Wonder Dog Blogs

Welcome to our blogs page. Here you can follow the adventures of our volunteers, foster parents and adoptive parents. If you would like to start your own blog, contact mat@wonderdogrescue.org, including your wdr username, real name, your dogs name and your affiliation with Wonder Dog Rescue. If you do not yet have a username, you can create a new account here.

Low-cost detergent...

Posted Sun, 02/28/2010 - 11:31 by linda

Hi! This info was on the Rescue alliance group page... VERY good for anyone doing rescue... as well as anyone else wanting to economize on the cost of laundering their doggie stuff:

>> I have used the recipe below for homemade detergent in my front load
>> washer for almost a year now. It works very well and I have never added
>> anything to it. It is from www.soapsgonebuy.com
>>
>> Powdered Laundry Detergent (My favorite)
>>
>> 1 cup grated Fels Naptha Soap
>> 1/2 cup washing soda
>> 1/2 cup 20 mule team borax
>>
>> Mix and store in airtight container or bag. For light or small loads, use
>> 1 tablespoon. For normal loads, use 2 tablespoons. For heavy loads, use 3
>> tablespoons. Cost per load is about 15 cents.
>>


Comments

Thats a good idea. Cheap yet

by pedroP - 03/11/2010 - 02:35

Thats a good idea. Cheap yet effective, I would love to have this in my home!But first learn how to purchase a good home.Learn about the home buying process, and also about what getting a mortgage entails. It might behoove you to look for an agent. Figure out how much mortgage you can really afford – your dream home might send you running for payday loans every month – and that's just payments; you should also bear in mind if you would benefit from an adjustable mortgage or a fixed rate.

We're Moving!!!!!

Posted Mon, 02/15/2010 - 21:41 by linda

Hello everyone,
I've been pretty quiet for a while... moving, Raja's illness and other hassles have kept me very busy. But there have been some really great things going on as well!

Wonder Dog is signing a lease for a new home! Our new home base will be in the Western Addition, at the corner of Fillmore and Hayes!! This will give us a space from which to conduct daily business, hold mobile adoptions and orientations and to conduct really neat workshops!

read on....

650 Fillmore Street Mission Statement, Goals and Objectives


Comments

New Programs

by SpiritBreeze - 02/15/2010 - 23:24

This all sounds amazing...I have been so exhausted these days with work, care giving and well life...But this sounds so exciting, I will surely love to work out some times with you to try my hand at some extra activities....

I am not an accredited AAT teacher, but I surely can speak to what it takes to work with AAT dogs in different settings...I have done this work for about 9 years now...

I would also be very interested in interacting with the youth as this is what I do on a daily basis...

We will take this slowly as I used to bite off more than I could chew and then have to just stop...So...Let us set somehing up....

Karen, Brea and Charlie Boo

R.I.P. Raja

Posted Mon, 02/08/2010 - 16:19 by linda

Hello to all.

It was a hard week.... Raja's health took a bad turn for the worse mid-week. Our good vet diagnosed several infections on his skin which were necrotic. We HAD to reduce the prednisone, to prevent them from worsening, and killing him.

And yet I knew that he could not handle the change in his Prednisone levels. The pred was what kept the seizures at bay... By Friday he began re-experiencing mild seizures.... which worsened as the night wore on.

I slept on the floor with my buddy, needing to be close to him... he did not want to be on the bed.... and on Saturday morning I phoned the vet, to confirm what I already knew. Raja had to be put to sleep.


Comments

Raj

by Patch Adams Mom - 02/25/2010 - 01:21

Linda,
I'm so sad to hear about Raj. I'm glad you were able to b fill his life with love. You are so brave to give your whole heart when you know time will likely be shorter than even what is normal for a dog.

Sending good thoughts and licks from Patch and Michela

Julie

Raj

by Patch Adams Mom - 02/25/2010 - 01:20

Linda,
I'm so sad to hear about Raj. I'm glad you were able to b fill his life with love. You are so brave to give your whole heart when you know time will likely be shorter than even what is normal for a dog.

Sending good thoughts and licks from Patch and Michela

Julie

Raja

by SpiritBreeze - 02/17/2010 - 00:45

I am so so sorry Linda....It is so amazing how we fall in love with these fur babies and they with us...They fill our hearts with so much love and though way too short be it three years or thirteen it is never enough...You were blessed to have each other....You will find an empty space next to you and in time fill around it with another beating heart..Never to forget the place left behind...

My thoughts,

Karen, Brea and Charlie Boo

Raja

by Jerseygyrl1 - 02/15/2010 - 22:26

I am so sorry to hear about Raja. You wrote something that touched me- You stated that it's unimaginable how much someone can love an animal. I lost my chocolate lab over a year ago now and watch him suffer a lot in 2 months and now my yellow lab was diagnosed with cancer in her mouth. She is having surgery tomorrow to remove the cancer. I don't know how you have the strength to do it all over again. Even though I love dogs, I feel as if I never want to have another one. I know that is selfish but the pain of the loss is horrible. I am not sure why but it is over shadowing my strength. I commend you on your courage and strength to love Raja and open your heart to another in your future. Raja would be so proud!

Raja

by nclough - 02/10/2010 - 07:55

You gave Raja a great life while he was here on this planet, Linda! Be at peace knowing that. You are in my thoughts and Jasper is doing great! Take care,

Nicole

R.I.P. Raja

Posted Mon, 02/08/2010 - 16:18 by linda

Hello to all.

It was a hard week.... Raja's health took a bad turn for the worse mid-week. Our good vet diagnosed several infections on his skin which were necrotic. We HAD to reduce the prednisone, to prevent them from worsening, and killing him.

And yet I knew that he could not handle the change in his Prednisone levels. The pred was what kept the seizures at bay... By Friday he began re-experiencing mild seizures.... which worsened as the night wore on.

I slept on the floor with my buddy, needing to be close to him... he did not want to be on the bed.... and on Saturday morning I phoned the vet, to confirm what I already knew. Raja had to be put to sleep.


RAJA's BIG ADVENTURE!

Posted Thu, 01/14/2010 - 23:08 by linda

What a week! There has been so much going on... the good, the bad and the ugly....

But, let us focus on the GOOD..... Raja has wheels!! This is due to the kindness of someone at Mission Pet Hospital who loaned them to us. Our great vet, Dave Gordon, hitched him up. I was NOT expecting to see him wheel out of the back room and frankly started crying.......... I was so happy.

He LOVES the wheels... Here is a video from his first trip to the park. I am sorry that it is dark... was that time of day... but it was such a big moment... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Jw7CivUYGI


Comments

Thank you to the people who

by Lexie P - 02/01/2010 - 23:49

Thank you to the people who are bighearted in helping Raja.I hope many people will continue to help this fellas when they are in need especially when they experience serious troubles.I hope they will be guided by their caretakers as well.On the other hand,I would like to share some details in connection to debt management.One of the hardest things to do is manage medical debt, as the costs are incredible and it ISafter all,cause of 60% of bankruptcy filings in the US.Health insurance helps – as long as they don't stiff you – but one of the biggest things to watch for is billing mistakes.Mistakes in medical billing can add up quick,and can send you running for payday loans to try and get the balance down.Ask for itemized statements,and contest any charges that are obviously not supposed to be there.Also,continuous efforts to pay will help you out tremendously.

Raja takes a little walk

Posted Tue, 01/05/2010 - 19:54 by linda

Hello to you all,
Today Raja took a few more short walks in the yard, with assistance. His back legs are paralyzed.... but he sure loves to move. It did him SO much good! You can see the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EotKvCTtSZE


My heartfelt thanks to all of you for your support

Posted Wed, 12/30/2009 - 00:21 by linda

Hello, fine people....

So many of you responded to our request for assistance. I am so humbled and grateful...... **Thank You**

As important as the donations are your emails and letters. So many people wrote words of support and love which simply made me cry....

I don't yet know where we are headed. I have to move.... we do have other foster homes... The larger question is whether I will be able to find safe housing for the dogs and myself. At this point I just don't know where I am going.
Complicating matters is Raja's health. Right now his back legs are paralyzed, he cannot use them. He needs help, and I"m determined to hold on for as much time as we have together.


Comments

Thank you Linda

by Frozanlizerd - 12/31/2009 - 10:44

I want to send you my support and appreciation, because to me , you are an angel. When Roland got too sick and we had to find a home for Rocky , you were there . You took Rocky into your home and heart , and found him the most wonderful people to live with. With out your help we would not have known what to do. Now Roland has the peace of mind, that his boy Rocky has a safe and loving home , and he does not have to worry about that would happen to his boy when he passes away.

Thank you so much Linda and Wonderdog Rescue, for all that you have done for us, this would be a much sadder world for doggies if you had to stop doing all that you do.

Roland and Geniver Williams
grateful former owners of Rocky

thank you.... :)

by linda - 01/05/2010 - 21:04

Gen,
It is SO good to hear from you. Rocky is such an amazing dog.... I will always remember my first meeting with Roland and your youngest daughter, at the 'jack in the box' on bayshore... we sat outside, eating french fries... and I met your courageous, sensitive husband and life partner.

I hope that your family is doing well, and I wish you the happiest of new years....
blessings,
linda

Linda, As I had a rough year

by nclough - 12/30/2009 - 21:44

Linda,

As I had a rough year in 2009, I too wish for a great 2010...my thoughts are with you and I hope everything is resolved quickly!

Nicole

2010

by linda - 01/20/2010 - 23:02

Nicole, let this be the beginning of a good stretch for us all.... I hope you have a GREAT year too! thanks for saying hello!
linda

Raja, Our Mascot, Is Very Ill....

Posted Tue, 12/29/2009 - 14:41 by linda

Hello to all.

Yesterday morning it was quite obvious that Raja was having neurological issues. This brave little frenchie came into rescue at 11 months with a seizure disorder. He is now 4 years old. You've probably seen him at a mobile, as he is our faithful mascot.

By the time I picked Raj up from the vet at 3pm, he had lost complete use of his back legs. He also has pneumonia. The vets are stumped to know how to handle this. We have changed steroids.... he could recover a bit, but could also crash at any time.

He is my fella... I love him so much, and it's so distressing to see him like this. I also have to move... so, lots of changes are coming........

Please keep Raja in your thoughts, prayers and good wishes....

Linda


Another life saved, another happy ending..... :-)

Posted Mon, 12/21/2009 - 06:28 by linda

I just read this sweet note, from a woman who adopted Rudolph on Saturday.... :)

HI Linda, A note to thank you for such a gem of a dog! My mom is very happy and they have been bonding wonderfully. He is so sweet, funny, and gives our household much joy. She previously hadn't gone out of the house much and now that she has a purpose and a dog to care for and love- I think definitely both the dog and my mom's life has improved drastically. Thank you!
Though Rudy is a great name, we have decided to call him "Radar" because of how expressive and giant his ears are.


The Green Wrist Band...

Posted Sun, 12/20/2009 - 15:48 by linda

I never *ever* thought that a wrist band would mean so much to me........

Ann, one of our great volunteers, forwarded over a post about a boston mix found in the South Bay. Because I've been rescuing bostons for so many years, I wrote, offering to take the fellow in. Cat drove him into SF the next day.

Cat's daughter found him, actually. This brave 11-year old girl saw a bunch of teenagers with the dog. They said that if they don't sell him they were going to "hurt him". The girl ran home, got her allowance money, and gave the thugs $30... she brought the young dog home... they named him Pepe.


Comments

Tomas Clinkenbeard

by mb - 12/22/2009 - 23:33

May the Universe bless this family with everything wonderful. Truthfully it sounds as though it already is happening.

Pepe must be a great gift. Maybe we could manage to assist the daughter in getting her allowance back? Email me Linds?

the Allowance

by linda - 12/24/2009 - 04:17

Hi MB.... I have already reimbursed the mom for the vaccinations.... and returned the allowance to her daughter, plus added in a little extra.

NOTE: Pepe is in a foster home right now, and it seems they will adopt him.... they have changed his name... to Tommy.

Peace on earth...and in your heart too.

linda

your kindness does not go unnoticed, Linda...

by mb - 12/24/2009 - 17:56

Watch your mail next week, 'K? :o)