February 3, 2010
AN UPDATE FROM CHESTER & MINGO
We wanted to send you a quick update on these wonderful bullies. They have been such a blessing in our lives. They make us smile all the time. There has been a time of adjustment, but we have the routine down now. They can't wait until spring when they'll be able to take walks around the neighborhood and win the hearts of our little town.
Attached are a couple of pictures of Mingo and Chester doing one of their favorite "activities"...sleeping. When they are not sleeping on the couch, Chester loves to be in the kitchen trying to find any possible crumb that might have dropped to the floor and Mingo loves chewing on rope toys, bones, or anything else that he can take from Chester. Despite a little sibling rivalry, the boys get along great overall and prefer to be near each other or in our laps all day. Our cats have adjusted fairly well. They don't curl up next to the dogs, but they don't fight or fear each other either. Both dogs have become fast favorites of our friends and families. Our brother-in-law does graphic design and recently featured Mingo and Chester in an ad that he designed. It was fun for us to see them in his magazine.
Thanks again for everything!
-Chris & Melissa
January 10, 2010
MATILDAS STORY
When we first brought our puppy home (her name was Twinkle then), she was very uncertain of her new house and owners. It seemed as though she’d been through some rough times and was trusting of nobody. To even get her out of the car took some serious coaxing! She quickly found her bed and announced in no uncertain terms she would be sleeping for quite awhile before she even wanted to be looked at. She’s a very quiet animal, but she’s very good at giving off looks that say “please leave me alone right now.”
At first, Matilda (her new name) did not like being touched, wasn’t much of an eater, and was more a piece of furniture than a best friend. But as we spent more and more time talking to her and explaining that we were going to be good parents, she began to listen. It was little things at first; she’d always follow us around (though keep a safe distance), she began to want to get on the furniture (though not the good couch, she knew it was off limits), and would occasionally even want us to pet her! After a couple of weeks, Matilda found out that if she rolled onto her back she’d get belly rubs. Matilda loves belly rubs!! She was still very uncertain her parents could be trusted though, so she would always let us know when she was done by growling. Not a mean growl, just an “okay, I’ve had enough” kind of thing.
It did not take very long for her to establish her favorite (her Mom). She would hang on to her every word and even respond as she taught her how to sit and stay. Daddy was deemed okay in small doses, but only when Mom was near by to keep her safe. But that didn’t discourage us. We knew she would just need more time and attention to show that we were both going to give her only good pets from now on. As time went on, her constantly grumpy stares became ones of curiosity and affection, and we knew we were getting through to her.
The longer we’ve had our puppy (we call her that even though she’s almost eight) the more comfortable she’s grown. In return, she’s taught us about the rewards of patience and unconditional love. In fact, it’s become hard to say no to her! All of the furniture that was off limits is now fair game, and she even has her very own loveseat! She will come into the kitchen while we’re cooking because she knows if she sits and stares at us long enough that she will get some of whatever it is we happen to be making.
She’s also become very good at pretending like she doesn’t understand us, and will use it to her full advantage. She only goes outside if we convince her that she really does have to go potty, and sometimes she will still let us know if we’re inconveniencing her in any way, even if she’s sound asleep in our bed and we want to roll over! We’re well aware we spoil her rotten, but it seems as though she’s had a rough go of things for most of her life, and we want to make what’s left of it as happy for her as possible.
Matilda has brought an unspoken joy to both of our lives, and even though she still loves Mom the most, she shares her love and affection with both of us. When we picked her up a year ago, I don’t think either one of us knew how dramatically she would positively impact our lives, and we are very thankful to have such a wonderful pet!
-Abbey and Ryan
July 16, 2009
Magoo
What can I say…we are crazy over Magoo! When I started the rescue process I never dreamed it would actually happen. However, the dream came true and Magoo came to live with our family on April 24, 2009. He joined his other bully siblings Gus and Zoe. Their relationship started off without a hitch, you would have thought they had always lived together. Shortly after he arrived, he got sick with Pancreatitis. Magoo got lots of TLC and he is now healthy and doing awesome. Before we got Magoo, I had several conversations with his foster mom (Deb). She told me he was a “sweet soul”, which is very much true. He’s laid back and loves to be loved. I would have to say is favorite thing to do is playing ball in the yard. We usually get worn out before he does! One day I made the mistake of taking him to a soccer game with me….he barked at every ball that went by and thought they should be his. Another favorite is playing in the water. When I give our youngest a bath, Magoo’s right there and would probably get in if I let him. He also enjoys going for rides and taking walks around the block. Magoo is very good with kids and gets lots of visits from the kids in our neighborhood. We will be forever grateful to the Indiana Bulldog Rescue and Magoo’s foster mom (Deb). Magoo is truly a one of a kind gift!
May 19, 2009
Happy Birthday Diesel
Well we have a birthday this month. Diesel will be 8 yrs old on May 7th, but it doesn't seem to bother him. And we have been buddies for a year as of last April.
According to his Doctor he is in pretty good health, if not a little overweight at 72 lbs. He weighed 61 lbs. when when he came to live with me. But I will tell you, he can move pretty fast when he wants to. He only eat 2 times a day, 1/2 cup in the morning and a cup at dinner time. He likes to have me bring his dinner in where I am eating and he eats with me.
I want to thank Melissa O'Neal for bringing him into my life. He was a little defensive when I first got him, but with the life he had, and getting bounced around to different homes with different people I think he deserved to be a little defensive. But now he is one contented Bulldog and he loves to be next to me on the sofa.
He loves to go in the car with me. He is so good to wait for me when I go into a store. Diesel also loves to go shopping at Pet's Supplies Plus, and what Bulldog wouldn't. The people there just love him, and he likes to give them those wonderful Bulldog "kisses" ... lol lol.
Well thanks for taking time to read about the Dog that God guided to me. You all have a great day.
Bud & Diesel
May 19, 2009
Happy Tail #5
Matilda the Bulldog
I just wanted to send some pictures from our little friend. Matilda is doing great! Her thyroid is fine and she is deep in heart with our Vet, Dr. Craig.
Matilda is adjusting nicely here in Michigan, and as you can see from the pictures, has her own love seat in the house. Matilda and her dad are working together to build her trust in men, getting spoiled rotten in the process.
Her hobbies include drooling on her love seat, car rides, and walks around our block. She is so popular in the neighborhood that the kids follow her on their bikes! She and Sandwich the cat are learning to share time with mom and dad. It's really cute because Sandwich rubs against Matilda and purrs.
We have been so lucky to have Matilda Magoo in our family and we look forward to all of the great memories we will make!
March 19, 2009
Happy Tail #4
Indiana Bulldog Rescue is proud to bring you Tillie Mae's story.
Around July 2008, after the sudden loss of my beloved bully boy Mack to cancer, Tillie Mae came to live in Minnesota. Her journey was more than the hours we spent on the road to get her from Pam Bergson and Indiana Bulldog Rescue. Born in July of 2007 with now diagnosed hemivertebrae, Tillie Mae lived in 5 homes in 6 months. Around March of 2008 she came to Indiana Bulldog Rescue. A peanut at 32 pounds, she travelled to Purdue University and the University of Missouri Vet Schools. Diagnosed at Purdue, the vets at Missouri fused her thoracic vertebrae 7, 8, and 9 with bone grafts from her own iliac crests and cadaver dogs bones. Afterward, she recuperated with Pam. The vets deemed her surgery a success in that her condition would not worsen, but they didn't know just what her physical future would hold. Would she be incontinent? Would she walk? So far, we have progressed from not getting up off her hind legs to urinate, daily cleaning, and managing sores on the tops of her rear paws from dragging them to no more wet paws! Now no more dragging of those legs! The latter is more of an exception than a rule. Tillie Mae has been going to therapy and loves her new friend Katie. We continue to work on her mobility, strength, and balance, as well as a chronic UTI.
With all this said, tiny Tillie the tornado turned a year old in July and has an exuberance for life unmatched by anything I have ever seen! She loves every minute of everyday, making me laugh, sharing her joy at simply being. Her story is a fortunate one. Every step of her journey since Pam got her, has been accompanied by a new and loving family who not only devoted love and support, but raised money for her surgery through an eBay auction! BCARN also donated funds so that Pam and Bulldog Rescue could save her life. I do not know where Tillie Mae's future will take her. She will never move like a normal dog, but she doesn't care. And neither do I. We will take what each day gives us and be grateful for our lives together.
Thank you BCA, BCARN, Indiana Bulldog Rescue, and our BDW family!!! Rescue is the dark side of our world in a sense. All the time, effort, and money these folks put in is voluntary. The decisions that need to be made are not always easy nor popular. Those of you reading this already know the message. Those breeders who are not reputable nor willing to take the responsibility for their dogs will, one day, face at the Gate those they have abandoned, shunned, neglected and/or abused. The Bulldog Moon shall speak no curse. The eyes will watch in lament as those who left them behind make their journey to another world. After awhile, their heads will turn in silence and amble back to the fields of Red Balls and bones. The Bulldog Moon will radiate its glow, warming those of us whose companions have made the Journey. Wiping a tear and sporting a smile, our hearts aglow, we go on, awaiting our meeting again. Remembering ... Big Hope ... lil Hope ... NEVER GIVE UP HOPE!
December 6, 2008
Happy Tail #3
Indiana Bulldog Rescue received an update on Porter from his family.
We applied to adopt through Bulldog rescue never thinking that it would happen so quickly and that we would end up with four dogs. But Porter has filled a void in our lives that we didn't even realize existed at the time. When Porter joined our family, we were told he was epileptic. What we didn't know was that his previous owners never treated him for this condition. Because of this, he acted like a dog that didn't know what was happening around him, let alone his name. After suffering 6 seizures in the first two days that we had him, we rushed him over to the emergency animal clinic. It has been a long process that still continues today ... but we have eventually gotten his medicine regulated and while he will never be seizure free, he only has them once in a while.
Seeing the change in him has been overwhelming. He has gone from an almost comatose dog to one that loves to play with toys, knows his name, takes walks around the block, and can't get enough snuggle time. He has been an absolute joy and has made our family complete. Porter now lives with two bulldog brothers (Jesse—11 and Satchel—2) and a mastiff sister (Charlotte—6). There were times we weren't sure he would make it, but he just celebrated his 6th birthday on December 1st.
November 21, 2008
Happy Tail #2
Indiana Bulldog Rescue received an update from Otis' new family.
We are so in love with him! He's found his favorite spot on the couch and is thoroughly enjoying his new toys. His favorite so far seems to be the grocery bags. :) He has also proven to be a vicious guard dog ... he likes to stand at the door and bark. Who needs ADT when we've got Otis?! This is an especially fun past time when Dad comes home. :) His other hobbies include waiting outside the bathroom when I get ready and giving lots of kisses to my little cousins. One of them got quite a tongue bath the other day—seems especially affectionate with kids. I'm ordering him a collar to match Gertie's, so we'll be sending his collar and leash back with you on his 30 day visit.
We took them for a good walk yesterday and they were so tuckered out that Gertie didn't even mind sharing the couch. It was a regular symphony of snoring by 8 p.m. Early night for our sweet boy and girl. They're learning the boundaries a bit better now—Otis not taking Gertie's food and Gertie not taking Otis' toys.
I'll keep sending pictures of him. He's very photogenic! Everyone in our family gushes over him and lathers him with affection. Until he has a bout of flatulence, that is ... and then he clears a room very quickly. He sure is an odorous boy! :) But we love him none the less! I'm so glad he's a part of our family; I couldn't imagine him not being with us!
August 14, 2008
Happy Tail #1
Indiana Bulldog Rescue received an update from Bud, proud dad to our rescue Diesel.
The other night I was on the sofa watching TV and Diesel was sitting on the floor by me. Well, he stands up and farts, WHEW!!!! And then he walked across the room, sat down and just looked at me. I said, "thanks a lot you have no manners".
And a poem from Bud about his boy.
A Dog Named Diesel
There's a dog named Diesel
And all he wanted was to be
A friend to you and me.
He had a rough life growing up
Even when he was a pup.
But now he is no longer alone
And has a home all his own.
He likes it when people come by
He sets and gives them a high five.
But he hates to see the kiddies cry
When they have to say goodbye.
He loves to ride in the car and
You don't even have to take
Him very far.
He is all grown up from being a pup.
He learned the hard way coming up
But he kind of had a life like me.
I think we were meant to be, old
Diesel and me.
