Below Is A Slideshow Of Adopted Puppy & Adult German Shepherd & German Shepherd Mixes That Found Homes Through German Shepherd Rescue Central Texas

Will You Look At This?!!

Rush before

Move over Rush, here's Duke!

Happy, healthy & enjoying the good life on the ranch!

How to Travel with Your Pet

The following are a list of things to think about before you travel with your pet.

“LoJack” Lassie
Implanting a pet with a homing device was practically science fiction in years past. Today it’s a simple procedure performed during a veterinary office visit. A microchip “only the size of a grain of rice is injected under the [pet’s] skin” without fuss or discomfort. You must also register the chip with the manufacturer's database, so that animal control agencies can track it if your pet disappears. As always, your pet should be wearing an ID tag with his or her name and your cell number. And it's smart to carry a recent photo of Fido with you should he disappear.

Coach or cargo?
If you’re flying with a cat or small dog, stowing it in its carrier under the seat in front of you is the most desirable option. Fido needs to stay put throughout the flight, so ensure the carrier “conforms to the shape of the seat without collapsing” or turning over.

Pack your papers
Have a vet examine your pet within ten days of your trip and issue you a health certificate. The airlines will ask to see it, especially if you’re transporting Fido by air cargo. Many hotels will also want to eyeball the document to verify Fido is flea, tick and disease free. All European Union countries and many other overseas destinations will require the certificate to bear a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) stamp, which you can obtain for a $45 fee at your local USDA office. Bone up on country requirements and leash laws, too.

Treat your terrier like a toddler
If you’re hitting the highway, contain your pet as you would for air cargo, stowing it in the back of the car. Take bathroom breaks every two hours if motoring with a dog.

Get Fido in the mood to travel
Conditioning your pet to travel before your trip is critical. If Spot or Felix don’t get out much at home, test your pet’s sociability, taking it places like dog parks and [elsewhere] out of its environment and see how it reacts. Take short car rides, perhaps initially with a friend in back, to reassure your pet that the traveling by car is safe.

Start keeping your pet in its carrier at your feet, so that over time the carrier “becomes a fun place to be,” and your pet doesn’t just associate the carrier or travel with going to the vet or groomer.

Holiday Health Hazards

This information is not meant to be a substitute for veterinary care. Always follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian.

The holiday season brings excitement and commotion associated with shopping, final exams, travel, and other seasonal preparations. In all the activities of the season our beloved pets may be exposed to hazards less commonly found other times of the year.

As homes fill with holiday spirit, pets may be intrigued by the new sites, smells and tastes. The following are some of the most common health concerns for your pet during the holidays.

If you have specific questions regarding any pet health concern please contact your veterinarian.

Tinsel, Ribbon and other Pretty Things
Ribbons, wrapping paper, ornaments, tinsel, extension cords and gifts may be appealing "chew toys" that may make your pet sick. There is something about those shiny strands of Christmas tree decor, which drives kitties wild. Although the sight of your cat pawing at the tree may be cute, the ingestion of tinsel can be deadly. Eating tinsel or other string-like items such as ribbon (often called linear foreign bodies) can cause serious damage to the intestine. One end can get stuck while the rest is pulled into the intestine as it contracts; the contractions may cause the ribbon or tinsel to saw through the intestine. If not caught in time, infection of the belly cavity develops and the prognosis for recovery becomes poor. Pets with linear foreign bodies quickly become ill with signs including vomiting, diarrhea, depression, belly pain and sometimes fever.

Eating other holiday decorations can cause signs ranging from mild depression to severe vomiting or diarrhea, depending upon whether or not the foreign matter can be passed in the stool or gets stuck along the way. Foreign matter stuck in the intestine often does NOT show upon "x-ray" but sometimes the foreign matter will trap air in the intestine, which helps your veterinarian make a diagnosis. Surgery is required to remove foreign matter that does not pass out on its own.

Holiday Lights
Decorative lights are another attraction for pets to chew on. Both indoor and outdoor lights should be carefully examined to ensure safety for your household pets. Electrical shock may occur from defective cords as well as from pets chewing on cords. Check cords for any signs of bite marks, loose or frayed wires, proximity to the tree's water supply or evidence of short circuits. Use grounded "3-prong" extension cords and strictly follow manufacturer' s guidelines for light usage.

Electrical shock can cause burns, difficulty breathing, abnormal heart rhythm, loss of consciousness, and death. Call a veterinarian immediately if your pet has been injured by electrical shock. Treatment will be most effective if begun soon after the shock.

Water, Water
Even though they have their own water bowel, there is something enticing about a novel source of water; whether it's the toilet bowl or the Christmas tree stand. If you add chemicals to the water meant to keep your tree fresh longer, be sure to read the label to make sure it is safe for pets.

Potpourri makes your house smell festive but may be another attraction for pets to drink. Make sure that potpourri pots are covered orotherwise inaccessible to pets.

It may be difficult to curb your pet's fascination with all those pretty decorations. Child gates can be used across doorways to keep your pet away from the Christmas tree and decorations at times they cannot be watched.

Overindulgence
Well-intentioned family and friends may share holiday foods with pets causing the pet to develop a stomach upset or worse, pancreatitis(inflammation of the pancreas) which can be caused by eating fatty foods.

To control excessive food intake by your pets and meet your guests' desires to feed the pets, dole out the treats your pets would normally receive and let your guests "treat" the pets. If you want to get festive, mix some of your pet's regular food with water to make a "dough" and roll out and cut into festive shapes, then bake until crunchy.

Extra attention from visiting relatives and friends may be relished by some pets while others seek solitude in their favorite hiding spot. Make sure pets are given some "personal space" if they want to get away from the commotion. Some pets may respond to all the hullabaloo with a
change in behavior including bad behaviors like eliminating in the house.

Try to spend a little extra "quality time" with your pet to assure them they have not been forgotten.

Chocolate
What would the holidays be without boxes of chocolate and warm cocoa in front of the fire? However, chocolate can be toxic or even fatal to dogs and cats. Chocolate may be mistakenly given to pets as treats and may be irresistible to the curious canine. Chocolate poisoning occurs most frequently in dogs but other species are also susceptible. The obromine is the toxic compound found in chocolate. Signs which may appear within 1 to 4 hours of eating chocolate include:

• Vomiting
• Increased thirst
• Diarrhea
• Weakness
• Difficulty keeping balance
• Hyperexcitability
• Muscle spasms, seizures, coma
• Death from abnormal heart rhythm

The toxicity of chocolate depends on the amount and type of chocolate ingested:

Source
Potential Toxic Dose (44lb dog)

• Unsweetened Cocoa
  3oz
• Baking Chocolate
  5oz
• Semisweet Chocolate
  7oz
• Milk Chocolate
  20oz
  

The amount of the obromine in white chocolate or chocolate flavored dog treats is usually negligible. As with any poisoning, call your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital immediately if you suspect your pet may have ingested chocolate. Have the product label information available when you call your veterinarian.

There are national and regional poison control hotlines for animals. In general, the treatment of poisonings is most effective if begun soon after eating the poison, before large amounts are absorbed into the blood.

Poinsettias & Mistletoe
Pointsettas fill homes with color during the holidays. Poinsettias have received bad publicity in the past whereas in fact, poinsettias are not very toxic to pets. They do contain a milky sap that can irritate the mouth but if signs develop they are usually mild.

Mistletoe can be very toxic to animals and you should seek veterinarian consultation immediately if your pet has potentially ingested any part of the plant. Mistletoe can cause vomiting, severe diarrhea, difficult breathing, shock and death within hours of ingestion.

There are many species of Holly (genus Ilex) Berries and leaves can be a problem although signs of poisonings are generally mild, and include vomiting, belly pain, and diarrhea.

Pets as Gifts
A cute, cuddly puppy or kitten may seem to be the perfect gift but unfortunately after the holiday season the population of animal shelters explodes with these "surprise gifts". Owning a pet is a long-term commitment that not every one can make.

Dealing With Death or Severe Illness over the Holidays
The holiday season hightens our emotions and can be a very difficult time to deal with the loss or illness of a companion animal. The bond between animals and humans is often very strong and losses can be very painful.

If you or someone you know needs support without judgment from those who appreciate your feelings and may be able to help, please contact the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Loss Hotline.

From all of us at the College of Veterinary Medicine at WSU, best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season for you and your pets.

This Pet Health Topic was written by Paul Chauvin, Washington State University, Class of 2004.

If an animal is poisoned, immediately call the ASPCA APCC (888-426-4435), a $50 consultation fee may apply.

Be ready to provide:

• Your name, address, and phone number
• Information concerning the exposure (the amount of agent, the time since exposure, etc.)
• The species, breed, age, sex, weight and number of animals involved.
• The agent your animal(s) has been exposed to, if known.
• The problems your animal(s) is experiencing.

When the 888 number is used, your credit card number will likely be required in addition to the above information.

Carly Was A Beautiful Referral Girl

Here she is in her new home with her look-alike canine companion!

This Just In From Duke's (Rush) New Adopters

Today Duke and I harvested holly and pine cones from our> land to bring in for Winter Solstice.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas'

‘Twas the night before Christmas,

when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care.
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds

With no thought of the dog filling their head.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap.

Knew he was cold, but didn’t care about that.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
figuring the dog was free of his chain and into the trash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,

gave the luster of mid-day to objects below.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
but Santa Claus – with eyes full of tears.

He un-chained the dog, once so lively and quick.
Last year’s Christmas present, now painfully thin and sick.
More rapid than eagles he called the dog’s name,

and the dog ran to him, despite all his pain.

“Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch!

To the top of the wall!

Let’s find this dog a home where he’ll be loved by all.”

I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year.

For Santa Claus had made one thing quite clear.

The gift of a dog is not just for the season.
We had gotten the pup for all the wrong reasons.

In our haste to think of the kids a gift,
there was one important thing that we missed
A dog should be family, and cared for the same.

You don’t give a gift, then put it on a chain.

And I heard him exclaim as he rode out of sight

“You weren’t given a gift! You were given a LIFE!”
~Author Unknown ~

We Have Puppies, Purebreds, Mixes, & More

Otis

Mia

Esta

Ducati has been adopted!

Coco

All of the dogs/puppies above are new to our group. Please check back soon when more information will be available. If you are interested in any of these dogs, or would like to see more beautiful creatures that are in need of forever homes, go to our website at http://www.gsdrescuectx.com/ for more information.

2009 Veteran Day Parade ~ Represented By Beverly Gainer Founder of German Shepherd Rescue Central Texas & Zeus!

Beverly Gainer (second from the right) with Zeus

Zeus

Brinks, Ollie & Rush

These pups are all males and were rescued from a shelter in Austin at 5 weeks old. They are now playful, energetic and fun loving.

They are eating very well and gaining weight even after being fed only chicken heads and mother's milk that very much lacked nutrition prior to their rescue. They're now exploring, investigating and rough housing like playful pups should. All are sweet and cuddly!

Rush, the sable one, has Entropion which is an inward rolling of the eyelids which causes pain if not treated - it is a common condition that affects mostly the lower lids. He had a surgical procedure today called eye tacking which has relieved most of his discomfort and he seems to be able to see much better.

The pups are not ready to be adopted yet as they are only 6 weeks old but have already been microchipped and rec'd their first set of vaccinations.

If you are interested in

adopting Brinks,

Ollie or Rush,

please go to our website,

copy, paste, and complete our adoption application

and email it to gsdrescuectx@yahoo.com.

Please note that these pups will not be available for adoption until they've received all their puppy vaccinations and have been neutered (Neuter Agreement may apply).

Below Is A Slideshow Of Just SOME Of The Dogs That Have Found Wonderful Homes Through German Shepherd Rescue Central Texas

Enjoy!

Update! Gable Hanging Out At Dreamtime Sanctuary

Gable (as in Clark) came to Dreamtime Sanctuary from the Bastrop Animal Shelter on the 29th of September and was in poor condition due to an infection and flea bite dermatitis. He appeared to feel tired and actually looked like an old dog. He has returned to excellent health, has gained weight, and is happy in his new setting. He now shows us that he is a much younger dog that we thought he was and has become quite playful. He has also decided that he going to become one of "Nancy's big boys!"



Gable Before -





This wonderful boy gets along well with every dog at Dreamtime and is ever so willing to please. This is a dog who is ready to be someone's loving and faithful companion and is ready to join in on whatever adventure is offered him. He is up-to-date on his vaccinations and is microchipped. Won't you please consider making Gable your companion? You will never regret it!





- Gable Now!




If you are interested in adopting Gable, please go to our website, copy, paste and complete our adoption application and email it to gsdrescuectx@yahoo.com.

Enjoy The Slideshow Below Of Current, Wonderful Dogs Available For Adoption Below!

Success! Take A Look At Calypso In Her New Home With Her New (Little) People!

5 Tips To Improve Your Pet Photography

Other than baby photos, pictures of pets are among the most popular in any household. Unfortunately, they also tend to suffer the most from poor quality or, as we term it in the trade, snapshot-itis. You may have this problem if friends start walking away fast when you mention the latest photos of your cat or if your dog’s loving brown eyes end up glowing green like some malevolent demon in every shot you take.

Well, here are 5 surefire tips to help avoid snapshot-itis:

1) Change angles
Most pet photos are taken from the perspective of a human being looking down while the pet looks up. Bor-rinnnnnng! Try something different and get down at their level or, if they’re moving, pan with them as you take the shot.

2) Stick with natural light. Turn off or cover the on-camera flash

On-camera flashes are evil. They flatten everything out, cast harsh shadows and are the source of the infamous glowing green pet eyes. If you have to use a flash go with an off-camera one and bounce the light off a ceiling or wall.

3) Stay out of direct sun and shoot in the morning or late afternoon

Contrary to popular belief, bright sunlight is not a photographers friend. It wreaks havoc with your exposure and you typically end up with lots of nasty shadows in places you don’t want them. I avoid photographing subjects outside in direct light except first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon before sunset when the light is angled low.

4) Don’t wait for the perfect moment and don’t be afraid to take lots of shots but…

Most of us are shooting digital these days so you can essentially take as many pictures as you want. With pets, unpredictability is the rule of law. You never know how a shoot is going to go. All you can do is be there and hope you catch the moment. This requires taking a lot of shots in quick sequence and culling through them later for the best one.

5) …make sure you edit yourself

Some of the most important work happens after you shoot. It sounds cliche but less is more. It’s easy to become enamored of the 100 pictures you took of Spot playing with his new ball but chances are your friends won’t feel the same way. Limit what you show people to only the very best.

From Dogster: Mark Rogers is a San Francisco-based professional pet photographer. His most recent work can be seen on his Smile Like a Dog blog and you can also follow him on twitter.

Arthritis: Causes And Treatment-Brought To You By Pedigree

If you've ever felt aches and pains in your joints, you have some idea of what arthritis feels like. Now imagine enduring that pain on a daily basis, week after week. Eventually you’ll do more than complain, you'll go to the doctor for help. If you have a senior dog, you need to know the symptoms of arthritis so you can give him the help he needs when the time comes.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is inflammation of a joint. With arthritis, the bones rub together due to damage to the overlying cartilage and tissues that would normally provide protection. The most common types of canine arthritis are osteoarthritis, immune mediated arthritis and infectious arthritis.

What causes this condition?

Some dogs are pre-disposed to arthritis. For example:
Dogs that have hip dysplasia, excessive strain on their joints, or previous injuries.

Older dogs, particularly large dogs aged 5 years old and up, and smaller dogs aged 8 and up, and those that are overweight.

However, not all dogs that match those descriptions get arthritis. Some dogs, just like people, never suffer from arthritis at all.

What are the symptoms?

If you think your dog may be experiencing the onset of arthritis look for signs of stiffness and pain in the joints. Here’s what to look for:

a. Stiffness on rising after a long rest that eventually seems to go away as your dog moves around.
b. Difficulty going up or down stairs, rising from a sit, and/or performing other movements that were formerly a part of your dog’s everyday life.
c. Limping.
d. Avoiding being touched or exhibiting pain when someone touches him.
If you suspect your dog may be suffering from arthritis, take him to the veterinarian for a diagnosis and help.

How can I help ease my dog’s symptoms?

Although there is no cure for arthritis, with your vet’s help you can still do a lot to help your aging friend.

Controlled exercise. Although vigorous exercise may be painful for an arthritic dog, exercise shouldn’t be avoided. However, keep it gentle, such as low-impact exercises, like swimming and walking. In fact, these exercises may actually help decrease the symptoms of arthritis because they keep the joints moving and help maintain muscle support.

Healthy weight. Being overweight puts more pressure on a dog’s joints, and his symptoms may be worse. If your arthritic dog is carrying around too much weight, you should consider putting him on a calorie-controlled diet. Your vet can help you determine the optimum weight for your dog.

Therapeutic massage. A comforting massage makes you feel better, and it can do the same for your dog. If you know the technique, you can massage your dog at home, or take him to a professional dog masseuse. Either way, your dog will appreciate the relief a massage will bring. If you choose to do this yourself concentrate on areas that may be especially painful and stiff, such as the muscles near your dog’s joints, and knead these areas gently.

Comfort and care. Arthritis pain is aggravated by the cold, so keep your dog warm by adding an extra blanket or two to his bed, and keep him inside on damp, cold days. Barometric changes in the weather can also aggravate arthritis by causing pressure changes in the joint.

Prescription medication. There are many medications that can help ease the pain of arthritis. Your veterinarian will recommend the type of medication most suitable to your dog based on the type of arthritis he has. Never give medication to your dog without consulting your vet first.

Proper diet. Feeding your dog food that's rich in antioxidants reduces the stress of aging by fighting the free radicals that are by-products of inflammatory processes, such as arthritis.

Two other nutrients that can also benefit joint health are glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate—natural compounds found within the body that help provide lubrication and nourishment to your dog's joints.

By following these treatment suggestions you’re giving your dog the help he needs to continue enjoying many of his favorite activities, whether it's joining you on the couch or taking a short walk in the park. And that translates to more quality time for you and your senior dog.

German Shepherd Rescue Central Texas - Basil

Please read Basil's story:

Basil's story started with "free to a good home" on Craigslist, then tossed from a car. Basil’s had a rough time of it these last months- just last week, she was observed being thrown out of a car. A good Samaritan grabbed her to make sure she was not injured and then brought her to TLAC. Well, TLAC found a microchip and located her owner. He came down to the shelter and was horrified at what he saw. See, her owner gave her away, "free to good home on craigslist" a few months ago. Back then she was a healthy, happy young puppy. Now she’s thin, still heavy with milk from nursing and has some hairloss. The new owners assured him they would take good care of her.

Who knows what happened in those months, but like many of the animals given away so easily and freely we can only surmise that she wasn’t kept as a family pet. More likely used for breeding purposes and then thrown away like so much trash when no longer needed. Her former owner is not going to take her back. The folks he gave her to are not returning his calls – what a shock. So sweet Basil needs rescue help.

She’s a petite chocolate lab/pit mix-weighing about 30 pounds. Her enthusiasm and friendliness for people is heartbreaking considering what she’s been through.

If you are interested in adopting Basil, please contact Caryn Cluiss at 512-264-4220

10 Steps to Deal with the Loss of Your Pet By Dawn Kairns

Sometimes special animals come into our lives and touch our hearts in a way that leaves us forever changed. A chapter ends as the familiar road you traveled together comes to an abrupt and. You are in uncharted territory without a map. Lost. The world as you know it may look totally different.Not everyone realizes that the bond between humans and their pets can be deeper than with a loved human. Some people often spend more time with their pets than they do with family members. Pets don't judge or hurt us the way humans can. The loss of their constant, unconditional love can leave us empty.

There is no best way to get through the loss of a beloved pet. The way through the grief process is different for everyone. Here are some things I found helpful when I lost Maggie, my beautiful black lab with whom I had the most precious of relationships:

1. Hold a ritual after your pet dies and invite friends and family who knew and loved your pet. Share stories about how your beloved animal enriched your life and other lives she touched. You may also want to create a memorial altar with a candle and your pets' photo, along with other items that belong to or remind you of your pet, such as her dish, special toys, and a lock of her hair.

2. Recognize that the grief of pet loss can be exceptionally profound and honor that by giving your grief the space to be. Allow your tears. Set-aside quiet time each day where you can decrease the demands of the outside world. Write in your journal. Allow your pain to express and release.

3. Let in the compassion and understanding of supportive family friends and strangers.

4. Don't be surprised if some family members or friends are not as supportive as you might expect them to be. Allow yourself to take time off from friends who don't understand the depth of your grief, who try to downplay your loss because it's an animal rather than a human, or who have unrealistic expectations of you at this very vulnerable time.

5. Let people know if you need to talk about your lost pet. Many well-intended people may try to change the subject to make it easier on you and you may need to let them know that it's okay to talk about it.

6. Find a pet loss support group locally or online and make use of the national pet loss support hotlines.