Helping Huskies in Need: Finding "Celine" and Finding a Family for "Chupa Chups"

We hear stories every day about Huskies and dogs in need. In this blog post, I'd like to talk about two Huskies who could really use all of our help, whether it is by sharing, re"Tweet"ing, or blogging about in an effort to spread the word and their photos so someone out there can help them.

Up first is "Celine the Siberian." Celine was in a crate in the far back of a pick up while her family packed up from a dog show. No one saw her get out. Her family is frantic and missing her and offering a reward. Please see her photos below and share this post in an effort to join others in getting her photo and contact info out there...someone has to have seen her. Celine has to be somewhere. We pray she gets home safe and soon.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Reprinted from "Celine the Siberian" Facebook Page

 

HOW DID CELINE GET LOOSE?  COULD SHE HAVE BEEN STOLEN?   Celine was in the very back of her owner’s truck, not a van - a pickup.  She was not visible.  To be stolen, someone would have had to have crawl into the truck on their hands and knees. Celine popped open her crate door unseen. The back of the truck was open while her owners loaded up to go home.  No one saw her leave the truck or run across the parking lot. 

WHERE AND WHEN WAS CELINE LOST?  Sunday November 3; from the parking lot of Valley Plaza Resort - 5221 Bay City Road, Midland, MI 48642

I THINK I HAVE SEEN CELINE!  HOW DO I CORRECTLY REPORT CONFIRMED SIGHTINGS?  Sightings must be reported directly to Cindy and Gerry Hess, Celine’s owners.  This is the correct way to ensure that the proper action is taken immediately. Please do not post sightings to Celine’s Facebook page.  There is a risk that the post could be overlooked or mishandled. Gerry or Cindy or the site administrator will post confirmed sightings.  

PLEASE use one or both of these phone numbers:

  

home:  (610) 845-5042     

cell: (484) 686-4022    

  
ISN’T CELINE VALUABLE SINCE SHE IS A SHOW DOG?
Celine is spayed. She is 11 years old and has been fighting cancer. She has no breeding or monetary value. She's a much loved family member and is desperately wanted back home by Gerry & Cindy.

IS THERE A REWARD?  Yes, there is a $1000 reward for the safe return of Celine, no questions asked.
  
IS CELINE MICROCHIPPED?  Yes. Note that microchips are for identification only. They are not GPS. Dogs must be scanned by a shelter or a vet to obtain the owner information on the microchip. Then that information has to be used to contact the owners. Unfortunately, sometimes it is not used. Microchips are an insurance policy, not a fail-safe. Sometimes microchips will migrate in the dog's body and if the whole body isn't scanned, the chip will be missed. Some scanners do not read all brands of microchips.

ARE THERE FLYERS I CAN PRINT AND DISTRIBUTE?   Yes. There are several versions of flyers available. Please watch this page for updated flyers & different versions.

1) Main flyer - updated 1-15-14 click HERE

2)  Photo Flyers
Red: Click HERE
Blue: Click HERE

IS THERE A WAY TO DONATE MONEY TO HELP CELINE?    Please Private Message (PM) Celine The Siberian's Facebook page.

HAVE THE AREA ANIMAL CONTROL SHELTERS AND HUMANE SOCIETIES BEEN CONTACTED?   All shelters and animal control services within a 75 five mile radius have been contacted but a daily visual search of each facility is desired.  If you are able to assist in this way please remember to ask onsite management if you can see any animals not on the“adoption floor” or in the public kennels and pens.

HAVE YOU CONTACTED LOCAL VET CLINICS?  Yes.  But, please, if you visit a clinic, politely confirm that they have the flyer and are keeping it highly visible.  Perhaps suggest that they keep a stack of flyers to give to clients as well.  Until Celine is found we need to do everything possible to keep her in the public eye.

HAVE YOU CONTACTED TV AND PRINT MEDIA?  Yes,  there have been multiple TV reports on Channel 5, Channel 12 and on the show Zoe on the Go.  The local newspaper, Midland Daily News, has published 3 articles. The Examiner, a national news source, has also published Celine's story. Links to the various videos and stories may be found in the NOTE named Media Coverage.

IS SOMEONE CHECKING PETFINDER?  Another great way to help.  Daily checks of Petfinder and similar websites are desired. Private Message (PM) links to any possibilities to Celine's Facebook page.
  I WANT TO HELP SEARCH.  WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEXT LIVE SEARCH EVENT?  When searching on your own, please be sure to know what to do in case of a sighting (Do not chase. Calming Signals, CALL in report, etc.). Resources for you to learn the best practices are posted on Celine's Facebook page. Organized search events will be posted on Celine's Facebook page. If you'd like to set-up your own organized search, please Private Message (PM) Celine's Facebook page.

I DON’T LIVE IN THE AREA, HOW CAN I HELP?  You can help in dozens of ways and we need you!! For example: Share Celine’s flyer on your own Facebook, blog, or Twitter page and change your cover photo to either of the "Red" or "Blue" one posted above.

When sharing, it's a good idea to tag or list link to the Celine The Siberian Facebook page so that info is always with your posts.

Celine the Siberian

HAS ANYONE GONE TO REST AREAS AND TRUCK STOPS WITH FLYERS? Some, but likely not all.  If you are able, please take flyers to these locations.  Remember to ask permission to post a flyer.  Ask if you can leave some flyers at the counter. 

HAS THE US POSTAL SERVICE BEEN ADVISED TO ALERT THEIR MAIL CARRIERS?  Yes, in the Midland/Saginaw area.

IT’S HUNTING SEASON.  HAVE HUNTING ORGANIZATIONS BEEN ALERTED?  Yes. Please be extra careful when out searching. Wear orange when searching where hunters may be active. Please extra nice to hunters - Most are very helpful, but some aren't interested in anything but the reward for safe return.

WOULD IT BE USEFUL TO ORGANIZE A MOUNTED SEARCH (HORSEBACK PATROLS)?  Yes, it’s a great idea to contact horse groups and riding centers.  Feel free to do so.  They can always be asked to post a flyer.  However, as it is hunting season, many riders prefer to stall or pasture their animals.  It can be unsafe for them to be out. 

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED USING ANIMAL COMMUNICATORS AND PSYCHICS?  Yes. Some have been contacted and the information they've provided is taken into account.

 Please be sure to visit Celine The Siberian's Facebook page HERE for updates and full information.

Please...if you have seen Celine...contact one of these phone numbers immediately:

   home:  (610) 845-5042     

cell: (484) 686-4022    

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Now it's time we go around the world to Saudi Arabia and meet "Chupa Chups":

"Chupa Chups." Photo provided.

This beautiful baby, Chupa Chups, needs some help and a rescue friend has asked that we share this info in the hopes of helping. Chupa is a Siberiran Husky that was surrendered to a foster home by a volunteer that rescued Chupa Chups off the streets of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Chupa Chups is now being tried out by a family to see whether they'd adopt him or not (even though they have said the chances of adoption are low). Since the foster home is already full of dog case, they are not able to foster the husky for too long and Chupa Chups is at risk of euthanization. While they said this decision wasn't easy to make, they said there are no animal shelters in Saudi Arabia and they try to help those they can on their own using their own funding. 

The vet believes Chupa Chups to be around three

years old and he is an intact male. He has good teeth, but one of his eyes is bigger than the other, and the small one is somewhat inflamed and being treated. Unfortunately finding homes for a husky in Saudi Arabia is very difficult. The foster parent says Chupa Chups is a very lovely boy, who does need training. In general, the foster says keeping dogs as pets in the Saudi culture is very foreign, so they really want him to find him a home in a better climate as well and have reached out to rescue folks here in the United States to see if there is anyone who can help save Chupa Chups.

Chupa Chups and friend playing. Photo Provided.

 

If anyone is interested in helping, or wanting more info, please Email the contact person at: iheartba6areeg(at)gmail(dot)com

Thank You!

Happy 6th Birthday, Pupsters!

Today is a very special day here at the FiveSibes homestead...our Pupsters, the Three Musketeers, Bandit, Wolf, and Chloe...turned six! My, where does the time fly? It seems like just yesterday the three little puppies were bouncing around, following Harley and Gibson everywhere! But don't tell them they're not pups anymore because they sure do think and act like they do! They are just triple the fun!

 I had a little helper while making the cake!

Presents and cake time!

Bring on the cake! Woo!

Group share!

Nom...nom...nommmmm....

Harley going in for seconds! 

Chloe loves her pink piggy! (Of course it doesn't have anything to do with her always being hungry!)

A monkey for our monkey, Bandit! 

And a green froggie for Wolf!

Too much Birthday! Zzzzzzz....

Flashback: It seem like only yesterday when they were just puppies! (l-r) Bandit, Chloe, and Wolfgang.

Have a Happy!

Blog Book Tour Has Begun! To Celebrate, Enter to Win A Buddy, the Christmas Husky Book!

Our Blog Book Tour Badge

So excited to announce the launch of my Blog Book Tour for my recent book, Buddy, the Christmas Husky~A True Holiday Miracle! Back in November, I made the announcement that it was coming soon, and a few days before Christmas it was published! Now don't let the title fool you...while his name is the Christmas Husky, this is a poignant, heartwarming true tale for all seasons.
 

"An injured, starving, and homeless Siberian Husky is rescued by a Good Samaritan one snowy Christmas Day. Through a network of caring people across thousands of miles, the Husky, who becomes known as “Buddy, the Christmas Husky,” discovers that not all humans are mean and uncaring. His long journey brings him to find compassion, friendship, and a loving mom to call his own." 

Today, Confessions of a Rescue Mom Blog is our very first stop on the Book Tour! We are so thrilled to have her feature us in her "Fundraiser Friday" post. Please be sure to check it out HERE, as well as her other fabulous posts, and tell her the FiveSibes sent you over! 

And to celebrate, starting at midnight tonight, we will be giving away one autographed copy of Buddy, the Christmas Husky to one lucky reader! Just fill out the Rafflecopter below, and be sure to leave comments here on our FiveSibes blog and also pop over for lots of info, photos, and news on FiveSibes: Siberian Husky K9 News & Reviews Facebook page, Confessions of Rescue Mom Blog, and on Buddy, the Christmas Husky Facebook page! You can enter up until midnight January 31st! Good luck!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Our Chloe with the newly published Buddy books!

Wolf with the Buddy book proof before it was published. So exciting!
 
And if you'd like to host us or do an interview about the book during this Blog Book Tour, we'd love it! Just drop me a line at ArcticHousePublishing(at)gmail(dot)com and put Blog Book Tour in subject line. We appreciate your helping us to get the word out about Buddy and help us bring awareness to others about helping other abandoned and abused dogs.

Meet the real "Buddy"...

An abused & injured Buddy, 2 months after being rescued.

 Buddy today!  "Roo-Roo!"

*Photos courtesy of Buddy's "Mama Shay" Shari Baillargeon.

  If you would like to order some copies of Buddy, the Christmas Husky~A True Holiday Miracle (it's a story for all seasons, he was rescued on Christmas Day) you can do so by visiting ArcticHouse Publishing's online store HERE. A percentage of proceeds post production costs benefits "Buddy's Buddies" through the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Veterinary Medicine to assist with Buddy's care, and if Buddy's bill is paid up, it will go toward the care of other dogs in need at UGA.

Husky Rehab Update and Down With Irresponsible Backyard Breeders

Wolf home from his hospital stay.

It's been a little while since we've posted here and we really miss our Bloggerville family and friends and hope to catch up with everyone's blogs soon. As many of you know, we've been rehabbing Gibson from his fall on Christmas Eve...he is now in a brace and harness sling to aid in supporting him so he can walk. He has a long road ahead of him, but he is now helping to pull himself up, and on his Birthday he even gave me the greatest gift when he managed to wobbily stand up on all fours on his own! I'm taking this as a positive sign that going Conservative Care Management/Treatment once again with this leg is the way to go. It will be a long, slow road as he only just blew out his CCL on the right leg last December (and it is quite common to blow both within a year or so of each other and he tore his left one almost a year to the month this December). He also suffers from weak hind end issues caused by his Epi-meds, and he is a big boy weighing in a 95 lbs (trimmer than his previous 116 pounds). He had the will and determination and so do I. While he will be in the WoundWear A-traC Stability brace and harness for about 12 weeks, total rehab could take up to six months. Slow and easy....

The pack family missing Wolf when he was in hospital.

When you think it's quiet...suddenly something shatters the stillness...as everyone knows, on Halloween Wolf had cruciate imbrication surgery (like his sis Chloe did last year on both legs) for a blown CCL that happened while he was running in the yard with his sister Bandit. Wolf had been doing very well on his rehabilitation and healing when suddenly this past week he woke me up screaming...a horrible sound...early in the morning. Now since Wolf is on strict resting instructions from his surgeon that entails him sleeping on one bed by my side during the day and another next to my bed at night with short leash walks in between, I could not figure out what had happened to him in the course of sleeping to cause him so much pain and distress. His pupils were dilated, he was panting, his heart racing, and he was drooling. He would take a step or two and drop right down on his rump. His entire back end was shivering. My first thought was possible anal gland issues. A trip to the hospital where he was still unable to walk without screaming, resulted in his being carried in, admitted, hooked up to an IV for fluids, and medicated. They ran bloodwork and X-rays, with everything coming back normal, which was wonderful. They had suspected a dislocated disc...while the tests came back saying there was no disc damage and no masses (for which we were really relieved), it did not tell us what was wrong. Wolf was released the next day with a prescription for medication, strict rest,, and a follow-up with our ortho surgeon to check on his recently repaired leg. Long story short, his CCL repair is fine and Wolf's diagnosis was a pinched nerve or slipped disc. With meds, rest, short intermittent walks, and massages, he is now comfortable and back to walking on his own again.

The boys getting back up on their feet (to some degree).

So many of you have sent prayers, healing energies, love, and support. It means so much, and I know my boys feel it. A friend sent me a note that really resonated in light of this winter's toll on my boys. She said that I should remember that I am in a tunnel and at the end of the tunnel is light...and that really allowed me to put things into perspective. I took a walk in the newly fallen snow and had a chat with God for strength to help my boys during some very challenging times (a blizzard, an ice storm, my battle with RA)...and then something miraculous happened...I started to breathe again. I take my time with each boy and we have lots of chats about getting better. I see it in their eyes they understand. They fight with me as I can feel their strength as I support them. And as each minutes clicks by a day, I feel more positive and that we are one more day closer to healing.

"No matter what you're going through, there's a light at the end of the tunnel and it may seem hard to get to it but you can do it and just keep working towards it and you'll find the positive side of things." ~Demi Lovato

With the cases of high percentage of health issues in my four Huskies, again, I must jump on my soap box and revisit "bad genetics." And again, I must stand up and say, no more non-reputable backyard breeding, please! While I love my babies and would never ever change a thing about having them in my family, my heart breaks for them when they hurt and for the numbers of other dogs in the same situation. Gibson is an epileptic since age 3 with ataxia issues and over the past year has torn both of his CCLs, Bandit is deaf, Chloe blew out her CCLs in both legs and is subject to interdigital cysts, Wolf had a huge papilloma removed only to discover a huge deformed growth inside his leg when he was just 3, blown CCL, and now a neurological (disc or pinched nerve) issue. Chloe and Wolf's surgeon said their knees were such a mess, they had to have been deformed from birth. After doing some investigating, I discovered, Gibson's mother had seizures, but they kept breeding, until she was finally put down (how many litters later?) when she had more seizures. Four out of five of mine come from the same bloodline. Thankfully, those people are closed down for good now. I would not trade my beautiful babies for the world...but how fair it is to the dogs and future generations of dogs for people like this to keep breeding when they are not true "breeders" and having these dogs grow up and go through the pain of injuries and illnesses as a result of poor, irresponsible breeding that results in birth defects and diseases or worse? How many must have been dropped off at shelters or euthanized? It's the dogs who pay the price for poor breeding. I am glad Gibson, Wolf, Chloe, and Bandit found their way to us because we will make sure they get the best care, love, and life possible. It's not always easy, but we will work hard and give them nothing less than the best care and all our love. I can't say the same for all those other dogs from the bloodline who are out there some where. Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and healing vibes. And one day, I pray, there will be an end to to all irresponsible breeding so the dogs do not have to pay the price in pain. 

♥ Happy 8th Birthday, Gibson! ♥ A Giveaway and Video to Celebrate!

Today is beautiful Gibson's birthday! It's so hard to believe it was eight years ago in April when Gib joined our family. He was just a happy, silly, big ball of fluff with a squinty parti-eye that made him look like he was winking. He couldn't really run like a regular Husky, he always did a combination of a horse's lope mixed in with a bunny's back end hop ~ and that's how he still runs today! That fluffy wooly puppy grew into a beautiful, amazing, loving, soulful dog...and a best friend to me. He is "an old soul" as our canine behaviorist once pointed out upon meeting him and I agree. When I talk to Gib and look into his beautiful blue eyes, they are knowing. We have a very special unbreakable bond. 

 Love this split-pic my daughter put together for us!

We've been through a lot over the years with his diagnosis of Canine Epilepsy shortly after he turned three, to bouts of hind end weakness due to his Epi-meds, and a very severe case of ataxia due to Bromide toxicity. He tore his CCL last December, and sure as clockwork, he tore his other this Christmas Eve when he slipped on icy snow during a sudden snow storm. He is currently on constant bed rest on his water bed, and can only go out with a sling system. We are also waiting on a new leg brace and will do Conservative Care Management/Treatment once again with him as surgery is always a last option for him since he is an Epi-dog and we don't want to trip any possible seizure activity. He is on pain meds and I am continuing with natural anti-inflammatory supplements and Omega 3 oil to help with the pain and inflammation. He is a strong boy and very determined. 

We'd like to thank everyone for your well wishes and Birthday greetings! He certainly feels all the love and we really appreciate it! We hope to get back to visiting everyone's blog soon when things here at the FiveSibes rehab unit settles down a bit more! Please know we are thinking of you all!

To say "thank woo" for celebrating his special day with us, we'd like to do a Rafflecopter *Giveaway* for an autographed copy of my FiveSibes Tale illustrated children's book What's Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy." We will announce the winner next Tuesday so you all have time to enter! So be sure to enter at the end of this post.

 Now for the party!

First up...the cake and presents! The cake is all-natural, farm-fresh made vanilla ice cream softened to spread in pan. Then House Wolf K-9 Dog Biscuits all natural "Gibbie Snacks" (named after Gibson and formulated for the Epi-dog, but all dogs love them!) are crushed and sprinkled over the top. Place cake back in freezer to firm, and voila!

Party table.

"Woo! Party is in here this year since Gibson is injured," Harley tells the pack.

 

"Vanilla ice cream cake time! Wooo! Nom, nom, nommmmmms...!"

"...nommmm...nommm...nommmmss..."

Husky huddle time to lick the cake dish clean!

 

Gibson with his presents ~ a doggie pillow and his stuffed safari leopard!

 Oh baby...Gibson is Mr. Chick Magnet for sure! Here his love Harley and baby sis Chloe keep him company.

 

The very best gift of the day was when Gibson managed to get himself up all on his own! He has not been able to move without assistance of  a sling since his Christmas Eve slip! This was his Birthday gift to me! He struggles to get up, and he is on medication and natural supplements, and I pray he continues to improve. And today his WoundWear brace arrived, so hopefully, he will be on the road to recovery via Conservative Care Management/Treatment.

Pooped from partying and walking! Time for a snooze!

This birthday I wish him much healing, good health, and constant love surrounding him. He is truly an inspiration ~ and my love and heart dog! Here's our annual updated Birthday video - a fond look back since Gibson joined our family! We hope you'll enjoy our trip down Memory Lane!

 
Enter Gibson's Birthday Celebration What's Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy autographed book giveaway drawing here! Winners will be randomly selected on Saturday, January 11th and we will post the winners then. Good luck! And thanks for celebrating our big boy's birthday with us!

*Giveaway Update* Congrats to Donna Fahey Gomez on winning Gibson's Birthday Book Giveaway! Contact us at FiveSibes(at)gmail(dot)com to give us your dog house addy so we can send you the book! Congrats!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy 2014!

Here's to a safe, healthy, and very Happy New Year to all! May 2014 be a year of happiness and good health. We are thankful for our family, friends, and furfriends...and look forward to another year of friendship, fun, and camaraderie with you all!

Be safe. Be healthy. Be happy.

 Wolf and Bandit watching the ball drop!
Bye-bye 2013...Hewooo 2014!