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What we're barking about...
SPECIAL THANKS TO DESOTO AUTO MALL FOR THEIR DONATION TO HELP US PURCHASE A TRANSPORT VAN!!
After suffering our third breakdown with a van full of dogs, we decided we had to purchase a new transport van. On January 15, 2007 we approached DeSoto Auto Mall about a 2006 Ford full size van on their used car lot. Thanks to their generous donation, we were able to purchase this van and only finance $10,000. We are now working toward paying that loan off. After several years of unreliable transportation, it is such a relief to finally have a van we and our dogs can count on.
We would also like to thank the Mark Wandall Foundation, INC for their donation which will be towards the balance of the van loan. After only a month we have raised $5000 for the van. If you would like to sponsor our transport van or make a donation to help, please contact us at CanineCastaways@hotmail.com
HUGE CHIHUAHUA RESCUE!
Canine Castaways rescued 15 chihuahuas from one household on Wednesday, May 10, 2006. 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.
Click here for chihuahua updates and pictures.
SMALL RESCUE GROUP HELPS HURRICANE KATRINA VICTIMS
Volunteers with Canine Castaways, a local non-profit small dog rescue group,
recently made two trips to the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina in
Mississippi. The first trip was focused on search and rescue while the
second on delivery of much needed supplies for both pets and people.
Sherri Robbins, volunteer with Canine Castaways, traveled to Gautier,
Mississippi and stayed a week working at the compound set up by the Humane
Society of the United States. She worked thirteen hour days helping rescue
animals in the field, distributing pet food to families and assisting with
those animals needing medical treatment. She had no intention of bringing
any animals back with her but that did change when four tiny chihuahua
puppies were brought into the compound. The owners had to evacuate without
the puppies and their mom. The puppies were found in the attic where
their mom put them for safety; however, she did not make it through the
storm. The puppies were very sick and their owners could not care for them.
After several days of intense care, the puppies were well enough to be
transferred. Sherri said, “I could not part with Matilda (one of the tiny
puppies). I have no regrets on going and helping out in Mississippi and have
every intention to go and help again when I am able.”
The concern and generosity of the residents of DeSoto, Charlotte, Hardee,
Manatee and Sarasota counties was overwhelming. After only one week, enough
donations were collected to completely fill a 6 x 12 U-Haul trailer along
with the truck that was pulling it. These donations would have never been
possible without the help of Dr. Overcash and Staff at Animal Ark or
Arcadia, Dr. Villareal and Staff at Animal Medical Clinic, Dr. Corona and
Staff at Parkway Animal Hospital, Dr. Lovett and Staff of Hardee Animal
Clinic and Jennifer Foster of DeSoto Animal Services.
Originally donations were intended for the shelter operated by the Humane
Society of the United States located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Upon
return from the first trip, it was determined that the need for supplies was
greater in the areas closer to the devastation. As a result, the destination
of the second trip was changed to the Gautier / Gulfport region of
Mississippi. Canine Castaways volunteers, Kim Rinaldi and Christy
Westberry, made the trip loaded with supplies that were split between the
Humane Society of Southern Mississippi, Project Halo and area residents in
need. The director of the Humane Society of Southern Mississippi said, "The
response to this area from the residents of Florida has been awesome!"
Canine Castaways would like to especially thank First State Bank of Arcadia,
DeSoto Memorial Hospital, Peace River Campground, Solomon's Castle, Law
Office of Michael Wynn, Walmart of Arcadia, John Collins - Attorney at Law,
Tractor Supply of Arcadia, Sarasota Petsmart, Darryl's Road and Wrecker,
Sarasota Banfield, and Animal Ark of Arcadia for their generous donations to
help make these trips a success. For more information about Canine
Castaways, please visit www.CanineCastaways.org or call (863)491-MUTT
(6888).
HAPPY HOWL-IDAY PROGRAM
Canine Castaways created a very special holiday program in 2004. Gift bags were put together for both dogs and cats and taken to the Senior Friendship Center in Arcadia for distribution to those senior citizens on the Meals on Wheels program in DeSoto County. The bags contained dry pet food samples as well as toys, can food, treats, and lots of information.
In 2006, Canine Castaways wanted to make a difference in the local community during the holiday season. "After reading about the Santa Sacks that the Senior Friendship Center was distributing, we decided to do Canine Christmas gifts for those seniors with dogs", says Nancy Armstrong, Vice-President of Canine Castaways. Each gift consists of dog food, treats, and toys donated by Canine Castaways and Animal Ark of Arcadia. These gifts will be given to the homebound elderly with dogs served by the Senior Friendship Center of DeSoto County.
Currently, the organization is planning on making this an annual "Happy Howl-idays" program. The ultimate goal is to also offer assistance to these homebound seniors with the care of their pets all year. For more information, please contact Canine Castaways at 863-491-6888 or email CanineCastaways@hotmail.com.
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