May-June 2021 | Volume 1, No. 2 | |
Southwest Oasis Labrador Rescue | |
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"Homeward Bound," is a newsletter from Southwest Oasis Labrador Rescue (SOLR).
In each issue, we bring you stories about our rescue work and the wonderful people who make our mission possible.
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"Rescued" is a regular feature about some very special rescue missions. Hatch is pictured above at his foster's home, while recovering from surgery. | |
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Meet Hatch
Just look at that happy face! You might think Hatch never had a worry in the world, but this beautiful, six-year-old boy has a story that would break your heart. Only last January, he was languishing in a crowded, high-kill Texas shelter suffering from depression – or so we were told. We needed to save him.
We soon learned the cause of his depression – Hatch was in terrible pain. A medical exam showed he was suffering from a broken leg and other injuries, most likely from previous abuse. His ear had been cut almost in half; his canine tooth was partially broken; and his x-rays revealed he had a bullet lodged inside -- and it wasn't just a pellet. Hatch had been shot at gunpoint.
We will never know how poor Hatch ended up like this – neglected, abused, and ultimately abandoned. Yet through it all, he held on and didn’t give up.
Unfortunately, his leg was unsavable and had to be amputated. The bone was shattered, and the muscle was shredded. But surgery went well, and he was soon able to enter foster care with a special volunteer, Ann DeGarmo.
Ann, a retired nurse, was just what the doctor ordered. Who could be better at helping this boy heal from his injuries? He was still wearing his “cone of shame” when he arrived at Ann’s house, but “his soul was already starting to shine,” says Ann. “His tail wagged, he jumped on my couch and just make himself comfortable.”
Hatch may have had a rough beginning, but he’s all dog now. With only three legs, he chases balls, plays, and loves to cuddle. Even with all he went through, he loves humans! On April 5, 2021, Hatch was adopted by Ariel Hallet and her fiancé, Ryan. They had followed his story on Facebook and were eager to adopt him. “He is such a loving, happy, dedicated dog, and it was really hard for me to let him go,” says Ann; but he found the perfect family. “They are an amazing couple who adore him – and he adores them!”
Today, Hatch is surrounded by love and getting better every day. We have no doubt he will enjoy the rest of his life – and his beautiful new family.
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While recovering, Hatch loved scooping tennis balls into his "cone of shame." | |  |
Even with three legs, Hatch is a beautiful boy who loves life. | | |
Just look at that happy face! | | |
Hatch adores his new family, Ariel Hallet and her fiancé, Ryan. And they adore him! | | |
Interested in volunteering? To learn more, click the link below! | | |
Thirty-two bags of healthy dog food was recently contributed by our SOLR volunteers to feed hungry dogs awaiting rescue in Mexico. A big thanks to everyone who contributed food last spring! | |
As you can see from this photo, dogs like Duke really need our help! Duke will be joining SOLR soon! | |
Susan Krase may hate the spotlight, but our president sure gives an amazing interview. Here she is on May 16 talking about pandemic dogs.
To watch the interview, click on the photo.
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Dogs: A Documentary
"Dogs" is a 2018 documentary on Netflix that explores the special bond between dogs and humans throughout the world. There are six episodes in this first season. Click the photo to watch the trailer.
Not to miss is episode 3, "Ice On Water". Here, the presence of a Labrador Retriever called "Ice" comforts Italian fisherman Alessandro as his livelihood faces an uncertain future on Lake Cuomo.
A second season is in the works!
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Salty, high-fat foods like bacon are best avoided. | |
Can Dogs Eat Table Scraps, like Bacon? | |
Many people don’t think twice about feeding Fido bacon, or flavoring his kibble with bacon grease or other pan drippings, especially during holidays. But it can make your dog sick. There are two problems with foods like bacon or pan drippings – salt content and fat.
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Bacon is a high-fat food. Eating fatty foods can cause a condition in dogs called pancreatitis. The pancreas is an organ near the stomach that helps digest food and control blood sugar. Too much fat can cause it to become inflamed. Pancreatitis can come on suddenly and then pass, or it can stay for longer periods. It can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and stomach pain. And it can be life-threatening! Even one high fat meal can cause a serious flare-up of pancreatitis. Avoid high-fat foods like bacon, grease, pan drippings, or even some fatty cuts of meat. Surprisingly, chicken skin is also high in fat and should be avoided.
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Bacon is salty. A little salt now and then may be okay, but a dog’s digestive system cannot handle too much. In large quantities, too much salt can cause serious issues, including vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death. Try to avoid giving your dog salt-heavy foods like bacon, potato chips, pretzels, nuts, French fries, and popcorn.
Other foods to avoid? Chocolate, garlic, onion, dairy (most dogs are lactose-intolerant), raisins, grapes, tomatoes, alcohol, coffee, caffeine, and raw yeast dough. Surprisingly, many of these foods are toxic for dogs!
The bottom line? Always check with your veterinarian about your dog’s diet, especially if you plan on giving Fido table scraps or other human food.
To learn more:
People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pet | ASPCA
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Thanks to all our generous donors and wonderful volunteers. You're great! You give hope, love, and life itself to dogs that would otherwise be homeless and hungry.
We thank you. The dogs thank you. Ruff! Ruff! Ruff! It wouldn't be possible without you.
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About Us
We are an independent 501(c)(3) organization made up of experienced volunteers who are dedicated to the rescue and adoption of homeless Labrador Retrievers and their offspring that are in need of safe and loving homes.
Southwest Oasis Labrador Rescue
7739 E Broadway Blvd #212, Tucson, AZ 85710
520-554--0911
Email
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Nancy Schuessler, Editor and Contributing Writer
Lucee Bravo Buchanan, Proofreader
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Southwest Oasis Labrador Rescue | www.solraz.org | | | | |
