Animals and Children

AWL COMMAND RECOGNIZED IN NAPOLI

2012-02-05T13:37:00.003+01:00

Many people don't know, but we are recognized by the Command of Naples NSA as a "Private Organization". This means we are allowed to operate on the Naples area Naval Bases.

We'd like to have a responsible person to be the point of contact between ourselves and the command, someone who can help organize events, interface with the command, and ensure that our interests are able to be communicated to the command, AFN, and other organizations within the Naples NSA. Any takers?

WEEKLY COLUMN IN TIDNINGEN NARA

2011-11-27T18:35:00.003+01:00

My weekly column i the Magazine NARA.

Are we giving up to early on our dogs we adopt or foster? We want a thankful animal right away? Read and brood, and I hope you enjoy my column.

WEEKLY COLUMN IN TIDNINGEN NARA

2011-11-18T11:27:00.002+01:00

This week it is about Olivia meeting homeless people and their dogs. Her way of viewing them and Universe. Hope you enjoy!

Olivia amazed by the homeless people and dogs, click here for more reading.

SASSI OUR WONDERDOG, FULL OF LOVE

2011-11-12T19:08:00.002+01:00

You can read about Sassi in earlier blogs about how her owner rescued her, starved her, then abandonen her to AWL.

We take care of Sassi, she is now spayed and our volunteer Martina took her into her home and 6 dogs for a couple of days recovering and monitoring her. This is the update I got from Martina.

"She was perfect with dogs(at the beginning growled but then she loved all my sweet dogs,especially Buba), perfect with the cat, perfect with pee :) always outside! She slept with us in the bedroom last night and this morning she woke me up to go out and pee :). She waited me flat on the floor all the bowls firt to all my dogs and then to her. I never heard her bark in these two days. She is also learning to go on a leash. She is sweet, I love her so much! "

If you are a loving and thoughtful patience person/family and would love to foster her or getting her what she deserves the most, a permanent home. She need a very firm hand that will help her understand what you want from her and to let her be who she is.

She is full of Amore!

COLUMN IN SWEDISH MAGAZINE NARA

2011-11-10T20:35:00.002+01:00

My weekly column in the Swedish Magazine Nara. A journey from 1999 to now with the birth of Animals Without Limits by a little dying dog. Hope you will enjoy the story.

Tidningen Nara and you also read the column translated into English below;

My first encounter with street dogs occurred many years ago in Sofia, Bulgaria. Two dark brown eyes would change my life and many others' lives. I worked full time as an animal communicator and often flew around Europe to various clients. I had my own office on the well-known Gardet in Stockholm, and the waiting list for my services was long. But something in my heart did not feel quite right and no matter how hard I tried to explain the feelings, my friends didn’t understand what I meant. "You've got it all! You are already changing many lives! " they said.

By a "coincident" I flew over a weekend to a world conference down in Sofia, Bulgaria. The subject was the sterilization and castration of stray dogs. I had no expectations or hopes since I had no knowledge in that subject. Inspired by the lecturers and the participants knowledge that they shared something suddenly began bubbling inside me.

Later that evening we were a few who would go out to eat. I went in advance out to the street, suddenly it was like someone touched my soul and held on. My eyes were drawn into a dark entrance staircase, where two dark brown eyes searched mine. A street dog hunted my eyes, he conveyed that he needed help. He could not walk, but there was nothing self-pitying from his side, more a kind of waiting. No despair, but more patience in him.

There was something big behind the chestnut-colored eyes, a wisdom I had never seen before even though I had met hundreds of dogs previously. It felt as if I had been there for several minutes, but it was only for seconds.

Suddenly something snapped inside me, I sobbed over my despair that I could not take him with me. I could not take him to a vet, could not even find a home for him. The only thing I could do was listening to his story, and then turn my back on him.

My heart was broken, the hopelessness of abandoning someone who needed help. I had only experienced security at home in Sweden, never before had I seen this side of life.

I ran up to my room at the hotel and cried for hours. I did not want to go out. Later that night I took out pen and paper and began to write. On 23 October 1999, on my 36^th birthday, Animals Without Limits was born, on that hotel floor. Thanks to a stranger's soul that had communicated with my soul. A seed within me began to germinate, and since that day we (AWL) have been able to help thousands of injured, stray dogs.

Angels are working in different disguises toward different souls. When we open up our subconscious, we meet our teachers. That's Amore!

MY WEEKLY COLUMN IN MAGAZINE NARA

2011-11-04T09:36:00.002+01:00

My weekly column is about humans and animals in harmony with Universe. How music can affect us and animals. Nothing new under the sun, but my experience in real life am I sharing with you readers. Hope you like it.

MY COLUMN FOR THE WEEK IN THE SWEDISH MAGAZINE NARA

2011-09-30T20:17:00.004+02:00

Many have been asking me to translate my weekly columns for the Swedish Magazine. Here is my first attempt at capturing the nuance as well as the substance of what I write in my native tongue. Enjoy!

To love someone unconditionally is a gift, a wonderful experience where love shines through their eyes and forgives you for everything.
Via street dogs' eyes, I experience a world I would like to enjoy more in my own reality. When I enter the hospice grounds our clients are calm. They are like mini-Buddhists waiting for me, tranquil and calm in their souls.
When I sit down to meditate they put themselves in a half-moon around me. Serenity washes over me, they convey a place of wisdom and grace.
My beloved daughter is 6 years old and you readers have read in many previous columns about her medium capacity. I never talk about the other side, or angels, but I follow her stories.
When we lived in Italy she always talked about “sister Erika” who was with her everywhere and that she lived at the great mountain far away. It was always a security for Olivia.
We have now moved to Germany and new experiences and friends wash over her. One day when I picked her up from the first grade, she was very sad. Comforting, I bended down on my knee and asked what was wrong. "Sister Erika is not with me anymore"
Quietly, I asked her “why not?”
"Sister Erika is helping many others and I do not have her phone number."
When we got home we sat on the floor and I told Olivia that we would call “wireless” with our thoughts. We closed our eyes and after a while, I said some numbers out load. We sat in silence for what seemed like a long glorious moment when I suddenly hear Olivia exclaim, "She's here! Thank you mom you found her phone number!”
Next morning it was a more straight-backed and emboldened little girl walking across the schoolyard with her pink backpack.
Liebe Amore!

WEEKLY COLUMN IN MAGAZINE NARA

2011-05-19T21:50:00.001+02:00

This weeks column is about humans abandoned animals and then blaming the mess on God. Or they will turn the other check away scared of maybe meting the person in the future.
Responsibility and Commitment is a weak vein in the humans body.

Read the column and you can have it translated by google. That's Amore help!

A SPARKLING EVENT FOR MANY DIAMONDS

2011-04-05T11:47:00.000+02:00

WE WELCOME YOU TO HAVE A WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL DAY AND YOUR WALLET AND KARMA WILL GLOW. Via Lago Patria 245 (main street look after the two biggest trash piles, behind we are)

MITRAS ARTZI PICTURES

2011-03-26T07:35:00.000+01:00

Mitra a friend, takes very interesting pictures, brilliant motives and different objects. I find her work very thrilling and loving. I can clearly see the passion in her work.

AWL cannot wait to have her taking pictures of the clients in their Paradizo Casa dell'Amore!

Take a journey through her artzi work, Mitra Talarman We love her! Amore in art!

WEEKLY COLUMN IN MAGAZINE

2011-03-25T07:21:00.002+01:00

How could I resist not to write about Greg and Derek in my weekly column, Tidningen NARAHope you enjoy the story about two abandoned handsome guys. We still don't have a "happy ending" Can you help us?

CONFUSING THOUGHTS AND ATMOSPHERE

2011-03-23T09:26:00.005+01:00

Writing is fun and frustrating --- and always discipline. The most difficult now when I have children is to find the time. I even bought a book in 2007 "Writing for Moms." I thought that would give me a lot of ideas about how to find more time to write. The only problem is, I have not had the time to read it yet!

One of the good parts of being a writer is to discover so many new things, new words and new people. But like the thin pancake there is another side too. Analyzing!

Deep thinking, questioning why? Yet trying not to get too involved too deeply. And then, when done with the work, to let it go. And of course have the guts to write about difficult things, about people that are not nice and at the same time hopefully inspiring us to become better.
Pulling together thoughts and feelings, experiences and research in a way that is both interesting and meaningful to my readers.

But is it ok to conduct research by changing the truth to see how people react when you say or do different things? For example, perhaps you are eating very healthily but for your research you eat lots of junk food to see how people lecture you, or advise you to become healthier? Is that ethical or proper? Is it right and proper to concoct a fantasy to discover a truth?

When I was working as an animal psychologist the easy part was to read the animal. The hard part was when I was with the owner --- I didn't know how she felt since every day was a new day with different new impressions. The day, and my information, changed their aura, the energy felt, their mood --- and thus how she received my information.

The animals were pure and honest and the people could be confusing. Many times the people put their time into how other people should think and do, or they stole the other's energies. Often, it seemed that the people were trying to get away from their self.

Snooping people who were obsessed with what I was doing was uncomfortable. They didn't care how I as a person felt but wanted to know what was happening around me. I call them "An up to date billboard:" they want everybody's information but don't care how these same people feel.

They normally had a crowd of weak people around them so they could feel in control and powerful. Same goes in the animal kingdom but as with humans and animals with weakness in the group they became more vulnerable since inner stress is working inside and outside stress had a bigger impact to the inside. They don't have any protection.

I found it very interesting to observe people and for many years I have had my own coping little game: I put dog faces on them in my mind to see what breed they represented. It made it easier to cope with negative people since I got to giggle a lot on the inside, and with a smile in my heart I could walk on in life!

That's Amore!

ANIMAL HEALING FROM ERIKA

2011-03-19T08:16:00.003+01:00

Duktiga Erika Andersson kand fran tidningen NARA ger djurhealing gratis till behovande djur.
Det är lika viktigt för djuren att få healing som det är för oss människor.

Erika ger distanshealing till alla djur och efterhand som man mailar henne sina bilder (erika@dittmedium.se) så lägger hon ut eran bild på sin blogg www.dittmedium.se/blogg/

Skriv garna en kommenter hur det har gått efteråt, det uppskattar Erika!

I AM SORRY

2011-03-15T21:51:00.003+01:00

For some time now have I only been writing on www.animalswithoutlimits.blogspot.com

I copied and pasted and the same stories on both blogs, didn't make any sense.

I am still in thinking process what to do with my private blog. See you soon, private thoughts!

PART II ABOUT FRANKS STRUGGLING

2011-03-03T21:39:00.001+01:00

If you want excitement, to lose weight and build some good karma, join us for our AWL missions.

Earlier on our blog, you could read about Frank the German Shepard that was left to die on a busy street. But he was found by Italian volunteers Francesco and Merlina. Frank underwent surgeries and AWL was contacted by Chiarra, asking if Frank could stay two weeks at the hospice. That would give him time to heal and them to find a home.

But he looked like a mess with the wounds full of dripping, oozing fluid. Even if he ate well I felt that something was wrong even and so did Martina. I called Dr Damiani to ask when he would be at the clinic.
Could we bring in Frank for an examination?

Since Frank is stitched up everywhere and especially under his belly I would have difficulty carrying him into the SUV myself, I needed help.
Pio, Martina and Chiara stopped by at the hospice this early morning and helped me load him in the SUV with help of a big bath sheet.
Nicolle helped me with Frank at the clinic.

Frank was in a lot of pain, he was swollen everywhere. Dr Damiani had misty eyes when he greeted Frank. Could he be saved?

HELLO BIG WORLD

2011-03-02T22:17:00.000+01:00

GUARDIAN ANGELS FOUND HIM

2011-03-01T22:15:00.000+01:00

This is Frank, a beautiful German Shepard probably between 7-8 years old.

Frank was found on a busy street (highway), in Neaples. He had been hit by a car, and left to die. Francesco and Melania, two volunteers from Naples, just saw Frank, stopped to see if he was alive... Frank was sick, very sick, but he was alive. They took Frank to a veterinarian were he had to go through several surgeries. The vet had to remove the spleen and stop internal bleeding.

15 days later a new surgery; fracture of his right paw, he has the joints completely pulped. The operation appears successful, but we do not know if this giant will be able to keep the leg,

His left front leg is fractured, so far no surgery on that one.

Chiarra and Francesco came with Frank to Casa dell'Amore (hospice & recovery center) and what a trooper. He will stay for two weeks and hopefully a home will be found.

He is such a big sweet loving guy who need a forever home that can have him and pet him all day long.

Tomorrow we are bringing him in to get checked at dr Damiani's clinic. Keep your paws.

A big warm hand to Francesco and Melania for stopping and checking if the dog was alive. I get scared of thinking how many that are still alive laying on the highway.

Chiara Ricci for helping Frank and taking care of him and thank you ALL for your support so Frank can recover at Casa dell'Amore AWL. Without your donations we cannot exist.

That's Amore.

AWL SPAY AND NEUTER PROJECT 2011

2011-02-25T20:34:00.000+01:00

Three girls from Mount Vesuvius.
Trilly gave birth twice in the past, and puppies are all dead. Then she gave birth to a third time and her puppies are alive and looking for a home.
A restaurant is feeding her and want her back.

This is fantastic Leila. She is the oldest and loves to lay on the divano whole day. She is a keeper.

Piccolina, what a little character. Around 7-9 months and already had puppies. She is up for adoption. Lovely girl. I am so in love with them all.

Thank you AWL for making this project ending puppy births, and a hard life for the "mothers"

Martina was my middle hand. A man brought them in to Lega Pro for sterilization and Mia and Lynn picked them up and brought them to the Hospice Casa dell' Amore.

Mena, Laura, Emma , Luisiana, Valentina for helping the MV in one way or another. That's Amore.

OUR FRIENDS

2011-02-24T20:29:00.000+01:00

Lets dig to Sweden!

Capri getting ready!

Finally in Sweden...that took time! Thanks for not giving up, that's Amore!

OUR VACCINATION DAY

2011-02-22T07:13:00.000+01:00

Billy Bob and Ms Mapel got their vaccinations. They were great since the whole waiting room was full of dogs and cats and even a rabbit.

Both are still up for adoptions.
Thank you Marty for helping out.

SUNSHINE AMONG WONDERFUL FRIENDS

2011-02-21T21:22:00.000+01:00

We had a wonderful day at Casa dell'Amore. At the same time we work, we enjoy and so does the "oldies"

Our sweet HOPE!

Athena was so happy, Pio her favorite volunteer was with her the whole afternoon building a protection; so Athena couldn't jump out!

As always we gave kisses. But this little fellow made Kiki Joy's day.

Wonderful visit and presents. Bruno's and "his" parents came and visit, and with them they had this fantastic gift. All three have huge hearts! Thank you, that's Amore!

Stella, showed one of her modeling acts.

HOPE was in heaven that James and Abbi (Bruno's parents) spent time with her.

A big thank you to Pio. He worked so hard and made a great solution to have Athena on the right side of the wall. FANTASTIC!

Also this day was Bill and he worked to put book cases together. THANK YOU!

So our little fellow made sure that we all left at 14.00. And we can assure you that it wasn't only us that were tired. The dogs slept when we closed the door. That's lovely!

Dafne above and Billy Bob below, are so thankful for your visits and donations.

Martina, Patty, Pio, Billy, James, Abbi, Max, Me and Olivia. Now That's Amore

A WONDERFUL VALENTINE PRESENT TO AWL

2011-02-19T21:23:00.005+01:00

AWL received a heart warming (BIG) Happy Valentine donation from Craig, Creature, Vinnie and Lizzie in LA (USA)

Max and Kiki Joy (in the picture), are sending kisses and love back to you all as a BIG thank you!

You are Amore!

SPAY AND NEUTER PROJECT AWL 2011

2011-02-19T21:15:00.003+01:00

We are still working hard with this project, here are some new ones.

Thank you Ashley and Jonnie for making this project possible.

Rosella shelter we spayed these two young abandoned dogs. We need to make an end to over population of dogs by spay and neuter.

Thank you volunteers for driving, and thank you Lega Pro for making it happen. That's Amore!

WORKING HARD ON OUR NEW 2011 SPAY & NEUTER PROJECT AWL

2011-02-17T21:10:00.002+01:00

Abandoned dogs, and strays getting spayed before entering the Rossella shelter.

This guy was a charmer. Maybe one year old and so lovely and funny. He made me smile. Neutered, and still happy!--Rossella shelter--

Not me holding the camera! Female got sterilized.

Not me shaking the camera. Female spayed.

Cats spayed & neutered!

Dicky's dick! Neutered.

That's brilliant Amore.

We are continuing on our project spay and neuter 2011 "jonnie&ashley" Second week!

Camilla roaming around on the street, spayed.

Thank you all for being part in this project, Rossella shelter with the great volunteers, translator Rita, Martina, Pio, Chiarra, and of course Me.

Lega Pro Animale for your patience with our new Voucher system.

Team Amore!

NEW HELPING PROJECT MOUNT VESUVIUS

2011-02-15T20:49:00.002+01:00

AWL is starting a new project to help the abandoned dogs and strays on Mount Vesuvius here in Italy. It is a big and tragic problem with several dogs lost, some say there are up to 100 dogs roaming around the garbage piles. They are sick or dying, and confused searching for their former owners who left them at this place, protected by cloak of darkness.

Many people drive their dog up to the tourist attraction and leave them, some dogs even have two collars on them.

Some people cannot afford the veterinarian visits or medicine, and to put one dog to sleep can cost them one third of their monthly salary, but many are "just" heartless bastards.

Some think that God will take care of their dogs and believe the garbage will feed them.

AWL wants, together with the Mount Vesuvius rescue team, to help as many animals that are suffering from different diseases or have been abandoned. You also can make this effort possible by supporting us. Your voice is their voice, your money is their health. Your kindness makes AWL do some kind of magic in the middle of the darkness. That's Amore!

SPAY AND NEUTER DAY

2011-02-15T12:27:00.004+01:00

Being neutered wasn't that bad!

Louie even get to eat at his "home" the next day

Louie can highly recommend this~ please help sponsor AWL projects~ you can donate via IT bank or paypal, they are both secure!

Thanks mum Lynn and driver Trine for driving Louie in to Lega Pro, and thank you AWL for paying. That's team work Amore.

I drove Spencer in this morning to Lega Pro to have her sterilized. Yes she got a male name but the rescue person didn't realize until several months later that Spencer was a girl.

Spencer stays with me since the "rescue" person is not bringing her back with him to the States.

What can I say?

HAPPY VALENTINE FROM CASA DELL'AMORE

2011-02-14T07:36:00.004+01:00

Happy Valentine from all the four legged at Casa dell'Amore, and we hope your heart and wallet will be open to give us a bright future. We are always in need of Love and Donations or we wont survive.

Yesterday lovely generous people stopped by and wished us a loving future. We got a lot of fantastic dog treats, pate's, cleaning detergent, blankets and dog food. That's Amore said Hope!

Some treats for the humans but nearly everyone was on a diet. But we had two legged and four legged kids that ate with love!

Many have said Athena is bad to other dogs, but my gut tells me something else. I brought her up to celebrate Valentine, and she did great. A Valentine kiss to Martina. That's Amore.

Lynn rather talk to Dicky than the two legged guests . That's baking Amore!

Chiarra hugging our Tigri who only want extra Amore.

And Chiarra with boyfriend brought fantastic heart treats for the dogs, they were huge and fantastic thought the clients. That was Grande Amore!

Well, welcome back we love you all for coming and giving us hope about humans, not everyone is bad....that's Amore.

More pictures www.animalswithoutlimits.blogspot.com

Thank you all for visiting Casa dell'Amore, Marty, Pio, Chiarra + boyfriend, Olivia, Max, Angelina and her sister, Angela, Brian and children, Lynn, Trine, Patty.

BRUNO'S DIARY

2011-02-11T21:34:00.003+01:00

Always wanted to know the latest!

You remember Bruno that we wrote about from earlier blogs. Rescued by Tammy and Deb. Castrated and sponsored by AWL, and fostering at Hospice Casa dell'Amore, and then adopted by James and Abbi.

Saving a life!

They are doing great! I got an e mail from Abbi (and I have met Bruno in between too) I want to share with you...a Bruno Longheart update;

I just wanted to drop a line in and say he is doing wonderful and I will be putting some pictures up on facebook shortly. I apologize it has taken me this long to let you know how he is doing but it has been a crazy week, but we are all adjusting wonderfully. Bruno is getting 3 walks a day, we also bring him to a friends house with a large fenced in yard every day and let him run and play with his brother (snout, he was a stray also) and our friends little puppy Holly. They all get along wonderfully and Bruno is so gentle and sweet with Holly. He is also a giant cuddler...he likes to curl up right next to (or sometimes on top) of us and watch movies. We are still working on being potty trained, but he has not has an accident in the house for 3 days now! We have also noticed that he loves to play fetch, he could run and chase a ball for hours! We are so lucky to have him and we are enjoying him everyday. He is such a happy dog.

This is Amore!

A GRANDE GRAZIE

2011-02-08T21:13:00.004+01:00

A big smile and a thank you for all your help with donations.

You are making a difference!

Sara Hoover SE/USA

Erika Bobbi Athena Giove SE
Bella Appelblom SE
Karin Eriksson SE
Elisabeth Frey USA
Ulla Lindner SE

Thank you all who comes and volunteers at our Hospice Casa dell'Amore. Food donations is helping the animals in the shelter's from starving. YOU are making a difference. That's Amore

DELIVERING PLASTIC PALLETS TO A SHELTER

2011-02-06T21:03:00.005+01:00

Last Friday I picked up plastic pallets from a warehouse and delivered them yesterday to a shelter. Thank you Bill for volunteering that morning, and also walking Fred. Olivia was walking one dog while Max was eating cookies.

It was heartbreaking walking around looking into these begging eyes. 130 dogs with different stories. A beautiful Husky puppy 4-5 months old doing everything to get our attention.

Look at the cage! Wouldn't you want to save an animal?

When you abandon a dog, this is the view the dog will have.

Someone said they wouldn't help Mia (AWL) since I (we) had enough. Look at these pictures and tell me if its assumption or fact!

Our former "volunteer" Lindy Bunn's favorite walking couple Ginger and Fred. Lindy asked from Germany how they were doing and to give them a walk and kiss. And we did!

Thank you for making a difference with good true facts and hard work. That's Amore!

BRILLIANT ARTIST

2011-02-04T20:40:00.004+01:00

A fantastic and talented local artist, Rita E. Schneider, donated one of her outstanding paintings recently. I have been a big fan of hers for over one year, since I saw her art work for the first time. When invited to her home, I always needed to have the guts to ask if I could go in to her studio --- it was thrilling.

So when she sent me an email that she had a painting ready for the hospice, I was at her door in a minute. I was touched by her muse, her subject Julian, one of our wonderful rescue dogs that Rita also had fostered.

You can read about Julian on an earlier blog, the blind young dog who got to run with the other dogs through an apple plantation, and know love for a little time. Now he is running in the Garden of Eden, across the Rainbow Bridge.

.

MINI MISSION AT THE HOSPICE

2011-02-02T09:53:00.004+01:00

" Oh, when are they comming?"

"I think they are in here!"

Sweet Love!

This last Saturday we again had a mini mission at our hospice. Again, the Lynn Hunter family showed up and it was great to see that they brought with them friends from the Naples American High School Science Fiction Club. A lovely group of teenagers, ready to help.

Also from the food store on base came Bill; and my great couple Martina and Pio came to work, too. Patty is always there in the mornings, so she had made it clean and nice before we all entered at 10.00

Scooby and Phillipo got bathed, I think Phillipo enjoyed it more than Scooby-he is such a good boy. Think, Phillipo has been closed in a small cage for two years since they said he didn't like males-or not many dogs. Don't tell him that Scooby is a male! Phillipo has grown in my eyes --- I so admire him --- he has a great self esteem. I will sure miss these guys when they fly to Sweden the 11th. Phillipo's "mom" has been waiting for him for over one year.

Our new washing machine finally got all the parts to plug it in thanks to Pio. The blankets smell divine now!

We cleaned; walked Athena; practiced with Ms Maple to walk on a leash inside the house for over one hour (she did great); we loved up on everyone; and cleaned some more. Graysen watered the bushes.

We had a wonderful day, and the teenagers were great --- what a team!

Thank you Lynn and David for putting together a tool box for the hospice, what a great idea.

This was a great Amore day, for us volunteers and for the four legged clients. Thanks to all for making a difference. That's Amore!

See you soon again!

FOREVER OUR HOPE

2011-02-01T13:23:00.002+01:00

Up on Mount Vesuvius, are there many strays and even more dumped dogs with collars, ear tattoos, or even microchip. Apparently, it is easy to go up there, open the door and kick out your best friend, the dog. And many times the people even do it during day light.

The place is full of hungry and sick dogs. The volunteers doesn't know where to start to help.

I read many cries for help on Facebook, and the pictures are many times simply heart-breaking. You can feel their pain and see it in their eyes. Once loved, now they are just one of the garbage bags.

Martina- helps me communicate with the Italian rescue people about what is many times a hard choice to make: "who to chose to help?" Martina and I seem to have the same thinking process. It is also nice to have someone else to share the pain of not being able to help more deserving souls (and the joy of success when it happens).

And so, last night we got one new client to our hospice Casa dell' Amore.

One of the cast-offs found on the volcano Vesuvius. She is very sick! Two ladies drove her to a veterinarian clinic where she had an examination and blood test done. She is suffering a high fever and a severe case of leishaminiosis. Her medicine prescription looks like Santa's Christmas wish list; but her true wish is only to be loved again and healthy.

Thanks to a wonderful family before moving from here, we got a nice big sofa in one of the rooms upstairs at the hospice. We put a warm blanket --- that someone had lovingly donated--- over the sofa and Martina brought up food and water that this little near skeleton ate with a good appetite. She is so tiny!

But we all love her so dearly, already. When you open the door to her room you can hear her tail go off at 50km/h. She is so petit, loving and only wants you to sit together with her and hold her. I don't know if my heart aches out of love or pain since I see what she has gone through.

We named her HOPE!

Thank you rescue ladies for giving her a voice on FB, thank you wonderful Martina for spending all the time on the phone with them, and making sure they came to our hospice. Your heart is so big and beautiful, every day it is a pleasure working together with you. And you never ask anything in return, never!

To all you who donate money or things to AWL, this is thanks to you that we can save and rescue and love the dogs. Without YOU we are nothing.
You are the Amore. Thank you.

MERLIN IS A BIG BOY

2011-01-28T08:05:00.001+01:00

It doesn't feel that long a go when Todd and I went and picked them all eight up, plus mom and dad.
The wonderful family Phelps came and fell madly in love with Merlin. They spent many days at the hospice together with him and siblings. And then one day, they could bring him home.

The whole family adores Merlin, and he is having a wonderful family. That's Great Dane Amore!

AWL CASA DELL'AMORE OPEN UP FOR A NEW HEART

2011-01-28T04:19:00.000+01:00

Our little big Joy arrived at the hospice this morning, and my heart melted right away. Those long ears, those big watery eyes, that grey face and long small legs.

Joy (Gioia in Italian) is about 14 years old, skinny but with a positive attitude.
She let all the dogs at the hospice smell her and then she started to smell around. What a good girl.
She is an old hunting dog that has been on a chain for many years. She has many cuts on her ears.
Found on the streets in the Napoli area among cars, lost and hungry.

Now she is with us. If someone wants to adopt her, a forever home only please, since she loves to cuddle and scratch those inner legs. She is a beautiful spirit, with a lot of fantastic manners.

She was shivering when Pio and Martina brought her in to Casa dell'Amore. I ran up to the office and took out a brand new dog coat for her. Perfect size!

AWL Sweden had sent down a package, I sent them a warm thought in thanks. That's warm Amore!

Again to my great animal team Martina and Pio. They are doing such a great team work. Francesca thank you for your heart with Joy. AWL supporters thank you for your donations we can open our door for these lost souls. Your donation is making a big difference. That's Amore.

BRUNO LONGHEART

2011-01-27T11:21:00.000+01:00

Bruno, our beloved loving goof, has in a short time gone through so many people's hearts and still he is touching all of us who comes in his way.
We are very protective over our AWL dogs, and with Bruno it is even a little extra.

You can read about Bruno's journey via Tammy to AWL on earlier blogs, and now he has gotten a new owner--we hope--Both Bruno and James will go on a so called 2 week "trial period" together.

It is always difficult to adopt a 'stranger" and also for Bruno, James is a stranger whom we don't know much about, either. So both have to trust each other and do their best.

James, with his friends came out to the AWL Hospice last Sunday to meet Bruno.

James loved Bruno, there is something about Bruno Longheart!

James walked Bruno and he stayed by his side, he and his friends took him home. Some accidents have happened but James and friend Abbi takes it all with peace; they understand that Bruno has never been inside a home before. We suspect he is a former chained dog, it is very common here.

James and his friends do a lot of outdoor activities: hiking, camping, climbing and they love to bring their dogs with them. So I think Bruno will have a blast.

I spoke to James yesterday and he told me Bruno is a fast learner. What made me pleased was to hear that James and Abbi go home for lunch, taking him outside and playing. They have already gone through one soccer ball.

So how about Bruno donations? How about donating your football or soccer ball to the best player in the world. Bruno Longheart!

COSBY IS A BIG BOY

2011-01-26T12:10:00.005+01:00

Another little chap has grown up at mom Wendy's home. One day....like this picture above..the next month...

In warm secure arms. My mom fell in love with me when she visited AWL Hospice where we stayed for a couple of months.

You never know what life will give you...do your best. I did and look at my gorgeous mom who adopted me from AWL rescue team/

That's Great Dane Amore!

SUNDAY BLESSING AT THE HOSPICE

2011-01-26T08:47:00.004+01:00

From my heart, a big THANK YOU to all who came out to help us last Sunday at the Hospice Casa della Amore. It was a true joy and the dogs loved all the attention, love (and some even got to bath.)

Amy, you won Rosita's heart. No one could pick her up before!
Angelina brought a beautiful dog cover dress for Rosita. She enjoyed it!

We had a lot of "Handy Mandy" hands, light bulbs were changed, power washing, cleaning bathrooms, walking the dogs, bathing. It was a true Amore day.

We were many different ages, youth, young adults, children...it was so wonderful to see you all.

Thank you for making a difference, that's amore!

And you all brought such great dog food donations that we will share with the shelters in need.

AWL HOSPICE WANT TO THANK

2011-01-25T15:55:00.002+01:00

All the people that donated and became members with AWL Sweden

dog covers were bought to the freezing oldies at the hospice in bella but cold Napoli.

The oldies also says THANK YOU to Himmelska Hundar for the 10 treat bags. So much to chew on...That was chewy Amore.

Thank you all, that's Amore.

TREVOR IS GETTING BIG, BIG AMORE

2011-01-25T08:52:00.003+01:00

Remember last summer? AWL rescued Great Dane family!

Trevor was getting big...and he got a wonderful family that sent me the picture......

He is BIGGER!!!!

Nice divano with wonderful friends...this is my mom!

and my family re named me TYSON..I like that, big name to a big guy like me! That's Amore.

A TRUE HERO

2011-01-23T21:14:00.002+01:00

I got in to my house last Friday after working a couple of hours at the hospice. Pio who helps me out watching the kids, was putting on his jacket when I receive a call from Dr. Lungo (Dr. Damiani clinic). They had a dying dog that had been poisoned, he told me, could we come in with Bruno and give a blood transfusion?

Lonely with my kids, already late evening, I asked him to allow me to call him back. I told Pio the story, could he go to the hospice and get Bruno and drive to Dr Damiani's clinic? I would pay!

Pio's partner, Martina, was waiting for him at home. A Friday evening after a long weeks work, dinner would be ready and they would have time to be together with their own dogs. But Pio said he would do it, and he even turned down the money.

I called Martina and told her that Pio would be late and what the reason was. Wonderful Martina said, "Of course he has to go!"

This is such unselfish, beautiful teamwork; no whining, no complaining.
He drove to the hospice, took AWL Bruno on a mission to save the life of another.

Pio, Bruno, Dr. Lungo, Dr Damiani, saved a life last night. That's heartwarming Amore.

I picked up Bruno yesterday from Dr Damiani's clinic, and the little girl Bruno gave blood to will make it.

The poison causes internal organs to break down and leak, an animal dies by internal bleeding. It's a slow and painful death. Dogs should have 45% red blood cells, this little girl had only 11%, she was close to death from the internal bleeding.

It is so beautiful, Bruno was rescued and saved, and now he saved a life. That's Amore!

MOGANA GREAT DANE THEN AND NOW

2011-01-22T01:45:00.000+01:00

Mogana beautiful named by a a wonderful British family.She staid long at the hospice, but then she got a wonderful family up North. This is Amore~

ONE LIFE GOES, ANOTHER LIFE COMES

2011-01-21T13:48:00.006+01:00

Bubba was found by Pio, on the highway when he came driving. It was a dangerous place for a small little puppy, well really for anyone.

When he came home with Bubba to his partner Martina, she fell in love with him right away.

Martina had just recently put her beloved dog, Luce, to sleep because they learned that she was full of cancer. She had become very sick, was in pain, and her quality of life had degraded significantly. Martina gave Luce the best months in her 16-year long life. Luce came to Martina and Pio from one of the shelters were the dogs ever get out. 13 years she had spent behind the bars, on cold damp concrete. And being bullied by her "cell mates"

Martina believes that Luce sent her Bubba, to tell him that he should stay in their home; you will be spoiled and loved. And that is very true.

AWL made sure that Bubba got vaccinations and a health check at Dr Damiani's clinic. It's all amore.

In memorial Luce the great.

AWL SPAY AND NEUTER PROJECT

2011-01-21T13:22:00.003+01:00

These two dogs were brought by Giulia to have them spayed and neutered, since they always got puppies and lived on the street. We arranged appointment and paid for the visit and surgery.

The male had ehrlichiosis and couldn't be neutered, he is on a 30 day antibiotic treatment, and when healthy he will be castrated.

Thank you for sponsoring AWL so we can get the puppy population down.

Animals and Children: A GOVERMENTAL SHAME

2011-01-20T13:49:00.000+01:00

Animals and Children: A GOVERMENTAL SHAME: Click on the link please.
"An Animoto-created video showing the horrible conditions in a governmental shelter in Campania (Napoli) Italy. Make your voice be heard agai..."

ONE LESS IN THE BRATT PACK

2011-01-19T07:24:00.003+01:00

Our Brat-Pack, Gracey Lynn (German Shepherd), Ms Maple (beige), Billy Bob (black & brown Doberman mix) a funny gang. Well, it was time to say good-bye to our Gracey Lynn that had been with us for several months.
Not because of lack of families, we actually turned down three different families, because we didn't think the match was great for anyone, two-legged or four-legged.

Our Gracey Lynn, together with 5 other siblings was pushed down in a dirty bucket and left in a Park. The security called me, and Tammy went and picked them up and had them in her home for a couple of days. The pups were only about four weeks old. Then three were adopted and three moved in with us at the Hospice. They kept the oldies going--and us too.
Eventually, her two remaining siblings got adopted to the same family and left us with our little Gracey Lynn.

Gracey Lynn was the weakest, smallest and had strange things happening to her. She had a big water bubble-blister looking thing on her back leg, which made it hard for her to walk. Part of her tail looked like a rat's, hairless and scaly. But we treated her, gave her good food and attention--we forgot the discipline--

And she became an even more beautiful girl, our Gracey Lynn. From a little ball of fur, to a beautiful German Shepherd. So of course we were very picky with a new family. Martina my great animal friend, found a wonderful family up North that had been waiting for one month for Gracey Lynn. What I love about the family's "mom" was that she kept calling Martina asking "When is she coming, when?" When the original plans fell through for Gracey Lynn to go to the family on Christmas Eve, they actually cried.

Martina's lovely other half, Pio, came and picked up heavy, lively Gracey Lynn to bring her to the driver that would transport her up North.

And we got lovely pictures from a very happy family and a very happy Gracey Lynn.
That's Amore!

Thank you Kendra for your phone call alerting us to the abandoned pups; Tammy for picking them up and having them for one week. AWL for not rushing any adoption just to get rid of them; YOU who made the donations for food and vaccinations and de worming and Gracey Lynn's stay at the vet clinic and treatment. Todd for going to the hospice late evenings to cuddle up with the brat-pack and your favorite Miss Gracey Lynn; Martina for finding a good home and not picking "whatever"; Pio for going to the hospice early on the morning to get her to the driver. This is darn good teamwork Amore!

BRILLIANT DONATION

2011-01-18T16:47:00.003+01:00

The most brilliant donation! Thank you so much Gabe, the facility manager and Angela Colling from Support Site Fitness Forum for all the exercise mats. What a wonderful donation to our Hospice.
That's Brilliant Amore!

WE GOT HOME CHRISTMAS FEELING

2011-01-12T18:37:00.004+01:00

I am very behind in publishing great peoples help to AWL. I apologies!

It has been the most hectic December I ever had had in many years, and this was not about celebrating! Many phone calls about "soon" to be abandoned dogs from persons Pcs ing back home to the States.
People who abandoned their dog(s) that I had to turn in one complaint against their behavior. But AWL is not an Animal Police, please this is not our work, its every ones, you more people that say NO, you faster an animal law can be set up.

Some dogs has been taken cared off, and new home has been found. BUT again, we are not an adoption agency but it is heart breaking when a family doesn't bring their dog with them back home.

In this hectic and chaos moment, there are those who have been wonderful generous with their time to AWL too. Lynn and Trine made our hospice look more "home". Handy Trine brought her tool box and put the curtains up that Lynn had made (donation) It is beautiful that even people that visit think we live there...no no, only doggies.

Thank you Lynn and Trine for making the hospice feel "Home Sweet Home" That's Amore

ANOTHER RAINBOW WINGS HAVE BEEN HANDED OUT

2011-01-11T16:03:00.000+01:00

I wrote last Thursday a memorial peace for Leo, that some dogs touches your inner soul even if you only have known them a short period time.

I cannot say I got that honor to do that with Contessa, a beautiful long-hair German Shepard between 10-13 years old. But her story touched me, deeply.

Two weeks ago a recieved a message about a German Shepard with an eye problem in a 400 dog shelter, could I help? Well, you who have followed the last bloggings about Contessa knows what I am talking about.

Let me give you a little bit more information about this shelter and the woman behind it, Adrianne. Adrianne has a shelter and the Goverment said to her if she could take some dogs from them when they had caught them on the street she would get finacial help. She did and they gave her 200 dogs and helped her and then the money stopped coming in. She wrote, she called, she visited it was always the same...tomorrow!

She wrote to the Italian newspaper and TV, they came out filmed and interviewed and said..."of course we will help...tomorrow!" Well tomorrow has now been over 2 years old and she has 400 dogs in cages that never come out.

There is nothing wrong with her love for them, but she is walking on her knees, her face is so tired and filled with wrinkles, and still she thanks me a lot.

I introduced Simona and Martina to her shelter and they together with other girls are doing difficult work but doing it great, trying to adopt out dogs.

So, Contessa was in this shelter, a dog that the Government deposited with Adrianna. Her right eye becomes diseased, and starts to swell within the socket, turning this ugly redish-blackish color. Tumor!
Martina asks if we can help, and provide a place for Contessa to recover at the Hospice. That's how I came to know and care for Contessa.

Contessa got her surgery and I picked her up in the evening. I was so proud how after only a few days, she recognized my voice. She followed me as a little puppy and when she wagged her tail, I was so proud over her.

I had warm feelings for her, I could see her beauty and I couldn't wait to get her better, or comfortable and she could walk with me on the grass and lay in the sun a little.

She had been in this shelter on the conrete floor since 2003, I wanted so much more for her.

We did everything according to the book. Made sure she wasn't suffering, blood test, ultra sound, x-ray and an eye specialist. But the Universe wanted somthing else.

The night when I went to the hospice to say good night to all the residents and Contessa, she was curled up by the radiater on a matteress and pillow. She lifted her face when she heard me coming in the stairs, it made me smile. She ate wet food and I petted her gentlely and told her I was proud over her.

The next day she had a bad sezuire that scared me when I saw it. I knew this was a severe one; I could tell from my experience with Cody. She got an veterinarian order for vallium and she slept. Nine hours later, she had another seizure that made her heart stop. Her life stopped suddenly without any warnings or explanations, only sadness.

I know this is my work and having a hospice and sick old clients this will happen. But it doesn't mean I won't feel anything, I do, because I care for them, I love them.

It is not an institution, it is Casa della Amore. The day that I stop crying for these souls, you will have to give me another job, because that is not Amore.

"Contessa, there was something special about you and in my dreams I wanted you to become better and either stay in the hospice forever, or Martina and I we would have found you a wonderful home.
Now you are together with Leo and the others with your rainbow wings. Rest in Peace, dear Contessa. I love you. "

A WONDERFUL SOUL IS HAVING THE RAINBOW COLORS

2011-01-05T20:21:00.005+01:00

I think it was last summer I met Leo for the first time in Monterochello. He was a free stray, 15 years old and the people in the neighborhood all knew him. A lady fed him, an animal friend kept an eye on him, this was his life. He was known as being grumpy. If you tried to pet him he limped away, irritated. But he was loved.

Maria contacted Martina and me if we could help Leo, he started to become lame and he had fungus and other things, like erlichia. I met him and saw something behind that "evil eye." To put Frontline on him you had to come up behind him very quickly and put it on before he realized what was happening. He was quick around the parked cars and disappeared. I didn't know what to say. This was his life!

He got to Dr. Lungo for an examination. In they carried him in a cage wearing a muzzle. Leo was angry!

Medicine was provided and back with him but Maria had difficulty to give it to him.

Finally we got our Hospice and Leo was the first one I wanted. They carried him in the same cage and he had the same look. He limped out from the cage and went as fare as possible away from us laying in a corner of the garden with his back towards us. We could not touch him.

All right, I told him he could hear me and when he felt comfortable he could come and talk to me. After three days, I could wipe of his face, I could massage his side of his head--he love that-- and after one week I could give him a bath. Leo was my love! He was the biggest soul I had met in a long time, gentle and sweet, very quiet.

A week later I gave him his first bath. He didn't touch me! He was a true gentleman. Everyone loved Leo. He looked like Obiwan in Star wars with his black ears going out to the sides when he was happy to see us. He never wagged his tail that was his balance when he walked. It stood right out.

He hadn't played for years. Suddenly he stole the toys and came trotting like an 80 year old Fred Astaire. He hadn't been inside a house, and it took over a month till he walked inside but still wanted to sleep outside.

I never pushed Leo. I gave him good food and painkillers as needed, but a lot of love. He saw that in our eyes when we spoke to Leo.

The last month he slept inside because it was cold and rainy a lot. And Lena had sent him a special wonderful winter coat that he loved. He felt beautiful--since we kept telling him that--and he was toasty warm.

He was my friend. When drama happened during the day, Leo and I sat outside and we talked. I felt he many times said "Is this person worthy of your friendship?"

His back legs started to become weaker and one day his back leg seemed paralyzed. He couldn't walk! It broke my heart to see him and Leo who had been a strong man and survived many obstacles didn't want to become lame. You could see how he disliked being pampered like a baby. No, Leo was a Ranger and it was with big resistant I let him go...

I love you so much Leo. There are some you meet for a short period in life but it feels like forever. Thank you for teaching me about having a "backbone" myself. You are the only dog where I still feel that you are with me, on my mission, in the hospice, in my home. I am so thankful Leo that you are not leaving my side. That's Amore, my friend!

A TRUE CHRISTMAS STORY

2011-01-05T08:21:00.001+01:00

The day before Christmas I received a phone call from our veterinarian Dr Damiani. An Italian lady had brought in a dog to his clinic with American tags and microchip. The lady could not foster him, could I? Of course with 20 dogs one more could not hurt, I understood that many people during the Christmas holidays absolutely don't want to deal with new "problems." For me and my family it is Christmas, show a helping hand!

I drove there and Dr Damiani and Dr Lungo had found out the name of the US owner on the microchip but there was one problem, the owner had left the country in 2004!

Ok, now I see why people don't want to get involved too much, you can get stuck with a stranger in your home.

Bruno was his name, and he came home with me and was great together with all the dogs that swormed him sniffing his butt.

For days he followed be, he refused to go out if I didn't go out with him. He wined by the door until I came home. He was a sweetheart, so polite, no accidents in the house, funny to play catch with.

Everything was closed for the holidays, and no one wanted to give out information over Christmas and New Years.

When trying to find information about the owner it became discovery learning: "Eh, we don't know if he is still in the NAVY" or "Well so many years have gone you can keep him if you want to." There is no process in place to locate past owners when this sort of situation comes up.

I refused! Yes we have many, too many abandoned animal stories, but if we stop searching for the good endings we have failed. I said "if it was his wife missing you would find him in a heartbeat!"

These people I talked with were never rude, simply not knowing what to do or how to proceed and go full force.

I sent messages, searching and when you believe in a miracle....one happens.

My veterinarian called me yesterday and said, "I had to take the bus into the clinic. When I walked to the clinic there on a wall is Bruno's picture with a missing note." The owner was looking for him!

It was incredible. Jake is the person registered on base as the owner, he had had Bruno for 2 years and then his wonderful landlords Mena with husband had been taking him over. For 7 years Bruno has stayed with them in their home. Just before Christmas, the other American family drove out from their Parco and didn't see Bruno running after their car. That's how he got lost.

As a present to them I bought, an Italian microchip that Dr Lungo implanted the same evening. Now, if Bruno gets out again, it will be easier to find his rightful home. And the generous family gave AWL a donation for our commitment and care for the dogs, stray or not...That's Amore

And Bruno's original master? Jake is still in the US Navy and was just here visiting a couple of months ago. The family wasn't aware that the microchip was in Jake's name on base, and hadn't registered Bruno in the Italian system. It wasn't what it appeared, an all-too-familiar case of abandonment. Instead it was an example of doing things almost right.

Everyone can now relax, Bruno is back home. I have to admit, I got attached to the little fellow. What a guy!

PREPARATION BEFORE A SURGERY CONTESSA

2011-01-03T19:54:00.000+01:00

We had to examine Contessa more thoroughly before making any further decisions for her eye surgery. Dr Lungo (at Dr. Damiani clinic) greeted me and they had hired in Dott. Fortunata Farina to make an ultrasound. Dott. Fortuna Farina was a lovely lady, with a good attitude having great charisma.

Ultra sound showed big mammary glands tumors , and abnormal glands. Also something small on her lung. So we are scheduling a surgery Wednesday, and hiring in eye specialist Alexandria and one anesthesiologist to remove the eye. The rest we will have to deal with later.

Thank you beautiful team, Dott. Farina, Dr. Lungo and Rebecca (veterinary technician) for helping and working hard for those who doesn't have an owner. That's Amore. You are true caring veterinarians.

CONTESSA OUR NEW CLIENT

2011-01-01T17:36:00.004+01:00

You could read about Contessa on one earlier blog. Contessa is now at our hospice recovering. She gets to sleep inside, on a bed and with her own pillow; fantastic nutritious food with extra vitamins for old, abused dogs. She can be alone and rest. No longer in a 400 dog shelter, in a cage on a concrete floor were no one sleeps. Shelters here are like prisons! As an inmate, you have to stand guard: over your bed, your food --- others can come and attack you--they want your space.

She was breathing heavy at the veterinarian clinic, but that is understandable too. The shelter, as horrible as it is, is her only safety zone she knows of, she doesn't understand the future, only the past.

Now since Thursday she is up on her legs walking and have met the other hospice kids, and it went very well. Calm and easy!

However, her blood test didn't come out great. She is anemic, and her liver test is lousy.

Monday, we have scheduled an x-ray and ultra sound appointment at 16.30 to see how her inner body looks like. If she is full of cancer, we will have to take another direction.

She is not in pain, probably some discomfort, but we are giving her eye drops at least 5 times a day to keep the "eye" moistened, and thus not too annoying for her. It is how it looks like that gives other people "pain" its ugly and its nasty. When we see something that looks horrible we want to take it away, it hurts our stomach, our inner feelings.

We are not keeping clients that are in pain alive just for the sake of being alive, that is against our beliefs. But we believe in giving one a chance if the there is hope and no undue suffering. Together with experienced veterinarians, we decide what is best for our clients, even if it looks ugly. That's Amore!

A HUGE THANK YOU

2010-12-30T09:15:00.000+01:00

It is like magic when the post man delivers big packages into your hospice, and you know it is gifts. Like children we open up and smile and being filled with a warm feeling--kindness!

Ulla Lindner sent a big package with this fantastic dog "cover" "Back on Track" that warms up muscles and keep their joints more moveable. Back problems improve. And it was the best present to Boss who has hip and back problems.

She sent so many goodies to the dogs: pig ears, bags of treats, and rawhide sticks. Christmas ornaments for the hospice that we enjoyed for our Lucia party.

And, all the goodies for me that I hid for my family.

Maria Hahne ---Bonitas mom--- had sent great dog clothing for our smaller and medium dogs.

Both put in donations on AWL's account to buy food for the shelter dogs--That's Amore

Another wonderful Swedish woman Lena Lillier --Freckles's mom-- sent a great care package for the hospice kids (oldies)--and me!

Lady was thrilled over hers. I was amazed at the comfort and beautiful design that covered their front and under their bellies.

Leo wears his day and night, he just loves it. Warm and cozy. His movements have improved greatly, he is stepping around better than ever.

Dicky's got a little bit big, but better that than skin and bones. He loves his jacket and when I take it off he is so warm and lovely. He is in a big thrill, and it is helping his arthritis be better.

Lena, Maria and Ulla in Sweden, thank you so much for your wonderful gifts to the Hospice. That's warm Amore.

WE NEED HELP TO HELP CONTESSA

2010-12-29T22:10:00.001+01:00

I got a text asking if we could help a dog in a shelter with an eye problem. Of course we could, I called our Dr Loungo and to my wonderful surprise, the eye specialist Dr. Alexandra was going to be there down from Rome this very afternoon. An appointment was scheduled.

My wonderful animal friends Pio and Martina got to the 400 dog shelter and brought out "nameless' ... I named her Contessa!

She is 10 years-old and has been in the shelter since 2003.

A surgery can be done, the cancer can be removed but first we need to x ray her Monday to see how her inside body looks like. She will be staying at our hospice for her recovery period.

My whole inside hurts, I feel powerless, it hurts to see that a dog has to live under sad conditions where the Government has stopped paying. It's a shame.

Please, AWL is out of money, we desperately need donations, earmarked for Contessa. Please help us give her the season of miracle.

BRUNO LOST AND FOUND

2010-12-29T21:18:00.000+01:00

Bruno is a sweet hunting dog between 5-6 years-old. He was spotted by Tammy and Deb, two animal friends through their car window. They saw him trying to find human contact, but the man he had chosen kept swinging his fist, hitting towards the dog. Tammy and Deb went out and asked if it was his dog--no it wasn't and he didn't know anyone owning the dog. The women opened the door to their car and in flew "Bruno"

They drove him to LegaProAnimale were Dr Gigi took care of him, castrated and de-wormed. He had an old fracture on his front left leg and a big scare over his back. He had probably been hit by a car and got caught under the car... dragged. Then it started to heal on its own.

Bruno was just skin and bones. His long front claws shows also he has been chained up. Three days later I went out to the clinic to pick up another dog. I peeked in Bruno's box and fell madly in love. This goof has so much love and play, I took him with me in the car, back to the hospice.

He is together with three males, and loves going in the car (slight problem to jump in due to his shoulder break) he loves going for a walk and he loves my children. He will be a perfect family dog for some special, lucky family.

Thank you Tammy and Deb for sponsoring his bills, thank you AWL for taking care of him, that's Amore.

If you are interested in Bruno please contact us, but only if you are truly deserving of this fellow's affection and loyalty!

OUR YEARLY TRADITION--LUCIA

2010-12-26T23:22:00.009+01:00

For ten years now I have observed a yearly tradition, a Lucia fest in my home. The guests that I invite bring a bag of dog food each instead of a bottle of wine or flower to me. In years past, all the bags would be donated to a shelter in need. It always felt good meeting friends and shareing some Glogg (red sweet Swedish drink, has to be warm) with some snacks. And, to collect 30 bags of dog food for others in need. Christmas hits many organizations very baddly, so it feels like a win-win situation.

This year we had it at the AWL Hospice among the oldies and some younger ones. It felt even better to show the guests what we were doing and for them to meet our clients.

Patty is a wonderful volunteer who helps out at the hospice a lot. I love her way towards the animals, her self going and great ideas. She is a big asset for the oldies and me.

The Lucia evening was wonderful, with approximately 40 people from Italy, Canada, USA and Sweden. Oriana's husband entertained the children wonderfully.

But this evening was the coldest in a long time, and we no heat at the hospice we were stepping around to keep our self warm. It was a kind of torture, the dogs had their fur coats.

But many times it is a good thing to "celebrate" were the help is needed, you get to feel it instead of hear it.

A couple of days later our Dutch friends came down to the hospice with 400 liters of gas to the hospice. We were in the earthly heaven.

Thank you all guests that made this evening warm and loving and for all the dog food, blankets, towels, dog biscuits, toys, cleaning detergent, dog house/crate.

Thank you, wonderful Dutch family JP, Babs, Ticco and Peter for the gas. 400 liters! WOW!!!!That's wonderful warm, Amore!

HAPPY ENDING-THANK YOU ALL

2010-12-26T22:00:00.007+01:00

I think this is my happiest story.

Maybe because it was a big family of 10 dogs, remember? Click on this link to refresh your memory... maybe it was so many to find good homes for, and the puppies got great homes and my worries for the mother Lady and father Boss would find a great home together ate me alive. We had contacted a fantastic organization in Spain that we could drive to, but our personal life's put a stop to that idea. An animal friend offered to fly them over to a British couple in Spain who wanted to adopt them. But lack of money made that undertaking a big question mark.

I had been told that homes separately could be found for them relatively easily. But I refused. Boss and Lady were born together and had gone through so much together. I wanted them to end together. I saw when we separated them for a walk or to take one to the vet, how sad and worried they became. Our hospice wasn't the paradise they deserved, but it was better than what they had before. I wouldn't give up.

Finally, one day I get an e-mail from my "secretary" that the Great Dane rescue lady Stefania now had found a perfect match. The prospective adopters would drive down from north of Rome to meet Boss and Lady.

And Emanuela and her mother came down and as soon as I hugged them, I knew they were perfect. They were smiling and laughing in a warm way when they saw goofy Boss playing and they couldn't stop cuddling with Lady. They were perfect and I cried. Big, happy tears.

These are the pictures Emanuela sent to me. They have a huge garden, like a soccer field. And thanks to Lena Lillier and Ulla Lindner who sent dog covers, Lady and Boss are doing great and staying warm in the snow up north (a first for them).

And going from stable floor, to hospice floor to their own sofa in a warm and loving home, they are in heaven but still on Earth. This is Amore!

Thank you all for supporting this long journey and not giving up. Jennifer at Hotel Agora who introduced me to this Great Dane family and who sponsored the spay and neuter... you really were the catalyst for this to happen.

Pio for taking long walks with Boss, and Martina for your support and contacting and being the middle hand for the Great Dane rescue Italy Stefania, I love you guys.

Todd for not giving up and the late nights being at the hospice sitting with them giving them love and attention.

And to this wonderful family that together with Stefania, show that miracles do happen (it is the season for miracles, after all!)

And once again, I didn't give up!

Beautiful Lady.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM LOS ANGELES FRIENDS

2010-12-23T16:02:00.001+01:00

AWL want to thank our long distance four legged friends for their generous donation, 1000 dollar That is Barking Amore ;

"From Creature, Vinnie and Lizzie in Los Angeles to their dog freinds in Naples - Merry Christmas"

THANK YOU ALL FOR SUPPORTING AWL

2010-12-22T16:36:00.000+01:00

Free digital greeting card personalized with Smilebox

MY FIRST DAY OF VACATION

2010-12-16T21:16:00.005+01:00

I had promised myself to cut down on working, of course Hospice full speed but not rescuing, I need a break. First in the morning I took Boss our Great Dane rescue to go to the ASL dog catching veterinarian clinic to have the microchip ownership changed. It is something that has been on my "to do list" for a long time, but there is always something else coming in between.

My husband was kind to help me lift this 75 kg boy into my SUV. Since Boss has bad hips he doesn't jump, he digs his paws down into the ground and freezes into a heavy statue.

He is a sweet heart in the car, he sits and small talks the whole way. He did great.

Tammy our animal friend has been busy feeding this beautiful lady Husky "Contessa." She is young, wonderful, sweet, good in the car. Tammy took her to LegaPro Animale, and they are keeping her there to be spayed and de wormed. AWL is taking care of the bills, thanks to your donations. We can manage to have her there for 3 days, then she has to be released back on the street if no one can foster or adopt her.

Contessa is a very smart, calm, gentle female. She fell asleep in the car, exhausted after probably being dumped and trying to survive on the streets.

Our favorite veterinarian Dr Gigi. He always has a smile and a calm voice while treating the animals.

Getting ready. Saturday she is being released back on the street if no one can step up and give her a warm bed and a home. She is a fantastic dog, it breaks our hearts.

So I am driving home to take care of our 19 dogs and some yard work. I am ashamed how neglected my own dogs are. They always hear "wait. wait."

Close to our gate I spot a small little dog, running scared, trying to avoid being hit by several cars that are honking angry at this poor thing. I could see the dog was not street smart at all, panicking.

A couple of cars are parked and some guys are standing talking. Now the dog is up by them trying to get some eye contact, but they are ignoring her.

Instead of closing my eyes and ignore it, I jump out. She puts her little head in my hand. No microchip, no collar, no spay tattoo on stomach.

In my SUV and out to LegaPro Animale.

I know how busy they are but they were nice to take her in and have her spayed. Ms Maple will be picked up Monday and if no one can give her a home (foster or forever) we will have to release her back to the streets.

She is young, 1 to 1-1/2 years old, great in the car, I could carry her she said nothing. Great at the vet. Ms Maple is a sweetheart.

GERMAN SHEPARD PUPPS ARE BIG GIRLS NOW

2010-12-15T21:38:00.005+01:00

Yesterday I picked Gracey Lynn up from LegaProAnimal, after being spayed --and she stayed one night at the clinic--. She was such a good girl. I am so proud over her.

On the examination table...all these terrible shots, but for a good cause.

This is an old photo but Michelle the owner haven't any picture of her Izzy yet only this old picture that I took when she adopted her.

But AWL paid her sterilization as promised when being adopted by me.

Thank you all for your donations, we can truly help the animals with the spay and neuter program. That's Amore

MAGAZINE ARTICLE

2010-12-12T20:43:00.001+01:00

Thank you Magazine HUNDLIV for a fantastic article about our work here in Campania region.

That's Amore!

AMORE THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP

2010-12-11T13:01:00.000+01:00

Lately I have been surrounded by many loving people who understand the difficulty of our undertaking, and that my time sometimes is not enough to help everyone. With two children and 31 dogs, running between hospice and home, trying to get donations to shelters, meeting the children's school obligations, taking care of the house, etc... I sometimes need many extra hours in the day to get it all done. On top of everything, I now know that my husband will leave in January to go far away for quiet some time.

From my heart--I never ask after many favors, but this time I truly need help--I need volunteers that can be self going 1-3 hours a week (after some time working at my side to learn the ins-and-outs of everything). You volunteers can pick the time and day but since I have two small children, there are some definite times that I have to have help covering at the hospice --- mostly in the early morning and late evenings when my husband is away. The morning would be 06.00 0r 07.00 or 08.00 or between. It takes from 30 minutes to one hour to let them out, feed them and clean up any accidents on the floor there may be. The late evening shift would be between 21.00 or 22.00, but this wouldn't take long, only let them out for their night-time potty action, check so everything is ok and then lock them in and turn off the light.

The last days I have had wonderful help from Patty (US) who has been giving me so many mornings off, its been heaven! I have been able to take care of my family and our own 18 dogs in a non-stressed environment. Patty is amazing, I remember one morning she called and asked if she could go over and do some yard work? I couldn't believe my ears, what a wonderful gesture.

Also every Tuesday evening my trooper volunteer Greta has been over there, feeding and cleaning. On top of everything she is soon going to have a baby. What a girl!!!

Pio takes the Monday evening, and I know Boss and Lady (Great Danes) loves when he comes, they adore him. And its lovely for me to have one evening off, too.

It has been a bigger challenge for AWL since the Navy Base's organization NFOA dissolved. We get all the "broken heart" calls now. Calls like, "Leaving the country cannot take the dog with them," or "someone dumped puppies on base". Some people "rescue" puppies, but after a week decide they don't want them after all, or the dog chews in the house, they want him put down. I can go on and on, but you get the picture.

We've counselled people before that want to discard their pets when it is time to leave. We tell them that taking a pet is a lifetime committment (for the pet), but by the time we talk to them, they are already decided and committed to casting off their "best friend." In many ways, "rescuing" a stray, shelter or dumped animal is also a life-time committment. The "rescuer" has just taken it upon themselves to care for that animal until a "forever" home can be found, sometimes not a short-term activity. The time it takes to find that forever home is not entirely within the control of the "rescuer". Would-be rescuers need to realize this simple fact before scooping that cute puppy out of the box, or opening the car door to the stray. It seems doubly sad, and extremely frustrating, when a "rescuer" becomes part of the problem, not the solution they thought they would be.

What we do is not about money. We are 100% volunteer operated, nobody gets a dime in salary, and much of what we buy for the animals comes out of our own pockets. Still, without money and donations, there is only so much we can do. We get more calls for help than donations and it makes our work more difficult. Let me try to explain why it is not easy for us to help everyone.

Due to who we are, we get a lot of calls from the Navy Base asking for help. We are an international organization, not only focused on Campania, and certainly not only focused on the US Navy Base in Naples. We'd love to be able to put up posters on base, telling people what we need and how to get it to us. Simple stuff like donations of food, cleaning supplies, old blankets and of course money. But we are prohibited from putting any such announcements on base, because of Navy regulations.

Now, if we became "command recognized" by the Base Commander, we would be able to do those things, but to do so would require us to forego soliciting for or accepting from businesses and other organizations any donations. We simply can't do that, remember we are international! What we might get through on-base advertising and fund-raisers would not offset what we are begining to get through outside solicitation. For instance, in 2011, we will be able to spay/neuter over 600 animals due to a grant we received from a US foundation.

All of this isn't to say we won't help animals in need from the Navy Base. Regardless of where the animals come from, we try our best to help them. But we are not a base resource, and not constituted to be able to immediately address a problem. If you are calling to ask for help, please give us time to arrange help, follow through with what we ask of you (e.g. take pictures so we can post them, answer our questions in a timely manner, etc.), and above all be patient. Your stress only makes the animal's situation that much worse, and is not necessary.

To those who have or will ask for help with an animal, we thank you for your concern. By asking for help, rather than turning your back on the animal in need or worse, you are already better than many people. Please continue to be part of the solution; don't become part of the problem.

We don't put up posters or have fund-raisers on base, we have never caused any problems, quiet the opposite we have rescued many abandoned dogs, and in some cases abused/neglected animals from apartments on base. But we need help with getting the word out, what we are begging for is volunteers. Before, we worked together with NFOA Presidents Genni and Whitney, and then we could together solve more problems. But now NFOA is gone and we are alone, and we need more help. Please help us by spreading the word about our need for volunteers and donations of things we need. Help us to help the rest of the community, please. Pay the amore forward!

MICHELLE FOUND ON THE STREETS PREGNANT

2010-12-10T15:43:00.004+01:00

Michelle was found on the streets by animal lover and rescuer Giulia. Michelle is pregnant. AWL made an appointment at Lega Pro Animale and Michele could go there and get an abortion and get sterilized.

Thanks to your donations, AWL can help both animal rescuer and the strays. Being a stray is tough and having puppies is in many times a nightmare. Puppies born to strays struggle to live, and often fail.

Thank you all for supporting us so we all can work as a team. That's Amore

DANGER WITH HEAVY RAIN

2010-12-04T12:23:00.004+01:00

For several weeks we have had horrible weather with a lot of rain and hard wind. It has not been easy for the strays, being wet and cold. The little female girl, not even one year old took protection under a van from the heavy rain. Sensitive and shy she didn't move when the family came out from the house, ran to the van and started it. She didn't move!

As the family in their van started to roll, they heard a heartbreaking scream. They jumped out and there they saw this little girl still caught under the wheel.

The family got her out and called a woman named Tammy who tried to contact me, but I was busy stitching up a torn-up ear on one of the hospice residents.

Tam called Dr Damiani and told the family to come in an emergency to the clinic, and they did.

Little "Socket" was such a good girl, even as a stray, she put all her trust in the Doctor who did a great job rescuing her leg.

I went there the next morning and visited, and Socket was doing so much better. Animals are fantastic to heal quickly.

I talked to the family and they came in the next day to pick her up.

AWL made sure that she got her vaccinations and de-worming on top of the big accident treatment.

Socket is now adopted by another family with children that she already adores.

So when it is raining, please check under your car, some strays won't even move when your car starts.

When the family came to pick up Socket, they had this little 5 kg guy with them. Also a stray that moved in to their yard and then into the house. He came at the same time as Socket, but has more guts. AWL made sure that Toto could be vaccinated and de-wormed too. That's Amore.

Thank you to the family for bringing Socket in and for your donation, same to Tammy for your donation and AWL for the rest of the bill--it is all you who make it possible for us to help those in need. That's grande Amore.

THANK YOU MAGAZINE HUNDLIV

2010-12-03T21:53:00.002+01:00

Thank you magazine Hundliv for a fantastic article about AWL work here in Campania.
3 pages...we are forever thankful to you for helping giving those who doesn't have a voice a face.
Go out and buy HUNDLIV number 5, its out now.

Thank you Maria Cidh, you are Dog Amore!

TRUFFLE AND PRINGLE CHECK UP

2010-12-02T20:35:00.003+01:00

Went to Dr Damiani to have the brats vaccinated (born 30/10). They were abandoned with 8 other sibling's in a small dirty box. Pringel was a very good boy. Oh, we have him because his first "family" regreted taking him and returned him to the base Vet Clinic where he and his siblings had been abandoned originally. So Mr Pringle is up for adoption, he will be a wonderful addition to the right forever home.

Truffle is a sweet girl. She and brother Pringle enjoyed being reunited, but that is coming to an end. Her "dad" is picking her up tomorrow, for the beginning of their life together. It is bitter sweet as always. Guess that is Amore!

MISSTREATED PUPPIES IN A HOME

2010-12-01T13:44:00.004+01:00

Our animal friend Tammy was put on this mission. I received an e-mail some time ago that "we" had to come and get these puppies or the lady with them didn't know what to do next with them. This woman was difficult to work with: took forever to get answers back, didn't answer on the cell phone. And when we finally set a date to pick them up, she didn't want anyone that day because she had to bathe them. Finally, Tam and a foster home "dad" could go and pick them up, it was all very upsetting. Here's Tammy's report:

The brown and white pups shown on the couch below were in pretty bad shape - it turns out the people who had them on base could not afford dog food and just gave them scraps. They were severely underweight. Our new foster has been feeding them slowly round the clock and the weight is coming back on. Last night I dropped them off at a clinic to get a complete health check and sterilized.
Once again, Animals Without Limits (AWL) is generously picking up the whole tab (my pockets are getting shallow). Unfortunately, AWL's funds begin to dry up during the holiday season. Lets try to remember "tis the season" to give, including our four legged friends, so if any of you feel at all generous and can contribute a few dollars or euros to AWL please please give so we can continue the never ending fight to give a few dogs a chance at a decent life. If you skip one lunch or dinner out a month and brown bag it or eat at home, that's saved money that we could use and you won't miss :-)
We can't help them all but those that have the fortune of crossing our paths will not be ignored. I have included AWL's link for on line donations. Thanks in advance for any help - one dog at a time. Tam.

AWL MARIA MATTSSONIT 15Y0316501600000110478130

SWIFT/BICIWBKITMMBank

IW BANK S.p.A.Via Cavriana, 2020134 Milan

DIFFERENT STORIES DIFFERENT LIVES.

2010-11-29T22:13:00.004+01:00

Billy Bob came walking on the base, following Bruce and his rescue dog all the way to Bruce's apartment. Bruce couldn't for his life throw him back out on the street, rainy and cold. So now Billy Bob is getting taken care of, vaccinated, sterilized and will be a great companion for someone special.

Two puppies waiting for their forever homes, sleeping inside a house after having been abandoned in a small box together with 8 other puppies. Pringle and Truffle, Amore.

WE are having rain and rain and rain. It is cold and nasty and the poor strays are trying to stay warm and dry. Different situations....

A BUSY WEEK WITH WONDERFUL CLIENTS

2010-11-27T22:14:00.001+01:00

This handsome "oldie" was rescued by Martina Ricci from being killed on her street. There is a man who doesn't like strays, or dumped dogs. Rex is having a lot of medical problems, hip and skin. AWL made sure he could be castrated and seen by a doctor. Martina found a loving home up north, her boyfriend drove 7 hours to link up with next volunteer who drove the last several hours to Rex's new forever home. We got a report from Martina, that the new owner is aware of all his medical problems and will take care of them. She is so happy for Rex, who has not made any "accidents" in her home. That's Amore!

The weather is horrible here. Cold, strong wind and massive amounts of rain. We are all in emergency mode, but the shelters are having it worst. Please help with donations and we can make a difference for the animals health and happiness.

AWL MARIA MATTSSONIT

15Y0316501600000110478130 SWIFT/BICIWBKITMM

Bank: IW BANK S.p.A.Via Cavriana, 2020134 Milan

I took Capri to Dr Damiani to have Capri's blood taken and sent to Germany for the count of antibodies for her passport to Sweden. Poor Ulla, Capri's new owner has been waiting for her dog for several months. But nothing goes smoothly here, always something goes wrong. We were so happy last week, the last blood test. 'Well never" take out the joy in advance. I received a phone call that the tube had leaked in transit, so they need new blood. Arghhh! We are getting delayed again!!

Got a call from Bruce about this handsome, skinny male found walking alone on the base. He followed Bruce and his dog, and Bruce's heart couldn't "just" leave him there. "Billy" is now resting on Bruce's balcony and is getting food. Tomorrow Todd will go and give him the medication, de-worming, frontline and protein paste. Monday he needs a foster home (or forever home). Bruce cannot keep him since he already has two animals, base regulations only allow two animals per home.

Please help Billy, give him hope and joy! Male, 5-9 months old, skin and bones, friendly, goes with other dogs, cats he loves to chase :-)

Give him Amore please!

2010-11-27T19:58:00.000+01:00

MAX THE GERMAN SHEPHERD

2010-11-24T20:28:00.003+01:00

The Animals Without Limits Hospice briefly had the pleasure to provide room and board to a wonderful guy, Max. Let me tell you his story.

Max was living on the street. A man in the area threatend to kill him and some other dogs. Animal Friends Martinia and Chiara Ricci, knew the man was serious as they knew he had killed some other dogs by poisoning them. They just couldn't let this handsome fellow fall to the same fate.

But they also didn't have any space to bring him in... they already had too many dogs themselves. They found a family in northern Italy that wanted to adopt Max, but still they needed some time in between saving him, making health check, and transporting him north. What to do?

I called Lega Pro Animale and they were able to keep him for 3 days when he got health checked and also castrated. Saturday, his saviors picked Max up and brought him to AWL Hospice for a 2 day stay.

Max fit right in. He stayed upstairs in one of the bedrooms, and didn't make a mess at all. This was his first experience in a house, but he did wonderfully. He got along very well with the other residents, even Gracy (puppy German Shepard) who drove him crazy playing and nipping at him.

It was fun to watch such a big boy cower and seek security from the puppy, a third his size.

He was deferential to the oldies, and seemed to know his place. He quickly won our hearts, and it was bittersweet to send him on his way to his new forever home. I cried when he walked out the gate jumping into the car that would bring him to his future home.

He was a delightful fellow to have at the Hospice, if even only for a few days, I still miss him.

Thank you Martina and Chiara for saving him, AWL supporters for making it possible thanks to your donations to have him castrated and health checked. Also thank you AWL Hospice that we were able to have Max there secure for a couple of days.

That's amore.

LOST DOG IN CUMA

2010-11-23T11:58:00.004+01:00

ATTENZIONE, LA PERDITA DI CUMA HELP AREA DOG. Scooter è un piccolo Terrier nero, di circa 12 kg . Ha una coda tagliata andwe stima lui per essere di circa 18 mesi di età. Lo abbiamo preso da un canile AYear fa. Scooter avuto su una bandana nera luce con le ossa su di esso. Egli ha anche hasabrasions sul volto e sul naso. Vorrei offrire una ricompensa!

Scooter is a small, black Terrier, about 20 pounds. He has a docked tail and we estimate him to be about 18 months old. We got him from a dog pound a year ago. These pictures show him to be more puppyish than he is now.

Scooter had on a light bandana with black bones on it. He also has abrasions on his face and nose. I am offering a reward to get him back.

WAITING IN THE RAIN FOR A HOME

2010-11-22T10:49:00.001+01:00

One day, not so long ago, I received an e-mail, and attached to which was this picture. The writer told me that this dog had been sitting like this on base for two days, in the rain. The person who wrote the letter couldn't do anything about the situation and therefore asked for help,--We got the message late that afternoon, so the dog catcher had already caught the dog. We knew for sure these shelters are nothing pleasant to sit in, once inside the camp, there's realistic no way out.

It's cold, the food is not even healthy, and adopting a big dog is 1 % chance in one year. Here there are thousands of big dogs.

My animal friend Tammy called and we agreed she would go and get the dog from the dog catchers before the dog got to the shelter.

I called Lega Pro and told them a client of AWL would come in, we wanted a health check, castration, de-worming and Frontline. And I asked if he could stay there for three days.

Tammy got hold of the dog, brought him out to LegaPro where they were both greeted. The lady that had sent me the e-mail , posted an add on the Naples All Hands (an online classified advertisement service for the US Navy personnel here), and from above an angel family replied, saying they would love to foster him. Michael and Tatiana are these angels.

Michael and his wife Tatiana, with 2 small children, brought him home to give him a warm place until they will decide if they can keep him or foster him until a fantastic forever home comes along. They tell us that Zeus is a fantastic, gentle, warmhearted dog; they adore him.
Thanks to all this fantastic teamwork we could do magic for Zeus. Thank you Tammy for driving, thank you for all the donations so we can medicate and spay and neuter our fury friends. Lega Pro Animale, thank you for your always kindness. The family Michael and Tatiana, for love and also coming to AWL's hospice helping and donating a lot of things. And the cake yesterday, was fantastic. That's Amore.

DUTCH MILITARY COMMUNITY HEROS

2010-11-20T22:33:00.001+01:00

I have to tell you the whole story. My phone rang at 20.30 one evening and I had had a horrible day with a lot of hard work and difficult cases and difficult people to deal with. I looked at the phone and it said "Barbara German Shepherds" This was a Dutch family that had adopted 2 puppies from us several weeks ago. In my negative mind at that moment I thought, "gosh they don't want the puppies anymore."

The phone rang again, I took it and answered thinking "better to deal with it now than tomorrow".

I heard this glad voice telling me how wonderful the puppies were, and how they enjoyed them.

Now I was clueless. 'Can we, the Dutch Military Community, come by the hospice?. We have a check to you for 600 euros!" You see, each nation's contingent earns money at the annual International Bazaar by selling food, drinks or other culturally-unique items, and then donate the proceeds it to a worthy cause. The Dutch contingent thought Animals Without Limits, and our hospice, was just such a worthy cause.

What a great ending of a rough day! I was floating on clouds. Thank you so much Dutch Military community for bringing such a wonderful early Christmas gift to the Hospice "Casa della Amore"

In honor of the donation, we had a little bit of bubbles, and the four legged oldies thought it was fun with so much attention and love.

I have always seen these kinds of big checks in magazines and on TV, and always thought it would be wonderful to hold one. And let me tell you, it was wonderful.

Showing our Memorial Wall of past clients that now play at the Rainbow bridge.

Thank you beautiful, warmhearted, JP, Barbara, Tiko del Rojj, Hans Stuij, Dita Bergwerff, Freya van Engelen. And of course the whole Dutch Military Community. Thanks for all the Amore.

(And the dog food that you also brought with you)

AGIP DOGS GETTING TREATMENT AND SPAYED

2010-11-16T22:47:00.003+01:00

In an earlier blog you could read about Deb and Tammy rescuing dogs at a gas station along a busy highway. Thanks to your donations, these two dogs could be taken to Lega Pro Animale (driver Tammy) getting spayed and neutered. Also, Stuart above had bites over his body that could be seen and treated. This is what matters, team work and good stories.

Stuart is now in a foster home. He is sweet and learning quickly to trust the humans that once broke his heart. Deb is visiting him frequently.

Miss Husky her found a forever home thanks to Debs' hard work.

So you CAN make a difference. Donations, driving, fostering or giving them a warm forever home.

You can chose, they cannot!

Thank you all for believing in our hard work. That's Amore!

Alemm's Bath

2010-11-15T20:46:00.000+01:00

GOOD LUCK STEWART AND MORGANA

2010-11-13T22:42:00.001+01:00

I am horrible with adopting away dogs. It's heartbreaking and wonderful at the same time. Scared that something will go wrong, will "he" be loved and taken cared of properly?

Think if they abandon "him"?!

Then I get attached to "him" but my head is trying to tell my heart not to be selfish with my feelings, that "he" now can move on and get a better life. It's bittersweet to say the least!

Today from Venice came Stewart's new "dad' to pick him up. It was wonderful to see them together, how he talked to Stewart. And finally Stewart was in heaven getting all the attention and love he deserves.

The other Great Dane puppy, Morgana went together with him, to meet her new family-- also up north. It was a double good-bye today. Good Luck Stewart and Morgana.

AWL thanks Jenifer of Hotel Agora, who introduced us to the Great Dane family so we could rescue them. She and her husband also sponsored the medical bills for "mom and dad" Great Dane, Boss and Lady.

Martina Ricci, my wonderful animal friend, always there for us and the animals. You helped AWL by contacting SOS Alani rescue organization, and kept organizing the meetings with Stefania.

Stefania of SOS Alani rescue organization, a BIG thank you for such great work, and checking the families up making sure they are trustworthy and worthy of such great dogs, and saving so many beautiful Great Danes. You all are fantastic.

Team effort, that's Amore.

NEW HOSPICE CLIENT ALEMM - 18 YEARS OLD

2010-11-09T13:49:00.004+01:00

Early in the evening it is now getting darker. Sarah and her friend came and helped out with feeding and cleaned the hospice--THANK YOU so much for your wonderful help.

We got a new hospice resident/client, Alemm. He is 18 years old and lived locked in a room for many years at his owners house. He was living only on human food, and laid in his own pee and poop. Apparently, little if any human-dog contact. Effectively, it was "solitary confinement" for this soul who committed no crime worth such a sentence.

When his owner recently moved to a new house she threw Alemm out. 18 years old, senile and blind. A fine thank you for a life of devotion!

Italian animalfriend Oriano called me and asked if Alemm could come and stay at our Casa della Amore. Of course we would give him a warm bed, vitamines, healthy food and a loving hand.

Her animal friends joined in and brought him to Hospice. It was heartbreaking to see him, really just a shell of a dog.

I gave him one bath and the water was dark brown. A volunteer Michael helped me bathing him a second time, and still the water was brown yellow. Most of the time, he circles to the left in smallish, 2-meter diameter circles. He must have been in a small, 2-meter wide room all those years. :(
I said to my husband how someone could abandoned his fury friend after 18 years? Considering that the dog was shut away in the room for years, Todd looked at me and said, "You don't know when she actually abandoned him."

Thank you Oriano and Marcello, Tiziana Sommaiolo and Eleonora ...Maria Reder and Corrado,Piera. For all your donations, that's Amore. And a special thank you to all you who help AWL to have a hospice for those old, wise, fury friends. Your donations are a blessing!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP

2010-11-08T15:05:00.003+01:00

AWL is working harder than ever, more people learn about our hard work to make it easier for those who doesn't have a choice or voice. But we are a great team from many different places in the world.

Sweden AWL together with Himmelska Hundar in Stockholm sent us a warm hearting donation, and AWL was thrilled to receive one from the members at the Organization Chance. Thank you so much Ingrid for still supporting our work. Kate and Milla for telling people about the situation down here. Thank you Team Sweden

Brought 18 year old Alemm to AWL Hospice--which suddenly his owner didn't want anymore-- and also brought dog beds, cushions, cleaning detergents and made a donation.Tiziana Sommaiolo and Maria Reder and Corrado,Piera,Oriana and Marcello Thank you Team Italy

A big warm thank you from Casa della Amore.

NEW HOME FOR CINDY #6

2010-11-07T14:13:00.002+01:00

And so it was time to say good-bye to Cindy, our Great Dane puppy #6. Her family drove from north Italy to pick her up.

The Great Dane rescue S.O.S Alano's Steffani (left w/ Stewart); thank you for finding a great family for her. And thanks also to Martina for calling and arranging our meeting. Cindy will be missed, but we know she will have a wonderful life with her new family. Thank you everyone!

TREVOR ADOPTED #5

2010-11-06T13:33:00.000+01:00

Our little Trevor is adopted by what seems a wonderful warm couple. They lost their adult

Great Dane Chopin, so Trevor is now a Happy Chopin II

Its always bittersweet to say Good bye to some one you rescued and loved, but he is going from a three star retreat to a five star home. Good Luck Buddy.

We want to Thank Martina who helped us contacting SOS ALANO ALANI here in Italy and being our middle hand. Stefani from the rescue organization is doing a great job finding a good match.

GREAT DANE FAMILY--ALANO

2010-11-04T10:03:00.005+01:00

Trevor, the shy one.....

We still have mom and dad Great Dane that we rescued 2 months ago with 8 puppies. We have 4 puppies remaining available: Cindy and Morgana (F), and Trevor and Stewart (M). A Great Dane rescue organization in Italy is going to help us to adopt away the puppies (born 30 July) to great families. Momma and Daddy will hopefully go to Spain together, we need sponsors for that trip. A great home is awaiting them there.

Hilly Billy's from the country side....Me and Stewart!

Inquisitive Cindy....

Cindy surprise! Out for an evening stroll....

Our sweet Morgana.....

And momma dog, Lady, who we drove to Lega Pro to have her to be sterilized. No more litters for her! I'm sure she will thank us for the end to that strain on her body. Thank you to Pio for helping me in lifting 60 kg of reluctant Great Dane into my SUV!

TEAMWORK WITH HEARTS AND DONATIONS

2010-11-02T14:18:00.000+01:00

The Husky looking one Sue is extremely friendly - she was tossed from a moving car and in the process the car hit her back leg. Apparently she had a terrible limp up until a few days ago so she seems to be healing well I guess, but still favors the right leg slightly. Thank you Deb and Tammy for feeding and now transporting them to LegaPro, for castration/sterilization and health check that AWL will pay. Thank you volunteers for team working and especially all you who donate to AWL. Your donations are making a difference for those who have had bad owners that do this to a fury friend.

Husky got a fosterhome, but of course a forever loving active fun home would be heaven.

The other strays are picking on this handsome guy, he needs a fosterhome asap. He has a gash on his side and a new one under his jawline into his neck area. He has many scars and has been beat up quite a bit. He is a bit shy in the beginning but when you start to scratch him he is in heaven. Please give him a fosterhome and best a forever home!

WONDERFUL VISIT FROM THE STATES

2010-10-27T13:32:00.006+02:00

Some time ago, I think back in April, I received a letter from a woman name Jonnie from the Mitchell Foundation, in Dallas, Texas, USA. They were interested in coming over and visiting different organizations and foundations that worked with helping animals.

Well, in September she and Ashley came over, and I got the pleasure to show them around in our area. We visited our 18 dogs--that could be like a kennel in itself. And all the dogs loved up on them, and so did my daughter Olivia.

I took them around to one of the better shelters in Liccola, with 500 dogs. I wanted them to visit the Governmental shelter in Giuliano but since I am not allowed inside that horrible shelter, we took a drive around the outside.

Outside the shelter we saw some strays. One female with a bad eye infection. Ashley and I jumped out and put out some food. Jonnie and Ashley donated money to help the female with medicine. And so we did, I went back with two Italian volunteers, and we medicated her (and named her Laura).

I had a great day, it felt less hard to show them around since they understood what I was talking about and what needed to be done. It was very nice to have "colleagues" They took me to lunch, we visited the AWL hospice and the day went by so fast and it was time to drive them to the train station. There, we met my favorite stray that always hangs around there. He is such a sweet heart and he is a happy stray

Thank you Jonnie and Ashley for visiting us it was a true pleasure. Love your t shirts ;-)

Later on Jonnie and Ashley visited the dogs in Pompeii.

CODY WE MISS YOU!

2010-10-27T10:24:00.002+02:00

I apologize that I have not been updating my blog in a couple of days, suddenly I must have gotten writer's block, or more likely emotional block. In life you can meet someone only for a very short time, yet you get very attached to that person or animal. It recently happened to me.

A couple of weeks ago I recieved an e-mail from a family who was devestated. Their 10 year old fury friend had biten their one year old daughter, not once but twice. The ER doctor that stiched their daughter up told them they had to put the dog to sleep. Imagine, your best friend that lived with you, moved with you all the way from Hawaii, slept in your room, went on big walks....now you had to put him to sleep. Of course their daughter was most important, but guilt and friendship is difficult to handle all the same. They would walk around rest of their life getting memories that they had to put him down.

Cody didn't like puppies or children in his face, and most of this family's friends had children. It would always be nervousness and unease, worrying if Cody would bite again.

They made an appointment to euthanize their buddy. But the veterinarian on base told them to call me. Every day I get many e-mails, and many of them are "if you don't get my dog we will throw him into a shelter."

This one was so emotionally strong, not begging...explaining with a frustration, or confusion, or resigned saddness.

I wrote back that I wanted to meet Cody. Maybe he could stay at the hospice?

I met the family, and Cody walked right up to me and gave me his nose to nose, not a lick and then he laid down away from me. I could sense his kindness, and how much they loved him.

They told me that "grandma" in Hawaii could take him, they only had to wait for his passport, that would probably be ready in the middle of November.

I thought it was brilliant! He would stay with us at the hospice and then we would ship him to Hawaii. Although about 10 years old, he was the picture of good health and could have many good years left.

The family came and droped him off, we were all smiling over how Cody was the only one who got his own room on the second floor, with a bed and a view out to the lake and mountains in the distant background. The other oldies couldn't make it up the stairs.

Cody had a huge stuffed dinosaur that he carried around and slept with. He got his mom's pillow on the bed so he could still smell her sent. "Mom" felt so bad, she cried even if she knew he was safe now. She felt like she had deserted him.

We kept e-mail contact and they came and visited Cody once-in-a-while, and he was so happy to see them. They played catch and cuddled on the couch. Always, they sent a thank you note to me afterward.

One morning at 0500 Cody came down as always and we greeted each other, then he went out and made his business. I was standing making the food when I suddenly felt something wasn't correct, Cody was not standing behind me drooling for his breakfast. I called. No answer.

I ran up to his room and outside I found him laying having a strong seizure, it was the most difficult thing I ever seen. His whole body was in such a cramp. Next to him laid Angel, our 17 year old blind male had walked up all the stairs to lay down next to him. I sat with Cody, trying to comfort him and figure out what to do. Behind my legs laid my own German Shepard, Zara, supporting me.

It was now 0600 and I called our veterinarian's home and woke him up explaining what was going on. I knew I needed to do something. Valium! I ran downstairs, made a shot, back up and gave it to him.

I carried him down to my SUV and drove like a maniac to the Emergency animal hospital that pulled me into a room right away.

He stayed there for 24 hours and his blood test was great, healthy. Poison or tumor? We searched the hospice for any trace of a poison that he might have gotten into. Nothing.

They couldn't medicate him since they didn't know what it was, I took him back to the hospice, with the instruction to come back if he got a new seizure.

His family was there visiting him, of course with the painful question, "What had happened?"

He came back to the hospice and was ok for a couple of days, but I could sense something was wrong. I noticed that when I called to him, he looked the other way. I took him to our veterinarian for tests, a new blood test and by Dr Fransesco who is a brain specialist ( forgive me, I know he has a fancier name than that).

He made some tests with his legs that showed there was something neurologically wrong, but what? Whatever it was, was happening so fast to worsen his capacity as a dog.

The x-rays, MRI and CAT scans with a specialist were up in Rome, three hours away, but an appointment was made. The family would drive the next day.

The night before Cody started to become sick again. I gave him valium like I'd been advised, but he stopped eating. During the night he had several small seizures but was able to sleep in between them. But when the morning came, he started to be worse. Kate his wonderful mom, came driving and we put Cody gentley in the car on his blanket with his beloved dinosaur next to him. Off they drove at a high speed, up to the specialists in Roma.

Hours later I received the news, "'Cody didn't make it. He had a big tumor in his brain. Thank you for everything you have done for Cody and us."

This was last Friday, and still I don't go up to the room he slept in. I miss Cody so much. We volunteers joked that Cody was such a good guy, loving and funny making the hospice to feel lively, like a home. We all felt Cody was special.

So interesting in life how a short relationship can tattoo your heart with such strong feeling. I can never image the pain his mom must be going through right now.

I try to comfort myself with the thought that "whomever" planned this did it so we could get an answer. If Cody would have been put to sleep after he bit their daughter, maybe his owners would feel guilty frequently through life for putting their best friend down. Now, with the tumor they get to feel closure and show the world that Cody wasn't a dangerous dog, something else triggered his behavior in the end. Something his gentle nature couldn't overcome.

At the hospice we have a puppy, "Gracey Lynn," who really was hanging in Cody's face. He never ever did anything to her, I was amazed. I even told him "Cody you can tell her 'no'" but he never would, not even a little warning snarl. My children were with me, other children came and visited. I told them what I knew about Cody and told them to let him be...and they did....and so did he. He really was such a great dog.

Farewell, Cody. We hope you and your family will be reunited one day, across the rainbow bridge, where you can run and play again, forever.

ABBY FAMILY AWL AWARD

2010-10-17T16:06:00.005+02:00

For such a long time I have wanted to write to you about Abby's new life in Sweden, and every time I started, I've felt sorrow. Not that she is having it bad, quiet the opposite, she is in her Paradizzo. Read here about Abby, what a trooper, what a story:

Maria's family adopted her and they knew that Abby had a bad leg but not as bad as it turned out to be, because Abby's "fixed" leg was broken again. It killed my heart, since I felt bad that our Vet team hadn't checked it again with an x-ray to be sure everything was as it should be.

On top of everything, the Italian governmental veterinarian team didn't know that Sweden requires 120 days after a rabies vaccination for rabies control and not 30 as many other countries in Europe. Of course I trusted them and Abby got caught in the customs check and had to sit in quarantine for seven days. Her poor new family were waiting outside and totally devastated! They waited so long and she had gone through so much, yet they still couldn't have her!

Ulla, a friend and a great AWL sponsor was the handler and had contact with the family and all those involved. She never gave up, even from her work she was calling and fixing things. That's fantastic!

Finally, the family got Abby, and her leg was broken (earlier in Italy) and they spoke to the Swedish specialty team, the surgery that she needed would cost 4500 euro. (yes they got a second opinion)

No vacation, no new clothing's, no nothing....they gave this little girl a new leg, a dog they had known for just one week physically. But they knew her emotionally and spiritually via distance for 8 months. Abby can now run on four legs, as well as having her forever family!

Among the AWL board, there was no doubt that that such devotion demanded the AWL prize go to the family Maria Svegare Berglund, what a "That's Amore Family"

WE LOVE YOU AND YOUR BIG HEART. Congratulation!

FRECKELS PARADIZZO

2010-10-16T16:28:00.000+02:00

Freckles is a sensitive, shy, and misunderstood beautiful black and white girl. She was being fed outside a Lindsey's gate and loved up on. She saw her sister get killed by a car. Lindsey tried to find someone that could adopt her, but like in many homes around here, there are already many dogs. Freckles was in two other foster homes and then she came to our home for nearly 6 months.

Animals Without Limits - Sweden searched for a family and found a wonderful lady name Lena. And to my pleasant surprise, I knew her! Many years ago made she wrote an article about me (a great one :-) so I knew she was one of the better animal friends out there.

Last weekend, I flew in to Denmark were Lena was waiting and it was so beautiful to see how Freckles turned to Lena as her new owner, after just a quick couple of hours.

Freckles now lives on a beautiful farm, with horses, cows and a huge place to run. She also is going with Lena to her work. What a Paradizzo, the lost soul found her destination. That's Amore.

BONITA THE SURVIVOR

2010-10-15T07:48:00.000+02:00

What a roller coaster ride for Bonita, we and her owner Mia in Sweden. But we finally made it!

Finally, after over one year struggling with this lady, we got all the "green" papers for the passport. Bonita, remember her close-to-death in a shelter, and we got her out. She spent so much time at different animal clinics and her foster parents David and Linda Bunn took her into their home for a very long time. They really made sure her health and spirit would be better.

Finally all her papers were ready for a passport. A whole year it took! Mia in Gothenburg, Sweden never gave up hope and that perseverance showed us what a great person she is. This past weekend, I flew in Bonita and another dog, "Freckles", and Mia drove down from Gothenburg (a four hour drive) to get her girl. When I walked out of the car carrying Bonita, Mia burst out in tears, sobbing and shaking, and we all hugged each other for joy.

Bonita got to meet her new man, Quinton, a sweet and gentle Pitt bull, and off they went to Bonita's new Paradizzo in Sweden's "second city" of Gothenburg.

And it sure is Paradizzo! Bonita has taken to her new home like a fish to water! We are so happy for you Bonita; your long struggle in a shelter, so close to death, is history. This is Amore.

Thank you Dr. Damiani for all your help and support with Bonita and others. David and Lynn, your support has been exceptional! You helped save a life!. And thanks to my family for making her last month in our home relaxing and comfortable (I sure miss her loud snoring!) and new momma Mia for never giving up on her girl. Lastly, for all the donations that helped Bonita get her health back, and finally into the loving arms of a forever home. We love and thank you all.

WEEKLY BLOG IN SWEDISH MAGAZINE

2010-10-10T18:05:00.003+02:00

My weekly column in the Magazine Nara. Its about the Hospice client Leo, how you can be a grumpy old man and after one week in Hospice like a lamb.
Hope you enjoy the reading. It about Amore.

SO MANY BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE

2010-10-05T12:06:00.006+02:00

This company is donating some fantastic products to our hospice clients, from their well recommended selections

Mr. Craig Kleber, from Los Angles, USA made a fantastic donation that made my mouth drop open for several days. Bless your Animal heart!

Vania, thank you so much for the great 20 food bowls. They sure are coming handy.

And the Navy NEX at the support site, thank you for all the cans of wet food and bags of dry food. We so appreciate it and more so do the dogs.

Greta and her husband donated a sofa and bookcase, 2 gates to the Hospice. The dogs and the volunteers loves it....I see more dogs on the couch!

Hello, any more donations?

Oh yes! Genni with her lovely family donated a recliner, kitchen table with chairs, a wall painting, lamps, food bowl stands (brilliant to all our oldies who cannot bend down to eat because of back pain), and gates.

That's so much Amore!

(more thank yous are coming)

BUSY DAYS AT THE AWL HOSPICE

2010-10-02T21:32:00.000+02:00

Freya from Holland is a new great volunteer at our Hospice. She washed all the Great Danes, later on with help from another fantastic volunteer Sarah (GB) Friday afternoon while we are cleaning we share a bottle of vine. Funny how easier it is to clean!

My Dicky, rescued from the streets put in a shelter on a wet cold concrete with a lot of disease. I drove quickly and pick him up. He is the sweetest thing, always happy. Even when he gets shots at the clinic, is his tail going like a drumstick.

Our two (out of three) mini German Shepards keeps us busy cleaning while they keep themselves busy playing and fighting.

Four Great Dane puppies now got loving homes. We are so happy for them. Today a beautiful family came and fell in love with a female they named Dolce.

One of our oldies Tiger 15y old are now feeling at home at the hospice and sleeps comfortable on the sofa.

Michelle adopted a female Mini German Shepard that are living in a house now together with a cat. We wish you all luck.

Leo 15y that never went inside houses. Well this morning he did. My heart is full of joy. My beloved Leo.

Maybe he didn't like me that much, but I gave him a bath since his fur is so full of parasites. Amazing, before no one could touch him and here, I gave him bath and he stood still.

We also once in a while get wonderful energetic children to volunteer. We learn a lot from them, and hopefully they can be our hope for the future about kindness to animals.

Angel 17y enjoying his chewing bone outside in the sun. That's what AWL Hospice is about. Relaxing pain free enjoyment.

Male and female Mini German Shepards adopted by a wonderful warm generous family from Holland. They named them "Bonnie and Clyde"

Our days are full off Amore, and we hope or clients enjoys their five star Hospice Thats' Amore.

CRUELTY IN CAMPANIA AREA

2010-09-29T14:11:00.000+02:00

On Monday, two Italian animal rescuers, Martina and Guilia and I were at the AWL Hospice, when an English speaking woman came by. She was very upset, visibly shaking, and shouting at us through the gate.

She had a puppy in the car that she had just found on the beach trying to suck milk from her dead mother. Many of the beach-front businesses will put poison-laced dog food out on the beach to "control" the stray population. We can only assume that is what happened here, because the lady said the mother had clearly been poisoned, due to the way she looked when found. It was a slow, painful death.

Can you imagine the little one, his tiny stomach knotting from hunger, desperately trying to get the nurishment his instinct tells him should be gotten from his mother? And there she is, her dead teet providing nothing. Simply heartbreaking!

We decided on the spot that AWL could de-worm and put frontline on him, and wonderful Guilia took him to her little shelter. He is up for adoption. Please, can you give him hope?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is Achilles. People threw acid on him--he is the fifth dog that we've encountered oursleves here in Campania who had been cruely injured this way. In some cases, after sterilization, the stray dogs are released back onto the street and in some ways this can be positive as long as the dog does not approach the people. Normally, the dogs are released in the outskirts, in areas of Camorra territory where people are killing each other. Where people are killing people, the life of a dog is worth less than a cigarette. Achilles, didn't have a home and apparently some people who could not "read" an animal got scared and wanted him out of the area. With acid they harm the animal, drive him off and hope for it to be a slow painful death.

We need help with putting him in a safe place were he can heal and get his wounds looked after. Acid burns are particularly difficult, and can lead to infections if not properly kept clean. Please help us with donations, so Achilles can feel there is hope. Saddly, AWL's Hospice can not take him in because we already have plenty of males, and no room. It's hurting us that already we have to turn down someone that needs us so badly. But with your help, we can still help Achilles. Please help us help Achilles!

Either through PayPal or our Italian account, any donation is very much appreciated.

MARIA MATTSSON

IT 15Y0316501600000110478130

SWIFT/BICIWBKITMMBank

IW BANK S.p.A.Via Cavriana, 2020134 Milan

Your kind donation would be so much Amore!

NEW HOSPICE CLIENTS

2010-09-26T21:16:00.004+02:00

Let me tell you something wonderful! My animal friend Martina contacted me about four dogs living on the streets in Napoli, but they had lost their master. They had lived free on the streets with a "bag lady" that was now severely sick, and some people in the area wanted to poison or throw them into a shelter. I wrote to Martina, "bring two, Angel and Tiger!"

Angel is the big male, he is 17 years old and blind. His eyes are a female, 15 years old. The next day they were brought by Martina and other animal loving people that lived in the area. It was amazing to watch how Tiger was escorting Angel around outside (setting the boundaries?) and into the hospice were they calmly laid down and fell a sleep. Quiet and loving. I was amazed!

The next morning I hurried to the hospice at 0500 to let them out. No accidents in the house, they walked out and made their business and then went inside the house again.

Angel (blind) is so loving and playful as only a 17 year old dog can be, but he cuddles up to you. Tiger, she keeps her distance like a bodyguard--won't get too involved in the people, watch the surroundings--

I am so in love and so impressed, I have never seen anything like this in my whole life as an Animal Psychologist with over 15 years experience. That's Amore!

THREE LITTLE GERMAN SHEPARDS

2010-09-24T20:36:00.004+02:00

Having puppies is not easy but kind of fun. AWL got a phone call about 6 puppies 4 weeks old pushed down into a bucket and pushed into an American Park. 2 got adopted by the Italian guards, one by an American girl, and me, I am "fostering" 3 of them at the hospice.

Nothing I really want, since I am an "olddy" dog passion lover, not puppies. But my opinion doesn't help them. They are now 7-8 weeks old and sweeter than sweet roaming around peeing and pooping everywhere, and then slides in it. Eating like small little pigs, but gosh it is so sweet to see them sleep so safe together on top of each other.

It was time for their vaccinations and off to Dr Damiani we went. They were so good, 2 girls and 1 boy.

But little Gracie had to stay for a biopsy. She has some skin defects that we don't know what it is. On her back paw was a huge blister that hurt her, and still no fur on her back tail. It looks like a rat tail. I went out in the car and got a stuffed animal for her so she has a roommate at the clinic.

I hope Gracie you soon will be back at the hospice sleeping in your dog bed that Aunt Tracey sent to you all the way from America.

That's Amore!

LEO --- AWL HOSPICE'S NEW FRIEND

2010-09-22T20:44:00.004+02:00

This is Leo, a happy stray that many people loved in the area where he lived. I got a call from a volunteer, Maria, who had been feeding Leo for the past 15 years. She was very worried about him since his back legs appeared to have started to get very weak. Could I help?

When I met him on a warm afternoon in July, my hopes were not that big. He had lived on the streets for so many years and didn't let anyone touch him. He is street smart and was hiding between the cars when we tried to put frontline on him. He had his territory that was his responsibility, his job, and to take that away from him might sink him into depression.

Nonetheless, a week later we got him to Dr Damiani, and the prognosis wasn't the best for his hips. Its rough being old on the streets when so many other strays want to take over someone's food bowl and space.
Last week, I was happy to call Maria and tell her to bring in Leo to the AWL Hospice, he is a true worthy candidate.

He stole my heart, this grumpy old man who's eyes seem to look through your body. He is not easy to charm, but there is something so wise behind those brown eyes. His mind is fresh and he is very quiet (and deaf).

He hasn't ever been inside a building, so he stays away from the house. Only now, after one week, can I clean his eyes and he even comes up to me when I am at the hospice. He loves the food, only the best is being served and with raw meat, mixed with super vitamins for oldies as well as a painkiller.

(I won't brush him since he will freak out, and that is his protection from being coming cold too. One thing at a time.)

But he is my Amore!

NEEDS TO BE 'RESCUED AGAIN'

2010-09-20T21:40:00.001+02:00

FINALLY PEACE

2010-09-16T20:51:00.000+02:00

This is a story I cannot make up my mind about. Was it a positive experience or not?

Let me introduce Filippa, 18 years old and lived in this cage for 17 years and 10 months. She had never been out, always on a concrete floor. Her cage friends started to stalk her since they started to understand that her spirit was becoming weak. AWL got their hospice, and Simona and Martina asked me if we could take Fillippa. Of course! It hurt my heart to understand that she was 2 months old when she entered that shelter.

She went to Dr Damiani for a health check up, then to a groomer and later that day to AWL hospice. So much in one day....she was exhausted. Sleep and excellent food, medicine, she slept outside, she slept inside. She didn't understand were she was, or who I was.

After one week, she wagged her tail. She let the puppies eat from her plate, and did nothing. When we tried to lift her up she thought we were the dogs that had tormented her, and she looked like a barracuda when she bit in the air after us. Never to harm, only to defend.

She became weaker. My intention is not to keep them alive, my goal is to give them a painless and positive ending.

After one and half weeks at AWL's Hospice, I realized she was getting much weaker. I called the lady who had had her for 17 years and 10 months in her shelter, telling her that now was the time. I carried Fillippa inside Dr Damiani's clinic in her first and only bed she had had in our hospice.

Filippa, finally after so many years --- your whole life --- in captivity you are a free spirit. Enjoy running with the air touching your face. I love you.

AWL HOSPICE 2010 ITALY

2010-09-14T14:18:00.002+02:00