April 2008 Second Chance Dog

Our second Second Chance dog is Phoenix, a Saint Bernard who is currently at Saint Bernard Rescue of New England. We've attached his story and picture here. Please contact the people at SBRNE for more information on Phoenix.

You have to wonder how a human (term used loosely here) can be so cruel to an innocent, WONDERFUL dog. Phoenix has had it VERY rough in his two short years. He's been starved. He's been hit. He's been spoken to harshly. He has spent his whole life since he was a little puppy tethered to a tree in the backyard by a plastic-coated wire cable. The dog grew. The cable stayed the same size. You know the rest. The cable was embedded TWO INCHES into his neck. The wound was disgusting and has required three surgeries to remove all the dead tissue. (We have included the pictures here, here and here, but be warned the are VERY graphic and disturbing.)It's finally healing nicely and he'll have no ill effects.

Phoenix is a tall boy but is 25 pounds underweight; we're working on packing some weight on him. He has completed four weeks of antibiotics to treat Lyme disease. Phoenix has gotten his spark back. He runs. He frolics. He loves to give kisses. The joy is returning to his eyes. Though he's made remarkable progress he still has a way to go. Phoenix will need to be neutered before placement; we're just waiting for him to get a little stronger and heavier. The successful candidate will have a fenced yard and will be committed to completing formal obedience with Phoenix. Interested in meeting him? He's a joy. Someone's going to be VERY lucky to share their lives with this special boy.

Phoenix is going to receive a Diamond collar and Leash, as well as a collar charm and a gift certificate for an ID tag for when he arrives at his forever home, which makes the Diamond the featured collar for April. For all purchases of the Diamond this month, 15% goes to SBRNE, to help fund rescue.

Chicago Pet Expo

We didn’t know what to expect when we decided to go to the Chicagoland Expo this year. Well our big debut to the dog world at large was awesome! We got to meet all kinds of new people, from rescues and trainers, and of course some of our wonderful clients. We sold almost our entire collar inventory, including some things that we weren’t intending on selling!

Even with the success of the shop itself, nothing compares with meeting and talking with dog people. By talking to the other vendors and visitors to the Expo we’re even more aware of the need that Karma Charms fills for the big dogs, as well as the misjudged dogs. We had people from rottie and pitbull rescue crying over their relief of finding collars and supplies that aren’t about hyping up on the scary factor. We got lots of input on what dog owners are looking for, and met a couple of prospective new vendors. And of course our ambassador dogs Karma and Odie stole the show and backed up traffic in the aisles all three of the days we were there. We also raised $500 for the New England Saint Bernard Rescue, through our raffle basket and donations from the generous people of Chicago, many of whom just wanted to give to help dogs in need.

Since our first Expo went so well, we can’t wait to go to our next one, the Whisker Walk in Massachusetts in June. If you're in the area please join us, we can't wait to meet you!