Shiba Greetings from Midwest Shiba Inu Rescue
Welcome to the first Midwest Shiba Inu Rescue newsletter! Our team has been working hard to provide the best possible care for our furry foster friends and are excited to share their stories with you. From heartwarming adoption success stories to upcoming events, our newsletter will keep you in the loop. Thank you for joining us on this journey!
Foster Dior - A Cry for Help
When we first met sweet Dior, we knew we had to help. This snuggly, loving gal was unable to use one of her back legs. The vet confirmed our fears; an untreated injury in her past left her with a severely twisted knee and scar tissue.
The orthopedic surgeon is hopeful that we will not need to amputate her leg. Luxation surgery is happening today (December 5) followed by physical therapy to resolve her daily pain and inability to use her leg. As you can imagine, Dior’s medical care costs are skyrocketing.
At just 3 years old, Dior doesn’t let her daily pain keep her from loving her foster family, being gentle with her toddler friend, and playing with her foster family. Can you help us help Foster Dior?
Did You Know…
Even those of us who have had shibas for a long while can always learn something new. Here’s a couple timely things you may not know!
Preventatives Year Round
A strong El Niño is predicted to be in place till spring - meaning those of us in the midwest might enjoy a warmer-than average winter! But that also means those nasty fleas & ticks will be around. Don’t skimp on protection just because it’s “winter” - please use preventatives year round!
Table Snacks are Big Trouble
If your dog seems to be holding an extended ‘downward dog’ position, they likely are having abdominal pain. It happens a lot this year as we indulge and slip a little extra something from the table to our pets. In fact, veterinarians report gastroenteritis is the #1 reason for emergency vet visits around the holidays. Spare your pet that pain (and keep some cash in your wallet) - do not give pets any human food, even if you think it’s “safe.”
Have an idea for a good tip to share or a question you’d like us to answer? Send us an email: jess@shibarescue.org. If we choose your tip or question for our next newsletter, we’ll send you a little something special from our shiba swag vault!
Congratulations to our Newest Alumns!
We started December off with three fantastic adoptions this past weekend!
Alumn Sunny (Formerly Foster Cooper)
This naughty little puppy is off to wreak havoc in Omaha with his new humans Alexis and Brian and has new canine siblings Hank and Lola. We cannot wait to see all the photos of your antics as you grow. Congratulations to you and your new family (and best wishes on the training!)
Alumn Ellie (Formerly Foster Barbie)
Congratulations to long-time volunteers the Richmond family on the addition of Ellie to their family! Ellie’s foster family said that you are just a perfect match and we couldn’t be happier for all of you.
Alumn Winston (Formerly Foster August)
You may remember August, the foster who took a self-guided tour around Madison, WI this fall - we are over the moon to share he and his new family, the Figgs, are taking long walks together in their quiet Indianapolis-area neighborhood. Welcome to the good life, Winston.
And a hearty congratulations to the other 62 adoptions this year! We are so happy to have you part of this amazing crew of shiba fanatics.
Volunteer Spotlight
Today we want to recognize our amazing home visit team - without them, we could not possibly exist. In 2023, they have completed over 125 home visits - and they are not done yet!
Led by Home Visit Coordinator Teresa Thomas, this wonderful group of people have perfected the art of doing timely, virtual home visits for families applying to foster or adopt. A hearty thank you goes the people who helped out in 2023:
Heather Fox
Julie Milford
Kat Bleser
Laurel Schulert
Lesley Hause
Morgan Stanoch
RiAnna Kalovsky
Are you ready to volunteer?
Many other volunteer roles are out there! Do you like to evaluate dogs? Are you a great fundraiser? Maybe you just like to drive? Learn more and apply to help!
Gone but Not Forgotten
In the quiet corners of our hearts,
A shiba inu's memory imparts.
A loyal friend, now gone from sight,
Yet in our thoughts, a guiding light.
With fur as soft as autumn's breeze,
And eyes that held such heartfelt ease,
A faithful companion, pure and true,
Left paw prints on the paths we knew.
A Message from our President
Your incredible generosity means the world to us - it helps these pups smoothly transition into foster care and eventually find their furever homes. Your donations are the lifeline that keeps us saving more and more shibas!
In 2023, we've spent $62k on our fosters. Most of this goes directly to medical bills, but also covers food, meds, preventatives, and supplies.
We kindly ask for your support by considering a donation to MSIR. Your contribution makes a tremendous difference. Thank you for your continued generosity!