Category: “Wagging Hearts Rescue”

‘Hearts’ On Our Sleeves – Nov. 16

WH_slider-OakElm-AEComing to Des Plaines with Our ‘Hearts’ on Our Sleeves!

Look out Des Plaines, Wagging Hearts is coming to town on Saturday, November 16th from Noon to 4 p.m. with our ‘Hearts’ on our sleeves looking for some forever love with some adorable adoptables. Come out and witness the beautiful personalities seeking a new home with joy in their eyes just to see YOU. Pop in to talk to us about fostering opportunities, adoptions, volunteering or support us through donations which can be dropped off during the event. We would love to meet you and thank you in person. Bring the family and consider going home with one of our ‘Hearts’, so deserving of a home to call their own. Perhaps drop by just to review our adoptables binder to see if one of our other adoptables in foster may be a better match and discuss with someone from Wagging Hearts in person. We can’t wait to see you there and will tell our ‘Hearts’ that some new friends and potentially forever families are on their way!! See you soon. Email questions to contactus@wagginghearts.org.

Saturday, November 16th from 12 – 4 PM
1445 E Oakton St Suite C, Des Plaines, IL 60018
Adorable Adoptables coming to town:
(as coordinated with more to come)
Allie, Apollo, Athena, China (new pittie), Happy (new boxer), Hogan, Holly, Kiko (new shitz Tzu), Little Gracie, LuLu, Molly, Tessa (new pittie), Tilly, Vinny and pups (2 beagle mixes, 2 terrier pups). And more as they are announced.

Save >> Foster >> Adopt

WH_slider-foreverhomes_OctWe saw the impact of forever homes over the last couple days and could not stop the smiles from growing as the forever love kept spreading. We may save them but forever love comes along to provide each one with a sense of being, a sense of purpose. The love one receives from a rescue animal in immeasurable. It unfolds like a river carving out a history made only for those that travel along the waters. Its depths are boundless and the love that all experience is truly unbelievable.

We witnessed love unfold on the floors of Petco. Where beautiful hearts came down to the levels of the animals seeking homes. There upon the floor, forever love blossomed and we were there to witness it. Nothing sweeter. Nothing more perfect than to watch the cycle come to completion. Save their lives >> foster their transition >> adopt them into a loving, forever home. This can only be achieved with the critical assistance of foster families who bring them into their hearts first. Then enter the forever family who is the hero of the hour. The one that will rewrite all the wrongs for the new life entering their home forever. What an impact forever can make on these lives and yours!

Our goal is simple, may each and every one of our rescues never know what it is like to be abandoned or given up on again. Thank you for helping us each step of the way.

 

Congratulations to our new adoptive rescues:

Amber, Bear, Brandy, Bronco, Candy, Clove, Dina, Lil, Murphy, Patches, Phil, Sadie Mae, Rilie, Ruby, Sally, Sasha and Tony

Sniffing Out A Deadly Disease

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20130713_130445Wagging Hearts is sending out a HIGH ALERT to all DOG OWNERS to be on the look out for a disease called BLASTOMYCOSIS. It is ugly and impacts your dogs entire system. It is dangerous and could be fatal if left untreated. Do you know the signs? Do you know Chicago has been sending out alerts for sightings of infected dogs at lakefront beaches? Did you know Libertyville, IL has also seen an increase with the recent loss of 2 dogs. We have personally felt the impact at Wagging Hearts with the tragic loss of one of our rescue’s Goofy to Blastomycosis and we want to help prevent you from suffering the same horrible outcome. Watch Goofy’s seizure video taken by his diligent and loving foster who witnessed this serious symptom of the degenerative disease which subsequently ended up taking his life too early. He was a beautiful and loving spirit ready to find forever love in the arms of his potential adoptive family upon their return from vacation. Unfortunately the ‘Blasto’ answer came too late for Goofy as the disease ravaged his weakened immune system. Goofy slipped away in the middle of the night during his treatment leaving us to actively spread the alert for the dangers lurking in the natural environments around us. Knowledge, awareness of your pet’s health and prompt response will help arm yourself with the tools necessary to save the life of your pet. Don’t let them become a statistic. Do you know what Blastomycosis is? Do you know what the symptoms are and where this disease exists? Read on to find out:

Blastomycosis

WHAT IS IT?  A serious fungal infection that spreads throughout the body caused by an organism called Blastomyces Dermatitidis which releases airborne spores into the environment that can be inhaled. It can be rapidly fatal if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Unfortunately, many do not recover from the wide-spread infection and relapses can occur. Treatment can be aggressive but the disease will more than likely kill without.

Inhalation is the most frequent method of transmission and occurs simply by digging in the soil which releases the spores. The spores travel through the lungs and become large, thick-walled, yeast-like organisms that multiply within the lungs and other tissues of the body. This disease then spreads via the bloodstream or lymphatic system from the lungs to involve the eyes, brain, bone, lymph nodes, urogenital system, skin and subcutaneous tissues. Direct contact with spores through a puncture wound is another method of transmission which may cause localized infections.

WHERE IS IT FOUND? Thrives in rotting wood, wet soil, wet environments like swamps, lakes, riverbanks – where lack of direct sunlight encourage its growth. Also found in areas with decaying organic matter like wooded areas, forests and farms. Most competing soil organisms will kill off the blastomycosis spores unless the conditions are nearly perfect for the fungus to survive. This explains why blastomycosis is often found in small pockets instead of being widespread.

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION:  Blastomycosis has a well-defined endemic area where it is found. The area includes the Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio River valleys. The Mid-Atlantic States and parts of Quebec, Manitoba and Ontario. The range appears to be growing.

WHO IS AT RISK?  Occurs primarily in dogs and humans. But on rare instances it has been diagnosed in horses, cats, ferrets and even sea lions. Hounds, Retrievers, Pointers, Coonhounds, Shepherds, Beagles and other sporting dogs are particularly susceptible because of their outdoor activities. Also dogs that live within a quarter mile of a body of water. One study in Wisconsin showed that 95% of the dogs diagnosed with Blastomycosis lived within 400 yards of a body of water.

SYMPTOMS: Loss of appetite, fever, weight loss, eye problems (such as redness, pain, swelling, excessive tearing, clouding of the corneas), chronic cough, shortness of breathe/wheezing and skin problems such as pus-filled skin lesions. More serious symptoms can include sudden blindness, lameness, inflammation of the testicles, enlarged lymph nodes and seizures. Signs are usually present for a few days to a few weeks. The disease can wax and wane with the severity of the symptoms improving slightly and then worsening again.

DIAGNOSIS: Unfortunately, Blastomycosis is often misdiagnosed as cancer OR pneumonia. Watch your dog for symptoms that last six weeks or more with no noticeable improvement and especially if they have been in an environment that could have the fungus, ask your veterinarian to test for a fungal infection. Blastomycosis is best diagnosed through examination of a lymph node, skin lesions or by lung tissue. There’s also a blood test called an AGID test or antigen ID test for exposure to Blastomycosis. But a positive result doesn’t mean your dog necessarily has the infection, only that he’s been exposed. Chest X-rays of a dog with Blastomycosis often reveal a sort of snowstorm-type pattern. Urine screening tests can also be very beneficial for diagnosis.

TREATMENT: Oral administration of an antifungal drug. These medications all require long-term treatment, sometimes for many months. Some professionals recommend a ‘nutraceutical called quantum nucleotide’, which helps to stimulate an immediate immune system reaction, as well as oil of oregano in capsule form, which is excellent support for a body fighting a fungal infection. The antifungal drugs are very expensive and often have serious side effects. For many dogs, the critical period during treatment is the first 24 to 72 hours, as the antifungal drug begins to kick in and kill off the fungi. Since there are typically a large number of organisms in the lungs, there can be an overwhelming inflammatory response that can result as the fungi die off. Respiratory distress can be a big problem during the first few days of treatment. The sooner you seek treatment, the better chance your dog has to fully recover.

PREVENTATIVE SUGGESTIONS: There is no vaccine available to protect you or your pet. It is next to impossible to avoid as it is difficult to determine where the fungal spores can be found. Limiting your time in the environments Blastomycosis can be found in may help prevent exposure to the spores. Recognize if the disease exists in your area and know the symptoms. Prompt veterinarian attention can be a matter of life or death.

CAN YOUR DOG INFECT OTHERS? If your dog has Blastomycosis, it is unlikely that you could get the disease from your pet, but it could indicate that you have both been exposed to a contaminated environment. Although Blastomycosis can affect humans, it cannot be transmitted through the air. Handle bandages carefully because on rare occasions the fungus can grow in bandages or on open wounds. Most human cases are contracted in the same way – in nature.  However, your pet is 10 times more likely to get the disease after being exposed to a contaminated environment, because their nose is closer to the ground.

MORE INFORMATION needed?

We partner with some of the best veterinarian practices and are lucky enough to have their guidance and support with life-saving tips. If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out these partner offices as they have experience with Blastomycosis:

Wonder Lake Veterinary Clinic at 4405 E Wonder Lake Rd, Wonder Lake, IL  (815) 653-3586

Care Animal Hospital at 1101 W Park Ave., Libertyville, IL  (847) 549-8500

 Goofy’s Seizure Video.

NEWS COVERAGE:

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/tag/blastomycosis/

http://www.suffredin.org/news/newsitem.asp?newsitemid=5810

http://www.livescience.com/37607-fungal-infection-blastomycosis-wisconsin-outbreak.html

http://www.dogheirs.com/events/611

http://m.daily-chronicle.com/2013/04/23/letter-blastomycosis-warning-for-dogs/au1px72/

http://plainfield.patch.com/groups/around-town/p/plainfield-woman-warns-others-after-rare-disease-claims-dogs-life

http://www.myfoxchicago.com/story/19446225/dog-goes-blind-after-getting-fungal

References:
http://www.miravistalabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Blastomycosis-Vet09172012.pdf
http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/05/13/blastomycosis-infection.aspx
http://vetmed.illinois.edu/petcolumns/petcols_article_page.php?OLDPETCOLID=67
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/blstomyc.html
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2102&aid=401

Adoption Event Sunday, August 18th at Petco in Round Lake Beach

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Stop by to meet one of our outstanding adoptables this Sunday, August 18th from 12-3 PM at the Petco in Round Lake Beach, IL. We will be bringing a number of our adoptable animals like beautiful and gentle Sklyer. A beagle/bassett mix with an incredible personality. She is just about the most perfect dog one can ask for and she will be making an appearance on Sunday!! Or how about a couple of wee pups like King and Julia? Beagle/lab mixes with puppy kisses aplenty to give. Fall in love with sweet Mocha, a german shepherd mix with so much to give in terms of cuddles, dedication and heart. How about happy Harold? Low to the ground so he can catch wind that some forever love is coming his way!! Allie is just a pocket-size, love muffin, American Staffordshire. Her heart can be seen in her beautiful eyes and a real home would soothe her wayward soul. Watch a video of this sweet girl in motion. Perhaps you are looking for a young adventurous soul with the softest coat and the deepest eyes? Whiskey is your partner for fun and excitement. A lover of children and always ready to play with his stuffed toys. Whiskey has many gifts to share with a family, take a look at his video. Or come out to meet us and talk with us about some of our other dogs and cats available for adoption. We are foster-based and would love to connect some of our other adoptables with a family just like YOU! If your life is missing laughter, joy and happiness…then you might just be looking for a Wagging Hearts adoptable! We will be bringing some of our beautiful boarding pets looking for foster or adoption love (Mocha, Whiskey, Allie and Harold among a few). Please consider opening your home temporarily and provide a life in need with a soft, quiet, natural environment instead of a kennel in boarding.

Some of our boarding pets in need of foster or adoption: Allie, Big Boy, Carmel, Harold, Lucy, Mocha, Otis, Peepers and Whiskey

Fill out an adoption application in advance!! Start the process early so all that is needed is to sweep your new love up in your arms and start your new life together.

 

We hope to see you there so you can experience all the unique personalities, shapes and sizes that are looking for a forever home exploding with some beautiful furever love. They have so much to share and are waiting patiently for you to find them. Their dedicated love is a true gift for the heart and soul.

Dog Days of Summer Comes to an End Once More

Dog Days of Summer Comes to an End Once More

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What A Unbelievable Event Filled With Dedication, Support and Love for the Animals!

Continuation from Dog Days of Summer Day One …

We could not be more thankful for all that attended this year’s Dog Days of Summer event.
Our volunteers worked hard to provide fantastic, positive exposure for our adoptables.
Many made real connections with the lives that Wagging Hearts saved along the way. Nothing is  more powerful than to witness a life that was destined to fade away — tucked alone and abandoned in a shelter — find a family to love them, care for them. And to insure that they finally understand what forever really means. That is the goal for each of our events … get the word out. Rescue animals have so much to give but sometimes it is buried a little deeper inside them because of the journey that life has taken them on. But events like Dog Days of Summer, presented by Pampered Pupz, allow us to showcase these lives. To thrust them out into the light of day to present the unique and utterly beautiful personalities that each of them are. Small, medium and large breeds all looking to settle down and find that one home ready to provide all the permanent love and care they will ever need. What a journey we are all taking together for the rescued lives we are meeting along the way. They are all that really matters, right?

What Support!

We are humbled!! Our volunteers, fosters, boarding facilities, family, friends and new acquaintances came out in full support on Saturday and Sunday.

Special thanks to:

Summer, our littlest volunteer walked the crowds with her cuteness alerting many to our donated gift basket raffles each day. Summer brought the masses to our booth and filled our donation jar with her young, gifted tenacity to work hard for the animals. What a rescuer in the making and how lucky we are to have her support!!

Natalie, nothing stops her when it comes to putting it all out their for the rescues. She gives us all of herself; dedication of immense time, effort and a great, big heart.

Care Animal Hospital in Libertyville, for transporting our rescues to and from your facility. Guess what … all of them found forever or foster homes. THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for your assistance. Such support provides ripples of assistance to our organization. Jenna (found forever love), Skyler (found foster love) and Thema (found forever love).

Adoptions this weekend: Alyassa, Dixie, Foxy, Gretchen, Jenna, Jenny and Titan

All our volunteers who gave their all to us on both days. We watched you talking, showing off and loving our rescues. We saw lives being altered with each new connection. We watch young volunteers 8 years and up helping the animals stay cool and provide a lap to nap in when things got to be a bit too much. Our event was in simple words … amazing and successful. Lives have been altered and love has been shared. What more could we ask for — oh yeah … we did raise some good, old-fashioned money which goes directly to the care of the animals in our rescue.
We raffled two gift baskets away that were donated. Provided homemade treats to four-legged pets through-out the event, as well as playful bandannas. We are glowing with happiness and can’t thank everyone who came out enough for the love and support. Enjoy the photos from
Dog Days of Summer Day 2:

Connect with us if you can assist with adoptions, fostering or just through supporting our organization. Thank you as always for the phenomenal support given.

Dog’s on Parade in Evanston Today at 2:00 PM!

Dog’s on Parade in Evanston Today at 2:00 PM!

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Happy Fourth of July Family & Friends!!

Wagging Hearts is proud to be celebrating our Independence Day by kicking off the day riding on a beautiful summer time float in the Evanston, Fourth of July Parade at 2:00 p.m. today. This award-winning parade will begin on Central St. at Central Park Ave. and travel east to Ryan Field at Ashland Ave. Lawn chairs may be placed along the Central St. parade route beginning at 6 a.m. on July 1 in accordance with the city ordinance.

The day should not end there, Evanston has an evening of fun for you and your family filled with music, fireworks and memories. Check it out and don’t miss a chance to view some of the lives that Wagging Hearts has saved! We look forward to a day of furtastic fun with family and friends, hope to see you there!!

Independence Day Activities

Evanston Fourth of July Association Schedule of Events

Evanston Fireworks

Evanston: What You Need to Know

Enjoy the day but please remember to keep a close eye on our furbabies. The intensity of the sounds and noises can provide moments of terror for our family members. Please remember an animals sense of hearing is much more sensitive than us; approximately twice the hearing range and detect sounds 4 times better. Sounds at times can cause physical pain so keep a diligent watch and tuck your fearful pets away where the sounds are muffled and their anxiety lessened. Check on them often and add buffering sounds such as a fan or music. Good luck and may everyone enjoy the day at their pace and leisure. Hope to see you at the parade!!

Adoption Event at Petco, Saturday and Sunday

Adoption Event at Petco, Saturday and Sunday

WH_Event-banner-3Stop by to meet one of our outstanding adoptables today, June 22 from 11-4 PM and tomorrow, June 23 from 11-3 PM at the Petco in Round Lake Beach, IL. We will be bringing a number of our dogs and cats available for adoption. We hope to see you there so you can experience all the unique personalities, shapes and sizes that are looking for a forever home exploding with some beautiful furever love. They have so much to share and are waiting patiently for you to find them. Their dedicated love is a true gift for the heart and soul. If your life is missing laughter, joy and happiness…then you might just be looking for a Wagging Hearts adoptable this weekend!

Fill out an adoption application in advance!! Start the process early so all that is needed is to sweep your new love up in your arms and start your new life together.

 

Everybody Say Cheese!!

Don’t forget to bring your furbaby to take advantage of Petco’s Photos for Patriots event today. An early bird celebration of the Fourth of July with professional photographs for your pet. All proceeds will be graciously donated to Wagging Hearts in support of our mission and animals. We could not ask for a better partner in rescuing lives than with the Petco staff and management at the Round Lake Beach store location. Try them out the next time you are in need of a couple items for your companion pets, they are waiting to assist you with a smile!

Wagging Hearts Adoption Event:

June 22 from 11-4 PM and June 23 from 11-3 PM

Petco Photos for Patriots Event:

June 22 from 11-2 PM

Hope to see you there and spread the word!!

Foster Homes in Short Supply …

Foster Homes in Short Supply …

WH_slider-foster-alertWagging Hearts is in urgent need of foster homes to help save the lives that come our way. We see so many abandoned spirits who have so much to give if only given the opportunity to shine once more.

A few lives we saved currently in need of a loving, foster home:
Otis, Allie, Mocha, Jacob, Tonto

All of whom are looking for foster homes and will provide endless laughter while waiting patiently for a forever home to find them. Please email fostering@wagginghearts.org if you can provide a loving home wrapped in sweet tenderness to one of our rescue pets. Connect with us without delay! Find out if fostering is right for you by visiting our foster section today! If so, email fostering@wagginghearts.org to get started.

Thanks for your continued support.