Tag: Dog Rescue

CT rescue fosters dogs from Middle East to help troops who saved them

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For South Windsor resident Jessica Waterhouse, caring for animals is her life passion. Five years ago, she opened an animal sanctuary and recently three “very special” puppies were delivered to her doorstep from thousands of miles away. Waterhouse, whose son serves in the U.S. Army and is currently deployed to the Middle East, said a phone call with him earlier this year led her to fostering three puppies found outside her son’s Army base. The puppies, named Valkyrie, Jordan and Whiskey, are all now in Connecticut after being rescued from the Middle East.

“My son, who is currently deployed, called me up and said his unit had found these puppies,” Waterhouse said. “He said they’re looking for fosters and that there’s an organization called Paws of War that would arrange everything. I had heard about these puppies for a while from my son. He said they were bringing the whole base so much joy and were a real morale boost for everyone and didn’t want the puppies to get stranded.” New York-based nonprofit Paws of War, who helps veterans work through post-traumatic stress and trauma using animal therapy, helped with the rescue effort, Waterhouse said. The nonprofit also has a rescue ranch in Connecticut that  assist veterans using equine therapy to help with stress, trauma and PTSD.

Many stray dogs in the Middle East have a life expectancy of only a few years, according to the nonprofit. They spend their lives searching for food, avoiding danger and rarely experience the safety of a home or the love of a family. “So when he asked if I would fill out the application to be a foster, of course I said yes,” Waterhouse said. “I knew I had to help rescue them.” Waterhouse founded Mazolu Animal Sanctuary in 2021, a nonprofit animal rescue in South Windsor, to heal and care for neglected, abused or abandoned animals. It sits on over four acres of land and runs on donations and volunteers. The idea, she said, is that while the soldiers continue their deployment, the puppies can be cared for until they can be reunited with the service members who saved their lives. The puppies were picked up by Paws of War in February before being dropped off at Waterhouse’s animal sanctuary on July 12, she said.

The puppies had to go through a quarantine period, receive medical care, evaluations and proper vaccinations, and await safe transport out of the Middle East. She said the war in Iran, which began in February, delayed the process of bringing them home. A fourth dog also came home to the family of one the soldiers who lives in Guilford, she said. “I have had them a month and they are the sweetest dogs,” Waterhouse said. “Once I sit down, they come right up to me. I cuddle with them all the time. They are just big fluffballs. “I kept the dogs separated from the other animals for a while to give them their space and not to overwhelm them,” she said. “Who knows what these dogs went through or seen? They are their own little pack right now, and I think it’s great they can adjust to the United States together.

When they landed in New York last month, that was the first time they had seen grass.” Waterhouse said slowly over the last month the puppies have been adjusting and getting more social. She said she has volunteers come to the animal rescue each week to purposefully socialize with them, helping them get introduced to new faces. She said that Valkyrie is the most fearless puppy with the most confidence, while Jordan and Whiskey are both a little shy. All three puppies are females, she said. “It’s the 3-3-3 rule for dogs, three days to decompress, three weeks to learn a new routine and three months to feel at home,” Waterhouse said. “They’re still in that feeling at home phase, but it’s been such a joy to see them relax and learn new routines and start to come out of their shells.” Waterhouse said her son, who is soon to return to the United States, will adopt Jordan. The other two dogs will be adopted by fellow service members who they bonded with when they were abroad.

“I can’t wait to see them reunited, it’s going to be a great reunion,” Waterhouse said. “I put one of his T-shirts with Jordan so he can remain familiar with him. I am so happy that I can help foster these dogs until they get adopted. Paws of War has been so great and helpful through this whole process. They made everything very smooth, and I cannot thank them enough for making this possible. “I think going forward, I would love to offer my animal sanctuary to military members who are deploying and have a dog that needs a temporary home,” Waterhouse said. “I would be able to take care of them until they return from deployment. I know my son is so excited to come home and see the puppy he saved. I can’t wait for them to be reunited.” Paws of War also operates other programs from its rescue ranch in Norwich. Veterans, first responders and their families participate in therapeutic programs there that strengthen emotional wellness, recovery and resilience. The main mission of the nonprofit remains to rescue and reunite animals for deployed troops and train service and support dogs for veterans and first responders, according to the organization’s website.

“These puppies had little chance of surviving when they were found,” said Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War. “Our military members showed extraordinary compassion by refusing to leave them behind, even while serving in a dangerous environment. “At Paws of War, we believe these heroes deserve to know the animals they rescued will have the opportunity to live long, healthy, happy lives in America,” Misseri added. “Until they return home, their families are opening their hearts and homes to care for these puppies. When these deployments end, the reunions between these soldiers and the puppies they rescued will remind everyone of the incredible bond that develops between our service members and the animals whose lives they save.”

Source: CT rescue fosters dogs from Middle East to help troops who saved them

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
Romans 12:15

A study of the Mesha Stele

The Mesha Stele, also famously known as the Moabite Stone, is a 3-foot-tall black basalt monument dating back to circa 840 BCE. It is one of the most vital archaeological discoveries connecting biblical…

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81 dogs rescued from ‘horrific’ conditions at Kansas City, Kansas, home

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Rescued Puppies

Eighty-one dogs were rescued from horrific conditions at a home in Kansas City, Kansas, over the weekend. Dogs of all ages were found with their fur matted and caked in their own urine and feces. When Kansas City Animal Services saw the severity of the situation, they called for backup. Volunteers from Pawsitive Tails Dog Rescue, Melissa’s Second Chances, and Great Plains SPCA answered at a moment’s notice. “It was the worst thing I’ve ever seen. It was horrific,” said Sara Burdick, a volunteer with Pawsitive Tails Dog Rescue.

“They’ve never been outside. Just imagine 81 dogs never getting to step outside.” Burdick said the smell was simply overwhelming. “It smelled horrible. Just feces and urine. Your eyes were burning. Your nose was burning,” Burdick said. “It’s literally a horror house is what it is for those dogs.” Burdick is fostering a family of three from the rescue. She named them Mama Ashley, Jennifer and Morgan after the volunteers who helped them. “She’s a great mom, too. She’s absolutely fantastic. It’s heart-wrenching to know the condition that she came in from,” Burdick said. “And they’re all this loving. They’re all super sweet. They’re all scared at first, but they’re coming out of their shell.” The rescued dogs are now on the road to recovery, but the volunteers are asking for community support to help with their care.

“The outpour from the community is what helps us to be able to get these dogs healthy, get them spayed, get them vetted, and just on to a new life,” Burdick said. Pawsitive Tails Dog Rescue and Great Plains SPCA are taking donations to cover the cost of care. Kansas City Animal Services is also accepting donations and applications for foster homes. The Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department says they were called to the neighborhood early Saturday morning to the 2200 block of Lafayette Ave regarding aggressive dogs. When they made contact with the owner of one of the dogs involved, they discovered they had an additional 80 dogs in their home near the scene. She was then taken into custody on outstanding warrants and remains there now. The case is currently under investigation by the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit and Kansas City Animal Services.

Source: 81 dogs rescued from ‘horrific’ conditions at Kansas City, Kansas, home

For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth.
Job 19:25

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Lifeguard rescues dog at Hilton Head beach

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Black rescue dog wearing harness beside rescue equipment on beach

A Hilton Head Island lifeguard saved a beach-goer’s dog Thursday morning. Lifeguard Otávio Cunha from Hilton Head’s Shore Beach Service swam 60 yards to rescue the K-9, according to a Facebook post from the organization. The unfortunate dog swam after a flock of birds near the Alder Lane beach access, according to the post. Shore Beach Service captioned the post “Rescue of the Day” in honor of Cunha’s heroic actions. When Cunha wrapped one arm around the dog and pulled it ashore, the dog was tired and allowed itself to be rescued without a struggle, he said. Shore Beach Service’s lifeguards are a common sight on Hilton Head’s beaches, but you may not know much about them. Cunha is one of 80 lifeguards the service employs each year to keep residents and visitors safe on Hilton Head’s shores.

Lifeguards patrol around 13 and a half miles of Hilton Head beach each day. The service uses 10 red pick-up trucks to patrol, emblazoned with the service’s logo on its doors. Lifeguards also observe beaches from high-top chairs along the beach and from under umbrellas. The lifeguards are certified in CPR and first aid, and rigorously trained in weekly sessions. Lifeguards are hired from across the country and around the world. The service has previously employed lifeguards from 22 different countries including Sweden, Brazil, Poland, Egypt, Canada and more. Cunha himself is from Brazil and is a college swimming athlete at Lewis University in Illinois, Cunha said. The majority of lifeguards are college students or graduates, and work six days a week. 65 lifeguards are on duty now as some have returned to school, Patrol Director Mike Wagner said.

This is Cunha’s first year as a Hilton Head lifeguard. Lifeguards perform around 30 rescues per year, Wagner said. Most action taken is preventative, such as stopping swimmers from venturing too far, he said. Dog rescue is not something the service’s lifeguards train for, Wagner said, but it’s happened before. “They’re pretty used to jumping in on unusual situations,” Wagner said.

Source: Lifeguard rescues dog at Hilton Head beach | Hilton Head Island Packet

A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1

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Dog saved by vets after eating seven chocolate Easter eggs

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thoughtful labrador retriever resting calmly

A dog has made a miraculous recovery after eating seven Easter eggs. Owner Katrina Gordon had arranged a display of chocolate for her 3-year-old son, Leo. It consisted of seven Easter eggs and other bars nestled in the back of a toy tractor and covered with plastic. But while the pair were out, Golden Labrador Holly ripped through the plastic and devoured nearly every piece of chocolate. Thankfully, the family was able to take Holly to an emergency clinic in their hometown of Belfast, where veterinarians administered medication to encourage vomiting. The family is eager to raise awareness of the dangers of leaving chocolate around dogs at Easter. Katrina said, “We’d got him a toy tractor with a trailer, and I’d filled it with seven Easter eggs and chocolate. “I put clear wrapping over the top to cover it and then had to pop out with Leo.

Source: Dog saved by vets after eating seven chocolate Easter eggs | National | ktbs.com

And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.
1 John 2:28

Man Saves Elderly Woman From a House Fire in Cleveland While His Pitbull Saves Her Dog

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house on fire

A man saved an elderly woman from a house fire — and not to be outdone, his dog saved her dog as well! Richard Keith Taylor, his wife, Melanie, and their dog, Ace, were driving in Cleveland when they saw a house had caught fire. Richard stopped the car and charged in, rescuing an elderly woman, the Cleveland Fire Department and City of Cleveland announced online.

Source: Man Saves Elderly Woman From a House Fire in Cleveland While His Pitbull Saves Her Dog

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32

Police officer saves dog after it fell through ice

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ice rescue operation in progress by rescue team

SPARTA, N.J. (WKRC) – A police officer is being recognized for his bravery and professionalism following a daring ice rescue. Michael Poon, who is certified in ice rescue, used department equipment to crawl onto the ice and reach a dog that had fallen through, Sparta police said. Without hesitation, Poon entered the icy water and pushed the dog back onto the ice, allowing it to return safely to dry land. The department thanked Poon for his courage and praised the quick actions of concerned citizens who reported the dog in distress.

Source: Police officer saves dog after it fell through ice

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18

Louisiana firefighter rescues dog from mobile home fire

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red and white fire truck

CARENCRO, La. (KLFY) — A family and its dogs were rescued from a mobile home fire Sunday morning, and the Carencro Fire Department has released video of one of the dogs being taken out of the burning structure. The Carencro Fire Department, along with Lafayette and Scott Fire Departments, responded Sunday to a reported house fire at 649 Braquet Road in Lafayette Parish with possible people and animals trapped inside. The homeowner confirmed that all occupants were out, but said one of the family’s dogs was still inside the bedroom.

During the fire, Firefighter/Operator Jake Richard conducted a search and successfully located the family dog, “Chop,” removing him safely from the home. After getting Chop out, Jake returned inside to assist crews with extinguishing the remaining fire, officials said. The Carencro Fire Department released video of the rescue in a post on its official Facebook page. “This helmet camera footage gives a firsthand look at the conditions firefighters face when operating inside a house fire with zero visibility, in a home they had never been in, while fire conditions continued to worsen and temperatures kept rising,” the post read. Watch video of the rescue below.

Source: Watch: Louisiana firefighter rescues dog from mobile home fire

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4