HOTLR's Maris Gets New Home & New Job

It is hard to describe the happiness the Heart of Texas Lab volunteers feel each time one of our rescues is placed in their new forever home. While sometimes foster parents have a hard time letting go of a lost soul they helped to heal, the joy on the faces of a rescue's new family the day they get their new dog helps erase the sense of loss.

Maris, a pretty eight year old yellow girl, recently scored big with a new family of 15, and the happiness on the faces of her forever family was priceless. Maris is the newest resident of The Summit at Lakeway's Clare Bridge wing. The Summit at Lakeway is a Brookdale senior assisted living facility and yes, that's right, Maris has a whole wing all to herself. Maris (whose new name is Clare) is the test pilot for a new program that places Labradors in assisted living facilities for senior citizens. Clare lives at the facility 24/7 in a special wing dedicated to residents with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The residents voted to make her a permanent resident agreeing that a yellow Labrador was the best color choice as she would be easier to see at night than a chocolate or black Lab.

Most of Clare's time will be spent working as social director of the Clare Bridge wing. Her job duties include socializing with all 15 residents and their human and animal guests, as well as making herself available for naps and overnights in the resident's rooms. She will also assist the nursing staff with visits to residents who may be under the weather and unable to attend the regular activities held daily throughout the wing. Clare is welcome in all areas of the wing including the residents' rooms, the den/library where seniors watch television or read, and participate in physical activites, as well as the courtyard outside. The only place that is considered off limits is the dining area where Clare may be tempted by too many good treats and soft hearts. Clare will also act as official mascot and resident monitor accompanying residents on trips outside of the facility.

Of course every hard-working employee deserves some time off and Clare will be treated no differently. Should Clare need a break in her duties, she has her own bed under a desk at the nurse's station where she has also stashed a couple of her favorite toys. She will also take occassional "weekend vacations" where she will overnight at the homes of the some of the facilities' employees. All in all, Clare is thrilled with her new home and her new occupation.

HOTLR would like to thank Paul Yanez, director of the Clare Bridge wing at the Summit at Lakeway and brainchild of this special program. We are hopeful that Clare's successful participation will open door's at other Brookdale assisted living facilities in the central Texas area and lead to more rescued Labradors joining these very special large families. To learn more about the Summit at Lakeway, please click here: http://www.brookdaleliving.com/the-summit-at-lakeway.aspx and to learn more about the Clare Bridge program, please click here: http://www.brookdaleliving.com/clare-bridge-alzheimers-dementia-care.aspx .

The Huck has Hounds Howling with Happiness!!!

How many tennis balls have you bought over the lifetime of your retriever? I, for one, was buying my tennis balls in bulk at Costco. I have no idea over the last 11 years how much money I have spent on the yellow furry balls, but its probably enough to purchase a sporting goods store of my own. Unfortunately, tennis balls are not the most durable dog toy ever invented. And as I learned from my veterinarian, chewing on tennis balls is not good for a dog's teeth as the yellow furry stuff actually acts like sand paper causing grooves in the dog's teeth that can trap bacteria and actually wear down the tooth enamel and the tooth itself.

So I set out on a quest and searched high and low for the perfect ball for a retriever. One that would last a long time, resist destruction and float. I discovered the Huck ball designed by West Paw products in a local pet store. We have had the Huck ball for over three years and as long as we don't lose it, I don't think we'll ever need another ball. Its made from an extremely durable one of a kind eco friendly material and comes with a one time replacement guarantee against doggy destruction.

Other unique features of the ball include grooves in its design causing it to bounce unpredictably. The grooves also allow the dog with a smaller mouth to grab it in just the right spot. The other cool feature of the Huck ball is that although its made of heavy duty material, the ball totally floats. It makes a great water retrieving toy as well. Our dog Rio knows its "her" ball and has no desire to touch a tennis ball.

It also comes in two sizes, large which I purchased for my Lab, and small. The smaller size is nearly the same size as a tennis ball and according to the company "is compatible with toys that throw tennis balls". Although the Huck costs about $8.50 for the small ball and $12.50 for the larger version, the money I am saving by not buying tennis balls has paid for the Huck over and over.

Reviews of the ball on the company's website while mostly favorable, did occasionally contain a negative comment that the ball was not suitable for super aggressive chewers. However, I've not experienced any problems with the ball even when it was given to a nine month old Lab puppy. Of course, it is always recommended to not leave your pet unattended with any toy, and the Huck is no different.

Should you decide to transition your dog from tennis balls to the Huck, I recommend picking up all tennis balls and allowing your dog no choice but to play with the Huck. Shortly, he should begin chasing the Huck like its the only ball he's ever known. And you will never have to buy another tennis ball again.

West Paw design also carries other toys for dogs and cats as well as dog beds and blankets. They use only high quality non-toxic environmentally friendly materials and manufacture their products right in the USA in Bozeman, Montana. Their mission is to provide high quality durable products for your pet while making as little environmental impact as possible. To check out their other cool stuff and learn more about the company, visit their website: http://www.westpawdesign.com/.

Hot Dogs Keep Cool in Canine Cool Vests

So, here we are again... Another summer day, another 100 degrees. Will it ever end? And what about your dogs? Are they wondering if there will ever be another opportunity to go for a walk or chase a ball? I've tried explaining the dangers of heat stroke to my pups. I've told them that they cannot sweat except through their footpads and nose. And that the only other way they can cool themselves is through panting. Sometimes (like during current weather conditions) this is not enough to keep their bodies cool. If their internal body temperature reaches 106 degrees, they will experience damage to the body's cellular structure and damage to their organs that is IRREVERSIBLE. According to About.Com:Dog, signs of heat stroke are extreme heavy panting, dark red gums, tacky or sticky mucous membranes specific to the gums, heavy thick saliva, rectal body temperature exceeding 104 degrees (106 degrees is a dire emergency), lying down with refusal to get up, disorientation, dizziness and collapse and loss of consciousness. This is a serious medical condition that can lead to death and requires the immediate attention of your veterinarian. For more information go to:http://dogs.about.com/od/dogandpuppyhealth/qt/heatstroke.htm.

But the pleading look in the eyes of my dogs doesn't change. They don't understand what I am telling them or why. They really, really want some exercise. One solution may be for them to wear a canine cooling vest. Invented for military dogs working in Iraq and Afghanistan, the vests are also available for purchase for companion animals. How do they work? The vest sold by helpingudders.com uses packs of non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, environmentally friendly cooling gel that hold a constant temperature of 59 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 hours in 100 degree heat. These packs are placed in the vest that the dog wears. The packs are also easy to "recharge" simply by submerging the cooling packs in ice water for 20 minutes or placing the packs in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. The vests cost from around $99 to $129 depending on the size you need. You can also purchase additional cooling packs, so you always have one set in the refrigerator. Here is the website that carries canine cooling vests and where you can get more information: http://www.helpingudders.com/CoolingVests.htm This is a rescue friendly site where 10-50% of the proceeds of their sales go to rescue groups (unfortunately HOTLR is not one of them).

Another seller of the dog vests uses slightly different technology. They utilize a cool pad that slips into the vest and stays at a constant temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This keeps dogs cool in warm temperatures and warm in cold temperatures. While 80 degrees seems warm, keep in mind that a dog's average body temperature is around 100 degrees and the 20 degree difference that the cool pad provides is enough to keep the dog's core body temperature at a safe level. Recharging the cooling pad works the same as for the packs described above. You can find these vests at http://www.50degree.com/custom/index.cfm?ID=42464. They are slightly more expensive running anywhere from $129 to $149 depending on the size ordered.

So, get back outside and give the canine cooling vest a try. (You can even buy a cooling vest for yourself) . Remember to limit exercise to early mornings or late evenings when the intensity of the temperature and sun is less. And of course, keep plenty of water available.

An Evening of Giving, Texas Style

Heart of Texas Labrador Rescue
is thrilled to present
An Evening of Giving, Texas Style

Heart of Texas Lab Rescue is proud to invite you to a special event called An Evening of Giving, Texas Style on November 7th from 5pm-9pm at the historic Fairmount Hotel in San Antonio.

Sample Exotic Wines, wild Root Beer, Delightful Beer, wonderful Iced Tea and snack on amazing delectables. Tickets are $25 at the door. Amazing room rates at The Fairmount are available for those who want to spend the night. Details on all this and more can be found by reading on.

Oh and did we mention that each ticket gets you a wonderful Wine Glass emblazoned with the Heart of Texas Lab Rescue logo?

The Fairmount:

If you have never heard of The Fairmount, built in 1906, it is the world's largest brick building ever moved from one location to another. Its architectural style is reminiscent of the Victorian era and all 37 rooms in the hotel have been recently redecorated, each unique in their design.

Equally unique is the hotel's official greeter Labrador Luke. A rescue dog himself, Luke now boasts his own business card, email address, and comfy bed in the middle of the hotel lobby and is actually a permanent resident of the hotel. The timing of the event is a perfect opportunity to take advantage of the cooler weather and the early evening hours make it convenient for attendees from Austin, Houston, San Antonio and other central Texas areas to attend. If you'd like to extend your stay at The Fairmount after the event, they have graciously provided a special room rate package (see details at the bottom of the page).



The Fairmount offers a wonderful courtyard in which to mingle and meet new friends, as well as lots of inside areas with cozy nooks and comfy chairs to simply relax and chat with your friends.


HOTLR will offer a wonderful Apple iPhone as a raffle prizes and you won't want to miss great silent auction items from some of the best artists around, including Sheila Wedegis, Stephen Hamrick, Russel Crewe, and Stephen Huneck. But that's not all. Silent auction items will be offered from a number of Austin and San Antonio businesses, including Austin City Limits and others.

Silent Auction items will need to be paid for with Check, Cash or PayPal (will have computer setup at event)

Sheila Wedegis will also be attending so you can meet one of the premier artists of our time. She is a wonderful person as well as a great painter, and a generous supporter of Heart of Texas Labrador Rescue. Visit her website at http://www.labradorretrieverart.com to get a taste of her beautiful and moving work.

Sample some great beverages available from companies in Texas, including wineries, breweries, root beer and other products. Tasty cheese and other wonderful snacks will also be available for nibbling. We also want to feature and introduce you to other wonderful items that are available right here in Texas that we hope will become favorites in your own home.

Great sponsors:
Cape Classics Wines -- Wine
Free Tail Brewing -- Beer
Blue Sky Brewery -- Root Beer
Sweet Leaf Tea -- Iced Tea
Cowgirl Granola -- Granola to make you wonder what you have been eating all these year ;)
Whole Foods -- Snacks
Trulucks -- Fine Dining
Scenic Loop Cafe -- Fine Dining


Limited Tickets Available:

This will be an evening that you won't want to miss. But we are only offering a limited number of tickets, so reserve today. Tickets are $25 when purchased ahead of time and $35 at the door. And if you purchase a Fairmount room package it will include two tickets to the event. Each ticket will get you a custom wine glass with the Heart of Texas Lab logo emblazoned on it. So take advantage of the lower ticket price, and sign up today!!!!

For your convenience you can utilize the handy PayPal button on www.hotlabrescue.org home page, just put in Fairmount in the description so we know.

If you would like to send a check please send it to:
Heart of Texas Lab Rescue, Inc.
P.O. Box 81821
Austin, TX 78708-1821
(also send an email hotlabrescue@gmail.com if possible letting us know that you are sending a check so we can have added confirmation)

Special Room Rates:
The Fairmount will have special room packages that include the room (of course), 2 tickets to An Evening of Giving, Texas Style and 2 complimentary breakfasts in the morning. You must contact Lani Fulgencio directly at 877-229-8808 to reserve your room. (The Fairmount is donating a portion of the room rate to Heart of Texas Labrador Rescue, so its important that you contact Lani Fulgencio directly.)

If you have any questions please feel free to send an email to hotlabrescue@gmail.com this will go right to Ray Hebert our event coordinator.

So reserve November 7 on your calendar and join us for a wonderful evening of friendship and fun while enjoying wonderful Texas products and donating to a worthwhile cause. Hope to see you there!!!