It's been awhile!

Hi, it’s me – Bethie! The writer of this blog. You may have forgotten about me because of the neglect my poor blog has received. The neglection of my blog doesn’t reflect the care of my poor animals although since starting the rescue they think my computer has become a new family member that has my full-time attention and they are a bit jealous (and confused to why it doesn’t bark or meow).  

We are on month THREE of Grey Face Rescue & Retirement and I feel as though we have been up and running for year. I’m exhausted and my brain is about to explode but I am so completely in love with what I do (shout out to my husband and step son as well – in love with you both as well!).  

I learn something new every day and I’m going to emphasize the everyday! Today, I learned that looking for a space that will allow us to not only utilize as an office and meeting space but to store 100’s of pounds of dog food along with treats, kennels, toys, bowls, bed and everything else needed to keep our senior dogs happy AND have the ability of letting dogs come to the building if need be… is difficult. Oh ya, it must be cheap too and big to store all our stuff. Piece of cake, right?  Not exactly. This is something we need now too but there’s another obstacle… donations.

Which comes to the next thing I’ve learned. Donations aren’t a walk in the park – that’s for damn sure! You would think that when you start a non-profit for something you are really passionate about people (friends and family) would just throw money at you, right? Nope. That’s not how it goes. You have to earn it by hosting fundraisers, selling merchandise, having a silent auction or you can follow in my foot steps and drowned everyone’s Facebook in pleas to donate to Grey Face. I’m curious to how many people have blocked me from their News Feed. I don’t blame them… I’m annoying but I’m consistent, passionate and have the mindset if I fill up their News Feed with cute senior dogs that need their help then just maybe they will give us a dollar. DO NOT FOLLOW IN MY FOOT STEPS because it’s not working and I’ve most likely pissed some serious Facebookers off from their daily creep session (I get it, I’m a creep too – it’s often I find myself on my co-workers, Grandma’s, Best Friend’s page and totally forget how and why I’m there).

One thing I do suggest… NETWORK! Befriend all those crazy weird animal advocates and join the army of misfit dog and cat lovers that speak a different language then the rest of the world. We’re the kind of people that live each day for slobbery wet puppy kisses (smelly dental diseased kisses in my case). We’re having full on conversations in our highest pitched voices with dogs that don’t understand a thing we’re saying (so you think).

Something my husband has requested I work on is that when I get home from work I kiss him first prior to finding all 5 of my animals, give them big hugs, quality pets and hairy kisses then with my furry mouth attempt to give him sloppy sixths (sevenths if we have Deagan). Can you blame him?

Until next time… possibly next month J

What I have learned about the Rescue Biz

Since launching Grey Face Rescue & Retirement, I’ve had my ups, my downs, smiles, tears and a new found late night bedtime which means lack of sleep. This isn’t a “hobby” nor a day or evening job. This is a 24/7, around the clock, working your ass off VOLUNTEER job – when you’re the President. I currently work a 40-hour a week job plus am apart of AAF of Central Minnesota so time is limited but that hasn’t stopped me. Here are a few things I’ve learned thus far:

1.       Time Management: This is key – especially for individuals like myself. I’m balancing a full-time job, AdFed, a family, 5 animals, friends AND Grey Face. If only there were more than 24 hours in a day I would do one hell of a job but for now, I think I’m doing ok.  God bless my husband for listening to me vent about the massive amount of papers to file for our 501(c)3, crying over meetings that weren’t encouraging, extreme happiness over meetings that went fantastic and the fact that after working 8 hours I go straight to my office for another 4-5 hours every evening. Therefore, I am nearly invisable to him but he understands this is a dream and he’s supportive. He deserves a medal or a vacation or a lifetime supply of beer… SOMETHING. The guy is a saint.

2.       There will be good times AND bad times: There will even be times where you consider giving up or feeling as though “I don’t think I can do this”. I’ll admit – I’ve thought that. There is A LOT that goes into a rescue and I’m only 3 months in! It’s only going to get harder from here and don’t worry, I’ll blog about what I’ve learned 1 year, 3 years and 5 years into the world of rescue but for now, this is what to expect at the beginning.

3.       Don’t expect too much: I’ll admit it, I thought my family and friends would be throwing money at the rescue and the support would be endless but not all people are rescue people nor animal people. Hell, the Facebook page has been up and running for a couple months and about ¾ of my Facebook friends list hasn’t even “LIKED” it (I just keep telling myself that they don’t check their “Liked Page Suggestions” – or whatever it’s called). Donations are HARD and you end up begging but it’s part of the job.

Don’t get me wrong – through the smiles and the frowns, I am SO happy with my life and the path that Grey Face is going to take me. I’ve met AMAZING people along the way thus far, worked with awesome rescues, felt so much support and have had lots of encouragement. It’s truly a challenge but I feel as though I’ll learn a lot along the way. Cheers to just the beginning and years of savings seniors. 

Don't Let Old Age Slow You Down!

Is your dog slowing down? Are they having a hard time getting up and down the stairs? Did their happy-go-lucky personality slowly turn into the world’s cutest couch potato? If so, they might not be receiving the supplements they need.

Barnabee was slowing down and his health was becoming a concern. At 13 years old, everything is concerning to me but we seek every option to keep him happy, comfortable and healthy until the time comes where we have to say good-bye.

After starting my adventure with Grey Face Rescue &Retirement, I reached out to rescue groups in Minnesota asking for advice and the items they felt were necessary for Senior Dogs. Katie Jo, bless her heart, from Secondhand Hound’s Hospice Program, reached out and informed me that supplements are a senior dog’s #1 need. In the meantime, I’ve been giving Barnabee Fish Oil pills, a suppressant for his coughing and was on a sodium-free, boiled rice and hamburger diet. All seemed to be working ok but not as well as I would hope. Katie recommended WapitiLabs Senior Mobility. You can purchase them from Amazon. She had mentioned that dogs have entered their hospice program not even able to walk and after a couple weeks on these supplements they were running. I thought, WOW – I need to try these for B.

Let me tell you, it’s been a world wind! B is running, yes… running! I don’t think I’ve seen Barnabee run since he was a puppy. He has energy. He’s getting up and down great and walking around the house. It feels great to see his health improve so quickly and so tremendously. He’s really happy and you can tell by his big puppy-dog smile.

If you or someone you know has a senior dog struggling from old age, I highly recommend these supplements. It’s been nearly night and day for Barnabee and a blessing to see him comfortable, happy and healthy. 

Grey Face Rescue & Retirement

It’s here… it’s finally here – Grey Face Rescue & Retirement. I’ve waited my whole life to open a rescue. I’ve always wanted to help animals but there were limitations. Such as, I could NEVER be a Vet Tech – I am WAY too emotional. I cry when the Vet Techs (bless their souls) hold Deuce down to clip his nails (it takes two of them and muzzle). I thought about working at a Shelter but I can barely walk into the place without adopting an animal that I think working there would be terrible for not only my pocket book (my animals cost an arm and a leg) but also my marriage. My poor husband can barely keep up with 5 animals, let alone any more. I’ve also been told that I wouldn’t “fit” in a shelter setting – I don’t know what that means but I trust them.

With the influence of very successful and amazing rescues and shelters in the St. Cloud area along with my favorite show Pit Bulls and Parolees – I thought a foster-based rescue is exactly what I wanted to do. Ok, I accomplished that, a foster-based rescue but who am I going to rescue? Cats? Dogs? Fish? Horses? Monkeys? Well, dogs, of course (hopefully someday we will take in senior cats but at this time, only dogs) but do I take in ALL dogs, special need dogs, puppies, seniors, black dogs? This question took a while… but once it came apparent I knew it was the right choice. B (Barnabee) is the most important thing to me. He is my 13 year old “Mutt” that has the world’s largest heart, so goofy and so full of love AND he loves no more in this world then me.

You can read the story of how we got B here but since he’s been at MY house for the last 2 years, we’re inseparable.  B’s one and only flaw is that he gave Josh the misconception of what dogs are really like. B made Josh think that all dogs are calm, sleep all day, can go hours without being let out, didn’t need much exercise but preferred to be petted for a good 10 minutes. He thought dogs didn’t bark, didn’t chew on things and didn’t jump on the furniture. All you had to do was give them a scoop of food in the morning and night. Boy, was Josh wrong and Deuce made that VERY clear. I could go on and on about how much I love B and how much he means to our family but this isn’t what this blog is about.

It’s about Grey Face Rescue & Retirement - Grey Face Rescue & Retirement is a non-profit, foster-based rescue dedicated to giving senior animal’s stability and security when the norm becomes unfamiliar.  We provide high quality care & love to senior animals.

Grey Face is to represent all those senior dogs that have grown their fair share of grey hair that cover their muzzles. Grey Face Rescue & Retirement will provide comfort to senior dogs that are no longer able to stay with their original owners by no fault of their own. Their previous owner could be enduring a tragedy such as a medical condition or death within a family. Or they could simply be a poor excuse for an animal caretaker (because we won’t refer to them as family) and give up their senior dog because “it doesn’t get along with the new puppy”, “they just don’t have time for it”, “10 years after we got the dog we have now developed an allergy”. All are real life, douchey, excuses. But have no fear… that’s why Grey Face is here!

LIKE our Facebook page and DONATE today to help find these old souls their forever retirement home. 

A Devil Dogs Love

SAPPY POST ALERT – but I can’t help it! There are days where I question my love and compassion for Deuce especially lately. We have just recently began leaving Deuce out of his kennel during the day and at night. Unfortunately, he’s not taking to his new found freedom. We have been coming home from work with poop and diarrhea, everywhere. It’s ALWAYS by the side door where we let him out.

Before you ask the obvious question, YES we do let him out before we leave for work and YES we do let him out before bed.

After a couple hours of googling and asking my knowledgeable Facebook friends, we’ve come to the conclusion that giving Deuce that much room to “control” was giving him anxiety and he wasn’t ready for the responsibility of watching over the entire house. This is fine! I can understand that. We have now been baby gating him in one room to control a smaller area. Let’s hope this continues to work (knock on wood).

Here’s the sappy part – When I was playing catch with Deuce last night, it made me realize how much LOVE I have for him. He is truly an amazing dog. I’m guilty of calling him “devil dog” and portraying him as a killer and in all honesty – he isn’t the friendliest to others BUT it’s because he has a true passion for Josh, Deagan and I.

My big masculine scary Pit Bull follows me EVERYWHERE in the house, tucks his tail between his legs and hide in a corner when he’s in trouble (we don’t even have to yell, he just knows), cuddles in our bed, snuggles with Deagan and wags his tail like no other when we walk in the door. Have I mentioned how smart he is? He’s a genius of a dog when he wants to be of course.

Deuce truly has made an amazing impact on our lives and we’re only 1 year into our time with him. We have MANY more years of love, passion and complete craziness with our devil dog. I’m looking forward to see what’s in store for Deuce. 

Register to Rescue

Couples preparing for marriage are so fortunate these days. We receive beautiful gifts, attend amazing showers and parties in our honor and when all is said and done; walk away with a good chunk of money (although, weddings these days cost an arm and a leg). Throughout my 20-something months of engagement I was SO confused why we receive gifts for getting married. I know it’s tradition that the Bride and Groom don’t live together until marriage but unfortunately, Josh and I don’t follow tradition. We’ve been fortunate through our 5 years together. We own a house, we have great jobs, we have 5 healthy (for the most part) animals and a happy 8 year old boy that gets spoiled with iPods, toys and games. Sure, we could use extra money to pay off the outrageous amount of debt we have or buy a new car but those are not necessities to our life. We can continue to make monthly payments on student loans and wait to purchase that new car when the Chunkmobile finally dies. So, we thought to ourselves… how can we help those less fortunate?

Two HUGE organizations that are near and dear to my heart are The Alzheimer’s Association and the ASPCA. Although, I support ANY animal rescue organization but as a child I always wanted to be an ASPCA officer.

As I am surfing online for way to volunteer my time and skill set to help animals after the wedding I came across the most amazing opportunity to donate towards a cause that I love! ASPCA has come up with a “Wedding Campaign” where guests can donate in your honor. This had me nearly in tears because what an amazing idea.

Future Brides and Grooms – if you are as passionate about animals as I am, you need to join the Wedding Campaign with the ASPCA. Let your guests know that you are supporting something AMAZING. So what if you only raise $100.00… That’s $100 more than they had before. Plus, you are creating awareness for this awesome program benefitting animals in need.

So donate today, in honor of Josh, Deagan and I along with Wilma, Leo, April, Deuce and Barnabee to end cruelty to animals and give those animals in need a second chance!

è DONATE HERE: Gondeck Wedding Campaign

 

It's either Wilma or Me!

Ok, so Josh never did give me the ultimatum of him or Wilma but some days I'm sure he would like to. Wilma is a talker... a very loud, obnoxious, vocal, so loud it's nearly screeching talker. It's not at one specific time of the day either. It's all.the.time! She meows the entire morning before we go to work, the whole time we're home on lunch and a majority of the evening. Josh has even left for work early to get away from the meowing. Daily, I tell Wilma she's lucky she's cute because otherwise she would probably spend a majority of her life in the basement (although, we can STILL hear her from down there). Don't get me wrong, the basement isn't some hole in the ground, scary, gross place. It's actually the cats "sanctuary" equipped with 4 litter boxes, endless amounts of food and water, scratching post, and tons of floor to puke on.

If you read my post a couple weeks ago when Wilma first joined our family, you would have learned that she is completely deaf! Therefore, Wilma can't hear how LOUD she is meowing. She meows for 3 simple things: attention, food and simply just saying hello! Wilma ALWAYS wants food and could eat all day. Although, I always keep a full bowl of food in the basement, Wilma wants soft food. This was my mistake. When Wilma first arrived in our home, the meowing started instantly so to keep the meowing to a minimum I fed her soft food every morning and every evening. Well, soft food is costly and I ran out! DON'T EVER RUN OUT OF SOFT FOOD!

I'm thinking to myself how can I help Wilma lower the volume of her screeching meow and keep her from meowing constantly without constantly feeding her soft food. Well, after some research I will be trying some techniques posted on the ASPCA website.

• If your cat meows to say hello, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to do much to change things—you have an especially vocal cat who is telling you how glad she is to see you!
• If your cat is meowing for attention, teach her that you’ll only pay attention to her when she’s quiet. Resist the urge to shout at her or give her any form of attention, even angry attention. Instead, be patient and wait for a brief moment of silence. Immediately give her the attention she craves. If she starts to meow again, walk away, and only return to her when she’s quiet. If you’re consistent, she will catch on.
• If you believe your cat cries out of loneliness because you spend too much time out of the house, consider having a pet sitter come partway through the day to visit and play with her. Please see our article Enriching Your Cat’s Life for other ideas to keep your cat entertained while you’re away.
• If your cat meows at you for food, stop feeding her when she cries! Feed her at prescribed times so she learns that it’s futile to ask for food at other times. If that doesn’t work, buy an automatic feeder that you can schedule to open at specific times. At least then she’s more likely to meow at the feeder than at you! This is especially useful if your cat wakes you up in the morning to be fed—she’ll switch from bothering you to sitting and watching the feeder, waiting for it to open. For more ideas on dealing with a cat who’s active in the early hours of the morning, please see our article Nighttime Activity in Cats.
• If you’ve recently placed your cat on a diet, consult with your veterinarian about high-fiber diet foods or supplements that can help your cat feel satisfied with her reduced intake.
• If your cat isn’t prone to gaining weight, consider leaving dry food out for her all the time so she never has to feel hungry. If you feed a high-fiber diet food, your cat can feel full without taking in too many calories. Check with your veterinarian before trying this.
• If your cat is meowing to get you to let her inside/outside, consider installing a cat door so you don’t have to serve as her butler. The ASPCA recommends that cats be kept exclusively indoors to protect them from danger and disease. If you have a cat who’s accustomed to going outside and you want to keep her in, she’s likely to go through a period of meowing at doors and windows. There’s no easy way to get through this, but as long as she never gets outside again, she will eventually adjust to her life indoors and stop meowing so much. Please read our article onEnriching Your Cat’s Life so you can keep her happy by enriching her indoor world. Another option is to build an outdoor cat enclosure so she can spend time outside but remain safe. Our article,Preventing Your Cat from Getting Outside, has more information on this subject.
• If your female cat isn’t spayed and she periodically meows excessively, she may be in heat at those times. Female cats in heat typically become increasingly affectionate, rub against you more, purr, roll around on the floor--and meow a lot. This lasts 4 to10 days. An unspayed female cat who isn’t bred by (doesn’t have sex with) a male cat will continue to come into heat every 18 to 24 days throughout the breeding season (roughly February through September in the Northern Hemisphere). Indoor cats may continue to come into heat all year round. The best way to reduce excessive meowing caused by the heat cycle is to have your cat spayed.
• If your male cat isn’t neutered and he periodically meows excessively, he may be hearing or smelling a female cat in heat. He is likely to pace and meow relentlessly throughout the time the female stays in heat. Unless you can completely prevent him from being able to detect females in heat, the best way to reduce excessive meowing in an intact male cat is to have him neutered.
• If your cat is elderly and has just started meowing excessively, make sure to have her evaluated by your veterinarian for medical conditions, sensory deficits and cognitive dysfunction. Medication may alleviate her discomfort.

What NOT to Do

• Do not ignore your cat when she meows. The one exception is if you know for certain that she’s meowing to get you to do something she wants. In every other instance, it’s safest to assume that something’s wrong—she may not have access to her litter box, or her water bowl may be empty, or she may be locked in a closet. Always make sure that her needs are met before assuming that she’s just being demanding by meowing at you.
• Do not scold or hit your cat for meowing too much. While these punishments may send her scurrying at first, they are unlikely to have a lasting effect on her meowing behavior. They may, however, cause her to become fearful of you.