551 Pickeral Lake Dr.               FALL NEWSLETTER: November 2009
Newaygo, MI 49337                        http://www.lakehavenrescue.org/

About This E-Newsletter And Website Additions

Lake Haven will be sending out an occasional electronic newsletter throughout the year to keep our subscribers informed as to what we are up to. As noted above this newsletter is completely self subscribing in that you can stop receiving it by simply clicking on the "unsubscribe" link at the top and bottom of this newsletter. Of course we hope you will forward this email to others and ask them to click on the "Subscribe" link. Also, if your email software has any problems displaying this newsletter you can view a copy of it on our website.

We have also been busy with our website. We encourage you to check out the videos we added to our website that were created from DVDs we sent out the last two years. They will tug on your heart and tickle your funny-bone.

Lastly, we have added an electronic donation capability to our website to make it easier for those who wish to help our cause to save as many animals as possible. Check it out at http://www.lakehavenrescue.org/donations.htm.

Spay/Neuter Program Continues

Well it has been another exciting year for Lake Haven. Our low cost spay/neuter clinic for pets of low income families changed from a mobile clinic to local vet clinics. We felt we could offer better aftercare and also encourage people to establish themselves with a veterinary clinic for future and continuing care. A special thanks to Dr. Sam Ciatto of Animal Wellness Center of White Cloud, Dr. Mandy Griffin of Animal Medical Center of Hesperia, Dr. Lepley of Howard City Animal Hospital and Dr. Langlois of the spay/neuter express bus. Because of their generosity of spirit 644 animals have been altered since Jan.09 to Oct. 09, a huge increase over 2008. We all know this is the answer to the pet overpopulation problem. Remember there are simply not enough homes for the animals born today, please spay/neuter yours! Save lives and end the suffering.

Story by: Cheryl McCloud

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Commissioners Vote For Positive Change

Victory was sweet for animal rescue groups and the citizens of Montcalm County when commissioners voted NOT to renew the 5yr. contract with the animal dealer. The dealer had been entrenched in the shelter for 30 years. Lake Haven brought forth his extensive sordid history , including a four page history of his violations form the USDA. Lake Haven also voiced objections to the use of a public shelter to warehouse former pets for a private dealer to make his fortune by selling them for experimentation. He also consistently took animals from the shelter before their hold time was up, making it harder for people to reclaim their pets. He is however still present in the Gratiot County Shelter. Federal legislation is pending now to prohibit B-Dealers and unlicensed individuals from selling dogs and cats to research labs. Call your senators and representatives and ask them to support the US Safety and Protection Act S.1834/H.R.3907 which was reintroduced Oct. 21,2009 by Senator Daniel K. Akaka of Hawaii. Also sponsored by Carl Levin of Michigan. Lets help keep Michigan pets safe!

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Princes' Valiant Story

This dog was destined to find his perfect home but it took some doing.

A beautiful two year old Australian and German Shepard mix with a LOT of energy. Three different adopters took Prince home but for various reasons they brought him back to the shelter. In an attempt to bring some discipline into his life a former K9 handler for the Air Force started training Prince with the basic commands to Sit, Stay, Down, Off, and Heel. It took some time but all of a sudden Prince got the message and began to look to people for the leadership he needed. The very next adoption attempt was a success and Prince now shares a home with loving owners and another rescue dog that helps to give Prince his daily workouts.  Way to go Prince!

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Eddie's Happy Tail

Hi All!

I just thought you would like to know that Eddie is doing great! We adopted him on Saturday and he seems really happy here with us. We had him to the vet yesterday for an introduction and she was very impressed with how mellow and intelligent his is.

Thanks for giving us the opportunity to meet Eddie.

Blessings,
Bill and Barb and Family

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Leo & His New Pal 

I just wanted to drop you a line to tell you how Leo (formerly Alexander) and Butch are doing.

Here they are, lounging around in my study on their pillow we made for them. After putting my 17 year old Siamese down after a massive stroke, my family, including my 3 children, were devastated. I brought these two guys home and they have brought some much-needed happiness here. They are playful and good with the kids...they have even gotten "friendly" with the patriarch of the family, our other cat Bob! I wanted to thank you again for all the time and effort put into rescuing them and holding them for
our home. As you can see, they have made it their own! The only thing left is the fixing...they are scheduled for October!

Thanks again!
Trina, Aaron, Gage, Ian and Ellie Schall

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How Cute It That

Milkshake is doing fine. He found his way into my clothes basket. He spent the night there last night.

I just had to take a picture.

Roger

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Kayla Finds Forever Love

I am forever grateful to have gotten my hands on this little precious baby. I already had a special boy who I adore, but Kayla has added so much
fun and love to the circle of pets in my home. They play and share their love for each other in so many special ways. She is such a special and
beautiful little girl, but her beauty comes with special needs. Even though her medical condition (seizures) brings grief and despair, she makes up for it three times with her unconditional love and joy. She's a doll, and I could not be more grateful to Lake Haven for all that they do.

You are an honest and loving organization, and Kayla's foster mom; Kathy is an Angel on earth spreading her love and care for animals.

Thank you Lake Haven for being a great rescue organization!

Love, Marina

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The Story of the Orange Boys

These three adorable kittens were saved from Gratiot County Shelter, where animals are given to an animal dealer for experimentation purposes. Since there are no laws to protect animals from pain and suffering in research, these kitties are very fortunate to be able to offer comfort and companionship to their new loving family.

A special thank you to Dr. Sam Ciatto for performing their neuter surgeries, so they could be readily adoptable.

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Boomer's a Happy Boy!

Boomer was one of two brothers that were abandoned at Montcalm County Shelter. Lake Haven was able to get Boomer out but they were too late for his brother who was taken by the animal dealer there for experimentation purposes. This abhorrent practice was stopped in August due largely to public pressure from area rescues, including Lake Haven. Boomer tested positive for parvo when he arrived at Lake Haven and his life was saved by the wonderful vets at Fremont Animal Hospital. Boomer was then adopted by his foster family and is living the happy ever after story.

Thank you Shannon for this story.

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A Happy Ending

In January 09, Lake Haven's resources were completely tested when we received a phone call from a local Vet Clinic that asked us if we could take in 24 yellow lab puppies that would have to be bottle fed. A local backyard breeder was losing his home and his distraught state fed his females rat poison in an attempt to euthanize them. The puppies had to be on special vitamins to counteract the effects of the poison. All the puppies lived thanks to the diligent care of foster people and the help of local Vet, Dr. Terry Jelsema of Hudsonville. The puppies were placed in homes where their futures would be secure. The lab pictured is definitely a loved family member. We would love to hear from the others who adopted and send pictures!!! .

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Xena, This Puppy is a Survivor!

The adorable pup named Xena was the smallest of her litter of seven. Unfortunately the whole litter came into our shelter with the dreaded parvo virus. We never expected little Xena to make it. We called her Xena the warrior princess, because she fought so hard. Although we lost two of her litter, and we all cried hard, we were grateful that any of them lived. We are especially grateful to South Kent Vet for their after hours care that saved almost everyone. Xena's new owners love her as much as we did. Although it is very painful to lose a rescued puppy or kitten we try and stay focused on all the animals we have been able to help.
 

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Kirby Likes His Breakfast

We picked up Kirby (was Barry) just over a month ago and he has fit in great with our whole family. Now about five months old, he gets along with pretty well with his 12 year old "big brother" cat (as well as any little brother does). Our five year old says, "He is very nice. Sometimes he is very bitey but not hurty. He is fun and I love him very much." Our eight year old will tell you, "He jumps up on the table and licks my breakfast cereal sometimes and he gets in the way of my video games :)"

Well, maybe we have to work on the behavior a little yet but Kirby is such a snuggly lovey guy I think we'll forgive his kitty ways. Overall it's been a great start for everyone here and the whole family old and new is very happy!

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This will tug at your heart.

Bailey is a Chihuahua (possible mix) that we believe was bred for profit. After giving birth to 2 puppies two days prior, on Sunday her owners realized that she was not going to be able to pass the third pup on her own and probably would die without medical care. Due to the fact that they did not have the money for vet care and the vets were all closed, they called Lake Haven. Bless Dr. Russell of Fremont Animal Hospital who was kind enough to come in on a Sunday and relieve her suffering by doing a c-section, the little pup ( #3 ) in the birth canal did not survive, but a 4th pup did so she had 3 adorable babies to care for. The new family ( mom and 3 pups) were cared for by Lake Haven until they were old enough to get new forever homes. With much caution Bailey and her pups (Tiny, Bear, & Emmy) were all placed in loving homes that can afford to take care of them properly.

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Jade found her loving "mom"

Jade was a young cat with the most beautiful green eyes I have ever seen. Like so many others she suffered from being homeless and ill cared for. Upon arriving at Lake Haven she received the works, a bath , testing, vaccines and a trip to Jelsema's Veterinary Clinic in Hudsonville for her spay. A thank you to DR. Jelsema and staff for the care and compassion they show for the hundreds of Lake Haven kitties that pass thru their door. A thanks also to the young woman who fell in love with Jade and took her all the way to Georgia with her.

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Thanksgiving Holiday Safety Tips

Do you give in to cute pesky pets at the dinner table? This Thanksgiving holiday pet lovers are urged to resist the intense gazes and vocal demands of pleading pets.

One of the easiest ways to avoid trouble is to make sure your guests know the pet rules and discourage them from feeding critters scraps from the table. The best approach is to make sure any animal is occupied with a chewy or playmates in another room. Once the table is cleared, make sure pets cannot get to scraps or bones.

The biggest hazards to pets on Thanksgiving include:

• Rich, fatty foods (turkey skins, gravy, etc,) can contribute to pancreatitis. This inflammation of the digestive gland is painful and can be serious--requiring emergency veterinary assistance.

• Cooked bones can splinter and cause tears or obstruction in a pet's digestive tract.

• Baking strings, if ingested, can create trouble if ingested by your pet.

• Onions in holiday stuffing can lead to canine anemia if consumed by your dog.

• Grapes and raisin toxins can cause kidney failure in pets.

• Ingesting chocolate can kill your pet.

• Caffeine and alcohol are also toxic for pets.

• Keep all goodies out of reach!

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Christmas Holiday Safety Tips

The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate with family and loved ones, but it can be a stressful and dangerous time for your family pet. Now that the holidays are rapidly approaching here are some tips to help keep your pet safe. Don’t spoil the holiday season with an unnecessary medical emergency.

• Hang breakables, tinsel, and other tempting decorations well out of paw’s reach. Tinsel, ribbon, and ornaments are especially dangerous to pets if chewed and swallowed.

• Place holiday plants out of pet’s reach. Some seasonal plants can be poisonous, including mistletoe, holly berries, and poinsettias.

• Watch out for electrical cords. Pets, especially puppies, often try to chew them and may get badly burned, shocked or electrocuted. Make sure your strands of lights, loose wires, and extension cords are out of reach.

• Metal ornament hooks can get caught in curious mouths. Make sure ornaments are securely attached, and that no unused hooks are left around the house.

• A Christmas tree should stand on a flat, wide base. Cats often see trees as excellent climbing posts, so be sure they are secure and not easily tipped over. Whether your tree is live or artificial, both kinds of needles are indigestible.

• Cover your tree stand tightly with skirting. The water from the tree base can cause mouth sores, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.

• Refrain from using edible ornaments on your tree. They can pose an irresistible temptation for some pets.

• Keep your pets away from holiday treats, especially chocolate. Theobomine and caffeine, active ingredients found in chocolate, are toxins and can be fatal to some animals.

• Pets and candles just don’t mix. Keep Menorahs and scented candles out of reach.

• If you plan to entertain, provide a "safe haven" to which your pets can retreat when they get overly excited and there is a possibility of escape.

• If you are going away for the holidays: make sure pet enclosures are secure, your pets are wearing proper identification, and arrangements have been made for their care.

While your pet is safe in a loving home, remember those less fortunate. Millions of pets, nationwide, will be homeless this holiday season. Our shelter animals appreciate toys, treats, love and attention. So visit your local shelter and bring holiday cheer. Be a Life Saver- help our animals find homes for the holidays.

The Management & Volunteers at Lake Haven Rescue

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Thank You Steven, Thank You Darlene...

...We would like to extend a special thank you to Steven Stromp for creating and maintaining our Lake Haven website. Through his efforts hundreds of animals have been placed into homes because of their exposure on Petfinder and our website. Much education was accomplished on our website, particularly the Montcalm and Gratiot county situations regarding the animal dealer. Violation history of his past exposed his sordid and illegal way of doing business. Our website was instrumental in defeating his contract in Montcalm county. We have come so far forward because of his hard work and diligence. Thank you Steven and we all wish you well with your schooling and hope to see more of you when you have finished!

...A sincere thank you also to Darlene Ninnemann for all her gorgeous pictures of the Lake Haven dogs an cats. Her pictures truly captured the essence of the personality of each one. The newsletters were always great but none of us will ever forget the Christmas DVDs that we would watch and cry all the way through. What wonderful talent you have !We wish you well with your upcoming surgery, and hope your wonderful hubby Rodger continues to do well also. This is not a goodbye as we hope to see more of you soon !

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