Success Story

This is Harrison. Harrison lives with my friends Lizzie and Matt. She enjoys stretching, rolling in goose poop, and catching flies in the house.

But what makes Harrison extra special is where she comes from. Three years ago I was driving on the 110 fwy, in the fast lane, going about 70, the same speed as everyone else. As I was rounding a turn, from my peripheral vision to the left, I saw two black eyes, and a black nose. I had just enough time to see that there was a dog, sitting next to the railing while cars zoomed past just a foot away from her going about 65-70 mph.

Next, I had the most intense adrenaline rush I’ve ever experienced. I immediately exited the fwy, back-tracked and got back on again so I could get to her. I got in the fast lane, put on my hazards, slowed to about 20mph pumping my brakes and honking my horn. When I reached the dog, I stopped. I got out of my car, walked up to the dog, who was dazed and confused. I let her sniff my hand, and then very quickly scooped her up, put her in my car, and immediately drove to the vet.

The doctors found scrapes and scabs, a nasty case of mange and a severe staff infection on her nose, but doing fine otherwise. I promptly took her home to introduce her to my neighbors at the time, Matt and Lizzie. Harrison looked so pitiful with a fly buzzing around her face, that they couldn’t say no!

Matt and Lizzie adopted Harrison on the spot! They rehabbed her and now she is swimming in salt-water pools, sleeping on designer beds, and enjoying a badminton game or two by the sidelines.

In hindsight, I realize what I did to rescue Hare Dog was very dangerous. Here are a few phone numbers for help with an endangered or distressed animal in the Portland area:

Injured Wildlife Hotline:

Portland Audubon Society Wildlife Care Center

(503) 292-0304

Injured Kitties or Canines:

DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital

1945 NW Pettygrove Portland, OR 97209

(503) 228-7281

Report Animal Cruelty:

Call 911 if you are witnessing animal cruelty in progress. Animal Cruelty is a CRIME. Learn more here.

If the situation is too dangerous for you to rescue a dog or cat, Animal Control may help. The animal will be placed in shelter intake for three days so as to give it's owner a chance to come to claim their animal.

Multnomah County Animal Services

1-503-988-7387 (press 1 to report an emergency)

Harrison says, "Thank You!"

Wish List

Here are the latest and greatest canine and kitty items I'm currently craving!

Canines can't resist these hand crafted boiled wool toys!  Not only are these woolzees cool looking, they are produced in Nepal by local artisans.   Check out the full story at Cheerful Pet here.  Now available!  Sea Creatures!

I'm already saving up for one of these cat beds available here.

The wall mount design is a big space saver!  They're on the pricey side, so by 2012 I should have all three: one for Dagger, one for Penny and one for CoCo!

Wheels for good heels

Today at Dr. Moller's I had the pleasure of meeting Mamalei, pictured above.  She is a beautiful Dalmation with a very serious and dehabilitating condition.  She has multiple spinal disc lesions that occur sporadically along her spine.  Therefore, surgery is not an option.  As a result, Mamalei can walk on her own, but sometimes she needs a little extra help. 

Her rescuer can no longer care for this sweet girl, as she requires supervision and someone to walk with her using a towel to lift up her hind quarters.  

Everyone who has met Mamalei, cannot help but want to fight for this sweet girl.  I will to do my part by talking to my friends at Animal Advocates Alliance for advice on how to place her.  

I also think she could benefit greatly by getting some wheels. 

My good friend Hank, pictured above, just got his first set from Eddie’s Wheels for Pets.  Hank is doing great, and I think Mamalei’s chances of adoption will improve greatly with a little assisted mobility.

Another great website to get supplies and products for elderly or handicapped dogs is Handicapped Pets dot Com.  This great wheelchair as demonstrated by Denali would be perfect for Mamalei.  Watch here.

Will keep you posted!