Janeen's Catahoula Leopard Dog Rescue Network

I have no cell service, only landline, no text. Call if you want or need help, email [email protected] My very first Catahoula experience was in Arizona with a small pup of the neighbor's named Stopper. As Stopper grew, my respect and love for that dog and awe for his intelligence and loyalty grew. It would be a while before I would find out that Stopper was a purebred registered natural Bobtail C

atahoula. This started my love for a breed that continues to hold me in its grip. A breed I set out to learn in depth; a journey of a lot of years with a lot of experiences. Stopper and a neighbor's female purebred Doberman, had an oopsie breeding. It produced 3 unwanted puppies, one of which was to be my very first rescue dog resulting in Blueberry being my introduction to the Catahoula. I knew nothing about the breed but this was my first days of learning. A love affair began that brought enthusiasm, zeal and desire in me to HELP people that didn't know and understand this breed's heart, drive, vitality, love of family, love of life, independent thinking, working ability, hunting instincts,loyalty and intelligence. The Catahoula was a little known breed and is not a breed that fits into every life style but I knew that there would be people who could be taught to change their life style to become good Catahoula owners as I had. I wanted to aid people in knowing how to choose a breed, identify the breed and how to sort out whether this breed or another would fit or not fit into their lives. I knew that with guidance there could be fewer on the euthanasia list in overcrowded shelters and that it was possible that with education, proper help, guidance, perspective and support, we could make a difference; part of my mission is to be leader and team player. Eventually I was referred to a rescue message board, thus my introduction to saving a misunderstood breed, because of humanity's lack of knowledge of the breed in general. Huge quantities of good dogs were being euthanized and my experience and knowledge could be put to use. Pain, loss, fear showed in dogs faces that haunted me day and night. Shelters that were inundated with huge quantities of dogs and few people stepping up to adopt. I saw apathy in humans unwilling to step out of their comfort zone and face the reality of all this; I saw struggles of a few volunteers, trying to rescue and save them without resources or much help. Dogs were tormented, stressed, sick, unwanted and abused yet still showing signs of wanting to be a friend to human counterparts; both Catahoula purebreds, and Catahoula mixes. Something inside me said, you can help. It took a while to get a feel for how I could offer my expertise acquired through years of hands on with these dogs; this breed that wasn't so well known. I knew that what I had seen as a very young girl, the need I saw then all around me, was now greater than ever before and even if I couldn't save them all, I could not sit around and leave it to others to do. I had to do my part. I could inspire, encourage, and teach dog owners how to work through issues and thereby keeping their dogs out of shelters. I wanted to offer a working relationship with adopters or potential adopters to turn things around for the dogs. I knew that I had stickability in my heart and mind and I wanted to put my time and efforts towards being the voice for the voiceless; the help for the helpless. To be support for those who did not know where turn for help. Unlimited support, patience, kindness and firmness to help them learn what a long life of experience had taught me and that everyone can change and everyone can win. I wanted to pass it on. I wanted to teach people how to try, how to build confidence in their relationships with their dogs, into something lasting and to put confidence in them. I wanted them to see what true companionship can turn into with a little work. I wanted to dispel myths that were now proven to be poor training practices. I wanted to share what I had proven myself through the years; offering something tried and tested. Helping them understand better nutrition, safety practices, and offering practical first aid. I wanted to educate about spay/neuter and proper veterinary care. I wanted to just be there and help clear their perspectives so that they could enjoy giving life another chance to a FUR friend that had already been let down; to find the richness in offering their dog a faithfulness that dogs willingly give back even when undeserved. People need to believe there is always HOPE and always HELP. We only fail when we fail to try.This is what life is all about: ANOTHER CHANCE. I wanted to aid in any way I possibly could to help make it a reality. Nearly 40 years of experience with this breed and 14 years with my finger in rescue makes me say heartily and emphatically that this WAS and IS my passion. It has proven successful in the past and has grown. Life is on going and on growing. Life is precious, I want to help others stop throwing it away. I hope this will inspire others to HELP and it will become their passion and mission. I plan to continue making it mine.