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Christopher Cringle
December 24, 2007
Every holiday season, we deliver food baskets and gifts to many
needy families in our community. This Christmas Eve, we also were able to rescue a mom dog with her eight starving pups
and an adorable little Boxer puppy -- we named him Christopher Cringle! Christopher had to ride around with us in the
van while we completed our rounds. He politely sat on the front seat every time we would have to leave him for a moment
to help other dogs or hand out supplies and gifts.
Isobel
December 15, 2007
After several sightings of a super skinny calico kitty outside of our shelter, we were finally
able to trap her! This poor gal was skin and bones, weighing a mere 4 pounds. She was also heavily parasite-ridden.
We named her Isobel and she now weighs 9 1/2 pounds! Isobel needs a good home soon! Call us at (540) 364-3272
to make an appointment to come in and meet this gorgeous girl!
Teddy Bear
October 2007
In late October, Fauquier County Animal Control captured a pony
that had been a stray for many months. We named him Teddy Bear! This little guy had either never been trained
or was previously mishandled and was very frightened and untrusting. Our horse trainer volunteer, Lacy Warner, worked
with Teddy Bear for several weeks and now Teddy is in a new foster home with a very knowledgeable horse gal who is giving
him everything he needs to grow into a well-rounded healthy pony. Teddy has a big future ahead of him!
***MARCH 2008 UPDATE: Teddy is having
a great time with his wonderful foster mom who is teaching him a lot!
 Oliver
October 2007
We
found Oliver during a cruelty investigation. He was living in a tiny enclosure with a huge hog that was very dominant. Oliver
is 6 months old and very small for his age due to chronic malnourishment and parasites. We brought him back to the shelter
and started his de-worming and external lice treatment -- he was loaded -- yuck! He is a very happy pig now though! Oliver
has a good sized enclosure with plenty of trees, brush and mud to root around in! He has a large warm bedded doghouse and
gets lots of treats and love every day. He has gained a lot of weight and looks and feels terrific! Our behaviorist, Genevieve,
is currently clicker training Oliver -- he is a very smart boy! Watch for Oliver in this year's Middleburg Christmas Parade!
Pearl and her 3 babies were near death due to starvation when they
arrived at our shelter. They were removed from a neglectful owner by an adjacent county control agency. Pearl is an older
Boxer, she has been bred repeatedly. This will be her last litter! The little boy puppy passed away at 3 days of age although
the 2 little girls are doing well.
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| Peanut helped out by nursing Pearl's pups. |
Pearl has minimal milk so we have been supplementing the babies
with bottle feeding every 2 hours. Today, we were able to put the babies on our other mom dog, Peanut! Peanut is an adorable
little terrier mix mom in excellent shape and has lots of milk. At this point we really think the 2 little gals will make
it!
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| Elizabeth getting an afternoon feeding from her new friend, Brenda |
***UPDATE
8/10/2007 - Sadly, we did lose another little
girl. The vets felt that she had "fading pup syndrome". Although we are happy to reoprt that the sole survivor- now named
"Elizabeth" is thriving and growing like a weed! She turned three weeks old on 8/9/07 and she ate her first solid puppy food
today! Elizabeth is also making friends with the Terrier mix "Peanut" puppies - she has play time every day.
***UPDATE 10/26/2007- Our
dear Pearl
found her forever home! After several months of intensive care, she fully recovered - gaining over twenty pounds! It took
a few months but, once she was healthy, Pearl was spayed and
had a few tumors removed. She went home with her dad last week- it was a match made in heaven!
77
Animals Seized
January 2007
On Friday January 12, 2007, Fauquier
County Animal Control and Humane Investigator Hilleary Bogley visited a property in Remington, VA. Unfortunately they found
a large number of animals in imminent danger of their life, safety and health. Many of the animals were emaciated. There was
no hay or feed on the property. Many dead bodies were found in barrels, trash cans and scattered over the property. Animal
Control and Hilleary seized a total of 77 animals including 2 horses, 1 burro, chickens, goats, a pig, cows, sheep, ducks
& geese. The animals were transported to the Fauquier SPCA and the Middleburg Humane Foundation farm shelter where they
have been receiving medical care, dewoming and food and water. The seizure/impoundment hearing is scheduled for Monday, January
22nd in Fauquier District Court. Wish us luck- we’re going to need it!
***1/22/07 UPDATE: On Monday 1/22 we went to court
for the seizure/impoundment of the 77 animals that were seized from a property in Remington VA.
The court ruled in
the animals favor and gave full custody of all to Middleburg Humane as well as ordered restitution for some of the expenses
we have incurred in the care of the animals. The defendant does have a right to an appeal so hopefully that won't happen which
would hold these animals up from being available for adoption. We will keep you posted!
Everyone is doing great! There
are still a few goats that are still in intensive care but they seem to be getting stronger every day. The horses are happy
and eating well, the pig loves his heavily bedded enclosure and yummy food, and all the fowl are chirping with glee!
A
great big thank you to the following individuals and businesses that have helped us give these animals a second chance at
a healthy, happy life:
Dr. Jean Loonam - caring for the pig, dog, sheep & goats
Dr. Andrea Russell - caring
for the 2 horses, burro & radiographing the Billy goat & fostering sheep
Pam Dixon - donated 50 bales of hay
Lisa
Ben-Dov - donated a round bale
Carolyn Shortt - fostering
Equine Rescue League - helped with seizure & transport
We are sure this list will grow as the care continues!!!
***2/8/2007 UPDATE: We are happy to report
that we won our seizure/impoundment case and have obtained full custody of all 77 animals rescued on 1/13/07. We are going
forward with criminal cruelty charges as well. We feel that it is important to get this on record and hope that the judge
will consider not allowing this family to own agricultural or companion animals
for a period of time.
Everyone is doing great-
gaining weight, staying warm and having fun! We have many goats, four geese, five ornamental ducks, three cows, a pig and
two horses that are now available for adoption. The Billy goat still has his cast on and Margaret, the #2 goat will be staying
with us. At this point, most of the animals just need groceries and TLC and by spring time, they will all be healthy again!
If you have room in your
heart, home and/or barn, please inquire about adoption. All information on our adoption program can be found under adoption procedures!
***2/16/07 UPDATE: All of the Maher rescued
animals are doing beautifully and several have gone into foster homes! On February 15th we went back to court for the criminal
animal cruelty charges. The defendants, Mr. & Mrs. Maher, requested a continuance. We will continue to care for the animals,
record their progress and promise to keep you posted!
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| River is adjusting well to his cart. |
River
(now Sodapop)
December 2006
Little River was brought
to us from West Virginia. He had lived on a chain all of his life. Unfortunately about 3 months ago,
his owner kicked him and caused a spinal injury. River is now paralyzed in his hind end. West
Virginia has good anti-cruelty laws but there is a loophole in their laws. Only local jurisdictions
can enforce. There is no authority to oversee that laws are enforced. In many localities, a lot of the people are
related and therefore, many animal laws are not enforced!
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| Dr. Roo Makosky gave River several much appreciated acupuncture treatments. |
River is safe now.
He has a cart to tottle around in and has an appointment with a neurologist after Christmas. Since River does have deep pain
in his rear toes there is a chance that he would be a surgical candidate and could possibly walk again. We will do everything
possible to give him a second chance at a long healthy life full of love.
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| Soda (aka River) gives a thank you kiss to his friend, Dr. Bush. |
***January 19,
2007 UPDATE: Our dear little River had his hemi-laminectomy (spine) surgery on January 8th. Dr. William Bush performed the surgery. We are extremely happy to report that he was up and starting to walk just 9 days later! River (now
called Soda Pop) will continue his rehab at home with Tina Curtis, our Webmaster/Admin. Asst. who fell madly in love with
him when fostering him over the holidays.
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| Brutus/Sgt, Pepper also known as "Grandpa". |
Sgt.
Pepper
December 2006
This poor old dog was
“dumped" on us. A woman came into the shelter last week with this adorable
little old man in her arms. She said that she had found him on Rte. 55 and she was leaving town so she didn’t go to
any of the surrounding houses to see if he belonged to anyone. We took her info and a description of where he was found and
off she went.
Later that day, we made
up flyers and went to all of the homes in the area where he was “found”. No one recognized him and we quickly
began to think that she had pulled a fast one on us- she didn’t find this dog- it was her dog and she dumped him. We
did report him to the local SPCA in hopes that maybe we were wrong but our thoughts were confirmed the following day.
A woman at the local dump
called to check on “Brutus”- the 19 year old dog that her friend had brought to us! We called her back and she
couldn’t believe that her friend had completely lied. We got her friends number, called and confronted her. She sadly
hung up on us mid sentence after saying that she was now homeless and staying at her moms where the little dog was not welcome.
So, here we are.
This little old dog has liver failure and is very depressed and not eating well. How incredibly sad for him to lose his mom
after 19 years. We are offering him all kinds of yummy foods and lots of love. Hopefully he will settle in and feel comfy
here soon. Unless we find a super terrific person to adopt him, he is more than welcome to stay with us as an office dog.
Hazel
December 2006
This gorgeous gal was
hit by a car in The Plains. She was skin and bones and filthy dirty so it appeared that she had been on the run for quite
some time. Hazel suffered a shattered pelvis from the accident
and was very painful and very fearful. She was on her way to the local SPCA to be euthanized but fortunately a passerby had
called us and we arrived just as she was being loaded into the animal control officer’s truck. We offered to take her
to give her a chance and she was transported directly to the Middleburg Animal
Hospital.
She wasn’t
an easy patient- she was super scared and didn’t want anyone to touch her! Lots of growling, snapping, crying and alligator
rolls if you came near her! She was a different dog when she came to the shelter and has been recovering beautifully ever
since! Hazel seems to feel better and better every day. We love her dearly!
Oscar,
Bubba & Milhouse
Thanksgiving Day 2006
On Thanksgiving Day, representatives
from MHF took food baskets and animal supplies to the chained dog assistance families. We came across several situations of
animal neglect and were successful in rescuing 3 very needy dogs.
The first is Oscar. Oscar
is a Lab/Retriever mix that has been running wild in the trailer park for the past year. We had made several attempts to catch
him but he was very fearful and very fast! But on this day, Oscar was thin and weak from a badly injured foot. We were able
to approach him slowly and looped a leash around his neck. He was terrified but sweet as could be. We loaded him with no problem
and took him back to the shelter where we started him on antibiotics and pain meds until he could get to the vet the following
morning. Oscar will lose 2 toes and possibly his whole front leg. We are currently trying to get the infection under control
and he will have his first surgery next week. Oscar is very shy and is trying very hard to trust but it will take time. He
seems to be enjoying the warmth and yummy food!
The other rescues
were 2 dogs that were chained behind a trailer in Culpeper. Bubba is a 13 year old Rotweiller who is arthritic and in desperate
need of grooming and groceries! He has been chained for many years and wasn’t doing very well. His owner agreed to release
him to us after we had a good heart to heart talk about what was fair for the dog.
The same lady then asked
us to take a second dog, a little Rotty/ Bassett mix who has also lived on a chain for the past 2 years. He wasn’t being
well cared for, always thin; his chain would be wrapped up in garbage so he couldn’t get to his dog house and often
had no food or water. We have named him Milhouse! This is one cute (and now very happy!) little guy!
So,
it was a good day. We not only rescued the 3 dogs but we were also able to provide warm straw, rawhide bones and food for
many other chained dogs that live a pretty miserable life.
Meadow & Gilbert
August 2006
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| Katie with Meadow & Gilbert |
Saturday, August 12th, we were asked to look at an emaciated
Belgian horse at the local livestock sale. Upon examination this unfortunate horse had severe muscle atrophy in her hind end
and was EIA positive so she needed to be humanely euthanized immediately. While at the sale barn, we came across a pitiful
little miniature mare with her 5 month old colt. After speaking with the dealer that brought them in, we decided that we definitely
needed to purchase these guys- they had a sad story and were in need of good nutrition and veterinary care. The dealer told
us that he had purchased the mare, her foal, her yearling from last year and the stallion from a family that was keeping them
in a "mud pit with no food". He had purchased them about a month ago and said that he put some weight on the mare by deworming
her and keeping her in with his Llamas. But, he really didn't want to fool with her any more since she needed more care than
he wanted to provide. So, that said, home they came with us to the MHF shelter! We have named the mom " Meadow" and the little
boy is " Gilbert".
Meadow is extremely sweet, very people oriented, quite
affectionate and gentle. Gilbert was super scared of us at first but is getting more curious and trusting every day and now
allows us to scratch him in all the right places! Our trainer, Scott Freeland had great fun with Gilbert and within 15 minutes
had Gilbert laying in his lap- upside down- completely relaxed - while Gilbert had his first hoof trim! We will allow Gilbert
to stay with his mom for a bit longer, until we see signs that she is ready to wean him. Theses adorable little kids will
be available for adoption very soon!
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| Trainer Scott Freeland made instant friends with Gilbert! |
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| Scott, Gilbert and Meadow. |
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Pappy & Aspen
July 2006
Pappy is a 16-18 year old Chihuauhua/ JRT mix that
was found wandering aimlessly on the side of a road. He was filthy and scared. Pappy is deaf but gets around well and
is pretty perky! We will allow Pappy to hang out with us and if he settles in, we will do his dental and try to find him a
home. Aspen was also found on a road- her hair coat is in horrible condition- probably flea allergies
and chronic poor care. She is a lovely lady- gentle and kind. She has started medications and feels so much better since
she got a medicated bath and is in a warm, clean environment. Aspen will need a family to call her own very soon!
Penny
April 2006
During a visit to the trailer park, we became aware of a little
Chihuahua/Beagle mix that had been hit by a car. She was laying underneath of a trailer; unable to use her hind end. The woman
told us that she had been under her trailer for about 2 weeks and we could take her since "she wasn't worth nothin'". We transported
this pitiful little dog directly to the Middleburg Animal Hospital.
It was determined that she had a broken right femur, a fractured pelvis and a dislocated left
hip. The hospital provided her with a pain management protocol until surgery the following week. We named this little girl
Penny and she is very sweet and adorable. Penny had her first surgery last week to repair her femur. She is scheduled for
the second surgery next week to repair her dislocated hip. Penny has many weeks of healing ahead of her. She is now living
in the office with us and is a very appreciative and special little girl.
***UPDATE May 12, 2006: Penny had her second surgery Thursday, May 11th to
repair her dislocated left hip. The surgery went very well and her right fractured femur is healing. Penny is really
doing great! She is eating well and very content in the office with us. She has chosen Tina as her favorite person so whenever
Tina leaves the room, Penny cries until someone fusses over her. Happily, this was her last surgery.
The Fabulous Five
April 2006
On Saturday April 1st, we visited the horse sale in Front
Royal Virginia. Unfortunately this sale is an evening sale which is a big "social scene"- as I'm sure you will agree, alcohol
and horses do not mix well. There was a lot of poor horsemanship that night - and a lot of horses in bad hands. We ended up
with 5 equine friends coming home with us that evening. A menagerie of kids ranging from a severly malnourished 2 year old
pony to a 10 month old Percheron mix filly.
The 2 year old pony has one of the saddest stories I have ever come
across in my 24 years of humane work. I had the man repeat his story in front of my friend since I felt no one would believe
me! This pony appeared at first to be an ancient emaciated old pony but when I looked into his mouth, he appeared to have
baby teeth. I found the man who had brought him into the sale and here is the true story of the little pony that we now call
Francis:
A man told us that 2 years ago he worked for a service that picks up dead livestock
for rendering (fertilizers and cosmetics). He was called to a farm in West Virginia to pick up a dead pony mare. The farmer
gave him the "half dead" 4 week old baby foal and he put it in the back of the truck with it's dead mom and many other carcasses.
He had a late day so he headed straight home with his load. He told his wife that he was just going to leave the foal in the
truck because he was sure he would be dead by morning.
The next morning the foal was still alive so, he turned him out in a big field with two other
horses and said "if he lives he lives and if he dies, he dies". He never bottle fed the baby, he didn't have time. He claimed
that he fed him "some corn every other weekend". The man said he was sure that the foal would die the first winter since he
looked so bad but he had made it. And then last winter, he never hayed him because " there was so much snow he couldn't make
it there" (I don't know where in West Virginia this was but I don't remember much snow...) anyway, he was bringing the pony
to the sale because he needed a hundred bucks- I said "sold" and off we went.
Little Francis will hopefully survive. His bloodwork is atrocious-very
anemic and very high proteins but I think we will get him through this. His legs are deformed for life from the chronic malnourishment
and starvation but, he doesn't care. He will be a happy little lawn ornament for someone!
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| Hercules, Christina, Milton & Papoose |
As far as the other 4, they are in much better shape but all needed
our care. The young percheron is named Christina, after my dearest friend that went with me that evening. The gorgeous little
bay pony has been named Hercules and he is now healthy and almost done with his daily medications. The lovely old white gelding
is Milton and he has a true heart of gold. And then there is Papoose, the yearling appy colt that is a pistol! We look forward
to giving them all a commitment of a long life of protection, health and happiness.
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| Julia couldn't even stand, sit or lay down. |
We came across this pitiful young lady while delivering food to the trailer park folks. She
was tied to an old rusting half barrel, the chain was completely tangled up so she couldn't stand up, sit or even lay down.
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| Julia riding back to our shelter with her new friend, Kim. |
She had no food, no water and obviously, no shelter. She was absolutely miserable. It took
us about 15 minutes to get her off of the chain. The chain was so tight around her neck that we had to take the whole chain
and work on getting it off of her while riding home in the van. We had a very busy day and we were full to the brim so this
young gal rode up front with Kim. She was despondant, tired, thirsty and very hungry. We shared french fries with her and
decided to name her Julia since she is such a pretty lady! Julia needs to learn to trust, groceries and time to heal.
Audrey, the
baby kitty from Jamaica
January 2006
I went to Negril, Jamaica for a much needed vacation.
Animal rescue work is quite rewarding but it is never ending and therefore, time off is a must in order to keep your sanity!
The second evening in Negril, my friend Chris and I were returning to our room late one
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