February 10, 2005

Gem of the Day: When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.

~Helen Keller~

(Scroll down to read how Joyce, Steve and Sugar (Their Bichon) Witover survived an unbelievable car accident where "according to witnesses, the car went off the road, over the guard rail, flipped 8 times and then hit a tractor-trailer truck. MIRACULOUSLY, THEY SURVIVED and so did Sugar!")

Subj: Jimmy
Date: 2/9/2005 6:05:31 PM Central Standard Time
From: ntncb@speakeasy.net (Noel Tanis)

Just thought you guys would like to know, this little mill-baby is learning fast how to be a family pet. Corey has taken him under his wing, as is evident here.
He's with me. I fell in love with him at the hotel. He slept with me in the same spot Charlie used to on my pillow. When I got home I just started crying and crying so Chris said we would foster him. He's so much like my Charlie! He's like the very best of medicine to my broken heart!

Small Paws Rescue Information About Our Programs

Dear Small Pawsers,

Welcome to the newest members of our online mailing list, especially if you have recently seen us featured on the syndicated cable program, Animal Planet, or in other recent media articles!

Small Pawsers everywhere welcome you with open arms! We sincerely hope that you enjoy "Small Pawsing and reading Small Paws!"

If you are new to Small Pawsing®, this may look as if it is coming only to you but really it is going out to fellow Small Pawsers all across our country and in 15 foreign countries as well. Adoption information is posted below. Turn up your speakers!
We have music for you!

If you missed our last newsletter, here it is!

http://www.smallpawsrescue.org/pup3/feb0209b.html

Well, today was a day for sure. As soon as we have more info on Lulu, the little Bichon in Ohio that was...oh my God..I am still having trouble writing this...HIT BY A TRAIN....we will let you know! She is currently being cared for at:

Animal Emergency Clinic
5320 west 140th street
Brookpark, Ohio 44142
216-362-6001

Some of the folks who have responded to our pleas for help, have touched my heart ...and I want to share them with you. Whenever other breed rescues help us out...well, THAT just blesses your heart! This is from one of my Oklahoma rescue friends...and from the Dobies in Oklahoma, for Lulu!

Name: Marcia Cowen
Company: Doberman Rescue Group, Inc.
Email: okdobie@olp.net

Comments/Special Delivery Instructions: Robin
This is for the baby hit by the train. It is from the Dobes.
Sorry it is not more!Love Marcia DRG>

Then, we also got this one for Lulu!

Name: Emily Willard
Company: Hope's Haven Chinese Crested and Hairless Dog Rescue
Email: fsufan463@aol.com

Comments/Special Delivery Instructions: Please keep us posted on how the little
Bichon who was hit by a train is doing. What a horrifying story! And how
amazing the the poor thing is even still alive!

How did you hear about us: Hope's Haven Message Board re: Bichon hit by train>

Whenever another rescue group helps us, it lets us know we are doing something right...this thank you note one is for all of you who run at the drop of a hat...catching Bichons that are falling from the skies...!

<Subj: Thank you!
Date: 2/6/2005 11:33:01 AM Central Standard Time
From: 4shtzus@sio.midco.net
To: pup3@aol.com

Robin (and the rest of you Small Pawsers!)
I just wanted to say THANK YOU! I became involved with your group 1 year ago
with a plea to help "Elf" - a stray from our local HS that I worried about for
3 weeks. Being involved with a small, volunteer rescue myself and the fact he
had some medical concerns that we just couldn't cover due to some high medical
bills recently, I began my search for help for him. Originally he was listed
as a maltese-mix - wo that's where I started. A maltese rescue put me in touch
with you & Varina! There was no hesitation on your part to help this little
guy and up to the HS I went to get him out of jail!!
He was only with me a few days before I got him to Varina, but he had his
surgeries (cherry eye, neuter, 15 teeth removed, nasty anal gland infection &
nastier yet ear infections) but was dancing for hot-dog treats the day after.
We have told his story over & over about the wonder of Small Paws and how you
stepped right in to help him out!
After dealing with other breed-specific rescues within just this past year - I
really wish they would take some direction from you. I can't begin to tell you
how frustrating it has been to get no answers back from a single email sent
out, most of these are healthy dogs also! We don't have a volunteer foster
home force like your organization does, I try to contact so many for assistance
at the HS or even those that have contacted us and have basically given up on
all specific breed rescues other than Small Paws. After reading your
newsletters, watching Animal Planet's spotlight on your group with Marcie (I
felt like I personally knew an actress after that!!) you do care so much for
each and every dog that has come through or will be coming into your hearts. I
refer people to you quite often and keep forwarding your newsletters to those
that may be able to help.
I just want to say again, a very heartfelt THANK YOU from me...it was a
pleasure working with your group and hopefully I won't have to send you a plea
again, but I know if I do you will be there for that little fluff!
Take care and best wishes to you and all the Small Pawsers!
Peggy (Pet Pals for Life)
Sioux Falls, SD>

WHEW. I think I am glad this day is almost over. I got a call around noon that one of our blind puppies had DIED on the operating table while they were removing his bad eye. The vet actually called the foster mom and told her Billy was GONE...then...as they were bagging him...(CPR...not zip-lock) his heart started again! Read this and see if your heart doesn't start thumpin'!

<Subj: Billy Boy
Date: 2/9/2005 12:50:14 PM Central Standard Time
From: bichonmdl@msn.com

HI Robin:

Please call out the prayer warriors because Billy needs them. He had his eye removed this morning and almost to the end of the operation his heart stopped and they thought he was gone. They were able to revive him and finish closing, but he is in grave condition. He is in an incubator and they want to keep him there overnight. They do have an all night crew because the Waukesha Co. emergency clinic is in the same building and he will not be left unattended.

I will send more information as I get it.

Regards, La Nor>

<Subj: Billy Boy
Date: 2/9/2005 6:29:29 PM Central Standard Time
From: bichonmdl@msn.com

HI Robin:

I just returned from seeing Billy at the Clinic and he seems to be doing ever so much better. He was still in his incubator and was given IV antibiotics and glucose all afternoon and was swathed in bandages. His color is a lot better and he has since started moving around and being annoyed with the surgical cone and having his ear pinned back behind the bandages. They seemed to think that he "threw a blood clot" without knowing for sure about any congenital problems he might have that don't show up on normal exams.

His closed eye looked just like a sleeping eye, thank God there was no major blood loss and he was sleeping. They let me pet him and talk to him and he recognized my voice and then stopped fussing and slept for a while. I spent about a half hour there and then left because I was creating a roadblock in the recovery room.

They assured me he would be monitored overnight and showed me the emergency medicine clinic in the building and introduced me to one of the nurses who works until 1 A.M. and she assured me that two other nurses and a vet would be on duty tonight to keep an eye on Billy. I will be calling back late tonight for another update.

I think he is out of the woods and, barring another unexpected problem, should be totally okay.

Regards, La Nor>

An anonymous donor is paying for both of these blind puppy's surgeries and eye doctor visits! Thank you to J and P!

Then, we got this boy in today in Ga.! Don't our team leaders just do an awesome job! Way to go Dana!

<Subj: Simon
Date: 2/9/2005 7:57:53 PM Central Standard Time
From: SPR-GEORGIA@comcast.net
To: pup3@aol.com

Meet "Sweet" Simon.
I was able to successfully bring this guy home from the Athens Animal Control today. He was found as a stray but he had tags on. They called the number on the tags and found out that his owner was in jail. I was told that his owner had until 4pm yesterday to reclaim him. Yesterday morning the shelter received a call from a friend of the owner saying that he would be picked up. I was giving up hope. THANK GOD it never happened!
Anyway...he's been shaved and looks like a bichon mix :) (He has grey ears and his tail has been cut) He is approx 8 years old, missing several teeth, has a cataract in his left eye, his right eye is missing. My vet says that he can't tell if the eye was lost in a fight or surgically removed. He removed a bunch of scabs and dried skin and said if it was surgically removed, it was not closed properly because there is a hole. He and I will keep an eye on it. I was given Neobacimyx Ointment for the eye and Amoxitabs for his cough/sneezeing.
Fecal exam and heartworm checked out O.K.
I will put out the word to potential foster homes tomorrow.

Dana Perez
Small Paws Rescue
Georgia Team Leader>

Next, I want to share with you the generosity of some amazing people. Lorry and Rich Schlick live in New York. Rick, Lorry, and Rick's Mom have taken it upon themselves to cover the surgery of one special rescued Bichon named ...Peepers! Thank you all so much! Thank you!

Subj: News about Peter ("Peeper")....
Date: 2/9/2005 3:37:15 PM Central Standard Time
From: rschlick@rochester.rr.com

Hi B-
We just got a call from our vet and Peter got through his surgery well and seems like it was a A+ success in terms of him having a more normal paw from now on. The vet said he can actually see already how much straighter his leg is. He is staying overnite so they can monitor him and keep him quiet and confined, which is just fine by us. The vet is keeping him medicated so he will just snooze today and tomorrow away.
We are missing our boy a lot and his happy "Peeper" puppy antics. We put a mattress on the floor in the living room and that is where Mom and our fluff boy will be sleeping over the next week or so. Any more news, we will let you know. Of course, we won't be at peace till he's home.
Thanks so much for all your kind thoughts and prayers. Fondly, Rich and Lorry.

PS- Robin, thanks for your kind note. We are happy we can do this as it benefits so many more fluffs needing so much help. We sent on your words of appreciation on to mom (in law). She says "there's always more when it comes to the doggies..." God Bless Her!

The very best gift of all....

Next, remember our little seven year old male, Max from Florida? He had that bladder stone removed today and it is huge!

,Subj: Max had surgery
Date: 2/9/2005 7:10:19 PM Central Standard Time
From: KeyLapse@aol.com
Hi, Max had his surgery this morning and is doing well. I went to visit him tonight and stayed with him for about 1/2 hour. His teeth have been cleaned and look really good. The vet said that the bladder stone was very big and probably was causing pain and that the urine leakage will probably stop now. He's going to stay at the hospital for two nights. I'll go visit him tomorrow. I'll let you know how he is tomorrow.
Barbara>

Next, remember we did a transport last weekend from Tulsa to MD. VA. and TN! Here is more about it and pictures! Thanks to ALL who participated in driving and or fostering! Noel Tanis and Sandra Harris...you guys are just the best!

The Journey from Tulsa to Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC!

Subj: The Journey
Date: 2/7/2005 10:28:00 PM Central Standard Time
From: ntncb@speakeasy.net

Hello, Everyone!!

I've loaded all of the photos taken with at least one camera during our great adventure to the web!! I'll add more as they are sorted through.

If you would like to see them, go to "Delivering 7 Tulsa Fluffs to MD and VA." From there you can click on the link for either fluff photos or volunteer photos.

The photo pages take a bit of time to load. Especially the one with the fluff photos. There are so many!!! If you have a slower connection, you may want to click the link and then take a coffee break.

Enjoy!>

Next, did you know that February is Canine Dental Month?!

Subj: February is Dental Month in the Veterinary Field
Date: 2/8/2005 9:28:26 AM Central Standard Time
From: dsharris@starpower.net

Robin,
in your next newsletter would you mention that February is Dental month in the
veterinary field. Vets offices can go to their vendors and receive free dental
kits for new pups or in our case, new adoptions. I am currently requesting my
vet to request 90 C.E.T dental kits so that I can send them to you guys in
Tulsa. You might want to mention this so that everyone can go to their vet
to see if they can get some freebies.
Sandra>

Ok...here are some happy thank you notes. Each one is written to everyone who supports this rescue effort...and that means YOU!:)

Date: 2/8/2005 7:21:25 PM Central Standard Time
From: jmartin37@tampabay.rr.com
To: Pup3@aol.com

Robin,
I love my little foster Bichon "Mickey". I look in those eyes and I see such a spirit..............He seems to enjoy his life more and more each day.
Thank you for what you do.
Sincerely,
Judy Martin>

<(Susan just flunked fostering 101! HAHA!)

Date: 2/8/2005 7:03:08 PM Central Standard Time
From: sct1124@cox.net
To: Pup3@aol.com

I heard about you from Irene Libby. Kipper has come so far. I cannot remember the last time he nipped. And he is barking and crying less. And he so affectionate and loves his brothers and cousins. Susan>

<Subj: Pixie....aka Wilma.....I love my new home!!!!
Date: 2/8/2005 9:48:14 PM Central Standard Time
From: palmese@sbcglobal.net

Subj: Gracie (aka PEACHES)
Date: 2/7/2005 5:41:44 PM Central Standard Time
From: heatherlynnu@yahoo.com

Greetings all,

Thanks to you all for getting our wonderful puppy to
us today. Gracie (aka PEACHES) arrived safely today
and after a long ride home got to finally arrive at
her forever home. She is doing great. As soon as we
met her at the airport, she was giving us kisses. She
likes to be held close and is very affectionate.
Attached are some photos of her. Thanks again for all
you have done. Lynne thanks for her sending her
favorite toys, blanket and pillow. I squeaked her
blue toy to get her out of her cage.

Thanks again and enjoy the pictures.

Sincerely,
Heather L. Ujhazy

Subj: Valentine Quilts
Date: 2/6/2005 11:52:26 AM Central Standard Time
From: christinejohnson@alltel.net
To: Pup3@aol.com
Hey Robin,
I’d like to put a thank you note in the newsletter for all the folks who donated money for the quilts. TWENTY-TWO of them, as a matter of fact. I’m just amazed. Who would have thought Valentine’s quilts would be more popular than Christmas?

Anyway, here’s a picture of Jake and some of the quilts, and a little thank you note. Hope you like it.

To my fellow fluffs,

In this picture I’m surrounded by a few of the twenty-two Valentine quilts that my mom is sending out tomorrow. These quilts brought in $1500 to Small Paws, and maybe YOUR mom is getting one for you! Just think, fluff buddies…..maybe that money will help pay for an operation so one of us can see. Maybe it will help one of our brothers and sisters find a real home. Maybe it will help board a fluff until his real family finds him and he is adopted. Maybe it will buy good food for one of our relatives who is hungry.

If your mom is one of the generous souls who bought one of these quilts, she probably won’t tell you, because it’s supposed to be a surprise. But just in case….hop up into her lap sometime today, and give her a big old kiss. Tell her thanks, because every fluff deserves a loving home just like yours.
Chris Johnson>

<Subj: Re: Thank-you
Date: 2/9/2005 6:20:54 PM Central Standard Time
From: stepher@1scom.net
To: pup3@aol.com

Got the quilt today and it is precious. I can certainly tell a lot of love was woven into this quilt. What a wonderful lady Mrs. Johnson is to take time to make these quilts. My fluff is going to love snuggling on it. Could you please pass on my thanks?
Stephanie Ramos>

<Subj: Bumper Smotherman
Date: 2/8/2005 9:05:45 AM Central Standard Time
From: CSMOTHER@realtracs.com
To: robin@smallpawsrescue.org

Hello! My name is Robyn Smotherman and my family and I adopted Bumper from your organization last week. His foster mother was Dana out of Northern California. I wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know about this experience. We have a 5 year old bichon that I love so very much and I didn't know for sure if my heart could open up and love another dog like I love her.... I was wrong, the second I saw his eyes in his doggy crate I feel head over heels. I feel like a high school girl in love for the first time . I think about him constantly, my heart flutters when he comes into the room, I want to just hold him and snuggle all day... hard to get any work done=) Dana was exceptional! She was so kind , attentive, and very dedicated to the welfare of Bumper. I assure you and Dana that Bumper will have a life full of love and attention. I get the feeling that his old family didn't make him the prince of their home.. but he is the prince of ours and will be forever. Robyn Smotherman >

OK! THESE ARE OUR PRAYER REQUESTS AND THE STORY ABOUT THE CAR WRECK I TOLD YOU ABOUT EARLIER! THANK GOD FOR THIS MIRACLE! GET WELL SOON STEVE AND JOYCE! WE LOVE YOU! LOVE, ROBIN

Prayer Requests

Subj: WOW!!!
Date: 2/9/2005 12:14:00 AM Central Standard Time
From: JBWITOVER@aol.com

Hi everyone,
The need for a group e-mail will become obvious as you read on...
As most of you know Steve, Sugar and I left for our new home in Florida on Sunday, the 30th of January. We drove to McLean, Virginia on Sunday and stayed at my sister Anita's house overnite. On Monday afternoon, the 31st of January we left heading down to North Carolina. Steve was not feeling well, gave himself some insulin and probably gave himself too much....the result was that he had a low sugar problem and fell asleep at the wheel as we passed thru the town of Petersburg, Virginia. According to witnesses, the car went off the road, over the guard rail, flipped 8 times and then hit a tractor-trailer truck. MIRACULOUSLY, WE SURVIVED and so did Sugar. The car is totaled...that big SUV Cadillac is about 5 feet high as we landed upside down in the car. The strength of the body of the car is what saved us. They needed to use the jaws of life to cut us out of the car. Steve was airlifted and I was ambulanced to the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, one of the big medical school training centers. I was released yesterday and I have 4 broken ribs, fractured my right shoulder in 2 places and separated my shoulder additionally. I am very bruised all over my body, too. Steve's injuries are more severe and problematic. Because of his kidney transplant he has more of a chance to develop an infection due to the anti-rejection drugs he takes. He has fractured both bones in his RIGHT wrist and has a compound fracture on his right wrist which means that the broken bones came thru his skin. All of the fingers on his LEFT hand are broken and the fingers are all pinned. His right wrist has a steel plate and is pinned, too. Due to a tremendous swelling on the right hand he had a second surgery tonite to graft skin from his thigh to his right wrist because the surgeons are unable to close the wound with the remaining skin left from the puncture. He too, is all bruised and has A 4 inch gash in his scalp that was sutured. He will be in the hospital about another week. His new kidney is fine but he is on a transplant floor in the hospital so that he can be monitored for his injuries and the new kidney, too.
I was sent home before it was discovered that my shoulder was fractured and separated. I am at Anita's house, in bed, and grateful to be here. Sugar was taken to the Animal Control officer's house and my sister's office manager came and get her the next day. She is with me here in McLean. The hospital is 2 hours away and I am not in good enough physical shape to make the trip to see Steve. Gary flew in from California and is with Steve in the hospital for the duration. Julie is down in Florida, received in our moving truck from Andover and is frantic, trying to figure out where to put all of 30 years of Andover into smaller quarters. The grandchildren have been told we are tired and resting with Aunt Anita for a few weeks and that we sold the car because we didn't feel like driving anymore. We will have to be a bit more honest when we see them because our injuries will be apparent for many more weeks. Once Steve is well enough to travel, he will need to be air ambulance down to Florida because he will not be able to travel commercially. My dr. here in Virginia doesn't want me traveling for about a week and after that...we will figure out how to get me down there.
What a HUGE mess, but at least we are alive to tell the story. God was watching over us...for sure.
My laptop survived the crash but I haven't been up to a letter until tonight.
Much love, Joyce>

Date: 2/5/2005 6:39:23 AM Central Standard Time
From: bOBKAT4801@comcast.net
To: pup3@aol.com
Please Pray for our little Fluff Sophie. Her kidneys are getting old and she doesn't do well when Mommy is away from home. Sophie won't Drink or eat when I Leave. Susan is going to give her IV's if necesary and hand feed her. Sophie can't take the ride right now on the plane to go with mom because Mom has to be in court where DOGS are not allowed. Mom wouldn'd go if she could get out of it but,A bad Man has been stealing all Grandpa's Money after he died. Please pray for Sophie while Mommy is away and Mom promises to help send some money when she gets back to help other Fluffs. Please pray for Mom too, She is terified of FLYING. Flight is Monday to Phoenix And return Wed.>

<Subj: Prayer Request
Date: 2/5/2005 4:13:14 PM Central Standard Time
From: totebaglady@earthlink.net
To: pup3@aol.com

This is a request for the mighty prayer warriors of SPR. I have a dear friend in Richmond, VA, whose name is Terry. I met her while she was caring for her mother, who was a friend of mine at the time. Her mother died just a few months after being diagnosed with Lou Gerig's disease. Only six months later Terry was diagnosed with breast cancer for which she had a double mastectomy. However, the cancer had spread and over the past three years has attacked her brain and liver. She has been through multiple types and sessions of chemotherapy to arrest the cancer, but once again she has tumors of the brain. A most recent regimen of chemotherapy seems to have shrunk the tumors somewhat. Nonetheless, her doctors have given her less than a year to live. Through all of this Terry has remained cheerful and strong. Terry is only 46 years old, has a loving, supportive husband and four lovely children with the youngest child around age 11. Her faith is so strong and she prays for a miracle to cure her. This wonderful woman who does so much for her family and all the people she knows is still needed on this earth to be the beautiful example that she is to others, so I ask the prayer warriors to help pray for her miracle.

ARLEEN DONIKOWSKI>

<Subj: Prayer request
Date: 2/8/2005 9:11:03 PM Central Standard Time
From: Beyond2172@ameritech.net
To: Pup3@aol.com

Hi Robin -

Tonight our 17 year old American Eskimo was called to the Rainbow Bridge.
She couldn't walk or stand anymore and it was time. It just never, ever
gets easier to let them go. Sorry, I'm still in shock and hurting right
now. Its hard to type through tears. ;-) I am requesting the SPR Prayer
Warriors help in praying that Snowball arrives safely at the Rainbow Bridge.
Thank you so much.

Michelle Peterson
Mom to SPR Roxie and Abby>

Robin Pressnall
Executive Director
Small Paws® Rescue
Gospel CD: It's A God Thing!
Singing for Small Paws®
The Heart Murmur Repair Bichons Reunion Page
Small Paws® Rescue: Bichons Available for Adoption
Small Paws® Rescue: The Gift Shoppe
Small Paws® Rescue: Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover Card
Robin's Canine Cancer Files

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