December 2018
Looming over rescue this month is the situation with Iowa dogs. 130 White Fire dogs were placed by the North Iowa Humane Society, working with San Francisco Samoyed Rescue, and 40 (30 puppies and 10 breeding females) were sold to the Pennsylvania Amish in September. Over 160 were still there when the sheriff and ASPCA showed up with a warrant to seize them. By now you have heard about the horrible conditions the dogs were living in. The ASPCA has direct control of the dogs and the court will determine when they will be released for adoption. It’s frustrating that we can’t learn much about them right now, but we expect in another two or three months the rescues around the country will all be asked to take some, probably on short notice. Because we have three in rescue already we’re not sure what we will be able to do, but all of us have to step up and help when it happens. We have a few people lined up who can foster short term, but we’re looking for more. If you can help, please contact Ron.
Sophie and Tessa are still here, both learning to be indoor dogs. Although they still go through the garage to their outdoor area they now live in the house all day; their beds are in the garage but not for much longer. We have extended their outdoor area slightly, and will soon install another section of fence so they can go outdoors from our laundry room. At that point, they will stay in the house night and day. They’re getting used to us walking through their area. Progress is painfully slow, but it’s progress.
Fena is doing much better now that she is with Kathi. She acts more and more like a normal Samoyed and has recovered from her overnight escape. Lately she has begun barking to demand her meals, which shows an improvement in her comfort level. She hangs out with the other two dogs, takes her cues from them, and is rapidly changing into the kind of Samoyed she deserves to be. We love getting updates.
Max was in the Clackamas County shelter. Staff contacted SPDR, and Ryann emailed us asking if we knew about him. As it happened, Laura Brice heard about him too, and went to meet him. The pictures she sent showed he is probably a mix, but with a typical Sammy personality. Laura picked him up and took him to Melissa, where he has lived since. We decided to do a DNA test on him and it should be back in a couple weeks. Meanwhile, Melissa found someone interested in adopting him who came for a meet and greet and decided they want him. They are moving in a week or two, and we’re waiting till that happens so Melissa can take care of the home visit. Max loves everybody and everything except for Santa and a Snowman, the Christmas decorations out in the yard. Video is HERE.