Special Needs Dobermans wants to Make Santa Pay!

That's right, via generous benefactor, Special Needs Dobermans is again running their Make Santa Pay! fundraiser.

Donations are being matched, dollar for dollar, from December 15 to December 31.

As always, there are a number of General Funds cases who really benefit from any funds that SND can receive, in addition to the Senior Doberman Project and the Seniors Medical Fund. So let's get that info out there and help these Dobermans have a healthy and happy holiday and year to come!

ProjectDog Fundraiser: Vestibular Deafness in Dobermans

A few years back (in 2012, I've been blogging here for awhile!) I wrote about ProjectDog, and how they had a Doberman survey. I was contact recently by a breeder who would really like to see ProjectDog get some much needed funds, asking me if I was willing to blog about them again. I was provided with a linki to a fundraising campaign to fund research on Vestibular Deafness in Dobermans (affected dogs are referred to as "dings", but I'm going to use the other, less mean sounding, DVDob). It's "vestibular" deafness rather than the usual sort, because frequently it also severely impairs the dog's equilibrium.

According to this article (which quotes Ann Ramsbottom, the Doberman breeder who uses the Cambria prefix, who has had a lot of very beautiful and successful dogs), a gene for DVDob was isolated in 2012, and is an autosomal recessive mutation. Meaning that, like Von Willebrand's Disease, a dog who is a carrier can be bred to a dog who is "clear", and the resulting puppies will not be affected by DVDob. But they still don't know if the gene is related to other things, more prevalent in certain lines, associated with other genes, etc. and would really like the research to move forward. Frequently puppies are so badly affected that they are euthanized before they get very old. To paraphrase the Cambria breeder's quote from the above article, They seem to be in constant discomfort, have trouble locating the nipple to nurse, have trouble latching, and that's if the mother doesn't push them away.

Breeders don't want to have to watch their puppies suffer, and definitely don't want to have to make the tough decision to euthanize puppies when they're still only a few weeks old. It would be a great boon to learn more about DVDob and its causes, and build a database of dogs who are carriers, clear, and affected to be aware of these factors as well while breeding.

And before you think "It's just deafness, what's the big deal?", take a look at the video on the top of the Go Fund Me page for ProjectDog to study Doberman Congenital Deafness. It's of a three week Doberman puppy affected by DVDob. The puppy struggles around on the surface where he was placed (granted, there's only so well three week old puppies move anyway), unable to even maintain an upright posture. His head movements are jerky, unnatural and heartbreaking, as are the little cries he's making. He looks, to me, like a wounded animal. It seems rough to say, but it doesn't surprise me that a dam would reject a puppy like that, if the rest of the litter seems "normal" and viable.  There's another video on the page of a 10ish week old puppy affected by DVDob, and these physical symptoms have not gone away. She falls over for no reason, she cries, she staggers around. It breaks my heart (and might break yours, so if you don't want to sit weeping at the computer, perhaps don't watch those videos).

So, if you're able, I urge you to donate what you can to ProjectDog so they can resume funding research in this area.

Georgia Doberman Rescue T-shirt fundraiser

The Georgia Doberman Rescue is selling T-shirts on Booster.com (which didn't show me the picture, but I saw a picture on Facebook [which I've screen shotted below] an they do seem like nice shirts) to help raise funds to help Dobermans in need. They currently have 15 dogs in rescue (with 6 currently listed on the site), and unfortunately, there are always more who need help. The goal is to sell 50 shirts, and they've sold 20 so far, with 6 days to go. With every shirt they sell, money goes to GDR, so more shirts means more money for Dobermans in need!

GDR is a 501(c)3 Not for Profit Doberman Rescue which relies on volunteers and donations to run. According to the stats on their website, they rescued 30 Dobermans last year, and adopted out 19 dogs. If you don't read this post in time to do the Booster fundraiser, they also have a Zazzle store with T-shirts and hoodies.

DDR fundraiser is a success!

So my last blog post was about the Distinguished Doberman Rescue fundraiser to reach a total amount of $10,000 ($5k in donations, matched). And they did it! Exceeded it, in fact.

It's great that DDR, inc. will be able to continue doing their good work, thanks to the generosity of the donors.

Help Distinguished Doberman Rescue, inc raise $10,000

Distinguished Doberman Rescue, inc. has a blessed and mysterious benefactor, who has said they will match donations up to $5000, for the months of July and August. That means, if people like you and I get the total to $5,000, DDR,inc. will get another $5000 from this individual for a total of $10,000 to help Dobermans in need!

No amount is too small, and DDR,inc does amazing work for Dobermans who have nobody else in the world to help them.

(poster from DDR,inc Facebook page)

In addition to cold hard cash, you can check out their Fundraisers page to see how else you can support Distinguished Doberman Rescue.

Doberman Rescue Alliance Wisconsin fundraiser for Lily's surgery

I posted about Lily with Doberman Rescue Alliance Wisconsin back in July. They were fundraising then to get her some expensive diagnostics, to figure out what was wrong with her back and why she couldn't walk. They didn't raise enough for an MRI but did get a CT scan. Here's Lily's page on the DRAWi site, detailing some of what she's gone through.

Well, Lily has been diagnosed with disc herniation with spinal instability, and surgery can allow her to walk again. Currently, DRAW, inc has a sponsorship page set up for Lily where you can make a one time donation, and are also having a t-shirt sale (21 days left!) wherein all proceeds will go to Lily's surgery.

Lily has been receiving regular therapy, and you can see her motorin' with some wheels in this Youtube video (I love watching her little tail nub go!):

Dogs-N-Ties Fundraiser for SFSPCA

I know some of you must be fashion forward. Or male, and require a tie. Or just like scarves; I can never get the hang of them myself. There's a point to this, obviously.

Bows-N-Ties is a company which makes scarves and (I know you guessed already) ties. Every year, they do a fundraiser for a charitable organization, and this year they're benefiting the San Francisco SPCA with a Dogs-N-Ties fundraiser. Their goal is to raise $38,400, which will aid 1200 dogs and cats in finding homes. That's a lot of money, and a lot of homes!

Dachshund scarf picture from Dogs-N-Ties website.

The designs are cute. They've got beagles, bulldogs, french bulldogs, poodles, chihuahua, and wiener dogs in silk scarf or silk ties. No Doberman, but that's the way it goes. It's like having an unusual name and looking for that personalized license plate. My understanding is California has quite the surfeit of Chihuahuas in their shelters, so it's a good idea to have selected that breed for a pattern.

Chihuahua tie picture from Dogs-N-Ties website.

So, if your work wardrobe is in the need of some sprucing up (barking up? I can't think of a good corollary here), check out the Dogs-N-Ties  web site. It might also be cute, if you're planning a wedding, to have the groomsmen all have matching dog themed ties, wouldn't it? I think so.

Doberman Assistance Network's2014 Flower Power Fundraiser

It's that time again! From now until April 25, you can buy a number of things to grow on the Flower Power Fundraising website in order to benefit the Doberman Assistance Network. Why "a number of things", rather than flowers?

(Persian Buttercups, from Flower Power Fundraiser site.)

Well, they have flowers, yes. But they also have strawberries, and herbs, and a vegetable garden package. And a cookbook! So if you're inclined to grow your own veggies and/or have the yard for it, check them out. The prices seem fairly reasonable, and 50% of each purchase goes back to DAN.

I wrote about a number of the Doberman Assistance Network's cases this past year. Sweetheart was one of them, and Nola with her puppies, and Roscoe, a puppy who had Parvo. That's only a few of my posts, and my posts are very few of DAN's cases. They keep going on fundraisers and donations, and it's the only way some of these dogs get any kind of help.

Doberman Assistance Network end of year donations

Two lovely benefactors have offered to match donations the Doberman Assistance Network receives through the end of the year, up to $1000!  This donation is tax-deductible, and can be made either online (via Paypal on the DAN website) or via mail at this address:

Doberman Assistance Network, Inc.
c/o Heidi Merriman
3852 La Colina Road
El Sobrante, CA 94803

No amount is too small, especially with the caseload the Doberman Assistance Network handles. The Dobermans thank you!

Make Santa Pay 2013!

Special Needs Dobermans' mysterious benefactor has again resurfaced.

Donations made to Special Needs Dobermans between December 15 (today) and December 31 will be matched dollar for dollar, so long as the words "Make Santa Pay!" are included in the donation communication.

Share this far and wide! Special Needs Dobermans helps many, many dobermans throughout the year. They are not for profit, and everything they can, they give to the dogs.

Update on the Doberman Assistance Network Christmas Raffle

As you might assume, the Doberman Assistance Network Christmas Raffle has many more prizes now. You might be surprised by the quality and quantify of prizes, though! Remember, it's only $5 per ticket, payable by check, info in the photo immediately after this sentence.

It's that time of year again! Doberman Assistance Network Christmas raffle!

Every year, the Doberman Assistance Network does a raffle. Tickets are $5 each, payable by check or money order. The prizes...well, it's Twelve Days of Christmas Style. So, on the first day of the DAN Christmas Raffle (yesterday), the following image is what the "prize pack" was:

"TWO gorgeous Red ceramic cookie jars for your favorite four legged elves....filled to the brim with quality healthy treats....PLUS:::: a stunning leather collar studded with solid brass emblems...measures 26 inches and fits neck sizes from 18 to 24"

Good luck if you enter! Even if you don't, spread the word. DAN helps Dobermans, it's the whole point, and it's a shame just how many of them need helping.

Dog Lover Holiday Ideas

It's Cyber Monday or as I like to call it, ALMOST CHRISTMAS SO BUY STUFF, so I might as well get on the bandwagon. I figured I'd "showcase" some items that benefit dog rescue.

First up is Christy Cole Rescue jewelry on Etsy. She donates 100% of the profits to dog rescue. She has Doberman themed stuff! Other breeds too. And the prices are reasonable, not something you see every time.

(picture from Christy Cole Rescue Etsy store)

Doberman Ornaments fundraiser benefits Doberman Assistance Network

Yeah, yeah. Not Thanksgiving yet. Etc. But, if every store ever can do it, I guess I can do it for the Dobermans.

These here customizable Christmas ornaments (order deadline is December 9, USA orders only) give a portion of each sale to help the Doberman Assistance Network. They have no shortage of cases and Dobermans they're trying to help, and a little bit of holiday cheer goes a long way, n'est-ce pas?

And look! Each ornament you order will not only be totally adorable, but a creation unto itself. So many choices.

So, the nitty gritty of ordering (LOOK AT ALL THE CHOICES!):

• Each ornaments costs $25.00 and is personalized with your Doberman's name on it.
• Shipping for 1st class mail is $4.00 and for each additional ornament add $1.00 for shipping.
• Please submit and submit your order via Paypal - D.A.N.'s email address is for Paypal is helpdobes@dobermanassistance.org.
• You can also mail in a check to the following addressoberman Assistance network C/O Heidi Merriman 3852 La Colina Road, El Sobrante, CA 94803
• We will need your name, e-mail address and shipping address.
• Orders need to be submitted by December 9th, 2013 (sorry USA only).
• Please let us know color of Dobie and bulb and Dobie's name.

Blog the Change October 15 2013

Today, for Blog the Change, I want to talk about the Doberman Assistance Network.

DAN was founded in 2007 and went into business in 2008, "when people from the Doberman community realized the need and came together to assist this intelligent, affectionate, and often misunderstood breed" (from the DAN site). I didn't realize it was such a young organization, actually. They try to accept owner surrenders. They work with breed specific rescues, and they work to pull Dobermans from shelters and organize transport to get the dogs to safety.

I love the Doberman breed, and I feel like this is "my" breed. In a way, even as a writer, it's hard to articulate how important this kind of work is. There are so many dogs who need help. There are so many breeds who need champions, big and small. The way people treat dogs, casually, like puppy factories or toys or garbage. And then the people who care about the breed pick up the pieces.

Most recently, I posted about Sweetheart (the picture of her is graphic and very sad, be warned), a dog who was taken in as a stray in Charlotte, NC. The update on her is that she is Heartworm negative, and accepting food. Maybe she just needs love and groceries, and DAN can provide that, until she's well enough to go to a home.

But that's just the most recent DAN case I've blogged about. There are any number of them who aren't quite so touch and go, who don't necessarily make it onto Facebook. There are dogs pulled from kill shelters with time running out. There were dogs who had nowhere else to go, when their breeder who passed away. I hear people say "It's just a dog" when they hear impassioned please for help, and when they hear outrage at the treatment of dogs. And yes, they are "just" dogs. Which means it's up to us, as humans, to watch out for them. To be responsible for them, and help them, and make sure they aren't cold and afraid and hungry.

If you're interested in sponsoring a dog (Nola and her litter are still listed on their site), you can visit the DAN site. They don't currently have anything in eBay (and remember the lovely collar my aunt won the bidding for?) but they do have a lovely 2014 Doberman rescue calendar. They also have an Amazon wishlist and a store with DAN merchandise.

Special Needs Dobermans Annual Clothing Sale!

From October 7 until October 27, Special Needs Dobermans will be having its annual store clothing sale. It's a variety of t shirts and sweatshirts with the Special Needs Doberman logo on it, for "non auction prices" (to quote their site). The merchandise order form is a document that will download, you fill it in, and then cut and paste your order to an email, addressed to store AT Doberman911 DOT org. They can accept payment via Pay Pal, check, or money order.

Sales of the Special Needs Doberman merchandise go to pay the administrative fees for Pay Pal and eBay, so that they can continue to devote 100% of donations right to the Dobermans, instead of having to use that money to cover those fees.

Donations help Dobermans who are in rescue and need veterinary care. Special Needs Dobermans used to be able to help privately owned dogs (like Whisper), but they've had enough of a downturn in donations in recent years that they are no longer able to do so. On their site, you can donate to specific Dobermans whose stories are listed, or simply donate to the General Fund. If you're uncomfortable with PayPal, you can also mail in a donation. If neither of those catch your fancy and you feel devoted to senior dogs, there are a number of seniors in need listed on the Senior Doberman Project, also run by SND. These dogs are either seeking sponsorship or seeking forever homes, and their locations are listed.

Fundraiser for the Doberman Rescue Alliance of Wisconsin

The Doberman Rescue Alliance of Wisconsin is having a T-shirt fundraiser!

They've set a goal of 50 shirts to sell, and there are 17 days left for them to fulfill that goal (17 shirts sold to date). They're pretty snazzy looking shirts, with a line drawing of a natural eared Doberman and a cropped Doberman (and I know black t-shirts are my favorite!), I've heard from somebody who has one that they are quite soft and cozy, and they are $20.

The DRAWI's mission statement is as follows (from their web site):

Our Mission - To utilize every opportunity to assist a Doberman in need, regardless of situation, age or health concerns; to ensure their health and happiness, and place them in loving forever homes; To assist and educate current Doberman owners, potential adopters and the general public on the Doberman Pinscher breed.

Doberman Rescue Alliance Wisconsin is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization that is run by volunteers. Donations and fundraisers are their bread and butter, and they've helped hundreds of Dobermans find homes. If you would prefer to directly donate instead of getting a t-shirt, information can be found here on their web site.

September 14 (tomorrow) is Doberman Rescue Minnesota's Dobe-o-Rama

Tomorrow, September 14, Doberman Rescue Minnesota is having their Dobe O Rama at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds from 10 am to 5 pm. This is their annual fundraiser, and they will have merchandise, food, games, raffles, and DRM adoptable Dobermans will be there for you to meet!

(I don't have inside info, but Mordecai and Beau are both DRM dogs, and I've heard of Mordie being at such events!)

Please help Maisy, of the Reactive Champion

(picture from Maisy's youcaring.com fundraising page)

Maisy, of Reactive Champion is in the ICU. They're not really sure what's wrong with her, and suspect perhaps a bacterial infection or tick borne illness. She's been displaying pain in her neck and hips. So far, she's got two nights of hospital stays , IV's, and other medications and diagnostics under her belt. The current estimate for her care is $3200, and rising.

If you can, please donate to help Maisy and her owner Crystal Thompson out. Crystal is Maisy's owner and the writer of the Reactive Champion blog, which chronicles her efforts with Maisy, her training experiences, and other dog training information that's useful even if you don't have a reactive dog.

Ebay Auctions to Benefit the Doberman Assistance Network

Thanks to donated items, the Doberman Assistance Network has a few auctions going on eBay to help raise money for the Dobermans that need their hope so badly.

Not my style, but there's a 10k Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire Ring:

There's also a padded leather collar (with a fleece tug toy thrown in), from Dogs-Art.net:

Another collar from Dogs-Art, this one a martingale (and in beautiful colors!):