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Winter Issue 2008
Tributes
Big Mama A Cinderella Story
It seemed like Dejavu seeing that tawny brown dog walk through the front door. She looked so much like Bertha (the loving dog that we named the Bertha Fund after), but the dog that stood before us now was affectionately named Big Mama. Big Mama had that same down trodden, sorrowful look on her face, almost as if she had resigned herself to the fact that she would never have a chance for a good life, and who could blame her for thinking that way, since that is all she has known in the past.Big Mama was a transport dog from the Clay County Humane Society in Brazil, Indiana, another fine organization we work hand in hand with to save homeless cats and dogs. We were told that whatever life this dog had, was certainly not a very good one. One of the veterinarians who had examined her said it was apparent that every time the poor dog had come into heat she had gotten pregnant. Of course we all realize the simple solution to the problem would have been for the owners to have her spayed, but obviously she did not mean that much to them. The dog was pregnant again and they did not want to be bothered with another litter of puppies. They got rid of their "problem dog", by abandoning her at a local campground. How would she find food or shelter, especially in her condition? Anyone who could do this to the poor dog, did not have a conscience and did not have a heart! We were told that some kind soul had taken pity on the dog and brought her to the Clay County Humane Society, where she was given good care.
We have often noted that animals who have received the worst treatment, have so much love to give... And it was not any different for Big Mama. Some of her pups were brought to TLC for adoption, while Big Mama stayed behind at Clay County. You see she had adopted some other pups whose mom had been killed, she also was "Mom" to some orphaned kittens! She took care of the orphaned puppies and kittens just as well as she had taken care of her own pups, letting them nurse and keeping them clean and warm. But time quickly passed and it was time for these little ones to have homes of their own. One by one they were adopted, while Big Mama waited and waited, hoping that there would be that special someone who would give her a chance... a chance she so deserved.
Although she received very good care while she was at Clay, and had put on some weight, things were not looking good for Big Mama, even as sweet as she was. Chances for Big Mama finding a home in this rural community were not good, because she was not a cute little puppy, and she had certainly lost her "girlish figure" giving her more of a "dairy cow" look, which meant most people just did a quick look at her outward appearance, but not giving her the opportunity to see what a wonderful dog she really was. Rosemary Campbell (one of Clay County's finest volunteers who arranges all the transports) asked if we would consider taking Big Mama, to give her a chance. We had seen her picture for several weeks on Clay's website, and could not help but feel sorry for her. We agreed to see what we could do in getting her a home and Juanita Knoy, another wonderful volunteer from Clay said she would drive her to TLC.
The sad looking dog walked through the front door with her head hung down as dejected as can be. To her it must have seemed she was just trading one cage for another. But in a few weeks that special someone saw what a wonderful dog Big Mama was and adopted her.
In short, this is what her new buddy wrote back to Clay to let them know she has a good home now: 'I adopted the lovely "Big Mama" from TLC, and I just adore her. She has already learned to walk nicely on a leash and is quite social. She loves my two cats and they love her.' I would have to say this is a Cinderella story, wouldn't you?
Thank you for our new family member, Duke! We adopted the 7 year old Chocolate Lab on October 25th. We just love him, and can't imagine why anyone would give him up. From the moment we met Duke, we knew he was coming home with us. He is such a sweet, cuddly, lovable old man. He enjoys following everyone around the house, sleeping, and especially eating! He is terrific and gentle with Cassie our 1 1/2 year old daughter. He's very patient with her, and they play well together. Duke now has a "sister" named Daisy, a one year old Yellow Lab. She is much wilder snd more energetic than he is, but Duke tries very hard to keep up with her. He's also trying to teach her some manners, (please wish him luck!) Duke enjoys outings with the family, and behaves very nicely in public (unlike poor Daisy!) We've received many compliments on how handsome and well behaved he is. He's just a sweetheart! I'm so happy that we adopted a "senior" dog. From the moment Duke got home he knew what to do. He's very well mannered and keeps four paws on the floor. When he's happy his entire body sways back and forth from the force of his wagging tail. He very rarely barks, and when he needs to go outside he simply stares at us an whimpers. I love the look in his eyes also. He has such a look of wisdom. We can tell he is happy living with us, and Duke knows he has a home. We are so happy that Duke is a part of our lives now. We couldn't have hoped for a more wonderful dog!
Thank you so much for Duke and for all of the wonderful work that you do for the animals.
Sincerely,
The Kollman Family
When: Saturday February 16th
Time: 8:30 pm until 11:30 pm
Price: $25.00 per person which includes dinner and 3 rounds of bowling fun
Where: Strike & Spare II located at 811 Northern Drive, Lockport
There will be many terrific raffle prizes and several split the pot drawings too!
GET YOUR TICKETS BEFORE THEY'RE GONE! This is always a sell out!
You may pick your tickets up at TLC or if you prefer, we can mail them to you.
* Please contact us by February 5th if you would like to donate a raffle prize for this event. So we have time to put your name or your companies name on the program. For further information call us at 708-301-1594