Sunday, June 24, 2018

Chipper Arrives at Golden Pines

From Lancaster Pennsylvania, a temporary addition named Chipper has arrived at Golden Pines. And to answer the question some of you familiar with that corner of the world may be wondering, the answer is YES.  Yes, Chipper is an "Amish Dog."  Those of you not familiar with that title, I'll tell you that dog farming is a large part of the economy for many Amish communities. Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and counties in Ohio and even Indiana are home to thousands of breeding dogs that will and do spend their lives in puppy mills. The dogs in these Amish mills are treated like livestock. Many times, they don't even live that well.  

At 9 years old, Chipper's breeding days and his past are now behind him. And through a series of events that I'm not really sure about, it took nearly a month for him to make it into the rescue.  His back legs have pressure sores from laying on the concrete and he had to have several teeth taken out. 

On the inside, Chipper is really fearful and afraid and will "pancake" when approached too quickly or he will try to get away from us. He won't walk on a leash, and is submissively urinating.  It's really very sad.
So, how did Chipper make it to our house?  Well, Lab Rescue was boarding Chipper, but he was becoming more scared and withdrawn, and so the rescue asked if I'd take him for a few days. They were also concerned about his pressure sores not healing in the kennel, and his just needing a more quiet place to be.  Since we live pretty close to the kennel, it just made sense.  We're happy to welcome him, and give him the chance to feel safe.


Finally, there's our girl Eva.  Your suggestions and advice about what to feed her, and your prayers and good vibes are appreciated more than you know. They are making a difference. Thank-you for sharing your thoughts and for caring about Eva.
She ends a really busy week on a pretty good note. Eva returned to the vet on Friday to have her blood pressure checked, (still high) and recheck other renal values.  There hasn't been much change, and her infection is still not cleared up, so we've added another antibiotic until the culture is returned.
~Blood pressure check at the vet~
I've started a diary to keep track of when Eva eats, misses a meal, and receives fluids. But this weekend, she ate most of her meals and even though she's not totally herself, she was in pretty good spirits. 
~Fluids again on Saturday~
And so am I.  And Todd too!


26 comments:

  1. Chipper, he has come to you for some special time, and I am appalled at how dogs can be treated with such cruelty. Hope he improves, he will with your TLC, and Eva, hope she stays as good as she is for now. Your huge heart and loving home is the haven for them all.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Horrified to hear of the fate of poor Chipper before he came to you. I thought that the Amish were respecters of the planet and all upon it - obviously I was wrong.
    I hope that Chipper will recover from his terrible ordeal. He's in the best place possible to receive all the love, care, and attention that he could possibly need.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hello, Chipper's story is sad. I hope you can help him. It is great to hear Eva is doing well too. Todd always looks good. Sending good vibes and well wishes for all the dogs. Happy Monday, enjoy your day and week ahead.

    ReplyDelete
  4. it Is good to read that Eva is having some good days.

    On one of my many trips to Lancaster this spring for flowers, I saw a sign offering Labradoodle puppies for sale. I know that they probably would be bought quickly as they are very popular and that their poor mother would be bred and bred until she was no more useful. It breaks my heart.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sweet Chipper is lucky to have found his way to your home. We're glad to hear Miss Eva is doing well too.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I had heard that before about the Amish. I couldn't believe it. hard to wrap your heart around people who could treat them so cruelly. I don't understand it. are there no LAWS there that can help them? I say that and yet look at the puppy mills in my own state. it's beyond despicable. what is WRONG with people??? MONEY. always.
    thank heaven Chipper has a chance at some happiness now.
    and so glad that beautiful Eva is responding too. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  7. Keep Eva and Chipper apart. If you can't, you have to teach Eva to say "Not tonight, I have a headache".

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hearing about dog mills always makes me sad. Doubly so that the Amish would do so. I thought their way of life was better than that.
    Glad to hear about Eva, Todd and you. *hugs* and God bless.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Missouri is a big puppy mill state and we some really sad dogs that have lived miserable lives till they're no longer useful.

    ReplyDelete
  10. If Chipper is ever going to have a happier life, it will definitely happen at your place. We wish him well and hope he realizes very soon that he is finally in a very good place.

    Continued prayers and good thoughts for Eva.

    Todd - let's go have some fun!!!

    Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber

    ReplyDelete
  11. I had many Amish/Mennonite friends at one time in my life and still subscribe to the weekly Budget newspaper. There are many wonderful attributes about their culture but many dark places too especially regarding animal welfare and "rights". If anyone read the Budget newspaper and what's discussed there, I'm guessing the lens that most people look through, when viewing the Amish culture, would be greatly discolored. Lovingly, Andrea xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  12. I had know idea about Amish dogs, I need to learn more. Thank you for educating me. You are a blessing to all.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Happy to hear that Eva is feeling a bit better, we are keeping our paws crossed for her.
    Poor Chipper, but he is in good loving hands now
    hugs
    Hazel & Mabel

    ReplyDelete
  14. Poor Chipper. We hope he can realise he's in a safe place now. Glad Eva is feeling better.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hopefully the serenity he finds there will help him to heal. I'm sure it will be a long process no matter where he goes. Human's do some really sickening things sometimes :( On the up side so GLAD to hear Eva is doing a bit better and eating!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wishing Chipper the best. 💔💔💔💔💔💔 the Amish dogs are a problem near my parents in southern Ontario.

    ReplyDelete
  17. A loved one just introduced us to organic honey and pure baking soda (does not contain any aluminum) and claims the mixture will cure anything. She said to take it as often as possible. She is a survivor of breast cancer. We're not giving up the chemo of course, but will be giving it a try. Maybe your dogs might benefit from the mix.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Happy Chipper is with you . . .
    I am sure you will bring some “difference, love, cheer” into his life . . .
    Happy Eva is feeling a bit better . .
    And happy Todd brings HAPPY into your days.

    ReplyDelete
  19. We also live in a large amish community, and it is also a dog breeding one. Alot of people don't realize that they are a part of the large puppy mill population here in Iowa which we rank super high in. He is such a beautiful dog, I am so glad he is getting to see what real life can be like. Thank you for taking him in. I sure wish we lived closer to you, mom would be at your house all the time, hugging and petting everyone. mags an gus

    ReplyDelete
  20. I lived near Lancaster for a while and worked for an Amish farming family (dairy) but I had no idea about puppy mills. How did I miss it? Anyway, poor Chipper. Thanks so much for letting him rest at your house until another home is found. I hope that his sores and his heart start to heal.

    I'm so glad to hear that Eva is a bit better. Continued POTP from us to her...

    ReplyDelete
  21. Not just in the states the Amish have dog/puppy mills they do here to in southwestern Ontario Canada and it drives me nuts also the Mexican Mennonites which we also have lots here again in southwestern Ontario Canada are also responsible for poor unhealthy dogs/puppies and also treat them as live stock its sickening and the worst thing is they get away with it all . I am glad Chipper has come to you cause we all know he will have the best days of his life with you and your clan . Oh sweet Eva U am glad she is eating even if it is from day to day . I pray for Eva and all dogs to have and live the best years of their life . Thanks for sharing , Have a good week !

    ReplyDelete
  22. Great news for Chipper .... and for Eva. From the comments it seems that Amish and puppy mills go together but no one explains why. Is it because they're in low crime areas that aren't policed intensively?

    ReplyDelete
  23. Oh don't get me started on puppy farms!!! (there, you guessed how I feel). So pleased you have Chipper and I hope he settles in and his pressure sores heal.

    ReplyDelete
  24. So glad Chipper is in your care and will have a home where he is loved and taken care of. Poor baby. He's been through so much already. Sending our love.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Dear Chipper has taken a big step forward to a healthy life; may he quickly gain happy confidence while recuperating at Golden Pines. So happy to see darling Eva fighting the good fight. Prayers will continue for all.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thank you for helping Chipper!
    love
    tweedles

    ReplyDelete

Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!