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I am a little late replying to your threads so first of all let me say welcome. :) I have just read about Taz's first day with you and have now read about Grace (love the name) and her puppies. You are a very special person to say the least and those of us who love animals want to say Thank You for what you do to help so many. I see that I have a lot of reading to do to catch up with your furry family and I will stay tuned for updates on the little ones and sweet Grace. :)
Today is Friday. I took this video of mom and pups this afternoon after I returned home from work.
Ordinarily I would quarantine a dog for a while before introducing it to the rest of the gang. I just couldn't wait this time. Here is a video of Grace's introduction to the rest of the crew.
She is really a gorgeous girl:
http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/i...ups/Grace1.jpg
Grace -- the photogenic girl:
http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/i...ups/Grace2.jpg
Taz is getting big. Here he is running the fence with Grace:
http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/i...raceAndTaz.jpg
Grace from a distance with Sam and Fred:
http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/i...aceSamFred.jpg
A couple of face shots of the pups:
http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/i...s/PupFace2.jpg
http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/i...s/PupFace1.jpg
I think I shall keep the pups at least another week. I think they must be between four and five weeks of age. They would survive, but it's better if they stay with their mother until at least six weeks of age. That means two more weeks of sleep deprivation.
One thing though. Our animal shelter is not a no-kill shelter, but I cannot keep the pups. I really shouldn't keep Grace. I already am at my limit. In the past I have taken animals to the shelter with the full knowledge that they would be put down. I don't like it any more than you but I have had to learn that I can only do what I can do. Sometimes being put down can be better than the alternative.
Grace wouldn't stand a chance. It is highly unlikely that she would be adopted. The pups stand a better chance, but only because they are pups. Otherwise, their chances wouldn't be so good. As it is, it is unlikely that all the pups will be adopted. It hurts, and it is a heavy burden to contemplate consigning such health creatures to their demise. At least they had a semblance of dignity in their lives -- even if only for a sort while.
You are a very sweet soul. You're doing what I dream of doing some day. Those pups were so cute. They looked like they were a lab mix. Don't worry about the critics. There are always some that like to stir up trouble around here.
Just now saw Grace. She is a beauty. It looks like you have a wonderful group of furries.
Aww, just look at those faces, and all of them following their mom all the time is so cute! I agree that they should stay with her a few weeks longer, they will be healthier and happier. Only, it's not good for your sleep.
Are they whining to get out during night? I take it they're locked in the bathroom? In a few days time, they may have got used to it so much that they'll accept it there.
I have an idea... how about inviting your friend Larry over? He just may fall in love with them and take at least some! ;) If he won't, you have at least tried.
Any chance there are other shelters in your area, who are no-kill and could take them?
Grace really seems to get along well with the rest, it's so good to see them running around together having fun.
Thanks for sharing the videos.
Can't you find homes for them yourself by placing ads?
Thank you for your input, but that is a bad idea. All stray or abandoned animals should be delivered to a certified animal shelter. A responsible animal shelter will do the best job of facilitating any adoption process. For one thing, a shelter will require that all adopted animals be neutered and receive basic shots. The prospective adoptor will be required to pay for these services, thus raising the level of credibility of the process. A person who will pay $60-$70 dollars to adopt an animal is more likely to be someone who will be a responsible pet owner.Quote:
Originally Posted by buttercup132
Allowing people to just willy-nilly come to your house and take animals home is not responsible behavior. But I do thank you for your concern.
Yep, by placing ads you may end up with one of the pups back in a year, found on the road, with yet 6 more puppies.:( Is there any chance someone at work is needing a pup? As for taking them to the shelter, you've done the best you could Willow, many prayers that they all find homes.
Man I would love to tell you to send one of the puppies up to me! I just don't think addinga 4th is a good idea though...maybe someday! They sure are cute!
Hey -- the chocolate is a female. The runt is a female, and the other four are males.Quote:
Originally Posted by chocolatepuppy
I have read through some of your threads and can't tell you enough how enjoyable it is to know someone whose love for animals is so intense. Thank you for being their keeper and understanding their needs so thoroughly. You have a special gift and I appreciate the time you take in sharing it with us all.
This thread has especially grabbed my heart. Grace and her puppies are so sweet and had you not taken them in, I dread what might have been their fate:(
Your heart will hurt taking those pups to the shelter, no doubt, but your instinctive sense for reality is understood. I agree with others - do not let the critics deter you - keep on doing what you do. It is admirable.
Thank you for having the compassion you have for Grace. She is a beautiful girl and deserves your love and care.
You're doing what I've always dreamed of doing. Bless you. I would love to see more people like you. It would be a much happier world by far.
Grace and the pups are so precious. I hope they all end up in good homes. Thank you for all the good you do and Welcome To Pet Talk!!:)
I ment make them sign a contract too and screen their homes.
Not just give them away for free to anyone who wants one.
Unlike rescues, shelters don't screen the homes, they don't do home checks.
I personally would rather find them homes myself but that's just me.
I don't have time to do that.Quote:
Originally Posted by buttercup132
buttercup, he has gone above and beyond what most of us on here have done, kudos for him.
It's easy to sit behind a computer and say "I would do this or do that" without being in someone's shoes. Fact of the matter is, none of us really know what we would do in such a situation.
He's got many babies to love and care for already, keeping these pups until he finds a home for them would be too much, I think, for him and the current animals he cares for.
Hey, anyone is capable of arranging a transport and offering to foster these puppies, go for it buttercup!