It is fascinating and exciting to watch puppies change before your eyes. One day they are just tiny little mouse looking creatures, and the next thing you know they are 4 weeks old and getting their own personalities! I think their Mama “Shine”must be wondering–“how did this happen?” She is so happy and proud when we come into the nursery. Of course, I do think she wants a little more attention given to herself, since she is doing all the hard work. Yesterday, she had her spa day–a bath and coconut oil rub massage. She still looks thin, but her eyes shine so bright, we think she is doing well.
After some searching and help from our granddaughter, Kariden each puppy, has a name, and they all start with the letter M. So here are the babies debut–complete with names. I wonder what breed they are? Some look cocker, and it looks like two are chihuahua, and two have hair like Shine. And yes, we are still wondering what breed their Mama is. Is she a maltese mix, or bichon? It really doesn’t matter–Shine is a great little gal!

My heart always melts when a dog that we rescue gives me that special look. Our newest rescue did just that! Let me tell you about this special girl.
We were sitting in front of the television trying to get a little rest and the phone call came in. A lady was calling to say she had abandoned puppies in her front yard. Brenda headed that way, and called and asked us to come and bring a kennel, gloves and treats to help get the dog.
We found Brenda, and the nice lady who had called. She told us a stray dog had delivered several puppies in her yard, crossed the street, had another one and brought it back. To make a long story shorter, the Mama was so thin and dirty and she had just delivered her 8th puppy. We scooped them up and brought them back to the rescue.
We got them all cozy and placed a light over them. The poor Mama dog, just laid there and looked at us, as if to say thank you for helping.
She was so weak we weren’t sure that she or her puppies would be alive by morning. So far, she has gotten a little stronger and is eating and drinking, but we feel she is still too fragile to bathe and clip her hair. So we are feeding her special food, giving her electrolytes and leaving her alone so she can care for her new babies.
Those beautiful golden eyes, speak volumes, and I get that lump in my throat. We are not sure if she will be able to raise all 8 puppies, but she is a wonderful mom.
This is the first picture I took of her. I know it may be hard to look at the shape she is in, but this is what happens when people fail to care for their animals. We know she is a special girl, and we will have more pictures of her soon, and you can see for yourself.

Oh did I mention, I also brought home a skinny little kitten that was abandoned that same evening. She is being cared for by our granddaughter. Her new name is Elie!

Many times when dogs come into the rescue, we are puzzled at their breed, or wonder if they could be siblings.
Sometimes it is easy to see that they are in the same litter, but otherwise we find ourselves scratching our heads. Well, let me tell you about 2 girls that came to us a couple months back. They came together from a local animal control, and seemed to have a special connection. BUT—they looked totally different. I am referring to Maribelle and Elsa. Now, Maribelle is definitely a Basset mix and we are almost certain the other breed is American Bulldog. Such a striking dog, and fun to look at and be with. She has beautiful brown and cream markings and a cute little twist to her walk.
Then there is Elsa. She looks Lab, almost a cream white in color, but has several large tan spots on her back.
Looking at her back legs we noticed they were just a little different than some of the other dogs. As she grew some brown spots that just matched Maribelle’s ear spots seemed to pop out. Another look at her face, and I think I can see just a little of the American Bulldog breed there. Maybe just a little–because she looks more lab! So, now we know why the girls have that special connection.
Same for Angel and Little Bear! They don’t really look the same, but we know for certain they are from the same litter. Now, we wonder?? Is Mickey a brother to Minnie? Could be, I guess that one will be a mystery, unless we are able to connect the dots.
Here are pictures of Maribelle and Elsa. Do you see the connection too?

Many times we have families that are looking for small dogs to adopt. Right now we have a great selection of small breed dogs at the rescue. Angel was adopted recently, but we still have Mikey, Benny, Shaggy, Little Bear and Mickey. They are all small breed males and each has their own personality and are different in color, breed, age and size.
Mikey is 2 years old and is a Yorkie mix. He is a temperamental little guy, that loves your lap and your attention, but not crazy about smaller children or cats. He weighs around 6#, and has been neutered. He loves to sit on your lap and sleeps with his feet in the air.
Benny looks like a Brussels Griffon, but we are not sure of his breed. We know he is in the terrier family, and we are guessing him at 18 months-2 years. His hair is wiry, and he weighs around 10#. We don’t know how he feels about cats and needs to be neutered.
Then Shaggy–he is such a character—some type of non-shedder with longer hair. He is around 6 or 7 months old and weighs around 10#. He also needs to be neutered. He loves kids, loves to play and he just needs someone to give him some extra attention.
Little Bear is a Rat Terrier mix and has been neutered and had all his vaccinations. He may have some Chihuahua
on his Dad’s side of the family, and his sister was Angel. He loves to play and run, and is a take charge kind of boy. He likes cats and loves kids and grown-ups.
Last but not the least is Mickey the dachshund mix. What a character he is, with lots of love and kisses for everyone here at the rescue. He has some brindle coloring on his legs, and a little wave to some of his coat.
He still needs to be neutered, but is ready now for his forever family.
So! If you are one of those families who is looking for a small dog—we have them right here at 12 Hills Dog Rescue. They are waiting for their forever families!

I was thinking about some of the dogs we have at the rescue. If they could talk to the people who come to the rescue, what would they say? I think maybe they might say, “What About Me?” “Look at Me, I’m a great dog!”, No, don’t go over to that puppy, I may be older, but I can be a lot of fun.”
If only they could talk, they could tell us their story, and maybe it would be easier to find some of them their forever families. Some of our doggies, have been waiting for quite a long time. I think they must wonder if they will be here at our rescue until they die of old age.
I don’t want to be negative, but sometimes the same dogs get overlooked over and over. Today, we showed Hunter to some people and he bounded out, so happy, and then he lifted up his feet and actually pranced to greet a young lady. He was giving her his very best side. He wasn’t the dog for them, but I know that there is someone out there that would love Hunters special enthusiasm for life. I think that I just need to work harder at getting some pictures that show his true personality.
Then there is Red, he looks at us through his kennel with those big chocolate brown eyes, just like he is asking, “Is it my turn?” Red needs a couple that can show him the attention and love he craves. He loves to walk and is a very loyal boy, but hasn’t been around young children.
Then there is Chico and Harley, 2 extra large Lab mixes. They are full of fun and would be great on an acreage. Jimmy is a Stafford shire Terrier mix and looks scary, but loves people. He always gets overlooked. And Peaches, a large female Stafford shire is now 7 years and would make a great dog for the right family. She loves going for drives in the pickup.
So, just wanted to remind those thinking of adopting, that sometimes we look past what is right before our eyes. Just give a second look to some of dogs that have been with us for awhile. I hope to work harder at updating them and providing new pictures in the future.

A few years ago, I wrote a poem about how I wish people who had pets would learn to care for them responsibly. Lately, I have been thinking of all the dogs we have taken in that are neglected, abandoned, and I just wish that somehow I could help more people learn how to be better pet owners.
These are just some of the abuse we have seen in the last few months.
Severe mange—starving dogs—dogs that are dumped—dogs left on chains without food, water or shelter.
The list could go on and on, but does it really matter to those who have abused or neglected their dogs? Do they know or realize that is what they are doing? Do they realize that they are responsible for a living creature, that depends on them for their needs? If the tables were turned, and they were the animal, what would they like? Maybe a dog house, out of the snow and cold rain. Or, maybe not to be tied up and left to die without food or water. Maybe a trip to the Vet to treat the sores on their body, or to have the vaccinations they need.
I wonder, and I wish—yes—I wish that people would ask us if they have questions, or problems with their dogs. Our rescue has helped so many, but wouldn’t it just be great, if we could see less abuse, less neglect for the dogs out there. Are we making a difference? I wish—wish and hope we are.
So, I wish for more time to educate the pet owners that I meet. I wish for more thought when getting a new puppy or doggie. I wish–I just wish.

Since I mentioned her in the last post, I suppose I should share more information about the sweet girl, Rosalina.
She came to the rescue with Little Bear and Angel, and like I said before, she is their guardian. If one of the little ones bark, she is at their side to watch over them.
Rosalina is a Lab mix, and loves going for walks,loves kids and gets along well with other dogs. She has been spayed and is looking for a family that likes activity. She would make a good walking partner and is just the right size. Not too big, or too small. Rosalina is 10 months old and has a beautiful black shiny coat, and white blaze on her chest. She is pictured with one of our volunteers, who happens to think Rosalina is the best dog ever!

Small dogs are always in demand for some families. We don’t often have that many small breed dogs in, but to our surprise we have several. First, we have Mikey–a male terrier. He is quite the character and has been neutered. He weighs around 6# and is 2 or 3 years of age. Mikey isn’t a cat lover, and prefers adults or teens. He likes to sleep with you (if you wish) and enjoys having his belly rubbed. A great little guy for he right family!

Little Bear is a cute little 6 month old male. He still needs to be neutered, but what a bundle of joy! He loves to play with little and big dogs, and looks like a Chocolate Lab in the face. We know his mom was a rat terrier, and not sure about his Dad’s background. He weighs around 5#. A great, happy little man–who loves kids, a good lap and enjoys going for walks.
Last, but but not the least by any means, is our sweet little girl Angel. I think that pretty much describes her, but will try and give you just a little more information. Angel loves children, and her brother and Big adopted sister. She loves to be held, carried, and your lap! Angel is just a little shy around strangers and other dogs, and used to being watched over by her guardian sister dog—Rosalina. It is fun to watch the interaction of a dog, when they ask for help. The animal world is amazing! Anyway, to tell you more about Angel, she is a rat terrier, Chi Chi, around 4 or 5#. She looks more Chi Chi than anything. Sweet little girl looking for the right family!

This time of year we begin seeing the Easter lily all around us, and then with Spring, there are a variety of Lilies that begin to bloom. Our little “Lily”, blooms all the time. Her sweet personality is a joy to watch and her zest for life is amazing!
What am I talking about. Our Lily is a sweet, playful Australian Cattle Dog. She came to us in a weird way. A 911 phone call about a dog that has been hit by a car in a little box, by the village pound. It all remains a mystery, but we surmised that Lily had been rolled, and was sore for some time.
She is great now, and enjoys romping and playing with the other doggies. She loves to play with Chuck’s feet when he sits in the recliner, and truthfully, Lily has so much happiness in her–she needs to share it with a wonderful family. She is trained to a dog door, gets along with doggies and loves people.
Yes, Lilies are so pretty, and our Lily is a “Beauty!”

I have been asking myself that question lately. We have been licensed since 2009, and usually adopt close to 150 dogs each year. We have a large number of dogs here at the rescue, and yet, we have been told numerous times that 12 Hills Dog Rescue is one of the best well-kept secrets in Northeast NE.
Maybe it is because we are a little different than most of the rescues in our area. We aren’t located in a city, operate a large facility, or have a large base of volunteers. 12 Hills is located on our family farm, with 3 of us running the rescue. I am assuming that the day to day care, socializing, and work it takes for each dog, has kept us from having the needed publicity to put our name out there. The New Year has already brought some BIG changes. We recently applied and received our 501c3 for the rescue. We believe that new and exciting things are going to take place because of this new status. Watch for more new and exciting happenings at 12 Hills in the future. We are going to begin our Wish List next week!

It’s time to post another article about a couple of our doggies.
I will begin with Iris. She is a great gal. She weighs around 30# and is loyal and loving.She has some pug in her background, as you can tell from her eyes. Iris came to us from a nearby community, complete with several puppies. She was a great Mama, but now her babies are off and she is looking for another adventure.
Iris loves the farm, and enjoys riding the the 4WD Mule with Chuck whenever she can. It seems that she is always overlooked when people are here at the rescue, looking for their new family member. Maybe because she is a little bigger than the small dogs, and too small for a large dog. Maybe, it is her black shiny coat with the white blaze. Maybe, they just haven’t seen her special personality shine through. Whatever the reason, Iris is still waiting for that special family to open up their hearts and make her part of their family.
So, if you are not sure what type of dog you want to adopt, and still thinking about it. Think about Iris!

Pearl—is a loyal and loving! Pearl came to us through animal control, and has been overlooked for some time. She is a large dog, weighing around 60#. She has a cream coat and a black mask on her face. Pearl would be good on an acreage, or with a large back yard. She would be great to take jogging or as a running partner. Pearl has also had a litter of puppies, but that was a year ago, and she is ready to start the adventure with a family to love. Take a second look at Pearl if you like large dogs—She deserves a chance!

What is going on? In the past few weeks we have received a number of small breed doggies. Last week there was a handsome long hair chihuahua waiting for us when we returned home from church. Poor little guy is a cutie, a little on the thin side, but is gaining every day. All are up for adoption, so check on petfinder.com to see them.

Frank (the long hair chihuahua) will be featured soon.