pugsnknits

OLIVER IS READY!!

2010-03-18T12:53:00.000-07:00

My sweet rescue Oliver the pittie who I found on my front porch back in early October is now ready for his forever home. John Sibley (an animal handler for Best Friends Animal Society) has been taking care of Oliver, teaching him all the manners he needs to make some blessed family very happy. (john has taken Oliver on as a personal/private foster and Oliver is not part of the Best Friends organization). please check out Johns Blog with all the good news on Oliver and his updates. If you think you might be the perfect home for Oliver, you can contact John or myself. We can work out transport anywhere in the country for the right person.

http://foryourentertainment.blogspot.com/

Oliver the pit on the Radio

2010-01-19T12:05:00.000-08:00

Bark Radio did an interview with me and John Sibley (Oliver's new foster dad) about Oliver the pit bull.....take a listen.....

oliver radio interview

Neglected Chinese Sharpei Dog with Mange saved from Death

2010-01-11T06:11:00.000-08:00

This little girl, number A016657, was in serious trouble, as she was in Wichita City Shelter, KS, which is a high kill shelter.

She was depressed, alone, unloved and in pain. She was scheduled to be put to sleep.

I spotted this poor girl and I couldn't just let it go, i had to do something! I had to try and save number A016657. I called everyone and did everything, I could think of to help her, including putting a photo up on twitter with repeated pleas for help. One of my pleas included the words 'we can help her i just know it! who can get her?'

And sure enough, the tweets and retweets finally found the heart of an equally caring soul, who fell instantly in love with number A016657 and, despite all the unknowns, stepped forward immediately with an offer to adopt.

Number A016657 was no longer just a number. She became 'Angel' a much loved rescue dog and Operation "Rescue Angel" (KS Sharpei) was soon under way.

I pulled Angel from the shelter at the eleventh hour and took her straight to a very rescue orientated and kind vet's for assessment, treatment and care.

at the vets

Getting a bath and conditioning treatment

application of antibiotic soothing cream

gentle girl, unphased by cat

Angel's new life has started. She will get all the veterinary care that she needs and as soon as she is well enough she will travel nearly 2000 miles across the States, to her new forever home, which she will share with three other lovely dogs.

I am in awe of everyone who put so much effort into saving her life. Thank you too, for reading her story. If you would like to contribute to Angel's treatment, care and travel costs you can do so by sending your donations to paypal account sisteramy@hotmail.com

Just One Dog

2009-12-27T21:51:00.000-08:00

this video reminds me of what a lot of you did to help me help Oliver. It's a very merry Christmas for "Just one Dog".

I rescued a human today

2009-12-10T05:30:00.000-08:00

An animal’s perspective on animal rescue -

________________________________________________________

by Janine Allen

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.

I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn’t be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn’t want her to know that I hadn’t been walked today. Sometimes the overworked shelter keepers get too busy and I didn’t want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn’t feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone’s life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.

I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven’t walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one. I rescued a human today.

Oliver in Utah!!

2009-12-06T15:42:00.000-08:00

check out this link that takes you to the blog of the new foster dad in Utah. great write up about pit bulls too.

Oliver update

Mini Mitts

2009-11-27T07:23:00.000-08:00

now that Oliver is safe and sound in his new home, I thought i better post something that had to do with knitting for a change. i mean the blogs is called pugsnknits after all. So my beautiful and wonderful 3 year old nephew tried on some adult fingerless mitts i had and exclaimed "I want some!" Well i can't deny him that so i just made up a simple little pattern for little hands. you can find them on ravelry here.

Mini Mitts

Yarn: Queensland Collection Kathmandu Aran colorway 119 black (leftover from grandpa's sweater)
needles: size 4 (magic loop or you can double points as well)
gauge: i have no idea as i already gave them to him but will ask for them back later :)

CO 20 sts, join for working in the round. (K2,P2) an inch.

next round: knit all rows (stockinette stitch) for as long as you want it before the thumb. (mine was 3 inches from CO edge)

1st round: K1,M1,pm,knit to 1 st before end of round,pm,M1,K1.

2nd round: knit

repeat these last 2 rounds a total of 4X (or until you have a total of 28 sts.

then repeat round 1 one more time. (30sts)

next round: knit all sts until you get to the 2nd marker, remove marker, BO 4 sts

next round: BO 4 sts, remove marker, K2,P2 to end of round.

next round: continue in K2,P2 rib (joining back in the round) for one more inch.

bind off loosely. weave in ends. all done!

you can increase the number of sts or needle size to adjust to age. cooper is 3 and has fairly small hands. i would increase by and even number of sts.

enjoy!

Oliver on the road to Utah

2009-11-23T07:46:00.001-08:00

a few pics of our long journey to Santa Rosa, New Mexico. Oliver was the best boy in the world in the back of my scion. My dad and I met foster dad half way as he lives in Utah. I will let you know when he will be blogging about Oliver and send any pics that he sends my way. Oliver...I miss you.

pug 'n pitts

2009-11-20T23:44:00.000-08:00

just a quick video of Oliver coming in the house loose for the first time with the pugs. I was supervising them but i tested the waters earlier and it was such a success. he has come so far. I thought he had aggression issues but with trust he has learned that not everyone or thing wants to hurt him. here is a fun video of the romp around the house. tomorrow we are off to Utah!! I'll let you know about the persons blog who is taking him later. lets just say that God was watching out for this Pit and had a special place picked out just for him. you know who you are foster dad. ;)

Oliver: healthy & happy!

2009-11-11T10:16:00.001-08:00

well Mr Oliver the pit is doing so great! i came back from vacation to find him looking even better than when i left him. while i was gone, he had a behavior evaluation from a pit bull specialist and passed with flying colors. I'm not ready to mix him with my pugs but that is a great sign for getting him adopted. A kind person (who knows what they are doing) is going to foster him, train him and get him ready for adoption. Oliver will be going to Utah Nov 21st. I'm actually driving half way to meet the trainer/foster dad. I was also going to ask if anyone could donate a little to help me with transport. (donations can be sent to my paypal account: sisteramy@hotmail.com) I feel so blessed by all the angels that have helped Oliver so far on his journey. I never thought it possible that there are so many people out there that cared for the broken and wounded ones. especially the ones that are labeled "bully breed" and dangerous to society. I have also run into a lot of opposition from ignorant. well mostly from people who just don't know any better than to "freak out" when i tell them i am helping a pit bull. their first reaction is "oh Amy, I hope you didn't go up to him!?" or "oh Amy, you have to put him down so he wont hurt anyone". although i have had more positive reactions than negative, it's frustrating how the media has portrayed the great AMERICAN pit bull. our hero during WWII, our mascot (Petey) for the "little rascals" and in days gone by they were called "Nanny dogs" as they took care of our children so well. I hate what heartless, ignorant, selfish and cruel people have done to this breed. Pits are loyal, faithful and loving. I'm so glad to have been a part of at least helping one. being in rescue, i want to "save them all" but knowing that i would go half insane trying to do that, "I will at least save ONE!" thank you all for helping me do that. spread the word of pit love now people!

here are a few pics and a video of Oliver having fun in the back yard.

GOOD MORNING OLIVER!

2009-10-17T08:30:00.001-07:00

just wanted to show you some new pics and video of Mr Oliver and how he is doing. he seems more chipper. I couldn't find anything to hide his pills in so I made him a scrambled egg. he was very happy about that.

Oliver so far.....

2009-10-15T17:21:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Thanks to all who helped me help Oliver so far. Today I went to the vet in Derby to visit mr Oliver as i missed him so much. He went to the vet Tuesday morning for his shots and yesterday we got him spayed. he continues to do better with his injuries. found out the swelling on his leg was not a break but just a very infected joint. it has gone down significantly and the huge gash just above the swelling is healing nicely. he is going to stay at ElPaso Animal Clinic until a foster home/rescue can take him. I am waiting on one rescue to get back with me to see if they could work with him since apparently he was used as a bait dog. (he was meant to be the loser in a dog fighting ring) From the looks of him, he didn't win many fights. Oliver is used to every dog trying to kill him. He will need a lot of patience to bring him around. He is so loving and happy with every human. The lady in charge of looking after him daily is herself a bit bull owner and has worked for a pit bull rescue. she was so sweet with him. I tried to get some pictures of him with my camera phone but it was hard to get him to hold still. I got good pictures the first day cause he was so sad and hurt. he was more full of life today. oh and I almost forgot, Oliver weighed in today at 40lbs. that's 8lbs he has gained since i found him a week ago. yeah Oliver!! I could not have done all this if it not for the generous giving of so many of you. I feel so blessed to have found him. please pray that he can go into the right rescue that will work with him. he needs a chance.

PLEASE HELP

2009-10-07T15:47:00.000-07:00

I was on my way out the door for work this morning when what appeared on my front porch. this precious little guy. He is obviously a pit or pit mix with horrible scars all over him. he was very friendly and wagged his tail even with the obvious injuries. most were old but there was a fresh one on his leg and a swollen area. he is limping as that right front leg is so injured. super skinny. but after all this, he still had kisses for me. I have him in my back yard, gave him food and water but he needs a vet badly! I just can't bring myself to take him to the animal shelter. they dont give one hoot about dogs there. they will put him down for sure. I just feel like God put him on my front porch to help. I'm going to try and get him to a vet tomorrow for an evaluation to see exactly what extent his injuries are. I hate asking people for money but I really need help to save him. If you are able to give even just a little bit for his medical costs send the money to my paypal account sisteramy@hotmail.com. I will post updates of his condition on this blog. thanks for reading. he will also need a forever home as i'm full with pugs.

homeward bound pugs

2009-09-01T11:33:00.000-07:00

I volunteer for homewardbound pug rescue. this is a sweet video. nothing graphic i promise! :)

this should give you an idea of just how many pugs in the KS/Oklahoma area need good homes.

You might want to have a box of tissues handy.

I want to take all of the senior pugs home with me right now….

Where your petland puppies come from

2009-08-17T10:57:00.000-07:00

pug fight

2009-04-27T16:26:00.000-07:00

a wonderful little video to enjoy. here is my little pug Mimi and her new foster brother Freddie doing what they do 58% of the time. they really love to be with each other and it's often followed by a lot of kisses.

is there a pug toothfairy?

2009-04-18T20:46:00.000-07:00

Well my little Mimi went to have her teeth cleaned last week and well the gum disease was so bad that she had 4 teeth removed. Seeing as i'm a dental hygienist, you would think that i would brush my dogs teeth but brushing their teeth is like well.....pulling teeth. (pun intended) also with pugs they have such and underbite that they never use their front teeth to chew with (that was the majority of missing teeth) she lost 2 on her own before the cleaning. And as i'm sure you are all interested, here is a pic of said teeth that were removed. note the dark tarter on the teeth. (ps, i did bleach them so they are disinfected) and here is my little mimi a lot happier with fresh breath and missing sore teeth.

2009-03-26T20:15:00.001-07:00

pugs, knits and guns

2009-03-16T18:52:00.000-07:00

My dear friends Becca and her husband Ryan took us out to shoot guns. (no animals...I would never!) I was pretty good i think, but I had a good teacher. this was my first time handling and shooting a gun. I fired a few different assault rifles and some handguns. I think i like the .22 gage handguns the best. I felt pretty bad ass if i do say so myself.

you can tell the condition of a man's heart by how he treats animals

2009-02-10T19:55:00.000-08:00

once again i have not made a post in a while, but I received an email from the humane society of the United States with a video I must share. I know some things are hard to watch but I want everyone to know what your money goes toward with you buy from Petland and from "fancy" puppy websites. Being involved in Pug rescue has opened my eyes to a world I did not know existed. It's really easy to love a puppy, they are cute and perfect. It takes a special heart to take in a dog that has been abused, beaten, used to breed puppy after puppy. Most dogs in puppy mills have never been let out of their cages and often stumble when the Humane Society rescues them and lets them walk on solid ground for the first time. please watch this, please be aware, please open your heart to rescue a loving animal who will thank you and love you for it the rest of their lives.

2008-09-19T16:53:00.001-07:00

haven't posted in a while so i think it's about time. a lot has happened, but one thing of note is that I was excited to learn that I won a couple ribbons at the Kansas state fair for my "Fiddlehead Mittens". blue ribbon for knitting under a year and a purple ribbon for best of show (for all hand knitted items). i'm excited, humbled and a little embarassed that I won the best of show as I know for a fact that there were lots of wonderful entries, one of which was rkyarns beautiful EZ sweater. along with the ribbons, i received 3 gift certificates. one from Yarn yard II which was for $5 and got a couple of cable needles and some of those needle stopper things. and 2 were from "Yarn"! i really cool yarn shop in Hutch. they were so nice and excited for me to spend my certificates. i even got 30% off cause it's their 3rd birthday. here is the mother load of loot i got today......

here is a pic Rkyarns awesome sweater

MY PUG CAN SWIM

2008-08-18T18:07:00.000-07:00

my pug Otis went to the neighborhood dog swim. he has never been in deep water before, wasn't sure if that chubba would sink or not, but to my suprise, he is an excellent swimmer. A mother could not have been more proud!

puppy mills suck

2008-07-23T09:02:00.000-07:00

as you can tell, I love pugs....put I love all animals. my first pug I bought out of the paper, my second I found through a rescue out of Oklahoma called homewardboundpugrescue.com. my little mimi is a puppy mill survivor. when rescued, the rescue didn't know she was pregnant at 6 months old. (btw, that is way too young to breed a dog) When I took sweet little 9lb mimi home, she was emaciated, anemic, had a tick infestation and her body was mostly skin and bones with 10 tits of milk as most of her body weight. I raised all her babies and they were adopted out to good pug lovin' homes. Mimi now weighs 18lbs (oops that is almost too much) and is a happy healthy girl. This really opened my eyes to what a puppy mill is and how many dogs are cruelly treated in them. they are only out to make money and are treated like a crop (like ears of corn). most of them spend their whole lives in a small cage with a wire floor and are never let out. after about 6-8 years (after they can produce no more pups, they are most often killed via gunshot, poisoning, drowning, hanging...etc) this video shows the greed of this Amish man in Ohio. he is being secretly taped by an undercover investigator pretending to be interested in buying his operation. don't mean to be a downer in my blog (heck, I dont even know if anyone is reading it yet) but I wanted people to know what is going on out in our world. just cause it's hard to watch, doesn't mean we shouldn't watch it as it will help us make a difference.

Stitch N Bitch

2008-07-22T22:03:00.000-07:00

had a great time at S n B last thursday. Shelly the owner of Twist Yarn Shop told me I win the prize for bringing the most people into the shop. yeah, i'm a winner! here is the gang i brought in last thursday. my sister is the one with the sticks up her nose. (i just taught her to knit that night....is she trying to saying something?) probably just cause she is a bad ass.

actually my sister is so innocent that after snb, we went for a pint at the "anchor" and she told me that was the first time she has been in a bar and the first time she has ever shown her ID. she was giving the guy at the door the biggest smile. (I was like..Sarah...if you smile at the doorman, he'll think you have a fake ID)

bay harbor monkeys

2008-07-20T16:12:00.000-07:00

Well I finished my very first "real" sock. I feel very accomplished and wore the "one" around the house a little bit today before i blocked it. i made a blocking tool out of a coathanger I found on someone else's blog. it's a bit loose so i'm thinking i should have used #1 us sz needles instead of the #2 the pattern calls for. i have a narrow foot, so i should have known better. anyway...here it is. i'm very proud of myself. the sock yarn used is handdyed from "cosmic yarns" and the colorway is "bayharbor butcher". if you watch the show dexter, it's named after a character in season 2.

suzy Q's wrist warmers

2008-04-20T15:09:00.000-07:00

my dearest friend of all time taught me how to knit and how to do these wristwarmers. i learned how to knit these before i knew how to read a pattern. here is the pattern...i hope it makes sense.

yarn: worsted weight for adult, baby (or sport) for a child.

you need 4.5mm (us size 7) double point needles, cable needle and tapestry needle

ok here goes….

cast on 32 (all onto one needle)

transfer 8 stiches on to your second needle, then from the first needle transfer another 8 stitches onto a 3rd needle. you should have 16 stiches left on your 1st needle. then connect the circle with the following knitting pattern. this will be the base ribbing pattern.

k3, p1 for six rows (or however long you want the base to be)

pearl 2, knit 6 for about 5-6 rows, then you will proceed to do the cable for one row.

CABLE ROUND: P2, slip 3 stS from left needle onto cable needle and hold behind work. knit next 3 sts on L needle. then place the 3 stiches from cable needle back on L needle. then K 3. repeat that for the entire round.

continue these 2 patterns until you feel it’s a good length for a thumb hole. take about a 6 inch piece of different colored yard and do your regular P2, K6 pattern with it but only for 6 stitches (which would be P2, K4) after you have knit the other color yarn in for 6 sts, transfer them back onto the original needle (left side needle). you will then proceed with regular yarn and pattern as if nothing is different.

keep repeating the pattern until it’s long enough, then bind off. (loosely, don’t want to cut off circulation) (try it on your hand to determine)

thumb:

with 1st DP needle slip 6 stitches on the bottom of thumb hole and with 2nds needle, slip 6 sts top of thumb hole. carefully slip out spare yarn.

so you should have 6 stitches on the bottom needle and 6 stitches on the top needle.

1) knit the bottom 6 stitches in ribbing pattern -k2 p1. now you should still have 2 needles occupied and 2 free.

2) with an unoccupied needle, create 3 stitches by picking up 3 loops between the 2 needles w/6. try to pick loops that are not as loose, this will help avoid big “holes” (3 occupied, 1 free)

3) with your free needle, k2 p1 on these 3 new stitches (3 occupied, 1 free)

4) with the occupied needle that just knit those 3 stitches, k2 p1 (3 stitches) on the top needle that has 6 stitches. this will leave 3 stitches on the top needle that have not yet been knit. the other two occupied needles should each have 6 stitches on them. (3 occupied, 1 free)

5) with your free needle, k2 p1 on the 3 stitches on the top needle. (3 occupied - 6 st, 6 st, 3 st, and 1 free)

6) with the free needle, create 3 stitches by picking up 3 loops on the last side of the “square.” (4 occupied)

7) with the top needle with 3 stitches that have already been knit in the ribbing pattern, k2 p1 on the final 3 picked-up stitches. at this point, you should have a total of 18 stitches on 3 needles - 6 st, 6 st, 6 st - with 1 free needle.

8) with the free needle, continue in your ribbing pattern around - k2, p1 - until the thumb is at desired length. then bind off in pattern.

9) repeat on other wristwarmer.

clear as mud?