Richmond SPCA Blog

An Island Dog with an Embedded Collar Gets a Second Chance at the Richmond SPCA

On October 7, 2018, The Richmond SPCA transferred three dogs from Turks and Caicos into its care. These three dogs have made an incredible journey, but one dog in particular, Jazzy, has a harrowing tale of survival. His story begins with a chance meeting on a deserted beach with Richmond SPCA communications specialist Anne Goddard Rand. In today’s blog she recounts the incredible rescue of a dog who was on the brink of death.

Crystal blue waters, white sand beaches, not a human in sight…my husband and I took a morning stroll on a deserted beach that was nothing short of paradise. The solitude was a welcome departure from the festivities at the hotel, and we couldn’t have been happier than to enjoy the natural beauty that Turks and Caicos had to offer. It was by chance that my husband spotted a little black dog under a rock overlook. As dog lovers, we both let out an “Aw!” and quietly approached the pup to get a closer look. As we came within two feet of the dog (who would later be named Jazzy), the sickly stench of infection reached my nostrils and what I thought was a red collar turned out to be a gaping wound encircling his neck. Jazzy’s eyes were wide with pain and he quickly jumped up to retreat further into his misery. It broke my heart. My husband and I tried in vain to coax Jazzy to drink water or allow us to catch him, but he was too timid to allow us to come near him. I had never seen an animal in such suffering.

I am sure my husband didn’t imagine our romantic stroll to turn into one of misery. I was at a loss for what to do. Did a remote island like Turks and Caicos have animal control? Was there a vet nearby? In my heart, I knew Jazzy would likely succumb to his injuries, and I sobbed the entire walk back.

When we arrived back to our hotel, I used the limited cell service I had to look up any form of assistance. Luckily, the Turks and Caicos SPCA was the first result returned in my search. I immediately called and to my surprise I reached the Director of the Turks and Caicos SPCA (TCSPCA), Susan Behr. I frantically told her about Jazzy, and she said she would dispatch a team of volunteers to trap him.

What a relief! Not only was there a humane organization on this island, but one that had the resources to help him. Though the rescue was far from over, I was relieved to know that there were caring and compassionate individuals that were dedicated to saving the lives of animals on this island. 

WARNING: The next photo may be disturbing. 

The next morning, the volunteers successfully lured Jazzy into a cage and transported him to TCSPCA headquarters on the island of Providenciales. Upon his arrival, a vet quickly worked to anesthetize Jazzy and surgically remove the deeply embedded collar. The wound was severely infected and Jazzy’s condition was poor. Susan relayed that his daily dips in the ocean probably saved his life and prevented the infection from spreading further. Though he had been suffering for months, Jazzy was a fighter and was determined to live.

Upon his transfer to the Turks and Caicos SPCA, veterinarians worked quickly to remove the collar that was deeply embedded in Jazzy's neck. Photos courtesy of the Turks and Caicos SPCA.

Susan continued to provide email updates on Jazzy’s condition. I asked how I could best help the TCSPCA with Jazzy’s recovery and she said that donations were most needed. Along with giving a personal donation, I queried my Facebook network and started a fundraiser for Jazzy’s medical costs. After receiving donations from many of my compassionate friends, I received another offer to assist in Jazzy’s recovery; the offer to bring Jazzy to the Richmond SPCA. After reading about Jazzy’s plight, Richmond SPCA CEO Robin Starr graciously offered to transfer Jazzy into the care of the Richmond SPCA. I was overjoyed!

Captain, Jazzy and Mate receiving medical examinations upon their arrival to the Richmond SPCA.

The TCSPCA worked with an American organization, Island Dog Rescue, to transport Jazzy and two other “potcake” dogs, who we named Captain and Mate into our care on Sunday, October 7. During their stay here, all three dogs have received an array of medical care including heartworm treatment. The dogs have also worked with our volunteers to build confidence in their new surroundings. One of the lucky pups, Captain, has already found a loving home, but nothing would make me happier than to find Jazzy—a dog who was lost in paradise—a true paradise in a loving home.

If you are interested in adopting Jazzy or Mate, please call our adoption desk at 804-521-1307. Jazzy’s adoption fee will be paid by Anne Goddard Rand. Mate is not yet available for adoption as he continues treatment for tick-borne diseases. You can assist with medical costs for homeless pets like Mate with the purchase of Fur Ball raffle tickets at www.richmondspca.org/raffle. 

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Anne Goddard Rand is the communications specialist for the Richmond SPCA. To read her biography or that of our other bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires a first and last name to be used as your screen name.

Reflecting on BlogPaws conference in the wake of Irene

Chloe, who belongs to Jamie Cook, greets visitors to the Petfinder.com table in the exhibit area.

Just before Irene tore through the region, I had the inspirational experience of attending BlogPaws 2011 with pet-centric bloggers from around the country (and beyond: one of the first I met was from British Columbia, and she responded to our introduction with, “Oh, I’ve retweeted items from the Richmond SPCA!”). The 3-day conference was held in Tysons Corner with more than 350 attendees. It was thanks to the generous sponsorship of Petfinder.com that I was able to attend the numerous workshops and presentations and take away lessons I hope will improve our blog and grow our audience.

Travelin' Jack is a travel dog reporter. His mom, Jill Lane, shared some of his tips in the Niche Blogging workshop.

One of my favorite things about the conference, besides the shared passion for companion animals, was the fact that it was pet friendly. What would a conference of pet bloggers be without the pets who have inspired us to create and maintain blogs? All aspects of the conference were pet friendly, from the welcoming reception to each educational session.

Pets accompanied their guardians and gave a great opening to conversation during networking and exhibit times. Even those who begged a little at mealtimes made sure to endear themselves in the process.

Many of us left the conference earlier than planned to return home to areas in Irene’s path. Jane at Petfinder.com had a great post on their blog yesterday on an aspect of pet care in disasters that many of us may not have considered – what if the disaster strikes while you’re away from home? Take a look at the thoughtful list of precautions Jane has assembled.

As recovery from Irene continues around the Richmond area, this is a good time to review your pet’s disaster kit. Was there anything missing? Do you need to revise your disaster plan for your own pets or replenish any of the supplies in your kit before the next unexpected scenario?  

Tabitha Frizzell Hanes is the director of communications at the Richmond SPCA. To read the biographies of our other regular bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires a first and last name to be  used as your screen name.  

Summer travels can be fun for the furry set too!

Richmond SPCA alumni Asa and Bea enjoy time boating with their adoptive family.

Those of us who travel with our pets are very grateful for the increasing number of hotels and other vacation spots that accept pets in their guests’ rooms. We understand the risks hotels take with such a venture, so we go out of our way to ensure our pet’s best behavior during our stay. If you are considering staying in a “Pets Welcome” hotel or residence, make sure your pet is prepared.

We people don’t typically notice such things, but pets tend to notice every noise in a new location – especially hotels, which are relatively quiet. Your pet may be used to the sounds in his regular home. That tolerance does not necessarily transfer to noises like trucks pulling up in the parking lot, ice-makers running, or even the door of the room next door closing. Keep in mind, if you're used to the advantages of a fenced yard at home, that potty-time on the road will require your donning shoes, jacket and leash, as opposed to just opening the back door. Travelling cats, of course, would require a litter box like their box at home.

Once you and your pet are used to travelling together, the prospect becomes much more pleasant to consider. Until then, try staying overnight with your pet in a nearby hotel before investing in a week-long stay at the beach that may have to be cut short. Or you may want to spend the weekend at a friend’s house with your pet. If you run into snags during your stunt vacations, be sure to call our Behavior Helpline at (804) 643-7722. We’re happy to discuss ideas that might help improve your pet’s behavior while away from home.

Marie Tripton is a senior behavior and training specialist at the Richmond SPCA. To read Marie's biography and those of our regular bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires a first and last name to be used as your screen name.

Please, Mom, can Fido go, too?

Oftentimes children worry about leaving their furry companions at home while the family is away for summer vacation. They believe they’ll miss out on all the fun. That may be true in some cases. Quite a few of our pets love to accompany us on trips and nowadays more and more services are popping up to make that possible. But there are some pets who would simply find it more enjoyable to remain at home or at a caring boarding facility. Your pet may look forward to a quiet week at home far more than an active week in a strange hotel room. Or your dog may already frequent a local day care that also offers boarding options. Whatever your or your pet’s preference, do attempt to plan ahead.

There are quite a few enjoyable “stay-at-home” options for your pet. Maybe your cat would like to stay with Aunt Jane for the week, or Aunt Jane could stop in once or twice a day to feed and visit with her. There are quite a few home pet care services, and boarding facilities are becoming quite swanky these days. Whichever option you choose, practice first. Have your kitty stay with Aunt Jane for a day or two sometime before you plan to be out of town. Let your pup spend an overnight trial at the boarding facility before leaving him for a week. That way you’ll be able to decide how your pet would be most comfortable spending his or her time when you’re away. Then you’ll be able to relax more on your well-deserved vacation.

Marie Tripton is a senior behavior and training specialist at the Richmond SPCA. To read Marie's biography and those of our regular bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires a first and last name to be used as your screen name.

 

In defense of dog-park-averse pups

My Daisy spent our first, and last, visit to the dog park tucked neatly behind my legs, shaking and softly whining. Clearly this wasn't the place for us. I was, frankly, in awe of the dogs who romped and played with abandon. I spent some time wondering where I had gone wrong that my pet would so roundly reject the kind of playtime I imagined every dog welcomes. After asking around, however, I discovered that Daisy is not alone in her disdain for dog park rough-housing and that dogs, just like people, have varied tastes when it comes to social time.

Luckily, we've since tried our hand at some pet-friendly events that don't involve rowdy off-leash play, and these seem to be more to her liking. Maybe your park-averse pup, or your dog park hero, will enjoy these too.

James River Cellars: A few times a year James River Cellars opens up their wine tasting events to four-legged friends. The winery is set on a lovely piece of land conveniently located on Route 1/Brook Road in Hanover County and has lots of shade trees and grassy areas. Their next pet-friendly event is Fridays on the Patio on Friday, July 9. Click here for details.

Farmers Markets: Most local farmers markets are pet-friendly, so bring along your pet when stocking up on fresh veggies and other goodies!

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: You don't want to miss Fidos After 5 at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. On designated Thursday nights, the garden stays open until dark and offers wine tastings, food, music and more. And, you can bring your pet! The garden offers an idyllic setting in which to enjoy a summer evening with your pet. The sunset view over the Conservatory is not to be missed! Upcoming dates are July 8 and August 12. Click here for details.

Richmond Kickers Soccer: Sports fans can enjoy a night of pet-friendly fun on Saturday, July 24 when the Richmond Kickers open the stadium to dogs! Click here for details.

Art Works: Art and animals go hand in hand, and you can bring your pooch to the opening of the August/September show at Art Works in Manchester. This pet-friendly August 27 extravaganza will feature a pet fashion show, paint your own birdhouse activity, silent auction, a juried, animal-themed art show and more! Click here for details.

Valentine Richmond History Center: History buffs and their pups can enjoy guided walking tours through Richmond's historic neighborhoods with History Hounds, presented by the Valentine Richmond History Center. The next date is Saturday, September 18. Click here for details.

Be sure to be on the lookout for our annual pet-friendly Halloween party, Holiday Extravaganza and more at www.richmondspca.org/events.

Maya Erhardt is manager of community development for the Richmond SPCA. To read her biography, or those of our other bloggers, please click here. Before submitting a comment, please review our guidelines.

The Great Chihuahua Airlift

We wanted to share with all of our friends and supporters a special story of hope and help for homeless animals.  

Early this morning, a group of rescued Chihuahuas set out on a journey from the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA in California to the Richmond SPCA in order to receive a second chance for a happy life with a loving family. They arrived in Richmond via a commercial airliner this afternoon, where we greeted them and brought them with us to our Robins-Starr Humane Center.  At present, they are all resting comfortably surrounded by our caring staff and volunteers. Our veterinary team will now begin assessing the health of each dog in order to identify whether they have any medical conditions in need of treatment prior to our making them available for adoption. 

Thankfully at the Richmond SPCA, we have the capacity to provide care and find homes for these precious pets without impacting the lifesaving partnerships we have established with our friends at local shelters, so the future for each of these Chihuahuas is bright.

The abundance of homeless Chihuahuas gained national attention in late 2009 with a series of airlift operations from California shelters struggling to place the dogs to shelters in Colorado with awaiting adopters. In the first operation of its kind in our area, a series of flights will bring about 20 of the dogs to temporary refuge with the Richmond SPCA. When the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA sought urgent assistance from us for the transport of some of these dogs, they had close to 40 Chihuahuas in their care.

 Thanks to the dedicated support animal lovers throughout our community have provided to the Richmond SPCA, lifesaving efforts like this one and so many others are possible. Animals in desperate need thank you for guaranteeing their futures.  We are all forever grateful to you for your love of our animal companions.

Adopters interested in giving a home to one of the rescued Chihuahuas, each named after cities and towns in California, are encouraged to visit our center at 2519 Hermitage Road, where you will be able to sign our wish list. Once the dogs are available for adoption, we will begin reaching out to families who have expressed interest in opening their hearts and homes to these wonderful animals.