Newest Addition

Here is the newest addition to Midwest Mastiff Rescue. He is approximately 2 1/2 years old and is a sweet boy. He was rescued December 21, 2009 and there will be more information and pictures to follow along with information on a new girl rescued today. If you would like to make a donation or foster any of your rescues please contact us at the links listed here on our blog. Happy Holidays!

Halloween Tips from ASPCA

Halloween can be a traumatic and even dangerous time for your pets. The ASPCA would like to offer some common-sense tips to help you protect them:
Don't leave your pets out in the yard on Halloween: there are plenty of stories of vicious pranksters who have teased, injured, stolen, even killed pets on this night.
Trick-or-treat candies are not for pets: chocolate is poisonous to a lot of animals, and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed.
Be careful of pets around a lit pumpkin: pets may knock it over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned.
Don't dress the dog in costume unless you know he loves it. Otherwise, it puts a lot of stress on the animal.
If you do dress up your dog, make sure the costume isn't constricting, annoying or unsafe.
Be careful not to obstruct his or her vision; even the sweetest dogs can get snappy when they can't see what's going on around them.
All but the most social dogs should be kept in a separate room during trick-or-treat visiting hours; too many strangers in strange garb can be scary for a dog.
Be careful your cat or dog doesn't dart out through an open door.
While this can be a fun time for people and pets alike, remember that your pets are depending on you to keep them safe from the more dangerous goblins and ghouls that this holiday brings.

Little Debbie is Looking for a Long Term Foster to Adopt

This is Little Debbie she is approximately 3 years old. She was found roaming a wooded area where she was dumped and she seemed to be living off of vegetation and bugs.

She is underweight and is gained a little weight since coming into rescue. She had a cyst removed from her front shoulder area,was spayed and both are healing nicely.

Debbie is a very sweet girl who wants to be loved. She is very affectionate and is so happy to finally have attention. It seems that she has never been on a leash and tends to pull a little when walking. She is a little timid when she first meets you but warms up quickly. She is need of a long term foster home to adopt. This will allow her to feel secure and completely heal physically and mentally. She is a very lovable, sweet natured mastiff looking for a wonderful loving family.

If you are interested in Little Debbie please contact tate5122@msn.com and visit our website at www.midwestmastiffrescue.org to complete an application.

Amelia is Looking for A FUREVER Home

Amelia is a female English Mastiff about three years old. She is very loving with women and she is a little shy towards men but does warm up nicely. She is a very sweet girl and gets along other dogs. Amelia is very playful and loves to be with her family. Amelia likes to go on walks and walks well on a leash and seems to have had some sort of training. She is in Indiana with her foster family.

Amelia is looking for a family with older children and a family who is very patient and just wants a great dog to love. Also, she will do very well with a companion to play with and learn from. If you are interested in Amelia please visit our website and complete an application or contact tate5122@msn.com. Please help us find Amelia a wonderful home.

Hi, My Name is Kada

Hi my name is Kada. I was left behind by my family possibly because of a divorce. My owners left me in the backyard and I had no food or water for a few days. My nice neighbors saw me in the backyard and they fed me, gave me water, and brought me inside. They called Midwest Mastiff Rescue to come get me. The neighbors said the owner was going to drive me to the country and drop me off. I can't imagine why since I have been with them since I was a baby. There must have been a mistake.

A volunteer with Midwest Mastiff Rescue picked me up and took me to his house. I got a much needed bath and I feel wonderful! My ears are infected but they are being worked on. They feel better now that the gunk is being cleaned out of them. I'm a very happy beautiful girl. I don't ask for much from anyone. I like to have my belly rubbed if at all possible. I tend to snort when you do this. I like to be around everyone but I am content having a roof over my head. I don't tear things up and I am a good girl. I am a mature woman so I won't tell you my age. Actually I don't know my age but I will have an idea after I go to the vet. One of the neighbors believes that I am 5. I LOVE riding around and I LOVE the wind in my face, mouth and the flapping of my tongue. If someone says "let's go" then I'm ready! I am good with puppies and I am adjusting to the other women (4 legged) here. The foster family was told that I'm good with cats. I do talk a lot just so you know. My foster family says that I am a no maintenance dog. I am potty trained and just happy being near you. Please consider adopting a mature gal like me.

XOXO

Kada

Lookout! Flea & Tick Season is Among Us!

Fleas are external parasites, living off the blood of mammals. Although fleas can be a problem for your pets all year, flea populations typically explode about 5 or 6 weeks after the weather starts to warm up.



Warning Signs that you dog or cat may have fleas!!
*Sratching/biting at their skin. Fleas bite-they hurt-your pet wants them off!

*If infested with fleas, your pet can become very nervous and annoyed.

*Black Specks on your pet's skin or in your dog's or cat's bed may be "flea dirt"--the fecal matter from adult fleas. This can be usually seen more easily on a pets back or belly area.


Ticks are blood feeding external parasites of mammals, birds, and reptiles throughout the world. Ticks prefer to live in woods, tall grass, weeds and brush. They climb onto low vegetation and attach to suitable hosts which pass by, including pets and people. When they detect vibrations and chemical cues such as host odors or exhaled carbon dioxide, ticks will fall from their perch or stretch out (holding on to their perch with only 2 or 4 of their rear legs) and hope to snag or attach onto a passing host. Ticks are also capable of detecting shadows cast by a passing host.


Be careful! Ticks can be dangerous to both pets and humans. Many ticks carry bacteria and disease such as: Lyme Disease, Ehrlichiosis and/or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Prevention:
Help prevent your pet from having problems with fleas & ticks by using preventative products which can be pruchased from your vet, or local pet stores, such as: Frontline, Advantage, K9 Advantix, Bio-Spot. Ask your vet which is right for your pet.

If your pet already has fleas/ticks: Many of these same products are also used to treat flea infestations. You also need to treat your home, pet's bedding and living area, along with your car (esp. if you transport your pet with fleas).

For a more natural remedy, Shear Paradise offers ALL-NATURAL, NON-TOXIC flea and tick baths too. (no dips or pesticides)
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Cash

Cash is 18 months old and he was rescued from a pound in Indiana. After a little digging we determined Cash was hit by a car and dumped by his owner. He has permanent damage to the left side of his body but he is not letting this put him down. Cash has a beautiful spirit and is planning on enjoying life. Cash was recently neutered and in June he will have surgery on his leg. Midwest Mastiff Rescue received a donation to help offset a lot of the medical expenses for Cash.

There are so many wonderful people out there willing to donate money to help with medical and living expenses. We are so grateful for all the help we receive. If you would like more information regarding volunteer opportunities please check out our website and complete a volunteer application.

A Forever Family for Addyson

Here is a special note from Addyson's new family.

After much soul searching, and even more researching, we decided an English Mastiff would certainly fit the bill, as an addition to our family. We began looking, all the time our beloved German Shepherd Dog Zues, was slipping away to DM (spinal paralysis). Zues took to a wheelchair very well, and even though at 12 ½ years old, and knowing he had had a good long life, it was still a devastating shock when he passed away in our arms – that boy had such heart!



I began looking in earnest. Even though my husband said he just wasn’t ready – I wrote breeders, went to dog shows – then after much talking, we decided to look to someone who REALLY needed a home – a rescue dog. This, was going to be hard, we both knew, with our somewhat unusual lifestyle – a 9 year old cat, 2 horses, 2 miniature donkeys, and 15 chickens. Although we wanted to share our life and give a home to someone who needed it, we both knew an older dog would be a HUGE challenge, and potentially a dangerous situation.



Then who did I see but Little Miss Addyson. A PUPPY Mastiff! Holy Smokes, we couldn’t believe it! Against all odds, but with all our heart, we applied to be considered, and with God at our back, and Addyson’s foster Mom Jean at our front, we finally went to pick her up.



We’ll never be able to thank Mid-West Mastiff Rescue enough for such a joyful addition to our family. From the first moment we saw her online, we knew she was our baby – and thankfully she now is. Jean, the foster Mom, did such a wonderful job, that made Addyson’s transition to yet another home not all THAT scary. She was such a good girl, and adjusted surprisingly quickly. One thing that was so nice, is that Jean let us know up front all about her, and questioned us extensively to make sure that a good fit was being made.



For all of you who may have also seen Little Miss Addyson and surely wanted her, I can tell you that this little girl is SO loved – not only by her forever Mommy and Daddy, but also by her little 9 year old rescue cat that adores her (and after thoroughly cleaning her face every night sleeps with her) – two Andalusian Stallions that are amused at her puppy antics and gently put up with her puppy play time, 2 miniature donkey brothers that calmly watch as she wants to play SO badly with them, and 15 chickens that have decided they’ve now got an exercise coach that will keep them in shape.



This little girl is already loved by all the storekeepers in our small town, and has adapted so well, it’s like she was born here. Kudo’s to Shirley and all of the people at Mid-West Mastiff Rescue – and especially Jean, our little girls foster mom. You can be assured that these wonderful people truly care about the charges and responsibilities they accept, and want only the best for these little souls that deserve a forever home.



Thanks guys, for giving us our little girl. She is a joy and light to our lives – and reminds us to find joy in everything – even when you get an unexpected snowstorm after you’ve already plowed your garden (grin) – (if you’d like to see a silly video of Addyson, go to www.proshowgold.com , and click on the tab called ‘sharing’, then click on ‘member name’ and type in LatitudeAndalusians – Addyson’s video is the first one)

Thanks so much to our wonderful foster and adoptive families.

Happy Tails for Sunshine

Sunshine was adopted by a great family here in Indiana. She now has four human brothers and sisters as you can see above. The kids have a very special relationship with her since she was the first dog they were able to pick out. Sunshine watches cartoons with the kids, plays ball in the backyard, plays tag and chase. "She is everything you could want in a dog and everything a kid could want in a companion" says Kelly.

I asked the family why adopt. After losing one of their beloved mastiffs Maddie to bone cancer, their male Manstein, became very depressed. This was the main reason they started looking for another mastiff. They were very saddened to see all the dogs in rescue. The families’ pet sitter often told them stories about dogs, and other animals for that matter, that she would rescue or foster. Because of this, they looked harder into rescue and found us.

As you can see Sunshine has more love and attention she could ever ask for.

These mastiffs are a treasure for wonderful families like Sunshine's. We appreciate the great families who open their hearts and homes to foster or adopt.

If you would like to see more of our available mastiffs please go to our website or click on the Adopt a Mastiff link.

Happy Hendricks

Location: Indiana

Hendricks is a 1 1/2 year old, reverse brindle mastiff. He was surrendered to a local pound.

Hendricks is adjusting nicely to his foster home and is extremely loving to the teenager in the foster family. He is getting along really well with the family pets and we're on clear about his attitude towards cats but he doesn't seem to have a prey drive.

Hendricks is getting settled into his foster home and receiving a nice warm bath and clean bed to sleep in. Hendricks is happy go lucky and is just looking for a loving family to take care of him.

Hendricks will be going to the vet very soon for his check up and neutered.

If you are interested in Hendricks please complete an adoption application.

Update on Addyson- PENDING ADOPTION

Here are a few things Addyson's foster mom had to say about her.

Addyson is working on house breaking, and it's going great. Her foster mom is working on leash walking and she is very good on a leash unless another dog comes around and then she is a little skittish and tries to hide.

Addyson loves playing with her foster brothers, Eddie a 4 year old mastiff and Brooksie a 4 1/2 year old lab. She is especially fond of Eddie and they are always romping around. Addyson does stop (at least briefly) when commanded. She has also become very fond of the neighbor mastiff that she goes on walks with. The neighbor mastiff comes over and Addyson and her foster brothers all play in the yard together.

Addyson is crate trained and willingly goes to her crate when it is time for bed with a small treat. She does not whine at night nor does she have accidents in her crate. Her foster mom takes her out one time during the night and usually has to wake Addyson up to go.

Addyson doesn't mind bath time either. She sits very calmly until bath time is over. She is such a joy and has a great disposition. Addyson is very loving, trusting of people and kids, and once she knows the dog she is their new best friend.

Addyson's new family will be required to have a physical fence no invisible fencing will be accepted. She will need obedience training to build her confidence and bond with her owner. There will be a $ 50 refundable deposit that will be returned upon proof of obedience training.

WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ADDYSON. Please visit our website for other available mastiffs. Thank you!

Addyson from Indiana- PENDING ADOPTION

Addyson is a five month old surrendered to MMR due to finanical hardship. The economy is affecting the lives of pets as well as humans.

Addyson isn't available just yet because she needs to be vetted and spayed. There will be a $ 50.00 non-refundable deposit for obedience training in addition to her adoption fee.

WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ADDYSON. THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR INTEREST.

Cancer Warning Signs For Your Pet

Cancer is the No. 1 killer of dogs and cats in the US, and was responsible for nearly 20,000 animal health insurance claims last year, according to Veterinary Pet Insurance.

The most common forms of cancer in dogs included lymphosarcoma, which affects the lymph node system; skin tumors; and osteogenic sarcoma, or bone cancer. Similarly, cats suffer from lymphosarcoma and skin tumors.
Early detection is key, according to Dr. Carol McConnell, director of vet relation for VPI. "It's necessary for pet owners to take their furry family friends for annual checkups and to regularly examine their pets for warning signs." she says.

According to VIP, early warning signs of cancer include:
-Growing lumps and bumps
-sores that don't heal
-Discharge or bleeding from any body opening
-Weight loss despite normal appetite and activity
-Going more than a day or two without eating
-Demonstrating an unusually excessive appetite
-Drinking an excessive amount of water, urinating frequently
-Difficulty in chewing or swallowing
-An unusually bad smell coming from the pet
-Fatigue and unwillingness to exercise.

If your dog exhibits one or more of these symptoms- consult with your regular vet.

Abbey Found a Home

Miss Abbey was adopted! Abbey's new family previously adopted a female from Midwest Mastiff Rescue. Abbey took so well to the other female mastiff and made an instant connection with the family. It was a happy day for Abbey and her foster mom.

Please visit us at www.petfinder.com to see more of our mastiffs.

Happy Tails for Goliath

Goliath has gone to a wonderful home in upper Michigan. He bonded very quickly with their three children and he loves his new dad and mom. Goliath will soon begin obedience classes. We are so happy to have helped another wonderful Mastiff find a forever home.

Many Happy Tails

The holidays were a special time for Tonya, Deuce, Maddy and Diamond all four were adopted and are now in their happy homes. Check back for updates and pictures from their new families.