Turbo Kees Foundation, Keeshond Rescue

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Wonder Lake, IL
Turbo Kees Foundation, Keeshond Rescue

An all volunteer, non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization devoted to the rescue & placement of homeless Keeshonds & Keeshond mix dogs!

BLOG: http://www.turbokees.blogspot.com/
(articles on training, behavior, & other TK news)
WEBSITE: www.turbokees.com
Available dogs, adoption policies

05/29/2024

It’s hard to believe that it’s been over a year since I posted to our page. I have been dealing with a chronic and sometimes severe health condition since May 2021. Last year my health forced me to slow down. This meant I didn’t have the time for social media. Of course, doing the job of rescuing and fostering Keeshonds is something I could not and will not give up!

We are still fostering Katiya, now 10+ years & doing well. If you recall she came into rescue in August 2019 and was available for adoption for over 3 years. She has Inflammatory Bowel Disease and is currently managed with medication and a total Kangaroo diet. It is past the time when Katiya becomes a forever foster or term dog, due to no interest. Not to worry, Katiya will remain in foster care for the remainder of her days, well loved and adored by all she meets!

We are also still fostering Iggit, formerly known as Kaseem. He never really liked Kaseem, and answers readily to Iggit. He just saw his Cardiologist this month, May 2024. His Sub-Aortic Stenosis remains severe, and he will remain on Atenolol 1 ml liquid compounded medication for the rest of his life, however long or short that may be. While there has been some interest in Iggit, as soon as prospective adopters hear that he could just drop any day without warning, none have applied. Since his Echocardiograms have shown little changes in the last year, Iggit will now see his Cardiologist every 9 months instead of every 6 months. Iggit turned 2 years on 2/15/2024.

Unfortunately, the 2 Elkhounds that we had taken into foster care could not be saved and were humanely euthanized earlier this year. It was truly heartbreaking.

How about some good news?

Konnor was adopted by John & Ann Meyers of WI in 2023. He is continuing to come out of his shell with them and their 12-year-old Keeshond, Diamond! John & Ann have owned several Keeshonden over the years, and always in multiples. Welcome to the TKF family John, Ann and Diamond!

Kevin and Richard were both adopted by Ginnie Weckerly & Paul Vella of Rockford. Kevin was adopted in February, and Richard in March. They are doing very well and are quite the pair! Ginnie & Paul have owned 2 Keeshonden at the same time before. Kevin & Richard provide them with lots of challenges & opportunities! Welcome to the TKF family Ginnie & Paul!

I wish I could report that I will be posting more often to this page, I will try. My health is still not good, and I must continue to do only what I can handle. Please know that if you are interested in adopting a dog, do NOT send a message, do NOT email, please call me @ 630-980-7696.

If you need to surrender a Keeshond or Keeshond mix dog, please call me @ 630-980-7696. We’re still doing rescue, I’m just not able to write about it.

Now that you know that rescue still goes on, please know that we still need your help and support!

Please make a donation for as little or as much as you can, as soon as you can. You can make a Paypal donation to the TKF email address: [email protected]
Or you can make checks payable and mail to:

Turbo Kees Foundation
7503 Hiawatha Dr
Wonder Lake, IL 60097

11/06/2023

Katiya came into foster care in August 2019 on death's door. Her body was so weak, she couldn't hold onto her own body heat and couldn't hold down any food. It was pitiful and I feared she would not make it. It took some doing and I got her into to see an Internist DVM who scoped her, and sent biopsies to Texas A&M's lab. She told me upon pick up that day that she had Inflammatory Bowel Disease due to allergies and the lab results would confirm that 10 days later. She eats only Kangaroo; dry, canned & freeze dried raw. Not only did she make it, she thrived! It took a year and a half for her to get healthy, and recover from two surgeries. The first was her spay and the second her dentistry which involved loosing 4 teeth. Surviving an Amish Puppymill in Ohio, just barely.

It's now 4 years later, she's had some folks call about adopting her. When I tell them she has IBD, eats only Kangaroo, will take several medications and supplements for the rest of her life; they don't call back. It's scary not knowing how long a dog will live, how many times will she require the services of a specialist? These are questions that an adopter would have to be able to answer if the need ever came. Katiya has been available for adoption for over 3 years. It is and will always be what is best for the dog, no matter what that means. In Katiya's case, it would be harder on her to leave foster care after all these years. So as of November 1, 2023 Katiya becomes a term foster which means we will no longer actively seek an adopter for her, rather we will continue to care for her and in turn she will continue to help new fosters with their rehabilitation. She loves other dogs, and gets along with everyone! She's also learned that humans are good, and always seeks out people when they come to the house for pets. Katiya is 9 years young, loves to bark and with a dog door and potty pads when it rains, she's housebroken and a good alert dog🥰 Everyone who meets her comes to know that this little Diva has a lot of "Moxie!" Your donations will continue to help us care for Katiya, she'd thank you herself I'm sure❣

11/03/2023

Kevin is 3+ years, in good health, smart, lovable and willing to participate in most anything you'd like to do. Keven is a Keeshond/Aussie mix with the best traits of both, though mainly Kees. He does like to bark, so management is necessary. He's crate trained, potty trained and doesn't chew what he shouldn't. Kevin had some bad habits when he came into foster care last year. We've worked really hard with Kevin and he's responded by becoming one of the smartest dogs we've ever known. How would you like to wake up to a dog who looks at you with, "what are we going to do today?"

If you're interested in adopting Kevin or any of our available dogs, please call Lysa Bea @ 630-980-7696.

11/02/2023

Richard is an owner turn over, he was too much for his family to handle from the beginning in their condo. They took him to a dog training company who recommended he be put on Prozac, When that didn't to the trick after 5.5 months they called me. He arrived in foster care a few months ago, and I immediately weaned him off of the Prozac, He's a normal Keeshond adolescent who had not been taught manners or bite inhibition. He doesn't have a mean bone in his body! Richard loves everyone and everything. When you come to the house, he'll roll over so you can best give him the belly rubs he so loves❣ We used to get great dogs like Richard, with no health issues years ago, now they are few and far between. He's a big boy, at 15 months he's well over 40 pounds of lovable energy. Knows sit, down, wait, in your crate, comes when called and loves the new name we gave him: Richard 🥰

11/01/2023

This is Windy, the other Elkhound who came in with Cowboy. Windy is 9 years young, very dominant and used to having her way with other dogs. She does not get along with dominant females at all. She doesn't mind submissive dogs or even playful boys, as long as they don't try to mount her. Once she gets to know you, she's so lovable🥰 All she wants is love, scratches and pets. She'll settle for brushing or nail trims. When we had her spayed 2 weeks ago, she allowed me to roll her over daily for incision inspection. Like Cowboy, she doesn't give her trust quickly, though if you come to the house she'll put her head in your lap❣ She's in great shape and will make someone a very nice dog, plus she's very pretty and on the bigger side at over 40+ pounds😍

Contact Lysa Bea @ 630-980-7696 for adoption information❤

10/31/2023

They were supposed to be Keeshonds! Clearly there are still people in the world that don't know the difference between Keeshonden & Norwegian Elkhounds. Meet Cowboy who came in with Windy, his former breeding partner from a BYB in Freeport, IL

His former owner got sick, had him neutered before turning them over to TKF. He's 5+ years old, up to date with shots, knows sit, wait, in your crate, down, leave it and had good recall with his new name: Cowboy!

He did not get socialization before rescue, so earning his trust took a good month. He's still terrified of the Vet, and so far has smelled guests at the house. Once he trusts you, he so lovable & starved for attention. At this point, after 3 months in foster care, I can do anything to this boy including brushing everywhere & cutting nails.

For those who don't know: Elkhounds shed more than Keeshonds; they are more serious than Keeshonds and take the job of watch dog to the next level of guarding. They are very into their people/family and wary of strangers. Like Kees, they do believe they should be lap dogs! Cowboy is small for a boy, going about 32 pounds. Loves toys & Nylabones❣

10/30/2023

Hello folks,

I’m sure you must get tired of hearing about our need for money. You know how much money it takes to care for one or two or maybe even three dogs. The average cost of caring for each foster dog is $200.00+ per month, this includes food, supplements, treats, and supplies.

Here’s a list of our current foster dogs:

Katiya, female, 9 years young, with IBD

Kevin, male, 3 year old Keeshond/Aussie mix, very smart with no health issues

Iggit aka Kaseem, male, 20 months old, with Sub Aortic Stenosis

Richard, male, 14 months old, sweet, lovable with no health issues

Windy, female, 9 years young, Elkhound, sweet, needs time with new people to build trust

Cowboy, male, 5 year old, Elkhound, sweet, excitable, also needs time with new people to build trust

Wait, we’re Keeshond rescue, so why do we have Elkhounds? It happens, though not often. Windy & Cowboy were a former breeding pair from a backyard breeder in Freeport, IL. We were told they were Keeshonden. The bottom line is that they would have gone to the local animal control which has no adoption program, they would have been euthanized. We’ve taken in Elkhounds in the past, and we’ve found them all great homes. For those who don’t Elkhounds, they are more serious than Keeshonden. They are easier to train due to their need to please their owner. They love people once they get to know them, they can be wary of strangers. They shed more than Keeshonden, though their coat is shorter and easier to care for. They are better watch/ guard dogs than Keeshonden.

Our foster dogs need your donations, so they can continue to thrive until they find forever homes. Some of our foster dogs have illnesses that no adopter wants to take on, and those dogs depend on us with your donations to care for them. Dogs like Katiya who has a rare form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease that requires several medications and supplements on a daily basis, and she can only eat Kangaroo. Iggit is another dog that has sparked interest until the potential adopter hears he has an incurable heart issue called Sub Aortic Stenosis. Iggit also takes medication and supplements daily and sees a Cardiologist every 6 months. We have never turned away a dog because of an illness, no matter what. We have never euthanized a dog just because no adopter could be found. We continue to rescue the ones who need us, and we ask you to help us do that with your donations. I wish I didn’t sound so desperate, and yet, we always are desperate for your empathy, your kindness and your help!

Please give what you can, today either by mailing a checking made payable to:
Turbo Kees Foundation
7503 Hiawatha Drive, Wonder Lake, IL 60097

Or you can make a Paypal donation by going to our website: www.turbokees.com

You can also make a Paypal donation by going directly to Paypal & send your donation to:[email protected]

08/21/2023

It was the end of April 2014, Tracie Mrakich sent me a Craig's list post for a Keeshond. She and her husband Greg got in touch with the couple and went to check the dog out. The couple told Tracie & Greg that they would not return him to the breeder, "it was not a nice place." I was expecting another foster, and had alerted volunteers about another transport from Indianapolis. The transport never happened. Tracie & Greg took the Keesie boy home with them "intending" to foster him. He had a microchip, though the number was disconnected. The chip did confirm his name, Duke. When Greg called his name for the first time, Duke loved hearing it and responded joyfully. He kept the name, and he kept his foster home forever❣ Duke had exceptional taste, The Mrakich's had already adopted Lola and then Declan; and then they became volunteers and helped with pickups and transports (and all these years later, they still do). Almost 5 years ago Duke developed Diabetes which required a very strict routine of medication injections and meals. Poor Duke outlived both Lola and his best friend, Declan. And begrudgingly accepted his new brother, Keegan in 2021 (Keegan was just a year old at the time). Keegan brought some new energy for Duke, but Dukie was always Momma's boy. When Tracie called me yesterday to let me know that Duke had gone peacefully to the Rainbow Bridge on Saturday, we cried and reminisced. Duke runs free, playing with Declan under the watchful eye of the Lady Lola. They wait at the bridge.... We grieve their loss & treasure the memories. They forever live in our hearts❤

The pictures: the single photo is my personal fav of Duke, the 3 are from left to right: Duke, Declan & Lola; the 2 are Duke standing next to Declan🥰

08/03/2023

I first met Kalita in 2011 after a Good Samaritan sent us a link to a Craig’s List post from St Louis, MO, “Free to good home.” We arranged to meet a friend of the owner in Rockford, IL. She needed a good groom and to learn some social skills with both humans and other dogs. I had her checked out at our Vet and our volunteer, Maggie, took her home to groom her over the weekend. Though it was clear that she was Keeshond, it was also clear that she was mixed with Sheltie. In September of 2011, Frances & Margaret adopted her and gave her a loving home until earlier this year when it was clear that she no longer had more good days than bad. Timing can be good, and it can be not so good or even down right bad. Over Kalita’s lifetime I cared for her (and all of her brothers when they were still with us) when her Moms went out of town. It gave me the chance to watch her grow into a dog who loves people and tolerates other dogs. She was a great watch dog until she couldn’t hear or see. I adored her, and when she became a geriatric I would hand feed her and because she was comfortable, I let her stay on the couch and fed her there. The day after her last stay with me and the pack, Kalita went to the Rainbow Bridge knowing she was and will always be loved, it was May 2023 and she was 14 years old. I couldn't bring myself to write this then… you were very much loved ❣

08/01/2023

Kage was 17 weeks old with a Heart murmur when he came into rescue with Kaseem, who was 13 weeks. They always acted normal, they loved to play, wrestle, and chase each other and anyone else they could get to play with them. When we saw the Cardiologist for the first time, he confirmed they both have Sub Aortic Stenosis. Kage’s case was always worse than Kaseem’s. At the last appointment on April 19, 2023, his Cardiologist, Dr Gerlach confirmed that Kage would probably live only 3 years. He was surprised that the puppies did not have any fainting spells nor had they collapsed after play or exercise. This is my first experience with Sub Aortic Stenosis. Last night as I was walking out front to check my mail, I heard the dogs making a ruckus, Kevin and Kaseem. I moved as quickly as my old bones would only to watch Kage collapse for the first time and fall off the back porch. I managed more speed to the door, then out the patio door to find him gasping for breath. I scooped him into my arms and noticed his tongue was blue. As I cradled him and told him I loved him, and it was ok, he took his last breath. He turned 18 months old on July 25, 2023. He lived a very short life; he lived a happy life with a dog door and another puppy to play with and older dogs who taught him how to be a good pack member. I scratched his belly every day, he demanded it like every good Keeshond should. The house has been so quiet ever since…😭🥺

07/18/2023

Turbo Kees Foundation is hoping for your help!? Please read, it's worth it...

Rescuing Keeshonds doesn’t get any easier, and thankfully it doesn’t get less rewarding either! As you know it’s been especially difficult these past couple of years since people just aren’t adopting dogs with special needs. We’re stuck between a rock and a hard place since shelters are giving us only dogs with special needs and all the dogs we’ve gotten in have come from puppy mills and have behavior &/or medical issues.

Kage & Kaseem have had no applications! They have been in foster care since they were 17 & 13 weeks respectively.

Then there’s Katiya, the puppy mill girl with IBD who’s been in foster care since August 2019, with no takers!

Kevin, our 3 yr old male Keeshond/Aussie mix has rehabbed beautifully! He’s one of the best watch dogs around! Loyal, loving and loads of energy. He’ll need an experienced owner, though we’ve gotten the barking & the uncontrolled youthful explosions well managed. He deserves the best; I’d keep him if I didn’t have 3 of my own!!

Not being able to adopt dogs hurts even more when new ones keep coming… like our newest Keeshond pup from MI. His owner really did try to keep him! When she didn’t know what to do, she took him to what she thought was a reputable dog training establishment. They immediately recommended drugs and sent her to their recommended Veterinarian who dispensed the drugs for her then 5.5 month old Keeshond boy! Yes, you read that right, a 5.5 month old Keeshond puppy on Prozac, 40mg of Prozac a day!! He came from a Pet Store, so we know at best it’s a back yard breeder though more likely a puppy mill. You’ll notice in his picture that he has one ear that doesn’t stand up; our Vet examined him thoroughly and found nothing abnormal and no scare tissue. Finding no scar tissue tells us that the most probable cause of the floppy ear is genetic. He was born on 7/21/2022 and we have given him a new name that he loves and comes willingly to: Richard. We’re weaning him off the Prozac, it will take 6 weeks for that to get out of his system and then we can evaluate him properly. I can say that after only a week in foster care, he’s a normal puppy who’s not been trained properly.

Konnor finally has an application that just came in… wish him luck and send positive energy! While you’re sending, please send some donations as well!

Taking care of 6 foster dogs takes hundreds of dollars a month. If I were made of money, I would gladly fit the bill. Unfortunately, I’m on a fixed income so it’s even harder for me to cover expenses as needed. Please help with whatever you can. Your generous donations this year have paid for Kage & Kaseem’s Cardiologist and Echo Cardiograms, and for Konner’s Heartworm treatment as well as vaccinations, supplements & medications, supplies, food and much needed treats. Plus the puppies desperately needed a pool for the summer, and a small plastic wading pool from Walmart was perfect! First two pictures is the newest foster boy, Richard, then Kage, Kaseem Katiya, Kevin & Konnor (see why I'm tired of starting their names with "K"!)

Please send as much as you can, checks made payable and send to: Turbo Kees Foundation, 7503 Hiawatha Drive, Wonder Lake, IL 60097
Or you can go to our website and click the make a donation button that will take you to our Paypal location to make a donation! You can also make a donation through Paypal using our email address: [email protected]

We also now accept Venmo too! We’re trying to make it easier for you to donate, so we can keep rescuing the breed we adore, Keeshond!

Sincerely,
Lysa Bea
President, Chief Cook & Bottle Washer
Turbo Kees Foundation

Address

Wonder Lake, IL
60097

Telephone

+16309807696

Website

http://www.turbokees.com/

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Our Mission:

Turbo Kees Foundation, Keeshond Rescue is an all volunteer non for profit charitable rescue group located in Illinois. We rescue Keeshonden, Keeshond Mixes & sometimes other spitz dogs who have no other recourse. Our dogs come to us from direct owner surrender and shelters. Private message is the best way to reach us! WEBSITE: www.turbokees.com Adoption Policies: http://turbokees.com/docs/adoption_policies.html

Adoption Application:http://turbokees.com/docs/AdoptionApplication.pdf