Red Oak Rescue

06/30/2023

This year has been busy; getting dogs adopted or transporting others from kill shelters to other rescues where they will find forever homes. It sure is a full-time task; I do it part-time and nobody realizes how hard so many of those I know work to give every dog or cat a chance at a new and better life. All I can say is SPAY and NEUTER PLEASE! I wish Alabama had a better program to help make that happen. Maybe that is my next project!

12/10/2022

05/15/2020

Too, too funny. From a fellow rescuer's post.

06/09/2019

What a day! Did a transport of a dog named Pinkel (still trying to guess at that one) to Chattanooga. Rain heavy; traffic on interstate backed up but was guided around most of it by some very good Samaritans who also transport. Then to another place to see about a stray dog that is very scared. No luck there. Then home to deal with cats that need to be spayed/neutered and a rehoming situation. Time now to get my furbabies settled and then to bed for me to relax. Just a normal day....

06/01/2019

I don't post much on my rescue page. Lately, the rescues have been staying awhile either due to illness, rehab or socialization training. F***y was so sick and malnourished when I picked her up. Right now, she lies next to me and is in so much better shape than before. Still HW+ but treatment is started. She is a real senior lady, might be as old as 10 years and a lab/hound mix but the sweetest, gentlest dog and appreciates the attention she receives. She belonged to someone and how she ended up abandoned is anybody's guess. Perhaps her owners could not afford vet bills and dumped her (yea, it happens unfortunately). My other long-term rescue is the opposite. Kaci is a Stafforshire, one of the bully breeds. She was a momma with barely 2 week old pups that had been neglected and most of the pups perished before I took her in. Her surviving pups were adopted. Kaci needed rehab and had to learn to be a dog. Most rescues do not come with a history. Quickly, I learned that Kaci needed a lot of love and training. She is now acting like a family pet. She loves to crash on the couch after devouring her Oinkie pig roll, playing with her rope or Kong toy and soon is in slumber land.

01/21/2019

Not a big poster on my rescue but wanted to share this info about my recent rescue. I certainly don't do 1/10th what others I know (Gwen, Jen, just to name a couple) do to give life and happiness to dogs but I do care and try to do what I can when I can and where I can. The photos of this dog whom I named Fannie (I do pick the weirdest names) says so much about rescues. Fannie was found by me (or rather Fannie found me) on Dec 27th. I pulled into a parking lot/boat launch ramp to meet my friend to walk. There was Fannie, so sad standing as if she was waiting for someone to help her. Skinny, droopy ears, eyes all infected, just pitiful, an older dog obviously. Her tail wagged a little when I approached but she did not run, growl or act scared - just sad. Well, seconds later, she was in my car in a crate. She apparently had been seen around the area for over a week up a country road. Who can imagine her history: lost, dumped? Vet visits later: Age range 8-10 years, clearly a senior; eye infection, worms, under nourished, and HW+, lungs/chest xrays showed shadow (fluid??), then a fever and infection. Advertised for owner with no result. It is now 1-1/2 months later and $$$ vet bills (no surprises there), Fannie's eyes are clear, temp is much better, started treatment with doxy for HW, her appetite is much improved, she loves short walks, rolling in the grass, did I mention she was housebroken and spayed (so yea she was someone's pet). She shows her appreciation for a warm house, soft bed, daily treats and hugs. Her future not certain until we finish all the antibiotics and can assess the HW situation but for sure Fannie is loved and in return she gives love back in spades. So, thanks to all of you out there who are dedicated to helping the lost ones that find their way to you. I am glad to be a small part of it.

12/30/2018

In reviewing Year 2018, I have the following thoughts and things to share. Before I moved to Alabama, I had done dog rescue but it was finding a dog who usually had a collar and reuniting that dog with its owner. I felt fulfilled. After moving to Alabama, I again had opportunities to rescue dogs (and Cats). However, it became quickly apparent this was a whole new ballgame. If these dogs (or some of them) were lost, their owners certainly did nothing to try to find them and mostly they were throw aways. I can say that there were a couple of times I was able to reunite, one in particular was beagles and their owner had burned up several tanks of gas searching for them before I found them (and yes, they had collars and ID). Many of my rescues were HW+ (just rescued one this week, a senior dog who tested +) and even potential adopters sometimes tell me they do not believe in giving a dog medication (well, that takes them off the list very fast and the ones that way they do are verified!). I have met so many dedicated dog rescuers who spend $$$ and time to bring these dogs back to health and give them a chance at a new, better life or even give them a loving home for the short time they may have left. I am proud to be a small part of that "adventure" and pleased to have relations with others like me who care for neglected furbabies. Then, I so enjoy being part of a group of transporters who move these dogs to states where adopters await them. I try not to dwell on the negatives of attitudes towards animals and focus on what we have in common - the love of these creatures. If you ever wish you could do something but cannot take in rescues or have the money to pay the vet bills, consider becoming a transporter. A few hours out of a day makes all the difference and the joy of being a volunteer driver is so worthwhile. So, Happy New Year from Me to You.

08/18/2018

Today, Saturday, just taking a short breather...walking my puppies on leashes so relaxing. Amazing at 11 soon to be 12 weeks how great these two act. Murphy walks right beside me always checking to see where I am; Milly more casual, oh, Mommy, can we stop so I can chew grass or play with that leaf, please? Forget the dishes, the vacuum, just chilling with my babies.

08/11/2018

Latest photos of Kaci's two pups: Murphy the tricolor male is so loving and wants to snuggle. Milly the female is a little bit more active but also friendly. They are 11 weeks old now, getting booster shots and need loving homes. They love the back yard grass. Trying to housebreak them. Sometimes it works.

07/30/2018

What a great week! Almost back to back momma & pups rescues these past few months. I nervously said "Yes" to taking in two different sets of mommas and pups that had been neglected/abandoned. The help of so many with more know-how has been such a tremendous boon in aiding me on this new adventure. I now have two pups about 10 weeks old, weaned, healthy and ready for adoption; getting lots of responses. They are so cute. Don't even mind (well, not too much) getting up at 5 am for p**p patrol. Momma still needs more training; it hurts me to see how these beautiful dogs get so neglected, she (Kaci) is an American Staffordshire and so friendly but needs so much attention and love. A great day Saturday on a dog run with a p**pcident, take it all in stride, knowing that these beauties will be going to a place where they will find a furever home. I try to arise each morning with a prayer for a good attitude and for peace of mind and courage to face the day's challenges.

Here are my current adoptions:

05/14/2018

Awhile back I posted a photo of a puppy as a cutie with an Alabama hat. That pup was one of ten puppies and their Momma who had faced a high kill shelter until a wonderful lady I know and met through a national volunteer rescue transport group, Kindred Hearts Transport Connection, contacted me. We partnered to save this puppy pile and momma. They arrived at my home when they were just about two weeks old, their eyes starting to open. A fantastic rescue shelter in Colorado had agreed to take them and this past weekend, Mother's Day, the journey to Colorado began. Volunteers signed up to run double legs for the pup's safety and momma's well-being, supplies were assembled (lots of puppy pads) and Saturday morning, the run began. My partner and I took the first two legs from AL to KY and others met at different locations in different states. There was an overnight in KC, MO, and the next day, Mother's Day, the final legs were run arriving early evening in Colorado to be met by the shelter's director. Her mission is to save the nursing mothers because many shelters want the pups but not the mommas. Thanks to Moms and Mutts Colorado Rescue for Pregnant and Nursing Dogs. And thanks to all for coordinating the run including some new drivers who did a fantastic job. There are a lot of selfless people out there who do so much to rescue dogs and get them to places where they will find loving homes. To all you who devote the time, money and love, it was a blessing to be part of what happened this Mother's Day - 1,322 miles through 7 states over two days! If you ever thought what you could do to help animals who are abused, abandoned or neglected think about spending a few hours out of a day to volunteer to drive dogs to a shelter or even an adopter or foster so they can know caring and love. Two great groups are Kindred Hearts Transport Connection and Alabama Transport. They have guidelines and protocols set up for these runs that make safety and caring a priority.

05/07/2018

Sometimes, God sends you people who send you dogs that nobody wants. This is the blessing I received this month. With help of wonderful people, Lynn, Gwen and others, I am raising a litter of ten puppies and a wonderful momma, Maisie. Here is only one of the ten and his name is Mork. He has a sister Mindy, guess where that came from.

04/29/2018

Coming soon, photos and descriptions of ten adorable puppies who need loving homes. They are still nursing and not quite 4 weeks old.

04/16/2018

One of my best times is when a rescue finds an adopter. My sweet Meg, the Border Collie, was adopted this month to someone in Birmingham who understands her need for activity and who also will take care of her and love her.

02/21/2018

Here is my latest furry rescue, Meg. Isn't she precious! Will need training and spay is this week. She loves playing with my Chi, Max, and my Collie, Wheezy. Then, looking to adopt her out, although I am so in love with her already.

10/11/2017

Prince is a brown tabby, less than a year old. He is so loving and mellow. Has his shots and will be neutered. I call him my Prince Charming! Needs his furever home so he can cuddle up to you. Check him out; he will steal your heart.

08/14/2017

Adopted Sandy, my last rescue dog to a great couple! She has a playmate and lots of land to have fun. Feels so great when it comes together so nicely. Still have a Calico cat, a little older but very loving. I can call her or just pat my hand and she hops up next to me and purrs and bumps my arm to be petted. She is a sweetie.

06/29/2017

Off in a bit to TN for a dog rescue transport. Sadly, one of my first rescues in Alabama, Sara, a Mommy with 6 puppies, has crossed the Rainbow Bridge today. She just stopped eating, drinking, walking, so it was time to let her rest in heaven.

05/19/2017

Here's a new rescue; just had Bandit for less than a month. She is adorable, 6-8 months old. Wt. 34 lbs and won't go over 40 lb probably. Just got spayed, housebroken, loves my cats and dogs. Still being trained but smart. She is a Shepherd Mix. She limps on her right leg and surgery removed an air gun pellet, so someone shot her in the past. Will see if the slight limp goes away after surgery. She just came uup to me to say "Hi". Gorgeous isn't she?

04/26/2017

Trying to find a loving home for a beautiful, friendly Boxer mix dog, neutered, adult (16 months old). He has some manners, loves to go for car rides and trained for underground fencing.

04/03/2017

Just had an exciting dog run to TN this past week. Took a Redbone Coonhound as part of a fabulous group that transports dogs to get them to a furever home. Did not know there is a Coonhound Cemetary. Must go to see it sometime. Coonhounds are my favorite.

01/06/2017

My newest rescue is Gretchen. She came to me because the person who rescued her could not keep her. What about Gretchen? She is a mixed breed. Not sure but she looks a lot like a Blue Lacy (state dog of Texas). Possibly some terrier. Have had her for a couple of months and her personality has blossomed. She wants to play with my cats and will run in a circle, flop down and talk to them: "Hey, come on, let's play a little, pretty please." They ignore her, that's what cats do! She alerted yesterday when I had a visitor who knocked on the door. That was a first. She is so gentle, wants to be petted and is learning manners. I tried to get her picture on this post but not able to. You can see her on Petfinders.com under my rescue.

01/06/2017

Now about Queen Elizabeth. Found her one day while walking; she was a mess, had on one of those beat up collars with a large ring. You could tell she had been in a bad place, probably chained up outside but she had the sweetest face as you can see from the last posted picture. Where I come up with these names, but one look and I knew she was royalty! This past month, she started her journey north to a shelter through a group of volunteers. I have been checking her progress and saw that she was up for adoption in January. Well, guess what? Yesterday, she went left the shelter and was adopted. I saw a picture and she was catching a wonderful doggy nap on somebody's couch. This is what I love about rescues, you put in the time and effort to bring them back from whatever needs fixing; you give them love and attention and bring out the personality you know is hidden because they have to learn to trust again. Then they get to have the life they deserve when they are adopted. I miss my Queen Elizabeth but know she has a great home.

01/06/2017

Oh, after letting these three precious babies go to the shelter, one was adopted within 3 days and the other two found homes within a month.

01/06/2017

Awhile back I wrote about the three rescues that went north; we did a road trip! Much adventure along the way; Maybellene somehow got out of her crate. I was up a hill with her daughter when I heard a yell. Panic starts to set in. We are at a rest area off the interstate. Not good. I took the biggest breath ever and screamed her name. She stopped dead and I yelled again for her to come. This dog has great recall and before I knew it, she was up the hill, ran right into me, I go down, tangle of leashes and collars but I never let go! Whew. Lesson learned; keep the van door closed.

08/28/2016

Been over a month since my three rescues went north; all have found loving homes and just makes me so glad! What a trip, 19 hours on the road and then a return. Now God has given me a new rescue, Queen Elizabeth I ("Queen E"). She is recovering from her spay and so wonderful to train. Good, good girl.

03/02/2016

So today up again (as usual) 5:15 am; take out the dogs, feed the dogs & cats, clean up after dogs & cats. Beginning to sound familiar. One new thing today: Five dogs in a Van, I wish I had put this on You Tube. Two 50 lb+ dogs on one seat of van, squished together. One 60 lb+ dog with head nearly on my lap and two more smaller ones in back of van. Off we go to groomers! Singing to Praise music the entire trip. I guess they liked my voice 'cause none of them howled or joined in.

02/22/2016

Up at 5:30 am rain or shine to take care of my "babies." Why take care of them before the first cup of coffee? Two reasons: They deserve it and secondly they will bug you if you don't! Tressa is getting so big, she is as tall as her Momma and learning to listen better to me. Just gave the monthly heartworm chews to all and have grooming/bath appointments.

12/23/2015

Thinking of renaming Callie Cat to "Bobbles" because when you scratch her back or by her tail, her head bobbles up and down and sie to side like a bobble head doll! she just gets so happy!