Happy Tails: Maggie

Dear Volunteers of Castaway,

On December 14th, you transported a dog named Shea's litter.  One of those puppies was pup number 8, now called Maggie.  She appreciated the chance you gave her to find her forever home and thought you might like to hear a happy update.  Her forever family walked in the door at Eleventh Hour's Petsmart location in NJ to "just look" as we were searching for a golden retriever puppy to add to our family.  Our three year old wanted a puppy for Christmas and we're a bunch of suckers when it comes to the sad look followed by "please".

Needless to say we filled out a pre-adopt in case we happened to "just look" at someone who might fit.  Then we found Maggie.  Her name was Prancer, she had rolled in something awful in the cage with her brother and sister, and she pee'd on my foot.  All that aside, our 4-year old shepherd mix and her couldn't have cared less that they were laying next to each other.  It was love.

She was approximately 12 pounds when we adopted her December 15th.  She is now 5 months old (by your birthday) and is weighing in at a growing 40.6 pounds.  4 more pounds and she outweighs her new older brother Buddy.  She is a menace when it comes to jumping, but we're working on her manners with puppy training courses.  (She already graduated her first basic course.)  She's proficient in leave it, stay, and sit.  Down and go to place need some more work.  As she is most likely a pit mix, we're working to have her achieve the status of canine good citizen so she can be an ambassador for the breed.  She plays gently with our son, nipping him when he gets out of line but never breaking skin or leaving any red marks.  She plays like crazy with Buddy in our 1/2 acre fenced yard, and she sleeps (depending on the night and her mood) either on our bed, a fluffy dog bed next to our bed, or in her crate with her favorite blankets.

She is gorgeous, crazy, and beyond all she's our new little princess. She charms everyone she meets, and we wouldn't trade her for anything.  Thank you for taking Shea and her babies into your shelter and giving us the chance to find our new fur baby.  I have attached a few pictures for you so you can see how she's doing since moving to NJ.  The first is her with her new big brother Buddy, the second is her in one of her favorite spots (the bed).

Thanks again!
Erin, Rich, Ryan, Buddy, and Maggie

Help Us Help Bluey

Bluey, a Pibble Mix,  was pulled by Castaway Critters Pet Rescue from death row at a high kill shelter.  The ACO assured Castaways Bluey was good with other dogs.   Bluey went into a very experienced foster home where he was doing well with the other older dogs but then two pups were brought into the foster home and Bluey did not do so well with them. The puppies are fine but Bluey needs a little help.  Bluey was scheduled to go to our rescue friends in NJ but since he is somewhat dog aggressive his invitation has been put on hold.  Bluey's current fosters are not able to keep him past 3/31 and all of our other fosters have smaller dogs or puppies in their care so Bluey can not go to them. We are in a difficult spot but there is a small glimmer of help and hope.  A very good trainer near Castaways has offered to take Bluey into his program for the 6 weeks of training to help Bluey with his aggressions but there is the cost of the training and boarding at the trainer's.  It will cost $1200 to help Bluey and we just do not have the funds because of all the sick, HW+, senior dogs we have rescued recently.  We want to do what is best for Bluey and we feel the trainer is what is best to help Bluey have a great life as Bluey is a wonderful dog with humans of all sizes.

We know everyone is bombarded every day with requests for help and we hesitate to add our voices to the fray but we have to if we are going to help Bluey.  We need to raise the $1200 as soon as possible so Bluey can start his training. If you would like to donate to help Bluey please paypal your donations to castawaycrittersrescue@gmail.com or if you prefer you can use our Razoo page (please note they only take credit cards.) http://www.razoo.com/story/Help-Bluey-The-Pittie-Mix-Pay-For-His-Training?referral_code=share

We are a 501(c)3 so all donations are fully deductible according to the rules of the IRS. Thank you for helping us help Bluey.

Dog of the Month: FeeBee

Meet pretty girl Feebee. She is approx. 2 years old and was rescued from a high kill animal control facility. We think she is a Mountain Cur/Boxer mix, she weighs about 40 pounds. She is very sweet, loving, loves to run and play. She has a wonderful personality, is good with other dogs and would be great with kids! Feebee is spayed, vaccinated and ready for a forever home. If you think Feebee may be the right girl for you, call Nancy at 706-835-1828 today! Also, go to castaway-critters.org to see more dogs and cats ready for adoption.

As our featured Dog of the Month, adoption fees are half the normal amount. However, if you don't have room for another kitty or doggie and would like to sponsor instead, please call 706-781-3992 or email for more information. You can always go to castaway-critters.org to see more of the pets at the shelter waiting for homes.

Cat of the Month: Guppy

This is Guppy.  He was thrown away in a large trash bag, tied shut, and full of garbage.  He was rescued when a woman was putting her own garbage in a street side dumpster and saw the black bag moving.  She gave him a bath before she brought him to us because he was so filthy.  We have rarely met a sweeter, more loveable cat!  Guppy is a young male with really amber eyes, beautiful coloring and maybe a year old.  He is friendly, playful, affectionate and well mannered.  Purrfect for any home.  He is the sweetest boy!

As our featured Pet of the Month, adoption fees are half the normal amount. However, if you don't have room for another kitty or doggie and would like to sponsor instead, please call 706-781-3992 or email for more information. You can always go to castaway-critters.org to see more of the pets at the shelter waiting for homes.

Happy Tails: Taffy

We received an update on Taffy: Taffy and her new brother Elvis are doing great. He is getting bigger and he drives her crazy as you would expect a puppy to do. But she tolerates it and when she is done tolerating she growls or snaps and he rolls over on his back. I’ts so cute but then seconds later he is back pulling at her neck again! It will be funny to see how they are when he is 3 times her size! But for now she can push him around.

They tease Mary the goat by playing with her outside and then they run into the dog door and Mary can’t get through inside the home. It’s all just too funny. But Taffy plays with little Elvis like a dog should. She’s going back to being a dog and it’s so refreshing to see.  

 

Taffy is so pretty and she gets so excited when guests come over. She runs in a circle in the yard and wiggles herself in half like only pitties can do! She’s awesome!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Tails: Chucky

We recently received a quick note and some pictures from one of our adopters.

"You called him Chucky, we named him J.J. but everyone now calls him 'Snicker Doodle.'  Go figure." Stan & Rita

 

 

 

 

We are Here to Rescue

In the world of animal rescue, as in other fields, there are things that go on that the public does not realize. Most people think when they relinquish an animal to a rescue, shelter or humane society, that compassionate people will take and care for that animal and it will be safe until they find it a new forever home...on a beautiful farm with rolling fields of clover.

The reality usually is no such thing. Just because they are a shelter or rescue does not mean that your animal will make it out with its life. Most shelters and rescues have a board of directors that governs their intake and functions. There are few state-governing rules. Each shelter or rescue can decide which animals they will take for admission; and depending on the shelter, limit themselves to the young, pretty, and easily-adoptable.  Shelters now label themselves either “low kill” or “no kill” to make it sound better for the public...yet each term can be deceiving. Low kill means the rescue or shelter will not kill one animal to make room for another, or will only euthanize for severe injury or illness or both. No kill means they will not kill unless it’s to end suffering. However, it’s all subjective and dependent on the individual shelter and their mission. But some shelters get around this in a creative way by calling in animal control to pick up animals that do not conform to their admission criteria, therefore maintaining their no kill status.

 

This is not to say all rescues, shelters and humane societies are poor and inhumane. There are some that work diligently to save and rescue as many animals as possible from neglect and death—and go above and beyond to help them all. We urge you to learn how the rescues and shelters in your neighborhood really operate before ever depending upon them to find a forever home for any pet that crosses your path.

 

At Castaways, each and every soul is worthy of our love and compassion no matter the breed, age, or health. We are here to rescue.

 

 

 

Storey's Story

Storey's Story

For three weeks a stray dog was running loose by the Dollar Store in Hiawassee GA. She was injured, needed medical attention, and to get to a safe place. People tried to help her but she was so scared she did not let anyone get near her. One of the Castaways volunteers had an idea to put up some fencing to try to corral her--it took a bit but it finally worked!! 

She was rushed to one of our vet partners where it was determined she, now named Storey, needed to have surgery ASAP to try to save her leg. Without any thought to how the bills would be paid and funds raised, Storey had emergency surgery to try to repair her broken femur. A pin was put into her leg and everyone thought all was going to be well. 

Sadly, a week later Storey had to have her leg amputated. The bone was too fragile, the pin did not hold and the decision was made to remove her leg. Storey did well during the surgery and is recovering in an experienced foster home. 

We hate to ask again, but we really could use a little help to pay Storey's bill. The bill before the amputation was $976.85, we don’t know what it will end up being, but it was worth every penny.  We appreciate any and all donations. Our Paypal address is castawaycrittersrescue@gmail.com or if you would like to use another option please check out our Razoo page. Thank you.

KINDLE FIRE HD 8.9 RAFFLE

We are truly and utterly blessed to have a wonderful person who has donated a Kindle Fire HD 8.9 to us so we can hold a raffle to help pay some of the ENORMOUS vet bills we nave incurred recently from sick and injured new arrivals. It is not an unwanted gift and will be shipped directly from Amazon to the winner of the Kindle. The value of the Kindle Fire HD is $299.00 There will only be 1000 tickets sold to make the odds of winning higher. The winning number will be drawn by a computer program so there will not be any human involvement with choosing the winning ticket. Tickets are only $5 each....yes, only $5 so for the price of a cup of Starbucks you can help the cats and dogs in out care and have a chance to win a Kindle Fire HD 8.9 The raffle will run from 6pm EST Monday, February 11, 2013 until 6pm Monday, Feb 18, 2013. If you would like to buy ticket please paypal your ticket money to castawaycrittersrescue@gmail.com or you if prefer not to use paypal you can use your credit card via our Razoo page http://www.razoo.com/story/Castaway-Critters-Pet-Rescue

Cat of the Month: Lacy

Meet our Cat of the Month: Lacy is a beautiful young cat who came to us when she was abandoned along with her two 3-week old kittens.  Lacy has completed the job of raising her babies and is now in need of a good, loving and forever home.  Lacy is as sweet as it gets.  She loves people, is very affectionate, has perfect manners, is still young and playful, but is also quiet.  She is spayed and current on her vaccinations. Lacy would be perfect for any home and she will be here at the shelter waiting for you!

 

As our featured Pets of the Month, adoption fees are half the normal amount. However, if you don't have room for another kitty or doggie and would like to sponsor instead, please call 706-781-3992 or email for more information. You can always go to castaway-critters.org to see more of the pets at the shelter waiting for homes.

Dog of the Month: Bam Bam

Meet our Dog of the Month: Bam Bam is a male American Bulldog/Mastiff mix. He is 5-6 years old and nearly 75 pounds. This poor boy had a life of neglect and starvation. He came in very thin, his bones showing, but that did not break his spirit. He is a happy dog and loves everyone. He is actually a big baby that thinks he can sit on your lap! He loves to play and is not rough, a large fenced yard would be ideal for outdoor time. He likes to chase a ball and is just a gentle giant. Because of his size, older children would be better with him. A nice soft comfy bed for when he is inside, he has some arthritis and hip issues. He has big brown eyes that plead for you to just give him love, attention and a forever home to spend his golden years. He is housebroken, has a nice temperament. This good boy is at the shelter, hoping for a loving warm home to spend the rest of his life!

 

As our featured Pets of the Month, adoption fees are half the normal amount. However, if you don't have room for another doggie and would like to sponsor instead, please call 706-781-3992 or email for more information. You can always go to castaway-critters.org to see more of the pets at the shelter waiting for homes.

 

Happy Tails - Tootsie

Dear Friends at Castaway Critters! 

We just wanted to let you know that we feel especially blessed this year because of you!  When you rescued Tootsie and brought her to Blairsville, little did you know how happy she would make this family!  Little did I know-- when we picked up that little skinny, crippled, aloof kitty--what a blessing she would be to us. 

Tootsie has become the King of this house.  She is the most loving, sweet kitty I have ever seen.  She has us wrapped around her finger (paws), at her every beck and call, and she also returns the attention.  She talks to us constantly.  She has become a full time lap kitty, in one of our laps all the time.  She is so smart; she opens all the closet doors to make sure that our shoes are all there (she loves shoes) and plays with them. She was excited at Christmas and got into her stocking early and took out all the toys and treats.  Then she enjoyed the day with family and wrapping paper! 

I don't know if things happen because they are meant to be, but I truly believe that she was meant for us.  She healed that loss of our very old kitty and hopefully we healed her pain.  If every person out there just took a moment to take in an animal that had no home for their forever pet, the world would be a happier place.  Having that unconditional love from an animal is all we need to reassure us that life is good and there's always hope. 

We just wanted to tell you what angels you are to these rescued animals that bring so much love back to a petless home.  So thankful to have our Tootsie Kitty!  She is truly a blessing to us and it is because of dedicated people like you!

Thanks,
Donna and John, Tootsie's parents

(Editors note: Tootsie is the cat that came to us with multiple broken bones and had been shot by a pellet gun.)

Cat Recap for 2012

CCPR handled 274 cats during 2012, including a beginning number of 80.  146 were adopted, compared to 98 for the previous year.  We sent 40 to NJ on transport for adoption there.  As of January 1, 2013 we had 67 at the shelter.  We also have 9 in foster, two of which are in 'permanent' foster and two pre-adopted.  All in all, 2012 was a very successful year for cats at CCPR!  Of the cats adopted this year, some had been at the shelter since 2009.  Finally, they are in homes!  These include:

 

• Daphne
• Rhonda
• Shelly
• Smoky
• Sweetheart
• Sweetie Pie
• Savannah

 

All of our cats that came in as moms have been adopted with the exception of Lacy, who has just finished nursing her two babies.

 

Let's make 2013 even better!

Santa Paws - What great fun!

 
 
 

Here is a great slideshow showing the Castaway Critters Pet Rescue cats and kittens enjoying their treats and toys from the Santa Paws Drive.  Thank you to the elves for organizing the Santa Paws Drive and thank you to everyone who donated to make this a spectacular holiday for our shelter cats and dogs. http://youtu.be/CpaHfpWGQkU

More cat cuteness-- a short video of the cats receiving their toys and treats from Santa Paws Drive http://youtu.be/Na7WLB3JUg8

Housetraining an Adult Dog

In working with rescued dogs, we come across many who have not been properly housetrained.  It might not be something you think about until you’re in the situation, but it’s certainly not limited to puppies. So whether you’re taking care of a stray, fostering or if you adopt an older dog, you just might need to teach an old dog some new tricks.

First, let’s premise this by saying if you have an older dog, inappropriate soiling may be a medical problem and not lack of proper manners, so a vet visit might be in order.

Otherwise, teaching an adult dog to become housetrained is no different than teaching a puppy.

• Establish a regular schedule for feeding, play and potty times and stick to it. What goes into your Doggie on a schedule will also come out on a schedule. 
• Take Doggie outside frequently. Puppies need to go every two hours, but a healthy adult dog should be able to hold his bladder for up to eight hours (after he learns he’s supposed to).
• Pick a potty spot outside and always take Doggie to the same location for bathroom breaks.
• Pick a phrase like “go potty” to use while Doggie is going so that he will learn what the term means.
• Reward Doggie with praise or a treat immediately after he’s done going, not after he’s back in the house.
• Follow this with a long walk or some play time.
• Be diligent and supervise Doggie when he’s in the house and don’t give him an opportunity to have an accident. You may consider tethering him to a nearby piece of furniture with a six-foot leash so the moment he shows signs of restlessness you can quickly and easily take him outside. 
• Signs of having to go include barking or scratching at the door, squatting, sniffing or circling.

 Accidents will happen! When they do:

• Interrupt Doggie when you catch him in the act by making a noise that will startle—but not scare—him.
• Say “OUTSIDE” and immediately take him to his potty spot.
• Don’t punish Doggie for having an accident. Rubbing his nose in it, scolding him or any other punishment will make him afraid of you or afraid to go potty in your presence.

This is just the tip of the iceberg.  Please visit the following Humane Society of the United States web pages for more information http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/housetraining_puppies.html or http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/housetraining_adult_dogs.html

  

Cat of the Month: Twinkles

Meet our Cat of the Month: Twinkles is a young and gorgeous medium length haired male with a very laid-back, sweet disposition. Twinkles loves people and loves to give love.  He is well mannered and very well socialized with other cats.  He arrived with a damaged eye, which is just a bit cloudy.  He is perfect in every other way, Twinkles would love to be your boy. He is neutered and current on his vaccinations . He would like you to call Nancy if you are interested in giving him a loving forever home! Her number is 706-835-1828. 

As our featured Cat of the Month, adoption fees are half the normal amount. However, if you don't have room for another kitty and would like to sponsor instead, please call 706-781-3992 or email for more information. You can always go to castaway-critters.org to see more of the pets at the shelter waiting for homes.

Featured Dog of the Month: Cadbury

Cadbury came to us as a stray and would like nothing better than starting out 2013 in a home of his own. He is approximately 4-5 years old, so he’s done with all of the puppy stages. He is a hound mix and weighs roughly 30-35 lbs. A fenced yard would be a plus, along with a nice soft bed.

As our featured Dog of the Month, adoption fees are half the normal amount. However, if you don't have room for another kitty or doggie and would like to sponsor instead, please call 706-781-3992 or email for more information. You can always go to castaway-critters.org to see more of the pets at the shelter waiting for homes.

2012 Adoptions

Here’s a great pictorial review of some of the adoptions that took place at CCPR during 2012. Enjoy!

http://youtu.be/D6U4mAToRc4