something to say!!

Some time ago now - before winter crept over the hills- seven new residents made a long trek here from Illinois. The journey was the result of the kindness, compassion and determination of a group of people who had been instrumental in rescuing over 200 animals from a hoarding situation. These seven - large and small - were deemed not adoptable, through lack of socialisation, and fear of people.

It began with Iceman, a gorgeous Husky who had escaped his run at the hoarding location, but stayed close by, as if to guard the other animals. Gradually everyone was taken away, but Iceman remained vigilant. It took some weeks to trap him. But where was he to go. Euthanization loomed. These women would not give up on him.

Much to everyone's delight, a web search led to us, and so began a conversation about saving Iceman's life. It did not matter to us that he did not interact with people, our mission is to save lives, including the lives of dogs who are not easily adopted, or who may need a safe haven for life. Dealing with unsocialised, fearful or "feral" dogs seems to have become a focus for us, because these dogs often have no other option.

So Iceman's future was secure with us. But then they worried about his offspring - with a bloodhound! - most magnificent gentle giants, too fearful to interact with people. And his sister, Frosty - with whom he is bonded.

And Liza and Zara, two frightened beagles who shunned all contact, barking and backing away into their houses? of course, we said: we will take them all!

So three intrepid women piled themselves, a mountain of dog food and these dogs large and small into a rental van and drove across the country to our Sanctuary. The vehicle would not make it in the last 5 rugged miles, so a shuttle service was set up.

Knowing that Iceman was an escaper, we put the 5 larger dogs in our one huge run with a 45degree angle wire at the top, which is set slightly away from the main dog area.

The beagles went on "the field", in a run amidst everyone else. Did they have something to say!

It was wonderful to meet Kathy, Jenny and Regina. Although weary, they were joyful at having reached the life-saving destination; the weather was glorious, so the Valley shone . We felt connected as kindred spirits wanting to make a difference in the world. Everyone watched anxiously to see if Iceman would try to escape!! Actually, he was pretty shy and stayed in his new igloo. The others roamed around, wary but interested in the new sounds and smells. Food, of course, was a hit!

We also had lunch together in the bunkhouse, sharing stories and laughs. They also made a very generous donation to Tara's Babies, as did some of their supporters, which was gratefully received. But overnight they could not, so with a final farewell, the headed off to begin the journey north.





Now. some months later, settled with the routine, responding to pur patience, the dogs tell a different story! Liza and Zara are both walking on leash, Liza particularly LOVES her walks.


Zara is still more reluctant, but no longer plays dead after every step, as she did the first few times!!


And the giants? All are hand feeding, including Iceman and Frosty. Still learning socialisation skills, they are definitely more trusting of people, and are delighted when people come to visit.


Rayden may soon begin walking on leash. But they are a very contented pack of dogs, happy, settled. And ALIVE!! We are so grateful to their rescuers and supporters for not giving up hope, and allowing us to be part of this wonderful story.

speaking dog

This week we enjoyed an on-site workshop with Mark German, America's Dog Whisperer, and his assistant, Tom Gross. They taught us to speak dog! It was not an easy task, especially for those of us most comfortable with verbal communication, and who may fret if we think we have hurt our animals' feelings. The premise is simple, and anyone involved in the animal world has probably had some exposure, especially due to the popularity of Cesar Millan, 'the dog whisperer'.....become the leader of the pack. Dogs don't communicate and interact the way we do, so to work with them we need to re-educate ourselves about their behaviours and the way they would be corrected by the pack leader.
I know not everyone agrees with this approach, but we at Tara's Babies do and, quite frankly, in a space of one day we witnessed the obvious and beneficial effect of Mark's techniques. And it didn't stop when he went home. After just a couple of days of using what he has taught us, Benji and Bonnie - 2 very fearful rescues from AR, who have not walked on leash much before - have transformed. Benji has spent much of the time since his arrival in his doghouse. Now he is out and about in his run, like everyone else.
But the story I want to share is much closer to home, literally. It's Madeleine. Remember the little scared dog named Rory that came to me from the gallows in AR? Well, she is a delight with me and the my dogs, and even cat. She snuggles under the cover, and licks my face (a little too much) and plays and cavorts with Nyima, Milo and Wildfire (another new arrival, another story). She is quite alpha, and has challenged Gypsy Rose, but anyone who knows me or Gypsy can imagine how far she will get with that attitude. But it is an indication of her feisty nature.
And feisty she has proven to be. If anyone even approaches the yard where we live, she lets loose, barking, growling, snapping. It is fear-based, I suspect she was abused, and my voice or movements can elicit a cringe that is hard to witness. But as Mark pointed out, dogs live in the moment, so we shouldn't pin their histories on them and simply feel sorry. Instead, we create a new moment, new relationships, and by being a calm and assertive pack leader, the dog can relax and no longer be fearful.

Here she is as she came to me : see the fear of the world?

So to date, when anyone enters my yard, Maddie backs off, barking and snarling, and when they turn their back, she rushes forward, as if to bite. She hasn't connected with flesh yet, but it certainly looks like the intention is there. When I went to DC, no-one could get near her, so she didn't even get to sleep inside the yurt with everyone else, she had to make-do with the small camper trailer I use as our kitchen. This of course has to change, for no less reason than for her own safety, when I am not around.
So my pack was a primary re-education target for us all. Mark went in, and Madelaine did her thing. He ignored her, just stood there, so she could sniff him if she wanted. Lesson one, pack leader does not respond to the "look at me" antics. To save time, he had me put a leash on her, but otherwise he would have done it. It was a small cloth slip leash, that fits behind the ears rather than around the throat. She cavorted, resisted, flung herself, growling and barking. Like a jumping bean. He ignored her and, instead, started walking, she wanting to dig her little toes in, ever carrying on. He ignored her, didn't look at her, just kept, in a relaxed way, walking around the yard, she behind him. He went around and about, us all watching beyond the perimeter, until, eventually, she became calmer and calmer. After maybe 5 minutes he picked her up and held her in his arms, her ears erect, not flat with fear.
He asked someone to come in, and then he handed Maddie to Karen. At their last meeting Karen nearly got bitten. Madelaine was fine. After a few minutes Maddie went on the ground and we all came in. She got snarly, so he rolled her on her back. Nothing was said. She tensed up, her tail between her leg, her little arms crossed over her hand. He simply held her firmly, not harshly. Slowly she relaxed, her eyes softened, her tail went limp. He stroked her little belly, and she looked as if she were in heaven.
Then I had to walk her, and it was a challenge not to be always checking...Lesson Two - the pack leader does not look at the dog: s/he gives the correction and just assumes the pack will follow. This is a hard one to "get", we worry so much if the dog will obey. The leader has to be calm, assertive, relaxed and confident, and then the dog will respond to that energy. Someone has to be boss. Make it you, not the dog!
The final test. I stood with Maddie at my side, and everyone had to come over, one by one and shake my hand or hug me. If she growled, I just gave a quick correction (tug and Tsst) without looking. She was great, and we all stood together in a circle : seven strangers in her yard, Maddie relaxed and with them all.
Do I think that changed her forever? No, it will take repetition, but it was a huge transformation even for that moment, and it came from her. We weren't forcing her to do anything, there was no harshness . We simply used dogspeak to help her adapt her behaviour. I had been lax in not walking her (Mark stresses a walk is essential for dogs, to assert your leadership and because it simulates the leader and pack hunting for food; you feed after the walk).
Of course, the challenge is consistency from me, but I want her to not be fearful or try to be in charge. She will be happier, and so will all of us, when she can relax into stable behaviour. I have used Mark's techniques the last couple of nights, with Milo as well (speaking of demanding....!!), and it truly and simply WORKS. They get it, without words or repetition or raising of voice. I have watched Maddie and the pack interact in the evening, with rough and tumble play, and been so aware of the pack dynamic and communication. Now i can join in as the ultimate pack leader, conversant in dogspeak!

Angel

Angel is one of our recent Arkansas rescues. A gorgeous girl of love, she is ready for a cuddle every moment of the day. Alert, responsive and wanting to go home.

In Taiwan - horror and courage

At the end of this blog is a photo that will distress you. It is horrific. When I unsuspectingly opened it up on an email i received from Ms Wu, I gasped. The entire email was written in Chinese , so I could only guess at the contents. Unfortunately, I was right.

Ms Wu, pictured above at an animal rights demonstration in Taiwan, sends me regular posts on her concerns for animals in that country. And the world, for she knows, as we do, that animals are tormented, abused, abandoned and killed everywhere. But Taiwan has special horror stories, and in the 90'2 was declared by the World Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as the worst place to be a dog.

Things may have improved somewhat, but only through the passionate kindness of Ms Wu - and others like her- whose life is dedicated to making a difference. Not just for the dogs she personally saves and cares for, but on a broader level, through education. They are finalising an 8 minute animated film, which they hope to distribute as widely as possible. Making such films is expensive, but essential, and she welcomes any ideas or financial help.

She tells me that in Taiwan, mixed breeds and strays are not rescued and adopted. And in the public animal pound, where they may end up, there are cases where dogs eat each other for food. She wants to tell the horrors stories, and educate about spay and neutering, to make a difference with her life.

The demonstration, in honour of the unnamed dog at the end of this post, was a success. The government gave assurances it will promote the revised animal protection law, and establish an animal police squad.

Ms Wu says this is only a beginning. They have to make sure the promises are fulfilled, and the animal rights groups will continue to condemn the violence, make the public aware and bring the government under pressure.

Her voice is ours - all of ours - who weep to think of the pain inflicted, and the senseless killing that happens - every day - in her country and in ours. Tara's Babies is honoured to support Ms Wu and the work she does, because it is compassion without bounds. And that is what we aspire to be.

This dog was skinned alive and left to die in the market place.

These dogs were due to die

I continue to uncover the extent of suffering - and kindness - in the world. Ms Wu in Taiwan sends me emails about the hardship of dogs there, to which her life and heart is committed to changing; I will share some more on that another time. Closer to home, we stumbled into a not uncommon scene in this country: beautiful, loving adoptable dogs about to be killed. Just because they have no home.

Benji, a shy shepherd mix, uncertain of the world, after being left as a puppy, eyes barely open, outside in mid-winter. A bit shy and will bark when he feels uncertain, but when he is sure you will love him, and his world is safe, he has a heart of gold.

Two pleading emails crossed Tara's Babies path within days of each other; both from rural Arkansas, each was an album of dogs who were to die the very next day. Shelters over crowded, kind-hearted volunteers not able to take or keep them all. Their time had run out, and the women who dedicate their lives to making a difference put out last, desperate pleas for help. Fortunately, we heard them. As did other people across this country, horrified to think that death was considered an option simply because they had no home.

Scamp, aka 'Fatboy', ready to play and have his gorgeous belly rubbed. Has lots of energy, loves people and would blossom in a great big yard where he can romp in delight.

At this point about 20 from two shelters are slated for Tara's Babies, and we need to find homes for them all; but already there are more sad dogs, big and little, scratching at our door. Pleading for a life, for a family, to be able to play and sleep on a rug, and make you laugh, and go for walks. Pleading simply for a chance to live.

Itchy arrived an itching bag of skin and bones, with a blood infection; she was slated to be killed. Kind volunteers saw past the surface, and now she is healthy and playful. Loves people, dogs - just happy to be alive. Has a goofy walk that will make you laugh, as if she is trying to get ahead of herself. So much beautiful world for her to savor and explore.

It has been wonderful for me to connect with these women whose days are filled with 'regular' jobs, but whose lives are committed to compassion. Joy, Marsia, Terri, Betty, Jaxi - these I am sure are just a few of the invisible people who make a real difference, every day. Just because they know that is the right thing to do, to ease suffering however they can.

Ace was badly mauled, and one eye looked like a horrific Halloween image. Now he has two sparkly ones filled with love. He is young and very smart. An attention hog, he will fall asleep as you stroke his ears.

Rural AR is just one snapshot of what happens, every day, here and all over the world. Four week old puppies dumped by the side of a road, or in a trash can, or - eyes barely open - left outside to die in mid-winter. Dogs not spayed or neutered because it costs too much and people are poor, so more puppies are born. Dogs wandering lost and homeless - young, old. Dogs just like the ones that sleep on our beds at night - they are no different, except they don't have anyone to love them. Inadequate animal shelters, where dogs can fight and the small, weak and sick will be injured.

These five tiny ones were rescued this week, 4 weeks old and dumped by the side of the road. Marsia is tending to all their physical needs, and will care for them until they go to a home. Who can resist?

A country shelter - inadequate for the numbers of dogs who are found. The small, young and sick get beaten up on, and are quickly removed by worried volunteers.

The women I have come into contact with are at the front line, picking up the new-born, injured and dying dogs in their arms, and bringing them to safety and life, giving them refuge where they can. But for every dog they save, a litter of unwanted puppies has been born, and another grown dog dumped from a passing car. They can't do it alone. We have to help.

Hambone, a gorgeous beagle less than one year old, rescued from the shelter because he had attack wounds all over his leg. See below, where he is timidly hanging back from the big pack. A kind volunteer removed him to treat him, and he is not going back. Hambone is playful, loves dogs and people, and croons in you ear as you pet him. A real ham!!

Tara's Babies relies on every willing heart, so that together we can change things. These dogs need homes - as a temporary foster, or a forever adoption. And the dogs need vet care - for worms, ticks, fleas, spay and neuter, which can cost up to $200 per dog. No wonder these dogs end up dying, in a place where many people themselves face hardship.

Bonnie, sister of Benji above. Very shy, but when she warms up, she is loving and sweet. She and her brother need a home filled with patience and love, where they can learn to trust.

Let us be the guardian angels of dogs like these. If you can take a dog into your home - or know someone who can, or are willing to ask your friends and extended family if they have space, please do. And if you can sponsor a life - a whole life - it will be generosity without measure. Life is precious, and in this world so many lives, especially of the lost and unloved, go unnoticed. Let's look into the eyes of these dogs, and rejoice that we can bring them home from death.

Not all the dogs are big. Rory is so scared she shakes at the sound of a human voice. She has a foster home waiting for her.

Mine.


tarasbabies@earthlink.com

donate: http://www.tarasbabies.org/ : Left margin, click on donations, will link to a donate button to help the animals.

DOGS for YOU!!

So, I have been away and the blog has lain vacant. But of course things have been active and busy here!

We currently have a huge system glitch, and our gorgeous dogs, ready and waiting for loving homes, have nowhere to show off and win hearts. So I am simply going to post an album of pictures here - not everyone, but at least some, so I can refer people here, until our website is up and running. And not the best photos either, they don't do anyone justice - you can't see their smiles and their play and the longing in their eyes. Believe me, it's all there!

If you see someone you would like to foster or adopt email us at tarasbabies@earthlink.net for more info!!

Every one of our babies is a rescue from death, and all have sad stories I am happy share. I hope they ALL find homes soon.

wyatt


Persais


Lil'Bit

Kiki

Hildee

Hershel

Bai

(he knows to shake hands!! His face is half black, half white)





Two sets of gorgeous sisters:

PoPo and Nunu

Pipi and Ruru

(you don't have to take them all!!!)

cooling off

The season is working towards monsoon - we are at that place of heat with little relief. Temperatures nudging at 100, allowing small pockets of cooler time in the morning and evening to really engage with the dogs (or each other!!). For a chunk of the mid-day, everyone's preference is to be fairly low key.

It is a testament to the dedication of our volunteer staff, as there is no respite inside, either. The setting is truly magnificent wilderness - one entrance through the gate will open your heart!

But the accommodation is basic/rustic...a bunkhouse built on the frame of a trailer home by the previous owner and his sons as a home schooling project. Almost entirely made of wood, it has a definite Western flair and serves its purpose well. But insulation???!!! The rooms inside are small, so inside, during the day, is reminiscent of an oven. Fortunately, the nights still cool off, and the lack of insulation means that heat is also rapidly lost. Still, you know it is the love of the animals and commitment to compassion that, in the melting heat, is what supports everyone here. It certainly isn't luxury!!

The dogs, too, can wilt during the day. There is a baby pool for wading, which some enjoy. Or some of them love to dance and leap in the spray of the hose.

Princess has a bath!

Perhaps a quiet chew to pass the hours?

Cuddles relaxes!

But as dusk softens the light, and the breathing gentles, the dogs lay quietly, or sometimes play.

Kiki and Bai - a study in black and white