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!

It's all about Ace

Ace's intake photo at Dogtown

I didn't rescue Ace. That was all on Angela Sera, my good friend and the executive director of Dogtown Ranch Sanctuary, Rescue & Rehab. Angela does some very good work. In fact, Dogtown Ranch is the last home on the block for many dogs saved from very high kill shelters. Both Angela and Reunion Rescue save California and Texas dogs. I never thought I'd see the day when California was worse off than Texas, but we have arrived, folks. It's a very sad situation.
Let's back up a little bit here. Reunion was founded in San Francisco, but we relocated back to Texas in 2005. However, I felt

Ace in California shelter

it was unfair to leave a void so continue to try and help out California dogs. Our website is also geared with the same training and health resources we've used for years to save lives. We can't save them all, but we can share easy to use and inexpensive techniques to help pet owners and fellow advocates, shelters and other rescue orgs. The goal is to get this information into the hands of the public and keep animals out of our overcrowded shelters.

Angela rescues on a much grander scale than Reunion. She has implemented a lot of the holistic practices into her own curriculum of which new rescue boy Ace is spotlighted in this blog. Ace arrived at Dogtown sick, depressed, shut down and full of fleas. He was an owner surrender and dumped in an extremely high kill shelter. Not going to mention the shelter, but all they sent along with Ace was one flea pill. He was misrepresented to Angela which caused a multitude of problems. Nobody let her know there was a bite on his record. This would've helped avoid many issues including how to set him up to begin his transition work at Dogtown. Angela is a trained and certified behaviorist and no newcomer to the rescue rodeo.

Ace had completely given up. His eyes, filled with despair, were glassed over. There was simply no way to communicate with Ace, a dog who'd turned himself off to human contact. That's when I got involved. When I saw those eyes, something inside me set off an alarm. Here was an animal who'd ceased wanting to live, who'd given up on life. Somewhere, somehow, somebody had stolen his hope. Anybody that doesn't believe dogs feel hope can look into Ace's first intake photo and reevaluate their opinion.

I sent Angela three items I use on all incoming PTSD dogs, Animal Relief, Emergency stock and CBD (each linked to our Health Page with item description and how the essences cure the body.) We'd already been through this with the Bakersfield 4 and the South Texas senior bait dogs, Floyd and Dino with great results. I'm a big believer in good dog training, but not until the body has been healed. You are basically throwing your money away, and believe me, I've been that route and am speaking from experience.

Ace does a turnaround

Patti received the gift of animal communication from Benny years ago when we pulled him from Turlock and she fostered him. He went from being a horribly abused dog to King of the Kompound at Doug the Dogwalker's spread where he spent a glorious life. Patti began a reading with Ace, but was immediately shut down. All he would acknowledge was he was done with all humans, including her. Patti is great at this work. I know, because every case has been spot on. She's helped cure so many animals of behavior and medical issues. Patti knew what to do...call on the Reunion guardians. These are beings who in some way or another have been associated with myself or with Reunion. The head honcho is Penny, my mother's dog she had for 23 years growing up. I never 'knew' Penny in the flesh as he passed on before I was born. Only recently have I found out Penny has been watching over me all these years. In fact, I'm writing a new book Penny and Me.

Ace opened up just a tiny little bit to the RR guardians. He needed White Willow Bark added to his food along with Arnica Montana, the homeopathy to address his inflammation. In addition to the healthy food he'd been getting since arriving at Dogtown thanks to Tomlinson's Lakeway and 2222. We believe that a good quality diet is responsible not only for the physical body, but also behavior issues. Amazingly, the guardians were right. Angela texted a photo the next day and you could see a remarkable change in Ace's demeanor. His eyes had hope. I'm not animal communicator, but I've seen enough shut down dogs to know what a turnaround looks like.

The RR guardians checked in daily to report Ace was opening up to their communications with him. They told him about Dogtown, about Reunion Rescue and how some people were good people and he was with the good ones now. He told them he was "cranky" from his "discomfort"...his words. The guardians stayed the course. They said they are "determined to help him" and added he was "decompressing." The also said he was "calmer tonight."

Before I could send the update messages to Angela, she sent new Ace photos and video. She moved him to a new area filled with lots of hay. He got a romp outside, with potty and lots of sniffing around. His neighbors Rottie on one side and Chunk on the other are new friends. Ace really likes Rottie. He played in the new sweet-smelling hay before bedding down last night. He is on the road to recovery, Ace is. And one more thing. He has a reason to get up in the morning. Ace has hope.

Little dogs big save in Texas

 It took two big-hearted rescues working together in Austin, Texas area to save 10 chihuahuas in dire need the other day. SAFE Refuge of Central Texas and The Dogslanding House rescue organizations did the impossible and combined their efforts to save 10 dogs. In a world full of overfilled shelters killing dogs for space every day to the tune of 9000 companion pets a day, these two wonderful groups made sure these dogs would never see the inside of a kill shelter.

An anonymous call came in regarding the dogs. A concerned neighbor was worried for their welfare and in fear for the dogs' lives. Starvation was a huge factor. To the rescue were the directors of SAFE Refuge and The Dogslanding House to get these little ones to safekeeping.

What a little care and loving can do...just see for yourself. 

And please sign up for the new Reunion Rescue newsletter - organizing to #savelives just like the Bakersfield 4. 

BEFORE:

The dogs are all getting new names, medical care. Good food, baths...and lots and lots of loving care for the first time in their little lives.

AFTER:

Both these groups The Dogslanding House and SAFE Refuge of Central Texas need your help. You can donate, volunteer, foster and adopt....please visit them on their webistes - Facebook pages - Instagram and share share share...

SAFE Refuge Facebook

SAFE Refuge Instagram

 

Dogslanding House Rescue Facebook

Dogslanding House Rescue Instagram

 

 

Please adopt and don't shop. Thanks to all the backyard breeders, thousands like these little ones don't have the luxury of being saved by a great rescue group. There just aren't enough rescues to meet the demands of over-breeding companion pets.

 

What a glorious girly day with the Bakersfield 4

We had such a good time today. It was hot and sunny and lots of breakthroughs. Apollo who I'm calling Paolo with a huge bad Italian accent just got neutered Wednesday so he's still getting his sea legs back. Ruben was in Hesperia on a dog run and so it was Angela and me and Rza, Sza and Cardi B. Up until today, Rza who used to be Dorothy just stood looking at me and barking nonstop. I get it. She, like the others, has been hurt and abused very badly. I just tell her, it's okay. I know it's going to take a while. Just for her to take her time and we'll get to be friends sooner or later. Well today was a a very special day. Today she let me hug her and took treats from me. A big big moment for me. 

Also another thing happened...Apollo née Paolo learned to eat a cookie. That might not sound like big deal, but for me and Apollo dash Paolo..Paolo..it was huge. I had to gently hold him under the chin while he chewed and looked into my eyes. A very special time today. Each day they get more and more relaxed. Caty at the shelter had to take Rza and Sza out together as they were so bonded. Now that they're feeling secure in their new world, Rza is able to roam the yard like a little office manager, making sure everything's under control while Sza hangs out with sometimes Apollo and sometimes Cardi and sometimes wandering over to see what kinda cookies there are. She's a real cookie hound. Her thing is to take the cookie, eat it and the minute she's through, start barking at you.

And please sign up for the new Reunion Rescue newsletter - organizing to #savelives just like the Bakersfield 4. 

If you just believe...the Bakersfield 4

I want to say the Bakersfield bunch was waiting for me today. Maybe it's my wishful thinking or maybe it's for real. I got to Angela and Ruben's with some delicious food donations from Tomlinson's thank you so much! I brought along a box of the tiny Milk Bones, 'cause that's what the girls like. Most especially Cardi B and Sza. Jury's still out with Rza who pretty much sat in her hole and eyeballed me the whole time. She didn't bark as much as usual, though. Poor Apollo tha' Dog! doesn't get the treat thing. I'm never gonna give up though. This is a dog who's never been treated like a dog.

Funny stuff. Cardi B found a black shiny ball in the swimming pool so I threw it just to see what they'd do. All three girls took off after it and when they got there, just stood and stared at the thing. They'll get it. I sense some ball and some frisbee in these girls' future. 

And please sign up for the new Reunion Rescue newsletter - organizing to #savelives just like the Bakersfield 4. 

They are all so adorable and so precious. I am in love with each one and looking forward to spending my life with them. It will all come together. One step at a time. I'm even giving them nicknames and they haven't even gotten used to their new freedom names yet. I keep calling Apollo tha' Dog Paolo...like in the movie House of Gucci. My favorite favorite character Jared Leto Paolo Paolo Paolo..that accent. We had a good time today and I know Apollo tha' Paolo Dog! thinks I'm crazy. Well..you don't have to be crazy to work here, but.....

And Scott who hasn't even met them yet has given little Cardi B her first nickname...Chaka Kahn Chaka Kahn...yeah, I can see them here in their future. And they will totally consume Scott. He won't know what hit him. These are some adorable dogs. And they are getting more relaxed and learning how good life can be. If you just believe.

 

A lovely day....and the Bakersfield 4

It was a Bill Withers Lovely Day today. I got the pleasure of driving out to spend the day with the Bakersfield kids, Cardi B, Rza and Sza and brother, Apollo tha' Dog! What a gift and how lucky I am they came into my life. These four little broken souls are putting that awful past behind them and learning to be dogs, to smell the green grass and feel the warm sunshine on their coats. Everywhere is blue blue sky and it's so healing. They are in a wonderful place. A place where only love is allowed and real good food thanks to Healthy Pet Tomlinson's and Pet Wants. I wonder if the people at these awesome pet stores know the joy and good healing they are giving these dogs. Thank you so much.

After I got the food unloaded, I got to sit for a moment and catch up with my good friend Angela. She is the proprietor of the rescue where they're boarded. Angela has dedicated her life to saving dogs nobody else would give a chance to. There are so many animals who have great lives today thanks to her. She doesn't have 'angel' in her name by accident. And Ruben. These four adore him. He was busy doing electrical and plumbing work around the sanctuary today and every time he walked by, they dropped what they were doing to say 'hey!' Dogs have a long memory and Ruben is their soulmate for life. 

I sat quietly with them. They're still not quite used to me, so being still and quiet and letting them get to know me is my job. We have all the time in the world. I brought some really really good expensive peanut butter treats and also some Valentine tiny Milk Bones that were the bomb. The girl's really chomped on those and then they were like, 'ok, we'll give those ritzy peanut butter ones a try.' For the life of me, I couldn't get Apollo to take a treat. You know how dogs take something you offer them and don't really want it? He would take one in his mouth to be polite. I could tell. And he'd keep dropping it in the dirt. Finally, the peanut butter ones were soft, so I squished one in my palm and offered it to him. He began to lick it and I could tell he really liked it. When it was gone, I squished another one and he went to licking that one, too until it was gone. And again. Then it hit me. And I was sad. Apollo had never been offered a treat in his life. He didn't know what they even were. All he'd knows was meanness and beatings. I gave him a big hug and told him he could have all the cookies he wanted. All of them could. Just hold off a little until spay and neuter, so the price won't go up for the extra pounds. To help them with moving past their trauma and the torture they endured, my order from Robert McDowell arrived just in time. Two bottles of Animal Botanical arrived just in time for me to bring with me. There's enough for them to each get one dropperful into their food at night. The stuff is amazing and I get it for every incoming dog with issues to overcome.

Here are the photos from the most glorious day. I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Or better company. Again, I am super blessed. 

And please sign up for the new Reunion Rescue newsletter - organizing to #savelives just like the Bakersfield 4. 

 

 

Then I look at you
And the world's alright with me
Just one look at you
And I know it's gonna be
A lovely day