Author Archives: Sherri Goodall

Scobie…Superdog

posted April 15th, 2009 by Sherri Goodall

Scobie, the Super Hero, Super Dog, is a six-year-old West Highland Terrier. His mom, Theresa (affectionately known as Mother Theresa—for good reason) is Vice President of Oklahoma Westie Rescue.

Scobie has Addison’s disease, a condition in which stress causes major upheavals in his system. Addison doggies are usually very attached to their mommies or daddies, and separation can really stress them. For this reason, Theresa takes Scobie with her on all of her missions involving Westie rescues. He sits right up front with her in her SUV.

On a recent mission to deliver meds to a foster mom with two sick Westie pups, Theresa was on the highway on her way home, when Scobie threw up. (Addison doggies also have very fragile tummies.) Theresa pulled into a rest stop, first checking to see if there was anyone there…there wasn’t. She retrieved some paper towels out of the back seat of her SUV and promptly cleaned up Scobie and her seat. 

“BAM!”  The passenger window blew out. Theresa was staring into the barrel of a gun! There weren’t any cars at the rest stop, so where did the gun and the man attached to it come from?

Before Theresa could catch her breath, the man demanded her jewelry, wallet and phone. She handed him the items and thought that was that.

It wasn’t. The man told her to “GET OUT OF THE CAR, NOW!”  He yanked Theresa out and got in the car. Two more men appeared from nowhere. The gun guy unlocked the car and the two other guys proceeded to try to get the back seats up so they could get in. Only problem was, the SUV was packed solid with dog crates; HELLO…this is what dog rescuers do. And, the crates do not come out of the side doors…they come out the way they go in, through the back door. 

By now, Scobie is a raging, ferocious, mad dog. He’s snarling, growling and generally being hateful to the gun guy who’s rummaging through his mommy’s purse and glove compartment.

Theresa, meanwhile, is frantically banging on the driver’s side window, begging the gun guy to let Scobie out. She was sure that all three would soon drive off with Scobie in the SUV, and who knew what they would do with him?

While the two guys were stupidly trying to get the crates out, a “tire buddy” that Theresa kept in her car rolled to the ground.

Theresa grabbed the buddy/bat and started beating the window, trying to break it. At this point, gun guy had had it with the lunatic dog and his lunatic mom. He opened the door and aimed his gun at Theresa’s head. In the nano-second it took to pull the trigger, Scobie lunged at him, knocking the gun off track… enough that the bullet glanced off Theresa’s glasses, nicking her eyebrow instead of blowing her head off. 

At that moment, gun guy decided to open the door and hurl Scobie out like a sack of garbage.

That did it.  Mess with me and I’ll fight back; hurt my dog, and all bets are off—you’re done.

Theresa went after the gun guy with her “tire buddy” and beat the living @#$%& out of him. Scobie by now was on the ground and tearing after the back seat dummies. Westies have some of canine kingdom’s strongest jaws. Once attached, they do NOT let go. Scobie was going to get his due, no matter what.

Just then, another carjacker appeared in a car. Theresa thought the play was over; she and Scobie were soon to be history.

Instead, the back seat dummies grabbed the gun guy, who was now unconscious, dragged him to the getaway car, and all four hit the road.

Theresa stood there with Scobie,  dumbstruck. Someone must have seen the fracas, because the highway patrol arrived within minutes, followed by an ambulance. (That someone might have been the same angel sitting on Theresa and Scobie’s shoulders.)

Mother Theresa refused to go to the hospital, because she would have to leave her savior, Scobie. They drove home together in the SUV (wind in their faces, thanks to the absent passenger seat window) deliriously happy to be alive.

Other than a ringing in her ears, and a Tylenol Extra-Strength headache, plus bruises and scrapes from her time on the pavement, Theresa is recovering nicely. 

To Scobie, it was just another’s day work, protecting his mommy.

WESTIES RULE!

The carjackers have not been found, nor has Theresa’s wedding band, which belonged to her grandmother. Her wallet and phone were found on the pavement next to the getaway car.  Her watched was crushed.

To learn more about Westie rescue, visit www.okwestierescue.com 

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Posted in General Interest, Spring 2009 | No Comments »

Kuddly Kangaroos and a Camel Too – Rainbow Farms

posted January 15th, 2009 by Sherri Goodall

What’s soft, fuzzy, and loves to be cuddled?  Oh, by the way, it’s a marsupial.

We’ve heard of therapy dogs, cats, horses and even monkeys. But have you ever heard of a therapy kangaroo?

Meet Kaye Williams of Rainbow Farms in Bixby, Oklahoma. She raises kangaroos. Along with her “Mob,” Kaye’s farm is home to Sammy the camel, dozens of tiny burros, ponies, and several horses.

Kaye’s kangaroos weren’t always destined to become therapy pets. As she likes to tell it, “when one door closes, another opens.”

In 2001, Kaye took over her neighbor’s farm, including the kangaroos. She planned to put the place up for sale, and relocate to more acreage, Then came 9/11, and her dreams of a larger place had to be put aside. 

One morning, six months later, Kaye went into the kangaroo pen and found all of her kangaroos poisoned to death. She had kept two  babies inside for the night, so they were safe. As it turned out, contaminated food was the culprit. Once over the shock, Kaye knew she had to go back to work. As a registered nurse, she found a position with Shadow Mountain, a rehabilitation facility for teens in crisis. She started bringing her Joeys (baby kangaroos) to work in backpacks

The ‘fit” was a no-brainer. Joeys love being swaddled in their mama’s pouches. The cuddling comforted the kids as well as the Joeys. For the first time, boys and girls with emotional issues sat quietly and calmly while cradling the Joeys. The feeling of being needed– that some body is dependant on you– does wonders for taking the focus off your own problems.

Bonding with another being is a wonderful antidote to anxiety and fear. Studies have shown that people who interact with pets in a soothing manner show a marked decrease in stress and anxiety. Blood pressure drops and heart rates slow. Many therapy pets go to hospitals and nursing homes for this very purpose.

Before she knew it, Kaye was busy taking her “Joeys” to therapy sessions in hospitals, hospices, to  school visits, birthday and private parties, and to corporate events. She was in such demand with her kangaroos that she had to stop working full time at Shadow Mountain. It’s a full-time job just caring for the Mob, and Kaye does it all by herself. 

Kangaroos of all ages are in the Mob, about a dozen in all. Some of the kangaroos are pregnant. The alpha male, Jay, weighs in at about 200 lbs., and his tail could flip you head over heels. The teen-agers seem content to “boing” around the pen. Like most teens they are curious and eager to test the boundaries, as in trying to box with you, search your pockets, and nibble on your clothes.

I fell in love with Jo Jo, a tiny, preemie boy. His forelegs were no thicker than a matchstick. He stuck his tiny nose in my neck, nuzzled, and licked me the whole time I carried him. (I wanted to stick him in my pocket and take him home). Bella, a one-year old female, hopped around our feet. She was too big to swaddle. When Kaye wanted to pick her up, she grabbed her by her tail, swung her upwards, and then grabbed her around her waist. She explained that you cannot pick up a Joey under the arms because their chests are so narrow and their forelegs so small, that you would crush their ribs. The tail is the strongest “limb” of a kangaroo. An adult could swat you across the room and even break your bones with its tail.  (Remember, all of Kaye’s kangaroos are tame. Don’t try this in the wild)

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Posted in General Interest, Winter 2009 | No Comments »

The Life of Riley

posted July 15th, 2008 by Sherri Goodall

To look at this dog’s photo, you wouldn’t think he lives the Life of Riley, but he does.

Riley, the liver–spotted Dalmatian, has a team of devoted handlers—especially his owner, Tiffany Barnes Talley — that minister to his every need. The team includes two veterinarians who administer medicines, physical therapy, acupuncture, electrical stimulation and hydrotherapy and massage therapy.  Tiffany installed a pool for Riley so she can take over the hydrotherapy. She also performs much of the physical therapy and massage therapy.

Tiffany rescued, fostered, and then adopted Riley twelve years ago, through the Dalmatian Assistance League. He became her agility trained dog and her running buddy. Two years ago, Riley was diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy, a progressive spinal cord disorder that results in weakening of the rear legs and eventually leads to complete loss of function.

At first sight, Riley pulls at your heart. However, after watching him for a few minutes, you see that he doesn’t have any idea that anything is wrong. During his “interview,” he attempted to chase squirrels, befriend other dogs, and busy himself in the bushes. He can get going at a pretty good pace, especially downhill! 

Riley is in a custom harness/wheelchair which supports his hind end and legs. He wears custom fitted therapeutic shoes to keep his feet in a “natural” position so that they don’t turn under. The shoes also protect his  paws from injury while dragging on the ground. He pulls with his chest and front legs, which are very well developed.  Tiffany said that the minute Riley was fitted with his hind “legs,” he took off.  He knows how to back up and turn around. Sometimes Tiffany has to slow Riley down when he gets going too fast or help him go uphill. In the first few months of his diagnosis, Riley only used the wheelchair part time.

Paralyzed three times, Riley was rehabilitated back to full movement thanks to his rigorous schedule of physical therapy, acupressure, acupuncture and medical treatment. His fourth paralysis in 2007 left him with minimal control in his hind legs and now he must use the wheelchair whenever he is mobile

Karma might factor in Tiffany’s life with Degenerative Myelopathy and Dalmatians. Riley is her second dog with this disease.  Her first dog, Dominik, a black and white spotted Dalmatian, was diagnosed with DM at age eight, and died four years later. His treatments consisted of meds, movement therapy and acupuncture. Many of the treatments used today on Riley were not available two years ago. 

In the last several years, great strides have been made in the veterinary world in regard to these kinds of neurological diseases. 

Dr. Ronald Hooley, DVM, and CCRP (Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner) at VCA Woodland South is building a facility to house a special underwater treadmill and rehab area for dogs like Riley. Dr. Heather Owen, DVM at VCA Woodland Central, treats Riley with acupuncture.  Elizabeth Rhodes, Registered Veterinary Technician at VCA Woodland South and certified in Canine Rehabilitation, helps with Electrical Stimulation and physical therapy.  Tiffany  also does his physical therapy, and his massage therapy.

Riley’s treatment is a full time job. It requires a huge emotional and physical commitment by Tiffany. She and her husband have created a “wheelchair friendly” home for Riley, removing furniture and carpets to make for easier access. She must exercise him several times a day in his wheel/harness. He can scoot around her yard and visit with her other dogs as long as someone is there to supervise. Occasionally, his hind legs become tangled and he must be re-adjusted. He eats and drinks from raised bowls. He also can do “his business” outside with some assistance. 

Dr. Hooley and Elizabeth outlined physical therapy treatments for Tiffany to provide at home. They include:

Standing and bearing weight

Walking with Tiffany’s aid, (no wheel chair)

Moving hind limbs in full range of motion

Standing, bearing weight and shifting his weight from one leg to another

Stretching

Swimming at home (Tiffany puts Riley in a life jacket, and supports him while he swims)

Out of his wheelchair, Riley can stand for a few minutes, but he must be supported. Tiffany props him between her legs and lets him put weight on his hind legs. She also moves his back legs in a “walking” position while she supports him. When Riley sleeps and rests, he does so without his contraptions. He uses his upper body to move around.

Since Riley’s disease is degenerative, his extensive physical therapy is designed to maintain muscle strength and prevent further nerve degeneration.

Much of Riley’s treatment is due to Tiffany’s exhaustive research. She is also a Canine Behavior Consultant, so she is well versed in the world of dogs. You might call her Tulsa’s Dog Whisperer.

The most important message from Tiffany is for families to know that there is hope and treatment for dogs with degenerative disease or injury.  

Posted in General Interest, Pet Health, Summer 2008 | No Comments »

Spamela Anderson – a PIG who hit the jackpot

posted April 4th, 2008 by Sherri Goodall

Nancy expected to fall in love with a four-legged, black and white spotted canine who usually sits on fire trucks. Instead, it was love at first sight for a five-pound, four-legged creature with a wiggly snout, perky ears, grey spots on her rump, soft brown eyes, and a curly pink tail and hooves.

Pink ears? Hooves? Grey spots? Doesn’t sound like a Dalmatian to me. Meet Spamela Anderson, a pig who hit the jackpot that day, six years ago.

Spamela was found wandering around with two adult hogs. She weighed five pounds and was just a few weeks old…way too young and fragile to stay at a shelter. Nancy took her home, under the illusion that she would just foster her for a couple of weeks. Little did she know, she would fall in love with the tiny piglet. Nancy has used the adjective “beautiful” to describe her pig. It seems contrary, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Nancy did her homework and got help from the local pig rescue group (yes, there is such an organization), www.hamalot.org. 

As for her name, Nancy’s friend Jim, just popped out with “Spamela Anderson,” an ideal moniker for a beautiful, pink babe!

The little piglet came with assorted issues. One was pig lice, which, fortunately, have an affinity for

pigs only. She also was a rather picky eater. Nancy discovered that Spamela had a yen for Cheerios and strawberries, a perfectly good breakfast. Soon, Spamela outgrew her indoor digs and movedoutside to a pen and then into the barn. In addition to rescuing and training Dalmatians, Nancy and Jim also care for horses, donkeys, sheep and llamas. Spamela became a regular in the Dalmatian’s playgroup, even finding a best friend, Monte. It took a while for Spamela to realize she was a pig, and not a Dalmatian.

In fact, Spamela is a blue-butt Yorkshire cross.

Nancy trains dogs professionally. She knew pigs were smart, so she decided to clicker train Spamela. (This method involves using a clicker to mark and reward desired animal behavior.)  Spamela picked it up immediately. As a youngster, she would sit, lie down, do weave poles (as in agility training), recall, play “touch stick” and bump a soccer ball…all by command. Spamela still has to sit for her dinner and come when she’s called.

As a 500-pound adult, Spamela has become a bit porky to fit between the weave poles. She is about three feet tall at the back and around 5’9” from nose to tail. She does let Nancy ride her.

She now knows she’s a pig and is no longer fussy about her food. Whatever Nancy serves, it is a gourmet delight for Spamela.

The love affair is mutual, by the way. Spamela has a special little grunt for Nancy. One of her favorite tricks is planting a muddy nose print on your backside. No designer jeans, please.

Indeed, Spamela Anderson hit the jackpot. She lives a very nice life, roaming the acreage with the couple’s other four-legged animals. She sleeps in a straw bed in the barn. In the summer, she wallows happily in the cool mud. She also loves to have Nancy scratch her belly.

As a pet, Spamela fits all the specifications: she’s friendly, affectionate, loyal, and funny.

However, Nancy doesn’t recommend pigs/hogs as pets for just anyone. She has plenty of room for Spamela to roam and enough space between neighbors that Spamela’s enthusiastic hollering when it’s dinner time doesn’t disturb anyone.

Nancy chose May 1 (May Day) as Spamela’s birthday, so come May 1st, wish Spamela a Happy Sixth Birthday…and many more!

Posted in General Interest, Spring 2008 | No Comments »

Pooches

posted October 15th, 2007 by Sherri Goodall
Pooches

Have you just walked in the door to find your precious puppy shredding your ficus plant, gnawing your telephone cord, or peeing on your favorite Persian rug?

Your pooch is bored. He/she needs exercise and play time. There are few canine breeds that tolerate being alone, unless they are elderly or ill. Puppies and adult dogs need socialization, and pack awareness.

Would you leave your kid alone all day, with nobody to play with or talk too? Of course not.   Enter POOCHES…day care for your doggie!  Play time, naptime, and socialization while you’re at work or at play yourself!

Tulsa is a pet lover’s town. Nancy and Lawanna, the owners of Pooches, know this. Both worked in the corporate world, but both had dreams of owning a dog-oriented business.   With a background that includes training and showing their own dogs as well as overseeing the local Dalmatian Rescue and volunteering with animal welfare groups, opening Pooches seemed like a natural progression.

Pooches is staffed with trained employees who are ALWAYS with the dogs. Some are vet technicians, some are certified dog trainers, some have backgrounds in animal rescue.   All have experience in safely handling groups of dogs.

. The daycare dogs are divided into different playgroups according to size, age and play style. You won’t find a Yorkie with a Great Dane. Pooches even has a “quiet” or Zen room where shy dogs and mellow dogs can go chill out. If the dogs want to chase each other, yank on a toy, wrestle, or whatever dogs do…it’s all about positive energy. When it’s time for a nap, there are many couches, beds and rugs for the dogs to curl up in. 

At the end of the day, your dog is so pooped, all it wants to do is go home and collapse.

A normal day finds approximately 15 dogs in each of the five indoor play areas at Pooches. In over 5000 square feet of divided space, the dogs have plenty of room to romp, snooze and sniff. Potty breaks are routine. The dogs visit a 2000 square foot privacy fenced area to do their business. 

Just like kindergarten, dogs get individual attention, whether it’s belly rubs, ear scratches, brushing or just hugs and kisses. 

Pooches also provides in-home services, such as behavior training and pet sitting.

If you and your pooch would like to celebrate a birthday, Pooches offers Pet Pawties. Invite your favorite canine friends for treats, games, favors, cake, and the whole shebang.

Want to train your doggie to heel, sit, stay, and come?  Pooches offers obedience training classes.

Address: 2238 E. 56 Pl.
Day care hours: 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday –Friday. Saturdays by appointment.
Visit Poochesplace.com for more information.  Telephone: 398-64K9

Posted in Business Closeups, Fall 2007 | No Comments »

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