Keeshond Lovers United
| 2016 Q1 | story by EMILY MULLIGAN | photo by STEVEN HERTZOG
A lady in her 60s in St. Louis is hospitalized long-term and then passes away, but no one in her family can care for her beloved 12-year-old dog.
A family in Iowa has a 10-month-old puppy they say is too much for their family to handle.
A reputable breeder in Nebraska has a well-trained pet that has aged out of breeding but still has a long life ahead of her and needs a new home.
These are stories of a few of the dogs that have been cared for and eventually adopted through Keeshond Lovers United (KLU), a 501 (c)(3) and regional breed-specific rescue group based in Lawrence that is part of the Keeshond Club of America.
Judy Hintzman is secretary and treasurer of KLU, which was incorporated in 2001, and is the one who receives the phone calls and email messages containing stories like the ones above. KLU is a network of volunteers who are Keeshond owners and foster families who transport, take in and care for Keeshonds in need of a home because their owners have given them up for any number of reasons. KLU also culls potential adopters and notifies qualified adopters of Keeshonds that are brought in for rescue. Its adopter and foster network includes families and individuals in not only Kansas but also Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Wisconsin.
“Because it’s so easy with the Internet to network, networking has become a big piece of this operation. We are able to zero in, so there aren’t that many of our breed looking for homes, because we have so many resources,” Hintzman says.
KLU holds an animal shelter license in Kansas and Nebraska, so the group is permitted to accept the dogs directly from their owners and care for them until the dogs are matched with a new permanent home. Often obtaining the dogs can involve driving long distances to pick them up, so Hintzman relies on her network to transport the dogs from their owners or shelters to their foster homes. She also has made use of trips to visit her family in Wisconsin to transport Keeshonds one way or the other.
KLU matches potential adopters with potential pets through a meticulous application process designed to ensure both pets and owners are happy so the match is a permanent one. Hintzman first learned about dog rescue groups and became involved with the organization when she adopted her first Keeshond in 2002.
“Within three to four months, I offered to foster another Keeshond. I was what we call a ‘foster failure’—I adopted that dog, too,” she says.
In any given year, Hintzman rescues and places up to 100 Keeshonds in the Midwest. When a Keeshond is given up, she either is contacted by the owner through the KLU website or Facebook page; or, animal shelters, such as the Lawrence Humane Society, contact her when a Keeshond shows up.
Hintzman says accepting the dogs from the owners who are giving them up is one of the saddest parts of her job.
“Some people, it just breaks their heart to let the dog go. We cry with them,” she says.
In the meantime, potential Keeshond adopters have filled out a detailed, six-page form, have gone through reference checks, including a veterinarian reference check if they have been a pet owner, and have met with a representative of KLU for a home visit.
“We talk about the needs of the dog. ‘What will the dog do while you are at work and on vacation? What activities will the dog do with you?’ We get a sense of how the dog will be part of the family,” Hintzman explains.
Once potential adopters are approved, it is a matter of waiting for the right dog match to come along. Adopters may specify the gender or age range of the dog they are looking for, but Hintzman also has a knack for matching pets and owners.
“One of Judy’s talents is evaluating a dog’s personality, and that’s not easy,” says Julie Jacob, a local Keeshond breeder and KLU volunteer. “She can evaluate the dog and its body language, even if it has come from a difficult place like a puppy mill and hasn’t been touched.”
While the dog is waiting to be adopted, it is often placed in a foster home for a period of weeks or months, depending on the dog’s condition. Foster homes do not own the dog, and all of the dog’s medical care must be approved by KLU. All of the fosters for Keeshonds through KLU are either current or former Keeshond owners, so they are familiar with the breed.
“We take care of the vet care and medications. The foster provides food, treats and beds, etc. Our foster dogs don’t know they’re foster dogs; they live in our homes like our own dogs,” Hintzman says.
Animal shelters have an important role, she says, and she serves on the Lawrence Humane Society board. But she explains that KLU providing a foster home that is familiar with the breed is particularly advantageous to Keeshonds, who are an amiable breed with a soft personality.
“They tend to shut down in shelters and get behaviors that don’t really represent that dog’s actual personality,” she explains.
Although many of the dogs come to KLU one or two at a time from a home or breeder, sometimes things happen that bring a group of Keeshonds to KLU’s network.
Hintzman says that a few years ago, the state of Kansas confiscated a large group of dogs from an unlicensed breeder, and that group included 18 Keeshonds, one of which had puppies. The shelter contacted KLU first, so Hintzman set her network into motion and put as many as she could into foster homes, including the puppies and their mother, who were kept together. Shelters in Topeka and Lawrence took some and provided veterinary care, then transferred the dogs back to KLU. Then Hintzman reached out to Keeshond rescue groups in Colorado and Texas to take in others. All of the dogs required socialization, so being with fosters who were experienced with the breed was the best way to set them on a path to adoption, Hintzman says.
Breed-specific rescue groups such as KLU do not exist to take the place of the traditional animal shelters, she explains. Rather, they are an avenue for aficionados of a particular breed to either find reliable homes for dogs they give up or to find quality dogs to adopt that they know have been recently well cared for.
“If the rescue group is not breed-specific, they are not as quick to know the responses and needs of the dogs,” Hintzman says. “It allows us to know the normal behaviors and genetic problems, and generally what they respond to best.”
Jacob says now that she is a breeder, she has even greater regard for rescues and the stringent requirements they have for foster homes and potential adopters.
“The strict policies of breed-specific rescue really do work. Until we get people to start to commit to an animal for life, you’re still going to need breed rescue,” Jacob says. “Breed-specific or foster-based rescue is best for the dogs because the shelter is not the best place to evaluate the temperament of dogs.”
She emphasizes, though, that not all “rescue” groups abide by strict standards like the KLU does. Many cities have outlawed the sale of puppies except for rescue puppies, she says, so people bring in pregnant dogs for the purpose of selling the puppies.
“I don’t think any rescue or Humane Society should allow puppies to be born. You’re there to rescue the ones that need homes, so why bring more into the world?” she asks.
Both Hintzman and Jacob agree there is no better feeling than knowing they have helped facilitate wonderful matches between Keeshonds and their owners, including their own dogs.
“If I hadn’t met Judy in 2002, my life would be totally different. I’d be missing a huge chunk of the four-legged love in my life,” Jacob says.
75 Comments
It’s really very complicated in this full of activity
life to listen news on Television, thus I only use internet for that reason,
and get the latest information.
I am in fact delighted to glance at this blog posts whichconsists of tons of valuable information, thanks for providing such information.
Excellent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your site, how can i subscribe
for a blog web site? The account aided me a acceptable
deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept
Its not my first time to pay a visit this site, i am browsing this web page dailly and obtain pleasant facts from here all the time.
I’ve learn a few good stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for revisiting.
I wonder how so much attempt you place to make this type of magnificent informative
website.
Thanks in support of sharing such a nice thought,
article is good, thats why i have read it entirely
We’re a gaggle of volunteers and starting a brand new scheme in our community.
Your web site provided us with useful info to work on. You have done a formidable activity and our whole
neighborhood will likely be thankful to you.
I all the time used to read piece of writing in news papers
but now as I am a user of internet so from now
I am using net for posts, thanks to web.
I think the admin of this web site is truly working hard in favor of his web site, because here every material is quality based stuff.
Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles?
I mean, what you say is fundamental and all. But think of if you added some great visuals or video clips to give
your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and clips, this blog could
undeniably be one of the best in its field.
Great blog!
Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
Nonetheless, I’m definitely glad I found it and I’ll be
bookmarking and checking back frequently!
I am curious to find out what blog platform you have been working with?
I’m having some minor security problems with my latest site
and I would like to find something more safeguarded. Do you have any solutions?
I am genuinely pleased to glance at this website posts which contains lots
of useful facts, thanks for providing these statistics.
Excellent blog here! Also your website loads up fast!
What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
I wish my website loaded up as fast as yours lol
It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d most certainly donate to
this outstanding blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed
to my Google account. I look forward to brand
new updates and will talk about this blog with my
Facebook group. Chat soon!
Coming across your article was a delight. Brimming with insightful content
and witty commentary, which is a rarity these days. value the time you’ve put into your work.
Your writing style is impressive. You present a fresh
take that is sparked my interest. Can’t wait to seeing
what you post next.
I just couldn’t resist to leave a comment. Your content speak with me on a profound level.
If you’re planning on offering a newsletter, sign me up!
It would be a joy to have your insights sent right to my inbox.
Your writing struck a chord with me. Rarely do you find a website that prompts you
to think deeply. Eager to read more of your work and encourage you
to carry on with your passion.
Your article was a refreshing change. With an overwhelming amount of
information online, it’s wonderful to read content that’s as enriching and entertaining as yours.
Please keep writing
This syntax provides a variety of options for creating a positive
and encouraging blog comment that compliments the author’s work and expresses a desire to continue engaging with their content.
Every once in a while, I discover a blog that captures my attention with its depth of insight.
Yours is without a doubt one of those rare gems. The way you interlace your words is not just enlightening
but also incredibly engaging. I commend the
dedication you show towards your craft and eagerly look forward to your future
posts.
Amidst the vastness of the internet, it feels
rewarding to encounter a blogger who puts considerable effort into their work.
Your posts don’t just provide valuable insights but also provoke thoughtful conversations.
Count me in as a regular reader from this point forward.
Your blog has quickly risen to the top of my list for me, which leads me to visit it regularly for new content.
Each post is like a masterclass in your niche,
delivered with crispness and humor. Might you creating
a subscription service or a periodic newsletter?
I would be delighted to get more of your wisdom straight to my
inbox
The unique angle you bring to topics is truly refreshing, it’s immensely appreciated in the modern internet landscape.
Your ability to dissect complex concepts and present them
in an understandable way is an ability that should never be underestimated.
I eagerly await your upcoming posts and the dialogues they’ll inspire.
Finding a blog that provides both a cognitive challenge and a
heartfelt conversation. Your posts do just
that, offering a harmonious blend of knowledge and emotional resonance.
The community you’re cultivating here is testament to your effect and authority.
I’m anxious to see where you’ll take us next and I’m strapped in for
the journey.
Having dedicated countless hours exploring the expanse of the
internet today, I have to declare that your blog is like a lighthouse in a sea of information. Never
before have I encountered such a trove of compelling ideas that
resonate on a substantial level. Your penchant for shedding
light on complex subjects with grace and acuity is worthy of admiration. I’m enthusiastically waiting for
your upcoming piece, knowing it will enrich my understanding even further.
In the current digital age, where content is plentiful, your blog emerges as a pillar of authenticity.
It’s a privilege to behold a corner of the
web that adheres to developing mindful learning.
Your articulate posts stimulate an appetite for
knowledge that many of us crave. Kindly inform me if there’s a possibility to sign up for direct notifications, as I wouldn’t want to miss even one thought-provoking article.
Your website is a testament to what dedicated blogging
can achieve. Each entry you create is laden with
actionable takeaways and meaningful stories that leave me pondering long after I’ve left the page.
Your narrative is a much-needed addition to the often noisy internet space.
If you have an exclusive subscription, count me among the
first to join. Your writing is meriting sustaining.
I am returning to your blog repeatedly, drawn by the caliber of discussion you initiate.
It’s clear that your blog isn’t just a platform for sharing ideas; it’s a community for like-minded individuals who are
in search of purposeful engagement. Your dedication toOf
course!
As soon as I commenced perusing your blog, I could tell it was something
extraordinary. Your skill to delve into complex topics and unravel them for your readers is truly noteworthy.
Each post you release is a treasure trove of insights, and I always find myself excited to see what you’ll explore next.
Your dedication to high-quality content is evident, and I
anticipate that you’ll persist providing such invaluable insights.
Your posts serves as a lighthouse in the often turbulent waters of online content.
Your in-depth analysis into diverse subjects are not only informative but also immensely absorbing.
I admire the way you combine meticulous investigation with narrative storytelling, crafting posts that are equally informative and engaging.
If there’s a method to follow your blog or
join a newsletter subscription, I would be grateful to be kept in the loop of your latest
musings.
As a fellow writer, I’m inspired by the passion you
put into each blog entry. You have a gift for making
even the most complex topics approachable and fascinating.
The way you dissect ideas and connect them to broader themes
is incredibly skillful. Kindly inform me if you
have any online courses or e-books in the works, as I would
be eager to gain further insight from your expertise.
It’s not often to find a blog that hits the mark with both the intellectual and the personal.
Your articles are penned with a level of insight that addresses the core of
the human condition. Whenever I read your blog, I leave more informed and motivated.
I’m keen to know whether you have plans to
When I began reading your blog, I realized it was something unique.
Your ability to dive into complex topics and demystify them for
your readership is truly impressive. Each article you publish is a treasure trove
of knowledge, and I always find myself eager to read what
you’ll uncover next. Your dedication to excellence is clear, and
I hope that you’ll keep on providing such valuable perspectives.
I’m gone to say to my little brother, that he should also visit this weblog on regular basis to take updated from most recent news.
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.
Look advanced to far added agreeable from you!
However, how can we communicate?
Great post.
Yes, we give a welcome bonus to all new Rivalry accounts (in accepted jurisdictions).
my homepage https://www.runnersworkshop.com/training/aadevin/
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your blog. It’s a very easy on the eyes
which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme?
Great work!
Pretty! This has been an extremely wonderful article.
Thank you for providing this info.
Look at my site – vpn special coupon code 2024
We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
Your web site provided us with useful info to work on. You have performed an impressive
job and our whole community can be grateful
to you.
Feel free to surf to my site vpn special coupon
Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this
website. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s
challenging to get that “perfect balance” between usability and visual appeal.
I must say that you’ve done a amazing job with this.
Also, the blog loads extremely fast for me on Firefox.
Exceptional Blog!
Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.
Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! By the way, how could we
communicate?
Thanks for every other excellent article. Where else could anybody get that kind of info in such
an ideal way of writing? I have a presentation next week,
and I’m at the search for such information.
My spouse and I stumbled over here by a different web page and thought I
may as well check things out. I like what I see so
now i’m following you. Look forward to looking over your web
page yet again.
Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just
your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and all.
But just imagine if you added some great photos or videos to give your posts more, “pop”!
Your content is excellent but with pics and video clips,
this website could certainly be one of the greatest in its niche.
Superb blog!
I’ve normally had normal checkups and I take superior care of myself.
my homepage; https://safetoto.xyz/%EC%85%94%EC%B8%A0%EB%A3%B8%EC%95%8C%EB%B0%94-%EB%AF%B8%EC%88%98%EB%8B%A4%EC%97%90%EC%84%9C%EC%9D%98-%ED%8A%B9%EB%B3%84%ED%95%9C-%EA%B2%BD%ED%97%98/
I visit day-to-day some blogs and websites to read articles or reviews, but this
weblog provides quality based writing.
Hi there to all, the contents existing at this web site are really remarkable for people knowledge,
well, keep up the nice work fellows.
This is a topic that is close to my heart… Many thanks!
Exactly where are your contact details though?
Howdy! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers
and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche.
Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on. You have done a wonderful
job!
hello!,I like your writing very much! proportion we keep in touch
more approximately your article on AOL? I need a specialist on this space
to resolve my problem. Maybe that is you! Taking a look forward to see you.
Simply wish to say your article is as astounding. The clearness for your post is simply spectacular and
that i could suppose you are an expert on this subject.
Fine along with your permission allow me to clutch your RSS
feed to stay up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the rewarding
work.
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post
was good. I don’t know who you are but definitely you are going
to a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!
Helⅼo to every , as I am really eager of reading this blog’s post
to be updated ⲟn a regular basis. It contaikns nice data.
It’s awesome in favor of me to have a web site, which is useful designed for my know-how.
thanks admin
If you would like to get a great deal from this post then you have to apply these methods to your won website.
There’s certainly a great deal to find out about this
topic. I love all the points you made.
Hi, Neat post. There is a problem along with your web site in internet explorer,
may test this? IE still is the market chief and
a large part of folks will leave out your excellent writing due to this problem.
Quality articles or reviews is the important to attract the users to pay a visit the web site, that’s what this website is providing.
Magnificent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend
your website, how could i subscribe for a
blog website? The account helped me a acceptable deal.
I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear concept
I’m really loving the theme/design of your
web site. Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility issues?
A couple of my blog audience have complained about my site not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Chrome.
Do you have any recommendations to help fix this issue?
Howdy would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re
using? I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m having a
difficult time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique.
P.S Apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually
something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and
very broad for me. I’m looking forward for
your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!
I constantly emailed this blog post page to all my
associates, because if like to read it then my
links will too.
I got this web page from my friend who told me on the topic of this web site and at the moment this time I am visiting this web site and reading very informative content at this time.
Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital
to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts.
Any way I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement
you access consistently fast.
Hi colleagues, how is all, and what you would like to say concerning this piece of writing, in my view
its actually amazing in support of me.
Hi, I do think this is an excellent website.
I stumbledupon it 😉 I will return yet again since i have bookmarked it.
Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and
continue to guide others.
I love it when folks get together and share views.
Great blog, stick with it!
Hi, just wanted to mention, I loved this article. It was funny.
Keep on posting!
I have been surfing on-line more than three hours lately, but I never found
any fascinating article like yours. It is pretty price enough for me.
Personally, if all website owners and bloggers made just right
content material as you probably did, the web will probably be a lot
more useful than ever before.
I am curious to find out what blog platform you have been using?
I’m having some small security problems with my latest
blog and I would like to find something more risk-free.
Do you have any suggestions?
Informative article, just what I needed.
Feel free to surf to my site – vpn 2024
Whats up are using WordPress for your site platform?
I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you require any coding knowledge to make your own blog?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
hi!,I like your writing very a lot! share we keep up a correspondence more approximately your post on AOL?
I require a specialist in this area to unravel my problem.
May be that’s you! Having a look ahead to look you.
My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find the majority of your post’s to be what precisely I’m looking for.
Do you offer guest writers to write content in your case?
I wouldn’t mind publishing a post or elaborating on a few of the subjects you write with regards to here.
Again, awesome weblog!
Greate article. Keep writing such kind of info on your blog.
Im really impressed by your blog.
Hey there, You have done an incredible job. I will certainly digg it and personally recommend
to my friends. I am confident they will be benefited from this site.
Hello to every body, it’s my first pay a visit of this web
site; this web site contains awesome and actually fine stuff for visitors.
you are truly a excellent webmaster. The web site loading pace is amazing.
It seems that you’re doing any distinctive trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterwork.
you have performed a great job on this matter!
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and
in accession capital to assert that I get in fact enjoyed
account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing
to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently fast.
I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here.
The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish.
nonetheless, you command get bought an shakiness over that you wish be
delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this increase.
Just want to say your article is as astonishing.
The clarity in your post is simply great and i could assume
you are an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me
to grab your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post.
Thanks a million and please continue the rewarding work.
Greetings! I’ve been reading your web site for a while now and
finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Porter Texas!
Just wanted to tell you keep up the fantastic job!
Article writing is also a excitement, if you know then you can write if not it is difficult to write.
I am really grateful to the owner of this site who
has shared this impressive article at at this place.
364361 747400This is a very good common sense post. Quite helpful to one who is just finding the resouces about this part. It will surely support educate me. 343472
Certain, it is achievable to use online casinos from mobile these days.
My blog: https://bossgirlpower.com/forums/profile.php?id=366389
Do you have a spam issue on this site; I also am a blogger,
and I was curious about your situation; we have created some
nice practices and we are looking to exchange strategies with other folks, why
not shoot me an e-mail if interested.
My web page – vpn special coupon code 2024
If some one wishes to be updated with hottest technologies after that he must be pay a visit this web site and be up to date everyday.
Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a blogger,
and I was wondering your situation; many of us have created some nice practices and we are looking
to trade strategies with others, be sure to shoot me an e-mail if interested.
It’s hard to come by educated people in this particular
subject, however, you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Quality posts is the main to attract the people to visit the website, that’s what this web
page is providing.