These are my two special needs boys. Aren't they just the sweetest things?

Tracker Jack has become my constant shadow. I had no idea he would be able to move so fast, but he trots along behind me wherever I go.
He is going to have a gorgeous coat. It is amazing how thick it is starting to feel.

He has been out of the puppy mill 3 months now. Boy- has his life ever changed!

Trevor is smiling. This is one of his favorite toys. He does not realize he has a handicap. Trevor thinks everyone is blind, just like him. He is a sweet and happy boy. It is so easy to love him and take care of him. I feel so blessed.

I love this photo. Tracker Jack is no longer behind any bars- except bars of sunshine. The sun was streaming in through the blinds and I thought -'What a contrast these bars are to the bars he was behind just a few months ago.' He is very happy now.

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Here you can see that Jack has a crook at the end of his tail, as if it had been broken at some time.

This is the fur on his back. See how thick and deep orange it is getting?
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I wanted to update you on Tracker Jack's condition. He grows stronger by the day.
He is getting a lot more fur back and all the Poms had a medicated bath on Sunday. It is not enough just to treat Jack's fungus, we must treat all the animals and ourselves to keep from spreading it around. The spores can live up to a year. So we must vacuum frequently, change the vac bag and change the air filters weekly. It is no big deal. It is a labor of love. Tracker Jack is definately a strong and sweet fellow.
He says he is tough and wants to be a Navy Seal. This pic is as close to a seal as he is going to get!

Exciting things have been happening! I attended the Book Festival sponsored by the Humanities Council yesterday in Columbia, SC.

Tracker Jack and PuppyMillRescue have inspired me to attempt to write a juvenile fiction book. The tentative name will be 'Tracker Jack in the Box, a story of puppy mill rescues'. It will feature Tracker Jack, Sassy Pants, and Bubba.
Sassy Pants and Bubba, for those of you who don't know them, are two Pomeranians that were rescued at the same time as Jack and are living and being fostered, with Linda Landers at the Pom Palace in Texas.
The Columbia trip was very encouraging, and made me feel that there is a possibility for the book idea.
It is my intention to make a series of these books and feature different rescued pups as the characters in each one. Another step in educating (young)people about puppy mills!
I have taken SOOOOOOOooooo many pics of the pups, and only one out of a hundred is suitable for the calendar. Every time I get out the camera, they know what I am about, and run and hide!

Now the real news.....

Tracker Jack has progressed so fast this week. He has SCAMPERED(a cross between a hop and a run). He has taken two naps by my side. He has licked my hand, and come up to me and rubbed on my arm while I was tying my shoe. These are 'biggies' in the life of a puppy mill dog. It shows he is starting to trust me.
We had snow this week. Timber and Tucker loved it. Trevor and Tracker Jack did not like it a bit and were anxious to get back inside.
Tracker Jack is SO DONE with having his picture taken!!

Tracker Jack- the continuing digest


This is a letter from one of Tracker Jack's rescue angels. She was gracious enough to allow me to share it with you.

Dear Tracker Jack,
The day you were rescued from the puppy mill was scary for you, so you may not remember me.

I would like to re-introduce myself as I am one of the two ladies that held you that day.
As you were not use to human kindness and car rides, you must have been very frightened.

When we had to shave and peel off the hair that was attached to your bottom and then gave you a bath that was very hard for you too.

You were such a sweet boy thru it all and I hope you sensed that we were helping you.

The other lady and I talk about you and the dogs that left with us. You will be happy to know that they are also living with kind loving families like yours.

After reading about how happy you are and seeing how beautiful you look in your forever home, our hearts are overjoyed. You have a very special mom and dad and you so deserve the wonderful life you now have.
Our reward is knowing you are safe, cared for, and most of all loved.
We usually don’t have the pleasure of meeting a baby’s new foster mom or forever family, so we feel fortunate to have met yours.

There isn’t a clear answer as to why certain babies are chosen because we so wanted to take all of them.
There was an unexplainable heart tug to choose certain dogs.
God moves in mysterious ways and I believe it was with His guidance that you were chosen that day.
You touch the hearts of many people who view your web site as you touched ours when we saw you in the puppy mill.
You are truly an ambassador for all your friends left behind and know they are not forgotten.
We pray and wish for you many happy years with your family.

God Bless You Tracker Jack and Your Family,

A Rescuer

Tracker Jack- the continuing digest
HEADLINES-- "Tracker Jack Conquers Steps!" (well almost....He did the first 5!)

Steps of achievement

Some how Tracker Jack got himself down the first set of steps from the upstairs floor. ( I shudder to think how he did it, and am glad the steps are carpeted)
Timber ran up and down, trying to show him the way up. Before long I noticed her and went to see what was up, or in his case DOWN.

Jack was standing at the base of the stairs looking rather pitiful.

Tucker joined in the running up and down the steps, all in an attempt to show him how it was done.

I just happened to have my handy dandy camera and got quite a few pics as we coaxed him up the stairs.
Tongue hanging out, breath huffing, one step at a time he climbed to the top!

One small step for mankind
One giant leap for Tracker Jack!

THANK YOU!
I would like to thank my husbands co-workers for the March of DimesValentine basket. It was given to him along with the note "Please forgive us, your cold hearted co-workers".
We hope that the more people that read this blog, the more that people will become educated about puppy mills.
The horrors that these dogs go through is really no laughing matter and the people that rescue them, take their mission very seriously.
My husband has a huge heart and is very supportive of this mission and deserves better than the aggravation he takes because of my involvement.
Here is a photo of the basket.

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Tracker Jack loves to hear me read his 'fannymail' ( that is his fan email.)

So if you would like to send him an email you can click on the Tracker Jack box link on the right or send it to TrackerJack box@aol.com

Thanks to the good Lord, Jack is no longer the 'Jack in the box' of the horrible puppy mill, but Tracker Jack, the very much loved PomRescue.com, Inc ambassadog.

Saturday Feb 14 at 8:00 pm the MSNBC National Geographic Ultimate Explore "Love those Dogs" was shown again. If there is any way possible in the future please watch it. It is very informative. Education is the key to stopping the puppy mills.

"Our love for dogs also has a dark side. A group of dog-loving volunteers goes undercover to investigate the demand for pet dogs, particularly purebreds. Such demand has fostered an under-regulated breeding industry that is contributing to increased genetic problems in dogs."
MSNBC - Love Those Dogs: "National Geographic Ultimate Explorer"


Tracker Jack thinks he is now becoming a STAR

Tracker Jack 2/7/04



On Sunday, Feb 8 at 8:00 & 11:00 pm Tracker Jack was on MSNBC National Geographic Explorer.

They did show undercover film footage from the very same puppy mill Tracker Jack was rescued from. Tracker Jack, Bubba, Gracie and George the Poms and others were shown.

It was very difficult for me to watch, but I am so glad that the horrors of puppy mills were exposed.

To those that are new to the Pom Springs blog spot - Tracker Jack's story begins in the archives on the right of the page on the 1/16/04 entry.

Our blind Trevor's rescue story starts in entry 9/3/03.
He and Tracker Jack have formed and 'alliance' as the two rescues of the pack.

Tracker Jack on 1/13/04


Tracker Jack's one remaining tooth on 1/13/04


Tracker Jack on 2/5/04
This toothless pup playing with a chewy. He is a true 'Survivor'!

Trevor - Tracker Jack - Timber - Tucker


Tracker Jack- the continuing digest

There was puppy play in this house this evening. ALL the pups joined in. Jack was running and chasing for a little bit.

He has been checking out the toy box too.


Soon- it will be his turn to go to Petsmart to pick out his very own toy, like Trevor did.

He is healing up very well. His feet are still black on the ends of the toes and they still feel cold to me, but his nails are now showing some pink. I can see tiny signs of fur growing in the bare places. He is getting some 'spunk' now.

We have been receiving some very special emails. They have been so encouraging and touching. It was time that our Tracker Jack had his own email address.
If you would like to contact us, you can reach us at :
TrackerJack box@AOL.com

Thank you all who have written. It is so nice to hear about how Trevor and Tracker Jack's stories have touched you in some way.

Tracker Jack has been a sleepy fellow today and just seems to walk from nap place to nap place. Must be this cold, dreary day! His special favorite spot is right here ay my feet underneath the computer, on a rug. He will scratch and scratch and turn around several times before he curls up in a small ball, where he snores like a lumber jack. We may have to change his name to
Lumber Jack. For such a tiny nose he has quite a loud snore.

Tracker Jack- the continuing digest
He RAN!!!!
It was the most amazing thing.

I had the pups in the back yard while the sun was shining and it was fairly warm.
Tracker Jack has been sort of toddling around on his wobbly legs.

Timber was racing back and forth beside the fence.
It must have looked like so much fun that he decided to try it.
Next thing I knew he was running.

He ran half the length of the yard.
The reason I am so excited is that this little fellow is just two days post-op, may not have even known how to run, and surely never had the opportunity to run- living his life in 'the box.'

Can you just imagine how the grass must feel to his little black toes?
Can you just imagine filling your lungs with clean fresh air after a life time of breathing the acrid air of 'the box'?
Can you just imagine how the sun must feel on his little almost hairless back after living years in the dark?
The very things we take for granted, Tracker Jack is showing me anew with his soft brown eyes.
Warmth, good food, clean water, security, freedom, health care, some one to love us, and care for us. A recipe that all creatures great and small - want- and yes- need, in order to not just survive, but to thrive.

Yes- Jack ran today, not as fast as the others, but he ran, and he was free and in the sun.

Today was a good day for Tracker Jack and for me ......

Tracker Jack- the continuing digest

My sister came to visit me and met Tracker Jack today for the first time. He has been with us three weeks today.
He ran behind a wall when he saw her come in. Then I picked him up - and he would not look her in the eyes, trembling with fear.
I held him close as he relaxed and then I showed her the scarring of the hand print on his back, his dead toe nails, sparse dry hair, the black skin from the fungus on his feet and his ears.
I told her the story that the dog rescuers had told me of the puppy mill; the dark building, filthy, stinking boxes, full of dogs, standing in their own waste, all begging to be taken.
Then I told her that I was thankful for Tracker Jack's condition, as the rescuers had chosen the weaker sick looking ones, in hopes that they could save them, and possibly keep them from being thrown in the big green metal container.
Jack just looked at us as we talked, with that sweet, all knowing expression. His little cute tongue sticking out as always. He is alive. He made it. He has made it through his surgery. He has made it HOME.
We have to do more to see to it that more get out. That more of the puppy mill dogs get home where they are safe and loved.

Tracker Jack- the continuing digest

Tracker Jack has had his surgery!

Jack is now back home from the veterinarian's office.
We felt he was strong enough to go ahead and have the neuter, because he has been doing so well.
I dreaded it and am really glad we went and got it over with. This should be the end of all his trauma for a long time (forever I hope). He is doing great and is very alert and sleeping on his bed right now.
The Veterinarian called and he was awake standing in his cage and by 10:30. I was able to pick him up after lunch. This is amazing considering I just took him at 8:30.
It is a good thing we did not schedule the palate surgery, as when she had him under anesthesia and was able to get a good look in his throat, his palate was not as long as first thought.

However he has lots of folds of tissue in the back of his throat, as though he has had some kind of trauma to that area. My thoughts are: either someone had attempted to debark him with a rod, or years of breathing filthy, stagnant air in that small box in the puppy mill had built up scarring on the tissue. It is also a possibility that recurring untreated kennel cough or pneumonia might have contributed to this also.

Dr. Hurlbert had to perform the surgery with him on his belly working upside down in order to keep his oxygen going. He was able to have just one incision and she was able to move the abdominal testicle out through that incision.
Dr. Sue Ann Hurlbert is amazing with what she can do with her tiny hands on these little guys.
He has shown some swelling in the areas of the site of the anesthesia and the surgery but she has given him some anti-inflammatory for this.

I paid to have him micro chipped, so if he is ever lost he can be scanned and it will show that his home is with us. Tracker Jack has embedded himself in our hearts and we want him safe and well.

He is one special, tough, tiny, little dude! I am so glad it is over.

Tracker Jack-

Little blind Trevor and Tracker Jack are getting to be good friends. It's like they understand the bond of being a rescue.



This morning I forgot to move slowly and I reached to pick Jack up from behind with out warning him. He gave an awful yelp, as he thought someone was going to hurt him. Poor boy, I don't have any idea what he has been through.
I gave all four of the pups medicated baths yesterday. The special shampoo must be left on for ten minutes. It was quite a challenge trying to keep them warm and sudsy at the same time.

Trevor fluffed up beautifully and I just had to take his picture.

Tracker Jack- the continuing digest of a PuppyMillrescue Chapter 8


He wagged his tail!!!
Tracker Jack stood there and looked at me and there it went back and forth, back and forth, then stopped. I reached down and gently picked him up trying hard not to cry.

This was the first time I had seen this little boy actually wag his tail. I suppose life in a puppy mill doesn't give you much practice at tail wagging.

It is a funny little tail. Almost hairless on one side with dry brittle hair on the end. Poor nutrition and filthy, damp living conditions have taken a toll on his poor little body, including his tail.

I never thought I would get so excited, or much less write about such a simple thing as tail wagging, but then again, I had never had a puppy mill rescue.

We plan to give Tracker Jack plenty to wag his tail about from here on out.

It is snowing and sleeting outside. Here we are all warm and dry safe inside. Yet I can't help but wonder about those that are less fortunate. Whether they be man or animal. I pray God will give them comfort in whatever their conditions are, and I thank Him for the comfort we feel.

A friend of my husband has found this site very amusing and is telling everyone at his work about it. Now my husband is at the wrong end of a bunch of silly jokes and pranks. Because he has a big heart and opens his home to ones that others might find 'broken' or misfits and allows me to be myself and care for these animals(which comes as natural to me as breathing) and because he is a decent human being with love and compassion. This site has been a great outlet to me, and has allowed me to share these four dogs with others who might have an interest in their stories.
My husband can laugh it off. He is a big man. But I feel his humiliation and I am hurt that I have caused this, by simply trying to help these little fellows. Honey, I am sorry, and I thank you for who you are, and for loving me enough to let me be who I have to be, and letting me do what I have to do, and not trying to change me.
Toothless old, crippled Jack loves you, little blind Trevor loves you, you know Timb & Tuck, me and the kids love you. Thank you, and shame on those who are giving you a hard time.

By the way- if anyone wants to send their dog rescue photos to Buster at jmacks@alltel.net
I'm sure he would love to see them. He is a dog lover himself. ;0)

~~thank you fellow rescuers~~