10/19/2026
Dig in...its a book! I tried to answer everyone's questions.
The Zulu Crew has had quite the week! What started out as a tragedy became. a miracle! If not for our faith in our boarding and daycare families, our extended Doghouse pack of adopters and in God's provision, we wouldn't have stepped out in faith. In all honesty , donations have been low for years. We are barely hanging on over here, like most rescues. But when you hear their story , how can you not be moved to act! 5 puppies left in a small cage in zululand near the river in Paw Paw.
Here we are on day eight , and that first video sharing their story has been seen 48,000 times. We have gained 150 new followers and the community has felt called to support this little Crew of 5 pups! And on their behalf , we cannot thank you enough! You're generosity is overwhelming! Please continue to share and help us help them!
So here is the latest update on the Zulu Crew And the unadoptable 6 pack at the doghouse!
Over the past week ,whie in quarantine, the pups have each gained between two and a half and three pounds. They've been bathed, dewormed, received their initial DPP and Rabies Vaccines, been microchipped and began heartworm preventative. They were present at the Van Buren County Animal Control Shelter wellness clinic with dozens of other dogs and cats and met many people who fell in love with them.They have received 2 approved applications for adoption and by the end of Tuesday 2 may very well be with their new families. In addition, they are all scheduled to be spayed/neutered on November 2nd through Kalamazoo Humane Society.
We have also scheduled an adoption event at Tractor Supply in Paw Paw next Saturday, October 24 from 10-2pm.
The information that we were able to conclude at the vet on Saturday 10/17 is the puppies are 12 weeks old, older than what we and animal control estimated. They are likely from 2 different litters. Without dna testing , we cannot know this for certain. The Vet was not comfortable with venturing a guess as to their breed or future size. We are Hopeful , that at least two of the adopters will do the test. It is very likely that Bear Grylls, Sir, Wi******er And Mr Re*****on are from one litter; while Jazzy and Oliver Cooper are from another. Between their varied coats, colors, sleeping patterns this makes sense. There is only one way to know for sure! Testing is typically $90-130 depending on the company and results are usually available within 2-3 weeks. If that information ever becomes available , we will be sure to let you know.
Now let's talk donations! We have received an outpouring of support of items dropped off at our home/ Shepard's Doghouse! A crate, straw, treats, toys, collars, harnesses, gravity water bowls, puppy pads, puppy food, a playpen for humans, a Doghouse and more! A boarding client let us borrow a dog playpen for the wellness clinic and adoption events. We've also received a number of monetary donations to help us provide for all of their needs! We are just a bit short on their spay/neuter bill, but we have faith in all of you that the funds will be there! If you can only give $5, remember that adds up!
Quarantine is now over! Our jobs have just become so much easier! Everyone is finally together and we are getting things done more effectively! We are strong believers in raising dogs using the pack method! If you've met the 6 pack of unadoptable dogs that call this Doghouse home you understand what we're talking about! And if you haven't , you really should come by and meet them for yourself! Our little group of Misfits is so fun, welcoming and needy! They've been watching the zulu crew from a distance for a week. Crying, whining and desperate to touch, sniff and discover. They've taken turns watching and babysitting from afar. It's been interesting watching their reactions. While they have all been through something in their life that brought them to our door, they have overcome so much! Watching them grow, learn and develop through different experiences is beautiful. It is why we do what we do!
This is how the first 2 days of uniting everyone has gone. Trixie Rose and Moses have decided that they are the parents of these puppies. They follow them everywhere and guide them into new areas of the yard. And at the same time , they are patrolling the fence to make sure there are no intruders. Overwhelmingly they are interested in the protection and welfare of the tiniest among us. Typically, these 2 are more standoffish with newbies. Trix tends to quickly attempt to dominate, fail and then have nothing to do with anybody. Moses only cares about taking care of his dad/Tom, food, obliterating stuffies and tugging with Kyra. We didn't expect parenting from the two of them. Our oldest girl Tess has decided she's only interested in being their playmate. This ten year old, old lady who has arthritis and some days , has a hard time getting up , wants to kick these puppies in the face while laying on her back! They love it!! She is happier than weve seen since before Libby and Kahzi crossed rainbow bridge! Briar Rose obviously decided they can't touch this! And why should they , because no one else touches her either , it's not allowed. After all , she is a high society cheerleader! Mr.Wiggles completely agrees with briar rose for a change lol He wants to be the only small fry running around here! Personally , i'm looking forward to the day that he decides to start cleaning their eyes and ears. He is such an affectionate little guy! Kyra is cool with the whole thing as long as they don't touch her ball! It won't be too long and she'll be playing tug with them and giving them jaws of steel! We have had three boarding clients here for daycare, Zoey, Maggie and Bella. While they could see the crew during quarantine , they weren't allowed to touch them or come in contact in any way. Both of the girls were very interested in what was going on in the quarantine Kennel. If we have either of them again while the crew is here , i'm interested to know what the reaction to them will be.
As many of you know , our family is fully involved in all that we do! After all , this is a multi generation thing we're doing over here. So it stands to reason that the local grandkids had some hand in what was going on. Our grandson Hunter(7) was with us all weekend as we tended to the puppies and the pack, he was super helpful! He loves to educate people about what it means to be in rescue. He was amazing during the wait at the wellness clinic!
How did the puppies get their names has been a big question... Our grandson Hunter named Mr Re*****on. Our granddaughter Ava(14) named Oliver Cooper. Our daughter in law Samantha Woodley named Jazzy. Tom named Sir Wi******er And I named Bear Grylls.
And lastly, how can you help/donate/adopt:
PayPal: [email protected]
Venmo: Heather-Shepard-34
Cash App: $ShepardHeather
Checks/Cash/Item Dropoff /Mail/Deliveries:
Shepard's Doghouse 53061 60th St Hartford, MI 49057
If you are interested in adopting one of the zulu crew, Please fill out the application, the link is in the comment section. If you're interested in volunteering, We'd love to have you come and walk the dogs, throw balls, tug, play with puppies or use your talents to help us help them! Send us a message.
Any information regarding the abandonment/ endangerment/ cruelty to this group of 5 pups we now call the Zulu Crew should be given to Magen Spiece, Director of County Animal Control Shelter.
