The Power of Love & Fospice
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The term fospice, a combination of foster and hospice, is used when a dog is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Just like with human hospice the goal is to keep the dog comfortable, happy and provide a caring home for their final days. This is the extraordinary story of a fospice dog named Frieda.
On the 4th of July 2014 a sweet wiggly little chihuahua snuck out of her home. She was struck by a car and her pelvis fractured. When her family was faced with thousands of dollars in surgery bills, they decided to surrender her to a shelter. She was left there broken and nameless.
Nine days later GDR stepped in, took over her care and named her Frieda. Under supervision from GDR’s vet, Frieda was prescribed 4-6 weeks kennel rest in hope that her injury would heal without extensive surgery. As is often the case with small dogs, the kennel rest worked its magic and Frieda was placed in foster for some much needed rest and recovery.
By September, Frieda was ready for her spay surgery. At that time, the vet discovered a mammary lump. They removed 3 mammary glands which were biopsied and sent for testing. The results showed Frieda had malignant cancer. GDR was hopeful the cancer was successfully removed but unfortunately, by April 2015, Frieda developed a lesion and a 2nd surgery was needed to remove 2 additional mammary glands. As things did not seem hopeful, we made the hard decision to classify Frieda as a fospice dog.
She went to live with a lovely lady named Luz near the Russian River and under her care, Frieda flourished. A year went by without any new lesions and her X-rays showed her to be metastases free! So, with a miraculous clean bill of health, Frieda was made available for adoption! While the search was on for Frieda’s forever family she moved in with Betty, a dog walker from San Francisco and was having a great time! She was a regular at Stern Grove and quite the star at GDR adoptions events. But with her medical history, people were hesitant to adopt her.
Finally, on February 1st of 2018 Frieda received her very own forever home! She was adopted by a wonderful lady named Ruth. But shortly after, Ruth noticed Frieda was starting to develop bald patches. After several rounds of tests Frieda was diagnosed with lymphoma. Betty offered to take her in once more, but Ruth and Frieda had already fallen in love and together in their forever home is where Frieda belonged! It’s been over a year since her adoption and although once again classified as a fospice dog, she is still going strong! With her big heart and tiny body, she has overcome so many obstacles, injuries and setbacks in her life. Frieda just keeps on fighting and will continue to live out her days surrounded by love and giving just as much love in return.
Being a fospice parent can be a rewarding chance to give love and kindness to a dog who may never have had a happy home to call their own. If this is something you might be interested in please let us know.
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The Force is Strong with Mimi!
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Yes, Mimi is as cool as she looks. And yes, those are her own ears! She is often confused with Yoda and must hide from paparazzi! This adorable Chihuahua-mix will win you over as she gazes into your eyes with complete and total adoration. Mimi falls in love often and intently! Why not let her fall in love with you?
If you are interested in learning more about Mimi or to fill out an adoption application just
click on this link!
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Adoption Spotlight: Mikey
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Mikey showed up as a stray at the Sonoma County Shelter in 2013 and again in 2018. When his owners couldn’t be found a 2nd time, he was taken in by GDR and placed in a foster home. Jess was searching for the right dog to adopt; a pint-sized, laid back adult dog who was up for being a constant companion. Jess inquired with GDR about a different dog who turned out not to be available. But the inquiry filtered through the GDR network to Michelle who thought Jess and Mikey would be a perfect match! A meetup was planned and Jess made a long trip out to see Mikey in person. They hung out for a little while getting to know each other but truly, Jess fell in love immediately! Mikey was adopted and went to live with Jess in his new forever home!
Mikey and Jess were commuting from Oakland to SF on BART, doing the office job thing. But in October 2018 they gave up their apartment, their job and their commute to embarked on an adventure! Jess and Mikey set off on a 3-month trip across the US to Europe, Columbia and Mexico; 10 countries in total. Globetrotting with a dog can be a challenge but with some new traveling skills under their belts (or dog collar, in Mikey’s case) they learned to go with the flow and enjoy the journey. While most of the trip was dog friendly Mikey did get to sneak into a few hostels, museums and cathedrals while snuggled in his carrier under Jess’ coat.
The jet-setters are back home but you can follow Mikey’s Instagram account where he chronicled the trip and continues to post about his daily life, with a little help from Jess. @tinymikeyjordan When asked about favorite memories from the trip Jess recalls that Mikey seemed to brighten so many people’s day, just by being so easy going and his little chill self. To anyone thinking about adopting a rescue dog Jess says; “This dog will change your life for the better! In ways you cannot even know. If you rescue a dog, they will end up rescuing you!”
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Please send us your GDR
alumnus story to share in a future newsletter!
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Training Tips: On Leash Dog Reactivity
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There are types and degrees of this problem. But, if your dog lunges, barks, or growls when they see or get near another dog while on leash, they’ve got some issues to deal with. It is best to have a dog savvy person do this with you at the beginning if possible, particularly if the problem pops up with almost every dog you pass. They will also be able to determine if your dog is just anxious, or wants to play, or is aggressive. (The following method is not suitable for aggressive dogs.)
First- turn off your phone and no chatting as you will need to be more observant than your dog. Start in an area you don’t normally walk in as that could be a trigger for bad behavior. Have some exceptional treats with you but don’t use them yet. Keep your dog close to you, not out in front as fearful dogs become even more nervous away from you and try to keep a loose leash if possible.
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When you first see a dog coming, move out of the way a good distance, stop, and ask for a “sit” if that is possible. Hold your treat close to the dogs’ nose and move it around to attract their attention. Speak in a slow, quiet, voice. You will have to eventually give your dog the treat or they will decide you aren’t going to produce, and that the approaching dog is more interesting. The idea is to keep attention away from the “threatening” dog until it is safely past and if your dog behaved well, give them some “happy talk” and another treat. Keep repeating this exercise until your dog starts to stay relaxed at the sight of another dog. Some dogs “get it” in 30 minutes, but others can take many sessions. Eventually, you will be able to keep walking and only use a quiet reassuring voice until you are in the clear and then produce a great treat and praise.
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GDR would like to highlight an amazing volunteer! Vanessa has been fostering with us for 5 years and in that time, she has helped to care for, love and prepare for adoption at least 6 dogs. Vanessa had the idea to start fostering to help ease the grief her mother was experiencing after the loss of her beloved Jack Russell. Vanessa thought she would try fostering a dog first and maybe her mom would be open to the idea as well. Vanessa then realized how rewarding fostering can be, as she watched her first foster dogs open up and blossom. Then, as they were adopted and went off to great families, that made room for her to foster another dog and save another life. Vanessa’s human family is growing as well! She and her boyfriend have just welcomed baby Noah to the world. When asked how she makes time for her family and fostering Vanessa replied “What’s 1 more poop to clean up or 1 more dinner to make? I’m doing it anyway, might as well do 1 more. Dogs are just as grateful as any person! They have so much love to give.”
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Grateful Dogs Rescue was featured twice on BayWoof in April! Click on the links below to read the full articles at BayWoof.com.
Doggie in the Window article
featuring Skeeter, Manny, Sheba, Daisy, Lilly, Mimi and Raggedy Ann – Sheba and Mimi are stilll available for adoption through GDR.
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GDR is an all-volunteer group! There are many ways you can help:
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Foster
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Transport
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Home checks
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Photographing our dogs
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Help spread the word by sharing our available dogs on
your social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,
NextDoor
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Or you can make a donation!
Donations are our life’s blood and are always put to good use! Almost all our funds go to pay veterinary bills. Your donations help rescue dogs receive basics care like vaccinations, spay/neuter procedures and help with more extensive medical needs such as dental cleanings, treating skin problems and major surgeries.
Donations can be made via PayPal, check or cash. Some employers will match your donation; check with your HR department!
Do you shop on Amazon? Then sign up for
Amazon Smile and designate GDR as your preferred charity.
GDR receives 0.5% of the cost of your eligible purchases.
Did you know that Facebook has birthday fundraisers? Two weeks before your birthday FB will ask you if you want to dedicate your birthday to support a cause, requesting donations instead of gifts.
Please select Grateful Dogs Rescue!
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Grateful Dogs Rescue
PO Box 411013
San Francisco, CA 94141
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