Pack Fit

04/23/2025

🚨 Update on Ava: Her Spay Has Been Delayed 🚨

You all aren't going to believe this 😩… I seriously can’t catch a break over here.

Turns out Ava has gone into heat, which means her spay surgery has to be pushed out another 6 weeks. I had a feeling something was changing—her behavior and the way the puppies were acting around her had shifted. Now it all makes sense.

When a dog is in heat, they can become:

- restless, clingy (Ava's already *super* affectionate, but this is next-level!),

- anxious, moody, and more irritable, and

- in need of extra nutritional and emotional support—just like human women during their cycle.

So now we’re shifting gears to help Ava get through this safely and comfortably.

I understand we've had one, long, big ask since the family came to us in December, but we still need a lot of help.

I've updated the Amazon Wish List to accommodate her heat and post spay needs 🛒:

- doggy diapers : to keep indoor spaces clean and avoid attracting unwanted male attention (male dogs can scent a female in heat from miles away; not only is "way-too-early" spay and neuter a big problem, but *not at all* is a huge problem here in CA... hence why so many dogs "go missing" and why we have an ungodly number of dogs in need),

- post spay suit (vet recommended over the post surgery cone | donut), and

- chews : to help soothe anxiety and settle her through all these hormonal fluctuations.

Although dogs shouldn't take in more than roughly 15% vegetables a day (should be more supplemental in nature), adding a little more fiber to help increase satiation and groundedness is particularly needed during this time; so I'm going to be adding a veggie mash to her meals.

Root vegetables contain more fiber than above-ground vegetables, so I'm going to be gently steaming (**not raw** but **gently steamed for better digestibility**) a mixture of root and "canine beneficial" above-ground veggies to make a mash (to give a helping of at each meal).

Think organic: sweet potato, carrots, beets, fennel, parsnip, winter squash, green cabbage, zucchini, turnips, etc..... all great choices.

WE STILL VERY MUCH NEED SUPPORT.

Since moving here from DC a little over a year ago, PackFit has yet to be re-established. Plus, 100% of my time, energy, and attention has gone directly towards raising and supporting this family, and finding them their human companions for life.

We're so very grateful for the help and generosity of those who've donated to Ava and her family these last months, and truly could NOT have done this without you! Really not.

The funds we’ve raised so far have gone to:

60% → food (was $650–750/week 😳, before Willie and Rocco were adopted)

15% → training treats & gullet sticks

15% → vet care (titer tests, vaccines, microchips)

10% → miscellaneous (supplies, utility help)

But we’re not done yet.

Ava’s spay and microchip is quoted at $948, and with hot weather approaching fast and her temporary suite being the garage- we urgently need to find her a loving, committed, forever home (or, at least, temporary foster home for her to recover in post spay) soon.

If you're willing and able, please help us.

Venmo: Kimberly-Artley-2

GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/3ef19a44

Amazon Wish List:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1LTPNJNCPUG9J?ref_=wl_share

FOOD (please!): you can get 25% off any first order from Steve’s Real Food (link via PackFit’s Trusted Partners page: https://www.packfit.net/trusted-partners)

We’re running on fumes. Donations have slowed to a trickle—and this mission can't keep moving forward without help.

Check out the incredible fundraiser we posted just yesterday- courtesy of the amazing TaleTinker! (https://fb.watch/z8VP1I70sC/).

Thank you all. We've got to keep this train chugging and hope alive that Ava's special human is out there.

04/20/2025

We had an absolute blast at Pooch Kingdom yesterday!

This experience was needed, and I'm glad a place like this exists so close to us (and in a *gorgeous* part of SoCal I've never seen before, too!).

Kerry is the owner and a most gracious host.

There was a little pool, a slide, tunnels, toys and balls galore, a flirt pole, platforms, all sorts of fun-ness... and it's totally secured.

There's also a Photo Booth (with guests' names beautifully placed) - along with a doggie treat trailer (Kerry makes phenomenal homemade dog treats 🐾).

Everyone had the best time, and we'll be heading back for a puppy sibling reunion in a few weeks- so looking forward to that! 🐶

**Happy Easter, everyone!**

----

****We're still in need of funding for continued care and feeding, and Ava's spay. A calm, quiet foster for her to recover, if possible, and - of course- she's still looking for her special humans to call "family".****

Venmo: Kimberly-Artley-2 (no fees taken)

GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/3ef19a44

Amazon Wish List (I added a post surgery spay suit- which was recommended by the vet, chews, stuffies - her favorite, brain puzzles to keep her occupied while in recovery, training treats, etc):
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1LTPNJNCPUG9J?ref_=wl_share

My deepest and sincerest gratitude to all who've contributed to their care over these last months. We could NOT have done this without you!!! 😘

04/19/2025

I love clips like this.

Pure, instinctual, clear communication.

I tried to capture as many videos of Ava communicating with her pups as I could.

Was truly fascinating to watch her teach using her energy, body language, and spatial and mouth pressure. Some vocalization, but it was mainly those 3.

Learning how to communicate in a way our dogs understand is such a critical piece of the teaching | learning equation. Most are sending mixed signals and messaging, leaving dogs living in the gray and utterly confused.

04/19/2025

This is something I've witnessed time and time again in countless behavioral cases—whether it’s anxiety, fear, or even an aversion to a specific gender—our dogs are deeply influenced by how we perceive and respond to the world around us.

💡 Behavior is highly complex. It's a tapestry woven together with many layers and contributing factors. But if there's one truth that continues to prove itself, it's this:

👉 How we view the world influences how our dogs experience it.

So the next time your dog reacts or responds to something in a less than favorable way, take a moment to reflect:

What energy are you bringing to the situation?

What lens are you viewing the world through?

Because chances are… they’re seeing it through yours.

www.packfit.net

04/18/2025

Welp.

This knucklehead forgot the “no food after midnight” rule.

So, Ava’s spay had to be rescheduled.

It’s now rescheduled for the 29th unless something opens up sooner.

(*bangs head against wall repeatedly*)

At least this gives us more time to raise funds for it, too, as well as find a foster and a calm place for her to recover. We haven’t been able to find this yet.

[email protected]

04/18/2025

The incredibly talented Christie Kallse () has brought Ava’s journey through stunning visuals and a soul-stirring original song that will tug at your heartstrings. 💖

This beautiful girl is still searching for her perfect forever home — the people, the place, and the lifestyle that matches her amazing spirit.

Please take a moment to experience her story.

Share it.

Spread the word.

And maybe, just maybe, it'll help Ava find the love, the life, and the family she’s been waiting for.

[email protected]

www.packfit.net

(We still need funding help to cover her spay tomorrow, a post-spay surgical outfit, as well as continued feeding and care. Please see Comments of original post for links to donate)



https://youtu.be/vkagrjpVyMI?si=vYmWzmFEk8rRAbfh

This is the inspiring true story of Ava, a brave Heeler mix who was discovered hiding under a green waste bin—pregnant, scared, and alone. Thanks to the kind...

04/15/2025

Major milestone for sweet Ava this Friday....

She's heading into surgery between 9 AM - 12 PM — it's her official Spay Day! 🎉🐾

The best part? She’ll be in amazing hands with our trusted vet, Temecula Creek Small Animal, and the procedure will be done right here at home — making it as calm and stress-free as possible. 🏡❤️

But we still need your help to make this day as smooth as it can be...

We're still raising funds for the procedure itself (attached is the estimate we were provided), and will be in need of...

: a post-surgery spay suit (recommended by our vet over the donut),

: post-op chews,

: "comfort stuffies" (Ronin + the pups have destroyed all but one… and Ava lives for stuffies!), and

: brain puzzles (and treats) to keep her mind busy during recovery.

Spay Procedure Contributions can be made through....

Venmo: Kimberly-Artley-2

and

GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/3ef19a44

And post-surgery love items can be sponsored through our Amazon Wish List:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1LTPNJNCPUG9J?ref_=wl_share

From the bottom of our hearts — thank you to everyone who's supported Ava and this little family since they joined us last December. 💕

It’s been an incredible journey, and we seriously couldn’t do this without you.

Let’s get our girl through this next major milestone... and, hopefully, one step closer to finding her special family and humans. She SO deserves this- especially after all she's been through.🐾

www.packfit.net

04/14/2025

Okay, everyone.

The vet called and they had a reschedule for this Friday at 9 am, so Ava's spay has been moved up from May 6th to this Friday!!

I'm excited to do this for her, as I know her body is healthy, ready, her reproductive system is fully developed, and she's an excellent candidate for this at this point.

I'm attaching the spay estimate for you all to see.

I opted against low cost, high volume spay and neuter clinics, and here's why.

Low cost spay and neuter clinics focus on volume and keeping costs low, so there are a number of things ---- important things ----- that usually don't get practiced (such as: pre-op blood work and physical exams to indicate any underlying issues which may impact the outcome of surgery and their reaction to anesthesia, proper pain management, inadequate monitoring due to insufficient resources and low staffing, higher pressure to rush through procedures to meet volume, and so on).

There was one reputable clinic a trusted colleague recommended in San Diego, but this would be a drive - and we'd have to be there early in the morning, stay all day, and drive home in traffic. With all we have going on here, it's just not doable.

Our vet is a mobile vet and will come to us to do the procedure.

Ava will be in excellent hands, they have history, and she'll be closely monitored the entire time.

(As beautiful as they are, Ava... no more baby-making for you!)

I'm thankful the temperatures have dropped a bit from the last several days.

It had been heating up, making the garage (Ava's temporary suite and living space) warm.

I sincerely hope we can find an active, loving, committed, responsible home for her soonest. She deserves this so, so very much, and will make one hell of a companion for someone.

***If you're willing and able to donate to her spay and continued care, it's very, very much needed and would be deeply appreciated.***

With Willard and Rocco now in their new homes, our food and utility bills have dropped a little bit - thankfully (though our food bill is still hovering around the $550 - $650 a week mark for everyone).

Venmo: Kimberly-Artley-2

GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/3ef19a44

Amazon Wish List (as you know, Ava loooooves her stuffies. I believe they offer her a sense of comfort and security. Since Ronin and the pups have successfully gutted all but one of them, I've added a few new stuffies to our Amazon wish list- as well as a post-spay recovery suit- recommended by the vet- and some brain games | enrichment toys for her while she's in recovery) https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1LTPNJNCPUG9J?ref_=wl_share

Thank you all for your continued support with this rescue effort.

We, honestly, could not have done this- or even gotten this far- without you all.

We thank you, Ava thanks you, each of the puppies thank you, and their new families thank you.

We did this together, and - one by one- they're each finding their happily-ever-afters. 🫶🏻

If you're interested in fostering or adopting Ava, please contact Kimberly at: [email protected]

www.packfit.net

04/14/2025

Repost, and well worth the read.

We could add : Spaniels, German Shepherds, Corgis, Catahoulas, Pointers, Ridgebacks, Vizslas, and many more.

------

I am a 21st century dog….

-I'm a Malinois.

Over skilled among dogs, I excel in all disciplines and I'm always ready to work: I NEED to work.

But nowadays I get asked to chill on the couch all day everyday.

-I am an Akita Inu.

My ancestors were selected for fighting bears.

Today I get asked to be tolerant and I get scolded for my reactivity when another approaches me.

-I am a Beagle.

When I chase my prey, I raise my voice so the hunters could follow.

Today they put an electric collar on me to shut up, and you make me come back to you - no running - with a snap of your fingers.

-I am a Yorkshire Terrier.

I was a terrifying rat hunter in English mines.

Today they think I can't use my legs and they always hold me in their arms.

-I'm a Labrador Retriever.

My vision of happiness is a dive into a pond to bring back the duck he shot to my master.

Today you forget I'm a walking, running, swimming dog; as a result I'm fat, made to stay indoors, and to babysit.

-I am a Jack Russell.

I can take on a fox, a mean badger, and a rat bigger than me in his den.

Today I get scolded for my character and high energy, and forced to turn into a quiet living room dog.

-I am a Siberian Husky.

Experienced the great, wide open spaces of Northern Europe, where I could drag sleds for long distances at impressive speeds.

Today I only have the walls of the house or small garden as a horizon, and the holes I dig in the ground just to release energy and frustration, trying to stay sane.

-I am a border collie.

I was made to work hours a day in partnership with my master, and I am an unmistakable artist of working with the herd.

Today they are mad at me because, for lack of sheep, I try to check bikes, cars, children in the house and everything in motion.

I am ...

I am a 21st century dog.

I'm pretty, I'm alert, I'm obedient, I stay in a bag...but I'm also an individual who, from centuries of training, needs to express my instincts, and I am *not* suited for the sedentary life you'd want me to lead.

Spending eight hours a day alone in the house or in the garden - with no work and no one to play or run with, seeing you for a short time in the evening when you get home, and only getting a small toilet walk will make me deeply unhappy.

I'll express it by barking all day, turning your yard into a minefield, doing my needs indoors, being unmanageable the rare times I'll find myself outside, and sometimes spending my days sunk, sad, lonely, and depressed, on my pillow.

You may think that I should be happy to be able to enjoy all this comfort while you go to work, but actually I’ll be exhausted and frustrated, because this is absolutely NOT what I'm meant to do, or what I need to be doing.

If you love me, if you've always dreamed of me, if my beautiful blue eyes or my athletic look make you want me, but you can't give me a real dog's life, a life that's really worth living according to my breed, and if you can't offer me the job that my genes are asking, DO NOT buy or adopt me!

If you like the way I look but aren't willing to accept my temperament, gifts, and traits derived from long genetic selection, and you think you can change them with only your good will, then DO NOT BUY OR ADOPT ME.

I’m a dog from the 21st century, yes, but deep inside me, the one who fought, the one who hunted, the one who pulled sleds, the one who guided and protected a herd still lives within.

So think **very** carefully before you choose your dog. And think about getting two, rather than one, so I won't be so very lonely waiting for you all day. Eight or ten hours is just a workday to you, but it's an eternity for me to be alone.

Written by *unknown*

04/13/2025

Every morning pack walk with my crew is more than just exercise — it’s active meditation, a sacred time to reconnect with:

✨ Ourselves✨ Our dog✨ Nature✨ Our Creator

This isn’t about “who’s leading who,” but rather... what’s leading. Is it fear? Anxiety? Insecurity? That emotional energy flows down the leash and shapes how our pups experience the world. 🌎

The walk is a conversation. An energetic exchange. Let’s make it a powerful one. 💬💗

This is why I created a meditation album unlike any other — designed specifically for dog lovers who want more out of every step. It’s about grounding, rising, and healing — together. 🐾

🎧 What's Included:

Pre-walk visualization
“I AM” affirmations
“Find the Joy” & “Feel the Love” meditations
“Reconnecting to Your Power”
“Coach on Your Shoulder”
Fear, anxiety, & confidence support
Grief, trauma, & vibrational healing tools..and so much more 🌀

💥 Whether you’re in a funk, facing fear, or just want to reconnect — these meditations will uplift your spirit and transform your walks into healing rituals.

🛍️ For the next 48 hours, get 15% off with code: WITHLOVE15

Get yours here: https://www.packfit.net/meditation 🔗

Throw in your AirPods (low volume 😉), lace up your sneakers, leash up your pup, and head out for something so much more than a walk. 🌿✨

People have been *raving* about these... give it a try and see for yourself ; )

04/10/2025

04/10/2025

I have exciting news.

Our handsome Mister Rocco (now "Rocky") has found his forever family.

He has an 8 week old baby human brother, and 2 doting adult humans.

His dad had started building a lil' dog bedroom underneath the stair case for their previous dog (in lieu of a downstairs crate- looks really nice!), who has since passed (a hard loss, as they all are). But I know Rocco | Rocky will pick the baton up and carry it forward with love and s***k.

He also scored a beautiful swimming pool -- which I know would make his water dog brother, Willard, a lil' jelly ; )

I'll admit, this is all so bittersweet.

Good... but bittersweet.

This little family has been my #1 focus and priority for the last 4 months. Their health... their development.... their care... their present... their future....

They're such a huge part of me, and - I'll admit - letting them go has been difficult. (Very) Tough... but necessary.

It's my sincere hope I've done right by them- by way of health, behavior, and making the best family choices for them. Their entire futures and quality of life are 100% dependent upon this, and it's not something I've taken lightly.

This has definitely given me a new perspective on rescue. Front and back end, and also how conventional rescue models (what's lacking and also in play) are actually contributing to the "dog crisis."

I hope their humans take advantage of the coaching, training, and guidance that comes with them. 90% of "dog training" is, in fact, training the human(s) responsible for the dog.

Behavior is complex and heavily nuanced.

We're always teaching.

Always training.

Every moment, every day.

And most behaviors people struggle with were actually conditioned and reinforced by them unknowingly.

Each of these dogs carry a huge piece of my heart with them, and I hope and pray they go on to live sensational lives filled with adventure, amazing experiences, and lots of love with their people.

Now to find beautiful Ava a good, committed, invested, loving home of her own.

www.packfit.net

04/07/2025

It's starting to get warmer here in SoCal, which means the garage is going to be heating up pretty soon (the only space we could create to designate for the foster family).

We haven't had to really think about temperature given the fact this family came to us in the middle of December, but now we do.

This really hasn't been easy.

But - much to Steve's dismay- I'm in this for the long haul.

This rescue effort won't be complete until we find amazing, committed, loving homes for these guys.

There's been online interest, but little to no follow through.

I'm still looking for remote work so we can afford their upkeep and care.

Still trying to fundraise.

We also need to figure out Ava's spay on top of continued feeding and care (averaging $650 - $700 a week for all the dogs). I'm seeing indications that her next heat may be coming up, and we really need to get this taken care of. Soon.

This, and - now- I'll have to figure out how to keep the garage temperature cooler. Portable AC unit?? It is south facing, so that's a good thing. (le sigh)

I'm posting our support links, once again, in the event this reaches someone who has a few dollars they can dedicate to a good cause.

We wouldn't have been able to get this far with their level of care without this amazing community and the support we've received since they first got to us. And it's with a sincerely grateful and humble heart I ask for continued help for their continued care.

Ways to Support:

Venmo: Kimberly-Artley-2

GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/3ef19a44

Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1LTPNJNCPUG9J?ref_=wl_share

Our Patreon: https://patreon.com/user?u=59267309&utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Sharing this - or any of our other - posts on Ava and her pups.

Thank you all so much for your continued support of this rescue effort....

K.

[email protected]

www.packfit.net

04/06/2025

Early morning training... in the house-pants 😂

A very special individual and fellow trainer | rescuer | advocate, Heather Murdock, did the sweetest and kindest thing the other day. She understands the challenge of individual rescue and all it entails.

Her birthday wish was for Ava and the pups.

She proposed a $6.40 Venmo challenge for her 64th birthday, and asked her friends and colleagues to match it.

PackFit has not been able to get re-established out here in CA quite yet and we desperately need funding help for continued food and vet care (the pups' 3rd vax round is coming up, and we really, REALLY need to get Ava spayed).

We have 3500 followers.

If everyone contributed $6.40 to Ava and the pups in honor of Heather Murdock- the beautiful work she's done (especially her most recent work with a beautiful stray dog named Cheddar), and celebrating the "kind" she puts in "human kind" (we need more people like this in the world)... it'd be so very appreciated.

$6.40

It all adds up.

Venmo: Kimberly-Artley-2

Ava and Rocco are more than ready to begin their lives with their special humans.... and we're holding onto hope they're out there. Somewhere.

Happy birthday to you, Heather... and sincerest thanks for your thoughtfulness, kindness... and for being you 😘

www.packfit.net
[email protected]

04/06/2025

Our day starts very early.

Here's a new compilation video through Patreon on teaching the automatic "polite sit" and introducing the leash-- then teaching the language of the leash

https://www.patreon.com/posts/automatic-polite-126027250?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

www.packfit.net

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