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Houston Lab Updates - 11-13-00

This will be a long message, as it has been a while since you all have heard how we are doing down here in Texas with all of the Labs. The health and well being of the 'kids' is really good now. Everyone is up in weight, most all are heartworm negative now, think we have 3 left to treat, and with the exception of about 8 boys left to be neutered, all are ready for new homes. Some of you might not have heard that I fell and broke my ankle the end of September, requiring surgery, complete with pins, screws, a plate and anything else they could find to hold me together. This put a tremendous amount of extra work on Dick and some of the other volunteers. Everyone came together and took over many of my 'chores' to get us through this. Several Labs were sent to foster homes from our bedroom to make room for my clumsy maneuvering of my wheelchair. At about this time, the torrential rains hit and the dog area became a mud plain. Gravel was brought into the runs just in time so the 'kids' wouldn't have to put up with a muddy pen. We had several of them begin limping, but it was quickly decided their feet weren't tough enough to handle the gravel. We were right. It only took about 4 or 5 days and the limping subsided. This brings us up to where we are today.

Splash, Saffron, Lucky, Jordan, Jed, Harmony, GiGi, Ebony, D.B., Chance, Babs and Adam have been adopted. Five of these have been taken home by volunteers. Dick and I have adopted Adam. He is such a loving boy and has lived in our home since we took him in. I had been thinking about keeping him, but Dick is the one who actually said, 'Lets Do It!' So, he will be known as 'Appylands Adam. We have other volunteers who have their names on dogs and will be taking them home as soon as the neutering or heartworm treatment is done.

Our little 'Gretta' has gone to the Bridge. She lived out her days with a wonderful lady, Lindsey, who spent every hour with her. Lindsey works at the Vet's where Gretta was treated and she took her to work every day. I received a call from Lindsey a few days before Gretta died and Gretta was running with Lindsey's dogs and going up and down the stairs. I believe Gretta was saying goodbye in her own way and letting Lindsey know that it was okay. She would be just fine.

Ebony, the little girl who almost died from complications with the mastitis, is a very healthy young Lab who I am sure will drive her new owners nuts. But they assure us she is exactly what they want.

Splash is going to work everyday with his new 'dad who works in construction. Harry has promised pictures of Splash in 'his' hardhat.

For those still here at 'Appyland, they aren't complaining. They get a lot of attention from their 'humans', volunteers, every day. Many, many hugs and walks. They have a dry, warm place to sleep in inclement weather and plenty of food in their tummies. They have blankets, towels, kongs with peanut butter and goodies, toys, bones, etc. to keep them happy. Added to these are 11 goats to chase for Jordan and Slick who have given a new meaning to the Versatile Labrador. They are great herding dogs also. We have several in foster care who are loving every day of their lives, a big contrast from two months ago. We have been very impressed with the tolerant temperament of these dogs since we brought them here. All of them have been good with humans, a couple a bit grumbly with other dogs, but overall they know how to coexist with each other. They lived as a 'pack' before we got them and it would seem the society of the pack has given them a very good start for adjusting to most any way of life. We have had volunteers taking pictures and the latest ones will, hopefully, be up on the web very soon. The rains have put a hold on so many things.

Our dogs who are in foster homes are being trained and enjoying some bed time as well as taking long walks and swims. The dogs who were in the group who were never here at 'Appyland are doing well also. We found a number of them and just this past week heard from another. They are all in good homes and we are staying in contact so we are able to help if needed.

All of us at the Heart of Texas Lab Rescue agree this rescue is successful because of all of the help we have had from our Texas friends. We have had the support and assistance from Veterinarians, training facilities and multiple breed and mix breed rescue groups offering their expertise in any area we might need them. And, we want to emphasize again, that this rescue could not have been done successfully without the kindness of all of you, throughout our nation and around the world who sent not only donations, but your love and caring support. You have our deepest gratitude and the gratitude of all of the Labs who are so healthy and happy because of you. As time goes on, we will have more updates, hopefully sooner than the last ones, and pictures of each of the dogs. If you come through Austin, give us a call, we would love to meet you.

Bye for now, and God Bless,

Luanne

November 13, 2000