OUR CURRENT RESIDENTS

 

 

“FOXY” (Husky-mix) – was found by Mom, abandoned and alone, in a run-down garage in an alley where he had been shot with birdshot and left to die. He was also only about 4 weeks old, and was far too young to have been taken away from his Momma. (Sadly, his littermates did not survive). Since he was so little and so sick, Mom kept watch over him 24/7. He even slept in a cardboard box next to her bed. Even at this very young age (and sick) he would wake “Mom” with his cries when he had to go potty and never had an accident in his bed. That was thirteen years ago (and he still has never ever had a mistake indoors). Foxy’s name came from his brilliant red coloring, his black-tipped ears and his red fox-like bushy tail. He has suffered with IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) most all his life and must stay on a special homemade diet. His arthritis and joint pain require that he take weekly injections, joint supplements and related extra vitamins. He’s shown here one year ago with his “butt in a sling” on an exercise walk after a total hip replacement of his right hip.

 

 

MR. “PEABODY” (Border Collie/Springer Spaniel) – was found at three months old on Peabody Ave. by a young couple who couldn’t keep him and begged us to take him in while searching for his owner. No owner came forward, so of course he stayed; and he and “Foxy” grew up together. A few years ago, “Pea” survived a life threatening intestinal obstruction, and 6 years ago he developed severe food and plant allergies causing major skin problems and extreme distress. He receives monthly injections (he hates ‘em!), but loves his own hypoallergenic, homemade meals. He “Mothers” all the others here, making them lie still while he cleans their ears, and takes his job of “herding” them very seriously. His favorite play time is joyously bouncing and chasing a toy while the meals are being prepared, and should another try to steal his toy he firmly places a paw on it and dares them try and take it away.

 

 

MS. “SNOWDEN’ (Shepherd) – was only 8 months old when found by “Dad” early one morning, lying by the side of the road (Snowden Circle) in shock after having been hit by a car. At the vet clinic it was determined that she had suffered a broken pelvis, along with severe cuts and bruises. In order for her broken body to heal she needed complete confinement for 8 weeks. “Mom” visited her at the clinic every day for 4 weeks and then, unable to bear not being able to visit over the Thanksgiving holidays, brought her home and supervised her continued healing. “Snowdie” still suffers with residual, chronic back and hip pain, for which she receives medication, and sleeps on a therapeutic bed. Snowdie is totally devoted to Mom, is always right next to her and follows her everywhere. If Mom even sneezes she is frantic until she is assured that Mom is okay. Snowdie has many facial expressions one of which is a very unique “smile.”

 

 

MS. “SUMMER” (Wolf–Samoyed) – came up to our car one very hot, humid summer day as Mom pulled into the driveway. When the car door opened she placed her paw on Mom’s knee and looked up at her. She was dehydrated, her ears were raw from fly bites, missing fur around her neck and chest showed signs of her having been chained, and she was pathetically thin. A vet check revealed that even though she was nearly full grown she only weighed 26 #’s (now a normal healthy 58 #’s) and was suffering from dietary mal-absorption and fat intolerance problems due to having had to scavenge for her food. It took a year of carefully monitoring her food intake before she was able to tolerate a normal diet. Malnutrition probably contributed to her spinal/arthritis problems that now require medication and supplements, and occasionally acupuncture. Summer, being part Wolf, is extremely intelligent and naturally possesses all the knowledge necessary for life in a “pack.” She considers Mom as Alpha (once, even rescuing a baby squirrel and bringing it alive to Mom, for her to save), and has found her place in our pack after Dad, R.C. and Cole. With the others she knows just the right look, or voice, or body language to use to communicate to them. When “Streak” came along about a year after she arrived, she adopted him as her baby and she still allows him privileges none of the others are allowed to get away with.

 

 

“STREAK” (Cocker Spaniel) – Purebred means nothing when one is born into a bad situation, lacking proper care. Streak was rescued by a nephew from a less than desirable home. He was neglected, kept locked up in a storage shed and had developed “cocker-cherry-eye” requiring surgery on both eyes. We arranged for surgery with an eye specialist and his former owners relinquished their claim to him after learning of his veterinary expenses. After his recovery he would run and play at lightning speed, and also having a silver streak running down his nose (seen in just the right light), “Streak” was an obvious choice for his name. He was only 12 weeks old and Summer immediately adopted him as her own. It was the best possible world for both of them and any thought of separating them was unthinkable. Although his overall health has been good, he has had recurring eye problems, dental surgery, and has had a few small benign tumors removed. His “cranky-cocker-temperament” might make him unsuitable in a home with small children. He is, however, well tolerated by all his friends here at the sanctuary; and he does his best to “put up” with them also.

 

 

“COLE”- This beautiful pure-bred Flat Coated Retriever was attempting to cross a busy 6 lane interstate and dangerously close to being hit when Mom spotted him. She was able to follow him to a point of safety and he happily jumped right in her van. He was not wearing a collar and no owner came forth. About 2 months later on a visit to the humane society Mom spotted a listing in the “lost” section matching his description. The conversation with the person who answered the phone revealed the following: that he was an 8 month old (gave birth date) intact male purebred black retriever (name Midnight); that he kept running loose in the neighborhood (no fence); that they had just listed him as missing even though they had not seen him in about two months (exact day Mom found him); she really didn’t want him back; and did Mom want to keep him? No hesitation on Mom’s part and she hung up on the irresponsible former owner! Cole and R.C. had already become best buddies by then anyway. R.C. had totally recovered from his heartworm treatments and the two of them, almost exactly the same age and about the same size, were able to run and romp and play with total abandonment. Cole is truly a “people” dog, a “paws on” dog, and actually needs to be touching whomever he is next to. He seems acutely aware of our emotions and it was apparent he sensed (and shared) our grief after MOTS died. There may be more here than a coincidence to Cole having had his first seizure two days after MOTS’ death. There were many times in the months following that he would come over and literally get in Mom’s face and insist on licking the tears from her eyes. He also developed “thunderstorm anxiety.” Giving him proper medication prior to one of these occurrences reduces the severity, and helps keep him calm. Cole loves to chase balls and almost always has one near and has even been known to fall asleep with one in his mouth. His best “buddy” was always R. C.

 

MS. “CLEO” – Cleo’s Mamma, (A-Mazie) was a Beagle and her Daddy must have been a Lab/Bassett mix, since she has a Lab-like head and tail and Basset-like body and feet. She is best described as a “dog and a half long, and half a dog high.” Cleo, after having been adopted out at 10 weeks old, was returned to us at the tender age of only 9 months after her elderly owner was disabled in a car accident and was no longer able to care for her. She had been “Queen Cleopatra” of her domain, an only dog, adored and spoiled by her owner. When she came back to us, it was obvious she missed him and was confused and unable to understand what was happening to her. A happy reunion here with her Mother, A-Mazie, helped soften her distress at having been uprooted from her home, but then tragically and unexpectedly her Mother died just three days later. Cleo now had to cope with another loss, and her depression, coupled with the stress of trying to fit into a new home with many other dogs, resulted in her developing chronic skin problems. As soon as one of these ugly, painful “hot spots” was treated and cleared up, another (sometimes 2 and 3 at a time) would erupt. Consistent treatment, diet and supplements help keep these episodes under control... We believe also that her friendship with MOTS and their special bonding (see Best Friends) played a significant role in helping her get over her depression and contributed to her regaining her health and happy disposition. However, after her best friend MOTS died, she again experienced such deep depression that her health problems returned. With treatment and time healing as it does many wounds both physical and emotional, she has often been lured into romp and roll play with TSMO. We can only speculate that TSMO (being another Basenji like her beloved MOTS) has had a positive effect on Cleo’s emotional well-being.

 

 

“TRAX” (Boxer/Lab) - was often seen running wild with his Mother, living on a diet from trash cans and what squirrels they were able to catch. Unfortunately, he may have lost his Momma to a train as they were often seen crossing the railroad X tracks, hence his name, TraX. After the loss of his Mother, this 4 month old orphan (lost, lonely, hungry and having no where else to go) showed up at our fence needing both food and companionship. He so desperately wanted to be loved that he would jump up on the hood of our Suburban and just lay there watching all of us, but he would run off as soon as we attempted to approach. Mom started putting food out for him, and he began sleeping on the hood of the van, but still he would not let her get near. After a few weeks she was able to sit at a distance and talk to him while he ate. Finally, after nearly two months of gradually gaining his confidence and by coaxing him to come for food, he allowed her to touch him. He was literally covered with ticks. While Mom was getting a solution ready to rid him of the ticks, he promptly chewed thru the leash she had used to tie him to a nearby tree. It took another couple of days to convince him that she only wanted to help him, and she was able to get him to the clinic for treatment. Cured of the tick fever and eating a regular diet of wholesome food helped him recover. TraX has never lost his “free spirit” and can run with the wind! He is incredibly agile and it is pure “poetry in motion” to watch him effortlessly clear the different levels of our deck and gracefully soar over the various 3 foot fences in and around the yard (all inside 8’ privacy fence). He’s always been a bit “wild” and skittish (making him unsuitable as an adoptee); however his basic loving nature has made his own welcome here.

 

 

“TEDDY” – arrived on our doorstep on his 1^st birthday, dropped off in a shower of tears by his human children who knew they couldn’t keep him any longer, and also knew that he would be euthanized if surrendered at the shelter. Due to the family’s busy schedule, work, school, and activities, he had spent his days alone in his small crate, had had little or no “house training”, and on those occasions when not crated he had gotten into a lot of trouble by just doing what puppies naturally do. It was too much for the adults to handle and more than unfair to the puppy. Socialization and house training were of first importance upon his arrival here. The biggest obstacle to overcome was his nearly frantic resistance (understandable) at being put in his crate at bedtime. His fears were soon replaced with the realization that he was free to play and be himself all the rest of the time. He now loves “his house-crate”, sleeps there not being locked in, and hides all “his things” in among his bedding. Adjusting to a new Mom and Dad and to a whole pack of much bigger guys too, was no small task. But in Teddy’s mind he is more “Pompous” than Pomeranian anyway and had no problem with his size, acting like he weighed in at about 150#, instead of 18#. He’s a natural yapper, and attempts to terrorize the others with his incessant small dog attacks. He’s stayed at ASI longer than he might have, always with a hope that he might be returned to his original humans, a hope that hasn’t materialized. He likes nothing better than cuddling on Mom’s lap, usually far exceeding her limit to sit still for an extended period of time. Having had such a traumatic start in life and a difficult readjustment with a “pack,” he’s home now. This is what sanctuary is all about.

 

 

“TSMO” – Mom had gone to the local shelter as a favor to a Canaan Rescue group (having previously fostered a Canaan Dog and being familiar with the breed) when she spied a small, shivering ball of fur, curled up in the corner of a cage which she recognized as a Basenji. This poor little creature was so terrified she would not even lift her head or move, and flinched when touched. Knowing the uncertainty of this little one’s fate at the shelter (and reminding Mom so much of our beloved “Sweetie-MOTS,”) she adopted her on the spot. An anagram of MOTS’ name became this little girl’s new name, TSMO. When introduced to our kitchen, she found many toys there and literally bounded around the room from one toy to another, bouncing them, throwing them in the air, catching them, chasing them, on and on - non stop delight. In all our lives, we have honestly never witnessed a dog express such pure joy. When we got her, she was about 9 months old and her health problems included being underweight (17#’s), having badly stained and poorly developed teeth showing evidence that she had survived distemper as a puppy, anal gland problems and vaginal tumors requiring cauterization, numerous rounds of chemotherapy and related medications. She now weighs a healthy 28#’s and to date has had no reoccurrence of the cancer. Basenji’s are one of the oldest breeds known to man, extremely intelligent, headstrong, and really do “think for themselves.” They are notorious climbers, and TSMO can scale a 6 foot chain link fence in the blink of an eye. At her arrival, TSMO immediately bonded with “Cagney”, a White German Shepherd Dog we were fostering (see Best Friends). After Cagney found a forever home, and a new foster pup, “Riley”, came into our lives, TSMO and he became newly-made best friend (see Best Friends).

 

 

“RILEY” (German Shepherd/Chow, lovingly referred to as a “carrot-topped Chow-derhead”, with purple tongue and wrinkled brow) – is here as a result of another mercy mission to the local shelter on someone else’s behalf that went awry. Mom volunteered to pick him up at the shelter and foster him a couple of days until a cooperative rescue transport effort would take him from Memphis, TN, to Knoxville, TN, to a new home. Unfortunately, Riley, only 12 weeks old, was experiencing some diarrhea and not only was the transport cancelled, the new owner decided she no longer wanted him. Even more unfortunately, further examination revealed that he had distemper (puppies commonly contract this at the shelter). Distemper is a dastardly disease, (80% of puppies contracting distemper don’t survive) but this case was not to be won by disease, but by Mom’s love and nursing expertise and Riley’s innate hardiness. After three weeks of treatments and another month to fully recover, Mom took him to an Adoption Day in hopes of finding him a new home. Unbeknownst to anyone at the time, a group of 8 week old puppies at the Adoption Day were infected with Parvo, and Riley was one of some there that contracted the disease. Again, he miraculously survived, this time the dreaded and also most often deadly, Parvo. He endured 6 days and 5 nights in the hospital receiving intravenous fluids and drugs, followed by weeks of “quarantine” here while receiving further treatment. Although he recovered from both Distemper and Parvo, his immune system had been so compromised that he soon developed demodectic mange (not contagious) which took months of treatment to get under control. The “mange,” and his resulting hair loss and skin condition, made him completely un-adoptable during this time. Enough is enough (trauma) and Riley was made a permanent resident here, providing him with the good home that he richly deserved. Riley was a 3 month old 24# puppy when he arrived, and is now almost a year old and even at 65#’s is still not yet “full grown.” During the times Riley was not confined due to illness, he and TSMO became fast friends, and even with the vast difference in their size and weight now (she weighs 28#) they continue to play together as if equals (see Best Friends).

 

 

 

Ms. “Jul-E” was found running loose with a new-found pal, “Zack,” just after the vicious “Straight-line wind storm” devastated (National Emergency declared) Memphis last July. We found her pal’s owners and Zack went home, but Jul-E’s people couldn’t be located. She was just seven months old at the time and everyone’s best guess has thought her a Border Collie/Sheltie mix – a high energy, highly intelligent combo. Jul-E was most certainly not the runt of her litter, for despite her diminutive size (26 lbs.), she continually lets everyone know that she is in charge and has a “handle” on everything. Jul-E formed an immediate bond with TSMO and Riley and the three have their own clique devoted to wrestling and tag. Much to his credit, Riley, who has grown to nearly 3X the “little” girls’ size is respectfully considerate and careful with his little friends (Jul-E, 26#; TSMO, 28#). Many times, it is most amusing to look at the little “Jet sisters” and try to figure out what form of deviltry their sparkling little eyes are cooking up for their next romp. They are so active that they are both given an extra meal at lunchtime and are eating roughly 2 ˝ times what’s “suggested” for their age and weight!.

 

 

 

 

“Nu’Som” was just a ‘fuzzy puppy” left to roam the neighborhood bordered by one high traffic street and three less traveled streets. Fortunately, he became more enamored of several neighbors lawn sprinklers than he became interested in wandering too far, or into the streets. He was originally called “Black” by his less than care-giving keeper, who fed him when she thought of it and hadn’t a clue of “heart-worm protection.” Obviously, he outgrew his fuzzy-puppy dark “black” coat and has grown into his deep, deep coffee, wavy brown coat with shades and highlightings of lighter blond eyebrows and “feathers” at his shoulders. His coat and “gaily waving tail” closely identify him with the Flat-coated Retrievers, however at just 46 pounds; he would be much smaller than a typical Flat-coated. Although there’s 20+ pounds difference between Cole and Nu’s, they are often mistaken for each other. “Nu’Som” seemed to fit him as he had become the neighborhood “nuisance” from his playfully romping in nearby homeowners’ sprinklers, while overturning them and dragging them anywhere that suited his fancy. He was NOT obsessed with water – he’s just a WATER-dog. His sprinkler escapades earned him names far lesser than such terms of endearment as the more apt Nu’Som. Fortunately for him, Nu’s was abandoned when his former owner moved, and Mom rescued him from the crawl space under his old home. Mom had previously “wormed” him and provided heartworm protection for him, and he was glad to be taken in where he not only had friends to play with, but three (3) big meals a day. He may not have been starved previously, but his energy level is so high that he, and the little Jet sisters, get a special lunch each day.