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KENTUCKY to ILLINOIS TRANSPORT unfolding…

ONE HEART & HOME = A LIFE SAVED

KENTUCKY TRANSPORT MISSION for FREEDOM is happening and your homes are urgently needed. Foster and forever families are needed to save the lives you see in these photos. Each one is holding space that is needed for new intakes. This high-kill shelter has limited kennels to house these lost souls which covers intakes from 4 counties in Kentucky. 4 animal controls depositing new lives faster than this shelter can get them back out to save them. Their hands are tied since so many homes have tossed away these weary spirits. So now we must come together to save as many as we can. They have so much left to share, give and experience. Please take a moment to consider being a foster home that will generate the impact of saving a life in dire need of support. Please comment then Email fostering@wagginghearts.org to open heart and home to one in need. Time is short, 24 hours is all we have to make this happen. Will you ACT NOW to save with us? Please share these faces…the light is fading, their time is short.

Click below to see the lives in need of a desperate foster home:

WAGGING HEARTS TRANSPORT to FREEDOM FACES

 

Spring is here and things to look out for!!!

Spring is a beautiful time of the year with the sunshine invigorating our souls. The birds are a flutter with movement and song. The fresh, warm air gives us all a jump start with this new season. Our animals are only to ready to hit the door running as soon as it is opened but with the warm weather and new explorations come the hidden dangers of spring into summer.
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Peanut, available for adoption with Wagging Hearts.

What to be prepared for as the temperatures rise and the days turn longer:

Prepare for more outdoor exposure to the elements. Dogs are just like people and the sun can be a deadly force in terms of temperature AND exposure. Dogs can receive sunburn damage especially the lighter the coat, the thinner the coat and the more time spent outdoors without cover. Paws will be softened from spending so much time indoors over the colder months so help your pet build up the padding with walks and runs that build. To avoid injury and issues please start slow and build up your outdoor workouts if they are more than moderate-level. Watch for hotter temperatures on the pavements as the digits rise and always provide water when spending more than a half hour outdoors.

Parasites. Be prepared for the influx of mosquitoes and fleas before the temperatures turn warm. Your preventative medicines will need 30 days to kick in and a secondary dosage to build the proper cover to avoid heartworm contagions. Mosquitoes are carriers for the potentially fatal HEARTWORM disease that they inject into untreated, unsuspecting animals just laying around in the grass of their own backyard. Preventative medicines like HeartGuard, Ivermectin and others are a necessity not a personal choice if you don’t’ want to play Russian roulette with their lives. Heartworm treatment is very hard on an animal especially the older they are and can be very expensive. Then your loyal pet has the ability to also pick up flea and ticks in your own backyard. A flea and tick preventative is also in order to help support a healthy, parasite free interior zone for your animal. Avoid these nasty buggers as they have the ability to spread more contagions inside your loved one that can lead to additional problems and medications. Heartworm as well as flea/tick preventative are monthly treatments to be discussed with a vet partner. A fecal test will be needed for animals that are just beginning this preventative treatment to insure no issues already exist.

BLASTOMYCOSIS: Please to become more familiar with these two deadly diseases becoming more prevalent in the mid-west area. Blastomycosis is a systematic fungal infection commonly found in decaying wood and soil. Blastomycosis occurs most frequently in male dogs, but female dogs are also susceptible. Dog breeds that are scent-oriented or low to the ground are also most susceptible. The fungus thrives in wet environments, such as riverbanks, lakes and swamps, where damp soil lacking direct sunlight fosters growth of the fungus. It is also present in areas that are rich in decaying matter, such as wooded areas, forests, and farms. Their is NO VACCINATION but knowledge is power. Look for the signs and involve your vet as soon as you see the symptoms arise. SYMPTOMS: fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, eye discharge, eye inflammation specifically the iris, respiratory issues (coughing, wheezing, unusual breathing sounds), skin lesions which are usually filled with pus and neurological issues such as seizures or mobility issues. It may be mistaken for cancer and mistreated, or it may be mistaken for a lung infection of bacterial origin and treated with antibiotics, which puts your pet at greater risk. If your pet has been in an environment where the Blastomyces fungus may have been present, at any time in the six weeks previous to the onset of symptoms, you will want to ask your veterinarian to test for fungal infection. (SOURCE: http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/respiratory/c_multi_blastomycosis#)

 

Leptospirosis: Caused by spiral shaped bacteria mostly found during the summer and fall. It is rare in cats but cases have been found. It is spread through the urine of infected animals, which gets into water or soil and can survive there for weeks to months. Infection occurs when animals become in contact with the contaminated water source through cuts in the skin, eyes, nose or mouth. Drinking water or inhaling bacteria can also cause the disease to manifest in your pets. Signs of disease in dogs may include fever, vomiting, abdominal, pain, diarrhea, weakness, refusal to, eat, depression, stiffness and severe, muscle pain. Some infected animals may show no signs of illness. Kidney damage can also occur. Young animals are usually more severely affected than older animals. Be prevalent and ask your vet partner about the vaccination that will protect your animal!! (SOURCE: http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/FastFacts/pdfs/leptospirosis_F.pdf)

Sniffing Out a Deadly Disease: A personal and tragic case study on Blastomycosis which cost the life of one of Wagging Hearts own rescues Goofy.

Leptospirosis: The fast facts, check them out for yourself and be prepared!!

Microchipping: Your pets will be outdoors with more opportunities for adventure and fun!! Help keep them safe with a secondary loop of safety for them by chipping them with your information. Stay close to the ones you love the most. Ask your vet partner about microchipping today and register that chip to close the loop. A microchip will help reunite your pet with you as it will be scanable by animal control offices, police, vet partners, rescue organizations, etc. which all feed into a national database that you register to be a part of. Ask now, not later.

One in 3 pets will become lost at one point in their lives. Close the loop, protect your pets.

Our pets rely on us to insure their safety within and without. We hope that we have provided some help in watching for areas of potential concern for you and your pet. Stay diligent and loving. Please email contactus@wagginghearts.org today should you have any additional questions or concerns.

 

Patrick’s Pups began with 1 heart.

WH_Logo_Patricks-PupsPatrick’s Pups started because of one young boy’s passionate heart for animals in need.

Meet Patrick Raymond Boswell who died tragically on Friday, January 2nd, 2015 as a result of a random act of street violence. He was 14 years old and an eighth grade student at Iroquois Community School in Des Plaines, IL. He is survived by his mother, Patricia Frontain, his father, Robert Boswell, his sister Zoe Boswell, his many cousins, aunts, uncles and his grandmother.

Let’s tell you a little bit about who Patrick was … he was an excellent athlete and played football for five years for the Maine Wast Junior Warriors where he was known for encouraging his team mates to do their best. He was often seen riding his dirt bike in his neighborhood. After the ride he would sit for hours and “tinker” with the bike. This brought to light a big talent for machine mechanics and he was excited to take an auto mechanics class in High School next year.

Patrick loved rap music, clothes, Nike shoes AND … animals. He recently rescued a sweet dog found wandering who would have undoubtedly found herself headed to a high-kill shelter but instead found her way into Patrick and his families heart. He was especially delighted when they discovered a few weeks later that she would bless his family and their home with eight beautiful puppies!! But unfortunately Patrick would not witness his momma dog Diva’s pups grow up to be adopted into loving, forever families. Instead Patrick’s family was saying goodbye to their young son and entrusting his pups to Wagging Hearts so they could find their way into loving homes … just like Diva did all because one boy cared enough to act. Instead of standing by to watch her plight unfold.

Patricks PupsSo in honor of the deep and loving heart within this boy, we present to you ‘Patrick’s Pups.’ A small way to honor the memory of one who left us too early with a heart full of desire to make a difference in the lives of animals in need. Now Patrick will make a difference in a great number of animals’ lives. His heart and mission to help those without will not fall into darkness nor end with the passing of his young life. Wagging Hearts will continue his work through the donations and proceeds generated in his memory. All proceeds will be used to save more lives, treat more medical cases and shine a brighter light into the darkest recesses of animal rescue. Patrick Raymond Boswell will live on in each life that comes our way because of the Patrick’s Pups funds.

Come back often to see the impact he is making through the eyes of the animals he saves. Let’s remember the heart inside a boy who’s action’s would tragically transcend his life.

SERVICES for PATRICK:

Saturday, Jan 10th, 2015 at Our Lady of Hope Church 9711 Devon in Rosement, Illinois. Visitation from 9:00 ­11:00 am followed by a Mass. (Wear Nike tennis shoes to service…it would make Patrick laugh.)

DONATIONS in the name of PATRICK:
Can be mailed to: Wagging Hearts at 260 E. Belvidere Rd., #369, Hanisville, Illinois 60030. Or feel free to visit our website to read more about Wagging Hearts and donate online. http://wagginghearts.org/about-us/.

QUESTIONS/CONCERNS:

Can be directed to contactus@wagginghearts.org or feel free to call (855) WAGGING.

Fosters Needed!! One heart, One home.

Wagging Hearts Foster Alert banner

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foster homes are urgently needed for the following beautiful spirits who were rescued to save their lives and now await their own very own home to lay their weary bodies upon. All are in boarding and would love to know what it means to feel the peace and quiet of a loving home. A soft floor to lie upon and a hand to hold them close. Each one is looking for guidance and care to set them on their right path to forever love. Please help us connect each one with a heart that will carve out a spot in their home.

Please email fostering@wagginghearts.org to start a discussion on how you can open your home to a life in need today!!

 

The Wagging Hearts Fosters in Need:

Raven

Omni

Penelope

Sheeba

Lokie

Reno

Smitty

Don’t delay and make one of these beautiful lives a part of your family today! Email and start a discussion with a coordiantor that can answer your questions.

Fundraiser & Mega-Adoption Event in Algonquin, IL

Fundraiser & Adoption Event at Port Edwards, Algonquin, IL

Banner for fundraiser & adoption event at Port Edwards, Algonquin, IL

 

 A Fundraiser & Mega-Adoption Event

at Port Edwards in Algonquin from 4:30 pm – DUSK

in partnership with: Paws & Lickers & Rescue Warriors Corp.

Sometimes the lives you bring in, the miles you travel to make them safe, the medical coverage you extend to insure the proper healing takes place … begins to add up. It takes a lot of resources to save each life that come through our rescue doors. It takes a lot of hearts and homes to make sure the damage and stress is undone and the second chances begin with happy hops and solid footing. It takes incredible foster love and non-stop volunteer support to make the arms add up to the intakes routinely needing help. We urgently look toward our community dedication to help raise the awareness of understanding and support of our life-altering work. The smiles and love shining from the family, friends and adoptables standing in the crowds are an emotional break for the ones we could not save. The calls from the owner surrenders we could not take in as our own space was depleted. This fundraiser allows our rescues to seek your assistance just by coming out to have some dinner, listen to some music and bring along your canine companions. Or perchance come out and meet the one that was waiting just for you. See available adoptables to be onsite at event below.

Come out to participate in a dog-friendly dining experience off the river while 15% of food proceeds for the evening will be donated to Wagging Hearts and Rescue Warriors Corp. of Elgin. Meet some life-changing adoptables from both rescues who are looking to connect with their forever homes. Come sit and enjoy the talents of Ronnie Nyles, singer/songwriter/recording artist from Milwaukee who is performing for this impactful event. Ronnie, as well as others, understand the path-altering impact of raising funds to put toward the cycle of saves, healing and forever homes. Please share and come out for an evening of support, laughter and puppy dog kisses (even some kitten kuddles too). Come meet some of the dedicated members of the rescues who fight for the lives that need someone to save them. Someone to see them. Pick up some educational materials on: IL State animal advocacy laws, Why fostering is so important, Jack Sparrow Story, Wagging Hearts Medical Cases and more. Email contactus@wagginghearts.org for any questions or interest.

Come out to Port Edwards on September 16 and meet these adorable personalities:

The Port Edward Restaurant has offered their beautiful outdoor patio for our events, and will also be graciously donating 15% of all outside food purchases to these rescues.

Singer/Song Writer/Recording Artist Ronnie Nyles of Milwaukee will also be lending her talents for this cause and will be performing live on September 16th.

Everyone is coming together in support of these rescues and to help animals in need. It is our intention to make this one of the biggest fundraisers to date, for these two very special rescues. Please spread the word and come out in support.

Fundraiser & Mega-Adoption Event in Algonquin, IL flyer.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS for September:

September 16: Official Kickoff Fundraiser, Mega-Adoption Event, Live Music
Doggie Dine-Out Night #1

September 23: Doggie Dine-Out Night #2

September 30: Doggie Dine-Out Night #3

Check out the participating rescues: Rescue Warriors Corp. & Paws & Lickers

• Weather conditions for all dates will be Sun/Rain/Sleet/Snow = We’re Chicagoans, we’ll make it work!

• If you know of someone who is looking for a pet, please encourage them to foster and/or adopt a new pet. Many people do not think twice about it, but buying from a pet store only encourages back yard breeders and puppy mills to keep producing. There are already so many pets needing homes, please promote fostering and adopting whenever, wherever you can.

• We will have our current fosters parading about these events, hoping to make a connection and find their forever homes. Available pets and foster/adoption applications can be viewed online and filled out prior to these events.

• Please feel free to bring and donate any used pet items you may have lying around the house to donate. Our rescues are always in need of dog/puppy food (dry and moist), slip leads, leashes, collars, crates, paper towels, bleach, towels, cleaning bedding, pillows, potty pads, dog beds, puppy pens, etc.

• T-Shirts supporting each of these rescues can be purchased prior to these events at:
Paws & Lickers

• If you would be interested in volunteering your time at this event, we can always use people to care for the pups, help setup and breakdown event, move supplies. Please email: volunteer@wagginghearts.org and info@rescuewarriorscorp.com to be notified event details. You will also be notified for future adoption events/calls for incoming transport assistance.

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RAVINIA – James Taylor tickets

TONIGHT ONLY!!!  (June 27)

Beautiful weather, night sky with start above and the sweet croon of James Taylor!!

A very generous friend has given Wagging Hearts 4 tickets to tonight’s (June 27, 2014) SOLD OUT James Taylor Concert at Ravinia in Highland Park, IL. We are pawing them forward to help raise money for our newest medical intake sweet Reno, the Wagging Hearts furbaby currently in critical condition.

Tickets will go to highest bidder as of 3:00 p.m. TICKETS CAN BE EMAILED TO WINNER! Winner will be furnished with donation link to Reno’s fundraiser. BIDDING STARTS AT $50
(2 @ $25 each). Tickets will be sold in pairs (of 2). Thank you Kristen OBrien for the amazing donation!!

PLEASE SHARE & CROSSPOST with family and friends in the Chicagoland area.
http://www.ravinia.org/ShowDetails/index?id=821

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In Vino Caritas – In wine, there is charity.

A WINE-TASTING CHARITY EVENT BENEFITING WAGGING HEARTS
& THEIR SPECIAL NEEDS CASES

In Vino Caritas_cover

IN VINO CARITAS  … In wine, there is charity.

In Vino Caritas_medicalsJoin Wagging Hearts as we raise our glasses in a toast for the lives we are saving together. Your donations allow us to continue taking in the ones desperate for a hand to help them become healthier, happier and whole. Each dollar raised helps Wagging Hearts:

  • Continue to take in serious medical situations injured through 
circumstance, neglect or abuse.
  • Provide continued and consistent vetting care to the adoptables 
currently awaiting forever love.
  • Rescue, rehab and recover the shattered lives of animal victims like 
Jack Sparrow, Faith, Renny and so many more.

Stay for wine tasting, appetizers and raffle auction for 10 give-away gifts!! Preorder your raffle tickets through the Wagging Hearts PayPal link accessible at wagginghearts.org or head over to our FB page to join event.

In Vino Caritas_raffle ticketWagging Hearts can’t take all the medical, all the injured, all the neglected … but we can make a difference in the lives we can save, change & heal. Be a part of making a difference on Friday, June 20th.

In Vino Caritas_the journeyShare our flyer to invite others to raise a glass!

Fostering is A Gift for All

WH_slider-foster-alertFostering is a true gift to all who are involved.

A lost dog or cat finds their solid footing, all be it temporarily, with a family while they wait for forever love to find them. They wake each morning as part of something bigger than the world they were once a part of or lost within. Brought from the chaos, stress and anxiety of the shelter environment into the outstretched arms of an awaiting family whose role it is to help that life get back on track. This transition time is something to behold as many arrive scared and confused. Adrift from anyone that they can call their own. Then in steps their foster family to provide consistent food, clean water, kisses & cuddles, toys. … a whole new world opens up and the personality changes that begin to show are miraculous. You literally witness another life find their footing and then take off running toward their new horizons of opportunities. They jump with joy, they prance with happiness, they smile with hope.

Foster families literally unveil the life below the terrified exterior and what emerges is nothing short of spectacular. Many are saved from a certain demise, then medically cared for by Wagging Hearts and loved by their beautiful foster home families. It is a perfect scenario to invite adopters into as they begin their journey to find the right match to take home. Foster homes provide a crucial opportunity to discover each animals personality traits and characteristics which then allows Wagging Hearts to connect the right adopter with the right adoptable for their hearts & lifestyle. The critical link is the foster home for without this transition time … many lives would be lost and many hearts would be empty. Please consider opening your home to a life in need of some temporary accommodations. Email fostering@wagginghearts.org to discuss potentially fostering with Wagging Hearts. Or read more about the Wagging Hearts foster program at:

FOSTERING
WHY FOSTER?
FOSTER Application

Wagging Hearts currently in need of foster homes and in boarding:

 

Blk chiAlexis – Around 6 months old, Chi mix, up-to-date on her shots. A little lover who is yearning to find a home of her very own. Please consider opening your home to Alexis as she is small, sweet and happy to be your cuddle buddy.

Consider: FOSTERING or ADOPTION.

 

 

pet_8138_2Barbara – Around 1 year old, Lab/Shep, up-to-date on her shots and spayed, crate- & house-trained, LOVES kids, enjoys running around in the backyard with a ball or toy, no other dogs as she can be reactive/no cats as she will chase. Happy to lay in the sun at your feet watching the world go by out the window. Good on lead but can get vocal/energetic when others approach.

Consider: FOSTERING or ADOPTION.

 

IMG_7824Jack – Around a year old, Chihuahua, up-to-date on his shots, crate-trained, very emaciated and food motivated. Clearly life was not kind to this little man and he is wary of new people. Opens up beautifully with a gentle approach and tone. No kids under the age of 15 for Calhoun. This is one of those souls who will blossom under the right guidance and heart.

Consider: FOSTERING or ADOPTION.

 

 

pet_8130_3Bryson – Around a year old, Lab Ret, up-to-date on his shots and neutered, crate-trained, LOVES kids, high energy level with ability to refocus, dog-, cat-, kid-friendly. Needs to be with another companion animal as this gives Bryson a sense of balance & a playmate to burn off some of his energy. Would be great for a family with a stay-at-home parent who wants a companion to share the day with.

Consider: FOSTERING or ADOPTION.

 

pet_8862_1Charlie – Less than a year old, Pittie, up-to-date on his shots & neutered, crate-trained, has a playful personality with such love in his heart. Dog- and kid-friendly. Pulls a little on leash but can be corrected with guidance and a harness helps control Charlie. Very smart boy looking for a family and a home to settle into until his forever family finds him.

Consider: FOSTERING or ADOPTION.

 

 

pet_8849_2Sheeba – Around 3 years old, Pittie, up-to-date on her shots, needs to be the only dog in the home as she can be a bit snarky with others though very easily redirected. Curious about cats but does not seem to mind their presence. Loves to cuddle most of all and will sink her head into your hand or chest for deep moments of interaction. This is a girl with a deep heart who wants nothing more than to share the rest of her life with a heart made just for her.

Consider: FOSTERING or ADOPTION.

Spud_01Spud – Around 3 years old, Pittie. healing from having multiple tumors removed from his body. Slow-growing cancer has been diagnosed for Spud. A sweet and loving boy at around 55 pounds. A heart that knows how to provide smooches galore and would like nothing more than to lay gently in your arms while he drifts off to sleep knowing he is finally safe. Particular to the cool grass outside with the sun on his back and a loving heart near by.

Consider: FOSTERING or ADOPTION.

 

 

Please email fostering@wagginghearts.org if you can help one of these sweet lives in need of your soft, delicious, loving foster home. This will be a gift that keeps giving way beyond your time in their lives. Please consider helping today.

 

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Dollars for Dandy: Urgent Medical Fundraiser

Dandy_fundraiser

Urgent financial help needed!

Dollars for Dandy is a medical fundraiser to assist Wagging Hearts with a new soul who was surrendered after he was severely attacked by another companion animal. Dandy sustained serious injuries to his body and most especially to his right, front leg which is almost lost.

The total extent of his injuries are as follows:
  • 2 broken bones in his left front paw which is now casted
  • Splints for both front legs/paws
  • Significant number of bite wounds with some being found to be down to the bone
  • Bandage changes at least twice a day as his wounds are serious and infection is always a concern
  • Laser therapy to reduce the swelling in his right leg
  • Hyperbolic oxygen chamber treatments for several days because his right leg is swelling which will impact the reattached skin
In essence, Dandy was degloved from the knee to the bottom of his right leg. This means he had no skin, no tissue, no muscle left. He cried but not a snarl, not a nibble, not a growl to anyone that helped Dandy after the incident and moving him toward help. 2 plasma bags upon intake to stabilize him at the emergency clinic and a scary first night brought this boy to our door. A voice in trouble reaches out to us in an urgent plea to assist with Dandy, as his very life hangs in the balance, and immediate care is sought for Dandy through Wagging Hearts. This beautiful boy in now a part of Wagging Hearts rescue and we are asking for any amount of dollars for Dandy to help with his extensive medical care. We have watched this gentle boy be a sublime friend, guide and mentor to our intakes that passed through his home and life. We just simply could not let Dandy down. Photos to come, updates to follow.
Please take a moment to consider helping Wagging Hearts cover the growing medical costs to insure Dandy wins this fight for his life. Our rescue has taken in a considerable amount of medical cases over the last several months inclusive to prolapsed uterus/tumor, gun shot wounds, blunt force trauma, amputated legs, knife wounds as well as neglect and cruelty cases … the list goes on. We cannot do this alone as these lives deserve a hand to hold and a voice to call out on their behalf. We are their voice and you have the potentially to be their helping hand. Please visit our fundraiser and help us raise dollars for Dandy. Every dollar counts and every dollar counts. Thank you all for sharing this urgent need.
https://www.youcaring.com/DollarsforDandy

Please direct any questions, concerns or additional information to contactus@wagginghearts.org.

Spring Hidden Dangers

Spring Hidden Dangers

Are YOU aware of the hidden dangers spring can bring?

 

WH_slider-alerts-blasto

BLASTOMYCOSIS: A systematic fungal infection

Diligence is key and knowledge is power. Please take a minute to visit our Blastomycosis post to become familiar with this hidden danger. We have personally felt the impact of losing one to this deadly fungal infection. This is an alert to become aware of the hazardous environments that can have life-altering consequences for your pet if you are not careful to watch for the signs and symptoms.

 

LEPTOSPORISIS: It’s not just a brochure at your vets office. It’s real and deadly.

Or perhaps you might visit a NBC news article on Leptosporisis and become aware of the signs and symptoms of this deadly infection. Are your animals vaccinated from its potentially life-threatening effects? Ask your veterinarian today and inquire on the assistance this vaccination provides for the protection of your pet.

 

Let’s keep our family members safe through sharing and updating each other on the ever evolving ways to protect our loved ones.