News for Dogs
and their People

Hello,

Rescue Paws is the monthly newsletter for dogs and their people published by Black Dog Rescue Project. Each month, Rescue Paws will be delivered to your inbox. You will find dog news, information on what’s happening at Black Dog Rescue Project and tips on how to better communicate with your dog

If you like what you find here, please help us spread the word and forward this to your friends and family. If this was forwarded to you, please take a moment to subscribe to Rescue Paws.

In this Issue

Headlines : Ways to Help
Black Dog Rescue Project : Heartbreak and Success
Favorite Things : Treats and Tee's
Remy’s World : Mmmmm, Peanut Butter
Dog Speak : Barking

Headlines

It’s almost time to roast the Turkey. The holidays are approaching fast. Friends and families are gathering together to share their love for each other. This is a wonderful time of year to reflect on the blessings in your life. But, the economy has taken its toll and 2009 has been a tough year for many families and pets. With so many families and pets in need this holiday season, now is a wonderful time to reach out and help.

Food Pantries – With unemployment rates at record highs, some families are finding themselves in the position of having to give up their pets because they can’t afford to feed them. To prevent overcrowded shelters from taking in even more animals due to these circumstances, many shelters and rescue organizations have set up local animal food banks and food pantries. Save our Pets Food Bank is a wonderful organization based in Atlanta, Georgia that has national affiliates. Take advantage of their services if you are struggling and consider donating food if you are in a position to help.

Donate – The economy has taken its toll on america’s pets. Shelters and rescue organizations are overflowing and donations have decreased at a time they are needed the most. Please consider item or monetary donations to your local shelter, if you are able to do so. Contact your local shelter to see what’s on their wish list. They may need food, paper towels, collars, leashes, toys, etc. If you can’t give a monetary donation, please consider donating your time. Many shelters are in desperate need of volunteers to walk the dogs and provide basic training.

Rescue organizations across the nation are also desperate for foster families to give a dog a temporary home until a permanent home is found. Fostering a dog is a very rewarding and wonderful way to help a dog in need. Use our state directory to find organizations near you and contact them to see how you can help.

Be a Good Samaritan – Unfortunately, many pets are not in loving homes. We have highlighted common forms of abuse and cruelty on our site with warning signs and ways that you can help. This month, we discovered the Sunbear Squad. This is a terrific organization dedicated to helping the less fortunate pets in our communities. Please visit their website to read the heartbreaking story of Sunbear and to find out how you can get involved and help animals in your local community.

Black Dog Rescue Project - Heartbreak and Success...

Rescue Me : After the heartbreak of losing both Delilah and Sanso this month, we are encouraged by our recent success. We had 3 dogs adopted in 1 week! Visit our Rescue Me page to learn more about the tragic loss of both Delilah and Sanso and to see our recent successful adoptions. Word is spreading in our community and we THANK YOU for saving these precious lives.

If you think you may be that special person that Annabell is searching for, please stop by the shelter and take her for a walk. If you aren’t in Utah, no need to worry. There are many wonderful dogs in need of a home waiting at your local shelter. Please consider saving a life this holiday season

Black Dog Walk: The Black Dog Walk in Ogden, Utah is making a difference for the dogs in our community. Adoption rates are on the rise and it’s great to get the dogs out for some fresh air and exercise. Thank you to our pack in Ogden for your ongoing support.

Please consider starting a Black Dog Walk in your community. You will feel great knowing that you are helping to change the odds for black dogs in your area.

Black Dog Syndrome: We have received some great feedback on our new Black Dog Syndrome section of our website. Our new Black Dog Syndrome video is a wonderful way to help others understand the plight of homeless black dogs. Please help us spread the word and share the page and video with your family and friends.

Favorite Things

It’s hard to believe that we are only days away from Thanksgiving and Christmas is right around the corner. If you have dogs or dog lovers on your giving list, please help support Black Dog Rescue Project and consider giving our gourmet dog treats and t-shirts that make a statement. Both of these items make wonderful gifts while helping to spread the word about Black Dog Syndrome.

Black Dog Rescue Project Tee's and Such - Make a statement and stay warm with our hoodies this winter. Spread the Word by drinking your daily coffee from one of our mugs. These items make great gifts for the dog lovers in your life. Look for more designs in the next week.

What a Good Doggie! Gourmet Dog Treats - Share the love with your dog and all of your doggie friends this holiday. Every dog that has tried these treats has been drooling and begging for more. These wholesome treats are baked fresh in our kitchen. If you want them to be delivered on a certain day so they are absolutely fresh for giving, please specify the date needed in the comments section when ordering.

Remy's World

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the good in your life and all that you are thankful for. Remy is thankful that he was rescued from the horrific conditions from which he was born. He is thankful for having a home and a family that adore him.

He has also recently discovered that he is thankful for “empty” peanut butter jars.

Dog Speak

Barking dogs got you frustrated? Some dogs are naturally more vocal than others. Much depends on the breed of the dog, level of exercise the dog gets and obedience training. Dogs will bark when the doorbell rings, at the cat or squirrel running through the back yard and sometimes when they are playing. However, a dog should not bark continuously.

Many times dogs let out to play in the back yard will begin to bark and continue to bark for many minutes or even hours. If your dog is barking like this, you need to correct the behavior immediately. Your dog is letting you know that his needs are not being fulfilled. He is bored or frustrated or possibly even scared. You are also causing great annoyance to your neighbors by allowing your dog to bark like this.

To correct the behavior, make sure that your dog is getting plenty of exercise with long daily walks since a tired dog is much less likely to bark. Opening the door to the back yard is not a substitute for the daily walk. Also, make sure that your dog understands basic obedience so that you are able to redirect the behavior. When the dog begins to bark, redirect him to a sit or down stay etc.

In order to redirect the behavior, you have to be present and aware of what your dog is doing. Do not allow your dog to have the freedom of the back yard when you are not home. It is not fair for your neighbors to have to listen to your dog bark all day while you are at work. Bring your dog inside unless you are home and can monitor his activity outdoors. Determine the needs of your dog that are not being met that are causing the barking and then address those needs. Your dog and your neighbors will thank you!

Spread the Word… Save a Life!
Black Dog Rescue Project