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The "Tale of Thomas"

4/24/2015

Once upon a time at the Isle of Wight County Animal Shelter there arrived a sweet, gentle, senior hound, dubbed “Thomas”. Since Thomas was a stray his owner was sought out, unfortunately no one came to claim this senior gentleman. Being a senior also made him less popular for adoption but he was still on schedule to “get ready to adopt” by being sent to the SNIP van for neutering. At the SNIP van he was turned down due to severe periodontal disease and his age. Rescuers, Julia and Patricia, were able to pull Thomas after Gimme Shelter gave the promise of financial backing to get Thomas healed and adoptable. Thomas was transported by Howard Holloman to Smithfield Animal Hospital to get his neuter and teeth cleaning done. Unfortunately, upon further evaluation by Dr. May, it was discovered that Thomas had a severe infection in the back of his throat from some kind of injury he sustained which had torn a hole in his throat tissue. Dr. May assured Robin Knauth of Gimme Shelter, Inc that he felt with medical attention and time, Thomas could heal. He was given strong antibiotics to begin the healing process and was adored by the staff at Smithfield Animal Hospital. Robin knew that a “home” environment would be a better place for Thomas to recover and she contacted Marie, a friend of Gimme Shelter who was interested in fostering.

Marie gladly took on the task of “mom” to Thomas, Gimme Shelter provided Marie with special prescription canned food to get Thomas to eat. Under the loving care of Marie and Dr. May, Thomas started to heal and flourish. Thomas even visited us at “the Gimme Shelter shop”. Marie took Thomas for all his rechecks at Smithfield Animal Hospital and made sure that Dr. May felt Thomas was adoptable … if not she was willing to be a “foster failure” and keep Thomas herself. Dr. May assured Marie that he was healthy and adoptable and ready to get his neuter to continue on his path to a forever home.

After his neuter and a clean bill of health, Marie met Hope for Life Rescue at the shelter to transfer Thomas to them. Being a senior dog, Hope for Life Rescue was a fantastic match for Thomas. While at Hope for Life, Thomas met “Marigold” who was jokingly labeled as his “girlfriend” Thomas shared his smile with everyone and stole hearts.

This smile won the heart of a senior gentleman who had been working with Hope for Life for the last month to find just the right dog. He recently lost his wife and then their dog passed away and he wanted someone to keep him company. His daughter was contacted to make sure that he would be a good guardian for Thomas and she confirmed that he is a very careful pet owner and would provide a great home. Thomas left this afternoon for his new home. He was part of their Heart to Heart Senior program and it worked to find him a great home. If for any reason it should not work out, Thomas would be brought back to Hope for Life to begin his search again. They believe this will be a good fit!

This “tale” has a happy ending due to ALL of those involved to make it happen. We at Gimme Shelter are so grateful to everyone who helps to make these “happily ever after” tales a dream come true. Thank you for your continued support.

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For the Love of Lincoln ...

3/11/2015

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Sweet Lincoln had a severe case of heartworms and he had to have a place to stay where his treatment could be closely monitored. Lincoln was transferred to Acredale Animal Hospital in Virginia Beach where they took amazing care of Lincoln. Gimme Shelter was able to sponsor his heartworm treatment and some of his boarding costs but his total care wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for the help of many "heroes" who stepped forward to donate to Lincoln's boarding costs. This close monitoring probably saved his life. On Monday, March 9th, Lincoln was cleared to go to his wonderful fosters, Laura and Caleb, where he is enjoying lots of love and care.
Here is a little "update" from Laura ... "Lincoln is doing great!!! Just now, he was resting by my side while I folded laundry. He stuck his nose into the basket, pulled out a pair of socks, and started tossing them into the air - and catching them!! It was adorable, but also made me think of the tough life he has had, and how any fun he experienced was fun he made for himself. Caleb and I promise to show him lots of fun times once he is fully recovered!!"
Thank you so much to Laura and Caleb for fostering Lincoln and to ALL who helped get him where he is right now!

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A "Diamond" to behold ...

3/3/2015

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This beautiful face and all of the rest of Diamond is just as adorable. She is a squat, tiny 40 to 45 pounds and a serious cutie in every way! Diamond is about 1 and 1/2 years old and very sweet but she was not adopted at the Isle of Wight Animal Shelter because she was heartworm positive. Gimme Shelter, Inc. sponsored $200 towards her heartworm treatment and Diamond went to Heritage Humane Society to begin her treatment and her journey to find her forever family. She will go up for adoption as soon as her treatment is complete. Heritage Humane is a wonderful place that has helped many of the Isle of Wight Animal Shelter dogs that were unable to find their forever homes here and have gone on to find loving families through them. Diamond is good with other dogs and loves people so much, she should be quickly adopted. You know you can't look at this adorable little smile and not feel your heart simply melt. Let's find this little bundle of adorable a home as soon as possible, maybe she can have one waiting for her after her treatment? Look for this "Diamond" in the rough at Heritage Humane Society.

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Leland the Lab Mix

3/3/2015

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Leland is a beautiful 2 year old, ebony, Pit/Lab mix boy that came to the Isle of Wight Animal Shelter over a year ago. He was at the shelter for over 6 months with no interest. People loved his beautiful, shiny coat and his happy personality but Leland came into the shelter under a year old and being kenneled so long took it's toll on him. He jumped in his kennel constantly and circled needing attention and exercise that he was not able to get. Rescue's up and down the east coast were contacted about helping Leland but no rescue responded until Houlagan's Rest stepped up for this awesome boy. He has done well there responding to the love and attention offered and has learned many things while being fostered. Leland woke up his happy self not long ago, playing and eager to start the day and by nightfall he was extremely sick. He was rushed to the Winterfield Veterinary Hospital where an exploratory surgical procedure was performed because a blockage was suspected. Once the surgery was underway it was discovered that Leland had a massive infection in his intestines. The infection was treated aggressively during an almost 2 week stay at the hospital. He is recovering well in the care of his foster. Fundraisers were done to help collect donations for his care and Gimme Shelter,Inc. has graciously agreed to cover the remaining balance of $900.
Without help like this, rescues would not be able to continue taking dogs. One emergency like this takes a huge toll on a rescues finances. Houlagan's Rest has taken more of the Bully breeds from the Isle of Wight Animal Shelter than any other rescue. So many places have to put a limit on the number they take so they can keep a balanced selection of dogs available for adoption but Houlagans Rest is a rescue of last resort and any dog, no matter the breed, is accepted when they do not get adopted from the shelters they start out at. Gimme Shelter partnering with these awesome rescues helps to keep many wonderful and adoptable dogs from being euthanized due to a lack of space. He should be back to his wonderful adoptable self soon ... he is waiting for his furever home at Houlagan's Rest.

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Sir Hamilton Rogers III

3/1/2015

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Sir Hamilton Rogers III is a very special guy. He is a beautiful hound with all the heart you would expect from a knightly soul. He is strong and agile and fast. He is loving and tender. He can be shy but mighty on the inside. His heart beats a hero's beat and he is looking for a place to call home. He may very well have never known one before, not a real home and it is most definitely his time to find a place where he can shine brightly like he was meant to. This is a boy who likes other dogs, is gentle with people, and will bring joy to the right family. Sir Hamilton Rogers III will need a little help learning a few things about being safe in a home, but he is ready and willing to learn.
Unfortunately he is also heartworm positive so to give Sir Hamilton Rogers III a greater opportunity of finding a forever home by treating him for his heartworms he was transferred from the IOW Animal Shelter to Norfolk SPCA today, February 28, 2015, by Howard Holloman. Gimme Shelter is sponsoring his heartworm treatment which will be administered through the clinic at the Norfolk SPCA. You will simply need to meet this 3 to 5 year old 40 pound (but is working toward a more appropriate 55 pounds) knight in shining armor. Sir Hamilton Rogers III will be ready as soon as he is through his treatment. He will be waiting with stoic patience, with a brave face, hoping for true love to find him at Norfolk SPCA.

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Miss Martha Doolittle's Story :)

12/17/2014

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Today's "Sharing the Love" Story is about Miss Martha Doolittle who came into the Isle of Wight County Animal Shelter as a stray. Her awesomeness was overlooked for quite a while even though she was promoted heavily through Facebook. Her bio included these wonderful attributes; “She is bright, and a ray of light. She most especially loves a lap. She loves unconditionally and fully. She is simply happy to be alive in this world”, who wouldn't want her?
She was one of many Beagles who were at the Shelter waiting on their forever families. Unfortunately she also tested positive for heartworm as many of the strays that come in do. Maybe she was just waiting for the Royston family to find her and to take care of her as she went through her heartworm treatment. Just recently Wendy Royston and her daughter Bryce came by Gimme Shelter to give us a thank you card and to share the wonderful news that Martha Doolittle is now heartworm free! We are so happy that we are able to help animals and their families with these kind of procedures that are costly and may prevent people from adopting them. It is because of the amazing donations to Gimme Shelter that we can raise this money and give this support. We are blessed to live in such a supportive community. Thank you Royston family for bringing Martha Doolittle by to visit and thank you Isle of Wight community for making these stories happen.

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Mel and Howard ...

12/7/2014

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We wanted to share this video now and we hope that we can add a forever home to the end of this story for Mel. Howard Holloman has worked and bonded with Mel. Please share Mel's story as he is now at Houlagan's Rest waiting for a forever home.

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Reunited ... and it feels so good!

11/29/2014

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These week's "Sharing the Love" story is about Macey and her marvelous reunion with her family. Please read her story below ... it will warm your and remind you to count your blessings. We are so happy for Macey and her family.

Isle of Wight County Animal Shelter Dogs for Adoption posted,
Today we had only one dog adoption. But it was a very special adoption. Many, many months ago Macey's family ran into serious financial hardship. Macey's Mama is also a mom to a wonderful 10 year old girl and she had to make some very difficult decisions. Macey has been our longest resident, and it seems she was simply waiting to go back home.

Over the many months we've loved Macey, her Mama was busy getting back on her feet. She landed a good, solid job, moved into a home with a great fenced in back yard, and wanted to bring her little girl's dog home for the holidays. This morning, the family drove an hour and a half to come back for their girl. To watch Macey, remember her mama, and THEN DIVE into the lap of her very special child was a tear struck moment that we will all hang onto. Macey's family is ready to take things slowly, give their girl time to readjust to being back home, and brought the wee dogs in for a meet and greet to make sure Macey would remember.

I hope and pray that families don't find themselves in the financial position to make such a difficult decision. But if they do, I hope they all have the chance to get back on their feet and be reunited with their loved ones. Macey was ADOPTED today! She went home. With people who knew her much better than we did, who understood her behaviors, and who are ready to have their family together again for the holidays and forever and beyond. We were all honored to be a witness to this reunion, the love they have for Macey, and were aptly reminded that while there are times people "dump" their unwanted dog at the shelter, there are many, many times when circumstances are brutal and people do what they have to do in order to give everyone the best possible chance. I've always loved Macey. But i fell utterly all over in love with her again today. I have been humbled by this experience in ways that are hard to explain. So from the bottom of our hearts, we wish Macey and her ENTIRE family a very happy restart!!!!

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Shaken, not stirred ... "Martini and Olive"

11/19/2014

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Olive and Martini, a sweet bonded pair of Redbone Hounds, came into the Isle of Wight Animal Shelter as strays. These girls were very underweight and were also heartworm positive. They have been given good nourishment and care and were able to leave the Isle of Wight shelter today to begin heartworm treatment sponsored by Gimme Shelter. They will spend two months with their foster families getting their treatment and will then go to Houlagans' Rest to begin their search for a forever family. Since they are very bonded the rescue will try very hard to get these girls placed together. Thank you to ALL who made this happen.

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A "Princess" in need ...

9/25/2014

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Todays "Sharing the Love" Story ...
Dear Bill and Pam Andrulot,
We are very happy that we were able to be a part of helping to heal "Princess". We are very grateful to Anderson's Corner Animal Hospital (www.acah.com) for being able to work with us to help animals in need and also like you said, to ALL the wonderful donors to Gimme Shelter's Shop. It is because of the generous donations we receive and resell that we can be a part of making "miracles" happen. Again, it takes many "heroes" of all kinds to do this. Please bring Princess by the shop when you are able as we would really love to meet her.

Posted to our Facebook Page ...

Hello, my name is Bill Andrulot. My wife (Pam) and I just wanted to thank you all at GIMME SHELTER for helping us with our dog Princess. She is a beautiful 10 year old lab and I ran over her 2 weeks ago. I don't know how I did it, I never saw her in my driveway. I felt aweful. I broke her tibia and fibia. We could not afford the surgery she needed. We prayed for a miracle and God came through through the great people at Gimme Shelter. They covered the entire surgery. Thank you all who contribute to the shelter. God Bless! Bill and Pam Pamela Andrulot

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