Day 5 and another good day for Misty!

I left for a little while today to get her license. I hadn't left her since Saturday. You wouldn't believe the reception I got when I got home. Maybe she thought I ws leaving forever.

She did something very good this morning. Annie took hold of her tail. Not pulling, just curious; but I knew Misty wouldn't like it. But Misty had the greatest solution: she head-butted Annie away to let her know not to pull tails. I gave her a lot of praise for this. I thought it was a great doggie solution to annoying baby behavior.

Misty LOVES her jog / walks and we had nice weather today. It felt like March and a lot of the snow has melted. We met a border collie on our way and she didn't like him. Nothing major, but she gave a little warning sound. I thought of the border collie dog who got her in the ear. But more likely I think she was protecting me and the babies! This dog was a big alpha male type.

I've been meaning to tell you that I am so impressed at what a great job you and Robbie did with her in spite of having so many dogs. Misty has wonderful manners. When I walk with her, I have her leash tied around my waist so that I can have two hands on the double stroller. I still guide her with one hand, but she pulls against my midsection if she pulls, so that I can manage her better. Some of the streets are busy, so I have to keep her close. I must be quite a sight pushing two kids and an 85 lb. dog tied to my waist! Anyway, she has caught onto this so fast. She seems to understand what I need her to do and stays right next to me or behind me. I don't think many dogs would catch on so fast.

Tonight she did some strange running around and barking. She was so agitated that Mike and I were pulling our hair out trying to figure out what was wrong! It was so strange for Misty, who has been so quiet. Finally Mike said, "Take her license off." he was right. The sound of the license clanking against her ID tag confused her. She thought another dog was in the house. Poor Misty! I attached it to a different part of her collar and she was fine.

More later,
Katie


Tue, 8 Jan 2008
Hi Renee,

Misty is great. She is pacing less and is content to be on the same floor as I am rather than shadowing me. The hand shyness with Mike is gone today. She seems more confident and secure. I swear she has a more relaxed expression on her face.

Misty and I went for a long walk/jog this morning. It's warm here-into the 50's!. She did great. She has amazing stamina -better than me. I jogged her walked her on-and-off and offered her water every 20 min or so. I read somewhere that dogs don't naturally just run for miles and miles without stopping- you have to let them walk, run and stop and sniff, so we did that . We saw lots of people with their dogs and she loved the attention, accepting pats from everybody. She seemed to really like one set of beagles, Kara and Kailey. Do you think that baying reminded her of TN?

A neighborhood kitty cat approached us and she just sniffed and wagged her tail. We got home at noon. At three, I moved her leash and she heard it and came running. I couldn't believe that after doing 3 miles she was ready for more!

I am feeding her the recommended amount on the back of the Nutro bag. She's getting so much exercise that I feel that I shouldn't make her diet too. We'll see where we are in a month. She likes to eat, so I doubt she'd take too kindly to a diet plan!

She has the sweetest most laid back temperment, we just love her and are so glad that the yelling and banging around of a pile of kids doesn't rattle her. She just lifts her head off the couch pillow and then goes back to sleep.

More later,
Katie


Mon, 7 Jan 2008
Hi Renee,

Just a quick update on our girl. She's doing beautifully. She's still very needy and follows me from room to room, but that's to be expected. Sometimes she seems to get confused and seeks me out and leans against me for reassurance. She's seems comforted by lots of verbal and physical affection. She LOVES the walks. She jumps up when she sees the leash and has such happy body language as we set out, which is great to see. Misty and Kipper sleep together on the same rug or James's bed no problem. Kipper got possessive about my bed, but Misty seems to like her big cushy donut bed next to the radiator. Me, Mike, Kipper and Misty on a full size mattress would be a bit tight, so I'm glad she's satisfied. Her teeth were chattering on night one (never heard that-sounded like applause in the middle of the night!), so last night I covered her with quilts which she loved and seemed more comfortable. Saw a bit more of extended family yesterday for Daniel's birthday and did fine. Still hand shy with men; not aggressive, no growling, just doesn't want to be petted. It's not a problem. A watch dog SHOULD be slightly suspicious of strange men. She's warmed up to Mike, although doesn't always want to be petted by him either. We heard her bark this morning. Wow! The floor shook! Mike asked her if she was a good girl and she answered with two barks (playing, tail up and wagging). She seems to be getting used to our routine: when to expect meals and walks. The neighbors have a shepherd that they leave out too much. They go out for hours and leave her in a small yard with access to the garage. She barks and barks out of boredom. When Daisy is on one of her barking jags, it upsets Misty and she paces. She will probably learn to tune it out as I have. Misty continues to be super gentle with the kids. She likes to go outside while the little ones are puttering around in the yard. She follows them around and just stands near them. I don't think she's going to love the snow, but she tolerates it okay. It's confusing for her when she steps through the crust and her leg goes down, but I see her chosing her steps more carefully now. Sometimes she asks to go out and then backs away from the door when she feels how cold it is, but I give her a nudge and she does her business and then right back in. She adores the older boys, especially the oldest. Kipper is slightly jealous of this, or maybe even protectiveof "his boy", but it's very minor: just a little warning noise in the throat for Misty to be nice to James, which of course she is. Well, that's the update. Made the appointment with my vet to establish a record and plan to go to City Hall today or tom. for the dog license.

We love her! And I totally understand why you would find it hard to see her go - she 's a wonderful dog. Thanks so much for letting us have her. Everyone around here finds her looks so unusual and wants to know what kind of dog she is. We say that she's a Tennesse Special Recipe!

Katie

Ralph 2007

Ralph in his new home.

Golda's Christmas

Golda's Christmas
Originally uploaded by friendsfurlifeinc.

It looks like Golda had a great Christmas!

More Bingo

More Bingo
Originally uploaded by friendsfurlifeinc.

Bingo adopted out to a wonderful home in Mass.
***
We woke up late so I didn't get to chase the ball this morning....I went into my tent...Mom put a couple of cookies inside for me. She came back....then I chased my ball until I got tired, I ate dinner chased my ball, decided to check out the other frog pond my little friend showed me this one. About 8:45 #155 ....now that is 9:20 I've flipped and have myself pointed the other way. I know I am going to be woken up early again...thank goodness I have my tent....to nap in after mom leaves in the car. Tomorrow get more food...Ronne was all concerned about the recall but Mom check my beef is fine....Ronne throws better than mom....I can't wait until tomorrow when I can chase my ball again. ~ Roberta

Bingo's New Home!

Bingo's New Home!
Originally uploaded by friendsfurlifeinc.

Bingo was adopted on 5/27/07.
***
I had another great day, Went to bed at 9:00 Mom let stay in bed until
9:00 the we had breakfast of my crunchies and eggs, yummy bacon and some toast....then I chased the ball, walked the property chased the ball while mom gardened and threw at the same time. Went into the frog pond about 3 times, had more of my crunchies and a hot dog for lunch....took a 5 minute nap chased the ball chased, then ball chased the ball. Then we got me my Mickey Dog house for nap times. I guessMom has to got to work tomorrow.....I like the play area. It has the best shade and I can dig and have my toys....Oh and there are these really neat water fountains. Oh My new child friend tells everyone that he has a new dog....Ronnie throws really good. ~ Roberta

Reggie AKA Flash

Reggie AKA Flash
Originally uploaded by friendsfurlifeinc.

I took some more pictures of Reggie (now named Flash) after his bath last night. Got a ton of fur off of him with a shedding blade and his coat is looking a lot better. Here are some pictures. He survived his bath, poor baby! *chuckles* I don't think he was impressed with my efforts. :-D But, he got through it fine. He hasn't had one accident in the house. So far, he is on about 1/2 and 1/2 of his old food and new with no upset stomach or diarrhea. Training is coming along nicely. I will definitely let you know how things go with him and Jade. Can't wait to get them both here. It will be nice to get moved over into the house where there is more space. Right now, things are kind of crazy with getting everything ready to move so he can't wander around too much off leash. But, when we take walks and take him places, I know he just appreciates that he has a home. He's such a love. Take care and we'll chat soon.

Nat

Madisonville Dairy Puppy

This came from a lady who adopted one of the dairy puppies from Madisonville.  it warms your heart to think that these dogs were living in a barn drinking milk or whatever they could get, (I was taking food down when i could) totally at the mercy of the weather, soon to be fully feral.

Thanks so much Laurie for taking them, Karen and Keith for helping that night with them.

***

Hello ...

 

I have to tell you ... thanks.

 

I was in today, I'm the lady that has two female pugs at home ... who recently lost my 8 yo male shephard.

 

I adopted one of the little puppies from the litter of 6 ... the one with the brown on his face.

 

He is just the sweetest little boy .... loves to be on my lap ... loves to SHARE my lap with the pugs ... and loves to play with the pugs.

 

He has gone potty 4 times since being home ... all 4 times, outside (twice, he started crying so I took him out, and he went).

 

Please tell everyone involved in his care, that "Mater" has settled into his new home very nicely ... and that the pugs are enjoying having a brother in the house again.

 

Thank you so much, for the work you do.

 

Valerie 

Happy Tail from one of our adopters

Thought you all might like to see what came through petfinder. This helps the organization as well.

***

We received the following story from one of your adopters and thought that you would like to see it.

Thanks again for all that you do.Mike
Petfinder.com

County: Hamilton
Local Paper: Indianapolis Star

Pet Name: Flash
Type Animal: Dog
Shelter Name: Friends Fur Life Inc
Shelter ID: TN413
Location: Knoxville, TN
Found on
Petfinder.com: Y

Entry:
We had been looking for a very long time for the right dog. We had an idea about what we wanted and contact the Friends Fur Life, Inc Rescue. Renee was so very helpful in helping us choose the right dog. The dog we actually inquired about ended up not being a good fit for our family. But, she told us about several dogs in her rescue that would work for us and asked if we would be interested. Reggie (now known as Flash) was the one that stood out to us because of his sweetness and gentle personality. We found out that he had been saved from euthanasia at a very high kill shelter in TN and had been taken to Friends Fur Life. I can't believe that a dog like this wound up as a stray and taken to the shelter. He is as close to perfect as they come.

When we brought him home, he walked right in like he had been here forever It was almost as if he knew that this was his home. I think that it was meant to be. I think of the many people involved in Flash's rescue and I can't thank them enough. He's right where he should be and he'll never be alone ever again. If you are considering a rescue animal, but are afraid that rescued animals have baggage, don't be hesitant to take a chance on the right one. It might take awhile to find the right one, but you can save 2 lives - the animal you adopt and the one who gets to come into rescue because a spot opened up to take them in. Save a life - Adopt a Rescue Pet today! You won't be sorry.

Updates from Pals4Pets in New York

Just thought you'd all like an update on how things are going up
there. you won't believe it!

So far they have adopted out these:
Harley - chi/doxie mix adult (fostered by Robin)
Jake-beagle mix adult (fostered by Becky)
Faith - bc mix puppy (fostered by Amy and David)
2 boxer mix puppies-brown (fostered by Renee)
4 dairy puppies (snatched up by Renee the day before the run from an
abusive dairy in Madisonville) - taken care of overnight by Keith
and Karen
West - the skittish dairy male that had a shaved back (snatched out
of the dairy the day before the run by Renee)

Today they have appointments to show the following dogs:
5-6 dairy puppies
Sweetie (fostered by Becky)
The last 3 BC puppies (fostered by Amy and David)
Carmel=cattle dog mix (fostered by Krystal)
Both of Carmel's puppies(fostered by Krystal)
Hopa - (fostered by Suzi)

Aussie momma (fostered by Nancy) and Spanky (fostered by Renee) are
both mildly HW positive (Laurie knew this before taking them). They
have already started treatment on both of these.

Aleksandr update

Renee,

Thanks for such a quick reply.

I came across your website while looking for an e-mail address for the veternary clinic where he was vaccinated. As for his littermates, I believe they were adopted already when I saw him. I think Pals 4 Pets said he was passed over by other people because of his longer hair and the others looked more "corgi." He was also really shy and afraid of everything. But each time I walked by, he would wag his tail and crawl closer to the front of his kennel to see me. From what I could tell, he didn't seem to respond much to anyone else. He really picked me rather than the other way around. Of course I also thought he was the cutest one there.

He now weighs a good 40 pounds. In addition to his long legs, the hair on his chest and behind his ears is really fluffy. His tail and "pants" also are feathered (rather than the "bottle brush" tail I think you usually see on a corgi). Except for his ears, color, and markings, he doesn't look much like a corgi and has been mistaken for a number of other breeds.

The trainer I'm going to believes in breed-specific nutrition. So, it would be really interesting if possible to find out what his mix is. Since you rescued them all so young, I thought there might be a possibility you were familiar with the parents. Or maybe the paperwork from Louden might be more specific? Right now, I'm assuming he is basically cardigan corgi as there is a cardi breeder in your area. But that is just a guess.

Anyway, I appreciate your help and can't say enough how pleased we are with him. He really has been a great dog and I thank you again for rescuing him.

Tom

Success Story

Dear friends at "Friends Fur Life,"

Last October (2006), I adopted a puppy through "Pals 4 Pets" rescue in Upstate New York. He was identified as "Pup 3," a medium hair, red and white corgi mix, about 20 weeks old. He weighed about 15 pounds at the time and had recently been treated for kennel cough. His rabies vaccination record was from the Knoxville Animal Clinic.

I was just hoping to find some information about him so you can imagine my surprise when I found this baby picture of he and his two littermates posted on your website! He's the shaggy one standing on the left.

His name now is Aleksandr and he lives in a household along with three rescued cats. When he isn't dispersing his "herd" of cats ("reverse herding" seems to be a corgi specialty), he enjoys daily walks along the lakeshore, through trails in the woods, and visiting neighbors all along the block.

Since October, he's met close to 1000 people and over 100 different dogs. Everyone he meets comments on what a great disposition he has. He's already completed a basic obedience class and has started in advanced obedience. Even the trainer comments on how Aleksandr is always happy. He must be really glad to have a home!

I'm very interested in any information you might still have about his background and especially whether you know anything further about the breeds of his parents. Many thanks for your rescuing him, I can't imagine a better dog for our household!

Sincerely,

Tom

P.S. For your reference, I've attached a copy of your photo that I found on the web. Here also are three more photos of him at home: his first day home, playing with a favorite toy, and practicing "sit-stay" out on the bird-watch deck in the park (one of his favorite places).

Very Important Meeting this week!

Hi all,

There is a VERY IMPORTANT County Commission Meeting this coming
Thursday evening, 4/19/07, at 7:00 in the old Courthouse (Room 430)
in Maryville. The importance, the County Commission will be voting
on a motion to approve $350,000.00 and 12-acres of land to begin
design and construction on the first phase of a new Blount County
Animal Center.

If you live in Blount County, know people who live in Blount County,
I urge you ALL to come to this meeting. Right now there is very
limited Animal Control in Blount County, and SMACF (Smoky Mountain
Animal Care Foundation) has been working tirelessly to get with
county officials to get onboard and help build a new Animal Center in
Blount County that all of the residents can be proud of.

Last week, Mayor Cunningham and the members of the Animal Control
Committee approved a motion (along with the Finance Committee) to
defer $350,000.00 out of Debt Services to another account, along with
12-acres of land owned by the county, to start construction of a new
animal center.

We (SMACF) need a HUGE showing of public support at this upcoming
County Commission meeting to let the commissioners know that we, the
residents of Blount County, want to see a positive change in the
welfare of animals in our community.

So, call your friends, your neighbors, your family and ask them to
come and support this motion at the upcoming meeting. Also, call
your County Commissioner and let him/her know that you are a strong
supporter of the motion to move forward for a new Animal Center.

Please, please make every attempt to come to this meeting. I would
love to see the room just a full as it can possibly be with
supporters of this program.

If you have any questions, please e-mail (rayeager@charter.net) me.
If not, I hope to see you all on Thursday.

Thanks,

Rick.

Adam

Adam
Originally uploaded by friendsfurlifeinc.

Update received: Sat, 10 Mar 2007
Hello Momma Renee,

Adam here, I'm having a hard time getting my People in line. Seems that they have not had their house secure and protected in the past. I am wearing myself getting them Trained. I don't know what they did before I came along. Guarding them and my house can be exhausting work. I am loosing weight though. I still have to take them on walks each morning and evening, marking my way as I go. I think I may have to put them on Nutro Light though as I am. I know it would make them feel better they just seem to be so lazy at time. I take regular rides with Buren but John works all the time. I am going to have to get him to slow down though. I am taking them camping in North Georgia for 11 days in the last of may, I just need a break from all the work I have been having to do. Here are some pictures of me working hard !!

Hope to hear from you soon,
Adam

P.S. They said to say Hi TOO! :-)

Twiggy Update

Update on Twiggy March 21, 2007:

Hi Renee....Ophelia is adorable, and I would take her in a minute if
I didn't already have too many dogs. I have just spoken to a friend,
who I directed to your site earlier. She actually saw Twiggy, and
would have taken her! I have forwarded her what I got off save-a-
pet. I hope it goes through. I tried to call April, whose number was
on the notice, but no answer. Tell her we might have a home for
Ophelia.

Twiggy is fabulous. She graduated from beginner obedience with
"excellent" in every category, and I will take her to agility, if
not this spring, then in the autumn. She sometimes gets a little
carried away when she is hunting, and still likes to chase the
horses, but otherwise she comes when she's called, loves
everybody,and everybody loves her. Best wishes, Ann

Chester

Update received: Thu, 01 Mar 2007
Dear Renee,
I'm sure you remember Chester! Who could forget such and angel? I just wanted to give you an update and let you know what a gift he has been! We will always be grateful to you for saving him!! Chester has a new dad, I got married in October! They are best buddies!! Chester's new grandparents have 22 acres with a fenced in dog yard!! He loves to visit his many dog, cat and even horse buddies! His best dog friend is Charlie. Charlie is very timid around everyone but Ches ( Charlie is a rescued dog too!) They run around all over the house playing chase. We moved to Nashville last June. My husband is a musician and Ches loves to listen- I swear he's actually listening when Jordan plays! We still visit Knoxville quite a bit, but we love Nashville as well. Chester could not be a better dog. He is a huge part of our growing family! He makes everyone laugh! My sister in law's toddler loves to rest her head on Chester's soft back. We love him SO much!!! Thank you so much for our irreplacable Chester!! We hope you are doing well and commend all of the work that you do! Keep on truckin'!! ~ With lots of love, Taylor, Jordan and of course, CHESTER!