Happy new year sue. I just wanted to send you a quick update on sugar ray now my Buddy. Thank you so much for getting him and believing in us. He brings me and my family so much joy and he and abby are best friends. A day doesn’t go by that he doesn’t make us laugh. He is really funny and he is very very happy. He snores and grunts and he is a pure joy to have around. I must send you a picture with him wearing his new boots!  You will laugh your head off. He a an issue with other un neutered male dogs that have visited and we are working on that. Mostly to get their owners to have them fixed!!  I wouldn’t trade him in for the world. Hope you are well and ill get over to see you soon. Again, thank you.

Hi Susan

Jessie is doing great, both girls love her especially Lauren she is really attached to her.  Not sure when I can come up there as we only have one car at the moment and Jack uses it for work and he is working two jobs  and I am working lunch hours at Laurens school.

Jessie has made quite a few friends in the neighbourhood (lots of rescue dogs also) and loves to run and play with them in our hydro field.  She is so great with kids, I walk with her to pick up Lauren after school and all kids come running when they see Jessie.  Jessie loves to chase her tail and can now sit and shake a paw for treats and Jaclyn has taught to give a hug for a treat.

Hello: Just to let you know our Beagle-cross, Hope, is becoming a big part of our little family. She has taken over the cats’ favourite sleeping place on the couch, near the window so she can relax while keeping an eye on passersby. She sleeps like a log in her crate and has had no accidents since coming to our home just two weeks ago.

Every morning she and I go for a 45-minute walk and another half-hour at mid-day, which is helping my fitness level considerably. Last Sunday she went to the dog park for the first time and held her own against a galoot Lab. I think you socialized her very well: she is interested in other dogs, but not afraid at all.

She learns fast and is now familiar with “wait,” “let’s go, Hopey,” and “careful” when she crosses in front of me and gets a foot coming forward in her bottom. An added plus, her beauty. Everywhere we go strangers tell her how cute she is.

Her personality is fabulous. She is kind and gentle and will tolerate all manner of hugging and kissing, wrestling and raspberries blown onto her tummy. Our two old cats are perplexed but in no danger, Hope either ignores them or comes to visit when they are petted. Her energy is contagious and such a joy after the past year of living with a very old dog. She is quick to find things to chew, but caught just as fast. In other words, the honeymoon is continuing.

Thank you for bringing such a lovely dog into our lives.

All the best,

Barb

Hi Sue…

Just want to send you an update and pics for our pair of misfits, Sasha & Ripley.

Sasha’s a wonderfully sweet little girl, who loves everyone and food. She’s great on walks, either on or off-leash, and responds with a wag of the tail whenever she thinks her name is mentioned. She’s good in crowds, as we often have a bunch of people around here, and socializes for a while, eats a bit, and then scoots off to a quiet place to be grumpy for a while. She plays chase with Ripley when they’re off-leash at the park, but toys and balls seem to be beneath her… she’s fit in to our routine, seamlessly.

Ripley has decided he’d like to be a puppy again. We’ve been increasing his walks to build his muscle mass, and he’ll take any pace that we can throw at him. He’s good and very strong on the leash, but careful not to stray too far when off-leash. He loves all toys and he’d play all day if he could, and adjusts his level of intensity if he’s playing with my daughter or wife, but ratchets the energy up for the boys. He hates water, and barks at anybody if they jump into the pool and don’t check in with him that they’re okay. He’s less aggressive with food, since he understands that we feed him on routine and he ignores the cats (even the young cat that wants a piece of him everyday). He’s goofy, and busy, and thinks it’s funny when he jumps on our laps for a cuddle. He loves to wake anybody up by climbing on the bed and sniffing their faces… he’s smart & trainable, and he’s trying his best to fit in.

I’ve attached some pics, for you to share with the shelter in Ohio.

Our thanks to them, but especially to you for allowing us the opportunity to provide these two a home.

Tony & Wendy

Our HeartWorm Story:

Our guy’s name is Ivan – a beautiful boxer/mastiff cross that we fell in love with as soon as we saw him on the Camp Lotsa Dogs website. We met him and adopted him right away. To make a long story short, Ivan turned out to be HeartWorm “positive”. Regardless, nothing would change the fact that Ivan was a part of our family now and we’d do whatever we could to make him better. It was scary at first, knowing absolutely nothing about the disease .. but don’t let it scare you off .. HeartWorm is a fully preventable and treatable disease with no long term side effects to your dog. Here’s a little bit of information we have learned along the way with Ivan .. hope it helps!!

Our vet said he was only the second case of HeartWorm he has EVER seen in his whole career – so right away, we were terrified. After a LOT of research and back and forth with vets, Su and just about everyone else I could find, it was determined all we needed was a few treatments of HeartGuard, rest and some other medications! *PHEW* What a relief! Along with some medication, Ivan was also put on HeartGuard for a year (as opposed to the 6 months a year that vets reccommend) and he’s now as happy and healthy as ever and has recently tested NEGATIVE for any kind of HeartWorm both last Fall and this Spring. We wanted to get him tested just to be sure So every ounce of worm in him was gone thanks to the medication and proper treatment.

Now here are a few things we have learned along our journey with Ivan .. What is commonly called “heartworm disease” is not really a disease at all. Rather, it is an infection by adult parasites called Dirofilaria immitis, which live inside the pulmonary arteries, the right heart chambers and, in severe cases, the vena cava and veins of the liver. Properly treated, this disease is NOT fatal.

How do dogs get heartworms? Only by the bite of an infected mosquito. There’s no other way dogs get heartworms. And there’s no way to tell if a mosquito is infected.
It takes about 7 months, once a dog is bitten by an infected mosquito, for the larvae to mature into adult heartworms. They then lodge in the heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels and begin reproducing. Adult worms can grow up to 12 inches (GROSS, I know!) in length, can live 5-7 years, and a dog can have as many as 250 worms in its system.

There are also different treatments to treat HeartWorm. There is the injection (that Ivan recieved in Ohio – where he is originally from) and then there is also the slow-kill method. The vets are able to determine which is right for your dog based on the amount of adult and/or microfalaria (“baby” worms) in your dogs system. The levels of “baby worms” can be found through bloodwork. Chest xrays can also be done for adult worms around the heart. Luckily Ivan only had “baby worms” left in him after the treatment in Ohio, so he was just put on the proper medication.

I know HeartWorm seems scary and your vet may try to convince you to worry BUT that’s only because it is so scarce here in Canada. In the States, it’s VERY common and they deal with it all of the time. Our vet was GREAT during this time with Ivan as well. Innisfil Vet Hospital Dr. Saini – WONDERFUL. Do your own research – don’t let the vets scare you into something that they’re not even familiar with.

Also VERY important: After treatment – Why do you have to keep your dog quiet during the several months he’s being treated for heartworms? After treatment, the worms begin to die. And as they die, they break up into pieces, which can cause a blockage of the pulmonary vessels and cause death. That’s why dogs have to be kept quiet during the treatment and then for several months afterward.

So when you’re adopting a dog, don’t let the word “HeartWorm” scare you off Once they’ve been treated for it, just some medication, REST and you’ve got a happy, perfectly healthy dog again! If anybody has any questions, feel free to contact me. We’ve become our own experts on HeartWorm

Hi Sue:

Benjy has settled in as if he was born here. Perfectly behaved, totally charming. Our friends love him as much as we do.

Thanks again.
Ted and Mary

Hi Sue

Just wanted to drop you a line and tell you how Casper is doing – which is great!

He is such a sweet boy, filled with energy and spunk but also knows how to be a couch potato too.  He is very smart and has learned sit, down, stay and free very well.  His leash manners are greatly improved and he hardly pulls at all now (unless of course he sees a squirrel!).

We love him very much and he is such a nice addition to our family – we can’t imagine not having him!  Here are some pictures.

Thanks again,
Kate and Darrell

Cally adopted all her 3 dogs from us, one at a time tho and she wanted to share their beautiful faces with everyone and how happy and healthy and GORGEOUS these dogs are!

Mya – approximately 3 years old, black and white Border Collie/Lab cross. She is very intelligent!
Lacey – approximately 2 years old, American Dingo (Carolina Dog). She is nicknamed “Licky Lacey” because she chases the dogs around the dog park just to kiss them!
Tripp – approximately 2-3 years old, German Shepherd/Lab cross. He is very clumsy, hence the name. He’s a mama’s boy and knows how to open doors so he won’t be left alone.
All have been adopted from CampLotsaDogs. If I could get 20 more I could…

We couldn’t have asked for a better dog than Morgan. You were bang on when you steered us toward him.  He is loving, affectionate, calm and just an overall wonderful dog.

He was completely house trained, his recall is excellent and he doesn’t jump on people or beg.  After six weeks we are still amazed and how good he is.

He sleeps all night and doesn’t mind his crate during the day. He loves his walks and heels most of the time. He also loves to run so we try to get him out off leash as much as possible.

We wish he was a little more playful (for his own happiness) and hope that will come with time.  If not, we’re okay with his totally relaxed attitude. He has bonded with Rielly (our 12 year old) and they spend lots of time together.

Morgan is an absolute joy and we are so pleased that he has joined our family. I can’t imagine life without him.

Thanks so much for all that you do for these dogs AND for your great advice.
Best regards,
Linda, Patrick, Rielly and Morgan

Ripley is doing so well. My parents would like to thank everyone who has contribute to his rescue.  He is absolutely exquisite! So smart and gentle. The whole neighborhood came over bearing gifts to see him. Apparently he is an amazing running partner. He is certainly one of a kind. Thank you Su

Hello,

Things are going well here at my new home. Everybody keeps saying how lucky they are that I’m so well behaved! My walks are going really well, I listen to my mom and dad and I don’t pull or jump around. The little boy is upset that he and I don’t get to walk together yet – mom and dad say in a couple of weeks we’ll all walk together as a family and the boy can hold my leash (with help).

I’m a good boy in the kennel at night but not as much during the day. Mom and the boy went to the grocery store the other day and they left me behind in that “box”! I let them know that I was frustrated and mom said we’re going to have to work hard on being quiet in the kennel during the day.

I like my food but I did throw up on the floor yesterday around noon time. Nobody is sure why, most of the breakfast I had eaten about 4 hours before came up. I definitely love meat versus vegetables – mom tried to give me some carrots and cucumbers as a treat but I was like “where’s the good stuff?”. She says we’ll try again with the vegetables on another day.

I bounce straight up and down when I get super excited! I also chase balls and stop them but I don’t bring them back (yet). Hey, I’m a sheltie – I’m supposed to chase sheep and stop them but I don’t pick them up and bring them back!

I nap on the floor for now, I tried to climb up on the couch but mom told me to get down. She says we have to talk about the couch and if I’m going to be allowed up with the humans, something about my fur getting all over the place. I’m sure she will give in soon and let me up so the whole family can snuggle together in the evenings. I just have to keep giving her that her look that says “I’m so cute, please love me and pet me”.

We put the boy to bed last night and I thought I was ready to go to bed too and climbed in with the boy. The boy and I were OK with it, but mom and dad say not yet. I’m going to have to sleep in my kennel for a bit longer.

I met the neighbours as soon as I got home. Their names are Echo and Triton and they are Portuguese water dogs. We were all very polite and calm and got along very well. I also got to meet some of William’s friends when they came over for a play date – they were two boys (ages 5 and 2) and they came over with their mom. She was very impressed with what a good dog I am. I liked the little boy the best, the older boy was more interested in playing with the LEGO which seems to be all over the floor every day. Me and mom clear a spot over by the couch and we hang out there while the boy and mom make stuff.

I don’t go to the front door so much anymore but I do think that I am going out for a walk every time a human goes out. I get a bit excited but I calm down right away after anybody goes out the door.

I should go for now – I’ll see you during the week when mom comes out to pick up the paperwork she forgot.

Chow for now,
Bart

Kirby after a nice long day at work.

Best regards,
Travis.

Hello Susan,

It’s been a couple of months since Ginger and I adopted Snuffles ( she goes by “Sadie” now) The transition was a good one. Although she isn’t too fond of the cat, they have come to a mutual understanding. We weren’t able to stop by during dec – being christmas and all, but we would like to stop in soon for a visit. Also the collar that I bought for Ginger works wonderfully, now my parents and brother want one for their dogs. It’s very short notice but could we (gin, sadie and I) stop by tomorrow afternoon?

Thank you,
Amanda

Hi Su:

Wanted to update you on Jackson. He is an absolute dream!! Honestly, I never knew I would love this big stranger in our house the way I do. Feels like he’s been here forever. He is so sweet and affectionate, very attentive, and he even sits now…most of the time! 

We’ve been working with Monica per your recommendation, and that has made a huge difference. Jackson knows his boundaries and has good manners, making for very happy owners and a very happy dog. He’s made many new friends at the dog park, loves everyone he meets, and is a genuine pleasure to have around.

Thanks for all the tremendous work you are doing at Camp Lotsadogs. There are many happy people and happy dogs because of you and Dave.

Have a good evening,
Shannon

Hey Su,

Just thought you would like an update on Bennett – he is now 60 pounds and is adjusting very well to his new home – He is a little spoiled but not too spoiled.

Thanks
Darlene and Dan

Susan
I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for matching me with Charlie, I just love him. As you can see he has made himself right at home here, although he doesn’t seem to sure about Santa. We have a lovely new off leash dog park here in Keswick and Charlie has made many friends. He loves to go there and sniff to his hearts content, there is only one tree so the only things to bump into are other dogs and people. He even has the confidence to get almost up to a full run when he is there. His favorite thing is going for walks.

I had him tested in Oct. and he is totally blind and there is nothing they can do, its something genetic. But he makes out just fine and most people can’t tell.

I hope you have a wonderful Holiday Season.
Merry Christmas
Tracy & Charlie

Phoebe is fitting in really well here.  She eagerly awaits Jax’s and Ted’s arrival back home at the end of the day, she runs to greet them at the door!  She has finally decided she likes snowballs, especially if we roll them.  The funniest thing was to see her claim her spot on top of our picnic table in the backyard, just as she had at  your place.

We have attached some photos of Phoebe, as promised.

Thanks for your help and advice,

Debra, Ted, Jax  and of course Phoebe!

Hi Susan,

Well, its been over a year now that we’ve had our sweet Hailey. We had a one year party for her on the 27th of November, got her lots of presents and gave her tons of love! She was in heaven.

I started having issues walking with her on leash and meeting other dogs after a german shepard charged us on a walk and I got nervous, after that, Hailey thought she needed to protect me and started lunging and barking at all dogs she met on leash. I was devastated, because I knew it was my fault. I decided I had to do something before it got any worse so I signed her up for obediance (she’s so smart and amazing in the house but I wanted a dog that I could take anywhere). We graduated beginner level 1 last night with flying colours and I learned why she was lunging and how to tell her I’d be the one doing the protecting. She no longer has any issues with dogs, and when she does, I can stop her within seconds. We walked in our towns Santa Claus Parade last weekend with over 20 other dogs and there was absolutely no issue. I signed her up for level 2 and will be continueing with the courses because ultimatley I want to do agility with Hailey, she’s really got a knack for it! Hailey is the best dog in the world! Terry and I have told everyone we talk to, that you are the place to get the best dogs! Our friends and family just love her to bits (as do we).

We consider ourselves so lucky to have gotten the worlds cutest dog, and not only that but she is the worlds sweetest dog too. The trainer’s at the kennel club said we graduated best in class and cutest too! I really can’t get over how smart she is. She figured out in the class that I would give her a cookie to do everything, so she started getting stubborn and wouldn’t even sit without the promise of a cookie, so I had to show her she had to do what I say.. I really am packleader now!

I really can’t say enough good things about Hailey, she’s my world. She never lets me be in a bad mood because as soon as I get home she snuggles up to me and rests her head in my lap and looks up at me with those big brown eyes, we decided she invented the puppy dog face!

She is completely off leash now at home, never leaves our sight for more than 5 minutes. She never mooches and knows so many tricks and commands now that I am always showing off with her ever chance I get.

We have been discussing getting a second dog, we still aren’t ready yet but the ball is rolling and when we are ready, you’ll hear from us cause we’ll be back. And not only for our second dog but for every dog we ever get!

Thanks again Susan, I can’t imagine my life without her and am so thankful for you and for what you do!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Leah, Terry and Hailey Bailey!

Hi Su,

Just to let you know, Chandler’s doing great.  What a loving guy he is!  We took him to the vet yesterday and he got a clean bill of health.  Our vet feeds her own dogs a raw diet so was impressed to hear about your approach and set up there for dogs.  His stool sample came back just fine too. She thinks he may be closer to 4 or 5 based on his teeth; doesn’t matter to us though.

Chandler loves romping around in the backyard, greets everyone with lots of affection and sleeps no problem in his crate at night.  In fact sometimes when we are home with him, he’ll just go to his crate to have a rest.   His only issue is the cat.  He wants to chase her and she is terrified. We had to move her stuff upstairs and for now keep him downstairs unless we are with him and have his collar/leash on.  We are going to try your strategy with the cat in the cage.  This week her trust of us has gone down so she’s been hiding a lot and running from us. She’s starting to be more like her old self this weekend.

Everyone who meets Chandler can’t believe how calm he is and what a big suck.

We will keep you posted,

Carol

I will make sure to include in the write up the nightly habit Chloe has picked up – her standing behind me and Brian every night without fail, in Lance’s room, we both kiss Lance and than she goes and lands a sloppy one on him. (we never coached her, she just started doing it on her own) I will get a picture of that too.

Xena has learned that Chloe is not leaving and has come around to playing with her. Chloe has learned to leave Xena alone when she is being a crusty toad. Thor is pretty good at keeping up with Chloe and if he is tired, Lance goes for hours with Chloe and her balls. Many many balls.

Hi Susan

Well we had a good journey home.  Angie (her new name which we all feel is easier and nicer and which she responds – sort of) wined a bit for 1/2 an hour or so then she settled right down and didn’t move until we stopped.  Of course when we got home she was over excited and so cute!!!

She is still looking for something, but is bonding beautifully.  Food of course is a big thrill.  She sure can jump up quickly on the furniture and wants constant attention.  She slept well in her cage so all is well there.  What a beautiful dog, but a bundle of energy, which is good for me!

best regards
Jean!

Hi Su,

Things are going great with Winnie! She figured out the dog door on the first day and is getting used to her new surroundings! We LOVE her and so do Daisy and Spirit – Max (the cat) is still on the fence…
Thanks for all your help!

I guess I am just a big softie

Christine and Stefan

Ginger Snap was adopted and moved to HOLLAND with her new mom! She is now a Dutch Beagle and is learning to behave like a lady in restaurants and Cafes and malls where dogs are allowed!

Hi Susan,

Just thought I’d send a little update on Ginger.

She’s doing really well – she’s now doing a pretty decent “down” and learning to sit automatically when I sit – very handy in cafes!

She’s getting much better on the leash (without the plastic collar), and has graduated to having the whole hall to herself – I don’t trust her not to sleep on my bed, so she doesn’t have access to the bedroom, and the dog-cat relations aren’t quite at a level where I’m comfortable giving her unrestricted access to the living room / kitchen – but the hall’s a lot better than being stuck in her crate! Though she still sleeps in it all the time (I’ve taken the door off and she doesn’t sleep any where else!).

She’s also just started running along beside my bike – brilliantly! Even dogs aren’t much of a distraction… garbage is more tempting but we get past that ok too!

She’s still a bit skinny but getting better.

The only strange thing is that she’s really scared of awnings or other overhanging things (even leaves in a gusty wind can send her tail between her legs!). We’re working on it.

Hope you’re doing well – Ginger says hi and sends her love to all the other doggies!

Cheers,
Ashleigh
PS. And yes, she speaks basic Dutch!

Hey Su,

Just wanted to send you a picture of Tango, who now sleeps with Jarrett our 8 year old. They are best buds and Tango is truly a part of the family.

Thanks for everything,

Jen

Hello Susan–
Just thought I would send you a pic of Archie (we kept his name) at Cobourg Harbour tonight.  We walk there every evening–rain or shine, and he loves it; there are about 2000 spots of dog pee to sniff (I know you wouldn’t approve of this).  We are still using his collar as he is mighty strong; Lisa uses it to jog with him and it really works.
He is the most perfect dog for our family; snuggly, friendly, loves all kinds of noise–the radio, the vacuum, tv, cooking noises, etc.  He is a little impolite around the counter and mealtimes (our food) so we will have to stay on that.
I am going to sew him a bandanna from some vintage fabric in the next few weeks; he looks very dapper in a bandanna, and Brian purposely lost the first one we got from the groomer as he doesn’t like the look of him in one. We bought him a coat for the rain as he is a bit of a wimp when the weather is nasty.  I couldn’t imagine life without him, and am so glad I looked at at least 150 dogs (not kidding) before we chose him.
He is everything we hoped for and more in a dog, and I take him whenever I go run an errand–he loves any vehicle.  Thank you for bringing Archie to Ontario & hooking us up with such a great dog.

Kind regards,
Janet
P.S.  I love to knit dog coats (made a couple for my sister’s dogs, and I am very tempted to knit him one), I can see you groaning as you read this…

Hi Su,
It’s been just over 6 months since we adopted her, and so wanted to drop you a quick note to say that we are so happy Georgia joined our family. She has become one of us and gives us so much love every day. The kids (and everyone else who gets to know her) give her lots of love back too.

I wanted a dog who would fit into our world and she does, happily accompanying us weekly to the hockey arena, the soccer pitch and the horse barn. She has friends (fans, really) at all of them.  She has favourite dog friends in the neighbourhood and is excited to meet new friends every time we go to the off-leash dog park.  When we have to go somewhere without her she waits patiently, without chewing or barking, for us to come back home.

When she’s in our backyard, she calmly but assertively ensures no squirrel step foot on the grass and routinely patrols the hedges and fenceline, keeping an eye out for what could be a bunny or chipmunk.  One of the best (and slightly gross) unexpected perks is she will eat any bugs or spiders that find their way into our house! A friend describes her as the perfect property manager.

She’s come such a long way, from pulling us a lot on our walks, to being really relaxed and keeping whatever pace we set. She’s happy to run beside me on my jogs, or amble slowly along with my father. She listens and obeys so well we can now walk with her off leash in the woods without worry. She knows we’re part of her pack and doesn’t ever stray far from us.  I would never have imagined we’d have come this far in just a few months.

It’s hard to believe for a period of time she wasn’t part of someone’s family. We’re so glad her circumstances brought her to us.

I know you would agree that she’s the best and prettiest dog you ever had at your shelter, but because you can’t play favourites I won’t ask you to admit it.

All the best,
Catherine, Julia and Samuel

Hi Sue,

Oh my god he has settled in so quick!! I just wanted you to know, because I saw you getting misty eyed….  his tail hasn’t stopped wagging even when he got a good swipe from the kitty (they arent too happy, but they will get over it)
 
Do you have a rabies tag for him, or do I just take the papers in when I take him for a bath?  and don’t you dare tell me to do it myself, you have seen the size of him and I will not take him in the shower with me!!  I don’t think there would be enough room  LOL
 
Thank you for coming into my life and bringing Wyatt!
Barb

OUR SPECIAL STORY.

In the summer we lost our precious dog Mandy of Cancer and we were very depressed as was our 15 year old Cockapoo, Sara.

Sara had gained weight to about 27 lbs, had no energy,was sleeping all the time and really had aged.

After searching Pet Finder we adopted a dog through Susan Steiner at Camp Lots of Dogs in Myrtle, Ontario.

Susan met Sara when we went to pickup Molly our adopted beagle and she said that Sara would have to lose weight and raw diet was the way to go, as Sara was originally taking Eukenebia dog food.

We put Molly and Sara on a raw diet and also Sara had bad Arthritis so we got Dr Clarke’s Healthy Hips from Susan, as she had very shaky back legs from the Arthritis.

In about 4 weeks Sara went from 27 lbs down to just over 20 lbs, her shaking was reduced about 90% and she has so much energy she runs is more alert and happy and gained about 5 years on her life.

Molly our adopted dog remains at her current weight (20 lbs)  and is so happy to have found a home and we love her so much.

We strongly recommend adopting a pet through Susan Steiner and the raw food that she makes herself. She is very knowledgable on all types of ailments for dogs and is very loving and caring about her dogs and their placement and there is no where else we would go for advise or adoption in the future or for nutrition advise.  We continue to buy our dog  food through Susan Steiner.

Thank you Sue  for all your help and support,   we are so happy with both our dogs.

Donna and Allen Kozlov

Whitby, Ontario.