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F ll – Wi Fall Winter nte t r 201 22014
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Building Trans-Pecos Partnerships Working together to end homeless pet euthanasia.
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Pip’s Will to Survive He would not give up, and neither will we.
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Procraftination Sculpting for the fun of life, people and pets.
VIVA. THE BEST GIFT OF ALL.
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A YEAR OF SWEET SUITE SUCCESS from Executive Director, Laura Langham
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y Christmas wish is to personally thank each of you for your support which has made this year our most progressive and productive yet. Your generosity has helped save hundreds of pets, made our new medical clinic a reality, paved the road for us to open our first Satellite in Midland in 2015, and for me, more than anything, your support has blessed my life with Viva. It was a year ago the starved four-pound pup was rescued and carried into the shelter in a plastic tub. After a few months of recovery, the strings she had on my heart were tied pretty tight. Then, one day, much to my surprise, I received an email from Home Again microchip congratulating me on my adoption of Viva—apparently the staff also realized my heart wouldn’t let go and they just plugged my name in on those adoption papers and voila! I was a new mom! Viva’s story and Viva’s soul is unique, rremarkable, and delightful. But each day, as I feed and take care o of my suite shelter pets, I’m reminded The joy of living with Viva never ends. Here she is enjoying all homeless shelter pets have their own the afternoon with a stick in her mouth. What a goof! At home I have this great view, but from my desk it is limited sstory and unique to the frame of the glass doors. When Viva’s outside she p personality. And constantly explores and finds stuff. Often I’m working at my tthanks to you, and all desk and here comes Viva, running across my view from the Who knew there left carrying a big piece of bark, then a few beats later, here o our shelter partners, was a bundle of she comes from the right with a deflated basketball, then tthey have hope of love hidden inside again from the left with a cardboard box and back and forth the starved little she goes. Then finally, she’ll plop down in front of Buster, finding their own four-pound pup. saying, “Ok, you ready to play?” Now 15 years old, Buster h home sweet home. pretty much just turns and looks the other way.
THIS HOLID HOLIDA HOLIDAY SEASON WE HONOR OUR PARTNERS Alpine H Humane Society Alpine Animal Shelter eA Citizens Citize en for Animals of Midland Odessa Critter Crittte Oasis of Monahans Fort Fo ort Stockton Animal Control Glenda Kelly JRT Rescue Gl G Marfa Animal Shelter M Midland Animal Shelter Adoptable Midland Humane Coalition No More Homeless Pets City of Odessa Animal Shelter Pecos Animal Shelter ROMP Ruth Luster Rescue Speaking up for Those Who Can’t All our Grand Fan Donors and Supporters
WHO GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE ALL YEAR. Fall – Winter 2014
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PIP’S WILL TO SURVIVE by Carey Kelley Wallis
He would not give up, and neither will we. ike so many stories of stray puppies, this one begins: He was hungry and thirsty and tired and scared. The two-month old pup had sought shelter under a house, and was now trapped in a tangle of wires and duct work, unable to move. The fight against the wire had left him spent. It was dark and silent. There was nothing left but stillness. The struggle gone out of him, the pup quieted, listening to the sounds of the night, exhausted but still alive, then just waiting. Than a heard a distant sound of men talking… spurred by this sweet familiar sound, his struggles begin once again. Pip’s sweetness and patience never ceases to amaze us. Daniel was walking up to his brother’s house last summer when the sounds of an animal in distress stopped him in his tracks. Hey, there’s something under the house, he told his brother, and while his brother grabbed a flashlight from the house, Dan listened. Pinpointing the location of the cries, he dived under the house and crawled toward the sounds. With his brother shining the light, he found the skinny puppy wriggling in a tangled mess. Quickly drawing out his pocket knife, Daniel began to free him. And so began the journey of Pip. Daniel decided to keep the stray pup, and like many other stories of stray puppies, it might have stopped there with a typical happy ending. But after a month, the puppy’s left hind foot inexplicably began to swell. At first, Daniel thought Pip might have been bitten by a spider. But then two more feet started swelling, and it soon became clear that Pip’s life was in danger. Daniel rushed Pip to Fort Davis Vet Services, and the diagnosis was baffling and unexpected: Toxic Shock Syndrome. A few weeks of treatment stabilized him, but the tissue was so compromised, the doctors decided that amputation of the back feet would be necessary. Having rescued Pip from that tangled mess of wire, a bond was created between Daniel and Pip. But Daniel, just starting his adult life at 18 years old and with plans to move to a new city in a few weeks, was faced with making some serious choices. Daniel knew he could not afford the cost of the surgery or provide Pip with the months of post-op care he would need. By this time, Pip had become a clinic favorite. So Dr. Greathouse approached Grand Companions with a plan to work together to help Pip have the life he had fought for under that house months before.
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Many thanks to photographer Vicki Gibson who spent time with Pip at Fort Davis Veterinary Services. Vicki brings Pip’s story to life with her beautiful photographs. Left: Pip enjoying romp time and fun in the sun outside. Right: Pouring her professional expertise and her heart into saving little Pip, Dr. Janet Greathouse and Pip share an extraordinary bond.
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Like Daniel, the doctors, and the entire staff at Fort Davis Veterinary Services, Grand Companions met Pip and knew right away we would dive in to help. So despite, or rather maybe because of, the strong bond between the two, Daniel bittersweetly surrendered Pip to Grand Companions. The first surgery was to remove the back feet at the hocks. Surgery went well, and one week later, Dr. Greathouse performed another operation to pull skin from above the hock to around the stumps on both legs. Pip wore bandages and boots over the bandages while he learned to navigate around the vets’ office without feet. Despite the loss of those back feet, Pip did exceptionally well getting around. But we all wanted the best for Pip’s future mobility and for that he needed some pad protection on the ends of his back legs. Looking for options to help with Pip’s tissue regrowth, we visited with Vetrix®, a company providing a technology called ECM (extracellular matrix). Vetrix® made an ECM donation for us to make an attempt to regenerate some pad tissue on Pip’s stumps and to aid in the restructuring of the tissue.
see Pip on pg. 17
Fall – Winter 2014
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WHEN YOU LOVE THEM ALL... by Dr. Janet Greathouse
…You Become a Veterinarian Having a two doctor household keeps us on the go here on the Greathouse-Taylor home front. Leaving early, pulling long days, and being on-call for emergencies, leaves little time for the couch. But the time we do have at home is delightfully shared with our cats. Sadly, our canine friends have passed on, and we keep hoping our hearts will hold off for our next puppy until our lives slow down a bit. Meanwhile, there’s simply never a dull moment with our beloved kitties. Most cats are natural-borne entertainers and we’re convinced our cats happen to the be very best entertainers around. We always like having at least two cats at a time, finding they usually grow quite close to each other. Cats add so much to our lives, not only by entertaining us, but by giving us unconditional, pure love all the time. When we have a hard day at the clinic, the cats always know and snuggle up to us, making us forget some of the harshness of life. Katie (alias: Katie Bug, T-Tiny Bug, Lady Katie O’Grady or Miss Bug-a-rinski) is 12 years old and has a beautiful black coat with the cutest tuxedo markings. She has definite ideas on how things should be, always telling us the time, singing to us and scolding us for not feeding her more. We adopted Katie from Grand Companions when it was still Jeff Davis County Humane Society. Our clinic housed the Society’s Most cats are naturalanimals in those days and we had just received a large bunch of borne entertainers and kittens from the Fort Davis area. Dave had always wanted a tuxedo we’re convinced our cats cat, having fond memories of one he loved as a child. When he met happen to the be very Katie with her exquisitely best around “perfect” marking, he knew she was the one. When we first brought her home she went missing for a few hours. I did an exhaustive search of the house and came up emptied handed. But finally, I spied the little one in the kitchen, in our corner cabinet, behind the lazy Susan shelf. She was just sitting there, her front feet tucked up under her, calmly saying with her eyes, “Why wouldn’t I be here? It is perfect back here!” w Mini was Katie’s older sister, whom she loved. We had adopted Mini from Grand Companions W six months before we were blessed with Katie. Grand Companions had been helping a Marfa couple control their feral cat population by setting llive traps, then testing, vaccinating, and neutering tthe cats before re-releasing them back into their Mini ‘Mighty Minor’ environment. Mouse was the best nurse we have ever had, never Mini was one of those cats, but her little leaving our side when we soul somehow roped us in. She was more than needed comfort.
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Fall – Winter 2014
six months old when we spayed herr but she weighed a mere one pound thirteen ounces. She Sh had the largest eyes either of us had ever seen‌I was always worried her tiny head couldn’t possibly hold them! When we brought little Mini home, we agonized over what to call her. We kept coming back to her tiny size, so we settled on Mini (alias: Mini Mouse, Mini Minor Mouse or Mini Mighty Mouse.) see Love on pg. 17 Beatrice (far right, bottom) our latest pet adopted from Grand Companions is engaging, interested in humans, playful and spirited, loving and gentle. She simply has no bad characteristics or habits!
Fall – Winter 2014
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PROCRAFTINATION Photos and Story by Carey Kelley Wallis
Sculpting for the fun of life, people and pets. p in the hills south of Alpine, Texas, there’s a magical trail lined with whimsical creations, straight from the hands and mind of Harry Weekley, a “fun art” ambassador extraordinaire. Harry makes a distinction between “fine art” and what he does, which is to take found objects, old tools, industrial leftovers, abandoned mechanical equipment, and even in one instance an airplane propeller - and transform them into something playful and unexpected: “fun art.” Harry was artistic from a young age, but followed a seemingly incongruent career path working as a mechanic in a hydroelectric plant in California. Yet he never stopped experimenting with various art forms like papier-mache, wood carving, and jewelry making. But it wasn’t until the early 90s, when a friend showed him a piece of art he was making of a metal stork welded from scrap steel, that Harry had a eureka moment, m ment, and “that was all the inspiration I needed.” He began working with metal in earnest, and now no ow has approximately 100 works of art placed in and around his property. Looming dinosaurs, ginormous no ormous ants, astonished javelinas (which were pigs before the move to Texas - Harry just added some m metal me “tusks”), beseeching dragons, and stranded d aliens are just some of the creations that join more r rarified re works such as clay masks of his grandchildren’s dren’s faces fa ace c s and tributes in metal to family and friendss who ha have ave passed.
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Harrry donated twin sculptures to Grand Companions Harry and A Alpine Humane Society. They grace the front of each h shelter, welcoming the folks and pets we serve. Retirement Retir rem has helped him “procraftinate”, as Harry puts it, to his he heart’s content. And since moving here in 2006, Harry has ea donated many of his works to non-profit organizations, including m Grand Gra nd Companions. His sculpture of a cat on top of a post with an inquisitive dog hot on her trail welcomes patrons to the shelter. Harry’s wife, Anne Moore, is a tireless advocate for homeless and neglected animals in the Trans-Pecos region, volunteering many hours to the cause. rreg As for Harry, his own heart is taken with a green-eyed calico named Callie, who Anne brought home as an orphaned kitten and who promptly decided Harry was her one and only. ho h
The best part of Harry’s Magical Trail…You can visit it any time! The trail is open to the public and visitors are welcome and appreciated. Email oldbull@bigbend.net for directions and prepare to be enchanted.
Fall – Winter 2014
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YOUR DOLLARS AT WORK SAVING
Elkie
Toe
Bear
Dixit
Mr. Mint
Daisy
Jolly
Mr. Puggles
Mulan
King George
Caylus
Gwynn
Bridgette
Momo
Link
Tim
Karma
Double Dutch
Lucy
Ricky
Fanarona
Harmonia
Jumping Jacks
Ajax
Hula
Tic
Hera
Abbott
Meriam
Feliz
Ferrous
Queenie
Luke
Jojo
Toby
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Tac
Chupy
Sunny Girl
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Janie
Honey
Fall – Winter 2014
G THE LIVES OF HOMELESS PETS!
Patriot
Bella
Rippetta
Eleanor Peacock
Riva
Bolt
Peach
Patolli
Apollo
Josh
Rocky
Guapo
Penny
Creon
Isola
Jumbo Tron
Kira
Rosie
Titan
Athena
Lando
Razzia
Drover
Jade
Lila
Big John
Pepe
Jaden
Shogi
Bear
Sagetta
Sepp
Latte
Cinderella
Jan
Sparkle
Ciela
Malia
Fall – Winter 2014
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Gilda
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PLANET PET If Men are From Mars and Women are From Venus, what planet do pets come from?
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by Guest Writer, Karen Ryan
rom the time we bring our canine friends into our homes we begin teaching them our language. “Sit.” “Down.” “Fetch.” “Stay.” “Good boy!” We expect them to quickly assimilate into our human world, and most dogs become incredibly adept, learning specific actions when commands are given. It can seem like they truly speak our language. But let me ask you this, When was the last time you tried to learn your dog’s language? Did you even know she has one? I refer to the fascinating communication of canine body language, using what is now referred to as calming signals. We have learned dogs display a myriad of facial expressions and body postures to communicate, whether it be ‘speaking’ to a pack or their human. The best place for humans to learn this language is watching dogs in group settings. Those of us working in boarding Karen is a writer, photographer, and owner of Midtown Groom & Board, or doggie day care settings on a daily Dogs who fail to see an activity-based kennel, doggie basis can become quite fluent in canine daycare and creative grooming salon calming signals, often find body language. You can also learn this in based in Austin, Texas. Working themselves in hot water. professionally with animals on a beautiful language by watching and day-to-day basis, Karen recognizes the “listening” to your dog. profound wisdom within their innate natures and combines practicality and Once you begin to recognize and understand calming signals, you can humor when writing about the fouruse them to “speak” to your dog in their language, building a magical bond legged kind. with your dog. On the flip side, it is the lack of understanding canine body language that often causes problems for our canine friends because sadly, Humans who fail to see calming signals are often misconstrued, causing detrimental damage to calming signals, sadly can the animal/human relationship. lose the bond with their pet. The next time you take your dog to play with his best friend…watch! Watch as they play and display a dance of signals to one another. Watch how they accelerate play and give signals to each other to decelerate play. Watch as they take breaks and offer play bows. Observe them using whale eye when they are overwhelmed during chase. See how they lift their paws when a new dog walks onto the scene. More importantly, pay attention to the dog at your next birthday or holiday party. Is your dog turning her head a lot when people crouch down to greet her? Licking her nose? Maybe you could do her a favor and put her in the bedroom for the evening. She is telling everyone she is stressed and you just might be the only ally who has decoded her language.
Check out some of the more common calming signals dogs use to communicate.
A yawn can often mean, “I’m kind of stressed and trying to calm myself down.”
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THE YAWN WHAT YOU SEE
WHAT THEY MEAN
DOESN’T MEAN
Wide mouth yawn. Looks like a human yawn.
I’m a bit stressed and working on calming down.
The dog is drowsy or tired.
LEARN MORE
Dogs will calm themselves by yawning. If your dog is just hangin’ at home or just woke up, she may be tired. But if you see a yawn that is out of context, like you’re on a walk and stop to chat with a friend, or taking a quick car ride, your dog is probably a little stressed by the current situation.
THE SHAKE OFF WHAT YOU SEE
WHAT THEY MEAN
DOESN’T MEAN
OK ... Now I’m good, no worries.
The dog is itchy, uncomfortable or wet.
Vigorous full body shake as if they’ve just gotten a bath.
LEARN MORE
The shake-off is mostly an energy release. When dogs stop during play, they often shake off to bring the energy level back down and encourage the others to calm down.
THE HEAD TURN WHAT YOU SEE
Head turns away, usually a full quarter turn.
WHAT THEY MEAN
DOESN’T MEAN
I’m quite nervous.
The dog is shy, apathetic, or maybe just stuck up.
LEARN MORE
Turning away and averting the eyes is a way to o avoid confrontation or bring a tense situation down n a notch. Even the most outgoing dogs will offerr this calming signal when stressed or facing new w situations. The head turn should not be met with h hugging. It means that the dog needs their space ass they are not very confident at that moment.
WHALE EYE WHAT YOU SEE
WHAT THEY MEAN
H Head turned away and a whites of eyes w sshowing in ccorner.
I’m confused and overwhelmed.
DOESN’T MEAN
LEARN MORE
The dog is guilty. Can be offered during play to slow things down. However, it is most commonly noticed when a person has crossed too far into a dog’s personal space, making the dog nervous. Dogs showing you a whale eye should be respected and given space to avoid a possible last-resort bite.
PAW LIFT WHAT YOU SEE
WHAT THEY MEAN
DOESN’T MEAN
LEARN MORE
One paw is slowly lifted and then help up.
I’m guardedly curious or confused, but pretty sure it’s OK
The dog has something in it’s paw.
There’s nothing wrong with ruling out a “sticker” in the paw, but generally the slow leg lift is a calming signal. It is often used during greetings. Grooming salons see a LOT of leg lifts during the bath.
TONGUE FLIP
Fall – Winter 2014
WHAT YOU SEE
WHAT THEY MEAN
Tongue quickly licks the end of their nose.
I’m very stressed.
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DOESN’T MEAN
LEARN MORE
The dog is This is a serious, last resort calming signal that hungry or his should be respected. The tongue flip is one of the nose is dry. most misunderstood of the calming signals and can come right before a last resort bite.
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WHAT’S UP DOC?
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by Dr. Abigail Smith
s a canine rehab vet, I get paid to play with dogs all day to trick them into exercising. I’m convinced that it’s the best job in the world! It’s rewarding and fulfilling, but lately, I felt like something was missing in my home life. Looking at our lone canine companion, Frances, I thought she might appreciate a play pal. My husband and I quickly decided to embark upon our newlywed lives by finding a furball for Frances. We adopted a dog. One of my rehab clients fosters dogs for a rescue in the Denver area. He brought his foster with him one day, and Franklin entered our lives (Franklin and Frances: yes, we are THOSE people). A year-old pit bull mix, Franklin embodied regality and strength at first sight. He and Frances were instant best friends, so we opened our home to him. We quickly realized that several things needed to change once we got home. Frances and Franklin became a hurricane of canine romping, and all of a sudden the items on top of the coffee table were in very real danger of no longer being on top of the coffee Dr. Abby Smith is enjoying her new table, our rugs were distributed adventures as a veterinarian, new bride and new mom for Franklin to new and different places on the …providing a floor, and the cats decided to reside “forever home” is under the bed. When it came time for a respite, Frances jumped up on the the true meaning of couch and promptly fell asleep. Franklin attempted to do the same, but his happiness and love! previously-noted stately composure vanished, as his puppy brain couldn’t fully coordinate his back legs in order achieve his comfy goal. As with any pet adoption, you don’t fully know what to expect when you bring your new furry friend home, but it’s always an adventure! A couple weeks have passed, and Franklin has made himself at home. We humans have adjusted to our new family member, the cats have emerged from under the bed but still disapprove, and Frances still wonders when this other dog will leave so she can have her humans to herself again. There have been minor and occasional “sibling rivalry” issues that we have dealt with. Together, though, Frances and Franklin have formed an alliance to rid the world of any fluff-filled toy; the battle remnants can be found strewn about our living room on a daily basis. Franklin has eaten a couple things to express his lingering puppyhood, and he still doesn’t know how to deftly control his gangly legs—he has yet to consistently master The Great Couch Obstacle. Our lives have changed a bit, but for the better, since embracing everything Franklin. His presence has brought warmth and joy to our hearts! Many of you know, dear readers, that rescuing a homeless animal can be the most rewarding experience m possible. As this holiday p season approaches, please pass s that message along to your t family and friends. Changing f a routine by adding a family member can be challenging, m but b providing a “forever Hangin’ out at the rehab center, Franklin acts home” is the true meaning of h as cheerleader for some of the dogs’ physical happiness and love! h therapy sessions.
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www.grandcompanions.org
Fall – Winter 2014
WHAT’S HAPPENING West Texas Food Bank
Pilots-n-Paws
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reg and Sundie Ellis make dreams come true. Greg, a Pilots N Paws volunteer pilot, flew from Fort Worth to Alpine early one morning to pick up darling little Diamant. Immediately turning around for the return trip, he transported her to her new Home Sweet Home. Way to be a HERO Greg, Sundie and all the Pilots-n-Paws volunteer pilots. Thank you! Pilots N Paws is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides a platform for collaboration for
those who h h rescue, shelter h l or foster animals, and volunteer pilots and plane owners willing to assist with the transportation of animals. For more information visit www.pilotsnpaws.org.
ur annual Fort Davis Antiques, Collectibles & Fun Stuff TENT SALE raised thousands for our pet programs this year. We give many thanks for the generosity of the good folks who wh donate fun and exceptional items to our thrift store throughout the year. yea We collect these treasures all year, setting them aside for y the special TENT SALE to raise funds to cover the costs of caring fu for fo Jeff Davis County strays. The highlights this year included: framed original i artwork, antique toys, a baseball collectables, vintage jewelry, quilts, clothing and furniture.
Fall – Winter 2014
For more than 20 fulfilling years, West Texas Food Bank’s mission has been the same: to alleviate hunger through community partnerships. “We bring nutritious eats to those who need them most, and we savor every scrumptious minute of it—we always will and we always have.”
Sweet Sale
Tent Sale
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rand Companions joined West Texas Food Bank once again in supporting their annual fundraiser in Midland. This year GC donated a full adoption package, including pre-adoption and post- adoption support for f Sweet Suite pup Titan who brought in T an a astounding $7,000 to t help raise funds to alleviate hunger. a
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ur Fort Davis Tent Sale expanded to Midland this year. As we’ve been working to get our Midland facility ready to open for business, we’ve received some fabulous donations from local Midland and Odessa supporters. So two weeks following the success of our Fort Davis Tent Sale, we held our first annual Furniture and Fun Stuff Sweet Sale at the future Midland Satellite, formerly the Midland SPCA. Sale goers were able to steal a sneak peek of our future satellite plans, and they helped us raise more than $5,000 to help cover costs for pets transferred from of our Midland and Odessa partners.
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WISHES
FOR OUR
CANINES
WISHES
FOR OUR
Kongs—small, medium & large
Kitty Kongs
Rawhide bones
Cat Chew Sticks
or Dough Doug Do Pill Masker or Flavor
ch pad Kitty scratch
WISHES
FOR A HOME FOR
HEX
WISHES
FOR
FELINES
SPAY/NEUTER
®
SPOT Stop Pet Overpopulation Today S
SPOT is a targeted Spay/Neuter assistance program for pets of Check out Hex’s video on Grand Companions YouTube Channel
economically-challenged residents. If you or someone you know needs assistance, you can download the SPOT Application at http://www.rompmarfa.org
ROMP NOW SERVES VISIT US
FORT DAVIS VETERINARY SERVICES Dr. Janet Greathouse Dr. David Taylor Pets – Horses – Ranch Animals 43441 Highway 17 South Fort Davis, TX 79734 (432) 426-3086
In Beautiful West Texas
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THESE
COUNTIES
Presidio * Brewster * Jeff Davis * Culberson
Grand Companions Humane Society Bi-annual Newsletter Fall—Winter 2014
Published 2 times a year by Grand Companions Humane Society P.O. Box 1156, Fort Davis, TX 79734 www.grandcompanions.org 432.426.3724 editor@grandcompanions.org For permission to reproduce any article, drawing or photograph in this publication please contact us for approval. Cover photo taken by Janet Greathouse.
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Fall – Winter 2014
FUNNIES FROM OUR FAMILY PETS the Barber Pack
W
e rescued Buster two days after Christmas last year and our little “foster” turned d into a loyal family member. He is the most sharing dog we have ever had.... This morning, waking a bit early, I caught him with his front paws on my desk. Thee night before I had left two dog biscuits on my desk. He took the first biscuit off my desk sk ... and to my utter amazement, he took the biscuit to his sister Munchkin who was sleeping eping on the oriental rug in the breakfast nook. He put the biscuit down right in front of her, r, raced back to the desk, helped himself to the second biscuit, and trotted off, taking his favorite rite place under the table to enjoy the spoils of his morning plunder :-).
continued from pg. 7
continued from pg. 5
LOVE
PIP
Mini was one of the best nurses I have ever had. Whenever either of us were sick or recovering from surgery, she would stay right by us and not leave our side. We lost Mini this past summer and miss her with heavy hearts. For two and a half years we were a three cat household when we adopted a little green eyed tortoise-shell colored kitten. When Grand Companions brought her in to be spayed, Jennifer, our Licensed Vet Technician, was cuddling with her before surgery and she commented she thought it was time to get an addition to our family. So once again, we adopted another Sweet Suite Grand Beatrice (alias: i pet from f d Companions. i Little B, BB) was a perfect fit for us. Little B joined the other two and is truly a “little clown in a cat suit”. Her joy for life is infectious. She makes us laugh all the time with her antics such as rummaging through a pile of freshly folded clean laundry, or jumping on the bed when it is being made in the morning. She loves to have the sheets and blankets thrown over her, then she runs in circles. We’ve been blessed with many canine and feline friends through the years, each one holding a special place in our hearts. Pets bring so much to our lives and I believe that they are truly gifts from God.
Although the attempt for pad regeneration was not successful, with the Vetrix® product, the Fort Davis Vets’ medical care, and Grand Companions continued treatments, good healthy tissue is slowly regrowing to give some protection for Pip’s legs. But even with this great new tissue growth, Pip needed something that would keep his still-healing wounds safe, but also allow him mobility to expand his world. Enter a generous supporter in Fort Davis whose beloved disabled dog had recently passed away. His K9-cart was sitting unused in the garage, gathering dust. She brought the cart up to Grand Companions and soon Pip was rolling around the shelter, leaving people and pets in his dust. Pip’s treatments continue, and his patience continues to amaze us all ll as he quietlyy and a kindly accepts ptss his daily bandage and bootie changes. With a heart as big as Texas and a will to thrive just st as a strong, we all wish for a happy app py home sweet home for our ur little trooper Pip.
Fall – Winter 2014
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HOME SWEET HOME TALES Dear GC, We renamed Sparkle. She is now Kate. Our dog, Bo, who is 4 years old, loves her to pieces, and Kate loves him too. They play, chase lizards and butterflies, and pretty much stick together inside the house and outside in the yard. Kate is becoming less timid. She enjoys going for a walk in the morning and is eating pretty good. I’ll try and send a picture of the two of them together. We are happy we adopted her. She really is a sweet little dog. Alpine Adopter
Dear Grand Companions, Everyone kept telling me that I didn’t need another dog, but I just couldn’t stop myself. Close quarters or not, Blade had t become one of to m fur babies and my Grand Companions m made that happen. So now he’s mine, all mine. I did change his name to fit in with the rest of my family. When h has his ears he u he looks like up, a bat, so I named h Murcielago him w which is Spanish f bat. Yes, I know for i a mouthful, so it’s I shortened it to Moose. It suits him very well because he’s big and still has a little goofiness to him and he tries to be a lap dog, which feels like a moose is sitting on you. We’re still working on his manners. Overall, he’s amazing, and I’m looking into having him trained as a service dog for me due to my PTSD. Thank you to everyone at GC for making this happen, he is wonderful Alpine Adopter
Dear Grand Companions, Jumbo is settling in nicely and starting to respond to his new name, Brewster. He and Bella are on the way to becoming best buds, and our mini schnauzer (not pictured) is taking her time and letting him know she’s not a puppy even though they’re the same size. : ) He’s a little afraid of the cats, they put him in his place quickly, lol, but are already having positive interactions. He’s eaten well and had no accidents in the house thus far and didn’t make a peep in his kennel last night! He is such a cuddle bug and literally the softest dog I’ve ever felt! We will keep you updated on his adventures, thanks again for working with our schedule and matching us with the perfect pup. Fort Worth Adopter
Dear Laura & Carey, Brigette is just beautiful—what a great lady! She is just a joy to have. She is doing will with our Penny, she has already had about 15 walks, they both walk very nice together. She eats & drinks just fine. (All her plumbing works fine also!) She fits in very well with our family. Our daughter already had matching scarves, toys & treats before Brigette (now Molly) even got home last night. Here is a funny picture of the 2 “sisters”…Please note:-Molly stole Penny’s bed & blanket and she is quite happy about it!! Penny is just happy to be near Molly… Thank you! Pittsburg Adopter
Confidentiality is of the highest importance to us, therefore, we do not publish the names of our adopters.
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www.grandcompanions.org
Fall – Winter 2014
COOTER’S CORNER
W
by Joe Ramsey
ell, dog gone it! Look et’ that. There goes another good hat.” I’d gotten in past sundown last night and, I’ll admit it, I was a bit starry eyed and hadn’t noticed my bummed up hat. Now, feelin’ the mornin’ chill, runnin’ late and pulling on my boots, I just know ol’ Bess ran into that fence to spite me ‘cause I was visitin’ past her turnin’ out time. But, man, the tumble she gave me was worth it. That new crew chief over yonder …. hooo, boy! She’s sumthin’. I’m still seein’ that face, the big black smudge runnin’ down …. “Whoo!” I jerked my head up, stunned out of my musings by a brutal assault on my nose “Durn it Cooter! What the heck? Where you been!? “Howdy, Boss!” I was out checkin’ the new youngins by the old Lacy place.” “Yeah, but what’s that smell!?” Cooter is dancing in his tracks. “Boss, you’re not going to believe what befell my eyes this mornin’. Mrs. 06 Boss, she has a new cow hand. And, Oooeeee! That’s a dog! Now, she ain’t like ….” Interruptin,’ makin’ a counter attack on behalf of my nose, “Yeah, yeah, but what’s that smell? You need to get yer rear outta here! “ “Well, boss,” Cooter proudly states, “I had to make an impression! This gal, she’s tiny but, wow, she’s built like a bull. And she ain’t like a regular cow dog. But, attitude ... she’s got that. Said she came from a place in town called Grand Companions – a place where folks go to pick up a canine sidekick. So, anyways, I dun found me the freshest, bestest pile of horse apples I could find and rolled, and rubbed, and slid all over those apples and …” “Now tell me somethin’ dog, why in the world do you think I would want to be informed of this?” Cooter, a bit put out, continues, “So I’d be irresistible. You outta know the first impression is the most important.” “Irresistible? As nasty as you are she’s gunna’ kick your stinkin’ tail to the bottom of Calamity Creek, is what she’s gunna do. Why do you think she’d like that?” Cooter’s got his hackles up a bit, “So she knows I’m The Man, maskin’ my ‘great hunter’ scent so I can take down my prey and provide for her – any dummy knows that!” Taking one last look in the mirror before headin’ out, thinkin’ I just might bump into that new crew chief, I slap a little Lucky Man Cologne on my face sayin,’ “Hmmm, seems strange but whatever you say pup.” Makin’ a production, Cooter sneezes, “What’s that you’re rubbin’ all over your face boss?” Slowly takin’ off my bummed up hat, I say, “Ya know what dog!?” Movin’ toward the door, Cooter mumbles, “What’s that, boss?” “You better find a bone to chew on right about now!”
Fall – Winter 2014
www.grandcompanions.org
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WEST TEXAS COWBOY CHRISTMAS photo by Laura Langham