June 24, 2006

All of the chihuahuas are doing great!! Bunny had a bad stomach problem but her dad took great care of her and she is doing much better. Comet has settled into his new home and the whole family is very happy. Freckles, Flurry, Dino and Amos are all being adopted by their foster parents. Riley and Sherry both went to their new homes today.

June 16, 2006

All of the puppies have their eyes open. They are starting to explore more and more every day. Pictures will be posted soon.

June 11, 2006

Several of the chihuahuas were adopted today. Raven, Comet and Bunny all went to their new homes.

June 4, 2006

The last chihuahua was placed in a foster home today. They are all adjusting very well.

May 31, 2006

Shelby gave birth to three beautiful puppies, two dark colored males and a brown female, on May 27. Both mom and babies are doing great. Hannah had her babies on May 30th. She had two girls, one gray and white and one long hair black. Hannah developed mastitis and required immediate antibiotics.

Friday, May 12, 2006

Two of our volunteers went to the home and caught the last two chiahuahuas bringing our total up to 17. There are 9 females and 8 males. They vary in size from 2.5 pounds all they way up to 8 pounds.

Wednesday, May 17th, 2006

We have had the chihuahuas for a week. Our vet's office is working very hard to get everything done for these little ones but they do all need dentals along with everything else and one of the vet techs is on vacation this week. The two suspected pregnant dogs had x-rays last week but nothing showed. They will be x-rayed again this week so we will better know their status. It could take us a couple of weeks to get them all done and moved out. We have given them an order of importance based upon the ones that are the most scared in the kennel. Hopefully we will have many ready this week.

Many thanks to everybody that has offered to help and to those of you that also forwarded the email to others. The response has been tremendous. Looks like we have at least 11 already approved foster spots in our immediate (DeSoto, Sarasota and Manatee Counties) area. Of course, it is easiest if we can keep the dogs in this area so that they are more readily available for adoptions, follow up vet visits, etc.. We have had many offers for help in the Pinellas and Hillsborough County areas as well but may not need to go that far away.

We have been going up to the vet's office to work with the dogs on a regular basis and they are gradually improving. Some are doing much better than others. We are hoping to get them all bathed this week as well.

It is very IMPORTANT for all potential fosters to realize that these dogs are more than likely not potty trained and will need work in that area. Many of these dogs are still very scared and may growl, snap or bite. They don't know what a leash is and will need help understanding that it is not a bad thing. Basically, they will need lots of love and patience. We do NOT feel that these dogs will be able to handle any young children. We are not trying to discourage anybody from wanting to help but this type of foster is not for everybody and we just want to be sure that all potential fosters know what they are getting into.

We are working on foster kits to send with each dog. This will include a small bag of Purina Pro-Plan Small Breed dog food, a blanket for the dog, belly bands for the boys, potty pads, as well as other goodies. We can also provide a dog crate for anybody that needs one.

If you are interested in fostering, please send me an email with your name, address, phone number, and current pet info. If you are interested in possibly adopting one of these dogs when they are ready, please visit our website at www.CanineCastaways.Petfinder.com or www.CanineCastaways.org and submit our adoption application via email. Of course, donations to aid with their vet expenses or their foster care are always needed and appreciated.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

We rescued 15 chihuahuas from one household today. We had been called because an older gentleman was in bad shape and his sons were here from up north to take him back with them. The man had accumulated a number of chihuahuas and they needed placement immediately. The poor little dogs were scared out of their mind. Luckily we had a pair of puncture resistant gloves; otherwise, there would have been lots of blood shed as their little teeth clamped down on our hands. By the time we left, we had doggie poop on us but we had 15 chihuahuas in our newly repaired van.

All of the dogs were immediately taken to our vet's office (Special thanks to Animal Ark for being so accomodating!!). They all need dentals, serious nail clippings, spay/ neuters, along with all vaccinations and heartworm tests. Two of the females are VERY pregnant. All others will be spayed / neutered ASAP. As their vet care is completed we would like to start moving the dogs to foster homes. If you know of anybody that might want to do be a one time emergency foster home in this situation, please let us know.