Shiba, a 12-year-old Husky mix, had spent her life in the shadows, never knowing the warmth of a loving home or the joy of exploring the outdoors. For nine long years, she was tied to a tree, neglected and abused, with only a cold chain as her companion. When one of our dedicated rescuers discovered Shiba and the terrible environment she was in, they knew they had to act. Confronting the owners, they were able to convince them to relinquish Shiba into our care, giving her a chance at a new life.
The road to recovery wasn't easy for Shiba. Years of mistreatment had left her wary of humans, and she needed time to learn how to trust again. For three years, she stayed at our rescue, gradually opening up to the staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly to help her come out of her shell. But it wasn't until Kimberley entered her life that Shiba truly began to flourish.
Kimberley, a compassionate foster parent, took Shiba into her home, introducing her to Rocco, Kimberley’s first rescue dog. The bond between Shiba and Rocco was immediate, with Rocco helping to bring out Shiba's playful, youthful spirit. Kimberley's patience and love have been instrumental in Shiba's transformation, and now, with her health improving, they are eagerly awaiting medical clearance for adoption. Kimberley and her partner, a wonderful couple, are ready to give Shiba the forever home she has always deserved. They had been searching for an older dog, one often overlooked by other adopters, and they knew that Shiba was the perfect fit.
Shiba's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of fostering and adopting older dogs. These animals often carry with them years of experience, resilience, and a unique capacity for love. Unfortunately, many older pets are passed over in favor of younger, more energetic animals. However, adopting an older dog like Shiba can be incredibly rewarding. They are often calmer, more settled, and deeply appreciative of the second chance they've been given. By opening your heart and home to an older pet, you're not just giving them a new lease on life—you're also gaining a loyal companion who will cherish every moment with you.
Pet Tip of the Month:
Soft Chew Toys vs. Nylabones
When it comes to keeping our furry friends entertained, chew toys are a popular choice. However, not all chew toys are created equal. It's important to understand the potential dangers that some toys may pose to your pet, particularly when it comes to soft chew toys versus more durable options like Nylabones.
The Dangers of Soft Chew Toys
Soft chew toys, often made of plush, rubber, or latex, can be appealing to dogs because of their texture and flexibility. However, these toys can also pose significant risks:
Choking Hazards: Soft chew toys can easily be torn apart, especially by strong chewers. Small pieces can be swallowed, leading to choking or intestinal blockages, which can be life-threatening and may require emergency surgery.
Tooth Damage: While soft chew toys might seem harmless, they can actually lead to tooth damage. The softer material can sometimes encourage dogs to chew with more force, which can result in cracked or broken teeth.
Harmful Chemicals: Some soft chew toys are made with low-quality materials that may contain harmful chemicals or toxins. These can leach out as your dog chews, potentially causing health issues over time.
Why Nylabones Are a Safer Option
Nylabones, on the other hand, are made from durable nylon and are designed specifically to withstand even the most aggressive chewers. Here’s why they are a safer choice:
Durability: Nylabones are built to last. Their tough, rigid structure helps prevent your dog from breaking off large pieces that could be swallowed. This durability also means they don’t need to be replaced as often, saving you money in the long run.
Promotes Dental Health: Chewing on a Nylabone can help scrape away plaque and tartar, promoting better dental health. This is a natural way to keep your dog’s teeth clean and strong.
Variety of Options: Nylabones come in various sizes, shapes, and flavors, making it easy to find one that suits your dog’s preferences. This variety also ensures that your dog stays engaged and interested, reducing the likelihood of destructive chewing on household items.
When choosing a chew toy for your dog, it's crucial to consider the potential risks and benefits. While soft chew toys may be tempting, they can pose serious dangers to your pet’s health. Opting for a durable alternative like Nylabones can provide hours of safe, healthy chewing, helping to keep your dog happy and their teeth in great shape. Always supervise your dog during playtime and regularly inspect their toys for signs of wear and tear to ensure their safety.
Donations Needed
At Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue, our mission to save and care for animals in need relies on the generosity of our community. Every day, we provide essential care, love, and support to countless dogs and cats, many of whom have faced hardship and neglect. To continue our work, we need your help in gathering essential supplies that keep our rescue running smoothly.
What We Need Most
While monetary donations are always appreciated, there are specific items that are in constant demand at our rescue. These supplies help us maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for our animals:
Paper Towels: These are a staple in our daily operations. From cleaning up spills to maintaining a sanitary space for our animals, paper towels are something we use constantly and can never have too much of.
Newspapers: Old newspapers are incredibly useful for lining kennels, providing a clean surface for our animals to rest on, and assisting with house training. If you have a stack of old newspapers lying around, consider donating them to our rescue.
Martingale Collars: These specialized collars are essential for keeping our dogs safe and secure during walks and training sessions. Martingale collars are designed to prevent dogs from slipping out, making them ideal for many of the rescues in our care who may be skittish or unaccustomed to being on a leash.
Additional Resources: Beyond these key items, we are always in need of other resources, including: Dog and cat food (both dry and wet), Cleaning supplies (like trash bags), Toys and enrichment items to keep our animals mentally stimulated, Leashes and harnesses for safe walking and training.
How You Can Help
Donating supplies is a simple yet impactful way to support our rescue. Whether you have a few extra rolls of paper towels, a pile of newspapers, or a gently used Martingale collar, your contribution will make a significant difference in the lives of the animals we care for. You can drop off donations at Justin Bartlett Animal Hospital, located at 10405 Southern Blvd, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411, during business hours. If you prefer, you can also ship donations directly to us.
Spread the Word
Even if you’re unable to donate at this time, you can still help by spreading the word. Share our donation needs with friends, family, and colleagues, or consider organizing a collection drive in your community. Every little bit helps, and together, we can continue to provide the best possible care for the animals who depend on us.
Volunteer Spotlight:
Anna and Julia Sponsor a Special Pup
At Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue, we are incredibly fortunate to have the support of dedicated volunteers like Anna and her daughter, Julia. Anna, a professor at Lynn University, and Julia have been volunteering with us for the past couple of years, playing an essential role in helping our dogs find their forever homes. Whether it’s walking dogs or watching over puppies at our events, they’re always willing to lend a helping hand, allowing us to bring more dogs to adoption events and increasing their chances of being adopted.
Recently, Anna and Julia fell in love with one of our sweet pups, Hygieia (pictured above), a 1-year-and-6-month-old Podengo Portugueso mix. While they’re not able to adopt her themselves, they wanted to do something extra special to help her find a home. They have generously offered to sponsor Hygieia’s adoption fee, meaning whoever adopts her will have the fee waived. This kind gesture makes it even easier for a family to welcome this loving pup into their lives.
Here’s what Anna and Julia had to say about Hygieia:
"She is super sweet and gentle. When we walked her, she just wanted to get and give hugs. She seems a little shy at first but opens up and is just the sweetest."
Thanks to Anna and Julia’s generosity and commitment to helping our animals, we hope Hygieia will soon find her forever home. Sponsoring an adoption fee can make a huge difference in encouraging potential adopters, especially for older dogs who might otherwise be overlooked.
We’re incredibly grateful for volunteers like Anna and Julia who go above and beyond to help our rescue thrive. If you’re interested in meeting Hygieia or learning more about sponsoring a pet, please reach out to us. Together, we can give every dog a second chance at happiness.
Join Us for a Special Event at Sazio!
Looking for a fun way to spend your Sunday while supporting a great cause? Join us on Sunday, September 8, from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm at Sazio for an exciting fundraising event benefiting Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue!
What’s on the Menu?
For just $25, you’ll enjoy:
All-You-Can-Eat Pizza and Salad
Two Complimentary Drinks
Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue | 10405 Southern Blvd | Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 US
