Refuge News

Refuge Gallery

February 2010

Ella is not a Russell Refuge rescue terrier but is owned by the person who runs the Pause Dog Boutique here in Rhinebeck. They are constantly doing some sort of fund raiser for the Refuge. A couple of weeks ago they did a Pause & Relax evening with an animal communicator with Ursula as the canine massage therapist and a local dog trainer. She accepted 12 dogs at 50.00 each and each dog got a 15 minute session with the three professionals. It was filled and we got 350.00 after she paid the expenses. Little Ella is giving kisses for Valentine's Day with all proceeds coming to the Refuge. Cute... isn't she?

January 2010

Happy New Year to all of our Refuge supporters! We’ve started the year off with some wonderful adoptions. Our timid and nervous Darla found her forever home as did Penny, Buddy and a few short term residents. Thank you to those sterling homes who started 2010 with a bang.

Our sincere thanks for all of the wonderful Christmas boxes of dog cookies (many that were home made) and the fleece blankets that keep the dogs warm and wash so easily. And for the tennis balls and chewies and the squeaky toys that, to our delight, were eviscerated in minutes. Expect every JRT owner can relate to the joy of watching the stuffing flying! Not that we need any "snow" cover as we have been experiencing a deep freeze. And though the Snuggler coats keep our charges warm and toasty, they are not all that happy about having to go for their walks over snow and ice. Of course, we suspect that they find our efforts to keep ourselves warm by bundling up against the below freezing temps a bit amusing. :-) No doubt we're all looking forward to the Spring or at least some melting of the snow/ice pack.

Remember Miles? The young terrier with the badly broken leg? Look at him now enjoying a romp on the beach and being held close by his new owners. If it had not been for all of you who contributed to his surgery, Miles would not have found his forever home. We took the chance and you supported us in our quest to help. Thank you ALL for helping us help Miles. This would never have happened without all of YOU!!!!

We look forward to hearing from all our supporters; your stories and pictures make us smile. Wishes for warmer weather and fewer homeless dogs. When you are ready to bring another terrier into your life, we hope you'll consider adopting one. We'll all be waiting...

Thank you from all of the Refuge volunteers

Late December 2009

It's late at night and all the terriers are snuggled in their beds. The wonderful dog houses that so many of you donated the year before last are working beautifully. They are insulated like a human home and our volunteers Fred and Ilene added more insulation inside the roofs to prevent heat from escaping. The houses have heaters in them and the dogs really seem to like them.

We are at more than full capacity. Every year I say we are going to keep the dogs to a minimum for winter and every year we seem to be inundated with emergency surrenders or strays just when we think it looks as though the shelter is going to be manageable.

Christmas has arrived here at the Refuge with gifts to all the dogs from you caring folks. Blankets, toys, treats, enough for all the little waifs! I'm saving some for Christmas day and hope to make it really specialfor them. The much needed monetary gifts keep them in quality food and veterinary care, propane heat etc.

I wish you all could get to know the dogs as I do. Despite the little Jack Russell quirks that some of them have, they are all special in their own way. Dear Agatha continues to wait for a home. She simply needs to be an only pet. She is a bit oversized and has beautiful eyes. It's not unusual for her to extend her paw through the wire to touch you. Cody continues to wait as well. He is another with beautiful eyes. Cody needs a special sort of home, that is relatively quiet with limited visitors. He will love with every fiber of his being.

There are so many... Missy a fire cracker of a little girl, Harriet another active girl, Nala and Zachara a "married" pair that truly love each other, Rocky and Jazzy another pair, and the list goes on.

Of course there are the "lifers" like dear Stella the feral dog, Princess with her little limp in her back leg, Sweetie who lives up to her name, Bandit who is happy no matter what, Ashley who continues to snuggle under her comforter collection and a host of others. We also have a few interesting mixes for adoption. There is not a dog here that I could not live with. They just need the "right" person with the right situation.

Well...it's time for bed. Just wanted you to know that everyone is warm and tucked in. I am so grateful to all of you for your kindness to the terriers. We could not do it without your dedicated support. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and wish you a warm and happy holiday filled with terrier love.

Dale - President/Russell Refuge

Standing from left: Susan, Ilene, Fred, Helen; Crouching from left: Anita, Pauline, Dale

Early December 2009

'Tis the holiday season and with it we got some early snow and cold weather - so we're all bundled up at the Refuge and ready for the Nordic blasts to continue. We had some great adoptions in early December, so check out the Adoption Success page. We are taking a quiet rest for the holidays before we swing open our adoption doors again for 2010. Still please submit your application to adopt a Refuge Jack Russell Terrier so that we can be ready when the holiday festivities are over.

Do not forget the Refuge JRTs this December, their wishes are for beef bones and squeaky toys. We always welcome gift cards for Petsmart where we buy our dog food. Despite the cold weather, the terriers appetites continue to be impressive!

This is the time of year that we receive great pictures and cards from our many adopted Jack Russells and their people and enjoy reading the activities they partake in and the warm beds they get to snuggle in. Please consider opening your heart to a Refuge Jack Russell that needs a home. Some of our Jack Russells have been waiting for quite some time for their person and we know that there are great homes out there waiting to take them in. Write us to find out more about the terriers that are not on the web site and to talk about some that you would like to get to know more - we can't tell you all the wonderful things about our Jack Russells on the web site but can certainly fill you in if you get in touch. You might be surprised how one might just be the perfect match; you can't judge a book by its cover.

We wish you all a lovely holiday, a fabulous blast into the New Year. Thank you all for your continued support, your willingness to help, to stay in touch. Our new monthly donations feature has been a tremendous hit and a much welcomed safety support for the Refuge. We are grateful for even the smallest amount - it all adds up in support of our mission to help the many Jack Russells that wander through these gates.

May all the dogs have a bone under the tree, may all the needy dogs find their forever homes, and may we continue to be blessed with wonderful homes reaching out to open their hearts to a Jack Russell Terrier in need. Hold your dogs tight, give them warmth and love, tell them they are the lucky ones, and bless you all from all the volunteers at the Refuge.

Pauline Clark

November 2009

Winter is closing in on the Refuge and the terriers feel it in the air and have more energy than during the hot summer. We spent a few days winterizing the kennels, putting up new roofs and dog doors, wrapping the kennels with tarps and Fred (a Refuge volunteer) made new heating elements for the doghouses. The snugglers are all washed and mended thanks to a volunteer handy with the sewing machine. The crates are all lined with all of your generous quilts, comforters and blankets. Boxes of toys are ready for entertainment for the Refuge Jack Russell Terriers when the cold gets to be too much.

As you all have read in Dale's latest update, Stormy has crossed the rainbow bridge; a sad note to the start of winter. We shall all hope that he is chasing rabbits once again with all of the strength he needs in those hind legs that failed him in the end.

Miles has an update on his page, and continues to recuperate day by day. He loves other dogs, and is rooming with a small but loud little JRT female. She keeps him (and us) on our toes!

We have been very busy this past summer with many surrenders and several emergencies... all ended well. We have a full house so please remember that an adoption is the most rewarding thing you can do. It helps us find homes so that we do not have too many dogs fighting the cold in NY. Check out some of the new faces on the adoption page. Please note that not all of our Jack Russell Terriers are posted on our site so we might just have the right match for you!

The holidays are coming up and we ask our supporters to think of the Refuge Jack Russells in any way you feel you can help - toys, bedding, food coupons, gift certificates or even a small donation. We now have a monthly donation program to make it easy for anyone wanting to help us out with monthly installments.

We continue to appreciate all your e-mails, pictures, notes and Jack Russell stories, the joy of those that have found their forever homes, and the kind support that all of you have for our Refuge. Please stay in touch - we'll update again soon when the first flurries fly. Please remember to check out our lovely Jack Russell print, a great gift for a fellow Jack Russell Terrier lover, or yourselves, and a huge support for the Jack Russells at the Refuge. Time to start finding those warm sweaters and coats and get out those walking shoes to keep warm with your dogs.

Happy tails from all the Refuge volunteers.

Pauline Clark

October 2009

It's been two weeks since my little Stormy took his last breath in my arms. He was comfortable, secure and had a sedative which relaxed him as he just snuggled down for what he thought was a cozy nap. He had lived several weeks past what the vet had given him the day I adopted him from the shelter. I knew he was ill and it was confirmed by the vet who diagnosed a tumor next to his spinal column. This aggressive form of cancer had already invaded two vertebrae and he had difficulty walking.

Ursula and Stormy

Large daily doses of steroids perked him up and although we had pain killers for him, he never appeared to need them. His attitude was a happy one. He ate well and seemed to enjoy the love and attention he received here. One of his favorite things was to lay on my lap in the warm early morning sun. We spent many mornings in this manner. The inevitable finally arrived and one morning my dear little guy could not get up. I held him up, but as soon as I released my hold, he would collapse. I did not want him to suffer the indignities of a paralyzed dog.

His all white coat was curly and he looked much like a little lamb. Dear little lamb. I kissed him over and over and told him how wonderful he was. Stormy was buried here on the farm next to my other departed beloved terriers. Such a short time of finally receiving the care and love he so deserved. This little stray... with us for only a little while... but oh what a mark he left on my heart. His calm, kind, demeanor told me that he forgave whomever it was that tossed him out on the street as a stray in his final years. He was more saintly than most humans could ever be.

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Dale Mountan

July 2009

Summer is coming into its final month and we have had a busy July, if not a very soggy one. The Jack Russell Terriers in the Refuge are not sure whether August dog days will be better than July pond days. Quite a summer...

Lots of new news at the Refuge. We have had quite some great adoptions take place, we have been busy and some dogs never even made it onto the website, so we have had a successful summer finding great JRT homes. Our one eyed Buddy is finding his new home in NJ and we have a new pup called Miles that is asking for supporter help with surgery for his broken left leg.

Our most touching story comes from Dale regarding Stormy who was abandoned at a New York flea market and brought to the local shelter.

Stormy is an elderly terrier who can not walk. He is very thin, with no muscle mass and just is a sad little scared Jack Russell. He was taken to the vet immediately with a diagnosis of a quick growing tumor on his spinal cord. Stormy, our new Starlight terrier, is now safe and sound. After two days of medication, he is able to walk a little to go out. He can climb out the dog door and is able to wag his tail at the sight of a Refuge volunteer. He can't lift his legs to go up onto the dog bed but we have padded the floor with down bedding, warm flannel fuzzies and plush toys (all from our supporters). As you can see from his picture, he is a pretty Jack Russell, soft and so full of love and kisses. In the little time he has left at the Refuge, he will enjoy being indulged, spoiled and loved. Human touch will not be lacking. When he can no longer be joyful, he will move on to a safe and quiet place.

Each print is signed, numbered and titled by the artist, Gillian Harris.

Some Ultimate Shopping News

We have a very special limited edition Jack Russell print available for $150. We have 10 of this print, titled "Worker's Playtime", of the 850 produced.

The coloring is tremendous, the action and movement rendered precise. Once framed, this 18"x22" picture will surely take pride of place in your home. Please contact us for more information on how to order.

If we can find some dry days we hope to post Jack Russell antic pictures - more news to come soon. Thanks again for all your support, from all the volunteers at the Refuge.

Pauline Clark

May 2009

Many of you are familiar with the Jack Russell calendar that I produced for twenty years. If so, you are aware that the 2009 edition is the last. We also carried a number of quality products, such as dog coats, collars, stationery, etc. As Jasper's name and legacy is very dear to my heart, I could not sell the business and take the chance that Jasper's name may in the future represent an inferior product.

Jasper Publications Inc has therefore donated all remaining merchandise to Russell Refuge Inc. All proceeds will benefit the terriers here at the Refuge. Please take a look at the items available and know that your purchase will bring housing and love, as well as another chance to the deserving little waifs in our care. If the merchandise continues to sell there is a good possibility that we can continue to carry your favorite products for the benefit of the terriers. Go to the catalog page now! Times are difficult everywhere. Purchases, no matter how small are helpful and welcome.

Also, please know that I haven't forgotten you wonderful folks that have been so generous, enabling us to keep Russell Refuge and it's guests well cared for and happy until that special home comes along.

We've had some very successful placements lately and continue to be optimistic! Due to spending most of my time with the terriers themselves, I often don't take the time to let you know how grateful I am for your help. So I tell you now....I AM GRATEFUL!!!

Bless you....

Dale Mountan

March 2009

February came in like a blast of bad news, cold cold weather, many needy dogs trying to come to the Refuge from all over the East Coast, and far too few people ready to open their hearts to a Refuge Jack Russell Terrier. We've had a break from winter this past week, still low temperatures but lots of sun and a chance for all that ice and snow to melt so the dogs could take their walkies without skidding on the paths. We continue to receive wonderful blankets and bath mat donations, which will set us up well for next winter, and some of our wonderful regular supporters have been terrific with donations of food gift cards. With the prices steadily climbing that was a relief. The forever-hungry Jack Russells thank you!!!

The many toys we received over the holidays proved a great asset in the cold weather we've been experiencing, and it might be time to put out a request for more soon. With Jack Russells they certainly do not last long. The frenzy to eviscerate squeaky toys, rubber bones and tennis balls may offer much fun but certainly does not leave many intact. But that's the purpose of toys!! The days are getting longer, so we're all looking forward to the dogs romping in the grassy field again and going for long ice-free walks. The mail brought some wonderful pictures and cards from our many Jack Russells that have found their forever homes, showing jack antics played for their new families, keeping them active and happy and their owners on their toes!

We hope we can find some more terrific only dog homes. I ask all of you who visit the site to consider carefully whether you could not take in an only dog Jack Russell. There are so many great characters at the Refuge but they seem to be passed by. With no Jack Russells leaving for those homes we are unable to take in any more needy JRTs and we've been getting 3-6 emails a day of people looking to place their dogs with us. We are turning so many away, and ask that all of you please consider opening your home to an active companion.

As I write this I think of the many people who are in touch with us via the website, the many stories and pictures they send and the many questions we answer from those asking for help. We even hear from people as far away as Australia and Dubai who share a common JRT thread. Sometimes though, with all this correspondence my e-mails get sent before I'm finished typing because one of my 8 Jack Russells steps on the keyboard. How is that possible? Look for yourself at the picture of my desk!!! Basking in the morning or afternoon sun, they see squirrels foraging on the bird feeders and the keyboard is not spared. This terrific crew are the "unadoptable" Refuge Jack Russells - they have found their forever home in my heart and they DO keep our house active. Please visit the site often; when the first sign of spring comes we hope to post some pictures of the Refuge crew. With warm thoughts to push the winter along, all the volunteers and the Jack Russells at the Refuge thank you for keeping us on your computer.

Pauline Clark