Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms that live in the arteries of the lungs and heart in a number of species like dogs, cats and other mammals. Heartworms are nematodes or roundworms and fall under the filarid specie. Dogs and cats of any age or breed are susceptible to infection. The disease is carried by mosquitoes that are infected with the microfilariae (baby worm stage) while taking blood from an infected animal. Within the mosquito, the microfilariae mature and develop into larvae (adolescent worm stage). When the mosquito then bites another animal, the larvae are deposited into the skin and actively migrate into their new host. They work their way through muscles under the skin and then into the blood going to the arteries of the lung. It can take up to six months for the infective larvae to mature into adult worms that produce offspring. Adult heartworms can live for five to seven years in a dog.

In a dog host, the larvae progress in their development to an adult worm and live in the pulmonary vessels where they continue the life cycle and cause extensive injury to the heart and lungs. Baby worms can be detected in the bloodstream about six to seven months after the infective larvae enter the dog. The male and female heartworms become fully grown about one year after infection. The onset and severity of the disease in a dog is mainly reflected by the number of adult heartworms present, the age of infection and the activity level of the animal. Dogs with higher worm counts are generally found to have more severe heart and lung disease. The common early pathological changes that are caused by heartworms include inflammation in and around the pulmonary arteries. Later changes include an enlargement of the heart and congestive heart failure due to weakening of the heart muscles. A very active dog can develop a very severe condition with a fewer number of worms as compared to an inactive one.

Where is heartworm found?

Canine heartworm infection is widely prevalent in the United States. All dogs should be considered at risk, placed on prevention programs and frequently examined by a veterinarian. Heartworm disease may cause a combination of medical concerns in a dog including lung and heart dysfunction as well as liver and kidney complications. The disease can have an acute onset but begins with barely detectable signs as a result of a chronic infection. Dogs with low worm counts that are not exercised strenuously may never have obvious signs of heartworm disease. However, in most dogs, the heart and lungs constitute the major organs affected by the disease with a range of clinical signs.

Early infection stage	No abnormal signs observed
Mild disease	Cough
Moderate disease	Cough, exercise intolerance, abnormal lung sounds,excessive shedding or hair loss, weight loss, lethargy
Severe disease	Cough, exercise intolerance, breathing difficulties, excessive shedding or hair loss, weight loss, lethargy, abnormal lung sounds, liver enlargement, syncope (temporary loss of consciousness from poor blood flow to the brain), ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity) , abnormal heart sounds and death

Prevention

Prevention is a much safer and economical option with monthly dose medications ranging from $7-$15 depending on the type and brand of medication. Often, online pet pharmacies offer bulk orders at cheaper costs. A variety of preventatives are available including daily and monthly tablets and chewables, monthly topicals and a six month injectable product. These products are extremely effective when administered properly and on a timely schedule, heartworm infection can be prevented. The American Heartworm Society is now recommending year-round preventative treatments even in seasonal areas to ensure compliance with a proper scheduled dosage of the medication. In addition, most monthly heartworm medications also protect against intestinal parasites. Periodic retesting for heartworm ensures the success of the preventative program.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis depends on an accurate history, the recognition of the varied clinical signs and the use of several diagnostic procedures. A commonly used diagnostic is the “SNAP test” performed by your veterinarian. It requires a blood draw and results of a quick heartworm screen can be processed in as little as 15 minutes that allows you to know what stage of infection your animal is at to provide the correct treatment. Talk to your veterinarian about this test at your next vet screen.

Treatment

The infected dog needs to be clinically evaluated for heart, lung, liver and kidney function to evaluate the risk of treatment. The costs for these procedures can run the gamut from simple blood testing to angiography and ultrasound tests that can be a huge financial dent. Most infected dogs can be successfully treated. Treatments can sometimes run several months during which your pet needs to be exercise-restricted owing to their condition. The goal of a treatment program is to kill all adult worms with an adulticide and all the microfilariae with a microfilaricide. Heartworm infected dogs with no signs or mild signs have the highest success rate with treatment. Patients with more severe infections can be successfully treated but their risks of complications and mortality are also greater. Talk to your veterinarian about the options for your pet if they require treatment. The procedure and medications for treatment are very different from preventatives and cannot be interchanged. Preventatives do not target the adult worms already present that need to die out naturally. This process can take up to 2 years and involves the slow death of the old worms that can cause an embolism as their decaying pieces break off into the bloodstream. Yes, its a gross and dangerous process and requires the specific treatment of the adult worms to ensure the safest recovery for your pet.

Heartworm disease is widely recognized as a major health problem affecting pets. As a responsible pet owner, getting all the information on the prevention and treatment of this disease ensures that you are equipped to provide the best possible care for your furry friend. Here’s wishing you a lifetime of good health together!

]]> http://www.rainbowrescues.org/blog/2011/10/20/get-to-the-heart-of-the-matter/feed/ 1 http://www.rainbowrescues.org/blog/2011/10/17/shots-for-life/ http://www.rainbowrescues.org/blog/2011/10/17/shots-for-life/#comments Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:04:19 +0000 Rainbow Volunteer http://rainbowrescues.org/blog/?p=143 Vaccinating your pet has long been considered one of the easiest ways to help them live a long and healthy life. Not only are there different vaccines for different diseases, but there are combinations of vaccines too. Vaccinations have the potential to protect your pets but, as with everything, there are risks. There is a lot of information out there about the duration of protection as well as the safety and necessity of certain vaccines. Your pet’s lifestyle and health are big determinants in weighing the benefits of vaccinations. Your veterinarian can determine the appropriate vaccination regime that will provide the safest and best protection for your pet. You probably already have a lot of concerns, so here are some answers to some frequently asked questions about vaccines and their benefits.

What are vaccines?

Vaccines help the body’s immune system fight the invasion of disease-causing organisms. Vaccines contain antigens, that look like the disease-causing organism but don’t actually cause the disease. When the vaccine is introduced into the body, the immune system is mildly stimulated. This ensures that if your pet is ever exposed to the real disease, their body will already be prepared to recognize and fight off the illness. Core vaccines are a special subset of vaccines that are considered vital to all dogs based on risk of exposure, severity of disease and ease of transmission to humans. Canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis and rabies are considered core vaccines as set by the American Animal Hospital Association’s Task Force. Non-core vaccines are given based on the dog’s exposure risk. These include vaccines against Bordetella bronchiseptica, Borrelia burgdorferi and Leptospira bacteria.

Your veterinarian is your best source of information about which vaccines are best for your dog.

What vaccines does my puppy need? When do I start these vaccinations?

Puppies receive a series of vaccinations with a combo vaccine that protects against parvovirus, distemper and hepatitis. Puppies also must be vaccinated against rabies. There are state-specific laws regarding the rabies vaccination. Some require yearly rabies vaccinations while others call for it every three years. Keeping an up-to-date rabies vaccination is a legal requirement so make sure you have it with your dog’s other medical records. If the mother has a healthy immune system, puppies receive antibodies present in the mother’s milk while nursing. Puppies typically receive a series of vaccinations starting at about six to eight weeks of age. A veterinarian administers a minimum of three vaccinations at three to four week intervals with the last puppy dose at about 16 weeks of age.

What are some typical risks involved with vaccinations?

Administering vaccines stimulates an animal’s immune response in order to create the protection the body needs from specific infectious diseases. This stimulation can create mild symptoms, ranging from soreness at the injection site to fever and allergic reactions. A less common side effect is the development of immune-related disease following vaccination. As with any medical procedure, there is a risk of side effects. In most cases, they are far smaller than the risk of the disease itself.

With that understanding, it is very important to realize that vaccines have saved countless lives and are an important player in the battle against canine infectious disease. Rabies vaccinations have saved the lives of countless dogs – and the lives of humans as well. With the recent increase in rabies reports in the local communities, it is well worth evaluating the risks of vaccination with the high risk of rabies infection.

What are some symptoms I should keep an eye out for?

Most animals don’t show any adverse reactions to a vaccination. Vaccine reactions may be minor and short-lived and not require any immediate attention from a veterinarian. Clinical signs to look for include:

• fever

• sluggishness

• loss of appetite

• swelling and/or hives

• vomiting

• diarrhea

• pain, swelling, inflammation, hair loss or scabbing around the injection site

• lameness or limping

• collapse

• seizures

• difficulty breathing (shallow, short breaths or gasping)

The best thing to do is to schedule your dog’s vaccination such that you can monitor him/her following the administration of the vaccines. If your pet showing any of the above signs or is having an adverse reaction, call your veterinarian immediately.

What are some of the diseases that the commonly administered vaccines can help protect against?

Canine parvovirus is a contagious virus that is spread directly through dog to dog contact or indirectly through dog contact with feces. It is characterized by severe vomiting and dysentery. The best course of action is prevention and the vaccine for canine parvo is very effective in protecting especially young puppies.

Distemper is another viral infection that causes a fever, followed by gastrointestinal and respiratory problems. Severe infections can also be characterized by neurological dysfunction such as seizures and involuntary muscle twitching. Again, this is a disease easily prevented by a proper vaccine regime.

Canine hepatitis is a liver infection in dogs caused by a virus. It is spread through feces and body fluids like urine, blood, saliva and nasal discharge from infected dogs. Symptoms include fever, depression, loss of appetite, coughing and signs of liver disease like jaundice. Prevention is through vaccination and often, a combination vaccine can suffice.

Rabies is another viral infection that affects the central nervous system, leading to brain inflammation and ultimately causing death. The rabies vaccination is very effective, inexpensive and usually administered every 3 years.

With all this information, hopefully you see the immense benefit of vaccinations to your pet and the general pet population at large. Prevention is a fraction of the cost of treatment and for most diseases, treatment may not be readily available. So talk to your veterinarian and discuss the best vaccination regime to ensure a healthy, happy and disease-free life for your pet!

Overpopulation leads to the unnecessary euthanizing of otherwise healthy and loving animals

The numbers of homeless animals that enter shelters every year is ever increasing. Its heartbreaking to realize that about 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized every year due to overpopulation…. that number translates to 1 animal being put down every 8 seconds!!! The ASPCA estimates that only 10% of shelter animals have been spayed or neutered. Shelter animals often are the abandoned offspring of beloved family pets that had not been spayed or neutered. Spaying or neutering ensures a permanent and effective birthcontrol method to allow our already abundant pet population the chance for every animal to find a loving home.

Spaying or neutering your pet is an important decision for pet owners. As animal lovers who value our pets, it is important to understand the impact of the decision. So let’s clear the air with a little discussion on the myths and truths about spaying and neutering your pets.

What is spaying or neutering? Is there a difference?

Spaying is the term used to describe the removal of the reproductive organs of a female animal. The male counterpart is referred to as neutering. It is a surgical procedure performed by a veterinarian that effectively prevents the animal from reproducing.

Sounds intense. When can this procedure be performed?

Its a complete sedation surgery but have no fear, animals as young as 8 weeks of age can safely undergo this process. Some veterinarians use two pounds as the lower limit, rather than any specific age. In fact, there are definite health and behavioral benefits to pediatric, juvenile or prepubertal neutering as its often called to avoid the implication that “early” means it is being done too soon. However, veterinarians do recommend that you complete this procedure before the onset of the first heat cycle for the maximum health benefits to your pet.

Hmm… health and behavior benefits huh? Like what?

Spaying or neutering can ensure a healthier and longer lifespan for your pet. Spaying female animals can alleviate the emotional issues and not to mention, prevent the messiness that occurs during a heat cycle. Spaying before the onset of the first heat cycle can drastically reduce the chances for the development of breast cancer and reduces the risk for uterine infections and cancers. Neutering male animals helps prevent undesirable sexual or aggressive behavior patterns like urine marking, humping, male aggression and the desire to roam. Typically, in a multiple animal household, neutered animals get along better with each other. Neutered male animals also have reduced risks for developing testicular cancer and prostrate gland complications.

Yeah, but doesn’t it mess up their personalities… make them lazy and bored?

Quite the contrary. Spaying or neutering your animal eliminates the instinctual need to reproduce and thereby reduces the aggressive tendencies exhibited by male animals. There are definitely hormonal changes but consider this, a neutered pet is more likely to take instructions well and be a well-adjusted member of your family.

Wow, I had never thought of it that way. But I bet this costs an arm and a leg. I couldn’t possibly afford to spay or neuter my animals!

Nope, there’s definitely options for you! Vets encourage this beneficial choice and often times, for a lot less than you think. Some wonderful local area clinics listed below have been generous enough to offer subsidized services to help make your decision a little easier. Please refer to their websites for all the latest info on their programs.

Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society http://www.dpvhs.org/snap/

Tufts University – Luke and Lily Lerner Spay/Neuter Clinic http://www.tufts.edu/vet/lsnc/services/

The Friends of Animals animal advocacy organization website has a Spay/Neuter certificate program that allows you to purchase low cost certificates to be used for spay/neuter procedures at participating vet clinics http://www.friendsofanimals.org/programs/spay-neuter/

There’s plenty more options online. A little research goes a long way to ensuring a healthy life for your beloved animal.

But I have a purebred pet. I really want to just have one litter. Why would that be so bad?

Statistics say that upto 25% of all shelter animals are purebreds. Mixed breed or purebred, there really isn’t a difference… there’s just not enough homes for them all. Responsible purebred breeders often have homes for their potential litters before they breed. However, as a puppy owner, you will assume the responsibility of properly socializing and training your new friend. This is a big responsibility and requires time and patience. Often times, unprepared homes purchase puppies with no plan for training and socializing their new family member and frustratedly turn them in to a shelter several months later as unsocialized, untrained, unspayed, young animals. Shelters do their best to be able to place animals into new homes, but the number of homeless animals far outweighs the number of people willing to adopt them, especially with unsocialized or untrained animals. This leaves the only humane option of euthanizing otherwise perfectly healthy and loving animals because of the overwhelming problem of overpopulation.

I don’t know. I’m still skeptical….

Well, then maybe some numbers will help put things in perspective. The average cost of properly breeding a dog includes food, medical expenses like vaccinations and deworming, toys/treats, training classes, and not to mention a whole lot of love and time. These costs can typically be estimated to run between $500 to 800 annually for small to large breeds of dogs. On the other hand, spaying or neutering your existing animals runs $100 to 200 and most of the time, discounted programs such as the ones mentioned above can significantly reduce that out of pocket expense. So you see, its a far cheaper choice to spay or neuter your existing or new pets!

By being a responsible pet owner and spaying or neutering your animals, you contribute to eventually ending the overpopulation problem and allowing your furry friends a chance at a long, healthy and happy life with you!

Rewarding good behavior is a simple idea, but it takes practice and a whole lot of patience to develop the right connection with your pet. After all, every animal is different and will need different levels of repetition and praise to instill the behavior you are training them with.

The following ideas touch on a few ideas to help you understand the basics of training your new buddy.

Timing – Correct timing is everything. Wait too long after a desired behavior to reward your dog and they might not correctly associate the behavior and reward. Usually rewards should happen within seconds of the appropriate behavior you are trying to reinforce. A clicker can help you and your dog associate the proper action with the reward thereby allowing a better association between the two.

Keep it short – Commands are only useful when brief and to the point. Dogs can’t comprehend convoluted sentences. Often, simple commands with one or two words work most effectively. For example, “sit”, “stand”, “roll over”, “off”, “heel”, “stay”, “watch”, “come”, “down” will result in the appropriate response you are trying to teach your dog.

Consistency – Everyone involved in the training process should use the same commands. It can get confusing to your dog if multiple commands are used to get the same response. As long as you work together with everyone in your family to establish the commands being taught, you and your dog will have productive training sessions.

Types and frequency of rewards – Positive reinforcement is not only effective in teaching your dog commands but can also be used to shape good and discourage bad behavior. The importance of patience cannot be stressed enough. Some dogs require more work but the benefits far outweigh the periodic frustrations. While food is a good choice of reward for commands, rewards can also be in the form of a quick pat, a happy vocal praise like “good dog” or a toy to reaffirm good behavior.

Shaping behavior – This process can take a while and is often a result of gradual steps to a final action. Each step is a result of a gradual increase in your pet’s behavior before receiving a treat. Teaching the process of “shake paw” for example, could go through a series of steps from lifting his paw off the ground, to letting you touch his paw, to letting you hold his paw to finally “shaking paw” upon being given the command. With each subsequent step, the idea is to get him to give you a little more in behavior before a reward allowing for the complete behavior to be established.

The verbal transition – At the beginning of training, your dog should be rewarded frequently for good behavior, say for every 4 out 5 times he/she gets a behavior right but you should always complement the reward with verbal praise. Eventually the frequency of treats (food) should decrease to 3 out of 5 and further to 2 out of 5 and then finally to the point where verbal praise is the reward. Be careful not to take away treats too fast though so you don’t frustrate your dog through the learning process.

Lastly, don’t worry if things don’t go as planned the first couple times. With love and patience, you and your dog will find training and positive reinforcements a wonderful experience in your bonding process.

Here’s wishing you and your furry friend a successful training routine together!

We have also had a lot of dogs adopted such as Buster our little malnourished Chihuahua, he now has gained weight and lives in a loving home, Chase as well as Buttercup and Pete have also found new and loving homes. Some new dogs have also come in such as Bethany, our is a Bull Mastiff who will be needing sugary called Interopion; it is to fix her eye lids.

Unfortunately our dog Laynie, who suffered from cancer passed away this month. She had a great time while she was here and will be missed.

Currently Rainbow Rescues is looking for some supplies, such as flea preventative, wormer, strongid and a cabinet that locks. We are always looking for more funding, short term we are looking to buy a mini bus so that we have a designated vehicle for the dogs. Long term we are looking to purchase or rent property in order to expand our overall facility.

Stay tuned for our Two-Cent Training Tips, which will be on crate training.

Thanks Guys!

Rainbow Rescues Inc.

Chicopee Ma

(413)612-2744

On another note. Duke and Titan are now Decembers dog of the month, making them only $95.00 to adopt, they are both wonderful dogs, if you are possibly interested take a look at our cite www.rainbowrescues.org.  Hank ( our former dog of the month) Katrina, Chloe and Paige have all been adopted this month!

Hey guys! Rainbow Rescues is having a very successful November; we have had a handful of dogs adopted, and some more dogs that have arrived here to Rainbow Rescues. Since we have so many new dogs that came in we are still looking for donations of any kind, so that we can help the dogs as much as we can. We also have some great new volunteers that have signed on to our team. So much is going on and we are really looking forward to December.

What’s New!

Both Hank and Duke are the dogs of the month. Thank you to Hen and Chicks for sponsoring them during the month of November.

We have had many adoptions. Savannah, Paige, Byron, Gretchen and Oscar, have all been adopted into new loving and wonderful homes, we are extremely excited for them and their new families. We want to wish each family good luck and happy tails!

6 new lab mix puppies have joined us and are currently going through the assessment process, they will be up for adoption in a couple of weeks, we will keep you posted.

We have a goal! By January 1^st we would like to have raised enough money to purchase a mini bus, this would allow us to conveniently transport our dogs from place to place. As we expand, our goal is to rescue more dogs and adopt more dogs out; the mini bus will help us move the dogs from location to location comfortably and in greater numbers. If you can, please help us raise enough money to meet our goal. www.causes.com/rainbowrescues, or through pay pal as well as Rainbow Rescues 89 Rold Ave Chicopee, Ma 01020

Dog of the Month, Hank and Duke!!

Introducing November’s dog’s of the month…Hank and Duke!

Hank is the most magnificent dog, without a doubt. He is our beloved Black and Tan Coonhound Collie Mix. He has the longest floppiest ears that you can see for miles as he runs around, he is an energetic dog that absolutely loves to play and run where ever he can. Not only is Hank the happiest go lucky dog that you have ever met, he is housebroken, great with older kids and does well with other dogs. Hank is that dog that will make you smile, whether it is you and him curling up on the couch, or running around the yard and watching him smile back. Hank is desperately looking for a home.

Duke is our BFG, big friendly giant. He is a large pure bred Pit Bull Terrier who has been searching for a home that will love him and care for him the way he will love and care for you. He is housebroken, good with children, as well as other dogs. Duke is the ultimate companion dog, now reaching the age of 2 ½ he would love to settle down and be a part of someone’s home. Duke would absolutely make a great addition to your family in so many ways, especially if you are looking for a loyal dog.

This month Rainbow Rescues wants to give a special thanks to Hen and Chicks for sponsoring Hank and Duke.

Each month Rainbow Rescues is looking for a sponsor. If you are interested in taking one up it’s a small donation of $95.00 a month. The adopter’s adoption fee will be reduced, because of your donation; you are also giving Rainbow Rescues the power it needs to help those animals who long for a home. Your donation will be significant in the life of a sheltered animal.

Please let us know if you are willing to make a difference for an animal here at Rainbow Rescues.

Welcoming some of our New Additions!

Victor- This is our pure bred St. Bernard, he is on the smaller side for a St. Bernard. He was rescued from the Waterbury pound and a little shy around people but once he warms up with you he is extremely sweet and caring, he is looking for a warm and friendly home to cuddle up with in these cold up coming months.

Fred- Is our large lab mix, he is a little bit on the older side and is actively looking for a home with a very large couch. He is great with other dogs, cats, older kids and is housebroken, he is a typical lab and who loves people and to play whether it’s going for walks and play at the park. Fred is another great family dog, searching for a great family.

Searching Dogs!

Titan- Our pure bread Australian Shepherd Cattle Dog, Titan unfortunately is deaf, but does know basic hand signals, and with some more training will be able to advance his knowledge of signals from his owner. He is a typical Cattle Dog a lot of energy that comes with a lot of love. He is great with kids and is looking for a home that can provide him the attention he is looking for.

Percy- Is our Labrador/Pit mix; he is looking for someone to love him, a pal to hang with. Percy is the most loyal and relaxed dog, he holds the kindest heart and is looking for someone to share it with. Since he is older, Percy is housebroken, and knows many tricks, he is set and ready to be apart of a home that is looking for another genuine member.

We would like to Thank…

Wanted to give a special thanks too  Scot Masamery from Bark Busters, he has started volunteering here at Rainbow Rescues, helping us develop new skills in educating our dogs and their behavior. THANK YOU SO MUCH SCOT FOR YOUR TIME AND ENERGY!!

*If you are looking for any volunteering opportunities please let us know, there is a variety of options from office work, to walking and taking care of the dogs*

Our October has turned into a very busy month for us and we are looking for some lending hands.

But although it is busy, we are still doing great and stay tuned for our next news letter!

Thanks Guys!

Rainbow Rescues Inc.

Chicopee Ma

(413)612-2744

]]> http://www.rainbowrescues.org/blog/2010/11/17/novemebrs-news-letter/feed/ 0 http://www.rainbowrescues.org/blog/2010/11/07/novemeber-news-letter/ http://www.rainbowrescues.org/blog/2010/11/07/novemeber-news-letter/#comments Mon, 08 Nov 2010 01:52:11 +0000 Administrator http://rainbowrescues.org/blog/?p=91 Rainbow Rescues Inc.

Hey everyone! October has been such a busy month for us, our biggest challenge right now is our vet bills, we have a lot of dogs in the shelter who need taking care of. Rainbow Rescues has been working on over time getting new dogs in and preparing for the cold whether!

What’s New!

Paige is our dog of the month! Thank you to Hen and Chicks for sponsoring her during the month of October.

Kayla and Bell have both been adopted out to two loving homes, Bell was one of our Chihuahuas and Kayla was the last of our24 puppies left to find a home. Chubb’s who was our office beagle dog has also been adopted after a long search. The dogs are now in loving and wonderful forever homes. Rainbow Rescues wants to wish them good luck and happy tails!

 We have gotten in many new dogs from pounds around the area. The vet bills are piling up. If you are willing to donate to be a part of the change in a dog’s life please let us know.

Dog of the Month, PAIGE!!

PAIGE is the most upbeat, happy go lucky girl! Beautiful Paige is full of fun, and is looking for a family that wants to join in on her good time. Her enthusiastic and amazing personality will make her a great dog for a loving family.

This month Rainbow Rescues wants to give a special thanks to Hen and Chicks for sponsoring Paige.

Each month Rainbow Rescue is looking for a sponsor. If you are interested in taking one up it’s a small donation of $95.00 a month. The adoption fee will be reduced because of your donation; you are also giving Rainbow Rescue the power it needs to help those animals who long for a home. Your donation will be significant in the life of a sheltered animal. 

Please let us know if you are willing to make a difference for an animal here at Rainbow Rescues.

Welcoming some of our New Additions!

Virginia- Is our older puppy who was rescued from Waterbury pound, she is a shepherd mix, black with tan markings. She is looking for  a home that is ready to keep up with her energy. Virginia loves people and loves to play ball and run her curiosity wild around the yard! If you are looking for a puppy that is about a year old that needs a loving energetic home this is the dog for you.

Stedman- This is our Mastiff Pit bull mix who also came from the Waterbury pound. He is a big dog, but extremely sweet, black with white markings. Though his size can be overwhelming he is yearning for attention from a loving family to give all his bundle of love too.

Searching Dogs!

Hank- This is the dog that will make you smile, he is the most happy go lucky dog you will ever meet. He is a black and tan coonhound collie, who is desperately searching for a home. He is energetic and loves to play, but also has the ability to settle down the second you sit on the couch wanting to hang with him and watch the game, he is really an amazing dog waiting for a permanent home.

Percy- Is our Labrador/Pit mix; he is looking for someone to love him, a pal to hang with. Percy is the most loyal and relaxed dog, he holds the kindest heart and is looking for someone to share it with. Since he is older, Percy is housebroken, and knows many tricks, he is set and ready to be apart of a home that is looking for another genuine member.

We would like to Thank …

Wanted to give a special thanks too Robin Budin, who is our chief supporter and has helped us so much in raising supplies for the dogs!! She has helped us find dog scales, microchip scanner and much much more! THANK YOU ROBIN!!!

  *If you are looking for any volunteering opportunities please let us know, there is a variety of options from office work, to walking and taking care of the dogs*

Our October has turned into a very busy month for us and we are looking for some lending hands.

But although it is busy, we are still doing great and stay tuned for our next news letter!

Thanks Guys!

Rainbow Rescues inc.

Chicopee Ma

(413)612-2744