Important updates about Rosegate RHDC

     It has already been more than two years since Rosegate received 501(c)3 nonprofit status.
In those couple of years we have had quite the learning path with experiences and reality check.
Since we are not a regular rescue, this means that we do not just take in any dog and cat.
We follow strict considerations for what animals are allow to be here and co-habitat with the already established residents.

     We have also discovered that this region has little issue with people abandoning their senior dogs.
All the local shelters here are rarely full and those are usually young. It may be country living or a pervasive attitude with hunting dogs but It seems that people are caring and responsible with their dogs. That farm life has given rise to a feline problem though. Little cared for barn cats that quickly overpopulate their colonies. In an old time attitude to constantly have a cat population to hunt rodents they avoid any selective spaying or neutering.

     We had some semi-feral barn cats wander into our life and they were suffering from multiple parasitic infestations. These adventurous foundlings that came to us on their own accord were young but we could not turn them around.

     Soon or later we will have to consider either changing the name from Rosegate Retirement Home for Dogs and Cats to something more representative of the environment we produce for those in our care. Not just a new name but re-brand our character and mission. We could also just dissolve this organization officially as a business but keep doing what we have been.

     The name is too long. We are not providing a home for just senior animals and there are not many senior street dogs out here. A final consideration is that we do not wish to feel pressured by peoples thoughts on how we should be going about this project. We will probably always have family dog(s) but we will not going to specialize or focusing solely on that aspect. Me, personally, I would love to rescue only orange cats. They seem to hold a special spot in my heart. :)

     Rosie, Crosby and GiGi taught us some important lessons and tested our patience.
Through their love we came to realize that we can not fulfill all the ways these lost dogs need to be whole again. Yes we tried with all our hearts and that is why saved and spent lots of money and resources for the creation of Rosegate.

     As we get older it seems our resource or energy will lessen and thus we are considering a closure of the organization. Another option is to simply down scale and remove any business side of Rosegate. We will always be providing a home to those we can and keeping a private or personal social media page for those who have become friends of Rosegate. To those that will come, purr and conquer their way into our hearts, our door is always open.

     To those kind souls who have become our friends of furry critter, thank you and please stay.
We will continue to update the situation and keep the purr love flowing.

My Giving Story 2019 - Quality over Quantity

Well, we did not won, but we will keep trying. ;)

Ever since our senior dog Rosie passed, we had our eyes on the neighbors property that has three suitable buildings on two acres so as to create Rosegate Retirement Home for Dogs and Cats. We had been excited about creating something good and big enough that it would give a home for a couple dozen dogs and many more cats.

We saved our money, opened up some donation pages, got the 501(c)3 status and even an old friend told us that she will help us out with a big chunk of money which didn't happened either. Only the owner of that property, an old farmer who didn't seem like he cared anything about this dream. We tried to get closer by being friendly with him and see if he had any interest but he was only going to talk about farming; corn, soy and spraying said crops. Some complaining about the industry and equipment but no other topics held his considerations. :(

With all these false hopes, the dream was shattered and slipping away. Well, at least the big part of it. Maybe he will never sell his property to us or he could live longer than us but there's no time to waste. So we decided to stop dreaming and start doing. that would mean a much more limited space but one paw in front of the other is our motto. We installed a full perimeter fence on our own three acres of property.

Not only do we have to make sure that all the animals can get along due to the Rosegate model of "comfy couches and not cages" but we also have to share our living space with them and thus, keep our own sanity. :) This has unfortunately led to refusing a few potential residents due to this reason. Thus we keep it small and give them a quality of life instead of hoarding them like merchandise in a warehouse.

We are still hoping that we can inspire some people to do likewise and every home helps those wayward furry friends to find a home. If they have some property and the desire to give senior pets a forever home, that is all that is required. Big or small, dreams will fill the vessel they are dreamt in... and helping those in need is a precious feeling that expands beyond those limits.

As silly as it seems, we also have a more distant dream, that If enough funds would come our way we could still be able to create a physical facility working with The Humane Society for both Big Stone County and Swift County. I guess that one breaks the vessel but this is the way of dreams.

Educate yourself before adopting a dog/cat

Source:

University of Pennsylvania: Journal Reference:

1. Evan L. MacLean, Noah Snyder-Mackler, Bridgett M. vonHoldt, James A. Serpell. Highly heritable and functionally relevant breed differences in dog behaviour. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 2019; 286 (1912): 20190716 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.0716
2. 
   

Educate yourself before adopting a dog/cat. Just because you like a dog for example a poodle, please make sure that their natural behavior will match with yours or your environment. It's not fair for the dogs to dump back to the shelter/rescue because you can not handle it. Be intelligent!

Border collies are highly trainable, greyhounds love to chase, and German shepherds make good guard dogs. While the environment plays a role, traits like these are highly heritable, according to a study of 101 dog breeds. The work identifies 131 genetic variants associated with breed differences in behavior.

Given the dazzling array of dog breeds, from dachshunds to mastiffs, from poodles to bloodhounds, it's easy to forget that most of that diversity arose only in the last few centuries or so, thanks to human tinkering. People have bred dogs for their looks, but the lion's share of breeding efforts have taken aim at eliciting particular behaviors, according to the University of Pennsylvania's James A. Serpell.

"If you look at the evolution of the dog, selection has been primarily for behaviors: hunting behaviors, guarding behaviors, or giving companionship to humans," he says.

In a new study, Serpell and colleagues Evan L. MacLean of the University of Arizona, Noah Snyder-Mackler of the University of Washington, and Bridgett M. vonHoldt of Princeton University offer strong evidence to support what scientists have long suspected: that some of the behaviors that help characterize breeds -- a drive to chase, for example, or aggression toward strangers -- are associated with distinct genetic differences between them. Their findings were published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

"Dogs present a good model for understanding what portion of the variation in their behavior is attributable to differences in genetics, and how much to their environment and experiences," says Snyder-Mackler, who earned his undergraduate and doctoral degrees from Penn.

What seems obvious -- that genes can influence an individual's behaviors -- has not always been easy to support with evidence, in large part because behaviors are complex traits. Tendencies such as aggression, anxiety, or a compulsion to chase anything that moves are governed by many genes, not just one.

But dog breeds, being highly inbred, have allowed researchers to make progress in this area. Serpell and his colleagues recognized that, if a dog breed is associated with a particular behavior that distinguishes it from other breeds, it might be easier to detect the genetic variants contributing to that behavior if you compared that breed's genome to a host of others.

It helped that Serpell was in possession of a treasure-trove of behavior data from C-BARQ, short for Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire, a survey that more than 50,000 dog owners have filled out about their pets. C-BARQ returns a result on 14 behavioral "factors" about each dog surveyed, giving a measure of traits such as stranger-directed aggression, excitability, energy level, and predatory chasing drive.

For this study, the researchers pulled 14,020 of those entries that included information about pure-bred dogs. To look for associations with genetics, they borrowed data from two earlier studies, together representing 5,697 dogs, for which 172,000 points in the genome had been sequenced.

They found that about half of the variation in the 14 measured behaviors across breeds could be attributed to genetics -- a greater proportion that previous studies have found.

"This was based on breed-average behaviors," notes MacLean, "because we didn't have behavioral and genetic information from the same animals."

What stood out to the researchers was that the traits with the highest rates of heritability -- in other words, those that seemed to be most influenced by genetic factors rather than environmental ones -- were behaviors such as trainability, predatory chasing, stranger-directed aggression, and attention seeking. For these traits, genetics explained 60 to 70 percent of variation across breeds.

"These are exactly the types of traits that have been selected for in particular breeds of dogs," says Serpell. "So for trainability, you're thinking of breeds like border collies that have to respond to human signals to accomplish complicated tasks; for chasing behavior you can think of something like a greyhound, which is innately predisposed to chase anything that runs; and for stranger-directed aggression you might focus on some of the guard dog breeds that are highly protective and tend to respond in a hostile way to unfamiliar people."

Taking advantage of their vast pool of genomic data, the researchers looked for genetic variants associated with breed differences in the 14 C-BARQ traits. They found 131 variants tightly linked to these behaviors. Some were located in genes that have been implicated in influencing behavior, including in humans. But many were unknown and provide fodder for future study.

"This gives us an encouraging start and places to look," says MacLean. "We have ongoing projects where we've obtained genetic and behavioral data from the same individuals, so we'll be able to dive deeper into some of these traits and variants to see if the patterns we found here hold up."

If these genetic differences influence behavior, a good assumption would be that they somehow affect the brain. So, as a final step, the team looked to see where the genes in which key variants appeared were expressed in the body. Their analysis showed the genes were much more likely to be expressed in the brain than in other tissues in the body.

Of note, however, is that the researchers' results also leave plenty of room for individual differences and an animal's environment in influencing behavior.

"It's important to keep in mind that we looked at breed averages for behavior," says Snyder-Mackler. "We're not at a point yet where we can look at an individual's genome and predict behavior. Environment and training still has a very, very strong effect."

R.I.P Crosby - July 1st, 2019

This morning I woke up early, fed the cats and made my coffee. Little bit later my daughter Susan sent me a message about her senior dog Crosby AKA Chuchi or Crosbutt.

She said: "There's no more questions anymore, he's ready.
And that's coming from me who was unsure for the last several months. He keeps whine/barking, keeps falling and can't get up and whines. I've moved downstairs now. He keeps pacing around nonstop. He's more ready than he's ever been..."

Today, July 1st 2019 at 3:45pm Crosby was helped to cross the Rainbow Bridge. He was adopted by Susan when he was only 5 years old. He came with an issue, separation anxiety.
Crosby had a long happy life, especially when her Mommy bought a house with a yard. They visited us often here in the countryside and he LOVED running with Rosie and GiGi.

One year ago he started to have some health issues, with lots of water intake, his kidneys had started to deteriorate, painful joints, loss of vision/hearing and it seemed a confused constant pacing. His last day he spend with lots of peaceful time in his grassy yard waiting patiently.

He was so tired and in pain that he was not able to walk into the vet's office so Susan had to carry him.
Now he is free of pain. You will be missed Crosby. 
Rest in Peace and Run Free Handsome!

More Details About Rosegate

Please watch this video to understanding our dream better

Also please subscribe us on YouTube: Rosegate's YouTube Channel

Please visit: www.rosegate.org

 

Rosie's Story - Inspiration for Rosegate

It was not until I had reached a mature age that I experienced the amazing and pure love a dog can give. I suspect this unconditional form of love will never be extended to me again unless a dog offers it.
​

This dog, named Rosie, was an unexpected gift into my life. We had little warning of how important she would become to us. My new husband and I, had moved to a new location on the big Island of Hawai'i and he had taken on a new client with two separate properties to maintain. Upon working at this clients up mountain cabin, he discovered an older dog there that was not the clients. Upon inquiring it was discovered that a sad and sordid tale of abuse and neglect was this poor aging dogs history. As a puppy the original owners of this cabin had the beginnings of a wonderful life. An off grid log cabin with diversified land, on a mountain side of the big Island of Hawai'i, with youth, love and a young daughter. They had gardens and chickens and decided a dog would compliment their lives. So Rosie the chubby puppy was founded by the wayside in a cardboard box. 

It seems that the mother and daughter loved her and their time together was joyous. Then a darkness crept in. For whatever reasons the husband became troubled. Anger and then abuse followed him home. 

Rosie was fearful of loud noises, work style boots, sticks or rod like objects, certain curse words and the smell of alcohol. These became seared into her emotional psyche and all the attempts at love and care could not erase that abuse. When these people and their life imploded, Rosie was abandoned on the property, alone, confused and broken.

  The client my husband contracted with was renting this cabin and as amazing as it sounds, poor Rosie came with it as part of the property. He had several dogs of his own already and a stern, paramilitary approach to training dogs that was not going to work or help Rosie to heal. She was now to be neglected and pushed to the bottom of the other dogs order and had to fend for herself with little spirit to achieve.

  As my husband went about his work on the property, he and Rosie started to bond. This communion came home with him in tales of their days together. I could tell it was right to take Rosie in with us. For her and us and the balance of life. I kept this decision to myself as I pondered the impact it would mean to all concerned. The day came to meet her. She greeted me with a strange but joyful rolling dance in the dust and howls of happiness to be the object of attention.

​

I loved her and waited only a day to ask of my husband would he like to bring her home?

I knew he had always had dogs growing up. I already knew he would like to take in Rosie but 'dog-napping' was another concern so our final step was to inquire of the client.

​​He was more than happy to say yes and one day the truck pulled into our driveway, the tailgate opened and out of the dark came a shy and scared Rosie. I called her name and she was so happy. She was given a bath, dinner bowls, a pile of toys and her own bed. It all awaited her arrival. She was more pleased to be rolling in beds and lounging without care. She had become loved and awoken to her new life with an unbounded spirit. This spirit of hers grew inside her and us and she became a chubby old dog with a real family. We gave her the ending of life story she deserved and parents tell their children about in fairy tales.

  At the age of fourteen, our poor old Rosie passed on. Years of fear and physical abuse, sleeping on a soggy piece of foam outside in the high mountain air had set arthritis and joint problems deep and though she gave us all her love, time took her physical being and freed her soul and spirit to the eternal.

  “Quod tu es, eqo fui, quod ego sum, tu eris." (What you are, I once was. What I am, you will become.)

Thank you for support Rosegate Retirement Home for Dogs and Cats

Our Vision

Dogs and Cats of all sorts and sizes lounge around in contentment on comfy couches,

chairs or loving laps. They have us to comfort them from bad dreams in the middle of the night. Read stories to them on drab winters days, massage sore muscles and maybe even sneak a doggie/kitty treat when no one is looking. My husband says he will not spoil them but who else would open the snack cupboard. We have gone to the dogs around here and that will be by design and plan.

This is a special plan for special friends.

   Life often takes turns we did not see coming and when, as care providers, we fail our furry friends, who will take them in? Older dogs/cats have less time and more health issues, which can be concerning to prospective adoption leaving them with few choices.

Rosegate Retirement Home for Dogs and Cats lets seniors be spoiled.

They deserve that luxury in the older years of their lives. We will be their final family and provide what circumstances they could not control has taken from them.

   Many have asked why a home for senior dogs/cats?

At first they laugh or wonder why an old dog or cat would even need a new home.

Dog/Cat owners who love and respect their pets either for hunting, herding or family companion would ever think of giving up their pets. Then I walk them down the dark road

where a parent goes into a nursing home or dies. No one can take the dog/cat in due to their own conditions, be it housing or lifestyle or the considerable problems they think the old, blind, incontinent or epileptic dog/cat will bring unto them they look for a friend to help but the same problems come to mind for each asked. Worse, some people just decide to close their hearts and say it is too much work or worry so they decide to either place the dog/cat in a pound or into the great void. The people I explained this to quickly understand the need for homes like this and wonder why there are not more.

  The task is an immense one but when a dream becomes a vision it must be followed with

wide eyes in wonder. Why could it not become a reality? We have most of the basics available to us and the rest will come with faith and footsteps one after the other.

  We already own some acres with our home upon them and hard work has never been

unknown to us. While knowledge can be sought and learned, we welcome any advice and

education offered.  Anyone who considers helping in some small way with a donation of

any size or kind would further the cause and it is vital to the success of Rosegate..

Another blessing is our friend and neighbor is a kind man and has several buildings on a few more acres adjacent to us and he may just be persuaded to help us achieve  Phase One. Purchasing what will be Rosegate.

  Three outbuildings of various sizes that with proper renovations would afford the 

infrastructure needed to provide the dogs or residents as we think of them, with all that would be necessary.

 

The main building is large enough to create personal and communal space for a couple

dozen dogs/cats and even a generous loft for visiting staff and volunteers to stay overnight. Kitchen space for meal and medicine preparation would be installed as well as a bathing and grooming room. An office could also be fitted in for business needs.

  The second building is smaller but still of considerable dimensions and would be dedicated to a clinic setting for visiting veterinarians and healers. New arrivals would have a quiet environment to be exanimated and there health concerns determined.  They can be bathed and groomed  for their integration into the family. There would also be kennel room for the sick or injured for their safety while healing. Finally, there is a third smaller building to renovate for a laundry and food storage facility.  

  We hope to build a team to care for all needs including animal communicators, traditional and classical veterinarian doctors and healers as well as friends who have fun time and activities. With a gentle lake only down the road summer days wading in the waters seems like a good idea for all involved. Bring the water wings for the little ones and sunblock for the old noses!

Welcome to Rosegate Retirement Home for Dogs and Cats

Mission Statement:
Rosegate Retirement Home for Dogs and Cats is committed to providing safety, security and comfort to senior pets. After a life of service and love we provide neglected and abandoned dogs and cats a retirement community with dignity and compassion for the rest of their lives. 

Welcome to Rosegate!

       Rosegate Retirement Home for Dogs and Cats is a project that we would love to achieve and currently have started with passion. The county and surrounding region we live in have no shelters or facilities, and only a handful of caring people with foster homes. It is a rural environment with many farmers and hunters who value and love their dogs/cats however sometimes circumstances arise that leave older dogs/cats without hope. Older dogs/cats present challenges and are rarely adopted into new families

without concerns. These animals should not have limited opportunities and deserve

more than being unwanted.
 
Our intentions are to establish Rosegate and provide these senior dogs and cats a home for life. We have started raising funds to acquire and convert some old farm buildings adjacent to our property into the proper facilities required. 
 

               In the meantime we educate ourselves about founding a tax free, charitable non-profit corporation and bring together a team of people, not only to accomplish this dream but also to do so in perpetually.

  Some say all dogs/cats go to heaven but before they make that journey they can rest with us at Rosegate and relive the love that fate may have taken away.  ​​

  

​Building the dream
Help us get there