Our Dogs, Our Hearts: Buckley and Jen

by jenna on August 8, 2011 · 2 comments

in heart dogs

This entry is part 5 of 7 in the series Heart Dogs

buckleyBuckley and Jen are the fourth human/canine pair in this series to explore the special bond between people and those few special dogs we call heart dogs. I know Jen as a “Shiba person” so I was a little surprised to find out that her heart dog is a terrier mix, not one of her Shibas!

Jen tells us “I never really understood the term heartdog until I met my Buckley. And I mean MY Buckley. While I love all my dogs, there is definitely a unique, stronger bond with my B.”
Buckley and JenBuckley’s personality is funny. He’s just a fun loving, perpetually happy little guy. He is sort of “sassy” in a way, but I’ve been told that’s a Bichon thing. And he’s stubborn, which is a Beagle thing. Very people-oriented. He’s true to his breed mix. He thinks his Shiba-siblings are rock stars.

I love the admiration that Buckley has for me but I think it goes deeper than that. He’s shown me the sort of affection you can only get from a dog that truly trusts you. It’s more than tail wags and licks. It’s long sighs of contentment, gazing into my eyes, always finding a way to position himself to be touching me. It’s not quite clingy or velcro-y, but there is definitely a strong connection. I feel it deeply. I always say that I feel it in my bones – me and Buckley were meant to be.

His official gotcha day is January 13 – the day we signed his adoption papers – although we were fostering him before that. His birthday is in October. He was 13 weeks old when his family gave him up to a local rescue. He was acting like a tasmanian devil and they thought he was dangerous to their kids. I was meant to be his foster, but within a week I was completely done for. Our relationship started right away, I think he really wanted to be treated fairly with kind hands instead of constantly correcting hands. He would follow me around, snooze on my feet, snuggle on my chest, always want to lick my face. And he still does. My husband says that I’m his due north – he’s always facing me.

He’s taught me to not be afraid to seek out a deeper connection with all dogs, even temporary ones (fosters). I’m no longer afraid to get my heart broken from inevitable goodbyes because the journey there was worth it.

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Starting a Rescue: Six Important Considerations

by jenna on August 2, 2011 · 2 comments

in rescue

Four years ago, myself and seven other dedicated Shiba lovers came together in the Skylight Diner in midtown Manhattan and started NYC Shiba Rescue, Inc. (NYCSR). I’ve occasionally considered taking everything I’ve learned since then and writing a manual on how to start a grassroots rescue group. Maybe someday I’ll have time for a project of that size. In the meantime, here is a list of six important items to consider when starting off.

  1. What exactly do you want to accomplish?
    A mission statement not only informs the world of what your organization is all about; it also shines as your guiding light. The world of rescue is complicated and emotional. You will be bombarded with pleas for help – many more than you could ever take on. Your mission statement will make future decisions much easier. It should clearly state WHAT you do, HOW you do it, and WHERE you do it. Write at least your first draft before you bother doing anything else! Remember, once you are a non-profit, you will have to follow your mission statement to the letter, so make sure it is precise but also covers everything you want to do. (For an example, see NYCSR’s Mission Statement.)
  2. Do you have any idea how to do it?
    Don’t laugh! When I founded NYCSR, I had no idea what was involved in rescuing animals and finding good homes for them, much less how to actually do any of it. Lucky for us, I had access to several people with rescue experience who were willing to share their experiences and offer advice along the way. Make a list of all the things you’ll need to do to accomplish your mission – raise money, pull dogs from shelters, understand local and state laws regarding fostering, find foster homes, write contracts, deal with people, deal with potential legal issues like dog bites and ownership disputes, make medical decisions for dogs, etc. Start researching and reading up… you need at least a basic understanding of everything your group will need to do.
  3. Who will help you accomplish your mission?
    If you’re starting a rescue group you must want more than just you running around saving one animal at a time. In addition to experienced rescuers to tap for advice, think about where you will find Board members and volunteers who will get involved and be passionate about your cause. Look at that list you made in #2. Try to gather whatever experts you can into your Board and core group – a vet tech, a trainer, a lawyer, a book keeper or accountant; you probably have "dog friends" from all walks of life and that can be very useful!
  4. Where will you raise the initial funds?
    Raising money for a small charity is hard, even in a good economy, and it’s almost impossible before you have your 501(c)(3) status. In addition to basics like transport costs and vet bills, you’ll need money to cover organizational costs like getting incorporated and filing for non-profit status. Have some starter money lined up before you make any promises you can’t keep. Suggestion: It can be hard when the time and the money are all put in by the same small group of people. Look for a few benefactors who want to see you get started but don’t have time to volunteer themselves.
  5. How will decisions get made as the group grows?
    One of the most important things you can do as you get started is put your policies and procedures into writing. Beyond the basics (adoption contract, foster application, volunteer agreement), put your medical policies into writing, define how you make intake decisions, record your policy on blogging about foster dogs… just about any important decision that comes up in the beginning should be written into your policies and procedures to help make future decisions easier and more consistent.
  6. Eventually, you may want to back away from daily involvement. Make it possible!
    Build your group so that it isn’t too dependent on any one or two people. Trust me, this can be HARD to accomplish, but it is worth it. When the organization becomes self sustaining, you’ll feel like a proud parent. :)

Obviously, this isn’t everything you’ll need to know or do to get started, but hopefully it will help guide you in getting started. Feel free to leave questions or additional suggestions in the comments!

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Our Dogs, Our Hearts: Jiro and Nicole

by jenna on July 29, 2011 · 2 comments

in heart dogs

This entry is part 4 of 7 in the series Heart Dogs

Jiro is an almost-six year old, red Shiba Inu who will be celebrating his fourth Gotcha Day in August.

His person is Nicole. She and I “met” online through our shared interests of Shibas and Shiba rescue. I’m happy that Nicole wanted to share with us about her relationship with Jiro and how he has changed her life for the better.

“Jiro and I found each other at a time when we both needed something. He needed a new home, I needed something to throw myself into and I did and have never looked back.”
There have been a few special dogs in my life. First there was Sparkel, she was a Brittany/Springer Spaniel mix. She was a wonderful dog, but she died at a young age. Had she lived longer she probably would’ve been my heart dog. Then there was Tiny; she was a straight up mutt. That dog worshiped me. My mom would tell her to go wake me up and she would run into my bedroom, jump on my bed and curl up with me and sleep. When I left for college, she would always be so excited when I came home. I knew I couldn’t take her with me when I got my own place because she was too attached to our other dog and I couldn’t take both.

How Jiro came into my life isn’t all that special but I’ll share anyway. When I was a kid I was in love with Huskies, I always wanted one. When I was finally able to have a dog of my own, I was in my last year of college and no longer living with roomates, I knew it was the perfect time. I also knew I wouldn’t be able to have a Husky still. I knew they didn’t do well in apartments and while I had time to devote, I didn’t think I had enough time to properly exercise a Husky knowing what high energy dogs they were. I knew I wanted a spitz type dog, so I starting looking around not knowing what would be a good fit. That’s when my husband (then boyfriend) suggested Shiba Inu because of friend of his (Erin) had 3 of them. The more and more I read and researched the more I realized they were perfect for me. Pretty much everything I was looking for in a dog (smart, loyal but not overly clingy, clean, a spitz, primitive). Then one day we ran into Erin out with Kitsune, and I was sold. Turns out she was looking to rehome Jiro because he and Kitsune weren’t the best of buddies. She found Jiro in the local Animal Shelter by accident when she was there with her boyfriend looking for a dog for him. It was his (Jiro’s) last day, despite wearing a collar with tags; the owner wouldn’t come for him. Since she knew about Shibas, she paid to adopt him with the intent of finding him a good home. A year later she still had him; when I expressed interest in Shibas she asked if I wanted Jiro and the rest, as they say, is history.

Jiro stands out because he’s just so extraordinary. I’ve never had a dog quite like him. I feel so much more bonded with him than any other dog I’ve had prior. Sometimes I think he knows me better than I know myself.

I have learned a great deal in order to better care for him through research and talking with others. When I first got him, I fed Kibbles ‘n Bits because I thought it was a good food; the dogs in the commercials are always so happy, so it must be good. Now I know better. Thanks to Jiro, I found my niche in the rescue world and in turn have met a great many wonderful people. I am more confident now, thanks to doing homechecks and talking with random people about the Shiba breed and breeding practices in general. I’ve met some friends I now see on a weekly basis.

Jiro very much embodies what a the Shiba spirit should be. He is bold and confident in every move he makes. I always joke that he’s strutting his stuff every time we walk outside. He’s friendly-ish with strangers when we’re out and about, usually very gentle and calm. Never jumping or overly excited. But if a stranger comes into our house he is sure to tell them off and lay down the rules upon their arrival. He’s fine with them after a few minutes. He is very much the hunter and protector, he’s always alert to the surroundings and enjoys hunting down bugs in the house and creatures we may encounter on walks (he chases as much as his leash will let him). He’s a mama’s boy, always has to be near me or touching me. He mopes and sulks when I’m not home and will even sleep outside the bathroom door when I’m showering. I have been known to fall asleep using him as a pillow or curled up next to him. He often curls up in my lap in the evenings when I’m watching tv. In short we’re pretty attached to each other.

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Pawty Wrap Up and Hike Finish Line

by jenna on July 24, 2011 · 0 comments

in special events

Snick the Dog at the Canine Cocktail Pawty

Snickers at the Canine Cocktail Pawty in NYC

Snick and I had a great time organizing and attending the Canine Cocktail Pawty to benefit Hike for Heroes in NYC on June 14. I’m happy to report that we made a $1,745 donation to Wish Upon A Hero to benefit military families in financial crisis. Additionally, instead of spending a large portion of ticket sales and donations on an event space (some of the animal friendly event spaces in NYC are several thousand dollars for an evening), we made a $500 donation to another worthy charity – Animal Haven Shelter – for the use of their event space.

We’re pleased to have helped raise money for military families and homeless animals AND had a good time celebrating Emmie the Superdog’s birthday! :)

Hike for Heroes Finish Line

Snick and his girlfriend Emmie are planning to see each other again real soon. Apparently, I’m a total sucker for the Shiba Mind Control because I’ve agreed to chauffeur dear Snick again… this time to Louisville, Kentucky. He’ll be there to cheer (ok, bark, not cheer) for Emmie and her family when they cross the Hike for Heroes finish line on September 3rd.

I can’t say for sure, but I have a feeling Snickers has something up his (proverbial) sleeve. Again.

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Why We Are Going to Pawty on Friday

by jenna on June 13, 2011 · 2 comments

in special events

Snick and I are leaving for NYC tomorrow morning.

The Canine Cocktail Pawty to benefit Hike for Our Heroes has gone from random idea to reality in a matter of six weeks. It’s been a lot of work on a hectic timeline, but it’s really coming together and I’m excited! Now that the event is less than a week away – and I’m not quite so frantic with the planning – I’d like to share a little more about WHY this party is happening.

First off, as you all know, I’m a huge advocate of responsible dog ownership. Snickers and I are Delta Society Pet Partners (which means he is a registered therapy dog) and we spend the majority of our therapy visit time with children, teaching them empathy for animals by exposing them to what fantastic companions animals can be. I have a strong belief that human/animal interaction makes the world a better place. The benefits of the bond that companion animals can share with us is simply amazing to me. This event is a doggie birthday party for “Emmie the Superdog,” a Shiba Inu who has walked over 2,500 miles by her human’s side as he walks across America (and back). Emmie is a wonderful example of the companionship and support that dogs provide to humans every day. I want to celebrate that!

Secondly, Emmie’s human, Troy Yocum, has undertaken a huge personal project to raise funds and awareness for military families in financial crisis. He started his Hike for Our Heroes a little over a year ago and, since then, he has changed the lives of about 40 families in need. I have a deep respect for the people who are willing to join the military knowing there is a chance they’ll have to go into combat and potentially die. I grew up proud of the fact that my father had been an Army officer between college and career. When I married my (now ex-) husband, he was a young enlisted man. We spent the first couple years of our marriage living apart, because we couldn’t afford for me to quit my job and live on base with him. The military life can be very difficult and it is certainly even more of a hardship during times like our current economic recession. Troy is making sacrifices to make a difference for people who need it. I want to show him that he is appreciated!

I’ve managed to organize this event, long distance and in a short timespan, entirely because I’ve had the help of some amazing friends who also believe in Troy’s mission. I’m grateful for the assistance and support that has been shown by every volunteer and for every purchased ticket and each donation that has been made so far. I’m excited that we’ll have a chance to celebrate the human/animal bond by “pawtying” on Emmie’s birthday and that we can show Troy and his family how much we appreciate their selfless dedication to helping people. The one goal that isn’t satisfied yet though is the desire to raise some real money for Troy to use in his mission. So far, Emmie’s party is paid for (whew!), we have one $500 sponsorship check to give Troy at the event, and we plan to auction off three original paintings as well. That’s a success and I’m certainly happy about it. I’d love to do so much more though.

In honor of Troy, his wife Mareike, their dogs Emmie and Harley, all the people who have helped them along the way on their mission, everyone who has helped me with Emmie’s birthday party, and all of the military families out there in need because someone they love is, or has been, deployed during these trying economic times, I hope that, if you can afford to do so, you will consider making a donation at http://www.caninecocktailpawty.org/donate/ to add to what we will present to Troy at the event. It would truly mean a lot to me for so many reasons!

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As Always, Running In A Million Directions

by jenna on June 7, 2011 · 0 comments

in special events

Snick at the treat tableI’ve been a bit busy. Those of you who know me, know this isn’t anything new. LOL

The Heart Dog Series has kind of fallen by the wayside for the moment because I’ve been dedicating most of my discretionary time (meaning the time that I’m not at work or doing stuff for my family, NYCSR or NSCA) to putting together a charity benefit for Hike for Our Heroes. The awesome news is that the party is going to be a lot of fun. We’ll have hors d’oeuvres and drinks, photo fun and doggy playtime. More good news is that we’ve introduced a bunch of new people to the Hike for Our Heroes mission in the process of planning the event. The not so great news is that it looks like we’re not going to make nearly as large a donation as I’d hoped for when I first started planning this thing. This sort of party seems like a LOT of work for a relatively small donation when I compare it to other – less work intensive – projects that I’ve undertaken recently (which have earned considerably more in donations). I just have to keep reminding myself that this is also a party which will be FUN in addition to being a fund raiser. Right? Right!

Snickers and I will be in NYC for the party. If you want to be sure to see us while we’re in town, attend the Canine Cocktail Pawty on June 17th! If you can’t be there, but you’d like to make my heart sing a little (or a lot), make a donation towards the event. All proceeds (after party costs) go to Hike for Our Heroes to be used to help military families in financial crisis.

When this event is over, I plan to go back to working to simplify my life, so I can focus on building Animals Who Educate!

 

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