"Helping Paws" Update

I received an email from Eric at Smilin' Pit Bull Rescue letting me know that the donation they received from the sale of the pen and ink drawing "Pick Me!" that I did for the Canine Art Guild's fourth annual "Helping Paws" exhibit - an event to raise funds and awareness with a portion of the proceeds going towards the artist's designated rescue/shelter - would be going towards little Olivia's emergency clinic bill, and I couldn't be happier.

Born December 7th, little Olivia and her seven siblings were rescued along with their Momma Ella from a West Viginia kill pound - a place where, because of their breed, they were unable to be adopted to the public and slated to be euthanized if a rescue organization could not be found to take them.

The dedicated people behind Smilin' Pit Bull Rescue were not about to let that happen.

On Christmas Eve, at just fifteen days old, the pups began to show symptoms of pnuemonia - Olivia's the worst, and she was taken by her foster to the emergency clinic, where they gave her, and the rest of her litter a grim prognosis, telling SPBR that the pups would not make it. Again, the dedicated people behind Smilin' Pit Bull Rescue were not about to let that happen. After incurring a $1,500.00 vet bill for Olivia's emergency clinic two-day stay, she was taken home to have volunteers continue her treatment - oxygen, nebulizer, Unasyn and tube feeding - round the clock. The other pups were put on antibiotics and their condition improved.

Olivia improved daily in their care, and is now happily reunited with her siblings and will be available for adoption in early February.

Read the whole story about this family's incredible journey here: Ella and Eight

If you are able to help, you can Chip In for Olivia's vet bill until January 22nd. Donations after the 22nd can be made by clicking on the link on the left hand corner of Smilin' Pit Bull Rescue's home page: http://www.spbr.org/. Thank you!!

If you haven't visited the Canine Art Guild's "Helping Paws" exhibit, please stop by and be sure to cast your vote for the People's Choice award by January 31st - a monetary donation which also goes to the artist's designated rescue. I would be thrilled to have you place your vote for "Pick Me!" on behalf of Smilin' Pit Bull Rescue!

Pic of Olivia courtesy of Smilin' Pit Bull Rescue