SKYE's story - the dog used to kill thousands of other dogs

First question....where is Skye? It's been 10 years since I wrote the emergency story about Skye and Milo, the two New York City shelter dogs entitiled  "A final kiss goodbye before Skye is killed in New York City Skye will die in New York City." 

Here is a reprint of my original story which was removed at the request of Rhonda Roland Shearer and Imedia Ethics - the Skye adopter whose efforts had me fired from Examiner.com. I had been writing articles in my column American Pit Bull Examiner for over 5 years which had resulted in countless thousands of dogs saved from death row shelters and other stressful and abuse situations. 

Take a look at the article I wrote posted below and ask yourself, should I have been fired for quoting the dates written on all of the Facebook urgent pleas for Skye and Milo? 

Skye and Milo article:

Skye and her brother Milo were together in their home since they were only 9 weeks old. Their lives were ripped apart when then owners left the brother and sister to die at the very high kill Manhattan, New York City shelter. 

Skye kisses her brother goodbye from FB thread Julie Carner UPDATE: Skye is safe and has been rescued by Amsterdog Rescue. Brother Milo is still in jeopardy. Please save Milo. Skye used to lay at her owner's feet to get attention, but now she lays on a cold cement floor waiting to die along with thousands of other unwanted pets in New York City. 

One volunteer wrote, "With the cutest little pink and tan nose on the planet, and wearing a gorgeously groomed caramel coat. She’s friendly, tail waggy and happy to be out for a walk, showing off her housetraining skills the moment we’re out the door." "Her leash manners are lovely, she lets me put a coat on her and after stopping to take some pictures we head into the backyard. Skye explored the pen, hopped up on the bench for some hugs and kisses, comes when I call her and checks out everything going on around her. Skye is a delight, easy to be with, friendly and gentle. A proven family dog." 

Over 9,000 pets per day are being killed in our nation. New York City shelter system which has received millions from Maddie's Fund has been accused of falsifying their numbers while innocent pets like Skye are been murdered every day of the year, 365 days, and even on Christmas day. 

"There is a group in NYC called the Mayor’s Alliance which was formed to pursue a grant to transform New York into a No Kill community. Despite their name they are not part of city government and have nothing to do with the Mayor. In 2005 they got that grant which continues today from an philanthropic organization called Maddie’s Fund, a foundation that provides grants to communities seeking to be No Kill. The original target to make New York City a No Kill community was 2008, that goal has since been extended to 2015." 

A last minute effort has been launched to try and save Skye. Please share her Facebook page. Skye rated perfect scores on all behavior assessment. This is consdered walking on water at this substandard excuse for a 'shelter'....please don't let Skye die. 

This article was based on tons of emergency posts about Skye and Milo, posts STILL currently running on Facebook. In fact, I was able to find 17 pages of this post which I've archived in a pdf file (see below.) Note: each of these and many other posts were made on the date the article was written - January 31, 2016. 



NOTE: these original posts were posted on 1/31/2016 when the article based on the posts was written. After Amsterdog and Rhonda Roland Shearer of Imedia Ethics began their attack the caveat "safe 1/30/2016" was added. This is important because their data does not reflect their claims.

I wrote the article to bring attention to a wonderful story about a brother and sister dog which had landed in a very high kill shelter.

After being fired by the Examiner, Imedia Ethics which still has their 'lip smacking' article on their website rejoiced in the removal of the entire American Pit Bull Examiner articles which, again, have been responsible for saving huge numbers of dogs. The Imedia Ethics article is filled with untruths and misprints of my original work, literally changing the wording of my piece to fit their agenda.

Since the takedown what has happened?

Rhonda Roland Shearer, Imedia Ethics owner and Sky adopter called Reunion Rescue board members and offered false information in a threatening manner. To date, no photos or progress reports on the dog Skye. Where is she? Whatever happened to Skye? 

Katie Kausch who was the original Imedia Ethics "reporter" falsified her credentials and tried to join Reunion Rescue's community group no longer employed by Imedia Ethics.

Amsterdog Rescue is still active in NYC even after posting untrue facts about Cindy Marabito and Reunion Rescue.

The hate groups who wrote lie-filled blogs to hurt pit bulls Craven Desires, Dogsbite.org and pit bull killer Merrit Clifton at Animals 24/7 are still going strong and recruiting other pit bull haters to join their effort to eradicate the breed. These groups tout the "work" of Imedia Ethics, Rhonda Shearer and Katie Kausch so our question is this. If you call yourself an animal advocate, how can you join forces with hate groups like the above mentioned? Is your own hate that great? 

What about me? I still write books and blogs, save dogs and other animals with Reunion Rescue and Animals First Rescue. I always ask people what do you get when you cross an elephant and a pit bull....me. It's no accident I rescue pit bulls and I have an incredible and long memory. 

Lastly, it's sad I cannot access the archive of American Pit Bull Examiner articles and share stories to help other dogs in need. The resources in these pieces are invaluable and would be able to help new rescue advocates in their fight to save dogs. Every penny ever earned from over five years of writing articles for American Pit Bull Examiner went toward saving dogs. Can any of these other entities who enjoyed the takedown of these efforts claim they have spent their salaries helping animals? 

Lone Star Pet Vet takes care of your pets in the home

After years and years of terrible vet experiences, some detailed in my book Pit Bull Nation, Reunion Rescue has discovered a wonderful veterinarian, Dr. Kelly Breazeale who owns Lone Star Pet Vet.

Yesterday, Dr. Kelly and her partner and husband Jim came over and vaccinated, checked up and microchipped some of the dogs who'd been missed at the shelter. Here's the caveat. Most of your know about the abused dogs we help. Like LuLu, Mannie, Paolo and Cricket who came from a horrible Bakersfield cruelty case. And Wally who we think from his behavior was sexually abused repeatedly. In fact, all of our boys and girls here at Reunion are here because the needed a place to live their lives in safety where they know they'll never be hurt again.

I couldn't believe how gentle Jim and Dr. Kelly were with the animals. Like I said, I've had incompetent vets and doctors in my own life, so I know how it feels to have somebody poke on you and become irritated and short-tempered during an appointment. Dr. Breazeale is everything the opposite. Like have a good friendly neighbor you trust who just happens to have a veterinarian license. Can I say again how LONG I've waited to find a good vet I can trust these animals with?

Now, not to say there wasn't a little growling, but the one I was worried about the most, Mannie, went first. We muzzled everybody just to be on the safe side, but Mannie didn't growl once. She looked at me and I knew she was trying with all her heart to trust me. She was such a good girl. They all followed suit, LuLu, then Cricket and last from that bunch, Paolo. 

What's great about Dr. Breazeale and Lone Star Pet Vet is they come to the privacy and comfort of your own home. Can I tell you what a huge relief it is to know these dogs who've never known kindness and safety can get their medical needs and care right here at Reunion Rescue from loving, gentle people who GET animals. 

All of the dogs got to meet Dr. Breazeale and Jim, got their shots, exams and votes of good health with a minimum of annoyance. I'm sure they'd have preferred getting the ball tossed or a chew toy, but rest assured, everybody got lots of cookies and treats for being such good boys and girls. They all could probably stand to lose a couple of pounds, but I can't help but spoil them. My bad. 

Side note...Dr. Breazeale and Jim have a cattle dog (like Cracker Jack) for all ya'll Cracker Jack fans.

Lone Star Pet Vet offers the following services:

• Wellness Exams
• Routine Preventative Care
• Vaccinations
• Minor Medical Care
• Parasite Prevention
• Microchipping
• Pain Management
• Routine Diagnostic Testing
• Puppy and Kitten Care
• End of Life Care
• Prescription Medication

Thank you Dr. Breazeale and Jim for the fantastic visit and gentle, loving care for the Reunion Rescue dogs. We are your new biggest fans...see ya' next time!

All about Wally - bad start but winning finish

Wally at the shelter - redlisted for behavior

Wally was pulled by Reunion Rescue back in September 2023. The shelter in Modesto had him red-listed as a pit bull soon to be exterminated due to fearful reaction. To their credit, a Stanislaus ACC employee brought Wally - he was known by another name in the shelter - into her office where he came alive and blossomed, so thankful for a little kindness and to be away from the noisiest clangiest part of the facility where animals were brought to their death nearly every hour.
I saw his TikTok created by a shelter volunteer with the story and couldn't get this little man out of my head. I knew he could flourish by using the Reunion Rescue resources we've trusted for years to save animals like Wally. First thing I did was contact Patti to get an animal communication reading. These conversations would go on over the next few months. Into the fray would pop other spirits from the afterworld who've helped Reunion pets over the years.
I had a big surprise this time. Various dogs would pop up from time to time. Pip from Bakersfield is a longtime guide who helps the new kid learn about Reunion and how they will be safe and never ever feel pain or cruelty again. Peanut from Alvin, Texas who'd wound up at the horror house Spindletop and ended up living his life with us until last year when he passed gently into the night from old age. But, the biggest surprise was Penny. Penny was my mother's dog who'd lived to be 23 years old. Even though he'd passed away

back in the 50's before I was born, the stories my mother would tell my sister and I about Penny were the bright spots in a dark dismal past. Penny told Patti that he'd been with me my whole life, watching over me. He told her about a tree I'd climb and sit after school, where he'd "be with me..." his words. These communications with Penny have opened up a whole new realm for me and I'm writing another book about Penny and all the rescues and animal communication that have saved me and a lot of animals. I have little Wally to thank for that.
So when Wally's time was up at the shelter, I was frantic. What could I do? There was no money in the Reunion bank account as usual. So like our Found a Pit Bull page suggests, I created a Gofundme and stayed up all night contacting anyone and everyone who'd ever donated to Reunion for the past two plus decades. That was a lot of bounced emails, but I was able to raise $775. With that amount, I was able to place a hold on Wally.
The volunteer who'd been so adamant about helping Wally had given me misinformation about how to collect the pledges. I'd been told the donations could not be accessed until a freedom photo of Wally in front of the Stanislaus shelter was taken and posted. I had nobody to pick Wally up and move him to the boarding facility, his only option. A last minute contact of that volunteer was good enough to retrieve Wally, but that's where the buck stopped. When I asked for a photo, no answer from the dude and a sound rebuff from the volunteer. When it came time to make good on the pledges, the volunteer only posted the Gofundme I'd set up rather than our Paypal, Venmo and website donation links as was the policy with all of the other rescue groups and last minute pulls from this shelter. What that translated to was Wally's funds only amounted to the $775 I'd collected on my own as the pledge donors saw the amount and figured that was plenty and their money was needed elsewhere for another dog in need.

Life is a carnival - only good things for Wally

What most people don't realize is upkeep for an animal is expensive. How costly you ask? The boarding and food was $850 a month. Wally was boarded for over four months along with pricey neutering.
And, he had no options. I finally in all that time had one longtime adopter willing to foster Wally. She had a pet rabbit and lived hours away from Modesto. We had to rabbit test Wally first. I posted on that same volunteer/pledge Facebook page and was shocked at the response. The same crowd who'd championed pulling Wally at the last minute were first to slam the request asking for someone who had a pet rabbit to agree to a very supervised intro with an experienced handler. Everybody seemed to have an opinion and none of them helpful. I was shocked to say the least.
My only option at this point was to transport Wally here to Texas. I'd just brought the Bakersfield 4 here and was over-full with pitties and dogs, not to mention cats and the birds. A full house but not in the poker hand sense. Like most things I do in rescue, it was a leap of faith. I'd deal with it when Wally got here.
The $500 transport put Wally at almost $5,000. Most people who don't get rescue would balk at this amount, but I knew I had to get Wally to me. I knew he needed me, but I had no idea just how much. The communications with Patti began to illuminate his awful past. Wally had a problem with men. First, the boarding facility owner, a guy, had to warm him up and that took some work. Then the transport driver, another guy, had some issues with Wally. When he got to us, he was not receptive to Scott, to say the least. It was growling, fear-based lunging and most of the reactive behavior seemed to be associated with his crate. I'd first had Wally in a plastic kennel, my crate of choice, but not being able to see everything around him seemed to activate his fearfulness. I changed him to a wire kennel and while not perfect, the adjustment seemed to improve matters somewhat. I addressed this with Patti and that was when I found out Wally had been horribly abused. When he got to the shelter, he weighed 33 pounds at a year and half. Someone, a man, had inflicted great cruelty upon Wally. I still don't know exactly what happened and really don't want to. Patti added, "and it was severe." That was enough. We did not want Wally to have to relive his past. It was time for him to have a new life and that's where me and Reunion went to work.

First, I was amazed when Scott pulled me aside and told me I could keep Wally here even though it put us way over the top

Scott refused to give up on Wally...check out the payoff!

with dogs. This when Wally was still barking, growling and reacting to Scott. This was big. I'd already begun the work to help him move past his trauma. Use of Animal Relief, the flower essences which help move past a horrible experience(s) 

For any abandoned animal, whether feral or residing in a relief shelter

• Any animal being adopted into a new home, or being given a new guardian or caretaker
• For loss of the primary caretaker due to death, divorce or changes in the family system
• During any time of significant travel or re-location to a new home or living space
• For any animal with a prior history of physical abuse, torture or abandonment
• For performance or work animals who are exploited, or valued only for monetary worth or reproduction value
• During times of prolonged illness, or extensive surgery; can be used in tandem or alternation with Magenta Self-Healer
• For any time of pronounced stress in the animal - such as the prolonged absence of the primary caretaker or environmental disruption due to any natural disaster. Can be used in alternation or in tandem with Post-Trauma Stabilizer

Emergency stock Australian Bush Flower Essence for medical help, this essence will provide comfort until treatment is available. Administer this remedy every hour or more frequently if necessary until the person feels better. It can also be used topically or mixed into a cream.

These items are listed on the Reunion Rescue Health Page published to help others - shelters, pet owners, fellow rescuers - or any animal lover who might be facing issues.
It wasn't overnight, but Wally began to show marked improvement. Another factor - also on the Health Page - is a great diet. The more raw meat that can be added to the diet, the better. There are some great dog trainers out there who refuse to train a dog not eating a raw diet. It's amazing what eating the food intended to maintain the body can do for the behavior, the peace of mind.
The icing on the cake was a big surprise. Wally was a ball dog and a half. He loves it. He's learned to fetch and retrieve from all the way up to the top deck down two flights of stairs to the backyard. Not since Peanut have I seen such a great ball dog. Wally could go for it all day. Since he was so proficient on the ball, I tried him on Frisbee and he took to it like a champ. By the first day he was jumping up into the air to catch it. Wally has the makings of a real Frisbee champ.
He is very treat oriented and wasn't too fond of raw chicken at first, but I began chopping up some raw thighs minus skin and bone and covered it in a gravy of high quality canned and some premium almost raw kibble. He snarfed it up. By the third or fourth try, he was eating bone and all like the other dogs. And you could see the marked improvement. I've fed enough abused dogs to notice the difference in a kibble-fed pet and a well-fed dog. The food choices are a solid element in our E.A.T.S. Empty All the Shelters program. If you want to help us launch this incredible plan, please subscribe to the Reunion Rescue newsletter.

Check out Wally first day with his Frisbee -

A surprising resource for an old dog rescuer

I recently attempted to apply for a Petfinder Foundation grant to repair our sadly dilapidated dog play yard. Reunion Rescue fits the requirements to a T. 

"This grant program is part of our commitment to enhancing shelter dogs’ quality of life by allowing them to engage in natural social behaviors. Play Yard Renovation Grant are available to active Petfinder members that have completed a play-group training seminar. Grant funds must be used to construct or improve play yards to bring them into compliance with current safety recommendations."

One of the specifications was to complete two Maddie's University courses. The first course Canine Body Language in the Shelter focuses on understanding how dogs communicate what they are experiencing. The course includes a video followed by interactive materials to reinforce the learning. I immediately liked the instructor Sara L. Bennett, DVM. She was calm, spoke clearly and was very easy to listen to. Unlike many 'dog professionals' she didn't come off with a didactic 'leader of the pack' attitude. It was surprisingly refreshing and her approach compelled you to come to the class with a desire to learn what she had to impart.

Without giving away the whole class, she covered body language and signs of arousal. Despite all of the dog training classes I've attended and tons of speeches, many highlighted in my book Pit Bull Nation: Special Edition, I found Dr. Bennett's class to be informative and enlightening. I have used her teachings already in my dealings with the dogs here at Reunion Rescue refuge. It is fun to observe the dogs in your care and ask yourself what are they thinking? What does that wrinkle mean on the forehead? What does the growl mean? It's not always aggression. It gave me a deeper dive into the goings on with the dogs in my care. The class is designed toward shelters, but I feel any pet owner will benefit from this resource-packed session.

The classes offered at Maddie's University are free to the public.

Feels like summer with the Bakersfield 4

I got to visit with the Bakersfield 4 yesterday afternoon and got a big surprise. Paolo has discovered his great big blue Cooleroo in the shade. What I saw was a dog who had no idea what a bed even was last week. I kept leading him up to the bed and he would stand there like "what do you want me to do?" But, this Saturday was a whole 'nother deal. He has claimed the blue bed as his own and naps throughout the day on it in the shade of his little house porch.

I see footprints on the terra cotta beds for the girls, so I know they're using them. While I'm there with them, though, the three girls are excited and jumping around. Everybody gets treats and chews and lots of hugs and kisses. I mentioned last week how I'd given the three girls nicknames. Dolores a.k.a. Dodo for Dorothy in the purple collar. Danger Mouse for Indica in the blue collar with the bow. And Chicken for Chiquita who keeps removing her collar. Tomboy, anyone? She really really answers to Chicken. I think she digs her new name. It suits her. I think she picked it out and somehow telepathically sent the message to me. And I got it, loud and clear. All three answer to their new nicknames. New names, new little house, new beds, new big red umbrella and new lives. Lots and lots of love and kisses.

I'm trying to come up with ideas how to keep them together in boarding. Last month in June I did a Reunion Rescue dog walk challenge and raise $240 toward their monthly boarding. I need ideas. Anybody have a suggestion?

For now here are this week's photos of four happy dogs, happy at long last.

The Mary Jane Girls....in our house...

Got the Bakersfield 4 new beds and a big red umbrella to go with their little house. Pink for the girls and blue for Paolo. They've all got new nicknames. Wanna know what? Ok. Their group nickname is The Mary Jane Girls like the Rick James artists. Dorothy with the chopped off tail is Dodo short for Dolores named after our good friend. Middle girl who used to be Indica is now Danger Mouse...why? Cuz she so shy and loves hiding up underneath the house. Little Bit who used to be Chiquita is Chicken. She is so sassy. Their official names are still Rza, Sza and Cardi respectively, but nicknames are so much fun. And they earned those. And then there's Paolo! Who you have to pronounce like House of Gucci Jared Leto. He is such a big movie star and truly enjoying his new role as protector and ambassador extraordinaire.

I love them all so much. Still can't bring them home with me until our numbers here lighten up. But, someday. I daydream of the day I can walk each one at the greenbelt trail. I know they will truly love it. They're all a little bit tomboy, those Mary Jane girls. It was kinda sad because they didn't know what to do with those Cooleroo beds. I had to show them how to get up on them. I don't think they've ever slept on a bed. Just like Paolo had to learn to chew up a dog cookie. He didn't know what to do with it. But, those sad days are behind us. From now on only good times.

Always late with your kisses...

I love my weekly visits to hug and kiss on Paolo, Rza, Sza and Cardi. Each week they get more and more adorable and share a bigger place in my heart. They've inspired my new Reunion Rescue newsletter to try and help dogs like the Bakersfield 4. Their story is so important. See, rescues like Reunion Rescue should be helping dogs like these four who needed trauma rehab with good people and experts who know what they're doing like Angela and Ruben. There are so many dogs in shelters right now who are there for no reason other than their owners dumping them. Those are adoptable dogs who can go straight into someone's forever home. Lots and lots of information and resources on the Reunion Rescue website to help pet owners and even more on the new newsletter. These four dogs are responsible for this effort. They are truly an inspiration. 

So, selfishly, I am anticipating the day when they will come to live with me and Scott here at Reunion Rescue. I daydream about walking them in the Greenbelt and showing them all the magic and wonders that make my world such a wonderful place. Like the two black-throated hummingbirds that were playing and flying above me the other day deep into the trail. Or the wild lantana that blooms in all the colors of the rainbow. There are spots that remind me of Golden Gate Park complete with the same smells. I can close my eyes and almost feel the ocean on my face, air conditioned by God like they say out there. 

But until then, each week it gets better and better. I can tell they're as happy to see me as I am to see them. I get out the pick axe and go to work on the weeds. It's easy to work up a sweat while doing so. And then I whip out my fur-a-lator and go to work on Paolo. Take a look at him! What a beauty he is. I don't think anybody's every brushed his coat. And he is so pleased, he struts around and lets me photograph him like he's posing for the cover of Dog Magazine. He is truly a superstar.

The little girls are so full of kisses, it reminded me of the old Lefty Frizzell song, so I'm including the video at the end of this blog post sung by Dwight Yoakam..the Bakersfield sound of course. I love them so much and think of them all during the week until it's time for another visit, daydreaming of them while I'm hiking the trail. 

                                                           Soundtrack Dwight Yoakam singing Always Late

We are family - get up everybody and sing

Today was one of those best days of my whole life. I went out to the ranch prepared to give the B-4's yard a good cleaning and dig up some more of the submerged blankets. I think I got all of them but one that's lodged under the fence. Next week I'm bringing my knife to cut out the part I dug up.

 
I got Paolo really good and brushed with a lot of his clumpy matts removed. I do not believe he's ever been brushed in all his seven years of life. I must have brushed out a garbage bag full of old dirty clumps. He was so gentle and pleased to have the attention. He just sat and let me comb him for a good 45 minutes. I've still got a ways to go, but plan on making a weekly habit of this. He still doesn't have the treat thing down, but dang, we've got our whole lives to learn, right?

The girls were all over me. Getting their rawhide twirls and some cookies. They got new balls and a rope toy. It was a hit with Paolo which was a big surprise. But, the biggest breakthrough for me was Rza who used to be Dorothy. She and I had a special moment at the end of my visit. She came and sat on my lap and let me hug and kiss on her. This little girl is so loving. She really trusts me and was the last to come around. Oh, but worth the wait. I really love these dogs. They are so very special. Each and every one of them. All four. A family unit.

Don't mess with Texas!