Rescue & Relocation

FEBRUARY 2009

The Great Lakes Portuguese Water Dog Club Members are “giving back” this year through sponsoring the rescue and re-homing of a 3 ½ year old Portuguese Water Dog.

Roxie is a 3 ½ year old black and white wavy female. Her original owner’s were given the cute little puppy by a neighbor who had bred their PWD bitch (after they had purchased the female on a limited registration and told the breeder they would spay her) and then (the neighbors) were not allowed to register the litter (good for the breeder Roxie’s mother originated from). Though we have been unable to get any more information about Roxie’s pedigree, mother, sire, or original breeder, she is very obviously pure bred. The original owner’s loved her, but were completely unprepared for her energy level and the coat care. It is a perfect example of what can happen when people who are unprepared and unsupported by an ethical breeder end up with one of our unique breed.

Amy Lane located Roxie and made the original contacts with the owner. Jilian Rakow jumped in and found a foster home and arranged veterinary care and grooming. Elaine Suter donated a crate, and Terry Kamensky donated crate mats. Roxie quickly settled into her foster home with Jilian providing support and training. Many other GLPWDC Members (Vera, Melissa, and Stan, etc.) have offered support through advice and reassurance for the new foster family.

When Roxie was picked up she had feces attached to her coat. Her hair was so long it was blocking her vision. She was so matted we were unsure as to whether she was a curly or a wavy. She had not been seen by a vet since summer of 2006 when she was spayed.  Her owner’s admitted that they were ill equipped financially and time wise to care for her but it was obvious that they loved her as best they could. It is the tragedy of the wrong dog placed in the wrong home with people who didn’t know any better.

Roxie is being fostered in Grand Rapids Michigan by the Atwood family. (GLPWDC application pending approval by board). Deb Atwood began her interest in PWDs 2 years ago after meeting Jilian Rakow’s dogs. Jilian referred Deb to various breeders, web sites, books, and The Courier to begin researching the breed. Deb had come to know that she really wanted a PWD, but the cost of a puppy from one of the reputable breeders that Jilian had referred her to was a little out of her reach.

Enter Roxie……

When Jilian heard that Roxie was in need of a home…it was the perfect opportunity for Deb and her family to see if a PWD was really for them. Having adopted an older child…Deb and her family knew that any foster care situation was going to be work and they were willing to take it on. Jilian referred Deb to Amy Lane who was organizing the rescue. Amy Lane and Deb connected by phone and Amy agreed that Deb and family could be the perfect foster home for Roxie.

Roxie is doing very well. She is on a new raw diet, has been in the care of Dr. Pam Ditonto DVM of Holistic Veterinary Options, and has been groomed by Master groomer Jennifer Hecker of Whiskers Pet Resort and Spa. Roxie has settled in well to her new home. The Atwood family is even talking about adopting and becoming Roxie’s forever home.

Roxie’s transition wasn’t easy. Her house breaking took a big back slide resulting in big accidents in the house. She originally cried all night and was shy of some family members. She wouldn’t eat and wouldn’t go to the bathroom when taken out. Through patience, love, and lots of walks…Roxie has come around wonderfully. She is a special girl with great resilience. She had her first PWD play date at Jilian Rakow’s place last week and had a wonderful time. She even jumped into the pond with Jilian’s young male, Zeep.

We will keep you updated on Roxie’s progress and let everyone know when her adoption is final.

Donated Services:

Dr. Pam Ditonto DVM Holistic Veterinary Options—Ada, Michigan

Jennifer Hecker Whiskers Resort and Spa—Grand Rapids, Michigan

Submitted by Jilian Rakow

UPDATE:  October 7, 2009

Roxie

Has been adopted

“Roxie”, now ILP Registered with the AKC as GLPWDC Rogue River Roxie, had been adopted.

The Atwood family agreed to foster Roxie immediately after she was rescued by GLPWDC members. The Atwood’s have fallen in love with Roxie and have now become her forever home.

We congratulate them on their new family member and are thrilled for Roxie to have found a wonderful home. We would like to thank all of the GLPWDC members who contributed to the rescue and re-homing of Roxie.

Submitted by,

Jilian Rakow

PHOTO GALLERY

Click on the photo to open the gallery, enlarge the picture and scroll through the images!