BARK Community Newsletter
June 2009
Bandit’s Adoption & Rescue of K-9s
804-449-BARK
Helping the Community: BARK adoption stats for May 2009
Thank You Notes
Happy Tails... Waggin’ Good News!
Last month, several kind and caring girls decided to do something very special for BARK. Emma, sisters Maggie & Macie, and Abby held three separate events to raise $$, supplies, and lots of good will for BARK. Their stories follow:
Robious Elementary third grader Emma McCabe did a service project for B.A.R.K. as part of a school project titled "Be the change you want to see in the world." She hosted an ice cream party asking for donations from BARK's wish list, and raised more than $100. In an email to farm manager Linda Lane, Emma described her project:
Dear Mrs. Lane: My name is Emma McCabe and I talked to you at the Microchip clinic about doing a service project for B.A.R.K. You told me to contact you when it was finished. The project was finished on Sunday and thankfully it was a success!!!! Riley loved seeing the kids that came and some of the other dogs. We had a bin for donations and I had a hard time keeping him out of it. I asked people to bring items from the B.A.R.K. wish list and I have a lot of them, plus some money donated.
Sisters Macie and Maggie raised money for BARK for their 3rd grade community project by making homemade dog biscuits and selling them at their church, to friends and family, and at Ukrop’s. Here is their mom’s description of the experience:
Well it was a hit yesterday at Ukrop’s! We raised about $300! YAY. We still are filling some new orders and will let you know when we have all of the donations in. Here is a picture of the stand at Sycamore Square Ukrop’s. Ukrop’s was very kind to let us be there…Our BARK dog Georgia is napping in the picture. She was a big hit! The girls’ motto was “Dollars for Dogs” and we sold peanut butter BARK Bites for $3.00 a bag! We had a blast!!!
Abby had a birthday party and asked all of her friends and family to bring gifts for BARK. She came to the Virginia Center Commons stand on Saturday, May 16th, with lots of goodies such as a new broom, paper towels, treats, leashes, dog brushes, collars, toys, shampoo, and some Pet Smart gift cards. Here’s what VCC volunteer Laura Southworth had to say: “We used the gift cards to purchase 6 (!) small plastic pools for the dogs at the farm to splash in and keep cool this summer. Tucker 
and Denny 
immediately tried the pools out. We discovered that Tucker loves the water! He was working on his doggie paddle technique when Denny wasn't in the pool. Denny loved laying in the pool and soaking up the sun’s rays. They had so much fun! All of the dogs at the farm will enjoy the pools, the supplies and treats are being put to good use.”
All of us at BARK, and especially the dogs, extend a heartfelt sincere THANK YOU to Emma, Macie, Maggie, and Abby for being so kind hearted and compassionate. You go girls!!
Helping the Community: BARK Adoptions for May 2009
Most BARK dogs are rescued from local public shelters. These shelters are open admission facilities, meaning that they are required by law to accept all unwanted dogs, such as those picked up as strays or surrendered by owners.
When public shelters run out of room to house the dogs, they sometimes euthanize as a means of population control. BARK and other rescues offer lifesaving alternatives by transferring at-risk dogs to their facilities, where they are housed until adoptive homes are found. In addition to finding forever homes, BARK vaccinates, spays/neuters each dog and provides appropriate veterinary care. We are proud to report that 63 BARK dogs found loving homes last month!
Katherine and friends at Arts in the Alley on May 30th
Adoption Spotlight: Helen
Hi, my name is Helen, and the humans think I am around 7 yrs old. I love people and I really would like a home to call my own.
I am currently living in a lovely foster home with other dogs and a cat. I do not mind the other pets in my foster home, but I do run into them sometimes. You see, I am blind. I overheard some doctor man saying my right eye has a complete retinal detachment and my left eye has a cataract so he could not see the retina. Being blind does not bother me at all though; I even know cool commands like “step” when going over a curb or something. I do need eye drops everyday, but that is ok, I just stand there and let my human squeeze them in.
Let me tell you about all the things I can do! I can go up and down stairs, I can run and play and I can be a couch potato. Honestly, the couch potato trick is the best, but taking a nice walk comes in a close second. I have the best nose and ears around also. I can hear far away, which means when you call my name I will find you, and if you have a treat in your pocket, I will be there faster!
I am searching for my forever home and I promise to be a loyal and faithful companion. If you would like to meet me and adopt me, please email terri@barkva.org. If you would like information about living with a blind dog, feel free to email Camille at milldunn@hotmail.com. Please indicate “Blind Dog” in the subject line.
Keep BARK in Hanover!
We will provide updated information on the Hanover County Dog Limit Ordinance, how it affects BARK and what you can do to help BARK continue rescue efforts.
On January 14, 2009, Hanover County required that all applicants for renewal of kennel licenses for more than 50 dogs must first obtain approval of a Special Exception from the Board of Supervisors and be regulated by any conditions attached to the Special Exception. BARK has licenses for up to 200 dogs that are valid until the end December, 2009. We anticipate that conditions will be proposed that present challenges for BARK and your support will be crucial.
BARK's 5th Anniversary!
BARK will celebrate a 5th anniversary this August. Learn how BARK will mark the occasion.
Volunteer Corner:
Stories wanted!
Since BARK has so many dogs, it is difficult for volunteers to get to know each of them in the limited time they share at the farm or at an adoption stand. In an effort to showcase our dogs and generate more interest, we are asking all volunteers: pick your favorite dog and write to us, tell us why that dog is your favorite and what makes him/her so special. What does “your” dog do that makes him so endearing? How does she act? These stories will help readers get to know the dogs and hopefully generate adoption interest. Plus, they’re a lot of fun to read!
We need farm caretakers!
WE NEED CARETAKERS FOR OUR KIDS, especially on Mondays and Wednesdays from mid-July until mid September!!!!!!! High school students, college kids and parents off work, please come to the farm to help keep the dogs healthy, happy and clean while they await their forever homes. Their love, hugs and kisses of appreciation make it all worth while. It is fun to work in teams so bring a friend. It is great if each cleaner has a runner to help.
CURRENT SCHEDULE FOR KENNEL AND DOG CARE
(FLEXIBLE STARTING AND ENDING HOURS)
The number of volunteers determines how long it takes to clean
EXPERIENCED VOLUNTEERS CAN ARRIVE EARLIER BUT NOT ALONE!!
MONDAYS: 8:00 A.M. UNTIL 3:00 P.M. ish
WEDNESDAYS: same as Mondays
FRIDAYS: 11:00 A.M. UNTIL 5:00 P.M. ish
TUESDAYS: 5:00-5:30 P.M. UNTIL 8:30-9:30 P.M. (earlier for some)
THURSDAYS: same as Tuesdays
SATURDAYS: 10:30 A.M. UNTIL 2:00-3:00 P.M.
SUNDAYS: 10:30 A.M. UNTIL whenever
ANY amount of time that you can volunteer during these hours is most appreciated. You do not have to be there from start to finish. Even just an hour is a great help!!!!!
If you’d like to help out on the farm at BARK, contact (804) 449-2275 ext. 2, and let them know that you are interested. Someone will get in touch with you right away!
Finally, welcome to newcomers Rees Robertson, Justin Smalkowski, Megan McCoy, Carol Murray, Carolyn & Ashley Roundtree, Esperanza Gilbert, Debbie Munson, Susan Wainwright, Tyler Thomas, Josh Smoot, and Jordan Bell.
Volunteer
News: 
Kennel Volunteer Programs:
Thanks to a core of volunteers, there is daily work in progress to improve the Quality of Life for our dogs. The following are volunteer needs:
Walking and Exercising Program
Kennel/Shelter Care and Maintenance
Volunteer Follow Up
Special Projects/Facilities
Feeding
Transport
Groups and Community Service
Medical Care
Intake
If interested contact volunteer@barkva.org.
Thank you to Bob Adams and Peggy Fore for fixing the slope of the roof of the carport to reduce flooding.
Thanks to Hands on Richmond volunteers for your continual Saturday support.
Thanks to Stephen Metcalf, an Eagle Scout who built the second bridge on the Eagle Trail at the farm. This is the final bridge and the trail has been getting a lot of use lately.
On May 21, Nutro Products voluntarily recalled select varieties of NUTRO® Dry Cat Foods. The food has "Best If Used By" dates between May 12, 2010 and August 22, 2010. Inaccurate levels of zinc and potassium were discovered during an audit. Owners should monitor their cats for symptoms. The food was distributed in all 50 states in the U.S., as well as Canada, Mexico, Japan, and several other countries.
Click here to learn more at the FDA recall site.
The toy shown, Four Paws pimple ball
with bell, has been linked to injuries involving dogs’ tongues. The manufacture
has recalled several versions:
http://www.fourpaws.com/news/press-room/four-paws-rough-rugged-pimple-ball-with-bell.htm
A Pet's Ten Commandments (Anonymous)
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.
Happy Tails.....Waggin’ Good News!
Long-time
resident Murphy 
has been adopted! Hang in there
Helen, there’s a family for you too!
Geri (we renamed her Maggi) is doing great. We are happy to have her in the family. She is growing and runs very fast! Almost faster than me now, I must admit.
Thomas
Maggi
Things are going great with Moe. We just got back from the dog park and as always he had a blast running around with all the dogs there. He is crashed out in the middle of the living room as I write because he is beat from running. We are at the dog park at least 5 out of 7 days of the week... he loves to run! We feel so blessed to have Moe as part of our family. He is so much fun to be around! He is such a lover, loves to cuddle in the morning, and always wants to know what is going on. We have been working with him on commands and he’s doing a great job. We are excited because we are buying a home with a fenced in back yard and know that Moe will love it. We are thankful for the opportunity we were given and have really been thinking about another dog from BARK once we have more space with the house.
Thanks BARK!
Brooke, Patrick and Moe
Moe
After much debate, we decided to rename Charles and now call him Wedge (often ends up as Wedgie... can you tell this house is male dominated yet?). I'm not exactly sure where the name came from though I know it has something to do with Star Wars which is a favorite of the men in our house! Wedge adjusted very quickly to his new home. He was shy the first couple days and had to be carried just about everywhere but that was short lived. Now he is comfortable walking around, going up and down the stairs, going outside and coming when we call him. He walks on a leash... when he wants to... we are still working on that. He'll walk for a few houses and then just lie down and spread himself out so that it's difficult to move him. He loves to play in our yard. Sometimes he just likes to run as fast as he can thru the bushes and around the perimeter of the yard. We have taught him to fetch the ball but are still working on bringing it back... sometimes he does and sometimes he gets a little distracted by anything else. We have also taught him to sit and lay down... he’s a quick learner! We are struggling through the biting/mouthing stage right now but I know it doesn't last forever. Tim and the boys take him each Sunday evening to the PetSmart puppy class. Tonight is his second class. These classes really helped us years ago with our previous dog, Dexter. We lost Dexter to lymphoma two days before Christmas this past year and it left a huge hole in our hearts and in our home. It has been wonderful having a dog in the house again! Wedge is certainly his own dog and has a wonderful personality. Thanks so much for all that you do! Uniting us with Wedge has been a tremendous blessing to our family!!!
Sincerely,
Michelle
Wedge
Pilar, now named "Rachel" is doing extremely well...we're amazed. Practically no issues at all. We can't believe how easy the transition was, blending her in with our dog Rex (3-yr-old Shepherd) and the rest of the family. She is so happy, tail always wagging... seems so appreciative. Rachel seems to realize that she's going to be fed on a daily basis, so she no longer gobbles her food up as if it's her last meal. She no longer flinches (which she did a few times the first couple of days) which I am so glad to see or "not see" as it were. Glad she's realizing we're never going to hit or hurt her in any way.
She learned to "sit" very quickly and now does it automatically. She'll just run right up to you when you call her and sit at your feet. Just an awesome, awesome dog. We love her soooooo much. She's social...loves other dogs...loves all people... She's great at the dog park too... not afraid... Just gets right in there and has a ball. She gets plenty of exercise, love and attention. Still being six months old, we've lost a couple of pairs of "flip flops" due to some chewing but hey, they shouldn't be left at the front door anyway right??
I could really go on and on about every little thing she does and how well she's doing. She is just a joy. We cannot thank you enough for giving us the opportunity to adopt her. Thank you again... Seriously... We appreciate everything you're doing at Bark and are glad we could be touched so deeply by one of your dogs.
Liz & Paul
Rachel
I wanted to give you a Sparky update – he’s doing very well and is living a busy life.
Sparky has joined Life’s Journey Therapy Dog Team and is doing very well, he continues to work hard on his home work and we’re hoping to test later this year. He’s going to be a great therapy dog! Attached are some pictures of Sparky and his sister Surrey playing during that big March snow we received.
Terry
Surrey and Sparky
I LOVE my pal.... We changed her name to Cooper. After losing my 17 year old Spartacus "Sparkie" I was devastated.... BARK helped me find a new pal. We love Cooper so much, a huge thank you to all of BARK...Without BARK, there is no telling what would have happened to my happy girl. I cannot imagine her ever being in a shelter, living on the streets, or even worse, mistreated. We run and or walk, patrolling neighborhood for her enemies, the squirrels, every day, and go on weekly PetSmart adventures, and she keeps a watchful eye on the yard for the "evil" birds... She has gotten quite comfortable sleeping curled up next to me in the bed... she has provided me tons of love and happiness just in the short time we have had her.... we both look forward to many more years of love, giggles, and car rides together.
Cooper sends hello's to all at the farm and thanks you all for taking such great care of her until we could find each other!
Leesa and Jeff
Cooper
Hi Tonya: Duncan is doing great. We have made a lot of progress and I have high expectations for him.
John
Duncan
Karma (formerly known as Caramel) has made several dog friends, including Maizy. In the shirt picture, she managed to get the shirt on herself (my daughter helped her get her head out). Her coloring also seems to closely match our floors!
Best wishes.
Mike
Karma
Abbey (aka Dalilia) is settling into our home. She is an EXTREMELY sweet girl. I don't think I've ever seen her tail stop wagging. Even as I'm screaming "no!" as she is pottying on the floor she still wags her tail. HA! HA! We are working on the house training; I can slowly see her understanding where to and where not to potty more and more every day, just like everything else, it takes time. She and my daughter (who is 6) have already bonded. When Abbey sees my daughter she runs to her and gives her tons of kisses, my daughter gives her tons of kisses and hugs in return. :-) My older male lab, Bailey who is 10 years old, is finally starting to get the idea that Abbey is staying with us. HA! HA! He doesn't growl or anything at her, he just walks away from her when she gets near him. It doesn't matter where Bailey is though; she just wants to lie beside him. But that is slowly starting to change too; he's starting to let her lay next to him for longer amounts of time now. I actually saw them playing together just yesterday too. Abbey LOVES to be next to him, she definitely loves other dogs. A funny story, my son who is 5, was complaining that he was bored one day, so I told him that he should play with Abbey, so he went in the other room where she was and came back a minute later and said "Mommy, I don't know how to play with a dog". HA! HA!
Emily
Bailey and Abbey
Lee and Casper (Ghost) are doing great! They are putting on some weight, getting used to their surroundings, and are very lovable guys!! They get brushed about once a week, my goodness they have some hair. They fit right in with our family and we are very happy that we adopted them. They have a happy home and are loved very much.
Cathy
Casper and Lee
I am so happy with Buster (I changed his name). He truly is a sweetheart. We take walks every day, and he absolutely loves to play fetch. Right now he is curled up, out for the night- I‘m trying not to spoil him, but his puppy eyes are irresistible. When I took him for his first vet visit I found out he has hook worms, so we are in the process of getting better. He also had an ear infection, but I have learned that is typical for cocker spaniels. I am taking him back to the vet this week to check his heart. The vet is concerned about a heart murmur, so say a prayer that he will be fine! I have fallen in love with this dog. He is the best companion, and I think that we complement each other well.
Sincerely,
Lauren
Buster
Charlie (we changed his name from Malone) is doing just great! Here are a couple of photos I took about 3 weeks ago of Charlie lying around in the house.
Tom
Charlie
Bullseye is now named Pacino and he's doing great. We’re having a little bit of trouble getting him not to potty in the house but that is certainly getting better... He's a sweetheart and has settled right into our hearts...and his "grandfather's" too! My dad just loves visiting him and all the playful puppy things he does. He's growing fast and has lost most of his puppy teeth. My fiancé' and I are thankful for him and I'm pretty sure by the way he follows us around and cries when one of us is gone that he loves us too:)
Very Fondly,
Sharon
Pacino
Farfel is great. He and Max are best buds and play until they drop! Farfel is being treated for two types of mange and an intestinal parasite but everything is going well and he is getting better. He is a great little dog and we love him so much.
Thanks to everyone at BARK.
Lynne & Rob
Max and Farfel
Buff is now known as Buddy. He has been a delightful addition to the family. I have attached some pictures for BARK. He is King of the roost.
Kay
Buddy and Lori
We renamed Mallery "Zoey." She is settling in just fine. She’s full of energy and personality. Zoey is in pet training and seems to be picking things up really well and fast. Thank you for checking in on her. We truly love her in our family.
Thank you again,
Erica
Zoey
Romeo (we are calling him "Romie") is great - we love him so much - he is such a good dog!! He loves our boys and gets so excited when they come home from school. He goes with us to the boys' ball games and practices and all the kids love him. We have some neighbor dogs that he has met and has been able to play with. This past weekend we took him to my parents' lake house and he got to ride in their boat. He was a little unsure of it at first but once we got out on the water, he seemed to love it! Thank you so much for Romie - he's a perfect addition to our family.
Chris and Carrie
Romie
I’m not sure if you remember, but we adopted Scarlett. She is terrific! Feisty, sweet, and absolutely delightful! In honor of coming from the South, we added Belle to her name so she is now officially Scarlett Belle. She’s great in the house, swims, and loves being outside (and in our bed at night!) and is really easy. The big yellow lab is our 4 y/o male who we rescued 3.5 years ago from a local shelter. Jazz Dog (the male) and Scarlett Belle are inseparable! We appreciate everything you and your organization do and happily send in a donation...which we intend to do annually. Needless to say, I can hardly remember life without Scarlett Belle. She fit right in and is loved by all of us, including her big brother Jazz Dog. She definitely rules the roost, so to speak. I'm sure that another BARK angel is in our future!
Best to all,
Marla and Fred
Scarlett Belle and Jazz Dog
We are approaching the 1 year anniversary of adopting Mischief the Foxhound. I just wanted to let you all know that she is a wonderful, wonderful girl that loves her three hound brothers and her cat brother. (He thinks Missy is his mother). Thank you for rescuing this wonderful dog! During the winter she discovered the joys of sleeping in front of the fireplace each night and sharing it with her brother Wrecks and laying her head on his back. She is such a love and we are thankful every day that we have her. Thank you so much for taking in this wonderful dog!
Sincerely,
Kerry and Jeff
Mischief
Sweet little Lily (formerly Veronica) is wonderful! She is so dainty and girly that I decided to call her "Lily". It is unbelievable how easily she has fit right in. Brody and she get along well. He does tattle on her when she gets into his toy box. She has lovely manners, not even one accident. I noticed right away that she learns quickly. She also likes to help in the kitchen. She of course is still shy but she gets better week by week. She is my little shadow. I cannot imagine not having her. She is the best little companion and I adore her. She is with me every waking moment that I'm home. She loves to ride in the car with me. She has a safety harness that she doesn't seem to mind at all. We put them in the truck on the back seat. Brody takes one window and Lily takes the other. Every morning we go out for our walk then she and Brody play and play. (They now walk very well together on leashes) By 8am they are both ready for a nap. She has her favorite toys that she keeps in her bed. She is very tidy. She actually gathers her toys up. I have never seen a dog "nest" the way she does. I put a couple of real soft pink blankets in her bed very early on just to make it cozy for her, well she moves them around in such a way that her bed appears to be a nest. I wash them or move them and she puts them right back. So now I just leave them. She sleeps right in the middle with her collection of toys all around. She has become so much more expressive and we are more able to read her. She can be so playful. It's truly wonderful to watch her play and I know she's happy. She is such a wonderful dog. She's affectionate, loyal, comforting and happy to see you when you get home. If I've had a hard day at work, she and Brody make it all go away when I walk through my door. She always lets me know when somebody is in the driveway. She and Brody are really communicating a lot more effectively. I love to watch them interacting. She has added joy to our family. I love her so much. She has also learned to stand up for herself. She isn't the submissive little thing she once was. She will go over to Brody's bed or crate and take back her bone or toy or whatever he may have borrowed. If he challenges her she does that prissy little prance in place thing that she does and turns her head away from him as if to say "I don't have to listen to you" but she stands her ground and he usually accepts it. They really do get along very well. (I am glad about that too.) Her full name (because ladies need complete names) is "Lily Veronica Valentine". Can't you just see that written up at Westminster; "Lily Veronica Valentine" takes first place in "Brown Dog Category" and "Best in Show for Stealing Hearts."
Thank you from the bottom of my heart,
Sheryl
Brody and Lily
Max is quite a lovable fella. Tell
everyone Max says hello.
Janine
Wyatt, looking very happy in his new
home!
We also heard that things are going well from the families of Boo, Dorothy (Dottie), Shadow, Bella, Tucker, Calypso, Ceasar, Butterscotch, Bichon, Boston, Skipper, Phoebe, Abbi, Angel and Diablo, Dolly, Tea, Chrissy, Ditto, Tootsie, Opal, and Copper! Photos have been promised J showing these pups in their new homes.
If you have adopted a BARK dog and have a Happy Tail or any other contribution
ANYTIME IS A GOOD TIME TO DONATE TO BARK!
BARK - Bandit’s Adoption & Rescue of K-9’s www.barkva.org 804-449-BARK (2275)
100% of your tax-deductible donation will go directly to spay/neuter operations, medical treatments, and daily care & feeding costs for the DOGS at the Ashland farm and in BARK foster homes. Please mail your donation to the address below. Every penny makes a difference in the life of a BARK dog!
Please accept my donation in the amount of:
$25 $50 $75 $100 $125 Other $___
Gift in HONOR of: ________________________________________
Gift in MEMORY of: _______________________________________
Name & Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
BARK PO Box 1682 Glen Allen VA 23060 info@barkva.org 804-449-BARK(2275)
