Mordecai, still with Doberman Rescue Minnesota

Can you believe how BIG Mordecai has gotten? Wow. Though....he's about a year old now, if he was 16 weeks when I first blogged about him in June 2013. And he's still with Doberman Rescue Minnesota. He's gone to a lot of their events in the last year.

(picture from DRM site)

Red Bliss, with Hand Me Down Dobes, inc.

Red Bliss is a seven year old cropped and docked girl.

(picture from Hand me Down Dobermans)

She's got good household manners, good leash manners, and loves cuddling (I'm sure some Dobermans don't like cuddling, but they seem to be the exception, not the norm! She has good leash manners, and enjoys playing with her foster brothers.

A 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, Hand Me Down Dobes is an Ohio based Doberman rescue which relies on a network of foster homes to care for the dogs. This keeps the dogs out of long exposure to kennel situations, which can be better for them psychologically and also makes sure the rescue has a better handle on the dog's actual behavior and personality.

If you are interested in adopting Red Bliss or any of their available Dobermans, here is the page which lays out their adoption process.If you are not in the market for a Doberman but still want to help a Doberman rescue in Ohio, they have some information here about how to support Hand Me Down Dobes, inc. and how to donate.

Obie for adoption Pennsylvania

Blue is no longer listed on the Distinguished Doberman Rescue website, which per usual, I will take it to mean she's found a home. Is optimism a bad thing? I hesitate to judge it so, in cases such as these.

So today we're going to talk about Obie, who is for adoption through Dreaming of Better Endings Rescue, inc.

(picture from Doberman Talk thread on Obie)

Sweetheart update

Good news! (and isn't it nice to hear that?)

Sweetheart is no longer hospitalized, and is safe in foster care. She's up to 36 pounds and had a solid poop! (only parents and dog people obsess so much over poop, I swear).

(photo from the Doberman Assistance Network Facebook)

Athena and Boss, in Southwest Ohio Doberman Rescue

Southwest Ohio Doberman Rescue has many Dobermans looking for homes. They are a 501(c)(3) non profit organization, and run on volunteers. They rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome Dobermans in need, and adopt all over the United States and Canada, if they can arrange to have a home visit done. If you adopt outside their immediate radius, you are responsible for arranging the ground transport of your new family member. They are always in need of fosters and volunteers, so if you're in southwest Ohio, and interested, they would appreciate it!

It's hard, when confronted with a list of adoptable dogs, to pick the ones to showcase. This week, though, I picked two dogs who are opposites: Athena, who is a young, all natural female Doberman and Boss, who is a mature cropped and docked male.

Athena is an exuberant little girl who needs some refreshment on her obedience training.

(picture from SWODR site)

She had a home, but she didn't get along with one of the older dogs in the household, so back she came. She needs a family that understands and can accommodate the exuberant, energetic nature that comes with young Dobermans.

(picture from SWODR site)

Exercise and patience! (an exercise in patience? Though that's all puppies!)


Boss was part of a two dog household, but when a divorce happened, only one dog could fit in the car so he was surrendered to a shelter (it's in his bio, I kid you not). They think he's around 5, and though he is cropped and docked, as you can see, his left ear is cropped and flopped. Makes him look kind of rakish!

(picture from SWODR site)

Southwest Ohio Doberman Rescue does not know whether the dog Boss lived with was male or female, but it was a lab. He's been kissyface with dogs he's met over a fence, and kind of mouthy when tested on cats. 

(picture from SWODR site)

Boss has been neutered, and they're still sussing out his personality. He looks like a happy guy in the pictures, though!

If you're interested in adopting Boss or Athena, or any of Southwest Ohio Doberman Rescue's dogs, they list their requirements on this page (including adoption fees) and their adoption application is here. They also have a very nice section with information on the Doberman breed, and an FAQ page that has both info about Doberman rescue and also ten myths about rescuing a Doberman.

Remmy in PA is still available for adoption

Remember Remmy? He's back with his foster family through Dreaming of Better Endings Rescue, inc. (DOBER, inc)

From the DOBER, Inc web site (his info says "adoption pending", but I think that's the family that brought him back)

Note from Remmy's foster:
Remmy is a super sweet boy who is so eager to please. He knows basic commands (sit, down, stay, shake) and will happily comply with anything you ask of him, though it's always accomplished with a wiggly butt. Remmy is crate trained but will need some additional help with housebreaking if being left uncrated. Remmy does have a burning desire to eat socks and blankets, so the appropriate home will be one that will make sure these things are not within his reach. He has been respectful of cushioned bedding and does not chew or destroy anything else but socks are his weakness!
Remmy is a boy who is very bonded to his people. We will consider a home with a very laid back resident dog but would prefer Remmy to go to a home where he will be an only dog. We are unsure of how he will do with cats. Remmy does seem to enjoy children but because of his size and energy level, a home with very small children may not be appropriate.

Here is the link to their Adoption Process, and one to their adoption application. If you have any questions about Remmy, or would like more information, you can email Adoptions AT doberinc DOT com

I'd love to read a happy ending for this guy!

Doberman puppy lost the fight to Parvo at the Florida University Veterinary School

In Florida, a "breeder" had a litter of 8 Doberman puppies under his or her care. More than a week ago, all of the puppies got sick. And then five of them died. That breeder then got tired of it and took the three who were left to the Florida University Veterinary School and instructed for them to be euthanized.

The puppies all had parvo. Of the three, a little fawn girl died yesterday, and one of her red sisters died this afternoon. Only one is left, named Scorcha by those taking care of her. The Doberman Assistance Network has stepped in to help. If you'd like, you can donate to her care on the Doberman Assistance Network sponsorship page.

Sorcha has been sick for long enough that the deck is really stacked against her. She's under constant care in puppy ICU, on IVs for fluids and food. The best I can say about this is that she's under loving care, and if she pulls through, DAN will get her foster care with a rescue, and that rescue will find her a loving home.

I cannot countenance watching puppies grow that sick, for that long, and watching five of them die. I cannot. The details I've related to you are the only ones I know; I don't know the breeder's history of care otherwise, what vaccines the puppies did (or did not) receive, the condition in which they were kept. I can only make assumptions, and none of them are good. At least those poor little ones knew some love before they left us.

Edited to add:  As of 10 p.m., little Sorcha has died as well. I truly hope that the person who produced these puppies will take a hard look at how they do things in the future, or no longer keep dogs altogether. The Florida University Veterinary School tried their hardest, but sometimes it just isn't to be. So rest in peace, little ones. I'm sorry your stay here turned out the way it did.

Foster Homes Needed for Doberman Rescue Minnesota!

In March, I wrote about Doberman Rescue Minnesota and the fabulous work that they do for Dobermans in need.

I'm sure a lot of rescues are hurting. This year, Special Needs Dobermans stopped being able to help private owners, due to a shortage in funds. But yesterday, Meadowcat (remember Meadowcat? She has an Etsy store now, by the by. And has expanded into collars. Maisie at Reactive Champion did a review.)

But, because Doberman Rescue Minnesota is not a kennel, but rather relies upon foster homes to house their rescued dogs, they are in need of volunteers, especially foster homes. So, if you're in Minnesota and would like to foster or otherwise volunteer, you can fill out their online Volunteer Application.

Doberman Assistance Network: Fundraising and new cases (warning, pictures are pretty sad)

It happens all too often, I suppose. Two needy Dobermans, Calla Lilly and Godfrey, from two different locations, have come into the Doberman Assistance Network's care. The poor things are able to walk under their own power, but they are all but skin and bones (the pictures are bad; they'll be under the cut at the end of this post, if you'd prefer not to see them).

I will show you this picture, though. Remember Blaise? He has a home now. And looks great!

(Picture from Doberman Assistance Network's Success Stories page)

You can help in a number of ways! On DAN's Sponsorship Page, you can sign up to give a $5 monthly sponsorship. You can also sign up to directly sponsor Calla Lilly or Godfrey's care. There is Gold level sponsorship at $250, Silver sponsorship at $150, and Bronze at $100. Veterinary care comes in at $100, food at $50, or general donations at $25. You can in fact donate any amount, through Paypal, and ever donation helps.

The Doberman Assistance Network also has a General Funds Wishlist on Amazon.com, and those items ordered would go directly to DAN and to Dobermans in need. These items range from toys to medications and shampoos, the kind of thing that every shelter and foster environment needs.

Also, as a reminder, there are 12 days left on the Flower Power Fundraiser. Funds raised for DAN are up to $258, out of a goal $1000. So, if you can, spread the word on that! I also posted about it here last Friday, if you want to share a post that does not include shocking images of Dobermans who have been starved. It isn't for everybody, I know. So why do I include them? As a reminder to myself, and others, that not dogs have all the toys they could ask for, or the treats, or the couches. Not all dogs even have even their most basic needs met, and that is horrible.

So, I'm not going to cue up sappy music and pan through the saddest animal pictures I can find. But I am going to share with you these two, who are in good hands, and on their way to learning about the good life.

Roscoe update and DAN fundraisers

You'll be happy to know that Roscoe, the parvo affected Doberman, has been released from hospital care to one of the Doberman Assistance Network's foster mamas! This is great news; let's hope that the poor dude continues to improve, so that he might go on to rescue, and to a great forever home.

Rescued GA Doberman update (DAN still needs donations) (some pictures still graphic)

Last week I posted about Manny, a Doberdude in Georgia who had been found dumped, with a severe case of demodetic mange.

Well, I've been checking up on the Doberman Assistance Network's Facebook, to see about his progress. He apparently had to receive a breathing treatment back on the 13, but that could be a complication of all the swelling from his mange. Also, it turns out he's well enough to be in a foster home now (I think the same person who had the suspected parvo puppies, but I could be wrong), and he seems to be both feeling better and settling in nicely.

If you feel you can help Manny, renamed Blaise, please consider donating to the Doberman Assistance Network. Blaise is only one of the dogs that they're currently helping; there are too many that need it.

also, good news! An anonymous donor has agreed to match $600 dollars, if such an amount is donated to Blaise through either Paypal or mail (remember to put "For Blaise" in the special instructions portion!)

Or checks can be mailed to:
Doberman Assistance Network, Inc.
c/o Heidi Merriman
3852 La Colina Road
El Sobrante, CA 94803

Please be sure to mark on the check that the donation is for Blaise.


Still somewhat graphic pictures behind the cut

Red Female Doberman for Adoption in Texas

Look, guys, this is Ginger! She's a 4 year old red Doberman in Waco Texas.

She's spayed, heartworm negative, and fully vetted. Apparently her owners dumped her in a high kill facility when it turned out that she didn't get along with cats. I don't know where she's from originally (meaning what breeder, bloodlines, etc.) or how long those people had her, but her life is not in danger. She was pulled from the kill place, and is in foster care now, but obviously, she'd love to have a home to go to!

Ginger is in Texas under the purview of ADAPT rescue (it stands for "A Doberman Adoption Placement Team", according to the log on their site.)  Following that link, you can donate to the rescue directly, even if you're not interested in adopting Ginger. If you ARE interested in adopting Ginger (I guess you'd guess that the gist here is "no cats"), the information can be found on her Adopt a Pet web page.

Friday followup: Pancho, the puppies, and a DAN auction (ends tomorrow)

One thing that drives me crazy about finding information on the Internet, about "death row" dogs, and sick puppies, is frequently you never hear how it turns out. You assume the worse, really. Though it's better to hope that they were adopted, and went to lovely homes where the adopters are not nearly as interested in the Internet as the rest of us.

I've done that too you a couple of times here. It wasn't intentional, obviously, but I don't always learn the answer either. Today, though, I have a couple of partial answers!

The puppies who may or may not have had Parvo are still holding on. Bluebell is unfortunately still not well, but is trying to hold her own.

eBay Art Auction to Benefit the Doberman Assistance Network

Look here on eBay: another auction to benefit the Doberman Assistance Network!

The proceeds from the auction of this lovely art piece (of a Doberman, of course!) will help DAN pull Dobermans from dangerous situations across the country, get them into rescue and get them into foster situations.

Dobermans in need of rescue does not slow down just because the holiday season is upon us. If the artwork isn't to your taste, but you want to help, you can always fill out an application to foster a Doberman or buy one of the snazzy 2013 calendars that they have available! Paramutt Products is still in business as well, still making paracord collars, keychains, and bracelets that benefit the Doberman Assistance Network.

Please, take a moment to check these things out and see if there's a little extra in your wallet to help out the Dobermans. If there isn't, share this on Facebook, Twitter, etc. and help spread the word about the variety of ways the Doberman Assistance Network can be helped in their mission to save Dobermans in need.

Abbey looking for a forever home!

On August 17, I posted about Abbey, a young female Doberman (mix?) who was sedated and on the euthanization table, but given a last minute second chance. I guess Last Hope Dobermans is the most perfect name for the Texas rescue organization!

That fragment of the Abbey story is a sad one, but the heroics of her pull from the table, and her transport to safety in Oklahoma for foster, is a lovely one. Her initial picture, the only view we had of her, was a sad one as well.

Click to see happy Abbey after the jump!

The Doberground Railroad

I've been posting a lot about the Dobermans from Conklin, NY, some of whom currently reside in the Broome County Humane Society. Trust me, I know. Have you seen the news? Sasha, of that group, has been adopted. She'll be going home on Saturday!

There's a certain magic that seems to happen when people see dogs in need, in person or online. So, I thought I'd tell you a little story about something that I witnessed on Doberman Talk on Wednesday.
Somebody posted a link to a Last Hope Doberman rescue in Texas' Facebook, and a small story.

This little girl is 6 months old. She was literally on the table to be euthanized when the shelter tech begged, and got, one more day for her. That's right; almost to the needle on 8/15, and the tech bought her time until the morning of 8/16.  Last Hope either didn't have the room, or didn't have the fosters, and so put out the plea.

I saw the thread on Doberman Talk at 4:21, on my dinner break. I, mind you, am in central New York, while Abbey girl is in Texas. Totally nothing I can do. I put her on my Facebook, and tweet the Last Hope Dobermans link, figuring I can get her out there, at the very least. Doberman Talk, though, did better.

At least one of the members is also a member of Adapt Rescue, also in Texas. Well, they're full too. But, another member, in Colorado, could foster her (approved by a rescue there) so long as somebody could pull her from the shelter, and get her there. This was established within two hours, people. Then legs of transport were figured out, with stops, and set. Then, there's a Texas local interested in her as well, and they're working on whether that adopter might be approved or not.

So, be it foster in Colorado or a new forever home in Texas, Abbey is saved. This is the power of the Internet.

Book Review: Soldier Dogs, by Maria Goodavage

I anticipated the publication of Soldier Dogs for a long time. Not only am I a working dog nerd (which yes, extends to military working dogs) but I also read Dogster.com daily, and Maria Goodavage is the news editor there. When I didn't win Dogster's giveaway for the book, I ordered it through the library to check out and looked forward to its arrival. I'm leaning towards buying it; I really did quite like it.