Because of you...

...416 dogs found new homes in 2010

...BDHPI was able to pay for 12 Eye Surgeries

...BDHPI was able to treat 6 cases of Pneumonia

...BDHPI was able to save 4 dogs that needed emergency surgery

...BDHPI was able to offer a new lease on life to 2 dogs who underwent Wobbler's Surgery

...BDHPI was able to pay for 4 amputation surgeries

...BDHPI was able to treat 8 very painful cases of mange

...BDHPI was able to save the lives of 45 dogs suffering from heartworm

Without you, our Volunteers & Supporters, we couldn't have done any of this. We are forever thankful that you are part of the BDHPI team. No effort is too small.

We thank you for your dedication in 2010 and can't wait to see what we accomplish in 2011.

Happy New Year's! Be safe out there!

Your Officer Team,

Lindsay, Bree, Dr Winton & Cindy

Lily

Lily is a 5 yr old OEM, turned into rescue when she was unable to walk and her family could not afford her pain meds.

She was smelly, dirty and very fearful. When she was growling at her own family, we suspected abuse.

Lily has been in rescue for 3 weeks and we are happy to report that with pain meds and a little TLC, she can now walk and seems quite happy. We were all saddened last week though, to learn that her pain is caused be severe spondlyosis. The vet is unsure of how long she will have quality of life. When we received this news, the Officers of BDHPI decided to make her a permanent foster with BDHPI until her time comes.

Enter Bree & Brian Dew. Bree, an Officer at BDHPI, had been admiring Lily form afar for the last few weeks. When she heard the news that Lily needed a place to live out her days she emailed her husband every sad looking picture of Lily she could find in an attempt to sway him. It wasn't long before she received an email from her husband that said, " Lily is adorable. I think it's a good idea if she becomes a Dew!".

So, Lily arrived in Colorado two nights ago. She is super fearful and gaining her trust might take a while. She is becoming very attached to Bree and is accepting of Brian and not doing any of the growling we heard she might do.

Dr Winton has already tweeked her med protocol a bit and will be sure to keep a close eye on Lily to make sure she is as comfortable as she can be.

Welcome Home, Lily Dew!

Merry Christmas

From our BDHPI Family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Holiday Etiquette for Dogs

Be especially patient with your humans during this time. They may appear to be more stressed out than usual and they will appreciate long comforting dog leans.

They may come home with large bags of things they call gifts. Do not assume that all the gifts are yours.

Be tolerant if your humans put decorations on you. They seem to get some special kind of pleasure out of seeing how you look with fake antlers.

They may bring a large tree into the house and set it up in a prominent place and cover it with lights and decorations. Bizarre as this may seem to you, it is an important ritual for your humans, so there are some things you need to know; don't pee on the tree - don't drink water in the container that holds the tree.

Mind your tail when you are near the tree - if there are packages under the tree, even ones that smell interesting or that have your name on them, don't rip them open - don't chew on the cord that runs from the funny-looking hole in the wall to the tree.

Your humans may occasionally invite lots of strangers to come visit during this season. These parties can be lots of fun, but they also call for some discretion on your part; not all strangers appreciate kisses and leans - don't eat off the buffet table - beg for goodies subtly - be pleasant, even if unknowing strangers sit on your sofa - don't drink out of glasses that are left within your reach.

Likewise, your humans may take you visiting. Here your manners will also be important. Respect the territory of other animals that may live in the house - tolerate children - turn on your charm big time.

A big man with a white beard and a very loud laugh may emerge from your fireplace in the middle of the night. DON'T BITE HIM!

2010 BDHPI Video

We played this video at our Colorado Holiday Party but wanted to be sure all of our Volunteers had a chance to watch it.

We are so thankful for our Volunteers!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkNJfn3YkBg

We need 57 more of you to join our pledge

So far 43 kind souls have joined our Paw it Forward Pledge Campaign. As a group, you will be donating over $500 each month to BDHPI! THAT IS AWESOME!

We are still hoping to find another 57 people to join our pledge by 1.1.11!

Will you consider a $5, $10 or $20 reoccuring donation each month? If so, please visit www.bigdogshugepaws.com

We can't thank you enough!

Bree, VP/COO BDHPI

BDHPI Colorado Volunteer Holiday Party

Many thanks to Diana Sutherland for planning our 3rd annual holiday party at the Denver Zoo! We had a great room, delicious food & drinks, and wonderful company to celebrate an amazing year in 2010 for Big Dogs Huge Paws!

Here are some statistics to demonstrate just a few of our many accomplishments:

**618 Volunteers spread out across our 8+ state region (as of 12/18/10)
**410 Dogs Successfully Placed (as of 12/18/10) in 2010
**96 Total Medical Cases including: 12 Eye Surgeries, 6 Cases of Pneumonia, 4 Miscellaneous Emergency Surgeries, 2 Wobbler's Surgeries, 4 Amputation Surgeries, 8 Cases of Mange, & 45 Cases of Heartworm in 2010

As we reflect back on our successes, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for our amazing team of volunteers who made it all happen! Thank you for all you have done---whether you foster, transport, process applications, help with fundraisers, check the hotline/email, or more---you are a critical piece of the puzzle and we couldn't have helped as many gentle giants as we did this year without you!
This is also a nice opportunity for us as a leadership team to recognize those volunteers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their efforts! The following volunteers are the chosen recipients of our special Certificate of Appreciation:

Lori Vermillion - Lori is a foster volunteer in Omaha, NE who has a huge heart and often has not one but sometimes 3 foster dogs at a time, in addition to her own dogs! She is also a regular at local events and willing to help any dog who needs her!

Laura McIntosh - Laura deserves special recognition for having the longest foster (1 year) and biggest transformation of a single foster dog! Juliette the St Bernard came into rescue highly unsocialized and pregnant. Laura & her family helped raise her entire litter and then focused their efforts on socialization and Juliette was able to attend doggie daycare by the end and has since gone to her forever home!

Judy Mead - Judy is a member of our Medical Team who mails out all foster medications to fosters throughout our 8 state region, runs bloodwork to the vet, and also fosters and attends events regularly!

Karena Broman-Ballas - Karena is our Appreciation Coordinator and is responsible for sending out Thank You Cards to everyone who hosts an event for us or who deserves a special thank you for their support! This is one of the many behind the scenes efforts that makes a big difference.

Eugenia Jaeger - Eugenia helps behind the scenes as well with dog food and is responsible for posting our dog food fundraiser on the Forum as well as emailing all new and old adopting families to help us build participants and raise more money through dog food sales each month!

Kirsten Butler - Kirsten graciously served as our host storing dog food and foster supplies all year! She not only had to put up with us coming over every month to dish out food but almost daily she had to put out something whether it was food, crates, or supplies for volunteers in need. She also fosters for us and helps microchip.

Kati Harken - Kati Harken hit the ground running and has become our transport extraordinaire! She makes almost weekly trips to Hays or wherever we need her to go to pick up dogs in need. She has also become a new foster and is there to help with whatever we need! She has some great fundraising ideas she hopes to implement in 2011.

Lisa Lajimodiere - Lisa is our Event Coordinator and has taken the lead on making sure all of our events from meet and greets to fundraisers go off without a hitch! She oversees the coordination efforts, works closely with Renee, and also attends almost all of our events herself as a wonderful, professional representative for our organization.

Sandy Count - Sandy Count has been a tremendous help with long distance transports as well as bringing foster dogs from daycares to events to increase their exposure to the public. She is always willing to help with last minute emergencies or whatever we need her for!

Dawn Mackenzie - Dawn is our Medical Director and makes all vet appointments for foster dogs, takes calls at all hours for medical emergencies, negotiates new vet relationships, and makes sure that all of our foster dogs and foster families have everything they need to provide only the best of vet care. Considering she didn't have much medical background she has shown a true desire to learn and has become a pro in no time!

Marissa Knight - Marissa fosters regularly and has even taken on litters of puppies as well as many special needs fosters. She helps keep our storage unit well-organized, meets transports to microchip dogs and take photos, and pretty much takes care of whatever the need of the moment is with a smile on her face at all times!

Nadia Hrovat - Nadia is our very top application processor! She spends her entire day off every Friday processing apps all day long for BDHPI and plays a key role in making sure that applications are processed in a timely manner and applicants are screened thoroughly so that all of our foster dogs only go to the best of homes.

Kristen Kimball - Kristen handles our homecheck assignments and is our second top application processor! She also fosters some of our more difficult behavioral and medical cases and does a ton of transports. She is always eager and willing to get involved in any way she can make a difference.

Tina Ward - Tina is a key player every year in our 5K fundraiser. This year, she handled several key elements including walking the course with Bree, handling the registration table, and much more. We are so grateful for her expertise in helping it all come together and raise a lot of money for the dogs!

Pat Blocker - Pat is one of our amazing Animal Behaviorists who donates her time to help us with treatment plans for some of our challenging behavior cases to aid in their rehabilitation. She also consults with the Officer team when we are forced to make difficult decisions on whether or not a dog is adoptable or too much of a liability. We are so appreciative of her expertise to guide us in the right direction!

Adrienne Burdette - Adrienne hosts many of our Big Dogs Meetup Group get-togethers to help raise awareness, attends almost all of our events and always goes out of her way to make visitors feel comfortable while sharing what we do as a rescue. She also fosters for us and is willing to do whatever we ask!

Shannon O'Brien - Shannon fosters some of our difficult cases and is very devoted to doing whatever she can to help them succeed. She also transports for us regularly whether near or far and will go wherever there is a dog in need, often with short notice. She has a huge heart and is very committed to our cause!

Regan Rising - Regan is our Medical Coordinator who oversees the distribution of heartworm prevention every month, tracks spay/neuters for puppies adopted out on special contracts due to their age, and makes sure that all of our heartworm positive dogs receive all the proper meds, x-rays, and bloodwork prior to treatment. She also meets transports to microchip dogs and take photos on intake.

Tim Irwin - Tim is our Kansas State Co-Coordinator and has helped tremendously with recruitment in the Wichita area through organizing Big Dogs Meetup Groups at the new dog park and attending almost all events. He also fosters not one but sometimes 2-3 fosters at a time in addition to his own dogs. His enthusiasm alone has helped our group grow!

Christina DePriest - Christina is our Kansas State Co-Coordinator and has helped send weekly updates to the volunteer group about upcoming events and current needs. She also fosters for us and attends events regularly. Her organization skills have helped keep the volunteer group both informed and cohesive.

Alana Devries - Alana is our Nebraska State Coordinator and is very devoted to growing our local volunteer group in her area. She has helped organize local events to spread the word and recruit new supporters and volunteers, found local businesses to support our cause, and serves as a resource to all new volunteers. She fosters most of our special needs behavioral cases in the area and is a big believer that every dog deserves a chance!

Crystal O'Neal - Crystal is our Texas State Coordinator and Transport Coordinator. She has grown our TX volunteer group to 43 people to date! She has organized local events and been critical in the rescue of a number of dogs in local shelters by evaluating them and arranging to get them safely transported to new homes.

Thank you to ALL OF OUR VOLUNTEERS for all you do every day to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of giant breed dogs every year!!!
Attached are some photos from our party for all to enjoy.
Happy Holidays from your BDHPI Officer Team,
Lindsay, Bree, Rand, & Cindy

Meet Mabel

Meet Mabel, a true testament of how love combined with structure and consistency can change the direction of a dog's life. When Mabel came to us she was emaciated, neglected and terribly unsocialized with both humans and other pets. She had no manners, and coupled with the fact that she is deaf, noone had given this dog any of the extra attention she needed.

Enter Shannon, her foster mom. Shannon has never given up on Mabel and has worked wonders with her. Mabel has come so far, and via sign language now knows come, sit, go, down, wait, door, shower, car, hungry, all done, free, look, and bye-bye. She is house trained, crate trained, is trustworthy with free roam and knows how to use a dog door. She gets along well with cats and some dogs, but would benefit from continued socialization and would probably do best as the only dog.

While Shannon adores Mabel, she hopes everyday that someone will come along and offer a forever home to Miss Mabel. Mabel deserves the perfect life, but until than, she is safe with Shannon and BDHPI!

Stella and Dot BDHPI Fundraiser

If you're still looking for holiday gifts, check out our Stella and Dot December shopping event! Our wonderful Volunteer, Kristy in Wichita, KS is hosting this great event!

Details on this and other holiday gift ideas on our website at http://bigdogshugepaws.com/events/shop-stella-and-dot-big-dog-beds-pet-lovers-gift-bundles-lots-more

Reasons to give to our 100 Pledges by 1.1.11

Need a reason to join our 1.1.11 Pledge? Here are a few...BDHPI alumns enjoying their new lives with their new families.

Remember HoneyBear, the very scared OEM? Her new name is Katie and she has found the most wonderful family who is willing to do whatever they to help build her confidence. Here she is during one of our "Trail Manners" Obedience classes!

Remember Carillion, the 9 yr old Great Dane found in a snowbank? This is Rilla now, living the wonder life in Golden, CO

Remember Monty, the 10 yr old Irish Wolfhound? Here he is checking out the Donkeys that live next door!

Remember the 4 Neo babies we had? Here is Holly & Jenna, in their favorite room of the house...the kitchen!

What about Romeo, the 3 legged Cane Corso? Here is he is with his amazing new mom and brother. I bet Romeo never imagined a life so good!

If you join our pledge campaign, it will only help us help more dogs in need. BDHPI hasn't even begun to scratch the surface!

Pending Adoption for Jake

When I got this news, a huge smile spread across my face! Jake the blind Pyr mix has a home!

Jake has been in rescue for almost 6 months, with very little interest in him.

A little birdie told me he is being adopted by a family who has already adopted once before from us. God Bless the people in this world who aren't afraid of a little imperfection!

What is a permanent foster?

Every one in a while a dog will come into rescue and upon evaluation, we find a serious medical condition. If you follow our site, you know we will do anything to help a dog. That said, some things are not "fixable"-in these rare situations, The Officers of BDHPI evaluate the dog for adaptability. In very few instances do we ever find an adopting family that will knowingly adopt a dog that they know does not have a lot of time. But we also realize that while the dog may be not be an candidate for adoption, it also doesn't mean their time is immediately up.

This is where our incredible foster families come into play. We have a few foster families who will take on these dogs. They will welcome these dogs into their home, show them love, treat them as their own..all the time knowing that the end is near. It is a very selfless act.

Speaking from personal experience, it isn't easy. It is always sad. But more than anything, it will fill your heart and soul with love. Knowing that you are giving the gift of family and love to an ill dog is incredibly fulfilling.

Over the last 6 years, my husband and I have taken in 5 permanent fosters. We have shed tears for each one, but they always ended up giving us more than we gave them. Their collars still hang in our laundry room, and as we hung our ornaments with their pictures on our tree last weekend, smiled and laughed at the memories they gave us. There was a lot of...

"Remember how Ozzie's tongue would fall out of his mouth when he slept?"

"Remember Blue's old man raspy bark that always made us laugh?"

I smiled all day (and maybe choked back a tear or two!). I was so thankful we were given the opportunity to make such great memories.

We are always looking for foster families who might be willing to be part of our permanent foster program. Maybe you don't have the time or resources to be part of our regular foster program, but could open your home up once in a while? We like to have families who can be called upon in times of need, knowing that they will be taking on a dog for how ever long they have left...it could be weeks...it could be months.

If you are interested in learning more about our permanent foster program, please email bree@bigdogshugepaws.com

100 Pledges by 1.1.11 Update

So far, we have had 25 supporters join our pledge! We still need 75 more to hit our goal! If you can spare $5,$10 or even $20 a month, you can join our pledge drive!

We realize the economy is tough right now. We see the effects of it in the fact so many people are asking us to take their dogs due to their own personal financial situation. But without your support, we will be unable to help these dogs in need. Please consider joining our Pledge Drive!

As always, we are incredibly thankful for your support.

Update on Bogart (formerly Bruce)

Hi Lindsay and BDHP Team!

It's hard to believe it's been a year since Bogart (formerly Bruce) has joined our family. In our move to Minnesota this summer I came across his evaluation from his foster home and smiled at how, in some ways, he has changed and, in some, he has stayed the same. He is still as gentle and kind as he was the day we brought him home. He continues to have a high tolerance for everyone (animals included) and everything and still, to this day, has never met a stranger. People cross the street to meet Bogart - he is truly an advocate for English Mastiffs and Big Dogs everywhere.

In his initial evaluation it was mentioned under favorite toys that Bogart didn't "seem to be interested in toys yet." I am happy to report that that has changed! This summer, Bogart started playing with his sister Gracie, chasing balls and pouncing on toys. His favorite is a small stuffed moose that he often plays with until he falls asleep and it's only possible to see it's extremities from his "face puddle" on his dog bed. His temperament and personality have blossomed in this year, and I have no doubt that he is as happy with as we are with him.

I've attached some photos from this past year - he's had some great adventures and made some great friends. Thank you for what you do and providing us the opportunity to bring such a big amount of love and happiness into our home. We'll be thinking of your team and all the dogs still waiting for their new homes this holiday season.

Briley and Mark Gracie and Bogart

PS - We're expecting our first baby this month! Stay tuned for Bogart and baby photos!

What is a Borzoi?

Meet our first Borzoi to rescue: Kaylee

Borzio's are often mistaken for greyhounds. They are said to be from the Saluki lines, brought to the US from Russia. They are super athletic and agile.

They are known for their quietness, rarely barking. They are very sensitive, so please speak easy! They respond to positive training only. As adults, they like to spend their days molding themselves into your couch.

They are sight hounds, so a fenced yard is important. They were bred to chase, so they are extremely fast. They are good with other dogs and can be good with cats if they are raised with them (Their hunting instincts are are triggered by movement so we don't want any of that prey drive kickin' in)

We hope you enjoy Kaylee as much as we do! I am sure she will have a new home before we know it!

100 Pledges by 1.1.11. Reason: NAPOLEAN THE GREAT!

Napoleon the English Mastiff arrived into rescue a complete mess back in July. He could barely walk and needed assistance doing anything more or less. He had so many orthopedic issues that it was hard to know where to start but he was so sweet that we knew he deserved a chance at a brighter future and needed our help to regain quality of life!

The following day, July 27, 2010, he underwent stifle surgery with Dr. Dave Matthiesen to repair his Right ACL. He performed a lateral stifle arthrotomy and all remnants of the torn ACL ligament were resected including any intact fibers. The medial meniscus was inspected and treated by partial mniscal release. The joint capsule was routinely closed. The cruciate deficient stifle joint was stabilized using a conventional technique via an extracapsular technique using lateral fabellar sutures. Heavy nylon sutures were passed uner and around the lateral fabella to a hold drilled in the proximal tibial crest.

He was sent home on antibiotics for a week, pain meds, and suture removal was scheduled for 10-14 days. Recovery included no running or jumping for 4-5 weeks. As part of his Physical Therapy, Napoleon has been going to see Tammy Wolf (http://thek9bodyshop.com/about-us) on a regular basis and it has helped him tremendously.

Four months later, on December 2, 2010, he was finally ready for surgery #2 and Dr. Matthiesen performed the same procedure above to repair his LEFT ACL. They surgery was a long, very difficult surgery but he made it through like a champ! We expect that in about 3 months, he should be fully recovered and ready for adoption. It's been a long haul, but Napoleon (aka Borque) is in wonderful hands with Dr. Winton as his foster mom who is closely monitoring his comfort and recovery!

Tis the season...it's raining Gentle Giants!

As many of you may not know, the holidays months are by far when most rescues experience the highest influx of incoming dogs in need of foster care and forever homes. The stress of shopping, family, and entertaining tend to bring out the worst in people and the dog is the first to go times get tough meaning an even higher number of homeless dogs than ever. It is also a time of the year when many of our volunteers travel and are unable to help due to everything going on, which leaves BDHPI even more desperate for more foster help than normal!

Is there anyone out there that would consider helping with fostering, even if only for the month of December, to get us through this difficult time of the year? Without your help, many gentle giants will not be given a chance and their time will expire at the shelters that are overflowing...

I have attached photos of just a handful of dogs that are currently on our waitlist and in need of our help! Please email me (lindsay@bigdogshugepaws.com directly for more information on our foster care program if you think you might be able to help temporarily or long-term. BDHPI provides foster food at no cost, pays for all medical care, and all we ask of you is to open your heart and home to a loving gentle giant who needs you and will give back the love you show tenfold!

Thank you very much for your consideration! Even if you can't help personally, maybe you know if someone who could help and can forward this note along. We appreciate your ongoing support!

Dog Food, Round 2

Our last dog food post got a lot of positive feedback, so here is another from our website:

Dog food is a very important aspect in owning a dog. We understand that many pet owners may not even realize that what they are currently feeding is not in the best interest of their pet. We also recognize that most individuals do not have the time to fully educate themselves, so we have done the research for you!

We have researched for years, had various discussions with animal nutritionists and animal behaviorists, and reviewed many reputable books and online sources in order to fully educate ourselves as to the ingredients to avoid and the ones to look for when considering what to feed our dogs. We thought it might be helpful to share our findings so that you can benefit as well.


What to avoid:
Dog Food brands available in the grocery store or mass retailers are generally based on cheap byproducts of the human food industry, with artificial colorings and flavorings, and contain ingredients our pets were never meant to eat.

Many of the ingredients in even highly advertised "brand-name" dog foods are nothing but "floor sweepings" and the "tail of the ill" from grain processing plants, rendered remains of animals and roadkill and recycled restaurant grease from rendering facilities, all cleverly disguised in non-descriptive phrases like "meat meal", "cereal food fines", "meat andbone meal" or "animal fat".

Menadione in any form (also listed as vitamin K3 or vitamin K supplement)

Most sulfate and oxide based mineral supplements (zinc oxide, iron oxide)

Preservatives: BHA (Butylated Hydroxysanisole), BHT (Butylated Hudroxytoluene), Tethoxyquin, Sodium Metabisulphite

Sweeteners: Cane molasses, corn syrup in any form, sugar, sorbitol, sucrose, fructose, glucose, ammoniated gylcyrrhizin, propylene glycol

Dyes: Blue 2, Red 40, Yellow 5 and 6, other numbered dyes

Protein: All generic meat ingredients that do not indicate a species (meat, meat byproducts, meat byproduct meal, meat meal, meat and bone meal, blood meal, fish, fish meal, poultry, poultry byproducts, poultry meal. poultry byproduct meal, liver, liver meal, glandular meal etc). Byproduct meals, even if a species is identified (chicken/beef/turkey/lamb byproduct meal etc), since highly questionable ingredients may be used in these rendered products.

Any food that contains corn (ground or otherwise) as a first ingredient, especially if corn gluten meal is also a main ingredient and no concentrated source of identified meat protein (chicken meal, lamb meal etc) is present.

Fats and Oils: Non-specific sources such as animal fat, poultry fat, vegetable oil, generic fish oil, mineral oil.

Carbohydrates: Fragments like potato product, middlings/mids or mill run of any kind. Unspecified grain sources like cereal food fines, distiller's gran fermentation solubles.

Fiber: Corn bran, peanut hulls, rice hulls, soybean hulls, oat hulls.

Fruits and Vegetables: Apple pomace, grape pomace, citrus pulp

Flavorings: Any highly rendered products (digests of any kind), ingredients of unknown origin (meat broth), glandular meal, artificial
favoring. Onion of any form is toxic to dogs!

What to look for:
Dog Food brands available in specialty pet stores and feed stores generally offer all natural, super premium, human grade ingredients that are easily digestible, provide greater nutritional value, and are overall much better for the health and well-being of our pets.

Chelated or sequestered minerals (also labeled as chelates, proteinates, amino acid chelates or complexes, polysaccharide complexes)

Carbohydrates: Whole ground grains such as rice, oats, barley, millet, etc, potatoes, sweet potatoes. Corn often gets an undeserved bad reputation and while it is not acceptable as a main source of protein, as a carbohydrate it is no better and no worse than other grains.

Fiber: Depending on the inclusion of ingredients that are naturally high in fiber (ex brown rice, oats, certain fruits or vegetables), a food may or may not include specific, isolated types of fiber. Beet Pulp is another ingredient that has an undeserved bad reputation and is a gentle, beneficial source of fiber that is well tolerated and suitable as a source of nutrition for the beneficial bacteria that reside in the intestinal tract.

Fruits and Vegetables: Unprocessed, fresh items are preferable to already processed ones, and organic is always the best choice.

These websites will help educate you so that you can make the right choices for your "best friend":

www.dogfoodanalysis.com
www.4dogma.com
www.dogaware.com
www.dogfoodproject.com

100 Pledges by 1.1.11- Reason: Shoshana

Do you need another reason to encourage you to participate in our 100 pledges by 1.1.11? Let me introduce you to Shoshana....a Great Pyr mix who has lived the last 6 years outside on a concrete slab. Now, Shoshana lives with her foster dad Nick, keeping toasty by the warm fire. Life is lookin' up for this sweet girl...thanks to your generous support of our mission.

She did ask that I let you all know that the only thing that would make this perfect is if she could find a new family by the Holidays....Home for The Holidays sounds pretty good to this lady!

To join our pledge program, please visit our homepage at www.bigdogshugepaws.com

Thanks!

Have you scored your dog food lately?

One of our goals here at BDHPI is to be an education resource to our volunteers, adopting families and supporters. One of the top priorities is the topic of nutrition. Our general rule of thumb is if you can buy it at the grocery store, it is not a nutritious brand for your 4 legged friend.

Please take the time to read through the below "test". If you have any questions, please contact bree@bigdogshugepaws.com who loves to educate dog owners on the importance of feeding a premium dog food! She has personal experience watching her rescue dane's skin, fur and temperment change once he was switched to one of the premium brands!

How to grade your dog's food:

Start with a grade of 100:
For every listing of "by-product", subtract 10 points
For every non-specific animal source ("meat" or "poultry", meat, meal or fat) reference, subtract 10 points
If the food contains BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin, subtract 10 points
For every grain "mill run" or non-specific grain source, subtract 5 points
If the same grain ingredient is used 2 or more times in the first five ingredients (i.e. "ground brown rice", "brewer's rice", "riceflour" are all the same grain), subtract 5 points
If the protein sources are not meat meal and there are less than 2 meats in the top 3 ingredients, subtract 3 points
If it contains any artificial colorants, subtract 3 points
If it contains ground corn or wholegrain corn, subtract 3 points
If corn is listed in the top 5 ingredients, subtract 2 more points
If the food contains any animal fat other than fish oil, subtract 2 points
If lamb is the only animal protein source (unless your dog is allergic to other protein sources), subtract 2 points
If it contains soy or soybeans, subtract2 points
If it contains wheat (unless you know that your dog isn't allergic to wheat), subtract 2 points
If it contains beef (unless you know that your dog isn't allergic to beef), subtract 1 point
If it contains salt, subtract 1 point
ExtraCredit:

If any of the meat sources are organic, add 5 points
If the food is endorsed by any major breed group or nutritionist, add points
If the food is baked not extruded, add 5 points
If the food contains probiotics, add 3 points
If the food contains fruit, add 3 points
If t he food contains vegetables (NOT corn or other grains), add 3 points
If the animal sources are hormone-free and antibiotic-free, add 2 points
If the food contains barley, add 2 points
If the food contains flax seed oil (not just the seeds), add 2 points
If the food contains oats or oatmeal, add 1 point
If the food contains sunflower oil, add 1 point
For every different specific animal protein source (other than the first one; count "chicken" and "chicken meal" as only one protein source, but "chicken" and "" as 2 different sources), add 1 point
If it contains glucosamine and chondroitin, add 1 point
If the vegetables have been tested for pesticides and are pesticide-free, add 1point
Here are some foods that have already been scored.

Dog Food Scores:
94-100+ = A
86-93 = B
78-85 = C
70-77 = D
69 = F

· Alpo Prime Cuts / Score 81 C
· Artemis Large/Medium Breed Puppy / Score 114 A+
· Authority Harvest Baked / Score 116 A+
· Authority Harvest Baked Less Active / Score 93 B
· Beowulf Back to Basics / Score 101 A+
· Bil-Jac Select / Score 68 F
· Blackwood 3000 Lamb and Rice / Score 83 C
· Blue Buffalo Chicken and Rice / Score 106 A+
· Burns Chicken and Brown Rice / Score 107 A+
· Canidae / Score 112 A+
· Chicken Soup Senior / Score 115 A+
· Diamond Maintenance / Score 64 F
· Diamond Lamb Meal & Rice / Score 92 B
· Diamond Large Breed 60+ Formula / Score 99 A
· Diamond Performance / Score 85 C
· Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Ultra Premium / Score 122 A+
· Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance Venison and Brown Rice / Score 106 A+
· Dick Van Patten's Duck and Potato / Score 106 A+
· EaglePack Holistic / Score 102 A+ Eagle Pack Holistic Chicken / Score 114 A+
· Eagle Pack Natural / Score 94 A
· Eagle Pack Large and Giant Breed Puppy Food/ Score 94 A
· Eukanuba Adult / Score 81 C
· Eukanuba Puppy / Score 79 C
· Flint River Senior / Score 101 A+
· Foundations / Score 106 A+
· Hund-n-Flocken Adult Dog (lamb) by Solid Gold / Score 93 B
· Iams Lamb Meal & Rice Formula Premium / Score 73 D
· Innova Dog / Score 114 A+
· Innova Evo / Score 114 A+
· Innova Large Breed Puppy / Score 122 A+
· Kirkland Signature Chicken, Rice, and Vegetables / Score 110 A+
· Member’s Mark Chicken and Rice / Score 84 C
· Merrick Wilderness Blend / Score 127 A+
· Nature’s Recipe / Score 100 A
· Nature’s Recipe Healthy Skin Venison and Rice / Score 116 A+
· Nature’s Variety Raw Instinct / Score 122 A+
· Nutra Nuggets Super Premium Lamb Meal and Rice / Score 81 C
· Nutrience Junior Medium Breed Puppy / Score 101 A+
· Nutrisource Lamb and Rice / Score 87 B
· Nutro Max Adult / Score 93 B
· Nutro Natural Choice Lamb and Rice / Score 98 A
· Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy / Score 87 B
· Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Wheat Free / Score 86 B

Roxy the Cane Corso is LOVED!

We absolutely love Roxy. She is adjusting quite well! She fits in our family like she has always been there.

Jamie

Back by popular demand...

Who Rescued Who? Sweatshirts are back but with a twist!


**NEW: Three colors to choose from!
** NEW: Pullover style!
** NEW: Sizes up to 5XL! (3XL-5XL only available in black)
**NEW: Colors in Navy Blue, Carolina Blue or Indigo Blue

Orders must be placed by December 4th!

How to order your “Who Rescued Who?” Hoodie:
1) Decide how many of which size(s) and in what color(s) you would like to order.

Size S - XL: $36/each + shipping

Size 2XL - 5XL: $39/each + shipping



2) Pick up or delivery? Will you arrange to pick up your sweatshirt(s) in Denver or will you need them shipped to you?

Shipping options (*Shipping is based on quantity ordered of each color to be sent to the same address):

Shipping for 1 sweatshirt = $7.

Shipping for 2-4 sweatshirts = $12.

All sweatshirts will ship via UPS (Thank you to our friends at the UPS Store in Superior, CO for helping us get these sent out!). Estimated ship date: December 20, 2010.


3) Determine your total. (Total = $36 x quantity + shipping; size is a factor in cost only if you're
ordering sizes 2XL - 5XL, which are $39/each), and then donate online through http://bigdogshugepaws.com/donate. **

** NOTE: There is a space on the page following where you enter the total amount and then
payment info that says, "To complete your payment, review the details below and click Donate.”
Below that, there’s a place where you can “Add special instructions to the seller." PLEASE
INCLUDE YOUR ORDER INFO IN THIS SPACE! Please note the size, color and quantity of
sweatshirts you're ordering, as well as, "pick up in Denver" or "ship to my address."

4) IMPORTANT!! To ensure your donation will be applied towards your order, please forward your payment receipt email to Renee@bigdogshugepaws.com so that we can get your order in by December 5th! ** NOTE: If you don’t get a detailed payment receipt, please email your generic payment confirmation with your order info included (see above).

Happy Thanksgiving from Klaus (George) & Perry (Penelope)

Happy Thansgiving from two of our alums who were adopted togehter!

Remembering Leo

Leo the Wonderful came into rescue and we quickly realized he that due to his medical conditions, he was not a candidate for adoption. His loving foster family agreed to keep this sweet boy and Leo quickly became what we call a "Permanent Foster". They only had 8 short months with their boy and are all deeply saddened ast his passing.

Our Permanent Foster program is also funded by donations, and yet another reason to help us achieve our 100 Pledges by 1.1.11

Goodbye Leo, we will miss you. We only had you for a short time, 8 months, but you made sure you were a loved part of the family in that short time. I think some of the extra care and time that you needed made us closer that much faster. We’ll miss many of the things that made you you. The little nibbles you would give to say hi, the way you would lean back and hold up you paw when you wanted someone to come see you. That half bark half talk thing that you did when you weren’t getting all the attention, or the other dogs were playing without you. Sampson, our chocolate lab is still looking for you. You and him got to be quite the pals, he just can’t figure out where you have gone.

I can still see you laying on the floor, head held high, so proud. Can still see you running down the backyard, legs flying everywhere, trying to keep up with the other dogs.

It was so sad to see your body giving out, long before your heart and attitude did. I hope that you are now running free without pain and nothing to slow you down. We will always remember and love you Leo.

Your family,

Troy, Debbie, Ryan, and your buddy Sampson

100 Pledges by 1.1.11

Will you join our challenge? Will you take this opportunity and sign yourself up for an automatic monthly donation of $5, $10, or even $20 per month? Will you help us reach our goal of having 100 pledges by 1.1.11?

Reason #1 to join our Pledge Challenge: Heidi the English Mastiff

Heidi is a very sad victim of cruelty. She was seized from her owners, weighing a mere 61lbs. She was taken to a shelter, where the wonderful staff got her up to 100lbs. As with any neglect or cruelty case, until the legal decisions are resolved, the dogs have to live in the shelter. Anyone who owns a Mastiff knows how sensitive they are, and the thought of Heidi spending over a month in a lonely shelter makes us all cringe. She was so scared and timid, unsure of what was going on.

Heidi is now in her caring foster home and doing very well. She is adjusting well to indoor living. She is sensitive and doesn't have a mean bone in her body. And the most amazing thing is that Heidi is as loving as they come, and doesn't hold her awful past against us humans. She is now patiently awaiting her forever family.

So, will you please join our Pledge Challenge? If so...

Your donation will allow BDHPI to continue their strong partnerships with local shelters and accept these wonderful dogs into our program.

Your donation will afford us the ability to run all of Heidi's bloodwork to rule out any other existing medical conditions that could be a result of poor nutrition.

Your donation will allow us to save one more life.

Visit www.bigdogshugepaws.com to join today!

Paw it Forward

Dear Supporters of BDHPI,

Big Dogs Huge Paws relies on your ongoing support to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home as many giant breed dogs as we can responsibly take in and care for, and with your monthly gift we can continue to save even more gentle giants in need. Our "Paw it Forward: Monthly Give Back Campaign" gives you the option to pledge $5, $10 or $20 each month, simply by following the steps below; to make a one-time donation in any amount, please visit our "Donate" page. We are able to continue to do what we do because people like you choose to support our non-profit volunteer rescue group.

Thank you for making a difference for the gentle giants of Big Dogs Huge Paws.

To set up a monthly donation, please go here:

http://www.bigdogshugepaws.com/giveback

Very Truly Yours,

Lindsay Condon, President/CEO on behalf of all of us at Big Dogs Huge Paws

Update on Barett

Dear Lindsay and BDHP Team:

We adopted Barrett in Jan 2009 and wanted to let you know that he is
great! He is a happy boy and we have a lot of fun together.

I attached two pictures. One is Barrett wearing his (ill fitting)
Halloween costume. And the other is him sleeping outside my office
during some late night study.

We love him a bunch!!

--James and Shari

Adam, formerly known as Polar

Here is an updated picture of Adam, who has sure turned into a beautiful boy!

No snow day for Baby

Baby, adopted by The Pasteur Family, took one look at the snow coming down in Denver today and headed right back to her bed!

Woofs & Hoofs Event Report

Thank you so much to everyone who came out on this cold Saturday to talk about the Big Dogs! We had lots of traffic and it was so nice to see everyone. We gathered adoption and volunteer apps, raised awareness, and took in donations. Our wonderful volunteers who work hard to help the rescue, take care of our big furry babies, and help educate others are the key to our success and we can't say enough how much you are appreciated. Thank you!

I know I am going to forget someone (I am not sure I actually met everyone and I am terrible with names, so please update my post if you know someone is missing). Please accept my advanced apologies for the missing any important people!

Thank you to:

Katie Stelley with Rocky and Misty

Nick Harris with Shashonna and his adopted girl, Anna

Sandy Count who not only brought Cleo, but also coffee!

Bella the mastiff puppy and The Doyles

Angela and Jane Harris with Deisel and her awesome mastiff

Kara Mastin and family with Duke and George the deaf Dane puppy

Starla and Ray with Sophie and her wonderful Dane pack

and the support of our officers: Bree and Lindsay

Also thank you to the volunteers who came as far as from Sterling to visit and play with the big dogs!

We look forward to seeing you at the next one.

Update on Darby (formerly Meekah)

Just wanted you to know that everything is going fantastic with Darby(formerly Meekah)! She's eating only dog food (with a little broth on it), following commands great and doing very well with her new gentle-leader. She LOVES the snow... just runs laps and rolls in it!

Her and the girls hit it off right away. She tried to jump into the bathtub with them the first night, lays on their floor each night for story time and hangs in the yard with them while they play!

I've attached some pictures!

Thanks again!!!
Tiff, Todd, Tins & Marley

Reasons to not use a Choke, Prong or Shock Collar

Stated quite simply, prong collars are an aversive device that will cause pain to your dog. Sure, they can be a quick fix, but:

-Your dog is only walking nicely to avoid punishment.
-Your dog is not being taught WHAT to do, in that the old behavior will return when the prong collar is removed.
-Anything present in the environment when your dog experiences pain can take on a negative association, including other dogs, children and strangers.
-In NO WAY, does a prong collar emulate the correction of a mothers teeth to a puppy. This is a MYTH plain and simple, and is unproven in any scientific study.

Regarding the quick fix, why not invest in a little time and extra effort in positive reinforcement training, so you will not have to hurt your dog? Clicker training is remarkably effective and trainers look for and record quantifiable results. Granted, some dogs come with pulling behaviors already well installed, such as that adopted 3 year old Chessie, but less aversive equipment is readily available, such as Premiere Easy Walk Harness (very effective) and Gentle Leader Head Collar. These both work, they won`t hurt your dog, and coupled with positive reinforcement training, your problem should be should be solved. Best of all they won`t damage your relationship with your dog, because pain is being inflicted. According to Pat Miller on her list of 12 Pitfalls to Positive Punishment, damaging a relationship is possible.

We owe it to our dogs to communicate clearly to them WHAT we would like them to do, instead of automatically punishing undesired behaviors. In operant conditioning, it is a given that a behavior that is reinforced is a behavior that will be repeated. If your dog is reinforced for a loose leash, they understand that. They don`t understand pain, only that something hurt them. They quit offering any behaviors because they are afraid to. This is not much of a life for a dog.

You can bet your last dollar that when the prong collar is removed, the pulling will return, so you are looking at a dog wearing a prong collar for life. Reinforced behavior becomes automatic behavior to your dog, and when a behavior is learned, requires only occasional reinforcement to remind your dog that he is doing what you want.

When your dog feels pain and sees children, other dogs, and strangers on a consistent basis, he could make a connection that children, other dogs, and strangers might not be so great, because he feels pain when he sees them. The same thing is true of electric fences: when a dog repeatedly runs at the fence and gets too close to passersby at the boundary, he gets shocked and makes that negative association. Pat Miller writes of this in a Whole Dog Journal article.

Finally, bitches (mother dogs) DO NOT use their teeth to inflict pain on their youngsters. They may lift an unruly youngster by the scruff, or nudge an overly enthusiastic feeder off a teat, but in no way does that replicate the myth of a pinch collar being like the correction of a mothers teeth. The bitch does not apply pressure to the skin on both sides of the neck with strong powerful pressure. Period. The former is how the pinch collar works. In the hands of the uninitiated and the overly enthusiastic, (those who enjoy the power) the pinch collar is an aversive piece of dog training equipment whose use is unnecessary. Be kind to your dogs and investigate positive reinforcement training and equipment that is not aversive.

In doing some further research, I came up with useful statements from well-respected dog trainers and behaviorists in support of positive reinforcement, statements also detailing the dangers and side effects of using prong collars. As well, I think it no coincidence that some dogs I have trained, those with some of the most severe behavioral problems, have had a history of aversive equipment and training methods being used.

From Pam Dennison, Certified Animal Behavior Consultant, author of many books, including: How to Right a Dog Gone Wrong, comes the following statement. The Merck Veterinary Manual, in Behavioral Problems Associated with Canine Aggression, states: "Almost without exception, physical punishment, including the use of prong collars and electric shock collars, alpha rolls, and dominance downs can make an already aggressive dog worse. Owners should be discouraged from using these techniques." That sounds like a pretty powerful statement right there.

Famed Applied Behavior Analysts, Marion and Bob Bailey, in the APDT Dog Trainers Resource article, the ABC`s of Behavior,make the following assertion: "Aversives in general, and punishment in particular, may have bad consequences for the dog and trainer. They can produce uncontrollable fear, not only of the trainer, but the entire training situation. Aversives can suppress virtually all behavior. They may also encourage aggressive responses. More acceptable alternatives, such as reinforcement, should always be considered before using aversives." Marion Bailey was one of B.F. Skinners (Operant Conditioning) early undergraduate and graduate students. She and her husband trained over 15,000 animals over 50 years. These wonderfully educated people were not just training dogs, they were analyzing behavior as it applied to training methods.

Finally, Pat Miller, CPDT, CDBC, owner of Peaceable Paws, respected seminar speaker, author of multiple books and Training Editor for Whole Dog Journal, gives the following perspective in her widely acclaimed book Positive Perspectives:

"Choke chains, prong collars and shock collars utilize mild to severe punishment, called ‘corrections’ by trainers who use them, to let the dog know when she has done something wrong. I don`t recommend their use. Punishment can be difficult to administer effectively- timing and severity of the correction are critical to effective punishment training - and even when done properly there is a high risk of unintended and undesirable side effects, including aggression. ...Make no mistake however, those prongs do cause pain-that`s why they work. If you doubt that, slip one over your wrist and give it a solid yank. Then think about doing that to your neck."
Leslie Fisher Pat Miller
Certified Trainer Affiliate
Peaceable Paws.

Do NOT use a pinch collar or any other pain-to-neck device (including especially a bark-corrector or remote shock collar) on any dog with an aggression problem. Pain tends to in crease aggression. For dog-aggressive dogs, any pain in the neck can trigger the same fight response as would be triggered by being bitten in the neck by the other dog. So use of neck pain to a dog who is dog aggressive is likely to cause the dog to start a fight as a pre-emptive strike under less and less provocation from the other dog. Additionally, if a pinch collar or chain collar is on a dog who is grabbed by the neck by another dog, the grabbing dog may catch and break a tooth on it, which causes great suffering to that dog and great expense to whoever has to pay for a root-canal procedure.

Come meet our foster dogs! Saturday in Littleton, CO!

What: Woofs N Hoofs Big Dogs Huge Paws Adoption Event 11/13 from
11am-3pm

When: Saturday, November 13, 2010 11:00 AM

Where: Woofs N Hoofs (Next to Safeway)
12482 W Ken Caryl Avenue
Littleton, CO 80127

What's that smell?

A new fundraiser for BDHPI!
What's the difference between Scentsy and all the other scented products available for your home? Having Scentsy means... No more wasting money on glade plug in's or those irritating sprays that make all of our pups sneeze endlessly and leave a film on everything. No burning dangerous candles or oils. This products allows your home to smell wonderful with a wick-less, smoke-less, lead-less, FLAME-LESS candle!

HOW TO ORDER:

* Go to https://rescuedawn.scentsy.us/Home


* In the white box under MY OPEN PARTIES locate Big Dogs Huge Paws, and then follow that line across and Click on "BUY FROM PARTY"


* Dawn, our consultant for this online fund-raiser is donating 100% of her profits to Big Dogs Huge Paws for orders placed by Saturday, November 13th, 2010, so start shopping today!

** Scentsy makes great products; creative and fun designs and styles, and Scentsy has a product for every room in your house and everyone on your holiday shopping list! Why not even get a few extra warmers for last minute gifts?


** Help the gentle giants of Big Dogs Huge Paws rescue by shopping at Scentsy now through November 13th - your friends, family and house guests will thank you!

Thank you for supporting Big Dogs Huge Paws! 

Event Report- Bar Crawl

We want to send out a huge thank you to Renee Laposa (Marketing Director) and Lisa Lajimodiere (Event Coordinator) who basically single handedly put on this past weekend's Bar Crawl event! Thank you also to volunteer Patrick Terry for staying late to help Lisa tear down the night of the event! We had the back room at the Irish Hound, which is a very fun bar/restaurant located in Cherry Creek North, all to ourselves. We had a great crowd, including new and old supporters, good food, and lots of fun specialty drinks named after giant breeds!

Many thanks to our donors as well! The silent auction included items from:

Samantha Grey, Photographer
BeeGee Bags LLC Retail/Botique, Brooke Galardi
Arbonne Skin care, Marie Silverstein
Hand made jewelry, Peggy Mehanti
DogCookieBaker.com Dog treats, Eileen Durante
Canine Massage, Deborah Black
Dog Quilts
And more!

While we didn't have quite the turn-out we had expected (due to Halloween), we still managed to make $1004.00!!!

How about some good news?

I decided we need a little uplifting news to this blog after our last two sad posts. How about some warm and fuzzy adoption updates?

First, remember Shania?

Shania's new name is "MOLLY" . We decided she needed a new start in life considering all she had been through. We also have discovered that she must have had a litter of pups not too long ago. She is doing very well. No accidents in the house and she pretty much has free roam, although she does tend to get a bit mischievous during the day. We have come home to some "interesting" things. She likes to move things around. I am pretty sure if we had a nannycam set up we could win some serious money on a video show someplace. She is a joy and a very loving addition to our family. She has not me a stranger yet she did no love. So much for a watch dog.

Thank you for all that you do to help these big breed dogs.

Do you remember Carly, the deaf Great Dane puppy?

Hi, Everyone!

My name is Daisy -- although most of you will remember me by the name "Carly". I wanted to tellDO made me very special. While I don't have eyes and I can't hear, I am very smart, brave and self confident. My favorite things to do are going for long walks, riding in the car and playing with other dogs. This summer my mom and I drove to Virginia where I went to a school for special dogs like me. I stayed at my teacher's house for about a month and learned lots of new things. I just found out yesterday that I am going to be in a local magazine and calendar. My mom entered my picture into a contest and told everyone about how special I was. Lots of people voted for me so I was one of the lucky dogs who won. I hope that when people see me, they will think about finding a special dog for their family.

Thank you for helping me find my new family. I want to send special doggy kisses to Trenny and her family for taking such good care of me when I lived in Colorado and to my friend Tom, who let me ride to Indiana in his big truck.

Love,

Daisy

P. S. My brother Timmy sends Dr. Rand big sloppy dog kisses.

Brandie (formerly Brittney) crosses the Rainbow Bridge

Some of you may remember Brittney, a 9 yr old Senior that was adopted over a year ago. We were so thrilled for this old lady and she went to the most perfect home. We were all saddened to receive this note from her parents this week, but will be forever indebited to this wonderful family for seeing the beauty in a grey face!

A week before we picked up Brandie, we weren't even sure if we would be getting her. A bad reaction to medication for arthritis pain relief had led to a perforated ulcer and a blood transfusion. We thought, privately, that even if we did get her we were looking at a very short time with her. Nothing could have been further from the truth.

From the moment Brandie (formerly Brittney) walked into our house, grabbed the tug toy and tossed it in the air, settled comfortably *right* next to daddy (never an inch in between the two!), I knew she had some good times left in her. In the more than a year we had together, she happily went on rides, hung out at the dog park - she loved meeting new people - and took walks around our property. She learned to love carrots and apples and blueberries. Healthy snacks were just fine for this girl! Everyone who met her loved her. She charmed her way into all our hearts, and we miss her.

We're very thankful to Big Dogs for giving this 9 years young, sweet girl a chance at a happy ending.

RIP Bruce

Bruce the Bullmastiff was originally picked up as a stray and was found wandering with a Chihuahua. He won the shelter staff over with his charms and when his stray hold was up they contacted BDHPI for assistance because they knew this guy deserved a chance. He was transported from Idaho Falls to Pleasant Grove, UT where he quickly warmed his way into the hearts of his foster family! He was a great big goofball who got along with everyone he met.

One day Bruce started limping so we took him to the vet for x-rays and we soon found out that our lovable giant had Osteosarcoma. Knowing that his time with us would be limited, we made him a permanent foster in our program and for 2 months he has been getting loved and spoiled by the Hollingshead family.

Unfortunately, the dreaded day finally arrived when the pain became too much and he could hardly get up anymore. Bruce was surrounded by people who loved him and peacefully crossed over the rainbow bridge on Wednesday.

To honor his memory, a family friend carved Bruce's face onto wood which will soon be stained with his collar attached to it as well. Our hearts our broken to lose this special boy but we will always remember his fighting spirit and loving ways!

BDHPI Bar Crawl this weekend in Denver, CO

Join us Saturday October 30th for our Big Dogs Bar Crawl, an evening of eating and drinking, trivia and games, drink specials, a silent auction and more! ~^~

Reserve your tickets online today! ~^~ See below for details... Hope to see you there!

WHAT: Big Dogs Bar Crawl

WHEN: Saturday, October 30th 2010 from 6-10pm

WHERE: The Irish Hound in Cherry Creek North, 575 St Paul St, Denver, CO


BAR CRAWL DETAILS:

Silent auction - a great place to pick up something special for your dog(s), yourself or to give as holiday gifts!

Trivia and other games will be available for those who want to play
Drink specials with giant breed themes

Guests must be at least 21 years of age with a valid ID to attend

Tickets are $17/each or $30/pair, and include two drink tickets per person
Venue info online at http://www.irishhounddenver.com/
RESERVE YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Go to bigdogshugepaws.com/donate and make sure to include your name (and your guest's name) in the "special instructions for the seller" space on the page after where you enter your donation amount and payment info.

Questions? Please contact Renee at Renee@BigDogsHugePaws.com. We can't wait to see you at our Big Dogs Bar Crawl!

Howl-O-Ween! Come see us in Boulder, CO on Saturday

Howl-O-Ween is fast approaching… and you're invited to our Big Dogs Costume Party!

What: Big Dogs Costume Party and Photo Shoot!

When: Saturday, October 23, 2010 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Where: Only Natural Pet Store
2100 28th Street #1C
Boulder, CO 80301
(303) 449-5069

Join us for fun, photos and to show off your best dressed pets in our costume contest at Only Natural Pet Store in Boulder on Saturday, October 23rd from 1-5pm!

Costume Party Event Details:

* GREAT PHOTO OPP! Photographer Samantha Grey will have a staging area set up for mini-sessions with your pet. She's waiving her sitting fee so bring your pet(s), their favorite toy(s) and treats and smile for the camera!

* BRING YOUR DOGS, BIG AND SMALL! Well-behaved dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes are welcome and encouraged to attend with their humans.

Please pray for Jessie, a BDHPI Alum

Some you may remember beautiful Jessie the Saint...we were very sad to receive this update from her family and ask that you please keep them in your thoughts as they battle her cancer:


Our dear Jessie who we adopted last April sadly will be leaving us in a month or so. Just three months after adopting her, dear Jessie became ill; within a couple of weeks she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lymphoma. She immediately began Chemo treatment at CSU Vet Hospital and went into a full remission in just a matter of days. She has been happy and healthy over the last few months but just yesterday, when she went back for her 5th round of Chemo, we were informed that the lymphoma has returned. We love and appreciate Jessie so much and will see her through to her final journey. She will be missed dearly by her family…..Cynthia, Scott, Bailey and Ollie.

Thanks again for all you do and giving us the opportunity to share in life with Jessie…so short, but so sweet.

Miss Havoc

Hi!

I am Havoc (please don't let my name scare you...I promise I don't create Havoc, it's just what they call me!)

I am 8 years young, and in my humble opinion, am in great shape! I am fit and strong. I've got years left in me!

While I like to play with other dogs, I am pretty mellow. They also tell me I am very Motherly- to both kids and other dogs. What can I say, I just like to keep the peace and make sure everyone is having a good time!

I am thankful to BDHPI for taking me in when many other wouldn't. I am thankful to my foster parents for loving me so ( they are really nice!). BUT, I really do want a family of my own. I want my own last name....your last name. I want to belong. Is that too much to ask?

I beg that you take another look at my picture. Don't pass me by for that younger dog (who, btw, will probably eat your shoes and couch!) Seniors need love to. I just hope someone out there feels the same way as I do.

Love,

Havoc the Smiling St. Bernard

What does your dog do while you are at work?

Do you ever wonder what your dogs do while you are gone during the day? Since I started working from home 3 x per week, I have a found solved a few questions my husband and I always have had...

1. Who shreds the paper and q-tips from the trash?
Answer: Cocker Spaniel who was just caught neck deep in the trash, with torn up tissues everywhere.

2. Who keeps carrying random things onto the deck?
Answer: Mastiff who was just caught red handed, heading out the dog door with a dish towel

3. Who keeps messing up our bed?
Answer: Above said Mastiff, evident in this picture I took as soon as I walked by our bedroom en route to the kitchen for a glass of water.

What things in your house are not as you left them when you return home each night?

Reserve txs now for BDHPI Bar Crawl!

WHAT: Big Dogs Bar Crawl (a night out with fellow big dog lovers, to benefit BDHP)

WHEN: Saturday, October 30th 2010 from 6-10pm

WHERE: The Irish Hound in Cherry Creek North, 575 St Paul St, Denver, CO


BAR CRAWL DETAILS:

Silent auction - a great place to pick up something special for your dog(s), yourself or to give as holiday gifts!

Trivia and other games will be available for those who want to play

Drink specials with giant breed themes

Guests must be at least 21 years of age with a valid ID to attend

Tickets are $17/each or $30/pair, and include food (taco bar!) and two drink tickets

Venue info online at http://www.irishhounddenver.com/

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Go to bigdogshugepaws.com/donate and make sure to include your name (and your guest's name) in the "special instructions for the seller" space on the page after where you enter your donation amount and payment info.

Questions? Please contact Renee at Renee@BigDogsHugePaws.com

Sweet Claire

Claire the beautiful Newfoundland was recently adopted by a wonderful family from Canada who drove all the way here to adopt her! On their way home they made a 3 day stop at Cannon Beach in Portland, where it is evident that Sweet Claire is enjoying her new family!

Howl-O-Ween is fast approaching… and you're invited to our Big Dogs Costume Party!

What: Big Dogs Costume Party and Photo Shoot!

When: Saturday, October 23, 2010 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Where: Only Natural Pet Store
2100 28th Street #1C
Boulder, CO 80301
(303) 449-5069

Join us for fun, photos and to show off your best dressed pets in our costume contest at Only Natural Pet Store in Boulder on Saturday, October 23rd from 1-5pm!

Costume Party Event Details:

* GREAT PHOTO OPP! Photographer Samantha Grey will have a staging area set up for mini-sessions with your pet. She's waiving her sitting fee so bring your pet(s), their favorite toy(s) and treats and smile for the camera!

* BRING YOUR DOGS, BIG AND SMALL! Well-behaved dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes are welcome and encouraged to attend with their humans.

* PRIZES! Everyone who has their photo taken with their pet (or of their pet - you don't have to be in it if you don't want to be) will have their pet entered into the costume contest and the winner will receive a $40 gift card from our friends at Only Natural Pet Store. (Winner will be notified the following week)

* ORDER FROM HOME! Photographer Samantha Grey will provide each "model" a link to view their photos via her website, www.samanthagrey.com, and you'll have the option to order various packages after viewing your prints online, including holiday cards! *Special promo packages available! Details posted soon, or feel free to contact Samantha in advance.

* ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER: Samantha Grey is a professional pet photographer and rescue advocate. In addition to running her website, samanthagrey.com, she also photographs adoptable dogs in Denver for her rescue awareness project: Good Dog Seeks Home. She will be giving back a percentage of all photo purchases made by costume party attendees to Big Dogs Huge Paws.

RIP Laka

Laka was a precious English Mastiff that came to BDHPI from the Humane Society of North Texas in Fort Worth, Texas. She was dumped there by her owners and sprung from the shelter by our wonderful volunteer Crystal who hung on to her temporarily until transport could be arranged and fell in love with her right away! She then went to live with her foster family, Matt & Kathleen, in Austin, TX where she got along great with their other Mastiff and couldn't be sweeter or more gentle with people.

Sadly, this special girl was in such bad shape that all she would do was just lay in one place most of the day and she was horribly depressed and very painful. We took her to the vet and they diagnosed her not only with SEVERE mange, but also very bad entropion in both eyes, horrible ear infections, malnutrition, and she was heartworm positive (meaning the treatment for mange would likely kill her). There was really nothing we could do to save her life and the vet recommended not moving forward with treatment, but humanely euthanizing her to put an end to her suffering. She was the victim of horrible abuse and cruelty and we are all heartbroken that she came to us too late!

Laka has crossed the rainbow bridge and is now pain-free with a beautiful coat and running around doggie heaven with all the other dogs who have gone before her!

As Officers of this organization, we cannot thank our volunteers and foster families enough for what they do for these dogs. Cases like this are heartbreaking, but we find peace in the fact that in Laka's last days she only knew kindness and love...something that has escaped her before finding her way to BDHPI. It takes someone very special to give in such a selfless way.

Thank you to all those that tried to help her along the way!