Finding a Forever home Friday...

It's Friday again, so that means it's time to showcase a collie rescue where a loving collie waits to be found...

This week we chose  a rescue that helps collies in Virginia and Maryland.  This rescue group is called Collie Rescue, Inc.  Take a minute to visit their site, and look at all the collies they have available.
http://www.savecollies.org/
Their collies are also listed on Petfinder:
http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?shelter_id=VA369

Meet Azure!
Azure is a 2 year old smooth coat collie - beautiful blue merle.  Azure has been on a fitness kick since she came to be with CRI and has already made great strides with her weight and activity.  She enjoys playing with her foster sibling and is learning basic manners.  She bonds quickly with her people, and gets along well with other dogs, though she would probably do best in a home with another male dog to play with.  She is silly and loves to goof around; she will need a family that will use positive training to help her learn good doggie manners and not be too mouthy or rough.  Azure will also need to continue gentle exposure to the 'outside world' from a patient owner - she is becoming more confident with new sounds and experiences, but still has a way to go.  Azure has tons of potential and With a little help and encouragement, she is going to make a great addition to someone's home.   

What a beauty!

Meet Katie!


Senior dogs have the most love to give!

Katie was given up to a local shelter by her family as they could no longer care for her. She is about 10 years old.  She is great with other dogs and children.  She likes to play and just relax and enjoy the great outdoors.  She had a very bad skin infection when CRI got her, and we're working on getting her back into shape!


Meet Pal!


He'll steal your heart!

If you’re looking for a 65lb friendly boy who thinks he’s a lap dog, meet Pal.  
This is one HAPPY dog whose tail never seems to stop wagging.   Pal is a mostly collie mix that came to us via a shelter in Charlottesville, VA.  We don’t know anything about him prior to his arrival there other than when he came to them he was rather skinny and had some skin problems.  He’s all cleared up now and ready to be your family’s happiest member.

The shelter estimated his age at ~6yrs…Although we’re now thinking he may be a bit younger due to his wonderful, gregarious, disposition and spurts of playfulness.   Yet he’s not an excitable boy.…He's JUST HAPPY! 

He settled right in with his foster family.   He is showing good house manners, is house broken, sleeps in his crate and respects for the authority of his big brother dog.  And of course LOVES meeting new people without being a pest.  He’s a clean slate.  We don’t think he’s had any formal training.  Yet he’ll come when you call, follow you dutifully around the house/yard and walks very well on leash.

So please, if you are in the Virginia or Maryland areas, stop by and visit these wonderful collies!

Drug sensitivity in herding breeds

Many herding breeds have adverse reactions to a particular list of drugs, and collies are known to be one of these breeds.  This adverse reaction is the result of a mutation in the multidrug resistance gene, or MDR1 gene.  Not all collies have this mutation, but many of them do, so most collie owners will avoid these drugs or have their dogs tested for the gene.  This drug sensitivity can result in blindness, coma and death, so it is very important that collie owners, and the owners of other herding breeds like Aussies or Border Collies, become familiar with the names of these drugs.  There are veterinarians who seem to be unaware of this issue, and prescribe drugs or anesthesia that can be potentially fatal to your dog, so you need to make sure your veterinarian is aware of the risk.  You need to make sure that your dog is not given any of the following drugs if he/she has not been tested or if they have tested positive for the MDR1 gene:

Acepromazine

Butorphanol

Emodepside

Erythromycin

Vincristine

Vinblastine

Doxorubicin

Ivermectin – The dose of Ivermectin used to prevent heartworm infection in products like Heartguard is considered SAFE in dogs with the mutation. (6 micrograms per kilogram) However, because of reports of collies becoming ill on even this lose dose of Ivermectin, most collie owners are not willing to take the risk with their dog’s health.  As a result, most collie breeders and rescue groups advise new collie owners to use another heartworm preventative, such as Interceptor.  Ivermectin causes neurologic toxicity in some, but not all Collies, at doses that are 1/200th of the dose required to cause toxicity in other dogs.

Loperamide – (Imodium.) At doses used to treat diarrhea this drug will cause neurologic toxicity

in dogs with the MDR1 mutation. This drug should be avoided in all dogs with the MDR1

mutation.

Selamectin, milbemycin, and moxidectin (antiparasitic agents.) Silmlar to ivermectin, these

drugs are safe in dogs with the mutation if used for heartworm prevention at the manufacturer’s

recommended dose. Higher doses (generally 10-20 times higher than the heartworm prevention dose) have been documented to cause neurologic toxicity in dogs with the MDR1 mutation.  Because Interceptor contains such a small amount of milbemycin, it is considered to be of low risk to collies and herding breeds.  But you will need to be sure to keep Interceptor, along with other drugs, safely out of reach of your dogs.  Because ingestion of multiple doses at one time can be fatal to your dog.

The reason the dosage of these drugs has to be carefully monitored, is because MDR1 causes a buildup of these drugs in the brain of the affected dog.  This buildup can cause neurotoxicosis, which can be fatal if left untreated.  If you notice your dog reacting oddly after exposure to any of these drugs, usually 4 to 12 hours after ingestion, dog owners are advised to seek veterinary care immediately, do not wait.  Some of the signs of an adverse reaction are:

Dilated pupils (the center of the eye will be abnormally large)

Blindness

Digestive problems (loss of appetite and/or vomiting)

Heavy drooling

Depression or motor instability (the dog may have difficulty standing or walking, may have tremors, or weakness)

Seizures (blankness, disorientation, stupor, involuntary muscle movements and unconsciousness)

While this drug sensitivity may frighten many people, dogs still need to be kept on a monthly heartworm preventative.  (A heartworm infection is fatal if left untreated, and can be easily prevented.)  Herding breeds are loving, devoted companions, and this genetic mutation does not affect their temperaments.  Choosing a dog from one of the many wonderful herding breeds, to add to your family, will be a rewarding experience.  But it requires that you educate yourself on which drugs your dog can be given, and seek safe alternatives to keep your dog healthy and happy.  Afterall, they are worth it! 

New award!

Guess what?



Scarlett 9-22-12

We were give another award!  Our friends, Chuck and the collies, at Collies Of The Meadow gave us a new award.  It's a very special award, and we are very touched that he chose us!  Thank you!

http://colliesofthemeadow.wordpress.com/


Human shaming...

Ryder:  Are you serious?!?  I want no part of this!

Holly:  she can't really mean it!

Scarlett and Abby:  You want us to do what?!?

Scarlett:  But Mom, we don't wanna do that...

Kori: What if we say please and give you the look?

Holly:  I think you guys are going to lose this arguement...Mom is going to get them! Quick, Abby! Let's Run!

Kori: (sad face) I didn't run away fast enough!

Kori and Scarlett: The horror!

Kori: Let me get that off you, then you can help me!

Kori:  What did you say?  If we wear these on Halloween we will get treats?

Scarlett:  If you make us more of those special dog cookies, we might consider it!  But really Mom, you should be ashamed!

Finding a Forever Home Friday

It’s Friday, so that means it’s time for another “Finding a Forever Home Friday.”  This week I chose the Minnesota Wisconsin Collie Rescue.

http://mwcr.org/

Below are just a few of the collies looking for their forever homes, so please visit their website and see if your new best friend is there, waiting for you!

Basie – A 10-year-old Smooth Tricolor Male

"WANTED: The new and improved love of my life! Job requirements include a homebody, a hand or two or three ready to caress my head at a moment's notice, a quiet home with few or no steps, preferably a fenced yard, and one or more people who will love me to the end of time. Other, calm dogs welcome, cats are OK, and older sedate children are fine too. And if you don't live too horribly far from my foster home it couldn't get any better than that! It is not every day that you have the opportunity to adopt a ready-made hand rest, so what are you waiting for? You can mend my broken heart, AND have a soft, furry place to rest your hand while you give me some lovin'!"

For more info about this special collie, click here:

http://www.mwcr.org/2011/basie.htm

Allie Mae – A 9-10-year-old Sable & White Female

"Foster Mom calls me the Queen Bee, and certainly my royal subjects (foster brothers and sisters – both canine and feline alike) defer to me in all things because they clearly recognize my superior rank. But don't let my noble lineage put you off! I am a total sweetheart who loves absolutely everyone, even the commoners amongst me! My foster brother, Willie, calls himself 'King of the Collies' – yeah, whatever. We'll just let him have his fun as there is only one royal highness in this household, and we all know who that is!"

For more about Allie Mae Collie –

http://www.mwcr.org/2012/allie-mae.htm

 

Pippa – A 7-10-year-old Mahogany Sable and White Female

"Hi, I'm Pippa, although given my hunting prowess, I think Diana or Artemis after the Roman or Greek goddess of the hunt would be more appropriate, but whatever! I get along with cats and most dogs, but occasionally another dog makes my hackles rise. I love older, respectful kids. Mostly, I am looking for somebody to love, who is home most of the time, has a fenced yard, and maybe a compatible canine companion. Oh, and since I have discovered the joys of sleeping on a love seat, maybe a comfy place to sleep would be in the cards as well? Just sayin'...?"

To see more pictures and video of Pippa, please click here:

http://www.mwcr.org/2011/pippa.htm

Rocky – A 5-6-year-old Sable and White Male

"Like my favorite movie hero, I am fighting back against long odds. I came from a bad situation where food, loving, and grooming were in very short supply. Despite my rough start in life, I am a sweet, loving boy who loves absolutely everyone. I prefer to dine alone, possibly due to the dog-eat-dog world I came from where every meal time was a scrabble to get one's share of kibble, but I will probably outgrow that quirk once I realize there will always be enough food in my bowl and that it is mine alone! Once my fur grows back, I am told I will be quite stunning, whatever that means. I hope you can look past my bad hair days and see the beauty I will become!"

Please visit Rocky’s page, he’s been waiting for you!

http://www.mwcr.org/2012/rockyII.htm

Is it Friday yet?

The collies are patiently waiting for the weekend to arrive...

Kori and Scarlett - sisters!

So that the hiking, cuddling, playing and collie family time can begin!

Wordless Wednesday - at the dog show

Tasty Tuesday Treats

Dogs are still getting sick from treats/cookies made in China.  People may think the treats they are buying are safe because they are made in the United States, but what they don’t realize is that many of the ingredients are made in China.  And it isn’t just dogs that are getting sick, there are some cats who are also getting ill.  I know there have been hundreds of deaths related to the consumption of these treats, so until everyone is made aware of the danger, please spread the word.

So to continue with my promise of more dog cookie recipes, I have found more recipes that the collies think are drool-worthy!

Apple Cinnamon Drops

1 large apple

1/4 cup honey

1/2 cup of water

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup oatmeal

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1/8 cup whole wheat flour

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 ° F (180 ° C).

Core, slice and mince the apple (use a food processor if you have one). In a large bowl, combine the minced apple bits, honey, water, cinnamon, and oatmeal. Gradually blend in the wheat flour, adding enough to form a stiff dough.

In a small bowl, add 1/8 cup wheat flour. Spoon the dough by rounded teaspoon onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches (5cm) apart. Using the bottom of a glass dipped in the wheat flour (to prevent sticking), flatten each spoonful of dough into a circle. Adjust the size of the drops based on how big a treat you like to feed your dog.

Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and flip each cookie to brown evenly on both sides. Reduce oven temperature to 325 ° F (180 °C). Return to oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes. Let cool overnight.

Makes about 3 dozen crunchy cookies, depending on how big you make them.

Archie Squares

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1/2 cup powdered dry milk

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. brown sugar or honey

6 tbs. meat or bacon drippings, cold right from refrigerator, not melted or soft!

1 egg, slightly beaten

1/2 cup Ice water

Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly oil a cookie sheet. Combine flour, dry milk, garlic powder and sugar. Cut in meat drippings until mixture resembles corn meal. Mix in egg. Add enough water so that mixture forms a ball. Using your fingers, pat out dough onto cookie sheet to 1/2" thick. Cut dough into squares appropriate for your dog size. Prick each cookie with fork. Bake 25-30 minutes. Remove from tray and cool on rack. Store in airtight container

Frozen Peanut Butter Yogurt Treats

1-32oz. container of plain lowfat yogurt

1 cup of peanut butter

1. Put the peanut butter in a microwave safe dish and microwave until melted.

2. Mix the yogurt and the melted peanut butter in a bowl.

3. Pour mixture into cupcake papers and freeze.

Today we made the recipe below, the collies loved these cookies!

Classic Thumbprint Peanut Butter Dog Treats

 

Ingredients:

•2 cups whole wheat flour

•1/2 cup rolled oats

•2 tsp cinnamon

•1/2 cup peanut butter, creamy

•1/2 cup chicken broth, low sodium

•1/2 cup water

•1/2 cup strawberry jam, sugar free

 

Instructions:

1.Preheat oven to 325° F

2.Whisk together the flour, oats and cinnamon.

3.Place the peanut butter, chicken broth and water in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 15 seconds. Stir together the warm peanut butter and liquids. If needed, microwave again for 10 to 15 seconds. Stir again until all of the liquid is incorporated into the peanut butter.

4.Make a well in the dry ingredients.

5.Pour the peanut butter mixture into the dry ingredients and stir, using a fork, until a dough forms.

6.Lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.

7.Using a tablespoon sized cookie scooper, scoop out rounded balls onto the prepared baking sheet.

8.Create an indentation, and flatten each cookie.

9.Bake for 15 minutes. Leave the peanut butter dog treats in the oven, once it's turned off, to cool.

10.Once the dog treats are completely cooled, place the jam in a microwave safe container.

11.Microwave for 10 seconds. Then stir the jam. If needed, microwave for another 10 seconds and stir. You want a smooth liquid consistency.

12.Using a 1/2 teaspoon, gently spoon the jam into each cookies indentation.

13.Let the jam cool completely before moving the dog treats.

 

Storing - These peanut butter dog treats are delicate with the addition of the jam. First, they need to be stored in a single layer as the jam does not harden completely. Once in a air tight container, like a freezer bag, they can be kept in the refrigerator for one week. Store them in the freezer for up to four months. These gourmet dog treats will keep fresh longer without the jam middle. You can bake the cookies, not adding the jam, and keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks and in the freezer for up to 6 months. Then before you serve, follow the last four steps of this recipe.

 

Yield - Using a tablespoon sized cookie scooper, this recipe will make 30 dog cookies.

 

Tips & Techniques

•Jam or Jelly - This dog treat recipe will work best if you use a jam with little or no fruit pieces. You can use any flavor of fruit jam, but make sure that it is sugar free. Our dogs do not need all that excess sugar in their treats. The jam will set rather quickly once it is poured into the cookie. Depending on how quickly you are able to work, you may need to reheat the jam to a liquid consistency to be able to pour it into the cookie with ease.

•Artificial Sweeteners - Using sugar free products can seem perfectly harmless, yet there are ingredients to learn about. Our dogs should never ingest the artificial sweetener called Xylitol. This is most commonly found in sugar free gum and candy. However, do a double check of your sugar free jam, to ensure it does not contain this ingredient. The sugar free jam I used for this dog treat recipe contained polydextrose, maltodextrin and sucralose. These have not been found to be harmful to our dogs.

•Homemade Fruit Jam - If you are still concerned about artificial sweeteners, by all means, you should make your own homemade sugar free fruit jam. Look for recipes that use a "no sugar needed" fruit pectin for the binding and thickening agent. Some of these recipes also contain honey, but since honey is a natural sugar, and will eventually be a very small amount of the end jam product, it would be an acceptable ingredient. When choosing a recipe for homemade jam, be aware that some use white grape juice. Again, although tasty to us, grapes are on the list of foods poisonous to dogs, so you would want to substitute apple juice instead.

•Microwaves - All microwaves are different, and some have more power than others. The microwave directions in this dog treat recipe are a starting point. You may need to use less or more time, depending on your appliance.

•Peanut Butter - We used creamy peanut butter for this recipe. You might be able to use chunky peanut butter, but due to the texture of the cookie, and the need to make an indentation and flatten the cookie, we highly recommend the creamy variety.

•Broth & Water - To make these peanut butter dog treats even healthier, you could substitute the chicken broth for water. You would add a total of one cup of water, instead of half water and half broth. Or, you could use all chicken broth, or switch it up and use half and half chicken broth and beef broth. Whether you use all broth or not, look for the low sodium variety to keep these treats extra healthy for your dog.

 

Since so many dogs love the taste of peanut butter, you are sure to find a keeper in these peanut butter dog treats. They are also a great treat to make as gifts. Your dogs friends and their parents will think that you're a dog treat baking whiz with these delightful little gems wrapped in peanut butter.