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OUR PETS OF THE MONTH FOR FEBRUARY – BABY GIRL AND SISSY

 

Meet two of our new family members, Baby Girl and Sister, who belong to the Hren Family in Dearborn.  Their Mom Kathy shares their story with us:

We adopted Baby and Sister from the Michigan Humane Society 13 years ago. We were told that they had to be adopted together. This was AFTER we had already decided to take both. Our son, Jon, chose Baby, aka Baby Girl, or should I say she chose him.  In the back of the same cage Sister, aka Sissy Girl,  was sleeping in the litter box. We couldn’t leave her there, she was beautiful! We hadn’t intended on adopting two cats, but they quickly became the heartbeat of our family. My husband is allergic to cats, but I think he may be just as fond of them as I am.

Baby and Sister are from the same litter, however Sister is a classic Maine Coon with her gorgeous long hair and “snowshoes”.   She is quiet, but determined to get her way.   Sister is our “boat cat”.  At our summer cottage she will venture out onto the dock, jump into the boat and sun herself.  Baby (with the added alias of “Grey and White” for those times when she gets into trouble) has a mind of her own. She is the squeaky wheel of the duo, constantly vying for anyone’s attention.  Both are very loving. They are fantastic entertainers.

Our girls are horribly spoiled! They have various sleeping spots throughout the house.  A baby blanket tucked  slightly under the fridge is a favorite spot for Baby.  Sister is lobbying for a spot smack in the middle of our bed during the day. I sleep in a twisted Z position at night to accommodate their nightly spots. Yes, they rule around here, but they bring us much joy and we love them very much.

Baby Girl, believed to have been the runt of the litter, has been ill and receives two medications. Until recently this posed quite a challenge for us. I am now able to pill her without calling in the National Guard for assistance.

We are getting older ourselves and this year thought we should get busy living. But, what about the cats and Baby Girl’s need for her medications daily?!  Finding Lisa and Gentle Pet Protectors was nothing short of a miracle (one of many we have received lately, but that’s another story.)  We decided to visit my brother in the Florida Keys in January and fish our brains out. Knowing that Lisa would care for our beloved girls gave us (mostly me) great peace of mind. I didn’t worry one bit while I was hauling in the fish.  In fact we have planned another trip South in March.

Spring is coming and they will once again enjoy their time in the backyard. Baby will jump the fence on occasion, thinking she likes the neighbor’s yard better.  Otherwise, they stay in the yard and sun themselves on the driveway.

Thank you for allowing us to share Baby and Sister’s story with you!

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MEET LOLA & TUCKER, OUR “PETS OF THE MONTH” FOR JANUARY

Lola (l) and Tucker (r) are long-time members of the GPP family, and their mom Cynthia shares their story with us:

Both Tucker and Lola were adopted from the Dearborn Animal Shelter.  Growing up, I had a beloved beagle, Daisy and couldn’t wait to have my own dog.  In November 2001, Tucker entered my life.  We lived in a condo and enjoyed walking and playdates with all his doggie friends.   Seeing how much he loved playing with other dogs, I considered getting a second, but our small accommodations and eventual move out of state delayed that decision.  While living out East, Tucker enjoyed our weekly treks from our house in New York to the corporate apartment in Massachusetts.  He’s fabulous to travel with and loved the fact he had doggie friends in both places.   Finally, after moving back to Michigan in 2007 and fulfilling my promise to Tucker of a fenced backyard (complete with squirrels), we adopted Lola from the Dearborn Animal Shelter in August.  Taking Tucker to meet her they got along well from the start, even though he doesn’t always appreciate Lola’s in-your-face kisses.  They’re similar sizes, so they enjoying romping with toys in the family room and chasing each other around the circle of my house.  The backyard squirrels quickly learned that Lola has straight speed, but if they try to circle back, Tucker’s right there anticipating.  Thankfully, the bells on the door give them fair warning that the dogs are coming.  Since 2009, Claudia has stayed with them whenever I travel.  They adore her and love being able to stay home in their routines, with their Kongs full of treats and doggie friends next door.
Claudia adds, “I have been staying with Tucker and Lola since I started with GPP and I feel like they are part of my family.  They are the sweetest dogs, and are always so happy to see me when I come in the door.  We like to hang out together and watch tv, walk around the yard, and at night Lola curls up next to me and doesn’t move until morning.  They definitely love their kongs and I’m sure one of these days they are going to catch one of those pesky squirrels!”
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MEET OUR DECEMBER PET OF THE MONTH:   RANGER


Ranger’s Mom Kristin shares his story with us: In March of 2010 the Stepp family took an assignment in Singapore for 5 months and needed someone to watch their beloved dog Ranger.  I had lost my previous dog in January of 2007 and I wasn’t quite sure that I was ready for another, but thought I might give it a try and went over to meet Ranger.  As soon as I met him I was hooked!  He ran up to me and rolled over so I could rub his tummy.  A couple of weeks later he came to stay.  We eventually settled into a routine and I thoroughly enjoy having Ranger in my home.  Ranger’s owner’s assignment in Singapore was extended until the end of 2012 and although I hadn’t bargained on having a dog again full time, I couldn’t bear to give him up.  In January of 2011 Ranger Stepp officially became Ranger Baker!
Ranger is truly a special dog.  He is a bulldog/dalmation mix and has the sweetest temperament.  Don’t let the pictures fool you – he is 85 pounds of pure muscle and thinks he’s a lap dog.  He loves to run around the house and yard to burn off energy and is digging quite a big hole in the backyard which I lovingly call the “hole to Singapore”.
In November 2010, Ranger got quite sick and was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis which is a neurological condition where the body makes antibodies against receptors needed for normal muscle function.  Lucky for Ranger, this condition is focused only in his esophagus and does not affect other muscles in his body.  He has been responding well to the medication and we haven’t had a relapse in quite some time.  As a result of this condition, I have to be very careful about what he eats and the types of toys and bones he can play with.
Ranger and I became a client of Gentle Pet Progectors in April of 2011 and I couldn’t be happier!  With my hectic schedule I was concerned that Ranger wasn’t getting the attention and exercise he needed on a regular basis.  Ranger gets so excited on Mondays and Fridays when Maya or Meri come to visit, and to be honest, so do I,  as I have a little extra time to get home from work!
Ranger’s regular sitter Maya has this to say about this beautiful boy:  I do begin and end the week with Ranger and it couldn’t be more perfect.  I have been walking him since April of 2010 and we have become buddies.  He always welcomes me with a song and dance, and the minute he sees his leash he knows to sit and get ready.  On our route we befriend squirrels, other dogs and humans and they all love him.  One wag of his tail and you are hooked…he is the most gentle dog I know and after every walk, treat and belly rub (he loves them), I hold his face in my hands and tell him he is just the cutest goof.  He knows very well that he has got me wrapped around his finger!!  It is a pleasure to spend time with him!
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Meet Rocco and Lucy, our November Pets of the Month
Their Mom, Coryn, shares the story of these gentle giants:   Rocco and Lucy came into our lives in April of 2008. We had recently lost our dog, Sonny, and were ready to take on a new family member.  I had some free time one Saturday and decided to go to the Westland Humane Society, where I saw several dogs that I really liked. When I got home, my husband asked where I had been and I hesitantly told him that I stopped by the animal shelter. Jokingly, he asked if I had seen any Rottweilers there. I said, “Yes, as a matter of fact there were two, brother and sister, about a year and a half old.” He convinced me to go back and see them.
We visited with Lucy first and she was full of energy and very loving. We then visited with Rocco and found him to be a little nervous but a very nice, smart dog. We then had them both in the same room and they seemed to be calmer and very dependent on each other. We put a deposit down on both of them, with the intention of choosing only one of them. The next day we took our two sons to visit with Rocco and Lucy.   It was love at first sight, and in a moment of insanity (on both my part and my husband’s), we agreed to take them both home. The Shelter told us that they had both come from the same litter and their original owner had purchased them when they were puppies. When they grew into big dogs, they were too much for the owner to handle, so they were given up together in the hope they would go to the same home.
Over the past 3 years we have done a lot of training with them. They are both very smart dogs and fairly well-behaved. Rocco is the more serious, a follow-the-rules kind of dog.  All he wants is to be told what to do. Lucy, on the other hand, is more laid back and just decides to do her own thing. This is our first go ’round owning two dogs at the same time, but I don’t think I could ever go back to having just one dog again. They are so much fun! We walk every day and they love to play Frisbee and chase bird shadows in the back yard.
One of their favorite games is “Frisbee soccer” on the deck.  I think the first time Lisa experienced “Frisbee soccer”, she was laughing hysterically.   Lisa and Claudia have been a great help in watching our babies whenever we are busy on weekends.    I am extremely grateful that we have found Gentle Pet Protectors to love our dogs as much as we do.
Sitter Claudia adds:  when first seeing Rocco and Lucy, their size and breed fool you, for they are really the sweetest babies you can imagine.  The only danger you are in is being “kissed to death”.  When I come in they are always thrilled to see me and it really warms my heart.  They would probably crawl into my lap if they weren’t so big.  They love their dinner, their biscuits and play time in the back yard.   The funniest thing is Rocco and his bubbles.  Coryn keeps a bottle of kid’s bubbles on the back deck, and when I blow a string of bubbles into the air, Rocco goes on a “search and destroy” mission, leaping in the air over and over again to catch  every bubble he can before they fall to the ground.  You just have to see this big giant dog jumping and falling over himself to catch bubbles in his mouth.  I always leave with a big smile on my face!
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At this month of Thanksgiving, we wanted to share a special story of love, generosity and the kindness of strangers. Our sitter Meri O’Brien Schmidt shares this wonderful story:
Once you own a Bernese Mountain Dog you think there can never be another like the first.  How many times we have been proven wrong!  We are now on our 4th Berner and each one has been so very special.  Shane iss our current Berner and he is eight years old.  When we went to Syracuse, New York to choose between two Berner puppies, I fully intended to come home with the female of the litter.  The little guy, if you could ever call Shane little, stole my heart and there was never a doubt, Shane was meant to be our next family member.
Shane was always a powerhouse.  You could never slow him down.  When he decided he was moving you just needed to get out of his way.  He has always had the disposition of a gentle giant and everyone always commented on what a handsome boy he is.
Shane has legs like a small pony and I always said that his legs were going to be his demise someday.  He ruptured an ACL several years back, but with surgery and a three-month recovery he was back on top of his game.  Then one day in April of 2010, he was having a terrible time breathing and I rushed him to our veterinarian, Dr. Cheryl Good of Dearborn Family Pet Care.  She found a mass on his spleen that had ruptured.  He was bleeding internally and needed immediate treatment. We rushed him to Michigan Veterinary Specialist for emergency surgery.   Apart from the tremendous cost, the prognosis was almost 98% there was a very bad form of cancer.  They recommended euthanasia but we were not ready for that.  If there was a chance for Shane’s recovery, we were taking it!   Shane came through the surgery like the trooper that he is.  Our prayers were answered with a miracle – there was no cancer!   Shane’s recovery was remarkable and after a few weeks he was as good as gold again.
There were many good months to follow, but in the fall we noticed he was having difficulty walking.  He was dragging his rear feet and having a difficult time getting up.  As Shane has always been well over 100 pounds, it became increasingly difficult for him to move around.  October
brought a visit to a neurologist and a tentative diagnosis of Degenerative Myelopathy.  This disease could be equated to Multiple Sclerosis in people.     With the risks involved in further testing, and the fact that there is no treatment or cure for DM, we decided not to pursue any further medical steps.  I went on line and did as much research as possible, and found Dr. Clemmons in Florida, who is a leader in the study of DM in dogs.  He had a protocol of vitamins and natural supplements that he recommended to slow the progression of the disease.  By following Dr. Clemmons advice the disease did not progress to Shane’s front legs.  I was able to sling Shane in the rear and with the strength in his front legs we move.  Shane is a wonderful dog with a tremendous will to live and as I tell everyone, as long as he has the desire to be here I will take care of him.  He is my buddy, along with Shannon our Lab, Josie our Golden Retriever, four cats, and our bunny Rascal.
In May of this year I met a wonderful veterinarian at the Annual Dearborn Mutt Strut, Dr. Joyce Balnaves.  When I first spoke with Dr. Balnaves, she told me that she didn’t do house calls.  However, after hearing Shane’s story, she agreed to visit, and has been visiting him weekly ever since.  Dr. Balnaves does rehabilitation therapy and has been treating Shane weekly with laser treatments, acupuncture and massage therapy.  The therapy must be working, because Shane is holding his own and there has been no deterioration in his condition.
I knew that there were wheels made for dogs like Shane, but I also knew of the cost; it just wasn’t feasible.  Then something wonderful happened.    A woman was at our home on a business matter and she absolutely fell in love with Shane.  She kept telling me, “We need to do something for him”.  The next day she called me from the airport while waiting for her flight back to Phoenix.  She said she had told her mother about Shane and everything I was doing for him.  Her mother was so moved by my story that she wanted to buy Shane his set of wheels.  The cost was over $1000 and I was in shock.  It was so hard for me to believe that a complete stranger would offer such an act of kindness.
Dr. Balnaves was thrilled to hear about this wonderful person, and recommended a company named Doggone Wheels in Hawaii.  She took Shane’s measurements, and the custom-made wheels arrived a week later.    It is quite a process getting Shane up and in the wheels, but he is so willing to try and we are so hopeful this will improve his quality of life and keep him going for a long time to come.
That is Shane’s story – he has been a loving and devoted friend and has weathered every bad situation with patience and dignity.  Thanks to the kindness and generosity of his special “angel”, we hope to have many more years with this wonderful dog.

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Meet Brady, our “Pet of the Month” for September/October
Brady’s “Mom” sent us his story:
Brady is his name but he started out with the name of “Orange Kitty” and has since developed a couple of other nicknames – “Lover boy” or  “Love Muffin”. We’re not really sure how old Brady is – we think about 5 years old. He was dropped off at my sister’s farm and it was obvious from the beginning he had been somebody’s cat because he was so loving – he would constantly rub up against your legs and wrap his body around you. My sister had a full house with 3 inside cats, but she couldn’t resist his charms and soon began feeding him extra food and treats that the other barn cats didn’t get. During the 3+ years he lived on the farm, he got into more than his share of fights with the other male barn cats and as you can see by his drooping ear, didn’t always come out on top. Also during this time, he injured his leg which resulted in a permanent limp. That hasn’t stopped him from running fast or climbing high!
I brought Brady home at Christmas, 2010, after one of my cats went to Rainbow Bridge, and am grateful that I did in so many ways!  My other cat, Cally, joined Cassie at Rainbow Bridge 3 weeks after I brought Brady home, and he helped to console me. He LOVES belly rubs like no cat I’ve ever seen before. Everyone who meets him falls in love with him and can’t resist giving him lots of belly rubs or scratches behind his ears or the sides of his cheeks. He’s a handsome boy with a big heart and has brought such incredible joy to my life. I thank God every day for allowing me the honor and privilege to be his mom.
His GPP sitter Lisa adds:  I have many pet names for Brady. He is always a ray of sunshine when I visit him early mornings. I can barely get in the door and across the room without him trying to trip me with his affection.  This beautiful boy couldn’t have a mommy  who loves him more, or sitters who adore him more!
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Our first feline  “Pet of the Month” for August is Kiba. 
Kiba is a 4-year-old Cornish Rex cat.  The Cornish Rex cat has no hair except for down.  Most breeds of cat have three different types of hair in their coats:  the outer fur or “guard hairs,” which is nearly 2 inches long in shorthairs and 4 inches and longer in longhairs; a middle layer called the “awn hair,” which is most of the visible coat, and the down hair or undercoat, which is very fine and about .4 inches long.  Cornish Rexes have only the down undercoat, which is extremely soft and fine, and usually curly.
For anyone with mild cat allergies, the Cornish Rex would be a good choice.  An allergic reaction to cats is the result of a protein produced in their saliva and skin glands.  Although not completely free of this protein, Cornish Rexes have less, plus the short, fine down coat holds less, and they are pretty tolerant of bathing.
Cornish Rex cats are people oriented and personality plus!  Kiba is no exception to this characteristic of the breed.  He loves to be around his people, and is friendly to strangers.  Just moments after she arrives, Kiba is sitting on Claudia’s lap and serenading her with purring.  He likes to be wherever we are, observing us do everyday chores with rapt attention and at times attempts to join in.  Like all Cornish Rex cats, Kiba is energetic, affectionate and the embodiment of fun.
His GPP sitter Claudia adds:   Kiba is truly a “people cat”.   When I visit him he stays by my side constantly, usually “talking” to me as I scoop his litter box, wash his dishes and refill his food and water.  I love to sit and pet him – his coat is unbelievably soft and he loves the attention.  Many times he puts his front paws on my shoulder and snuggles against my neck.  Who can resist that?
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Our “Pet of the Month” for July is Jake.   Jake’s Mom and Dad, Barb and Bob Beiss, share his story  with us:
There was just something special about this guy from the day he was born.   Dawn’s Jake of Hearts, AKC, or “Jake” as he is known to the neighborhood, was one of 6 puppies born on 6/6/06 at 6:00pm to a 6-year old female.  If you look  at his head you will see the heart shaped marking.  He is our wonder Bassett.  This delightful red/white hound is every person’s dog and every dog’s dog.   Extremely adept at hunting cookies…the mail carriers in our neighborhood carry biscuits just in case they encounter Jake on their route.
This 70-pound 5-year old resides in Dearborn with Barb and Bob.   His very favorite things are mile-long walks, Australian Cheddar Cheese, “Tony” bones (milkbones from our mailman Tony), chicken jerky, fresh grilled steak dinners, clean blankets on comfortable chairs or sofas, tummy rubs, and lots of attention.  Jake has been featured in Ambassador Magazine, and he seems to know he is a celebrity!
His GPP Sitters Lisa, Anna, and Claudia, write that when visiting him, it is “Jake’s World” and it is a privilege to be a part of it.   He is a great favorite of the staff, and he shows how much he enjoys their visits by giving love and kisses every time.
Below Photos taken by Bob Biess
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Our “Pets of the Month” for June are Remy and Bailey, two beautiful Irish Setters.   Their Mom Rebekah shares their story with us:
Whether it be tug-o-war, a staring contest, take away, wrestling, or who can stand still the longest, these girls have a lot of fun.  Remy is my oldest setter, 4 in August, and after three years of searching I was able to find her blood line and have Remy’s niece come to my home.   I named her Bailey.  Bailey and Remy instantly became inseparable, despite Bailey’s constant need for attention and inability to share.  Remy showed love and patience even though her home turf had been turned upside down and changed drastically.   As Bailey gets older their play time and games become more entertaining and their joy of having each other is even more evident.
Maya has been a blessing, because before her and Gentle Pet Protectors I was stressed out!  Ever since Maya has come to check on my girls and let them out for their daily stretch, play time, potty break and snack time, a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.  They absolutely love her and I notice Remy is much happier and less high-strung since her midday break.  As for Bailey, well she trudges through the puppy stage.   Maya has taken care of her every step of the way, making a huge difference in the struggles of raising a puppy.
On behalf of Remy and Bailey I thank you for being part of their lives and bringing them more happiness throughout their day.
(Remy-left / Bailey-right)
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MAY – Our “Pet of the Month” for May is Gary.
Gary Dunaway has been with GPP since he was 6 weeks old.  Just a little white ball of fur with the most beautiful, gentle brown eyes you ever saw. He was a handful at first for his new mom, never having been a dog parent before, and it was quite an overwhelming situation for her.  But with love and patience from his mom and his GPP sitter Cheryl, he has grown up to be a beautiful and well- mannered young man who will be 6 in July.
Gary spends 3 days a week at his sitters house and is the playmate of her dog Kona.    In addition to his playdates with Kona, his favorite activities are  long walks in the park and car rides.
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APRIL –  Our “Pet of the Month” for April is Marley.
Marley is a 6 year old Hungarian Sheep Dog who  competes in major dog shows across the Midwest. His hair or dreadlocks grow naturally. More than a champion in the ring, Marley loves the snow, is a good and loyal watch dog and enjoys taking long rides in the car. Initially suspicious of strangers as he is bred to be, Marley is highly socialized, lovable and fun to play with as he consistently tries to herd his family and friends. He is often seen outside in his special outfits in an effort to keep him clean.
Marley lives in Dearborn with Stacy and Mark Czekaj, and besides his beloved Mom & Dad, his favorite person in the world is his GPP sitter Lisa.  Gentle Pet Protectors is proud and happy to have Marley as a member of our family!
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