2010 is here!

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone! ¡feliz año nuevo!?

Thank you to all who contributed in whatever way, big or small, to Lost Dogs during the past year.

Thank you to all who remain involved, all who help animals and each other, all who lift the consciousness of humanity to a more compassionate place, that all may be happy and free.

Fumarola, and all the dogs brought to the United States, are happier than they have ever been. Their lives are testament to what one individual can do – hero dog, risked his life and saved so many.

The film is in post-production, I am editing as much as I can (hence slow email replies-sorry!), while Reese Mercer fields all the project’s production activity. Without Reese, editing would not be possible – thank you Reese! Meanwhile, Anthony Tanaka and Tommy O’Connor are working hard on the new Lost Dogs web site, to be launched very soon… stay tuned for exciting updates!

2010, starting with a blue moon tonight, will surely be a wonderful year.

Blessings to all,

Vanessa, Fumarola and Digby

Interview with Vanessa Schulz on Santiago Radio, Nov. 25

Felipe Valdivia interviewed Vanessa Schulz about Lost Dogs on Santiago Radio… podcast coming soon! Read more

Mutts & Martinis!

A huge THANK YOU to Jenny Cruickshank and Josh Maquet for hosting Mutts & Martinis at the Astro Lounge on November 18th! Your generosity within our community, and for the dogs, is remarkable. The evening was a huge success, resulting in key additions to our volunteer crew.

Congratulations to our raffle winners! And special thanks to our sponsors -

Astro Lounge; Bend Veterinary Clinic; TazLab; Happy Tales Pet Resort; Equus Hearts; Rockstar Massage; DMH Design; Anjou Spa; Health Horizons; NW Medi Spa; Footzone; 2 Big Dogs; and Connie Austin and Roger Rudolph.

Success Stories!

The Lost Dogs film crew (Vanessa and Reece) just returned from Portland where we visited three of the dogs rescued from Chile earlier this year…

Rinco: I now realize just how tough this little guy is, not that he needs it mind you! He’s landed himself the lottery with Mark, Katherine and Louis for amusement, nourishment, protection and adoration. He doesn’t seem to miss Chile one bit, although I’m sure he will never forget Gabriela, his true savior. A bit boisterous still, Rinco is teaching Louis how to be tough, and to hide his rubber boots. Katherine’s flower garden, well, that’s a bit harder to hide. Could it be Rinco read “Dig It! Gardening Tips for Dogs”?

Cona (Conaf): After suffering a volcanic eruption, abandonment, living feral for one year and multiple litters of puppies dying of distemper, Cona made it to the US, had cancer removed in the nick of time, and then tore her ACL. All bad things are now behind her and Peter, Leslie and their daughter, Maddie have secured her place in the world. She lies on their bed, which Peter dismantled so that she can easily join them to cuddle, below an image of a dog on a bed that I’ve admired for many years…

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Ouzo, aka Zunko: Misha, Allen and their three-legged cat (one of four cats I believe), have taken Ouzo in with open arms. Finally, he can find happiness and security, after experiencing repeated abandonment and suffering due to, among other things, the loss of his leg. When we talk of the loyalty of dogs, Ouzo is the shining example. He waits and looks for Misha, paying attention to what makes his new family happy. In return, he gets a couch to call home, and love, so much love. His wounds have healed and my brief visit cemented for him the fact that he is finally home.

Thank you to all the families who now share their homes with these amazing souls, and to the Pixie Project for assisting with the adoptions.

Stay tuned for follow-ups with Cassie, Julio (Copito) and Roberto. Meanwhile, here is Fumarola signing off from her recycled tire (with uncle Digby)…

Astro’s Mutts and Martinis – November 18

Mutts & Martinis is the first in a series of parties hosted by the Astro Lounge in Bend, Oregon, to support local shelters and organizations helping homeless dogs. November 18 is the kick-off party, featuring the documentary in production – LOST DOGS – by filmmaker, Vanessa Schulz. Bring your friends and join us for a sneak preview of the film, slides, raffle with amazing prizes, DJ, food and of course, signature “mutt martinis!” The event helps raise finishing funds for the documentary. For more info, visit LOST DOGS.

Gallery Exhibit – November 6-30

During November, Lost Dogs features a gallery exhibit with 57 photographs from Chile, taken by Vanessa Schulz and Chris Mortimer, at the TBD loft in downtown Bend. Bring your friends and enjoy the stories and powerful images that begin to tell the story of Lost Dogs. Thank you to all who attended the opening night reception! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and hearts, and for being a part of the project’s success.
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Fumarola is stepping gracefully into her role of mascot for Lost Dogs!

Bend Pet Expo

With our gracious volunteers, Lost Dogs presented images and information to visitors at the Oregon Pet Expo on Saturday. Fumarola, the film’s mascot, waited patiently on Digby’s back while we shared our goals and fundraising efforts with the public. Our participation with so many worthy organizations involved in pet rescue, once again brought home the dire reality of unwanted pets in the United States. The Humane Society of the United States estimates between 6-8 million cats and dogs enter shelters each year; 3-4 million of those are euthanized. PLEASE, if you can adopt a pet, avoid breeders and pet shops by supporting a local animal shelter where so many are on death row.

“Mutts and Martinis!” November 18 in downtown Bend

The Astro Lounge, Bend’s chic, urban night spot, is hosting a party for LOST DOGS to kick off a series of events called “Mutts and Martinis!”

Each party will raise awareness and funds for non-profit organizations involved in rescuing unwanted pets and reducing the number of strays through spay and neuter programs.

Here’s to Jenny Cruickshank and Josh Maquet, whose hearts are as big as their martini menu!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 – 6pm
147 NW MINNESOTA, BEND, OR 97701
Sneak preview and filmmaker presentation, DJ and dancing, signature “Mutt Martinis,” raffle to win amazing prizes!
$10 suggested donation.

Fumarola saying hi!

There are people who think street dogs are filthy and dangerous. Yes, Fumarola was dirty when we dug her out from under a Chaiten house buried under ash. Yes, fear made her want to bite. But look at how a bath and love transformed her in just three months! She gives me much more than I give her.

I think often of the dogs in Chile, especially the cold, wet, starving, sick, old dogs whose pain has made them oblivious to the thousands of human feet that pass them by as if they don’t exist. If only more people could see how much love is waiting to be shared.

A Milestone for Lost Dogs!

Great news! We have audio!!! 21st Paradigm has secured the funds to replace the camera that saw it’s end on the shooting of Lost Dogs… One donor in Portland has helped us reach this milestone in the project, helping us stay in production to film the dogs adopted since their arduous journey from Chile to Oregon/California. Not only does this allow completion of Lost Dogs, but it guarantees the next dozen films produced by 21st Paradigm! Thank you Jodi, Jane, and all the donors who have contributed in whatever way possible, big or small.

This donation comes as a result of word-of-mouth originating from our August 22 fundraiser in Bend, Oregon.