REFURBISHED PETS o f SOUTHERN M ICHIGAN

Michigans first and only stray shelter dog Correctional Companion Program

Despite the growing connectedness of our modern society, the persistent issue of labeling affects us all. As children, we are taught to label, to categorize, to color within the lines. We learn to separate the triangles from the squares, the red crayons from the green. Categorical labeling is a tool that humans use to resolve the impossible complexity of the environments we grapple to perceive, writes author Adam Alter in an article appearing on Psychology Todays website.

Karen Wosje, who adopted forever friend Grover from RPSM, agrees, saying, In the case of Grover, "special" is probably supposed to refer to his "disability" of deafness, but I see Grover as perfectly abled. What types of adopters make the best forever homes for a dog like Grover? Cathy Gray of RPSM suggests, The best homes are the ones who accept the pet with a handicap the way it is; they do not coddle and feel sorry for the pet. They are willing to adjust the environment to help the pet be as comfortable as possible.

In s i d e
Special Needs.1 In the Know2 Around RPSM...2 Saving Penny3 Adoption Showcase5 Kids Korner6 Halloween Winners...7 Seasonal Spotlights...8

What exactly does the label special needs mean when applied to an animal? Some Karen feels that Quinn, available for adoption organizations may refer compassionate and to a dog with heartworm through RPSM, boasts a glowing loyal people who can as special needs, while personality and high intelligence. accommodate the dog's others consider those needs without feeling who are blind, deaf, or suffer hip frustrated make great owners. If there dysplasia to fit the definition. is any hint of a doubt as to the owner being happily willing to properly care Generally, a special needs pet may for the dog and accommodate his have medical or psychological issues needs, it is a deal-breaker, she says. that require surgery, rehabilitation, psychological therapy or lifelong care. She explains this concept: Grover has a strong aversion to moving lights, so When we peel away the special needs I accommodate this with light-blocking label and look at the pet behind it, we drapes at certain parts of the often find a loving animal who would day and avoidance of LED lights. make a perfect companion in the right forever home. Continued on page 4

Editor: R. Madison Paradis Writers: Lin Wang R. Madison Paradis Contributors: Jamie Zipper I was finishing the layout for RPSMs Spring 2011 newsletter. Sue, our volunteer coordinator, had just sent over material for our Adoptable Dogs section. I began positioning the pictures of happy -faced dogs, inserting coordinating descriptions below. I stopped when I saw Quinn. Out of all the text, only the words Quinn is blind stood out to me. I also knew that there were many others out there, just like me, who might be missing out on a wonderful forever friend only because of ignorance. At this realization, I contacted Sue to suggest we feature an article to break down the special needs label as it pertains to our pets. The article is our main feature this issue. I hope it will expand your mind with new knowledge about special needs pets and bring to light the limits of labeling, as it did mine.

The mission of Refurbished Pets of Southern Michigan is to assist abandoned, homeless or unwanted animals by placing them in qualified, suitable, and approved foster or permanent homes; to rescue abandoned, homeless or unwanted animals by removing them through legal means from unsuitable environments or shelters. To improve conditions of any animal in need, and help to facilitate their adoption to qualified, permanent homes; to educate the general public about rescue programs, responsible dog ownership, and the prevention of pet overpopulation and to consider the adoption of animals from their local shelters or rescue; to work with governmental agencies to implement positive changes in all aspects of animal reform at local and state levels.

Immediately I was flooded with feelings of sorrow about this poor dog who couldnt see. What a shame, I thought to myself. Sue indicated that because of Quinns blindness, it might take a while to As this is our final newsletter of the find his forever home. year, everyone at Refurbished Pets Ive never considered myself to be a of Southern Michigan wishes you a judgmental person. Yet, in a single safe, happy moment, I viewed Quinn through the holiday! blindness of my own ignorance.

Madison

The Detroit Spay/Neuter Event and Apple Festival in Coldwater took place on September 17 and without a hitch! RPSM received generous donations from many and they were put to good use. We sincerely appreciate the many folks that came out to join us and support us in our efforts to educate the general public about the importance of altering pets, and bringing more awareness to our program.

honored to receive over 140 pumpkins that were beautifully painted and well received at both the Apple Festival and at our Detroit Event. Every dollar received for pumpkins sold helps RPSM to continue the prison program. Thanks to those that participated!

RPSM PO Box 83 Coldwater, MI 49036 www.rpsm.us 517-238-9241

Were also very proud to announce our recent Certificate of Recognition as a 2011 Governors Service Award nominee, which recognizes our The Apple Festival had a great o r g a n iz a t i on in o u t s t a n d i n g surprise from the Lakeland Prison volunteer efforts impacting Facility too! Each year the M ic h ig an c ommu n itie s. inmates grow pumpkins, Refurbished Pets gives a then hand paint them, and donate them to a non-profit special thank you to organization of their choice. Representative Ken Kurtz for This year RPSM was our nomination. 2

Found surviving on the tough streets of Detroit, Penelope is just one of many stray dogs saved from the brink of death. Strays have become an epidemic in many major cities across the United States, and Detroit is no exception. On April 21, 2011, Cathy Gray, President of Refurbished Pets of Southern Michigan (RPSM), was working as a volunteer spotting strays for the World Animal Awareness Society during its filming of American Strays-Detroit, when she saw Penelope running down Orangelawn Street on Detroits West Side. After a brief pursuit, Penelope could run no more. Severely malnourished and suffering from mange, Penelope plodded into a neighboring yard and collapsed. Lying there helplessly, Penelopes body quivered as Cathy approached bearing high-value treats. Identifying her as a pit bull type breed, Cathy was unsure of the reaction she would receive. Penelope instinctively realized Cathy was there to help. While coaxing her with treats, Cathy called the Michigan Humane Society (MHS) for assistance in transporting Penelope to their facility. Aside from malnutrition and obvious mange, Penelope was diagnosed with a secondary skin infection. Soon, she would be well on her way to recovery and a second chance at life. Penelopes rescue also set the stage for a new partnership between RPSM and the Michigan Humane Society. On May 31, Cathy picked up Penelope from MHS, who by now was nearing full recovery, and brought her home.

Penny, seen here in a recent photo, is looking for her forever home.
Penelope entered the Canine Companion Program at the Lakeland Correctional Facility, where she was socialized and trained in obedience. You can view Penelopes amazing transformation by clicking here to view a YouTube video. Viewer discretion is advised. Volunteers who have worked with Penny report that today, she is a completely different dog than the one rescued just months ago. Shes curious when anyone approaches her and seems to want to meet everyone. She still has some trust issues, but is unbelievably intelligent and knows all her basic commands. Penny enjoys running and playing with other dogs, and walks very well on a lead. And, she knows many tricks. Trainers in the Canine Correctional Companion program hope to have the opportunity to help more dogs like Penny in the future. The love, care and attention we give the dogs in the program can help any dog that has been abused or abandoned, shares one program participant. On October 10, 2011, Penelope graduated from the training program and has since returned to Cathy Grays home as a foster until her forever home is found. Cathy reports Penelope is doing well and loves playing with the other foster dogs. She loves to investigate throughout the house and is truly a joy to have as a foster. If you or anyone you know are interested in making Penelopes life complete, please visit our website to complete an application. By: Jamie 3

As humans, we tend to base our opinions of a situation on our own perception of it. Linguist Benjamin Whorf hypothesized that the words we use to describe what we see arent just idle placeholders but instead actually establish what we see. Does Karen believe Grover is aware of his special needs status? Has his quality of life been affected? It seems clear to me that Grover has absolutely no care or idea that there is anything unusual about him. Grover's quality of life is unequivocally awesome, Karen shares. Quinn, a four-year-old blind Walker Coonhound, came to RPSM earlier this year and excelled during his training in the prison program, which he completed successfully in July.
Marty, Quinns trainer, notes his high level of confidence and sociability, not often seen in most dogs.

Grover, shown in the above photo as he was found by RPSM at Animal Control, now enjoys an unequivocally awesome quality of life, says owner Karen Wosje.

Sure its nice to have, but it certainly isnt going to interfere with your ability to enjoy all that life offers. I constantly hear statements like, theres no way that dog is blind, or he must be able to see a little, in reference to Quinns everyday abilities and activities. Before Within a week of being in your home, he will be navigating through your house and yard like he owns it. He is just as normal as any other dog, Marty asserts. There is that special place deep within every owners heart that has been touched only by the extraordinary bond formed between man and dog. Thats how we prefer to think of the term special. Remember, when you adopt a special animal, the life you change may be your own

After

Quinns trainers, John and Marty, report, Quinns confidence is what makes him so special. You dont see this type of confidence in most dogs that can see, especially in one who is blind. Quinn loves meeting new Quinn may not think of himself as a special needs pet, people and experiencing new places. but he is waiting for a very special forever friend to share the rest of his life with! Learn more about Quinn In fact, they say, His blindness is no more a disability to by visiting his Petfinder page or stay up to date with him than a person losing their sense of taste. news on Facebook. By: R. Madison Paradis

Learn how you can assist RPSM in its initiatives by visiting www.rpsm.us/Volunteer.html!

Penny

Shae

Einstein

This is the 'new' bright and shiny Penny, Shae is a 1 yr old Beagle. Sweet as can the sweet girl you read about. We want be, shes not your typical howling hound to remind everyone that she would love to dog. Petite Shae is loving and have that long awaited forever affectionate with a happy go lucky home. Visit Petfinder to see her videos attitude. Hunters need not apply; Shae is and learn more! more content as a lap dog.

Einstein is a beautiful Munsterlander mix. He has a good sense of humor and loves to play in the yard. He is full of life and can entertain himself all day long. He gets along good with cats and other dogs.

Tequila Rose

Maggie May

This young poodle only weighs about ten pounds; she didn't enter the prison program because of her size. But Rose is housebroken, crate trained and super sweet; just waiting for her special person. Due to her young age and energy, we recommend no young children be in the household.

2 year old Maggie is a large girl weighing in at 85 lbs. She is good with other dogs, but will chase cats. She does NOT jump on people when meeting them but greets everyone with a big woof! She is housebroken, doing very well on crate training and does not chew up toys or her bedding. Maggie is beautiful inside and out!

Archie

Gypsy

Layla

Layla is a beautiful Lab mix. She is only 8 months old and by all signs, going to be Archie is a one year old Schnauzer mix super smart! Energetic Layla needs a weighing about 20 pounds. Archie has a Athletic, energetic and confident, Gyspy fenced-in yard as she loves to run and huge personality and is full of confidence. is a petite 23 lb. 5 month old female lab play. Black dogs are known to not be Nothing bothers him. He is attentive, mix. Shell need a fenced-in yard to allow adopted quickly because they arent usulikes to watch TV and loves to play. He is her to run freely, but afterwards, shes a jumper, so we recommend a home with- ready to snuggle. She needs a home with ally considered photogenic, but we hope someone will notice Layla soon. out small children. lots of attention and exercise.

FROM ZIPPER
Hi Kids, This is your friend, Zipper, with a new trick or two for you. Keep those treats coming! I hope you are doing well with the last command, teaching your dog to come when called. It was pretty easy after a little practice. Just remember to practice twice a day, for about 15 to 20 minutes before meals. Hold the treats waist-high so your dog can see the goodies. Today we will learn the sit command. Always make sure your dog is happy and follows the come command. Hold a treat where he can see it in your hand, palm flat and facing upwards. Do not say yes or give him a treat until he sits. Slowly close your hand; he will try to figure out what he has to do for the goodies. Hold the treat close to his nose, but not too close. He should sit fairly easily.

Autumn is one of my favorite seasons, and in the pictures here, Im enjoying If you want to help him out, gently push on the lower end of his back. It a fun-filled fall afternoon with my might take a few times, but once he knows what you want him to do, things dad. will move along much faster.
As soon as his bottom touches the ground, say yes and give him a treat. Use lots of praise and petting. Some dogs will sit on their own, but always make sure you say yes and give the treat. Your dog should learn this pretty quickly because the sitting position is most comfortable if they are looking up at you. After he has done this a few times, start using the word sit. Let him get familiar with the hand signal before saying it. The down command is simple after your dog has learned sit. Hold out the treat in front of his nose and slowly move it down. He should follow the treat all the way down and stretch out, paws fully extended. When he does this, say yes and give your dog his well-earned treat! Remember that saying yes releases him, so hes able to get up if he wants to. You will be surprised at how fast dogs learn. They want to please you in every way! Lots of love and praise is important. Well kids, gotta go for now, but I will be back next issue. 6

The votes are in! Participants chose Hobo as the winner of RPSMs annual Facebook Halloween Costume Contest.

RPSM is a unique program, the only one of it's kind in Michigan. Our mission is to rescue and rehabilitate both dogs and inmates and to reward families with an awesome pup RPSM believes every contestant is a that will be so very thankful to you winner, and we thank each partici- for giving him a forever home. pant for entering and for bringing us more Facebook fans. If you 20 participants made our contest a want to smile, check out our Facesuccess this year, and were hoping book page for even more contestant even more will join the fun next photos! Halloween! We sincerely hope that all new fans will stay with us to enjoy our daily posts, see our adoptables, our success stories and more. Congratulations to Hobo and owner Natalie Whitten! And thank you all for thinking rescue!

Hobo, winner of the 2011 RPSM Halloween Costume Contest!

Jade

Mortigan

Peke

Isabella

Olive

The November issue of Purina Pro Plan Rally to Rescue magazine is featuring Refurbished Pets of Southern Michigan. Learn more about us and see some of our outstanding volunteers in the article. RPSM is looking forward to showing off our new website soon. Instead of www.rpsm.us, well be www.rpsm.org. As soon as the new site is ready, look for an announcement in your email inbox. Natalie Whitten, of Lansing, received this gift basket to celebrate Hobos win in this years Halloween costume contest. Lastly, but certainly not least, we are hoping to have that special video of our rescues that have been adopted over this Next year, we hope to have even more past year. Its our special way of saying participants in our fun contest. Have any thank you for giving our RPSM rescues ideas youd like to share with us? Tell us on their forever homes. Check our Facebook Facebook! page often! 7

Were always adding new listings on eBay! Check us out to find great deals and holiday gift ideas for friends and family...

Tis the Season for Safety

Follow these tips to protect your pet: Keep your cat or dog indoors during cold winter months! NEVER let your dog off his leash during snow or a snowstorm AND make sure he is wearing ID tags in case he does become lost. The ASPCA reports that more dogs are lost during the winter months than during any other season. Dogs can lose their scent in snow and therefore become lost more easily. Carefully wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. This helps prevent Pay special attention to your pets needs this winter. Seasonal hazards like snow, ice and road salt can cause harm. ingestion of salt, antifreeze or other chemicals if he licks his paws. Examine his paw pads, which can bleed from snow or ice. Dont leave your pet unattended in a car during the winter. Winter months act as a refrigerator and can freeze your pet to death.

Do you suspect your pet consumed a hazardous plant?

Watch for gastrointestinal symptoms like stomach symptoms and sometimes excessive salivation (drooling). Other more serious signs include tremors or seizures, Remember that puppies and older dogs dont tolerate which can even be followed by coma and death. Although temperature extremes as well. If your older dog is particularly sensitive, only take him outdoors to relieve not all plants are deadly, many can produce unpleasant effects for your pet. Even needles from holiday trees can himself. If you have a hard time housebreaking your puppy, you might consider paper-training him indoors puncture your pets gastrointestinal lining or lead to an instead. obstruction. Contact your vet immediately if you believe your pet ingested a toxic plant! Many dogs love cold weather and spend lots of time outdoors during this season. For those that do, increase The ASPCA has a comprehensive resource (including his food intake, especially protein, to keep him and pictures) on toxic plants you can view by clicking here. his fur strong and healthy. You might have brought one of these plants in for the Antifreeze is lethal to both cats and dogs, so make sure winter, or you may have received a holiday plant to clean up spills quickly. Choose products that contain arrangement containing one of these hazardous plants: propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. A warm place to sleep is essential during this season, so make sure your dog is kept away from drafts and has the comfort of a bed or other blanket. Dog breeds with short hair may benefit from a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck. Coverage should extend from the base of the tail to the belly. Looking for a sweater coat for your dog? Check out our current eBay listings for handmade coats! These also make terrific gifts for friends and family! By: R. Madison Paradis 8