Welcome to SWIVL

Charlie’s Story

On Wednesday, May 6th as I watched our local veterinarian try to save the life of a small feral kitten a woman came into the house with a small white poodle dog in her arms.  I asked if the dog belonged to her and she said, No, this is just a little foundling. I asked the woman what was a foundling.  She replied that is what she calls a dog she finds wandering around in the desert.  As I looked at this dog, I saw sad eyes, extremely long nails, and runny mucus filled eyes.  With my kitten secure, Dr Robinson took the dog from the woman and started to wash his eyes, rinse his ears, trim his nails and clean his raw paw pads.

 

Since we had done everything possible that night for my little feral kitten, it was time to go home and hope for the best.   When I got up to leave, I asked the woman if she was going to keep the dog and she said, No, she wanted to find him a good home.  As I drove home, I remembered someone I knew (Mary) was looking for a small dog.  The only problem was she wanted a female and this little foundling was a male.  But I thought she might be willing to take a male, so arrangements were made for the two of them to meet.

 

When Mary met the little foundling -- magic happened.  She named the little foundling Charlie Brown. Mary took Charlie home and bought him a new doggie bed, took him to the vet to get medicine for his eyes, ears and paws. Charlie had lots of love and attention and a mom who loved him very much.   The two were inseparable.  Each day Charlie was getting better and soon he was well enough to go to the doggie park and play with his friend Dudley and other dogs.   Charlie was happy and loved. 

But one day, Charlie’s unknown health history began to catch up with his new life.  Charlie’s was not responding to his medicine and his eyes began to swell shut.  The vet thought Charlie might be going blind and recommended Charlie’s mom take him to a specialist.  Mary never hesitated, she wanted the best for him and hoped he would get better and once again be able to play with the other dogs at the park.

 

But that did not happen.  Little Charlie got worse and finally could not walk. Mary had to make a decision. She decided to do the compassionate thing and let Charlie go to play with all the dogs in doggie heaven.  

 

Charlie died Tuesday, August 18, 2009.

 

Even though Charlie Brown only lived three short months with his companion mom, he touched the lives of so many ... We all miss you, Charlie and hope that all your pain is gone and you are once again happy.   By Dr. K. Wishnick, SWIVL Executive Director

Transforming Relationships with Animals

Compassion Begins at Home – Dogs have cognitive abilities, emotional lives, feel pain, and know what it's like to suffer.  Dogs help humans in natural disasters, find our lost children, help us when we can’t see or hear, and love us unconditionally.  Dogs provide a warm touch to lonely seniors, friendship to those without friends, and warmth to those who have been left in the cold.  As humans, we can learn a great deal from our old friends.  We can also renew those values and ideals that define who we are.  Dogs can teach us many things, including loyalty, commitment, freedom and most important compassion. Read Jeffrey Masson.

 

The Human-Companion Dog Connection – Conventional wisdom suggests that dogs are dependent on humans for their existence.  The truth is that the dog-human relationship is interdependent and symbiotic. Yes, dogs are dependent on their human companions for food, water and safety.  However, once these psychological and safety needs are met both humans and their dog companions can provide each other with love, affection, and belongingness.  As a result personal value and esteem are increased and a social relationship is developed based on a mutually shared self-respect and self-confidence. While the scientific community tends to dismiss the social and psychological value of human-dog relationships, a growing body of evidence is beginning to show how beneficial companion dogs can be for society.    

 

End the Abuse – While SWIVL applauds elected officials that promote severe punishments for those who abuse our companion animals, SWIVL believes that the long term solution to animal abuse rests with our families and schools.  Click here if you agree and are prepared to join with SWIVL and bring humane education to our schools and communities.

 

SWIVL Welcomes Manny – Like so many dogs that are either deserted or neglected, Manny – an eight month old pup, spent his time under porches, begging for food, and searching for a friendly face.  Manny will no longer need to worry where he will sleep, when he will be fed, or who will love him. For about 10 days, Manny was isolated from the other SWIVL dogs.  During this time, Manny was tested to determine if he was healthy.  He was also neutered.  Once Manny received a clean bill of health, it was time to have him meet his new canine family.  SWIVL has a dog park of about 2 acres which acts as a neutral territory.  While there was some eyeballing, posturing, and agitation, no one growled or exhibited any serious aggression.  Soon, Manny and his new friends, Lucky, Blondie and BB – all previously abandoned dogs – were running around and playing with each other.

 

Help SWIVL Help More Mannys – To rescue abandoned dogs, like Manny, is a costly proposition: blood tests, X-rays, examinations, etc.  Often, emotional problems accompany the physical problems requiring length rehabilitation.  Your tax deductible contribution is appreciated.  No contribution is too small.

SWIVL Rescues Baby Pigs

Two 3-month-old, female Yorkshire production pigs are the newest residents at SWIVL. The pigs, which fell off of a packing truck, were left for dead by the meat packing company.  Dr. Kathleen Wishnick, SWIVL Director, drove to California to rescue the pigs and bring them to their new home.  Caren McNew DeMetre, a SWIVL volunteer, assisted Kathleen on the trip from California to Southern Arizona - the home of SWIVL.  Kathleen, commenting on her 18 hour trip to pick up the pigs, stated that pigs are intelligent and emotional nonhuman animals that are raised in some of the most deplorable conditions, only to be painfully slaughtered when they reach adulthood. They, like all sentient beings, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. 

The two baby pigs join SWIVL’s 15 goats, nine dogs, 10 cats, and one guinea pig as permanent residents. The new pigs will be part of the SWIVL humane education program.  Unlike so many school programs that ignore the intrinsic value of pigs and other farmed animals, SWIVL will offer a balanced curriculum that provides hands-on experiences based on compassion and ViolenceFree. 

Lucky Lady Truly has Nine Lives

Lucky Lady truly has nine lives.  Thanks to quick action by SWIVL Director, Dr. Kathleen Wishnick, a tiny little kitten is alive, healthy, and purrs when you hold her close to your heart.  According to Kathleen, she thought the worst when she came upon the tiny little kitten.  The baby kitten was found in a pool of blood, barely breathing, and close to death. Picking the kitten up into her arms, Dr. Wishnick drove quickly to the local Arivacan veterinarian, Dr. Lyle Robinson.  Dr. Robinson took immediate action and quickly determined that the young cat was pregnant with a still born baby.  Dr. Robinson operated on the kitten with Kathleen assisting.  Five hours after Kathleen found the little kitten, surgery was completed and it was waiting time.  Kathleen asked if she would be okay and Dr. Robinson responded by saying   .   .   .   Let’s see if she makes it through the night.  During her first few days, the tiny kitten made slow but steady progress and after one week she had turned the corner.  After three weeks of constant care, medication, and most of all love, Lucky Lady, as she came to be called, was full of life.  Yes, Lucky Lady is very lucky and most important; she has a permanent, safe home with SWIVL.

Eleven Goat Family Joins SWIVL

A family of 11 goats has joined SWIVL: 6 babies and 5 adults.  The new goat family joins a family of four that came to SWIVL in November, 2008.  Both families have adjusted to each other and occasionally share a dinner meal. The new goats were about to be sold off to the highest bidder without any regard for the relationships and bonds established in the 11 goat family.

For SWIVL, family is a universal concept and is not limited to the human community.  Family is indivisible and is an expression of life itself. Without family, life cannot exist. Family is a process for creating and becoming a place for love and compassion – where life begins, develops and thrives.  As humans we have a responsibility to protect the sanctity of the family, regardless of format, structure, or species.  Further, once we begin to distinguish the human family from the families of other sentient beings, we diminish the overall value of families everywhere and should not be surprised if the human family begins to have a corresponding deterioration.   In other words, we cannot hold the idea of family as the centerpiece of the human community if we so carelessly disregard the importance of family within the web of life. 

Humane Education Program

The SWIVL goats will be part of a school-to-community humane education program. As part of this program, students, with their parents and teachers, will (1) Learn about the history of goats; (2) Investigate how goats socialize with other goats and animals; (3) Research goats as a companion animal, the pluses and minuses, and (4) Explore how goats have been portrayed in the world of literature.  A state certified SWIVL teacher will work closely with parents and teachers to insure that state standards are part of the humane education curriculum.   Contact SWIVL if you would like more information about humane education for your school or family. 

Goats, Capra hircus, are extremely social, playful, intelligent sentient beings.  Too often, however, goats are treated as machines – considered to have no sensual or emotional life.  Goats enjoy both the company of their own species as well as humans.  Goats are even tempered and make wonderful companions.  You are encouraged to share your ideas and opinions.   Click here to become a Goat Central Author.

Your support to help these animals is needed at this time.  All contributions go directly to support the animals and the school-to-community program for children.  SWIVL has no paid staff and no contributions go to administrative costs.  Tax deductible donations are needed to build fencing and shelter and provide veterinary care and food.  Click here to make a private and secure donation.

Do You Really want a Dog?

Before you decide to look for that companion dog, please review the following questions.  If you answer no to any of the questions you may want to consider buying a pet rock.

1. Will you look for your new friend at the local pound or shelter?

2. Are you ready to be awakened in the middle of the night because your new companion is afraid or lonely?

3. Will you keep your new friend in the house and not outside?

4. Will you make sure your dog has all his/her vaccinations and visits the veterinary for regular check-ups?

5. Will you provide a heartworm pill to your dog each month?

6. Will you make sure that your new companion always has clean water, healthy food, regular exercise, and play toys?

7. Will you always be willing to receive and give a big kiss and hug to your new dog?

8. Will you spay or neuter your new dog as soon as appropriate?

Source: swivl

If you answered Yes to these questions you are worthy of the unconditional love you will receive from your new, best friend.

There are Angels Among Us

There are angels among us – individuals who care for the most helpless and vulnerable in society. These individuals are foster parents. They care for children and companion animals – they extend a hand to those in need. SWIVL works with individuals and families to become companion animal foster parents. What better way to create a healthy family environment?

Why Foster Parents are Needed?

• Foster parents provide shelters for many companion animals that would otherwise be killed.

• Foster parents provide sick and injured animals with the additional care, time, and medication they need to recover.

• Foster parents provide the emotional care to animals that have suffered previous fear or stress based situations that the animals may have encountered in the past.

• Foster parents provide special care to kittens and puppies, which have special needs such as diet and frequent feeding schedules.

Being a Foster Parent is a Teaching and Learning Experience

• Children see compassion in action..

• Children observe their parents as caring, responsible citizens.

• Children witness the value of unconditional love.

• Children develop responsible, accountable behaviors.

Contact SWIVL if you would like to offer a kitten, puppy, dog, or cat a temporary home and become a foster parent. Foster parents are very special – most of the time invisible – always caring and compassionate.

Being a foster parent is an opportunity to care for a dog or cat that isn't yet ready for adoption. It is an alternative for those who cannot make a long-term commitment, but would still like to help homeless companion animals in need.

When society turns its back on the pain and suffering of our companion animals, we turn our back on everything that is good about our humanity. On the other hand, when we reach out to our companion animals we are enriched as a species.

Here's Bella - Bella was a foster dog, passed from one family to the next – never fitting in. Bella is a gentle, friendly dog that never found the right fit with a family. As a chow mix, many families were not comfortable with her even though she never showed any aggressive signs. Dogs, like Bella, make wonderful companion animals for families.  Unfortunately, a growing number of individuals believe that a pure breed is their dog of choice.  If the goal is to have a loving companion – a companion that will show love and commitment every single day – dogs like Bella are waiting for you.  SWIVL found Bella and decided that her days of search for a family were over. She was a perfect fit with all the other permanent members of the SWIVL family.

I smell the past. I see the present. I feel the future.

Special pats, tummy rubs, perfect treats, and friendly voices – all gone. No warm bed, or early morning surprises, or cover from the rain.

You looked around and there were no friendly faces staring back. First up, then to the left, then to the right, then up again – no one.

I moved a little bit and then stopped. I backed up. I move again and my neck hurt – hurt bad. I picked my legs up and moved to the side – stopped in my tracks. Something was wrong with me. I decided to sit still and think. I could not see my neck but I felt something – something tight. I got up to move – this time full speed – and oh boy, I fell back, fast on my head. I got up, tried again, and again, again, and again . . . running in a perfect circle . . . going as fast as I could . . . making no progress . . . what's wrong with me?

It was another rainy, early morning in Sacramento, California. The rain made everything feel clean and fresh. She was sitting next to a white fence, in front of a simple house on a common block at the beginning of an average day. She was frightened, confused, and most of all alone. Yesterday, this white and black – blue eye – brown eye puppy was with her family – safe and sound, with play on her mind, yet maturing quickly to appreciate the love she found each day.

I smell the past. I see the present. I feel the future. Am I lucky?

There was no water by her - just a little food. There was no note, no message, no witness to her past, no memory for those who might come by. She was left by a person with no name, who tied her to a fence - hands washed of her, no remorse, or guilt.

The little tiny dog moved her face to see the morning. She could see the house – no people. She could see the street – no dogs. She pulled as hard as she could to see but there was no more to see. She barked, softly and then with all her might; a loud bark for all to hear. She waited and made her sound once more.

Somewhere people were getting dressed, ready to go to work, to school, to the gym, to see a friend, to have their coffee, to ride a bus, to be caught in traffic . . . She did not know about the news, the economy, the laws, the courts, the police. She did not know what TV or radio was about. She was not familiar with the world around her – only her family and that was gone.

I smell the past. I see the present. I feel the future. Am I lucky?

Did anyone think about her? Did they know where she was? Were they on their way to find her? Would they take her home? Would they give her some water, some food, some treats, some love?

She did not know about time: hours, minutes, and seconds were all the same. But that was a good thing . . . because she was tied up for many hours.

**

Everything changed between the dark and the light. With the new light came the change. There was pulling and noise and crying. It was wet and cold when things changed. Up-side-down, boxed-in, no room to move. Everything changed.

A long time passed. The sun was warm and that was good. With the warmth, she felt worthy and noble again. She was hopeful, happy, and singing to herself. She closed her eyes and imagined so many good things.

I smell the past. I see the present. I feel the future. Please make me lucky.

We can only imagine about the person who left her: man or woman, old or young, sad or happy. Did the person think about her? Did the person still exist?

**

The tiny Merle was found around 6:00 am. She was tied to a white picket fence with a little food and no water. She was pick-up, dried off, and swept into our arms. That was four years ago.

Today she smells the past, and sees the present, and feels the future.

We named her Lucky.

Rescuing Dudley

Imagine you are in the back seat of a car, hearing kind and loving voices, and looking forward to the most wonderful of wonderful things, a morning car ride.  The window is open, you hair is blowing and the cool breeze makes you feel good all over.  You feel secure, loved, and fulfilled.  Then, without any warning you are grabbed, pulled, and pushed to the ground.  You struggle, and try to fight back.  Where are your friends?  Where are the people that love you?  Why is this happening?  Before you realize what has occurred, you look straight out to see the car driving away – the car that just a few moments before was your sanctuary, your safe place. 

Suddenly, you feel okay.  You think this must be a mistake.  Surely, you are confused.  After all, you are a dog and they are humans.  You don’t understand human behavior.  Then, as quick as the good feelings came they leave - your world is closing in on you – fast, faster, gone.  You stand, sit, lie, and wait.

Slowly, you open your eyes, you here friendly voices – children – and hope to see a familiar face.  You listen closely an open your eyes wide, hoping that your ordeal has been a bad dream.  You slowly turn around.  You are confused.  You do your best to review what has happened - to understand and make some dog-sense out of it.   You stand, shake the dust and the dirt off, and move towards the children holding your hope close to your heart.  Two little girls quickly pat your head, someone brings you water, and for the moment you are okay, again. 

Is it a boy or girl? Here boy, He’s so cute, I’m going to take him home. No collar.  How did he get here?  What’s his name?  My mom won’t let me keep him.  We already have a dog.  I got to get home. See you later boy.

Alone, the sky starts to change and the sun is ready to leave.  It is time to take cover, place your loneliness aside, and head for the nearest bush.    You turn around, a quick 180, and sprint for the thick area of mesquite trees, overgrown plants and layers of brush.  You run full speed and push your way deep into brush, lower yourself and stay in silence.   For the second time since you came to this new place you close your eyes. 

You wake and move quickly.  You are on a mission – to find something to eat.  Running to the other side of the road there are buildings where you hope to find some kindness.  For some reason, which you do not understand, a large man speaks to you and places a plate of food in front of your face.  It does not smell the best but you are hungry and only hesitate for a second.  You think to yourself – this is good and just as you take your first bite, you look up - just in time - to see a bigger than big four legged running right at you.  Without a second to spare, you dash under the closest car and move quickly from side to side attempting to stay out of the range from your four legged foe.   Beneath the car is a thick, dark, greasy substance.  Your hair is now black and filled with leaves, thorns, and lots and lots of dirt.

From the back of the car, you hear someone yell, “Here Blackie” and your foe leaves and for the moment you can relax.  You look out from beneath the car to see that the food is gone.  You realize, it is really hot, and you are really dirty, and you start to cry.  Frightened, dirty, tired, and lonely, you pull yourself out from your safe haven and run for the nearest space between the buildings.  While you sit, you realize how hungry you are and for the first time, you have a funny feeling – a feeling you have never experienced and you are frightened.  You are ready to give up.

The light slowly comes in.  You can’t remember if you stayed here all night or if you walked around.  Either way, you’re too tired to get up.  You close your eyes and start to dream.  You are in the back seat, you feel the cool air, your tummy is full, and you feel good all over.   Your human friend turns around and gives you a wink.  She stretches to pick you up.  She pets you and breathes kisses on you.  You slowly open your eyes but something’s wrong.  You can’t feel the ground.  Are you still dreaming?  You now feel hands, and kind words.  You look up and see a wonderful smile and a face to match.  You realize quickly - this is no dream. 

SWIVL found Dudley running between buildings, frighten and dirty. Hundreds of dogs and cats are dumped in the desert and left to die.  Dudley was one of the lucky ones found by SWIVL.  Dudley is now in a new, loving home.  He will never be alone or afraid again.  Dudley is loved.