Meet Melanie…

Melanie showed up at the Cumberland County Animal Shelter just a few day ago, preganant as pregnant can be.    She appreared as if she would bust at the seams at any moment’s time.  How ANYONE could turn away an animal in such a condition is beyond our comprehension…Just LOOK at how CUTE she is!!!  And a personality to match!  No beagle bellows or anything – just trying to be a good mom…Melanie is estimated to be between 6 and 7 years…way too old to be having puppies!!!

AARF was going to pull her out on Friday, June 11th, but circumstances beyond our control forced us to push up the date to Monday, June 14th.  When we arrived to pick Melanie up, she had already given birth to 2 beautiful puppies.

In fear of moving her in the midst of labor, we sat down with Melanie for 3 hours and helped her with the next two…

Appearing as if she was having trouble with the 5th, we contact Best Friends Veterinary hospital, who suggested we bring her in for an evaluation.  We got Melanie out of the car, where she sniffed around for a while and ran around in the fresh, green grass, and then proceeded to bring her indoors.  She squatted on the “Welcome” mat and urinated, and one of our junior volunteers looked down and said “Hey…is that a tail?”.  Within seconds, she birthed her 5th baby, right on the welcome mat at Best Friends.  Dr. Parker came running out the door, along with a number of vet techs.  Dr Parker took the baby to the back immediately, which the Vet techs guided us into the examination room with Melanie.

Dr. Parker explained that it could take quite a while for her to birth all of the puppies that she was planning to deliver…when we asked how many, he did an ultrasound and it was determined that there were another 7 waiting to arrive….12 PUPPIES total!!! 

We packed up Melanie and her pups once again and headed to her foster home in Cookeville.  Upon arriving, she went into the grass to birth 2 more – 1 still born, the second lively and healthy.  A group of volunteers went indoors to setup her pen immediately, while another group worked with Melanie to clean up the one living pup.

We got Melanie setup in her pen with her babies, where she proceded to have another 2 pups back to back.  After sitting with her for a little while, the volunteers decided that it was time to take a short break to eat.  Upon arriving back downstairs, 2 additional pups had been born – only 1 remaining.   Everyone else had left and her foster mom was rubbing her tummy, when the final pup was born at 10:30PM. 

Melanie and her 11 pups are doing pretty well.  There was only a problem with one pup who Melanie continued to reject.  This male pup was transferred today to a foster mom who will bottle feed and try everything in her power to save his life.  She said that he is strong and healthy, but just needs an extra push right now.

Please remember….when it comes time for all of these pups to be able to go home, Melanie will be able to go home as well…many people overlook the mama dogs and go straight to the puppies…when in actuality, you are getting a MUCH better dog from a mama dog than you would from one of her pups.  As Melanie says “I know you love my puppies….but I’m Cute TOO!”.  Think adult adoption!

Northeast Ohio SPCA has agreed to take another 40 dogs from the Upper Cumberland, giving them a guaranteed great life in an approved, loving forever home.  These animals had previouly been overlooked in this region and were all scheduled for euthanasia.  Take a look at some of the lucky faces below….thanks to the generosity of local land and building owners who give AARF free space to house puppies while they await transport, euthanasia was not an option for these babies!  Out of the 40 total, A.A.R.F. is sending 22 of their foster animals, A Time for Paws is sending 9, and Cumberland County Animal Shelter is sending 9.

In 3 weeks times, A.A.R.F. has rescued 69 cats and kittens scheduled for euthanasia at the Cookeville Putnam County Animal Shelter.  Euthanasia will continue until those allowing their pets to reproduce step up and get their pets fixed (Humane Society of Putnam County Spay and Neuter Clinic 931-372-2728).   A.A.R.F. makes every attempt to save as many lives as possible, but there are more lives to be saved.  We as a community need to work together – we rely on your for support.  These cats and kittens need medical care….foster homes…and proper housing to contain them while they are in our care.

We have the opportunity to have “Kitten Houses” built for between $200 and $300.  We have the facility to build these houses…we just need the funds.  Currently, we have 10 cats living in condos and cages under an outdoor pavilion because we have yet to raise the money needed to turn our barn into a “No Kill Feline Facility”.  Please…take a look at the video below and see how your donations can help.

As most of you are aware, A.A.R.F. recently rescued a TON of kittens and cats from the animal shelter in an attempt to give them the time they need to find a home.  And as most of you are aware, we are no strangers to asking the public for assistance with supplies needed to save these lives.  But it is a rare occurrence when people come to us and ask us if they can HELP US!

Kelly Darty, manager of the PETCO store in Cookeville called A.A.R.F. director, Jennifer Farley today asking if the PETCO foundation could lend some emergency assistance with helping A.A.R.F. with their ever growing number of feline fosters!  Within 2 hours, the request was approved by Executive Director of the PETCO Foundation, Paul Jolly, and A.A.R.F. volunteers were loading up merchandise needed for the rehabilitation and comfort of these foster felines! 

“I was speechless!”, said Jennifer Farley, A.A.R.F. Director and President when asked what her reaction was when she found out the request was approved.  “I felt like a kid in a candy store, only afraid to touch anything in fear that it would all be taken away!”.  Jennifer  and store manager Kelly Darty and her staff compiled a list of supplies needed to tend to these kittens and cats, and prepare for the next batch that is certain to be coming in shortly.  Supplies donated include over 400lbs of dry cat and kitten food, bowls, litter scoops, litter pans, cleaning supplies, nutritional substitutes, toys, shampoo, beds, hammocks for condos, scratching posts, a cat condo to separate ill from healthy kittens, milk replacement for the tiny babies, litter deoderizer, nearly 600 cans of cat and kitten food, Advantage Flea topical for cats, cat treats, and 400lbs of cat litter. 

Jennifer states that she has heard of the wonderful things that the PETCO foundation does to help homeless pets get the help and care that they need, but never imagined that such generosity would come to the rural region of Cookeville, TN.  “I am literally speechless….words cannot express how greatful I am to Kelly Darty, Paul Jolly and all of the others that make PETCO and the PETCO Foundation what it is…there is a Heart behind the PETCO Corporate logo…when help is desperately needed – they are there to assist!  I just encourage everyone to continue shopping at PETCO and supporting this organization…they just made it possible for us to afford to continue on our path to save these cats’ lives”. 

PETCO is located at 377 W Jackson in Cookeville, TN in Jackson Plaza (next to Old Navy).  The store can be reached at 931-526-8994. 

AARF was invited to attend Fairfield Glade’s annual Memorial Day Arts & Craft Show.  The dogs were a hit, as was one kitten brought along…later adopted by one of our board members!  Sissy was adopted, as was Dutch, our little Dachshund – all to good, loving homes. 

This Saturday, June 12, 2010 – we will be holding a VERY special adoptathon – adopting kittens and cats for only $25!!!  All cats and kittens are spayed or neutered, current on vaccinations, tested negative for feline leukemia, FIV and heartworm and have been examined by a veterinarian.  The drop in fees is in response to an overwhelming number of cats and kittens that were recently saved from the Cookeville Putnam County Animal Shelter.  Director Jennifer Farley says “When the shelter calls, we respond – that’s all there is to it.  We are here to support the shelter and save lives – and that’s what we’ll do when they call”.  Jennifer received the call yesterday, June 7th in regarding to a massive intake of nearly 100 felines in 3 days.  Working through the night, she and volunteer and avid cat lover Luann Allen came up with a plan to house cats in a variety of places – many unconventional, but desperate times call for desperate measures.  Contributing to the latest rescue was the Humane Society of Putnam County Spay Neuter Clinic, who called Jennifer early today offering additional appointments for un-fixed kittens, making any spaces available in the kitten room.

Visit AARF at PETCO this Saturday to adopt your very own bundle of joy at a price you can afford!  These felines DESPERATELY need homes – please spread the word!

In addition, AARF is seeking the following in regard to assistance with these felines:

Cat Litter, Dry Kitten Food, Canned Kitten Food, Frontline Plus, Monetary contributions for vaccinations and medications (many of these cats need antibiotics quickly!), Monetary contributiong to cover the cost of the reduced adoption fees, large wire crates, large cat condos/enclosures, building materials to create additional cat and kitten houses.

For more information about this project, please call Jennifer at 931-260-8018.

As many of you are aware, northern shelters don’t have the problems that we do…people there understand the need for spay/neuter and their shelters are therefore empty.  When we received a last minute call from our friends at the Ohio SPCA, we jumped at the opportunity to send animals who were begging for their lives to a place where adoption would literally happen quickly!

A.A.R.F. pulled a dozen dogs from the Cookeville Putnam County Animal Shelter, and Cumberland County Animal Control Shelter moved 28 from their shelter.  Thanks to Karen McMeekin for pulling this all together and making this happen!

After spending years and years used from Breeding, living under unknown conditions to A.A.R.F., Phoebe has been transformed into a beautiful, happy and delightful little creature!  Upon arrival, Phoebe was scared and hesitant about just about everything….except for her foster mom, Jennifer.  She even snapped once or twice out of fear.  But luckily, she learned quick and is now following her foster brothers and sisters around, and even playing with some of the smaller dogs in her foster home!  She LOVES to jump and dance….she will just jump and jump until Jennifer puts her arm down for Phoebe to clasp onto.  She gives lots of doggie kisses and loves to sleep in the bed….although she also enjoys sleeping under the bed as well.  Phoebe has transformed into such an amazing character and will make someone a wonderful pet for years to come. 

MANY MANY THANKS! to Stephanie LaFever with Cookeville Canine – Stephanie invited Phoebe into the shop for a “Day at the Spa” and Phoebe returned to us looking like a brand new woman!  Jennifer barely recognized her upon arrival!!!  Stephanie did an AMAZING job and Phoebe thoroughly enjoyed herself!!!

From Cookeville Canine’s Website:  Cookeville Canine is dedicated to serving all our furry friends and the many people who love them. We strive to be the finest Dog and Pet Kennel in the Cookeville, Tennessee area. Come check out our Boarding facilities and we’re sure you will agree your Pet will have the best care in the Upper Cumberland area. Our Trainer is a certified graduate of West Virginia Canine College. We strongly belive that a well trained Dog creates an enjoyable and less stressful home environment, not to mention a better ,safer community. It can also help strengthen the bond between you and your dog. When you trust us with the care of your pet, rest assured we will make sure their stay is Safe, Enjoyable, and Caring.

You can reach Cookeville Canine by telephone at 931-537-BARK or through their website at http://www.cookevillecanine.com/.

Here are some before and after shots of Phoebe!  She is actually WHITE!!!!

So imagine this….you’re living out in the county where it is rare that you see anything out of the ordinary cross your yard…It starts to rain….then it start to hail….the wind picks up….and out of the corner of your eye, you see something moving in field outside your front window…it takes a moment to sink in that it is not a wild animal, but rather a dog.  That is what happened to a Baxter family recently, during this past week’s storms.  Like many folks, they were torn…should we try to help him or just let him find his way home….?  Seeing as how terrible the storm was, they ran outdoors and tried to save the life of this beautiful creature.

After bringing him into their basement, they realized that this boy had been on his own for quite some time….

A.A.R.F. volunteers showed up the following day and transported him to our veterinarian, Best Friends in Crossville, TN.  He received a comprehensive physical, which showed that aside from being a bit underweight and full of intestinal parasites, he was pretty healthy…but then they looked at his ear.  What we believed to be matted, was actually an abscess.  They immediately operated and were fearful that they may not be able to save the ear. 

We contacted the family who found him, who were so concerned about his well being….they told us a story that on the night of his arrival, he was so incredibly terrified, but eventually followed their son into their basement.  He ate some food and drank 2 bowls of water….as almost a “thank you”, he picked up a rag that was laying on the floor and layed it in their son’s lap….he thanked “Fred” by giving him some pats on the head and a few hugs.  “Fred” loved it so much, he went searching until he found a second rag to bring to him once again.  He knew that he was safe. 

One of the vet techs at Best Friends, Beth, volunteered to foster Fred while he was recovering from his operation.  His bandages needed changing daily and everything must be done properly, otherwise his ear could be lost. 

A week later, Fred is doing very well, and it appears that his ear will be saved!!!

A.A.R.F. is proud to announce our newest partnership with White County Animal Control!  They Operate a Shelter at 5600 Gum Springs Mountain Road in Sparta, TN.  Google it….you will never find it otherwise.  Mike, the director, can be reached at 931-510-3604 or 931-761-3647.  Because this is an animal control facility, the staff may be out on a call – so it is recommended that you call before making the trip out.  Mike is very anxious about getting more dogs adopted out of his shelter and saving more lives – AND – a new policy has been implemented that all animals MUST be spayed or neutered prior to adoption.  This is FABULOUS progress for this shelter and this county, and we are so glad to be on board.  All of White County Animal Control Animals can be viewed on our site as well their petfinder site.  Please visit www.whitecountytn.petfinder.com for directions, contact information and to see all of the WONDERFUL dogs available for adoption.