Dogs
Deserve Better
Holiday 2007 Program Photos
Thanks
for another wonderful Holiday Sponsor-A-Formerly-Chained-or-Penned
but-Now-Free-and-Lovin'-Life Program! We've had so many
successes throughout this year...laws changed, fences built, dogs
rescued, people and society educated...it is staggering to know
we're starting our sixth year, and we are just warming up!
The
sponsored Foster Dogs have a message for you too: THANK
YOU for a Fabulous Year! Each year we wonder if our donors can handle
it...and each year you exceed all our hopes and dreams.
This
year we encouraged more person to person packages—Most if
not all of the 26 dogs received packages from you. Every
single dog in our program received a petstore gift card for $100
on top of any packages and gifts they've already received.
Riley and Doogal both are receiving $500 additional funding
to help with medical bills.
Riley,
Cassie, Katie, Kota and LEROY all got homes for the holidays, truly the
greatest gift you can give one of our sponsored dogs!
Their gifts were sent with them, and/or we're delivering them and
getting photos at their new homes.
Now,
for the part we love the most! Each year our dogs 'pay it
forward' to other chained/penned dogs that are in need of help.
This year we were able to help many dogs, thanks to your generosity,
and this help will continue into the new year, as we continue to
get dogs off chains in the cold North.
With
deep regret, we must inform everyone that DDB Holiday Foster, Esther,
our precious Sunshine passed away just before the holiday. Her poor
old heart gave out on her and she died peacefully in her sleep.
She was covered in her blanket given to her from a dear holiday
sponsor and she has been cremated using part of her donations she
received from the Holiday Sponsorship.
She
licked peanut butter from a Kong that was a gift, snuggled with
toys, tasted yummy treats and passed to the other side warm and
loved. She will be missed.
In
her honor, we passed on her legacy and gifts to the next generation:
When
8-year-old Brittni stepped off the school bus to learn her puppy
had been accidentally run over by a family member she began sobbing
uncontrollably. With her father laid off work her family was already
suffering financially. Upon entering their modest home, there was
no Christmas tree or presents waiting for Brittni or her 2 brothers
and sister and certainly no money for an operation to save the children’s
puppy.
The
pup’s leg was badly broken and there was internal bleeding.
With money for surgery out of the question, the ACO was called to
take the pup to the pound to be euthanized.
Instead
of the pound, the ACO called Dogs Deserve Better and the little
girl’s puppy has been saved.
On
a chain in the yard the family also had a female German Shepherd
with 12-2 week old puppies along with one other dog. After speaking
with the family, the dogs have been unchained and will remain inside
the home. The German Shepherd will be vetted and spayed and all
of her pups rehomed when they can be taken away in 4 more weeks.
Their other dog will be spayed as well. They will be left with 3
inside dogs and a fence for safe exercise.
The
family was able to put up a Christmas tree and stockings for the
children. DDB has provided them with groceries and some of our Reps
are donating gifts and gift cards for the children. The family has
been provided with food for the pets, treats, and Esther’s
gifts will be donated to the dogs of this needy family. The children
were ecstatic when they learned there would be gifts for their dogs
under the Christmas tree this year! 5-year-old Bradyn asked, “Do
you think there will be a chew toy for our puppy? He doesn’t
have a chew toy and he’d really love one!”
Where
there was not going to be a Christmas for a needy family, there
was a tree with presents and food. This holiday season there was
life instead of death, happiness instead of tears.
Special
thanks to Dawn Ashby, Illinois Rep and Public Liaison, and Randy
Gross, AC officer, as well as our supporters, who shall be be greatly
rewarded for making this possible! Rest in Peace Esther.
Esther peeks out from her new blanket!
Miracle is overwhelmed with all the gifts!
Scared, previously abused Elvis receives gift compliments of Esther
Winnie poses in her Hand-Knitted Christmas sweater and scarf (she acted so proud wearing it). These were gifts for Esther passed down to other rescue dogs.
 
Beau says, " I had an amazing Christmas. I want to send a BIG thanks and doggie kisses to the Doherty's, Massaro's, Heather and Lisa. I LOVE my new bed, toys and the yummy treats. My foster mom says that this will keep me busy for quite a while. Thanks again and Happy New Year to everyone!"
Rocky is our Heartworm positive Rottie mix that has recently be adopted. Christmas was special for Rocky this year and will be every year from now on. He received a bed, collar, leash, many toys, as well as a stock of treats to last him for months to come. We can't thank Nichole enough for her generousity in making this happen. Penny and I were not able to get all his gifts in the pics as most of the had been already put away.
 
Lilly had a wonderful holiday! Her sponsors really came through for her with rope toys, durable chew toys, bones, treats, the works! This is good as we have discovered that Lilly is fickle when it comes to her toys - and she also chews up the ones she loves!
A BIG "thank you" to Karen Fletcher's Second Grade class for the incredible package and heart warming letters -- obviously a classroom full of dog lovers! Some of Lilly's favorite presents include the Rope toys (many already shredded...) 12 (yes 12) Bow Wow basketballs that rescue angel, Nancy sent along to her and the Tuffie toys sent in by long time supporter, Patty. Of course the treats are all long gone:) Lilly shared with her 6 canine roommates.
Magnum takes one of his toys, a candy cane squeaky, from Kim,
while lounging in his new bed, surrounded by other toys and sporting
his new bandana.
Miss
Deer remains convinced we're about to kill her at any second,
but she did reluctantly pose for a few scaredy-dog photos...she
actually LOVES toys, and takes great delight in ripping them to
shreds (along with beds, and that looks like a mighty tasty one),
so she'll have fun with hers later!
Leroy,
below, got the best present ever after two years in a shelter...A
NEW HOME! Thanks also to the shelter folks at Hillside
SPCA who thought enough of him to bring him to our attention and
really go all out to give him the home and hope he deserved. We're
so thrilled for him, and thanks to all of you who thought of him.
He is shown here with his gifts before leaving the shelter, keep
him in your thoughts that his new home will work out for him!
 
Nakita
was 'adopted' by a class, who sent her letters, pictures,
and toys, treats, and a dogbed.
We
will add photos of the other foster dogs as soon as we can,
check back often to see your favorites!
Thanks
so much to all of you who sponsored gifts
for the formerly chained and penned dogs!
Of course, we have foster dogs all year long,
so help is always needed and appreciated.
If
you'd like to sponsor daily needs for one of our
current fosters, please click the link below.
If
you'd like to donate via regular USPS mail, you may print
out this form in
.pdf
format, and send to P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684.
We can also take donations over the phone at 877.636.1408.
Dogs
Deserve Better is a 501c3 incorporated nonprofit. Your donations
are tax-deductible in accordance with the guidelines set out by
the IRS. |
