ALMOST HEAVEN (HELL) UPDATE - PLEASE HELP:

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

THIS JUST IN...

ALL 285+ DOGS HAVE BEEN TAKEN INTO 10 DIFFERENT RESCUES. THEY ARE ALL SPOKEN FOR.

THEY WILL BE EVALUATED, VETTED AND SOCIALIZED AND ONLY THEN, BE PUT UP FOR ADOPTION. NO WORD ON WHEN, IT WILL PROBABLY BE ON A DOG BY DOG BASIS.

The DRRC brought home one of that monster's dogs yesterday and are trying to get 6 more of his dogs into adoptive or foster homes.

We named the one we brought home, Finnigan. He is a young (1-2 years) old, neutered male. He is the sweetest thing I ever met, especially for what he has been through. We just couldn't leave him there. He is a tripod, missing his front left leg. I don't even want to think about how that happened, but it doesn't seem to bother him. He is completely, housebroken, walks great on a leash and loves to snuggle. I am always amazed at how these dogs are willing to give humans another chance. He has had all is shots and is ready for adoption. We are fostering him until that time and already have a couple of applications from IDOG and DRRC folks.

If anyone can help out, even a couple dollars for the vet fees, it would be greatly appreciated.

We have a Chip-In set up on our Main Page

and 100% - ALL OF IT, goes to the dogs.

The DRRC is appreciative for all of your support and concern and Thank You, to Adina for all you have done.

[Jeannine]

Can you be more beautiful than that... and so comfortable too!!
He is now, finally, a lucky and more happy sweet boy.
Thanks to you and Lynne!

[Dot, Maggie and KoKo]

For anyone concerned about a tripod, don't be. My previous dog was a shepherd chow mix and was such a nice dog but we had to have her front leg amputated because of cancer. I was so concerned about her getting around on three legs and wondered if it would be better just to put her down. Thankfully I didn't and she got along just wonderfully on three legs. Running and stairs were no problem for her. She had another four years of life and we had the joy of having her. Dogs adjust nicely so don't be afraid of a three legged pup.

I would love to have another doodle if there are any minis in the rescues. Not sure how Rosie (our little princess) would feel about it but as I said, dogs adjust.

[Jeannine]

Go to the DRRC listing and you will find your doodle!
http://doodlerescuecollective.ning.com

[Tricia, Shiloh, Fenway & Tessie]

So, are you fostering Finn....or did you bring him home to be Blake's brother? He is absolutely gorgeous. My daughter saw the first post of Finn and begged me to please please please adopt him....she is going to CT and New York in a couple of weeks with my DH and she was telling me all about how perfect it was, that they could just bring him home with them....she is a very good negotiator, lol. I have to admit, he does make you love him with that face! I am glad he is doing so well. You are an angel with all you do for these doodles!

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

>

Thank you Tricia...I can't take the credit..... there are so many of us trying to make a difference at the DRRC and IDOG......I wish I was in a better finnacial situation to keep Finn...Blake and I love him to death and I will be crying for weeks when he goes to his new home...He is a special soul......He actually is adopted and goes home to Delaware on Monday.....He's going to an amazing home with one of our volunteers....He will have a fenced acre, swimming pool, kids to play with and a ton of love from an amazing family.

Here are a few more pics of Finn and Blake....

[Kathy Wilson]

I so agree with your words, Ann! Wish I could hug Finnegan in person. Fetching a tissue to wipe my leaky eyes.

[Zoe, Benny and Tyler]

Hey Lynne, was trying to donate but when I had to fill out the all the details (not paypal but creditcard payment) it didn't allow me to enter address details which are not in the US. Do you know if IDOG is also considering adoptions going to Europe or only within the US

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

I don't know specifically which rescues are be involved, but IDOG is always a good place to put your donations. We both are involved in ensuring Doodles live a good and safe life. I don't know why the form wouldn't work.

[Zoe, Benny and Tyler]

I used the link for the Chip-in on DRRC. Everything works except that it will only accept an US address which is too bad. A donation is at least what I can do from over here.
But it would be really interesting to find out if the dogs can be adopted to Europe as well as there are so many which have been rescued now.

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

Why Is Kennel Owner Still Allowed To Have Dogs?

PICTURED BELOW: DOODLE PUPPIES SEIZED FROM ALMOST HEAVEN

http://wfmz.dayport.com/htm/PopUpPlayer-v3.htm?articleID=1218808

Just days after the Department of Agriculture raided a local kennel and removed hundreds of dogs, more details are coming out about how the investigation was handled. The state Inspector General's Office was asked to review the handling of inspections at the Almost Heaven kennel. WFMZ's Jaccii Farris reports.

Representative Doug Reichley says at least one Department of Agriculture employee has been fired and two or three more employees may lose their jobs by the time the investigative process is over. Before October, 2008, Almost Heaven in Upper Milford Township passed numerous inspections by the Department of Agriculture. That's when an undercover investigation revealed unsanitary conditions and resulted in the seizure of 50 sickly animals.. The department says it started looking at their own inspectors.

>> DOUG REICHLEY: At least more than one allegation that these folks were tipping off Eckhart as to when the inspections were going to take place or were not actually recording the conditions that were there.

>> REPORTER: The department of Agriculture confirms it asked the Office of the inspector general to review its inspections of Almost Heaven. But would not comment on any action taken. Representative Doug Reichley says so far one person has been fired and other terminations may follow. Almost Heaven's license wasn't renewed in 2009. But officials say they had to wait until Almost Heaven's appeals process ended before taking action. Tuesday and Wednesday, the Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania SPCA raided Almost Heaven again..seizing 216 dogs. 21 dogs and other animals remain on the property. The Department of Agriculture says Derbe Eckhart will never be allowed to operate a kennel in the state again. Reichley says Almost Heaven is also in hot water with the department of revenue for allegedly not paying $80,000 in sales tax charged to customers. Reichley says a lien was filed on the property, but the state didn't follow through.

>> When we asked them why they said if he's out of business he's not going to pay back the sales tax.

>> REPORTER: All of the dogs seized have been taken to shelters for adoption, including the Berks County Humane Society.

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

Puppy Mill Rescue Dogs Arrive in Gaithersburg


GAITHERSBURG, Md. - On Thursday, the Humane Society of the United States brought 57 dogs rescued from a puppy mill in Pennsylvania to Gaithersburg.

Tuesday's raid by the Humane Society and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (web | news) on the Almost Heaven Kennels in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania netted 250 dogs.

"These are not considered pets to these puppy mill owners. They are factory production machines," said Scotlund Haisley of the Humane Society. Talkback:
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The department's Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement investigated the Almost Heaven kennels due to the owner's failure to appeal his recent license delisting.

When rescuers entered the kennel they found sick, filthy animals. They lived outside in dirty wire cages, and many were underfed and had various infections.

"They'll come back to our shelter and they'll go through probably baths at this point -- and medical and behavioral evaluations," said Ronnie Marjerison, a rescue volunteer.

Almost Heaven has been raided before. In 2008, officials carried out what is believed to be the biggest animal raid in Pennsylvania history: 700 animals were rescued. At that point, the kennel was also housing exotic animals like spider monkeys and miniature ponies, along with cats, guinea pigs and birds.

The dogs rescued on Tuesday will be checked by veterinarians, treated and then sent out to Humane Society offices around the region, where they will be made available for adoption.

Among those rescued is Liberty Bell, a Portuguese Water Dog -- the same breed as the first family's dog Bo. The Humane Society is now making a public plea for the Obamas to adopt their second dog.

[Deb, Connor & Simon]

My Connor was a puppy mill rescue from PA. I don't know which mill. He and 5 sibs were surrendered by the miller @ 13 weeks. The puppies had basically passed their "expiration date" -- being too old to sell to Pet Stores. The first time I saw him he was sick with kennel cough and emaciated; however, his tail never stopped wagging. Connor has an affinity for children and has shown a kindness and gentleness toward kids and small animals since the day I brought him home. Although he can be a very mischievous(& hilariously funny) doodle, he is the most loving dog I could ever imagine. His tail still wags all the time and he will be 2 yrs old in September. I hope to add another puppy rescue doodle to my family soon.
A little time, patience and training are all it takes to give you the biggest dog-love of your life.