Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Ella-ADOPTED!!!


Sadly, Miss Ella wasn't treated the best in her past life. Ella was used as a breeder bitch and severely neglected before being abandoned in West Virgina. A plea was sent out to help get this deserving lady out of the shelter and guess who stepped up to the challenge? Yup, Saintly Bernards Rescue. Saintly Bernards Rescue really focuses on the saints that need our help the most and don't have anywhere else to turn.



When Ella arrived at my house with the Saintly Crew she was SKIN and BONES. Ella was emaciated to the point of SCARY. The first time I walked her, the neighbors turned their heads. Women at the dog park began to cry when they heard her story. BUT, her big eyes were filled with hope and LOVE. What more can you ask for from your future best friend????

 


BUT, guess what? That was her old life. Her new life consists of lots of loving, warm meals, a couch to snuggle on, daily walks and even dog park romps with fellow foster sisters and brothers. Ella may have had a dismal past, but as in true Saint style- she holds NO grudge. She only looks forward and WILL never look back.




Ella has become best buddies with my senior Saint Bernard, McKenzie. She looks up to her and relies on her for a head rest most evenings. She has also become a HUGE fan of my husband. She flocks to kids with lots of big, slobbery, wet kisses and greets neighborhood dogs with open arms (or paws!). She loves all dogs, cats, people and FOOD! Her favorite you ask? Well Ella loves NILLA cookies- preferably with vanilla soft serve!



Ella is ready for her journey into retirement. She looks forward to lots of air conditioning in the summer and a warm fireplace in the winter. She looks forward to canine companions to make her feel comfortable. She looks forward to the town children giving her hugs. Ella looks forward to endless love and compassion and a few good meals wouldn't hurt either!







Saintly Bernards has stepped up to give this lady a second chance! BUT, like many other senior Saint Bernards, the vet bills have run VERY high! Would you consider donating to Saintly Bernards Rescue so they can continue to rehabilitate these deserving dogs?

DONATE HERE

Monday, July 25, 2011

Iggy- GONE but NEVER Forgotten

Iggy stepped off of his private jet as though he was Mic Jagger! He was a proud old man, who didn't want the world to see his pain. His smile warmed your heart and his eyes were captured your soul 

Iggy arriving on his private jet



When Iggy stepped off of the plane- Jamie & I gasped. Instantly tears began rolling down her face and I watched sadness take over.  As a woman who has dedicated her life to the well being of the Saint Bernard Dog- this was he most horrific case of animal abuse and neglect she has ever seen. She greeted him with a gentle touch- and like a true SAINT- he trusted her. He looked up at us with a calmness- he knew that there was angels on his side.


Grace Kelly let Iggy know it's all going to be alright now


Iggy limped in pain. His body was covered in sores, open wounds, flea bites and cysts. His skin was raw and sore. His feet were inflamed and infected. His nails were bleeding. Iggy had edema throughout his arms and muscles. This old man lived a long tough and painful life.








Iggy missed out on the couch and snuggles on cold nights. He didn't know what it was like to romp at the dog park with fellow canine friends. Iggy didn't have the luxury of walks with his best friend- where he could show off his loyalty. Iggy didn't know a fine home cooked meal.BUT, Iggy never stopped loving or giving- and in me- his spirit will live forever.




Sadly, Iggy had to cross the rainbow bridge. His eyes had the fight, but his body had given up. In the short time I knew Iggy-  I loved him.  There are some things that shake your core and change you forever. Iggy changed me forever.




We will not let Iggy be forgotten! Wewill be setting up and "Iggy Fund". This fund will help raise awareness for the abuse of these gentle giants and to help treat other severely neglected and abused Saint Bernards. Keep looking for more info!!


Iggys Guardian Angels


A tribute to our very special Iggy.....Gone but NEVER forgotten!!!

 
Don't think of him as gone away -


His journey's just begun,


Life holds so many facets -


This earth is only one.






Just think of him as resting


From the sorrows and the tears,


In a place of warmth and comfort.


Where there are no days and years.






Think how he must be wishing,


That we could know today,


How nothing but our sadness,


Can really pass away.






And think of him as living,


In the hearts of those he touched,


For nothing loved is ever lost -


And he was loved so much




May you Finally Rest in Peace Sweet Boy
 








Sunday, July 17, 2011

Tori- ADOPTED!!!

Miss Tori has been adopted by the wonderful Miller family! She now spends her days with her mom, dad and Saint brother Rufus!


Tori and Rufus in her new home!




The ever so sweet Miss Tori is the newest addition to the Bross Foster Crew.  Tori came from a shelter when she was dumped by her owners who could no longer properly care for her. She spent a lot of time outside and was eaten up by flies:(

Tori at Concord Dog Park

The shelter called Saintly Bernards Rescue to ask for assistance to make sure this lovely lady got the proper vetting, socialization and a dedicated forever family. Due to increased strays, owner surrenders and cruelty cases- the shelters are all FULL beyond capacity. Saintly Bernards stepped up and added Tori to the program- creating space for another dog to get a second chance. Two lives were potentially saved.


After spending time in the shelters and in the kennel it took a good 24 hours for Tori to settle and feel comfortable. Most people do not realize the stress that shelter dogs feel when they come into a home. You have an increased risk of stress induced behaviors.The first 24 hours IS not the judge of any dogs true personality. It takes time for the dog to begin to trust again and see that they are on the journey to the good life.  Patience is KEY to helping them pull through the first night successfully. BE prepared to not sleep.


After the first night Tori began to settle. She found comfort in Quincy & McKenzie welcoming her into the house. I am still amazed at how my crew can help settle a foster better then I can. She made her first trip to the dog park with my crew. She did wonderful. She looked so free and happy running through the park, stretching her legs and knowing she was not getting abandoned again. When I woke up with her in the morning to begin her day with a long walk- she looked at me with her beautiful thankful eyes.


Miss Tori is a super duper affectionate Saint Bernard. If you know Angus (part of the Saintly Saint working crew) you would see similarities. Any opportunity for a belly rub and SHE WILL TAKE it. Any opportunity for big wet slobbery kisses- SHE WILL GIVE them. Any chance she gets to curl up with you and snuggle- SHE IS ON it. She is a lover through and through.


Tori is ready to begin her journey at life with her committed forever family. She has been fully vetted (including spayed), up to date on shots, on monthly preventatives and groomed. She is super social with all, knows basic commands and is BEYOND eager to please. Do you think that Victoria would be perfect for your family? Click here to view her petfinder ad and put in an application!


Thank you on behalf of Saintly Bernards Rescue!!

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Josie-Adopted!!


Meet the EVER so sweet and kind Miss Josie. Unfortunately, Josie became a victim of the hard economic time. LUCKILY, she holds NO grudge. She is eager to please and even more eager to find a loving and committed forever home. 



Josie is a STUNNING 6 month old Saint Bernard who has a beautiful smooth coat. She is laid back and calm- although she loves her walks and dog park romps! She loves to play catch in the yard or goof around with her Saint foster brother, Quincy. Josie also enjoys mammoth bones and cuddling up with her companions.


Josie knows how to eat on the down like a lady! She also knows the commands sit, down, stay, leave it, quiet and enough. For a young puppy- she is proving to be an ambassador for the breed. THE reason people adore Saint Bernards is because of pups like her!



This Lovely Gal is fully vetted (including spayed, UTD on shots, on monthly preventatives) and trained! This super social love bug enjoys the company of ALL people, ALL dogs and ALL animals. She would love to find a home with a canine companion to keep her company and help her blossom into a confident Saint Bernard.


Every day with Josie- I look for opportunities to work on her. BUT, she always seems to surprise me. She is calm, laid back, responsive, submissive, cuddly and overall a big ball of love.

 Do you think Miss Josie is the right fit for you and your family? Please fill out an adoption application at http://www.saintlybernards.petfinder.com./



.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Pebbles (aka Mary Rose)-ADOPTED!


MISS Pebbles is already adopted and settling beautifully into her forever family with her Saint Bernard Brother and Committed Family!





Tulip Part Deux

Tuli at Belmar, NJ beach

So, we have now had Tuli for about a month. All that hard work- PAID OFF! Tuli is house trained, super social, beyond sweet, knows basic commands, walk nicely on a leash, only chews her toys and is a little slice of heaven. She has had adventures to the mountains  and to the beach. She is adaptable to new environments and trusts life. She has blossomed into a stunning and fabulous young lady!!

Tuli & Quincy relaxing at Silver Lake

BUT, this does not diminish the ground work that is needed for a puppy. Establishing rules is so important. Finding the right schedule. Pushing your puppy to always be better. This is ongoing. Although it is imperative to help her blossom young, you must continue to see improvement and grow. Saint Bernards are working dogs and LIKE to work. Tuli likes to carry a toy, a stick or a pine cone in her mouth during her walks. She walks proud as if she is making the biggest difference in the world. She is a WORKING dog and LOVES to work. She loves to please and hates to disapoint.

Tulip and her flowers!

Tuli is gentle and kind, but still full of energy. After a night in the crate, she is wound up like an 8 day clock. She enjoys her morning walks, where she works for her food. When she gets home she lays down and waits patiently for her reward! She eats slow and gentle. Typicaly after her breakfast routine, she loves to take a nap, while foster mom gets ready! Then a potty break. Some play time in the yard. And back to puppy naps. Same routine for lunch and for dinner!! What a day! Also, throw in some dog park romps and bone chewing time! It is not an easy schedule, but it works. She passes out at bed time fulfilled!

LOVES the dog park!!
As Tuli begins her journey through life, we know that we helped set her up for SUCCESS! My husband, my crew and I have been consistent and know that she going to be an amazing Saint in this world! Welcome Miss Tulip, future Saint Bernard Ambassador!

Monday, May 23, 2011

Tuli (aka Ava)-Adopted!!

Tuli sitting pretty

Meet the ever so delicious Miss Tulip! Tuli is a baby female rough coat Saint Bernard who found herself in the Saintly Bernards Rescue program and is blossoming into a beautiful Tulip.

Lil pup BIG paws

Tuli is my first Saint foster puppy- and let me tell you.... it IS as hard as you think! Training and socializing a saint pup is crucial to a successful and balanced life. You help mold the baby saints character, temperment and disposition as their leader. Consistency is KEY! House training is easy if you do not mind the following... not sleeping (except when the saint pup does), going for lots of walks and tough love! They need constant attention and constant correction to help set them up for success. Puppies are lil poop machines who think it is okay to whine, bark, chew and dig. They are so cute- BUT they test your patience. As their leader you must be calm, assertive and their leader.


Tuli, McKenzie & Quincy
Tuli and other saint pups look for guidance through a well balanced pack. They are constantly watching what they do, so they can learn the ropes. Having another saint in your home for the pup to follow has been the most vital part of the training! There are things that Quincy, Addie & McKenzie can teach Tuli, that I cannot teach her. Learning their limits and when to slow down is hard for a pup that wants to constantly be rewarded for CUTE behavoir versus stable behavoir. Remember, play time and affection are rewards for your Saint pup, not just treats.
Silly pup!


Crate training, house breaking, feeding on the down, basic commands and leash walking are all skills that we can help your working dog learn, as early as 6 weeks. Training in small increments helps them concentrate on the task at hand. Remember, a saint that jumps all over you when they are young- will jump when they are over 100 lbs. Remember, a saint who sleeps in the bed at 20 lbs will want to sleep in your bed when they are over 100 lbs. Remember, a saint who doesn't learn respect of you and other dogs, will not respect you when they grow up. Remember, a saint who mouths you and does not receive correction young, can be set up for mouthing when they have full adult teeth. Remember, a saint puppy, will grow into a very large dog. Setting them up to be well balanced dogs will benefit you and your family!

Amazing Saint in the works

Thinking about adopting a puppy? Doing research on the breeds and their energy levels, grooming, feeding, training, socializing etc... is very important to matching the right pup with the right family. Uneducated owners who make quick decisions on a "cute" puppy find themselves lost down the road. A pup, like a dog, is a lifetime commitment. If you can commit to your dog, your dog can commit to you.

Quincy & His mini me

It is very easy for your puppy to demand to be the center of attention from EVERYONE! When I walk Tuli around the neighborhood or anywhere for that matter, I get stopped. It is as if the world stopped for a second and people melt into a puddle of puppy mush. They start using a high pitch voice, talking in baby voice and lose all sense of control. Make sure these new people know how to greet a puppy and make sure your puppy has earned the right to get that attention! Remember a puppy is a baby who will turn into an adult. They depend on you for guidance and to meet their basic needs.

Tuli 9-10 weeks

Tuli has done great in the first week at our house. I have worked diligently with her to make sure we set her up to be an amazing Saint Bernard. Quincy, Addie & McKenzie have begun to show her the difference  between right and wrong and when enoughs enough. Proper socialization, proper nutrition, proper exercise and obedience training are our top priorties for this lil munchkin.  She is social with all! She is an eager to please SAINT BERNARD :)


The young & the old

Do you have a well-balanced Saint Bernard are looking to add another to your family? To be considered for Tuli- please submit an application to Saintly Bernards Rescue at www.saintlybernards.petfinder.com.

Waiting patiently for dinner!

Not ready for an addition but would like to make a donation to an amazing organization? Saintly Bernards Rescue is the North East Chapter of The Saint Bernards Rescue Organization, a 501c3 non profit. Donations can be made by clicking HERE!

Thank you all!

-K

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Saintly Bernards Gives Back and Walks for Huntingtons Disease!

The Saintly Bernards Crew

“No Saint can do everything, but every Saint can do something”

Saintly Bernards Rescue, of Ambler, contributed to the community by a Paying It Forward for Hungtingtons Disease. Jamie Byrnes, the founder of Saintly Bernards Rescue, which is a division of Saint Bernard Rescue Organization (a 501C3 Non Profit), decided it was time to give back! The community has helped support local Saint Bernards in need for several years and it was time to bring awareness to a disease that is in desperate need of a cure. Huntington’s Disease is a hereditary, progressively degenerative brain disorder that results in a loss of both mental control and physical control.

Jamie Byrnes, Found of Saintly Bernards Rescue, and some rescued Saints

Saintly Bernards Rescue and a dozen volunteers showed up with their canine companions to lead the one mile walk along through the Montgomery County Community College campus. The Saint Bernards who attended proved to be breed ambassadors and a refreshing accessory to the event. Along the walk there were signs that helped educate the public on Huntington’s disease. There were alarming statistics showing how many people are affected by this disease and the effects it can have on a person’s life. This disease not only affects the individual who is diagnosed, but it also affects the loved ones around them.

Addie (foster Saint), me and Quincy

The event brought the community together to help raise money to find a cure for Huntingtons Disease. Men, women, children and canines banded together as one, to support this cause that has emotionally impacted the people of the community. The event had raffles, music, food and fun! Team Hope, the local chapter, proved to be a determined, energetic and vital part of the community. The groups collectively raised over $20,000 to help fund the research to help relieve the world of this disease that affects so many. There were laughs and there were cries. This event is what helps Montgomery County Stand out as a community united to support the needs of each other.

The Cochrans and their rescued saints Ginger & Capone

Donations can be made at Donations can be made online at www.hdsa.org/teamhope or checks (made out to HDSA) can be sent directly to the HDSA Delaware Valley office at: Team Hope Walk for HD HDSA Delaware Valley 15 Waterloo Ave. Berwyn, PA 19312

THE CREW