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News
Latest News Items:
From the Heart to help K9 -- Saturday May 21st, 2011
From the Heart announced today it is starting a fund drive to acquire bullet-proof/stab-proof vests for the law enforement K9 Units in El Paso.
Every day, these brave and highly trained dogs put their lives on the line to protect their human partners, yet many do not have protection vests in the event of gun fire or knife attacks. So far, no K9 has lost their life in El Paso, but we need to keep it that way!
To outfit the K9 units will cost approximately $12,000 for the vests, which also include pockets for cool packs (a definite necessity in the desert!). If you wish to help by contributing, just click the donate button at the top of any page on our website (www.fthar.org) and the funds will go directly towards the purchase of the vests.
Thank you for caring!
Chiuahua Seizure 2010 -- Thursday December 2nd, 2010
On the evening of December 2, 2010, first responders were called to a mobile home fire in NE El Paso. They were able to extinquish the fire, but also found over 50 chihuahuas living in the mobile home. The dogs were taken to Animal Services for evaluation.
On the morning of December 3rd, From the Heart received a call from Animal Services as to whether we could accomodate the ill, injured dogs and neonatal puppies. Of course, FTH did not hesitate and has now taken in 17 of the dogs ranging in age from 4 weeks to 9 years old. Most were suffering from malnutrition, intestinal parasites, eye infections, and general lack of care.
Tiny Tim, one of the puppies, stole our hearts with his tiny frame (1/4 pound) and oversized head due to hydroencephailitous. Esperanza, a tiny 5-pound chihuahua, has a tumor the size of a softball. She will be undergoing surgery this week for its removal.
All the dogs and puppies are starting to thrive in their foster homes, but it will be a while until they are all out of the woods. All will remain in a foster home until they are fully healed. Once available, they each will need a home where they can be cared for and loved for the rest of their lives.
You can follow their progress on their webpages on our website at www.fthar.org. The names of the dogs/puppies are: Tiny Tim & A Christmas Carol litter, Mrs. Crachit, Auntie Fan, Falena, Chi-Rrito, TAD Foster 1, TAD Foster 2, and Esperanza.
Stiletto's Story -- Wednesday August 4th, 2010
ACTION ALERT: A minimum $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction for the person responsible for a knife attack on a German Shepherd puppy on the east side of El Paso on Saturday, July 31, 2010. You can remain anonymous and send any tips to info@fthar.org or call us at 915-526-0628.
For updates on her status, please go to our website at www.fthar.org, and click on the link on the left "Stiletto's Story".
As her veterinary costs are already in the thousands, donations towards her care and/or reward fund are greatly appreciated and can be made through PayPal with a credit card or PayPal account, or mailed to the address on the "Contact Us" page. Please mark your donation "Stiletto."
Thank you for caring!
Vote for JoJo's Journey -- Sunday June 6th, 2010
Voting now is open! As we notified you earlier, one of our special dogs, JoJo, is a finalist in a national contest recognizing the the wonderful pets special dogs can be when a rescue does just a bit more. JoJo, hit by a car and left for dead on the side of the road in the central Texas desert, now works a a therapy dog at an orthopedic hospital! Oh, did we tell you -- JoJo is a pitbull! Yes, a breed that is feared, hated and terribly misunderstood.
Thank you for caring!
SAVING DOBBY CONTINUES -- Saturday May 15th, 2010
You may remember Dobby, the boxer who was found in the desert nearly dead, and who's blog still appears on our website. Well, Mr. Dobby is back in rescue ... his owners could no longer care for him. But that is not the end of his story.
Mr. Dobby was returned with a massive leg infection and xrays revealed buckshot left over from before he came into rescue the first time! We had never had a reason to xray his legs before, and with his other open sores, we did not know he had been shot.
Dobby is back writing his blog, so please check in from time to time to see how he is doing ... how much more can this one puppy take?!
DOBBY'S BLOG
Saving Dobbins -- Monday November 23rd, 2009
Shortly before Thanksgiving, From the Heart got a call which would turn out to be one of the biggest rehabilitation challenges of the year. When Animal Emergency Center called they had a dog they hoped we would take we were unprepared for the puppy -- which we thought might be a boxer -- full of oozing sores, swollen limbs and suffering from severe malnutrition and dehydration.
Once into rescue, he has started to blossom and become a dog again. We hope you will join us on his journey from the brink of death through to a reclaimed life of health and happiness through his blog page:
DOBBY'S BLOG
For those of you following the dogs from the chihuahua seizure, they (along with 8 others from another seizure in Las Cruces) all have been placed with the exception of Charles. Check out his webpage:
Charles' Webpage
and see if you can help this dear, special needs boy find a home!
Seized Dogs Highlighted -- Friday August 21st, 2009
Our motley crew was once again featured in the press ... this time the El Paso Times, Borderland Section ran a story on these wonderful dogs and the fact they still are looking for a home. Jethro was the spokesdog for the crew this time and did a wonderful job in 10 words or less of telling about each of his friends. We hear that Nana was a bit jealous she didn't get her picture in the paper, but heck -- she has a home! The rest of the motley crew still are looking for somewhere to hang their leashes for the rest of their lives....
Please follow along with their progress to their new homes by clicking on the link on the left "News about the Chihuahua Seizure Dogs." There are some cute pictures of the gang too!
Chihuahua Seizure -- Thursday July 9th, 2009
Seized Chihuahuas Recovering in FTH Foster Homes
In July, From The Heart received a call that 47 Chihuahua and Chihuahua mixes were seized from a property in El Paso. The dogs had been living in appalling conditions and all appeared to need some basic care and nutrition. While many of the readily adoptable dogs had been claimed by other rescues and shelters, several of the senior and medically-challenged dogs still were in need of rescue. FTH stepped up and took 7 of the most needy.
Two of the female dogs -- Nana and Dulcinea -- required emergency surgery for severe uterine infections. All but two of them will need extensive dental care due to the condition of their teeth. From the Heart placed seven of the dogs in foster care, one of whom, sadly, did not survive.
Also taken into one of our foster homes was Jethro, a 30-pound pitbull/chihuahua mix, loving dubbed the Chia-pit. Jethro had been living with all the chihuahuas acting as their protector. Other rescues felt he was unadoptable as he was so shy and reserved. FTH could not leave him behind.
Update: All of the Chihuahuas are doing extremely well. The foster for Don Quixote, Flan and Pop Pop reports that after initially being afraid of everything, that they are now enjoying outdoor play time and regular meals, although they are still baffled by toys. The foster for Jethro, the Chia-Pit reports that he plays with all the other dogs and has a wonderful smile. The foster for Nana and Dulcinea, says that they are wonderful, loving girls and give great kisses.***
For more information about the chihuahuas, please cleck on the link on the left "News About Chihuahua Seizure Dogs" and you can follow along with their progress on the blog. We would appreciate any donations to sponsor these dogs to help cover the medical expenses detailed on their profiles.
Highlights of 2008 -- Saturday April 11th, 2009
FTH CONTINUES TO GROW IN 2008!
In 2008, 456 were adopted through From The Heart (FTH). Of those From the Heart provided to animals in our care:
Heartworm treatments: 32
Parvo treatments: 27
Leg/hip surgeries 21
Other surgeries: 42
Illness exams/treatments: 53
Injury exams/treatments: 21
Orphaned puppies raised: 33
Litters whelped: 10 (43 puppies)
Senior dogs aided: 14
Not to mention every one of the animals adopted were kept on heartworm preventative and Frontline, spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated and microchipped prior to being adopted!
In addition, we assisted the El Paso Chapter of the Red Cross with emergency sheltering for 9 dogs who's families had been forced to leave their homes because of fire or other disaster.
From The Heart's veterinary and medical supply bills in 2008 were $74,967 (a $20,000 increase from 2007), or an average of $165 in medical expenses per animal, yet our adoption fee remains $100.
On July 5, 2008, From The Heart got a call that a 3-4 month old puppy had been hit by a drunk driver in a Ford F-150, dragged and was injured on the side of the road. No one else could or would respond, so a volunteer rushed to see what could be done. The pup was found responsive, but severely injured -- he had seven (yes 7!) fractures of the leg, hip and ribs and a total degloving wound of the right leg. W fought for months to pull this dog through and, just as he was walking, running and playing again, he was struck with distemper which he had been exposed to prior to coming to FTH. We were devastated, to say the least. In his honor, we created the McClain Emergency Fund to assist other severely injured dogs who have no where else to turn. So far, through the generosity of our donors, the McClain Emergency Fund has been able to assist two other dogs whom we would not have been able to help otherwise. You can read their stories through the link on the left of this page.
This past year, we continued to assist New Hope Alliance, an exciting and innovative program to facilitate adoptions at Animal Services in El Paso, Texas. This organization can now stand on its own and continue to serve our community. Before New Hope, there was no onsite adoption program -- now over 1500 animals a year are saved from euthanasia.
In an effort to find the best homes possible for our furry friends, FTH volunteers continued to travel to adoption events throughout the Southwest. In fact, as well as Texas, we have FTH animals living in homes in such far away places as Arizona, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Washington, Wisconsin, Illinois and even Germany.
We look forward to 2009, and the challenges it may bring, along with the joy as each animal whom we have the privilege to serve goes on to bring happiness to its new family!
Senior Spay Day -- Tuesday April 15th, 2008
SENIOR SPAY DAYS HUGE SUCCESS
On February 14th and April 15th, From The Heart Rescue offered free spay/neuter services, vaccinations and microchips to a forgotten segment of our society -- the senior citizens of El Paso. Through a generous donation from Billy Crews Restaurant and the Crews Family, we were able to assist 25 senior citizens with full services and another 41 with microchips and vaccinations!
From The Heart wants to be out of business! The only way we can do that is by reaching out to the community to stem the tide of unwanted litters and unclaimed stray animals through spay/neuter and microchipping.
Highlights of 2007 -- Tuesday January 1st, 2008
FTH MOVING FORWARD IN 2007
This year, we were able to serve 478 animals — 407 were adopted through From The Heart (FTH), we assisted 48 other animals to find placements with other organizations, 4 were returned to their owners, 8 received medical care in an effort to save their lives, and the remainder started the new year waiting for forever love in their foster homes.
In 2007, From the Heart provided to animals in our care:
Heartworm treatments: 18
Parvo treatments: 19
Leg/hip surgeries 11
Eye Surgeries: 6
Other surgeries: 8
Illness exams/treatments: 53
Injury exams/treatments: 21
Litters bottle raised: 7
Litters whelped: 6
Healthy, happy animals adopted who previously had no chance: 407
Not to mention every one of the 407 animals adopted were kept on heartworm preventative and Frontline, spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated and microchipped prior to being adopted!
From The Heart’s veterinary and medical supply bills in 2007 were $54,730.88., or an average of $134.47 in medical expenses per animal, yet our adoption fee remains $100.
We also are proud to be one of the founding members of New Hope Alliance — an exciting and innovative program to facilitate adoptions at Animal Services in El Paso, Texas. Before New Hope, there was no onsite adoption program. Since its inception in June 2007 and January 1, 2008, 685 animals have been saved through adoption.
In an effort to find the best homes possible for our furry friends, FTH volunteers traveled to adoption events throughout the Southwest. In fact, as well as Texas, we have FTH animals living in homes in such far away places as Michigan, New York, Ohio, Washington, Wisconsin, Illinois and even Germany.
Volunteers also spent countless hours speaking to community organizations and schools about pet care, animal abuse and the importance of spay/neuter.
We look forward to 2008 and the challenges it may bring, along with the joy as each animal whom we have the privilege to serve goes on to bring happiness to its new family!
Nova -- Wednesday October 17th, 2007
FROM THE HEART RESCUE WINS NATIONAL RECOGNITION AWARD
From the Heart Rescue is pleased to announce to our friends, supporters and adopters that it, along with one of our rescued dogs, has received a Special Recognition Award from Pro Plan’s Rally to Rescue Program. From The Heart was selected as one of ten finalists from a field of over 500 rescues nationwide. We received the award in Los Angeles, California on Friday, October 12, 2007 during a ceremony in which the finalists from all over the country, along with animals they had rescued, participated.
The nomination was a result of From The Heart's care and rehabilitation of Nova, a 7-month old German Shepherd, from El Paso, Texas. Nova was found on September 25, 2006, on the side of the road after having been dragged behind a truck. She had lost the pads on her feet, endured broken bones, and suffered abrasions all the way to the bone on two legs. No other local rescue or shelter would take her; that’s when From the Heart stepped forward. Nova went through several surgeries and endured daily bandage changes for six weeks…but she emerged at the end with a loving and gentle personality.
When the perfect home was found in Long Island, New York, nineteen volunteer drivers stepped forward to relay Nova to her new home over the course of two weekends, with a one-week stay in Chicago at Great Dane Rescue. Finally, Nova arrived at her new forever home on December 11, 2006.
Below is Nova’s story as submitted to Rally to Rescue which garnered this precious dog the nomination:
NOVA
A PROMISE MADE, A PROMISE KEPT
We cried as we loaded her into the car for what we thought would be a one-way trip to the vet. Broken and bleeding from being dragged behind a truck, we were sure this sweet 7-month old pup would not be with us much longer. But Nova was a fighter. Despite losing the pads on all four feet, severe abrasions on her legs, and a broken foot and leg, she made it clear she would not give up. We made her a promise that day to heal her, both physically and emotionally.
We cried daily for weeks as she laid still for an hour to have her bandages changed. But her tender nature and desire to please made the time, effort and search for donations to help her a labor of love for us all. The day we found her with a pilfered beany baby in her mouth, surrounded by what was once it’s innards, was the day we knew her spirit had healed; her body could not be far behind. We started to truly believe we would be able to keep our promise to her.
We cried again as we loaded her into the car to start her journey across the country to her new family 2200 miles away, but this time it was happy tears. After three months, countless bandage changes and three surgeries, Nova was healed and happy, ready to unconditionally love her new family for the rest of her life. It was a promise fulfilled.
From The Heart Rescue congratulates all the rescues, and their special dogs, who were nominated for this award. Each dog or cat which comes through a rescue is a winner, because it means another life was saved due to the dedication of a rescuer who most times works unsung.
Red Cross Award -- Wednesday April 4th, 2007
Red Cross Honors From The Rescue
From the Heart Rescue also was humbled when we were chosen as a finalist for the Hero of the Pass award by the El Paso Chapter of the American Red Cross for our successful efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating Nova.
Previously, From The Heart Rescue won the Hero of the Pass Award in 2006. The award was received in recognition of our volunteers who had spent a month living in a parking in New Orleans rescuing pets after Hurricane Katrina.
While our rescuers do not do what they do for fame and glory, it is always nice when others recognize our efforts on behalf of the animal community. We were particularly honored to have been nominated for this prestigious award two years in a row!
We thank the Red Cross for their continuing and tireless efforts on behalf of the humans in our community in need!
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