Safehaven Small Breed Rescue

    Many people ask us "why do you do this?"  The answer is simple, their stories are below.

 Am I your puppy's mommy?

   This little Angel was rescued from a puppy mill where she was bred regardless of her twisted legs, deformed jaw, heart murmur and small size.  Her owner only cared about the profits from her puppies, not her health or wellbeing.  She was matted to the skin and had multiple sores and infections, but she is a trooper and gets better every day.  Don't let this little girl fool you.  She has the heart of a lion and is now finding out about soft beds, sunshine and fresh air, and plenty of canned food,  she has no teeth.                      

      Even though our goal is to place our rescues into forever homes, some dogs, like Angel, may be with us for as long as they live.  We have promised her that she would never see the inside of another cage, she would always have as soft bed to sleep on, her medical needs would be addressed, she can have Little Cesar's every day if she wants, and most of all, she will be loved.

           Designer Dogs with Designer Problems . . .

      A design that failed. . . Meet Sam.  He is a Bichon Maltese cross with sweet disposition.  A little over two years old, Sam is a puppy at heart, he loves to play, and wants to be near his people all of the time.  Sounds like a great dog, right.  Well, Sam has many congenital defects, he needs surgery on his eye lids, as soon as possible, to prevent any further vision loss, his right knee has a permanently dislocated knee cap, his femurs are deformed, and has severely deformed joints of his left leg.   But don't let all of this scare you.  About the only thing Sam can't do is climb stairs.  Sam doesn't let it get him down.  He has such a will to thrive, that we have to do all we can to help him.

     We may see Sam as handicapped, but Sam doesn't see it that way, he's just a happy dog, waiting for that special someone, a forever home, to call his own.

  Meet Abigail, a five year old shih tzu, who has the worst allergies our vet has ever seen.  She is allergic to all topical flea products, wheat, nylon collars or material, and probably a few more things that we haven't found yet.

 Abigail is on constant medication to help with the irritation, and we have begun to cook venison and brown rice for her.  It has been about a week and her skin does not seem to be as sore and red. This diet seems to be working well,  as long as the deer meat holds out. 

Able to rest. . .although the medication tends to make her sleepy, she can use the rest.    Abigail's medical costs to date $436.00.   She is not up for adoption until we can get her a little healthier.

          Hi there!   I had a lot of problems when I first came to Safehaven.  I had sores on my feet, puss in my eyes, and I didn't trust anyone.  But I soon learned that life here was pretty good.  I saw a vet who found out that I had allergies, and with a change in my diet and some medicine, I felt great.  The people showed me that I didn't have to be afraid anymore.  They taught me to walk on a leash, how to be housebroken, and most of all, how to accept love.

Once I had all of my vaccinations and had been neutered, it was time to find just the right home for me.  And they did!  I lived at Safehaven for over a year, and it was a little sad to leave, but I now have my very own family who loves me and spoils me rotten!

       Aren't I the most handsome fella you ever saw?  Well, maybe not, but I didn't deserve to be put to sleep because I'm older, have no teeth and am cross-eyed.  After 10 years, my family decided they didn't want me anymore.  At my age, my chances of being adopted from a shelter was slim.  Then the shelter called Safehaven, and they didn't hesitate in taking me in.  They put me on a diet, which I didn't like much at first, but I have lost some extra weight and I feel better now.  I can go for long walks now and I don't get out of breath or start coughing anymore.

    I may be a little spoiled, but at my age, I deserve it!  I have a second chance to prove that even though I'm a little different, I can still be a loyal and loving family member.

      Many of the dogs who come through our doors are transfered from high-kill shelters and pounds.  Many have health problems, trust issues, or are just older unwanted dogs.  Some are blind, some are deaf, and some just choose not to listen. These dogs, through no fault of their own, were condemed to die.  We at Safehaven believe that every dog deserves a chance to live out their life in comfort, and that thereis a home for ever dog.

     These dogs are fully vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and any medical issues are dealt with.  Once they are as healthy as they can be, they are put up for adoption and can be viewed on our website  www.safehavenfoster.petfinder.com

    Caring for senoir and handicapped dogs is time consuming and expensive.  We recieve no federal or government funding and rely on donations and fundraisers to pay for veterinary care.