Winter in Red Lake

Winter has come to Red Lake Rosie's. And it has arrived with a vengeance. Temperatures fell to 13 below zero. Chores are done mostly in the dark wearing so many layers it is hard to even move. Water freezes in the dog pails in no time. Short haired dogs shiver to keep their body temps up. They walk on three legs because the snow stings their paws. Calls come in daily telling of more dear ones left at the dump, thrown away like last night's pizza boxes. Kennels are full to overflowing with dogs and puppies fighting to stay alive through the frigid night.

One pup, Clarence, almost did not make it. He strayed away from his littermates during the night and old man winter grabbed him. His still cold body was found at dawn and was rushed to the warmth of the cat house where he was given warm water to get his blood circulating again. Somehow that little guy fought back with all he had left and is now on a slow recovery back to health. That was my first eye opening glimpse into what winter is like on the rez. And it broke my heart. My tears frozen to my cheek. But there is no time for sorrow or pity. Emotions are pushed aside because there is so much work to be done in order to save the rest.

How does Karen Good do all that she does to help every animal that comes into the shelter? She, like little Clarence, is in survival mode. She is fighting with everything she has to keep going day after day to rescue as many animals as she possibly can. It is neverending back breaking work in brutal weather. Karen is a saint among us and to tell you the truth I am not sure how long she can continue to go on without our help.

Please do one thing right now to help.

Foster a Red Lake dog or puppy for Red lake Rosie's foster group, Pet Haven, All Dog, Act V,
Minnesota Pit Bull Rescue or other rescue that takes dogs from Red lake Rosie's. This is the most important piece needed to get the dogs out of the cold. Pass this message around to five other people and ask them to do the same. We will be stronger in numbers.

One of the adult dogs that needs to get out immediately because of her short hair is Abbey a beagle pit mix. She runs free now with all the other dogs. Here she is trying to get in an igloo with some black puppies to warm up.


Make a donation to Red Lake Rosie's Rescue to help pay for an employee to work at the shelter. Karen is also working three days a week teaching so those days are 16 hour days for her. If she had help at the shelter even a few days a week she would be able to gain some of her energy back.

Take a trip to RLRR to help out with chores and transport animals to the cities. It is only a five hour drive. The trip can easily be taken over a weekend. And the thrill of seeing suffering animals transferred to loving arms on this end makes it all worthwhile.

Please, please do something to help. Winter has just begun. While you are sitting at your computer all warm and toasty remember the puppies huddled together fighting for their lives. Do something to help them! Email me at laura.leonard55@gmail.com to find out more. Thank you from all the animals from Red Lake Rosie's Rescue.