november 2010 renaissance poodles · 2010-11-03 · the newsletter of prne november 2010 2 welcome...

November 2010

Renaissance Poodles The Newsletter of Poodle Rescue of New England

Welcome Note…by Mahala Beams

In this issue: Loving Freddie…………………… page 1 In Memoriam: Alix..……………… page 9 How You Can Help………………. page 3 Update on Annie..…..…………...... page 9 PRNE Picnic 2010………………... page 4 The Dog Chapel..……….………… page 10 A Special Poodle…………………. page 5 Ask Andrew………………………. page 11 Cooking 101.……………………... page 6 Halloween Gallery……………….. page 12 Congrats to New Therapy Dogs….. page 6 How not to Greet a Dog………….. page 13 Holiday Gifts….………………….. page 7 Mailbox…………………………… page 14 Spotlight on a Volunteer.…………. page 8

Loving Freddie… by Leslie Ludlam

It has been about a year and a half since we adopted Freddie and there has not been one dull moment! Not all the moments have been easy or fun but they have all definitely been worth the effort. Loving Freddie has expanded all of our worlds.

Freddie is great, busy and silly and unruly as ever! He has discovered a new, favorite pastime – trying to flush a mouse from my backyard hose-reel. Oh yeah, and he’s taken to talking to me!

The hose-reel bit is pretty funny. Freddie sniffed the mice out last spring and has been trying, with reasonable success, to evict them ever since. On any given day he can be found with his head in the hose-reel box, digging under the box, or generally

Continued on page 2

In almost every welcome note, particularly in the last few difficult years, Poodle Rescue of New England has made a plea to supporters of PRNE for help. And, yes, again we hope that you will contribute in any way you can to insure that poodles in need of rescue receive the rehabilitation and health care they need so that they can move on to new and loving homes. (For ideas about how you can help, see page 3.)

However, in keeping with the spirit of the approaching Thanksgiving holiday, we would like to take time at the end of this lovely fall season to recognize and to offer heartfelt thanks to all of the many volunteers who have worked so very hard in one way or another to support the work of Poodle Rescue of New England in the past months.

PRNE’s many volunteers include those who have faithfully represented PRNE at PETCO stores in the area on two Saturdays each month, those who have represented PRNE at other events such as the Pet Rock Festival, and those who have taken the initiative to organize new fund raising events for PRNE such as the spring Woof Walk. (For a report on the first annual Woof Walk, see page 3 of the August 2010 Newsletter).

Then there are the generous veterinarians, groomers and trainers who have offered their services to PRNE dogs for steep discounts and sometimes for free. Others have regularly provided appealing prizes for the annual PRNE raffle such as the use of vacation homes for a get-away prize. And others like Shannon Bahrke of Silver Bean Coffee have offered a portion of the proceeds from the sale of their products to benefit the work of PRNE. Longtime supporter of rescue organizations, PETCO has continued to commit significant funds to PRNE.

In addition, many PRNE supporters attended this year’s annual fall PRNE picnic and helped out by staffing tables, by emceeing

Freddie

Continued on page 2

The Newsletter of PRNE November 2010

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Welcome note… continued from page 1 contests, by offering special services such as nail cutting or by orchestrating other engaging activities. Attendees at the picnic supported contests and vendors generously to benefit PRNE. (For pictures of this fabulous event, see page 4.)

Others have made generous donations to PRNE, some as angels supporting individual dogs on their roads to recovery and adoption.

Still others as fosterers have taken needy dogs into their own homes, sometimes for long periods, to rehabilitate and bring back to health these animals so that they become ready for adoption. And of course many others as adopters have provided permanent homes for these fortunate poodles. In return these deserving dogs have brought great joy to their new families.

To see the breadth of contributions, readers have only to browse this issue of the PRNE Newsletter. To all of you who have supported PRNE’s work so generously in such a variety of ways, we offer our thanks and gratitude on behalf of the many poodles you have helped.

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just stalking the box. He flips open the top, crawls in, grabs the hose and tries to pull it out – puncturing it along the way! When that doesn’t work, he tunnels into the gravel under the box and tries to get at the mouse from the bottom up – that only succeeds in turning Freddie black and earning him a visit to my kitchen sink! Freddie usually succeeds in making the mouse flee the box – to the space between my vinyl siding and the deck stair risers. The action then shifts to the stairs, as Freddie runs up and down, poking and scratching the side of the house. We’ve rescued a number of mice from Freddie so far this year; unfortunately, they all expired! Picture if you will, me in pajamas each night around 9:30, clumping down my deck stairs to snag Freddie, telling him it’s time to let Mr. Mouse go to bed.

He LOVES being outside; even in all the summer heat I have to drag him inside. On cool days Freddie lives perched on my top step, surveying the yard. He’s scared off all the Chipmunks and now is trying to do the same with the woodchucks and rabbits. The rabbits usually have the good sense to flee when he comes out, but woodchucks have got to be the stupidest creatures that haunt back yards.

Consequently, I’ve had to rescue quite a few woodchucks this year from Freddie. He backs them into the corner where the fence joins up and then it’s a standoff. The regular woodchuck is as big as Fred, and he has huge, beaver-like teeth. Freddie has speed on his side, so has never been bitten. I’m the idiot in the middle with the broom and a small, round outdoor table because no one ever seems to be home when we have these encounters. I have to get past Freddie (with the aid of the broom), avoid being bitten in the leg by Chuckles as I drop the table in front of him (again with the aid of the broom), then scoop Freddie and high-tail it out of there.

Loving Freddie… continued from page 1

Freddie

Throughout all this nonsense, Freddie talks to me. He looks at me, cocks his head, and barks. Depending on what he wants, the tone of the bark changes, as does its delivery. He literally talks to me, and if I don’t listen, he comes over and pokes me in the leg until he gets my attention, then starts talking again. The best is when I interrupt him doing something, like when I open the back door to see if he’s finally ripped the siding off my house - he looks up and begins telling me about the latest mouse adventure. Or when he’s chased off the woodchuck, he has to come back and tell me about it. After I let Freddie out when I get home from work, he comes in and follows me around telling me all his news. He tells me when he’s hungry, thirsty, wants out, wants to play, wants Hobbes to play, or just figures I’ve been ignoring him for too long. He is unbelievable!

He’s gotten very close to my daughter Lindsey. He loves to play with her. When she scoops him up, the most amazing look of contentedness comes over him! He is FINALLY letting Jerry reach down and pat him, pick him up, etc. And with Ian – well, things are still a work in progress. They seem to have developed a truce, but I doubt if it will ever go beyond that although if Ian has a tennis ball, he’s Fred’s best friend. But he is still very unpredictable around people, so I usually keep him separated if we have folks over.

I’ve tried three different doggie classes, bought and read a stack of books, tried the clickers and rewards, and the stern types of training and have finally just decided to let him be. I think that what Freddie really needs is tons of love and patience and yes, indulgence. I’m sure he could be browbeaten into doing things, but that just seems so cruel. He has such spirit, and I can’t bear to squash it that way. He definitely suffers from anxiety, which is so much better now, but the issues are there and they do seem to get in the way of his doing even simple things sometimes. He is also clearly intelligent, but incredibly strong willed.

The attitude I have adopted with Freddie is “so what if he won’t sit every time I tell him to.” He comes when I call, he’s loving and silly, and doesn’t try to eat my family or anyone at the groomers. So he won’t win any best-behaved contest, but he might just win the happiest contest if we keep going the way we are, which is more important to me! And he might grow into some of those commands with time. Whatever, we can protect him from the world and his fears, and in return he makes us smile all the time!

Can you tell I love him? ………


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HOW YOU CAN HELP

Plan your own fundraising event such as a car wash, bake sale, or walk-a-thon and donate the proceeds to PRNE. For fundraising ideas and tips, see http://humanefundraising.com/

Become a Poodle Ambassador. Help staff our booth at various events and help raise awareness of PRNE's mission.

Provide A Foster Home.

If you're a professional groomer, offer complimentary or discounted grooming.

Purchase Gracie’s Blend or Poppy’s Blend Coffee or PRNE logo items. They make great gifts.

Sell our Raffle tickets in your Community.

Ask your own groomer if he/she will offer a certain number of complimentary or discounted grooming for PRNE foster dogs.

Offer your services as grant researchers and grant writers.

Secure items to be used in our annual Raffle. Ask friends, family, local merchants for sporting event tickets, gift certificates, products/services, or anything you can think of that would have appeal.

Ask your local pet shop if they will donate food.

Make a Donation Gas gift cards for our transporters

Pet shop gift cards - to buy dog food, leashes, beds etc

Metal Crates or Vari-kennels, all sizes

Stainless steel dog bowls

Nylon martingale collars, nylon flat 4 or 6 foot leashes or "Top Notch" harnesses (See Premier.com for examples)

PRNE Poodle Ambassadors And Other Volunteers

At Work Around New England

Kathy and Cleo at PETCO in Lisbon, CT

Ian with Pogo at The Kennel Shop in Portland, ME Larry with Cleo and Molly at PETCO in Lisbon, CT

Charlee and Bella enjoying a luau at PETCO Unleashed in Wellesley,

Alice creates poodle balloon art


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POODLES GALORE!

The Annual Picnic of Poodle Rescue of New England, Sunday, October 3, at Borderland State Park, was a great success, raising over $1,000 for PRNE!

Contests and such activities as tarot card readings, pet portraits and raffle drawings entertained the enthusiastic crowd.

The brisk fall weather cooperated, and all enjoyed a fabulous time.


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joy. In fact, Frannie is the type of dog who may sometimes prefer the other dogs in her home to the people. She will need a home where the people are not offended by this but rather understand that she is just who she is!

There are many dogs that may not be very well socialized but do well in their own safe home and yard with their own people. These dogs can make wonderful pets, are fun and loving and worthy. Just because they cannot go to the park, to play groups, or walk down a busy street does not mean they are bad dogs.

Poodle Rescue knows there is a perfect home for every dog and finding that home is what we strive to do, even if it takes some time.

Are you the special person who might provide that loving home for Frannie?

Frannie has been looking for a home for a long time now. Sure, she has some special needs, but she’s also got infinite love and devotion to give in return.

Frannie was rescued from a backyard breeder along with about thirty other dogs. Lots of the dogs were neglected, mentally and physically. Luckily for Frannie, she was so young, about six months of age, that she had not yet developed the health problems associated with neglect.

Unfortunately for Frannie, however, she was not well socialized when she came into foster care. She remains extremely shy and skittish around new people and in new situations until she learns to trust, and even then she likes to take things slowly. She thinks “better safe than sorry!” On the other hand, once Frannie warms up to you and feels comfortable, she is sweet and friendly.

Frannie’s forever home should be a quiet, calm, adult only home with someone who is home at least part of the day, someone who is patient and will let her blossom at her own pace without forcing things. Also Frannie needs to be placed in a home with another dog since she has never been without canine companionship. Her behavior with the other dogs in her foster home makes it evident that canine relationships bring her much

A Special Poodle Looking for a Special Home… by Alice O’Connor

Frannie and Fiona before rescue

Frannie tries on a hat

Back from the spa Frannie enjoying the outdoors Frannie relaxing

Flatbread Company Benefit for PRNE! December 21, 2010 ~ Starts at 5pm

A portion of proceeds of all flatbread pizzas purchased will benefit PRNE

Flatbread Somerville at Sacco’s Bowl Haven 45 Day St.

Somerville, MA 02144

617-776-0552

http://www.flatbreadcompany.com


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Daisy and her brother, Cozmo, just love these extra special yummy chicken cookies. Give them a try and see if your canine companions will love these treats too.

You will need the following ingredients:

• 7 oz of shredded cooked chicken - you can use leftover chicken from a previous meal, but DISCARD THE SKIN.

• 14 oz. of brown rice flour - if not concerned with wheat intolerance, you can use whole grain wheat flour (used in the original recipe).

• 3.5 oz of shredded cheddar cheese • 7 fluid oz. of low salt chicken stock or water • 1 egg • 2 fluid oz. vegetable oil - or substitute with canola,

sunflower, flaxseed or others oils rich in Omega 3 Shred the chicken in bowl. Add all other ingredients to form dough. (You may want to add a bit more liquid to keep the dough together when rolling if using rice flour.)

Cooking 101… by Maureen Sousa

Maureen with Daisy

Roll out the dough (kind of thin) and cut out with cookie cutters. I use a small round cutter the size of a quarter, which makes nice bite-size treats for small dogs.

Place on a buttered cookie sheet and bake in a 400 -degree oven for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Cool. The cookies can be kept in the fridge in an airtight bag for up to 2 weeks. The leftover dough can be placed in the freezer to use later (up to 3 months).

If you use a small cutter, one batch of dough can make approximately 280 cookies. But the dough can be used in smaller batches to insure freshness.

After making the dough, I break it down into small portions for 60 cookies at one time and freeze the rest for another time.

I tasted them. They are really good, except as a non-canine, I might want a bit more spice, but you could add some spices that are not harmful to dogs if you wanted to. ENJOY!

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Daisy says, “Yum!”

Nimitz and Triton have both recently become registered therapy dogs, working with members of their respective families.

Therapy dogs bring great joy to many who, for one reason or another, are unable to own their own pets and who may be institutionalized, hospitalized or needy in some other way. Way to go, Nimitz and Triton!

Congratulations to Nimitz and Triton!

Nimitz Triton visits at Prospect House in Revere Triton with Jeanette


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Poodle Rescue is offering gourmet organic, free trade coffee by Silver Bean Coffee. Skier Shannon Bahrke, 2002 Olympic Silver Medalist and 2010 Bronze Medalist, founded Silver Bean Coffee Company. Because her sport enabled her to travel all over the globe, Shannon has sampled a wide assortment of coffees in many exotic locations, which inspired her to develop top quality blends for Silver Bean Coffee. Shannon is an animal lover who has generously agreed to help support the mission of Poodle Rescue of New England by donating the proceeds from the sale of her coffee.

Choice of grind – Whole Bean, Drip Grind, French press grind, Espresso grind. Choice of roast – French, Medium, Light, Decaf (medium), Espresso. $12 per 1 lb bag + shipping.

Personalized bags featuring your dog/s are available for orders of a case (24 bags). We’ll need a picture for the front of the bag and the text for the back of the bag.

Order through www.poodlerescuene.org for PRNE to receive a generous portion of the proceeds.

For a Special Treat, Try Gracie’s Blend! Especially as you select gifts for the upcoming holiday season, remember tasty Silver Bean Coffee and support the good work of PRNE!

Dog Collar Boutique Your pups will love items from the Dog Collar Boutique such as collars, leashes, toys, jewelry, treats and much more from numerous designers. Friends of PRNE receive a 10% discount code.

Order through www.poodlerescuene.org for PRNE to receive 10% of the proceeds.

Looking for other Holiday gifts?

Modern Dog Magazine Friends and family will love a subscription to Modern Dog Magazine, “The Lifestyle Magazine for Modern Dogs and Their Companions.”

Order through www.poodlerescuene.org for PRNE to receive 50% of the subscription price.

Poodle Rescue of NE Calendar 2011 A wonderful way to keep track of dates and appointments, the PRNE calendar is filled with endearing photos of rescued poodles in their new lives. The calendar makes a gift sure to please!

Order the calendar at www.poodlerescuene.org.


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Spotlight on a Volunteer: Thank You, Mahala!

Every issue of Renaissance Poodles opens with a welcome note from editor Mahala Beams. This month Mahala thanks the many volunteers and supporters that donate so generously of their time and resources to help PRNE fulfill its mission of helping poodles in need. However, one very important person isn’t mentioned, and that’s Mahala herself.

Mahala does much more than write the introduction for each newsletter—she creates each newsletter from scratch. Between Newsletter issues, Mahala gathers ideas for articles, chases down photos from PRNE events, coaxes reluctant writers to share their stories, edits and proofreads submissions and spends countless hours placing the text and photos together in a readable format. And above all, Mahala makes every issue interesting, educational and entertaining. In addition to editing our newsletter, Mahala has adopted two poodles from PRNE and is an active Poodle Ambassador, promoting PRNE and our mission wherever she goes.

Mahala

Mahala and Triton in their Delta Society Pet Partners’ ID photo

Thank you, Mahala, for your commitment to the dogs in our program!

P.S. As you read each issue of Renaissance Poodles, if a specific article touches your heart, let us know. Maybe you learned something helpful or you have a suggestion for an article, or perhaps you just want to tell Mahala “well done!” You can send an email to [email protected] and we’ll pass your comments on to Mahala. We know she’ll be pleased to hear from you.

PRNE Board of Directors

Figaro Triton and Figaro Triton


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Alix left us this past Wednesday. This is his latest photo. He lived an impressive fourteen and one-half years.

Thank you, PRNE, for the phone call in November of 2004 that sent us to Francestown, New Hampshire, where we adopted him at eight and one-half years old.

Poodles are the best! ………

In Memoriam: Alix (formerly Sir Ritz) April 26, 1996 – October 20, 2010

Alix

Goodbye to My Best Friend… by Nan Blue

A New Life for Annie…

Annie when found

Annie with new owners, Pam and Ron Messier

After her dramatic rescue, Annie has found a wonderful new home with Pam and Ron Messier. They report that she is doing very well adapting to her new life and that they are enjoying her enormously.

Lucky Annie, an orphan no longer! ………

Annie now

2011 PRNE Raffle Fundraiser! ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT POODLE RESCUE OF NEW ENGLAND

Raffle Tickets $5 each or 5 for $20 - Drawing will be held on May 1, 2011

1ST Prize: 7 Nights at Summertime Cottages in Bar Harbor, Maine: www.summertimebarharbor.com

2nd Prize: 7 Nights in beautiful Barnstable, MA, on Cape Cod

3rd Prize: Poodle Pendant by Artist Laura Klein Plunkett

Contact us at [email protected] for details and tickets


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The Dog Chapel… by Laura Klein Plunkett

Pepper and his family recently visited The Dog Chapel on Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury, VT. After a near-death experience, woodcarver and artist Stephen Huneck built this non-denominational chapel on his mountaintop farm dedicated to the spiritual bond between humans and dogs. It’s a place where dogs are not just tolerated—they are expected and warmly welcomed.

At the end of a dirt road at the top of Dog Mountain is a small white chapel built in the style of an old village church. On the steeple is a carving of a winged Labrador retriever that points into the wind like a weathervane. A sign at the entrance, which is surrounded by Mr. Huneck’s carvings, says, “Welcome All Creeds, All Breeds, No Dogmas Allowed.”

As you enter the chapel, the first thing you see is a winged dog carving pointing the way inside. Then you notice the thousands and thousands of multicolored notes pinned to the walls, each one a memorial to a beloved dog left by a grieving family mourning their loss and celebrating its life. It could easily be overwhelming, but Stephen Huneck’s art—his charming carvings, his woodcuts, the glorious stained-glass windows—temper the raw emotion with a grace and beauty that is magical. Memories of our beloved Andrew, Moshe, Zubin, Fergie, Sabra, Pinchas and Cooper now join the multitude of other dogs who are remembered in this very special place.

The chapel is surrounded by acres of forest, lawns, and walking trails. There’s a pond for swimming (dogs only) on the hillside and an area where dogs can run and play. The day of our visit there were dozens of dogs enjoying the chapel and the grounds, and even one chocolate lab that braved the autumn chill and took a swim in the pond.

Interior of the Dog Chapel

The Dog Chapel

Tragically, Stephen Huneck died early in 2010. His widow, Gwen, is struggling to keep Dog Mountain and the Dog Chapel open. Mr. Huneck left an amazing body of work, which can be purchased at the gallery near the chapel or online.

If you can’t visit personally and wish to see more photos of Dog Mountain, visit the website at http://www.dogmt.com. You can see the rest of the photos from our visit at: http://picasaweb.google.com/LeorahKP/DogMountainAndTheDogChapel?feat=directlink#.

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Detail of interior wall


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Ask Andrew… (with help from Laura Klein Plunkett)

If you need advice on training and behavioral issues,

Ask Andrew! Andrew has over 16 years experience as a Ph.D.

(Phenomenal Dog)

In each issue of Renaissance Poodles he will share his knowledge.

Send your questions to:

[email protected].

Dear Andrew,

I don’t understand why my dog Lucy keeps misbehaving when she obviously knows it’s wrong. Yesterday I left the house to run an errand and when I returned I saw Lucy had chewed on my shoe—again! Even before I scolded her I saw that she knew she was a bad girl because she was sitting with her head drooped down and a guilty look on her face. Why is she only sorry after she does something?

Signed,

Too late to be sorry

Dear Too Late,

It is a natural human tendency to interpret a dog’s behavior in human terms. While we dogs are pretty smart, we don’t think like humans.

A recent research study analyzed videotapes of dogs as they interacted with their owners to look for behaviors corresponding to what the owners described as a “guilty look.” The dogs were given various opportunities to disobey their owners’ commands not to eat a tasty treat while the owner was out of the room. Before they reentered the room, some owners were told that their dog had eaten the treat and some were told their dog obeyed and left the treat alone, but what the owners were told wasn’t necessarily true.

Dogs that displayed the guilty look on their owners’ return weren’t always the dogs that actually ate the treat. Surprisingly, dogs that didn’t eat the treat but were scolded by their owners looked guiltier than dogs that had eaten the forbidden treat. Even the “good” dogs looked guilty! The study reinforced what many behaviorists and trainers have always known: A dog that displays a guilty look doesn’t know it has done something wrong. The dog is reacting with anxiety to the owner’s behavior. If a dog is often scolded when the owner returns

home, the dog will display the so-called guilty look when it sees the owner come in the door because it doesn’t know what to expect. That’s probably what’s going on with Lucy.

Remember that Lucy doesn’t know why you are scolding her. She may not even think scolding is bad. After all, you are giving her attention, and any attention can reinforce the behavior you are trying to eliminate. The best way to handle misbehavior is to prevent it or ignore it. Next time you leave, keep Lucy away from your shoes and other items she can chew.

Don’t give Lucy other opportunities to misbehave or automatically punish or scold her if she does. Punishment could damage your relationship of trust with Lucy. Instead, give her opportunities to please you by managing her environment and training her to please you. By ignoring unwanted behavior and rewarding desired behavior, Lucy will want to earn treats, praise, attention and playtime by behaving appropriately. You can find more information at Dr. Sophie Yin’s website: http://drsophiayin.com/philosophy.

………

Check out Draw the Dog! PRNE is now a member of Draw the Dog ‘s Rescue Directory. Draw the Dog <http://drawthedog.com/> is looking for funny pictures of mini and toy poodles. If you have a picture and accompanying story to submit, please mention PRNE’s name with your submission. From now on, when you inspire a cartoon, Draw the Dog will include a sentence or two about PRNE along with a link to PRNE’s website. This will:

1) Tell the world about your work.

2) Bring the breed of poodle to everyone’s attention.

Submit pictures and stories to:

http://drawthedog.com/?page_id=44 Thanks so much for being an active member of the growing Draw the Dog community. It’s possible to have fun and do good at the same time!


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Cocoa, the ladybug, with a friendly witch

Cocoa models her leopard skirt

HALLOWEEN GALLERY

Louie and Tilly, front and back

Lilee Triton goes green!

Boo!


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lot and always wagging his little tail, he has managed to put the mojo not only on us, but also on the vet, his groomer and the people at the conservation area where I take him and his "sister," Bailey, exploring.

I really believe he was matched with us for some divine reason. He is so happy and healthy now and he really makes my heart happy! To all the dedicated folks at PRNE who do such a great job matching pups with new families, THANK YOU for giving so many pups (and humans) a second chance!

Sincerely,

Lynne Blankenbeker

Dear PRNE,

I needed to share a touching story.

My five-year old daughter, Joan, watched in grave sadness the story of Little Orphan Annie unfold on TV. She proceeded to draw a picture of Annie with black mold and a sad blackened face with the words "the sick puppy." Then she turned the page over and drew a golden yellow puppy with a bright smile and the words "happy puppy."

Without hesitation she turned to me and said, "Mom, I think I have five dollars and 10 cents in my piggy bank and I want the puppy to have it."

I told her I would match her $5.10 and we would send it in.

When I shared her story with others, some pleased by Joan's kindness matched her gift and in about three shared tales she had raised 45.90!

These are the characteristics of early compassion at its best. I simply wanted you know the good that can come from such a tragic event.

Sincerely,

Richard and Suzanne Michel and JOAN! ………

Dear PRNE,

But for PRNE, Cocoa and my family would have never crossed paths. PRNE is an amazing organization! It breaks my heart to think Cocoa was headed for euthanasia. I wish you could see just how amazing he is now. We love him so much.

First of all he is down to 11 pounds and 9 ounces. The vet is so happy! Cocoa has reached normal weight for a toy poodle, although he still appears heavy due to his redundant skin. Cocoa can climb up ALL of the stairs at my house now, including the 15-step staircase to the second floor of the house. He bolts up them like a champ! He is the best “fetcher” ever too. The vet says Cocoa’s life is likely extended another 2-3 QUALITY years! He has absolutely no health problems and is actually eating his food now rather than swallowing it whole.

In fact, we found this amazing mouthwash for him that goes in his daily drinking water that has almost eradicated his periodontal disease and has allowed us to reduce brushing to twice a week, which he still hates but tolerates now.

I had no idea an old dog could rehab so remarkably. Today we went to Salem, MA, for the boo-tiful dog contest. Cocoa loved all the attention and walked all over Salem for over 4 hours! He never got winded or tired and never wanted to go in his carrier when I offered him a ride. It’s hard to believe that when I got him in late March he couldn’t walk around the block.

I believe Cocoa knows how much we love him. My hope is that he will remain happy with us for the rest of his life. Smiling a

Cocoa

WHO WE ARE Newsletter Committee: Mahala Beams, editing and layout, Amanda Lion, Alice O’Connor, Laura Klein Plunkett and Kim Rosen

Board of Directors: Merrilea Agostino, Amanda Lion, Sue Matre, Alice O’Connor and Laura Klein Plunkett

Please let us know if you have a topic, a question, a suggestion or a story to share for the next issue of the newsletter. Also, since we plan to email you when the latest issue of Renaissance Poodles is available on line, please send your email address to:

[email protected]

For more information on Poodle Rescue of New England, please visit our website:

www.poodlerescuene.org

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november 2010 renaissance poodles · 2010-11-03 · the newsletter of prne november 2010 2 welcome...

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