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Tax-deductible monetary gifts can be mailed to: P.O. Box 364 Wood Dale, IL 60191
--Lisa
Our 9th year of operations posed more fundraising challenges as the sick, injured, neglected and abused dogs and puppies came in one after the other. So far 2010 has already posed many new challenges. Our tick borne illness diagnosis, treatment and research continues and dogs and puppies are coming into our care infected with Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma and Rocky Mountain spotted fever or the combination of two or three. We are also now going to try and test all the new dogs with a new blood test for Babesia--another tick borne illness we know we have missed in the past. We are also contacting former adopters in hopes that they will also do serology testing as a huge percentage of our old adoptees are showing they are infected. We are also conducting a few case studies with dogs that are being treated for heartworm disease with tick borne illness co infections. So far the data on Brandon will be helpful in educating veterinarians with the optimum treatment protocols for dogs with these life threatening issues.
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Blanch was rescued last fall and treated 8 weeks for Ehrlichia and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. As our research is showing--that was not a long enough course of antibiotics and we will also be testing her for Babesia soon. Thanks to the Good family for taking such great care of her :O).
Recently we discovered she has a few mammary masses and will be undergoing surgery to have them removed. We are starting to see a link between our Pink Ladies with mammary cancer and tick borne illnesses. A former volunteer--Lindsey Miller-- had some insight into this discovery. "Hey Lisa- I read on your website about dogs with tick bourne illness developing mammary cancer. I think there are rational mechanisms that could link these two conditions. Cancer and tumors result from mutations or changes to the genetic code, the DNA. When these changes exist they can alter or disrupt protein function. For a cell to become cancerous there are numerous mutations that have taken place. There are a lot of checks and balances in each cell and each of these needs to be disrupted before cancer can occur. Each time a cell divides there is an opportunity for another mutation to exist. Cancer cells are those that have accumulated mutliple mutations that have given them growth advantage and allowed them to stop responding to normal signally- these are cells that have gone rogue. Estrogen is related because it stimulates breast cells to divide thereby increasing the number of cells containing mutations and increases the number of times these cells have divided (more opportunities for mutations)
The immune system is involved because the immune system is able to detect and destroy these cells before they become dangerous. Often times mutations will affect proteins located on the cell surface. The immune system should recognize abnormal proteins and destroy that cell. If the immune system is impaired there is a greater chance it will not destroy the abnormal cell as it should.
I do not think this interaction has been clearly demonstrated. This is just a basic/simplified review of cancer and the immune system."
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Mandilyn is a beautiful Black and White American Field Bred English Pointer that was in danger of being put to sleep in an overcrowded shelter in Southern Illinois. A wonderful rescuer pulled her to safety and gave her a safe place to stay while she had her puppies on November 21st. On December 12th, Mandi with girls in tow, were flown via Pilots and Paws to Ohio for permanent foster care. Sadly, Mandilyn has Heartworm disease and had a huge tapeworm that caused her to be dehydrated all the time while nursing her girls Harmonica (adopted), Tamborine and Clarinette (adopted). Now that the girls are weaned, Mandi finally was able to get the medication to get rid of her intestinal parasite and she is also starting her pre-heartworm regimine of Heartgard plus to start killing the Heartworm larve and also doxycycline to help with the Wolbachia bacterium.
UPDATE 03-07-10 Mandi and her girls came to Chicagoland over the weekend. Clarinette and Harmonica were adopted locally and Mandi was moved to her new foster home so that we could finally get her heartworm treatment started. Sadly--under closer examination--it was discovered that Mandi has a few masses in her mammaries and a few suspicious tumors on her body. Another intact female, overbred with mammary cancer--not again. SSIIGGGHHHH...
Nothing IBR can't handle--I suppose. Mandi's foster mom is also dealing with breast cancer and is so brave. She is a single mother of 3 kids going through chemotherapy. God love her for still opening her home to one of IBR's special needs dogs. Thank you Noreen and family. I hope they can all love on each other for comfort.
We welcome any donations to off set the medical bills for Miss Mandilyn.
Meet Winslow Homer! He is our latest Old Geezer rescue pooch. Homer was in an over-crowded shelter near Heath, Ohio when we saw his sad photos. He was depressed, not eating and in danger of being put to sleep. Thankfully an IBR volunteer was able to pull him to safety and so far he is doing GREAT! Look he is all smiles!! As he went to the vet 3-08 for an exam, and blood work, we will know what shape he is in soon. Here is his photo album on Facebook. Please also visit our Geezers & Grannies section to see some of our very special senior dogs looking for a place to rest their heads in their golden years.
 Serafina in Arkansas--overbred and sickly. |
 Serafina today--Life is GOOD! |
In February of 2006, in one weekend, we brought in 20+ dogs from the Boat Mountain Tragedy. It's hard to believe this was 4 years ago--but I'll never forget all those frightened dogs and puppies arriving off of Erin's truck and running around my garage and backyard. Many are still living the good life--just like Miss Serafina Balerina--that lives 8 blocks from my home now :O).
 Time to eat!! |
 Naptime!! |
Valentine and her Sweathearts (that were born around January 26th) were recently rescued from an overcrowded shelter in Oklahoma. So far Momma and babies are doing well, however tick panel shows Valentine also has Rocky Mountain spotted fever. We will begin her treatment once the pups are weaned. A transport via Pilots and Paws volunteers is in the works and we hope to move our new little family to foster care soon. We believe the puppies are most likely mixed with Border Collie, Australian Shepherd or Australian Cattledog--so Pointing dogs that herd! Mom could also have some herding breed mixed in her--hence long and short haired puppies!! The kids will be available for adoption after their first vaccination at nine weeks--so around the first weekend in April.
Our little Star Wars Sweethearts can be seen in the Dogs for Adoption section.
Here is some recent video of Valentine and her babies now in foster care after their long journey from Oklahoma on 2-25-10. Thanks to Sondra and family keeping them safe in foster care.
So far Momma and babies are doing well, however tick panel shows Fannie Mae has Rocky Mountain spotted fever and giardia. Sadly on January 26th, Fannie lost two more of her babies. She is so malnourished and dealing with so many health issues that she wasn't producing enough milk for all her babies. Attempts to supplemental feed didn't help either and the two littlest ones just weren't strong enough to survive. The foster family is devastated by the sad loss but are doing their best to help Fanny eat round the clock and get better and so far the remaining six puppies are hanging in there. She is a wonderful momma and is attentive as can be. We do welcome any donations to offset her care.
UPDATE 02-28-10 The Chocolate Candy litter is now 5 weeks old and sadly we lost little Truffle. She became ill during the week and while at the doggie ER, she had a seizure and needed to be let go. The foster family is incredibly sad about the loss of another puppy. The rest of the kids are thriving and can be seen in the Dogs for Adoption section.
 Brandon on point. |
 Donneigh on point. |
On Valentine's day, IBR foster families and adopters met at Fermi Lab in Batavia, IL to do some upland bird testing. IBR volunteer and amateur photographer Yukiko McFarling helped get some amazing photos. Both boys featured above have battled some terrible health issues. Brandon, Field Bred Setter, is recovering nicely from Heartworm disease and is still undergoing treatment for Lyme disease. Donneigh, Field bred Pointer, recently completed treatment for Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF).
Both boys suffered neglect and were not protected against ticks with monthly flea and tick preventative. Monthly Heartgard or Interceptor would have prevented Brandon's heartworm disease. Both also had behavior issues due to their illnesses as both Lyme disease and RMSF causes brain damage, OCD behavior and hyperactivity, joint pain, anxiety and many other life threatening issues. Tick borne illnesses also affect dog's sensory capabilities and until treatment, both Brandon and Donneigh probably weren't able to smell the upland birds. We do believe that many infected birddogs are dumped in shelters across the country as they are struggling with tick borne illnesses and can't hunt at no fault of their own.
 Facebook Flyer |
IBR adopter, Greg Holden is donating a 1 week 1 bedroom TIME SHARE in the Big Easy (New Orleans) as a raffle prize to help us raise some much needed funds. SAWEET!!!
Greg states: "The 1 bedroom usually has an additional hide a bed in the unit. They typically sleep 4. I have always found it best to travel at off peak times to improve the chance of being able to select the resort that you want. The week will have to be booked by me and I will provide a guest certificate for the use of the week. This will be available for all of 2010 and 2011. That's nice, the winners will have 2 years to use the week." We are hopeful we can raise a few thousand dollars to help with Sasparilla's surgery and Mandi's heartworm treatment.
TICKET PRICES ARE THE FOLLOWING: |
Winner will be picked May 5, 2010
GOOD LUCK!!!
Disclamer: Winner is responsible for transportation to the resort and being respectful of the accommodations.
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Thanks to IBR volunteer Carola Clark and some very photogenic adopted English Setters, Pointers, puppies and Mutts and their friends we will have a record 7 new 2010 Calendar designs to choose from. Shop for other fun birddog items such as greeting cards, mugs, mousepads, clothing and more at Cafe Press. All of these unique items feature Illinois Birddog Rescue alumni and friends. Proceeds from the sales will go towards treating sick and injured birddogs. What a great way to get cool stuff and help the dogs! Check out our new Team Work Poster featuring adopted Pointers Rusty and Oliver. New inspirational posters will be coming soon!! |
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Where: 29 E Main St, Roselle, IL 60172-2076 When: RESCHEDULED!! Info coming soon. Call Kathy for any questions at(630) 529-9663
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Every month SitStay.com donates $200 worth of products to five rescue organizations listed in our Dog Rescue Directory. It's their way of supporting rescue.
Illinois Birddog Rescue was one of the Rescue Organizations selected for the month of December, 2009 and Ohio Birddog Rescue was picked for January of 2010 to receive $200 in product donations from SitStay.com. They have wonderful products and some Human Grade Quality dog food. Thanks a bunch!
In home foster care takes a lot of time, dedication and sacrifice. Most of the volunteers who have helped the past 9 years have had to deal with dogs and puppies with diarrhea due to intestinal parasites like coccidia and giardia, many have helped very sick dogs with Heartworm disease, kennel cough, pneumonia, and other issues like demodectic or contagious sarcoptic mange, besides ear mites, fleas, ticks, tick borne illnesses, allergy issues, fungus due to ringworm, broken legs (Spartykiss), and post surgery care from major mastectomies--Lucy, (some graphic photos) and GiGi and tumor removals. Many who dove into foster care with almost no experience, got a crash course in the horrors of how cruel and unkind human beings can be to helpless animals as we have seen the worst of the worst. With their help- however- so many dogs have overcome many extreme health and behavior issues. To date, IBR has only had to euthanize 13 dogs due to health or biting aggression. Due to our research into Rage aggression from underlying tick borne illnesses like Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever- many more that came close to being put to sleep are now happy healthy and in their forever homes. Please read our Ticked Off! section to learn about this very important health crisis affecting our pets.
To those caring individuals who helped hospice Rommie, Mitch, Doreen, Mr. Darcy, Wally, Maggie Mae, Skippy, Dorothy, and Sir Elton-- those who championed their care until it was time for their suffering to end and let them go with kindness, compassion and dignity to the Rainbow Bridge- we/I will be forever greatful. Always. I share your grief and cried with you when the decision was made to let them go.
Special thanks go out to our foster home nurseries. In 9 years we have brought in or whelped 9 puppy litters starting with Princess Nala, and the Disney litter which involved an emergency Cesarian section and round the clock bottle feeding of the puppies. Thank goodness we had no complications with The Brady Bunch litter, Ashley and her Greek god and goddess Pointer/GSP mix pup litter. Additional litters that followed were Adeline (who broke with Parvo a few weeks in foster care) and her Setter mix pups, Josie and the Pussycat litter, Shirley and the Partridge kids, the Von Trapp litter, Suzee and the Pooh puppy litter, Dixie surrogate momma for the Ratatouille litter, and this year, Penne and the Pastas from Oklahoma. Puppies are A LOT of work but worth every poopie paw!!
 Adeline and her babies. |
 Shirley and the Partridge kids. |
Some days I don't know how we are going to pay one bill much less the thousands we owe because we try our best to give these dogs and puppies the best quality of care possible. My four year old Saturn has over 100,000 miles on it now due to all the driving I do to and from the vet, driving all over the Midwest to save dogs about to be euthanized in over crowded shelters and lastly to and from safe fenced in dog parks and off leash areas so that my foster dogs can get out and stretch their legs and train on upland birds if we have the opportunity. It's been a long journey--but I do think the sacrifice has been worth it. I know we have placed many of our dogs in wonderful homes with great families. The best way to learn compassion is by growing up and caring for a pet. I sure hope the work we have done through this rescue will help some kids become better caring responsible adults who will carry on with the dog rescue torch when I retire someday.
Lisa Spakowski, IBR Founder and President and Social Director of Camp Lucky Pets
Take a look at our recent newsletter. Highlights include news about Abe's first Hunt Test qualifier!! WOO HOO!
We also have more information on our very important Tick Panel research including the frightening data on the frequency of incoming infected dogs and puppies and also our latest colaboration with North Carolina State University's Vector Borne research lab.
View the new Powerpoint slideshow showcasing our rescue
legacy from the past nine years.
**You must have Powerpoint to view the slideshow. Each slide will advance
on its own. This is a large file and may take time to download.**
Paul, very devoted foster dad, snuggles with his doggie crew, including his former foster pointer Lucia, sandwiched in the middle!
Illinois Birddog Rescue is looking to recruit a few more foster homes! Fostering a homeless birddog is a very rewarding experience. If anyone is interested in opening up their home to dog in need, please fill out our online foster home application. Email Lisa for more information.
Illinois Birddog Rescue wants to make sure all of our adoptable dogs stay healthy throughout flea and tick season. We welcome donations of Frontline, Heartguard, or any similar product. Email Lisa if you would like to help.
Anne and Roger--you are my rocks!! Keely, Pat, John and Debby--what would I do without you not to mention all our amazing volunteers and foster homes. XO :O)