Now more than ever, you are needed to donate your old blankets, towels, and sheets to your local animal shelter. With financial cut-backs, repairs on shelters are often put off, so if it's drafty, the animals suffer. I know my shelter uses rags to stuff under doors. No kidding! Empty out those closets... this is your chance to get rid of stuff and do something useful!


Saturday, October 31, 2009

Halloween Pics

via the Daily Dachshund and Dog News: (a site I've grown quite fond of)

http://www.dailydachshundanddognews.com/2009/01/halloween.html

And of course my little guy, Renaldo the Red:


Little Guy won Third Place at the PETCO Costume Contest in Yonkers New York! 
Not bad for a shelter baby, huh? Thanks to Elmsford Animal Shelter!

Mom's dog, George (a rescue from Hartford Animal Shelter, thanks to our friend Jen Faga):

It should be noted that George was disqualified from PETCO's contest for barking at other dogs.



xoxo

Friday, October 30, 2009

News Round Up

via Helena Sung at Paw Nation:

Eli the Chihuahua Dons Pope Costume for Halloween

Eli the chihuahua, a celebrated doggy model, caused a commotion when he dressed up as Pope Benedict XVI for this year's Times Square Dog Day Masquerade event in New York City.
See story here: 


via Caleb Johnson of Switched: (absolutely hilarious!)

Controller-Chewing Dog Spends Money on Xbox Live
When you adopt a dog, you expect to drop some cash on things like food, visits to the vet, and maybe chew toys. But one man's best friend drained his bank account in an unexpected way.
See the link for the full story:
http://www.switched.com/2009/10/27/controller-chewing-dog-spends-money-on-xbox-live/


via Frank Warner of the Morning Call (Lehigh Valley):
Memorial service planned for Allentown police dog
The Allentown Police Department tentatively has scheduled a Nov. 5 memorial service for Axel, the police dog, who died last week after six years on the force.
The memorial service could be held at 10 a.m. Nov. 5 at the Lehigh Consistory at 1533 W. Hamilton St., Allentown, Assistant Chief Joseph Hanna said Tuesday. Police are working quickly to firm up the arrangements, he said. The service is likely to attract police K-9 units from all over Pennsylvania, and some beyond the state, Hanna said.
Axel, who was 8 years old, died Thursday after a battle with cancer. Handled by city K-9 Sgt. John Hill, Axel was actively involved in street patrols and drug detection. Hanna said the dog has been cremated, and Hill probably will keep the ashes.


A very interesting and informative article via Tom Henry at The Toledo Blade:

(I highly recommend reading this fully due to the statistics covered. It's a very good article).
 
Dog warden told to push adoptions; board seeks to reduce euthanasia
They may be uncertain about which dog-kill statistics to trust, but all three Lucas County commissioners agree the status quo is unacceptable at the county dog warden's office and said yesterday they have made it clear to Dog Warden Tom Skeldon they want fewer dogs killed and more dogs adopted.
Read the entire story here:
http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091028/NEWS16/910280338/0/SPORTS12



via Jonah Goldberg at the National Review:

Fido, a.k.a. the Climate Criminal
The government cannot have my dog.
Don’t tell that to the authors of the new book Time to Eat the Dog?: The Real Guide to Sustainable Living. They calculate that dog owning is much worse than SUV driving for the planet. So when you see a car heading to the dog park with some happy labs drooling out the window, you should think “climate criminals.”
See the rest of the article here:
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=NjExNzg1ODdlNzNlMDc4NmNhYjJkNDI4Zjg4ZGQ5OTY=


via Kristen Seymour at Paw Nation:

World's Oldest Dog 'Still Sprightly' at Almost 21


Otto, a 21-year-old dachshund/terrier mix, has been confirmed by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's oldest living dog, reports the Associated Press. He's not as big on going for walks, admits owner Lynn Jones, but she says he's "still sprightly."


via Celeste Busk from the Chicago-Sun Times:

Pets can donate blood, too



 Sanchez, a mixed Boxer breed, relaxes in the "Dog Ward" before giving blood with the help of Dr. June LaFave (left) and Kate Gallagher for the CVES Blood Donor Bank program. 
(Note from dellbabe68: no one tell these folks they have a real live pittie there! - hahaha! In truth they probably know but it's too bad the photo credit did not say boxer-pitbull mix. Pitties can use the good press.)

Injured or sick cats and dogs in the Chicago area often need donor blood for emergency transfusions. That’s why the Chicago Veterinary Emergency Services is looking for pets to donate blood for its special Blood Donor Bank.

“Blood donors are critical for pets in need of a transfusion and having access to a supply of blood can greatly improve a pet’s chance of recovery,” said Dr. Gene Mueller, administrator at CVES, 3123 N. Clybourn. “We have ‘superstar’ blood donor dogs [and cats] literally saving lives.”

See the rest of the article here:
http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/easy/1851678,pets-blood-donate-102909.article



via Rose Martelli at Paw Nation:

Septuagenarian Crustacean to Be Freed From NYC Restaurant


Photo: Helin Jung / PeoplePets.com

A lobster in his 70s, seemingly destined to wind up as dinner, will be liberated from a New York City restaurant and allowed to live out the rest of his natural life back in the ocean.
PeoplePets.com reports that the campaign to save Larry the Lobster began about a week ago when Ryan Sutton, a reporter who covers restaurants for the Bloomberg news service, penned a column about the senior crustacean, who lives in his own tank at Oceana in Rockefeller Center. The name "Larry" was given to him by Sutton's editor. Larry's age was determined by his weight; he clocks in at 11 pounds.

In his column, Sutton claims that the thought of eating another living creature "probably born before World War II" led him to wonder why he's never considered the age or history of any other meat he's eaten: "There's something humbling about consuming flesh from an animal that's given its life, involuntarily, for me, the diner."

After Sutton's story was published, readers sent in e-mails suggesting that a "freedom fund" be set up for Larry. One respondent even offered to buy Larry's entire tank for the purpose of releasing him. The restaurant also received a couple dozen phone calls and e-mails.

Oceana managing partner Paul McLaughlin agreed to voluntarily send Larry back to Maine's coastal waters. The attention Larry garnered may also put an end to the restaurant's recent decision to order bigger and bigger shellfish from its seafood purveyors. McLaughlin claimed that his clientele, made up mostly of lawyers and bankers, had begun requesting larger helpings of lobster.

"Obviously, you don't see that size lobster everyday, but large lobsters are delivered all over the city without fanfare," McLaughlin was quoted by Peoplepets.com. "Why this has raised an eyebrow, we're not entirely sure, but so be it."


xoxo

Thursday, October 29, 2009

What Would You Do For A Pigeon?

My friend George is a fellow animal lover. He took in a stray cat, whom he named Kenny, off the street in his neighborhood.  This, after he lost track of the cat and posted signs for it -- the already homeless cat!  I don't think I've ever heard of a person posting signs for a stray cat, but he did and now they are buddies for life.

I hear from George every so often and we share information about what we are both involved in.  Me, it's soldier support and animals. I feed the squirrels in my neighborhood, to the annoyance of pretty much everyone around me.  Something new George is involved in is the effort to preserve a part of the old Yankee Stadium. Here is a link to his recent piece published in the Norwood News about this effort:


And here's his most recent note to me, which told such a funny story I just had to put it here:
Hi Adele-
I love the blog, and am always inspired by the pic of Saint Francis. You're a special person to care so much about animals.

Hey, I'm a special person, too...or a particularly reckless one, I'm not sure which. About a month ago, I was driving northbound on the FDR in the left lane, around 60th Street, when I saw a white pigeon in the sitting in the lane, all the way against the left-hand curb.

I slowed to a stop next to him, and opened my door to get a look at him. I couldn't see any problems, but he wouldn't take off, as most pigeons would do in that situation. Then he walked under my car.

Ignoring all the horns blaring behind me, I slowly backed up to expose the bird, and then got out of my car. The guy who had been forced to come to a stop behind me started cursing at me. "You crazy. You very crazy. You stop on highway," he was shouting.

"But didn't you see the bird?," I asked innocently. "Have a nice day."

Anyway, I was able to pick up the bird and put him in my car. He wasn't visibly injured, but didn't seem to be able to fly, and didn't have much energy to fight me as I picked him up (I'm saying "he" for convenience, but could have been a girl).

Now where to go? I took the bird to the Animal Medical Center, which is nearby, a facility I recall as a group of money-grubbing incompetents from when I used to take my dog there.

The woman at the counter looked at the patient with distaste. "Is it a bird or a pigeon?," she inquired.

"I'm pretty sure both," I replied.

She explained that they don't take pigeons there--especially pigeons without credit cards--but gave me the name of a facility on the West Side that accepts and rehabilitates injured pigeons (I don't remember the name, but I have their card around here someplace). In any case, I took the bird there and dropped him off, and they seemed glad to be able to help...I made a donation while I was there. I never called to ask how the bird made out, but God willing he's currently pooping on the windshield of someone who works at the Animal Medical Center.
A couple of weeks later, an update:
Unfortunately, I called to ask how the bird made out, and they said the records from two months ago "have moved on," and they don't remember the case, so they can't tell me. That doesn't sound good, and it seems odd that such recent records would not be available...but no matter what happened, it's still better to have died in a warm place surrounded by caring people, rather than on the highway.

The place I dropped off the bird is called the Wild Bird Fund, www.wildbirdfund.com, if you want to give them a plug.
______________________________________________________

I thought that was very sweet.  I loved the line "I'm pretty sure both."

Me, I don't mind the pigeons and to feed the little birds you end up feeding the pigeons. My super has a fit when they come to visit near my window. I have a small balcony that overlooks the front of my pretty landscaped building and there are lots of birds. Don't be fooled, it's not high falutin, but it does have a lot of character. And pigeons. They sit above my window waiting for the squirrels to come by and wave their little arms at me.  I throw out a handful of peanuts, then another, and sometimes freshen the water in the old pot I keep on the balcony.  That's the pigeons signal to start circling. Occasionally a person parking in the driveway swoops because a bird gets a little close. But everyone lives, so what the hey, says me.

Anyway, every so often my attempt at evasive feeding of the squirrels and birds fails and causes the super to notice. He then asks me nicely to please not feed them.  Because he is so nice to me and not grumpy like he is to other people, I make a resolution to listen to him, and employ another plan. I have a couple of U.S. flags on sticks hanging on my kitchen window, and I used them to wave the pigeons away and then throw some food into the bushes for the sparrows and their babies. Anyone looking at this spectacle would have believed me to be a very patriotic American, every single morning.  More recently, I have figured out that the morning doves like an afternoon feeding, so after work, when the pigeons are off somewhere else, I throw some food out.  The squirrels come by again in the afternoon, too, and I toss some sunflower seeds out to them (they are not as fond of almonds, though I am not sure why).  Some weeks I spend as much in the wild pet food aisle as I do in the rest of the supermarket.  After regular super-working hours, I sneak the 20lb. bag of bird seed upstairs and no one can pin it on me for sure. 

I have pulled over for dogs, an aligator, a coyote, and squirrels who looked hurt, but I cannot recall pulling over for a pigeon.  I find that impressive!


xoxo

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Pet Talk: Pair's Wonderful Way With Disabled Animals Is Rewarded

via USA Today:



Pet Talk: Pair's wonderful way with disabled animals is rewarded

By Sharon L. Peters, Special for USA TODAY


Sometimes good things happen to good people.

This is one of those times.

It's the story of Alayne Marker and Steve Smith, a married couple who had high-power jobs — he was a corporate communications guy, she a corporate attorney — then left it all behind to move to middle-of-nowhere Montana to start an animal sanctuary.

Takes some guts to do that, of course. Couple of Brooks Brothers folks in their 40s — the height of their earning potential — downshifting from Seattle city life and fat paychecks to a little creekside house with urine-proof floors. But there's more. They take in animals that shelters can't deal with: disabled ones. Blind horses. Dogs with three legs, or neurological or orthopedic issues, or blindness. Cats that are blind or can't walk well because of congenital or neurological issues.

I made the couple's acquaintance about three years ago after I'd heard about their extraordinary non-profit — Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary in Ovando, Mont. — and decided to do a story.

We spent hours talking about the farm-tending skills they had gained through on-the-job training and the animal-care expertise absorbed from friendly veterinarians who understood that some of the animals would need middle-of-the night interventions that couldn't wait for the 90-minute drive into town.

We laughed about the endless ice-chopping and snow shoveling/plowing required for more months than anyone who doesn't live in the Rockies might imagine. And they spoke lovingly, endlessly, of the animals they'd taken in, including Lena the blind mare that was teaching them volumes about how happy a sightless horse could be if understood by humans, and Pappy the ancient German shepherd who refused to have a bad day.

It would have been easy to suppose that while the couple were well-meaning, they would eventually be driven off by the isolation, manual labor, round-the-clock care of animals and nasty winters — in short, by the very essence of the life and circumstances to which they'd assigned themselves. But you couldn't make that supposition if you heard the passion roiling just beneath their soft-spoken demeanors and their commitment to every individual in their care.

You would have sensed, although they never said this, that every shred of knowledge they'd developed in their previous lives would be applied to this new one to ensure that good intentions were always framed by sensible management, careful growth and strategic thinking.

Nine years after they embarked on all this, Marker and Smith are still strong. So is Rolling Dog Ranch (rollingdogranch.org), 70 or so animals living happily and fully in a place where their disabilities are regarded as nothing more than a reality that alters some things but doesn't diminish their zest.

And (this doesn't happen often enough in the animal rescue world), Marker and Smith are receiving a big-deal honor Thursday: the ASPCA's 2009 Henry Bergh Award, named for its founder.

Not much has changed since the couple embarked on this dream nearly a decade ago. Some of the animals have. A few have passed on. Marker and Smith always get a little emotional when they speak of them.

But the core intent has remained constant. Every animal gets not only top-notch medical care (yearly vet bills run $40,000 to $50,000), but also lots of love, attention and hugs. Most of the 40 dogs sleep in heated "dog cottages" at night but spend their days romping in dog-proof paddocks and roaming in and out of the couple's house, where they settle on a favorite chair, doggie bed or, in Dexter the dachshund's case, pile of freshly washed fleece bedding (five to seven loads of laundry a day is the norm). The cats have a cabin where they soak up sunshine, snuggle into warm laps and play with toys. And the blind horses are paired up in pastures or stabled with others so they're never alone or afraid.

Marker and Smith are charmed by the animals' individual quirks. Widget the beagle mix is seriously attached to a certain section of the futon, so everyone else must move when it's her nap time. Goldie the cocker spaniel mix lives for the sound of the UPS truck and rips into anything left behind.

The work is ceaseless. It takes three or four hours to do the morning feeding, cleaning and chores (and nearly that much at night); a vet visit is required about once a week; some need daily meds; Travis, the dog with the fused jaw, requires a special feeding protocol; and these days Rosie the blind mare, who had colic so severe she required surgery ($5,700), is on "stall rest" and must have a half-mile controlled daily walk.

Smith and Marker never leave the ranch together. When one goes to the supermarket or the dentist or a vet — sometimes to the teaching hospital in Washington hours away — the other stays put. The one time they left together (for an anniversary dinner), they got so edgy they returned home.

Marker is flying sans partner to New York to receive the award, which they see not as commendation for their work but "recognition of the value of disabled animals," Marker told me last week. "The only handicap an animal has is what the human transfers onto it."

Their animals are proof.

So while the full force of winter, with minus-20-degree temperatures and 3-foot snowdrifts, will soon lash their little huddle of buildings, Marker and Smith will again simply haul out the shovels, hunker down, and revel in loving and being loved by a pack of throw-aways they believe they're lucky to have.


xoxo

Cool Dachshund Video

Not sure how I feel about this overall, but it's an adorable video.

via Dogs Are Family Too!


Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Halloween Events For You and Your Dog - NYC and LI area

via the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals (a very good website!):

Bobbi & the Strays: Annual Halloween Gala
Thursday, October 29, 2009
7:00 p.m.–Midnight
Russo's on the Bay, 162-45 Crossbay Boulevard, Howard Beach, Queens

This annual not-to-be-missed event benefits Bobbi & the Strays' homeless and abused animals. It's an exciting evening of fabulous food, music, dancing, silent auction, raffles, and much more. It's Halloween fun at its very best. Come in costume to be eligible for great prizes. Tickets are $100.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Bobbi Giordano at (718) 845-0779 or bobbi@bobbicares.org, or visit the Bobbi & the Strays web site.


Farm Sanctuary: Frankapalooza: Rockin’ Out for Farm Animals II
Thursday, October 29, 2009

7:00–9:00 p.m.
Kenny's Castaways
157 Bleecker Street (between Sullivan and Thompson Streets), Manhattan

A Halloween-themed concert to raise awareness for farm animals and benefit Farm Sanctuary. With musical acts HERE, Athena Reich, and Debra from Devi. Special guest Farm Sanctuary President and Co-Founder, Gene Baur. Admission is $10; 21+ please.

For more information or to reserve tickets, contact Farm Sanctuary at campaignintern2@farmsanctuary.org, or visit the Farm Sanctuary web site.


ASPCA: Annual Humane Awards Luncheon
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Noon–2:00 p.m.
Pierre Hotel, 2 East 61st Street, Manhattan

Ten remarkable animals and people, including a piano-playing cat and the task force that participated in the largest dog fighting raid in U.S. history, will be honored for their heroic deeds at this year's Humane Awards Luncheon. The ceremony recognizes animal heroes that have demonstrated extraordinary efforts, as well as individuals who made a significant impact in the lives of animals during the past year.
For more information, visit the ASPCA web site.


SPCA of Westchester: "Top Hat & Cocktails" Benefit Event
Friday, October 30, 2009
7:00–9:30 p.m.
Ritz-Carlton, 3 Renaissance Square, White Plains, NY

Hundreds of guests and their canine companions (dressed in Halloween costumes, if you choose!) will step out in style to support the SPCA's many life-saving programs. This year we are pleased to honor Susan Maounis and Lisa Wysocki, two dedicated individuals who have made it possible for the SPCA to rescue hundreds of adoptable animals from high-kill shelters over the past two years. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, and a fabulous silent auction. Canine companions will be pampered with gourmet dog treats. After having professional photographs captured by Liza Margulies of Snootydog.com, your pet can high-tail it over to the Canine Ice Cream Bar! Tickets are $150.

For more information or to reserve tickets, contact Lisa at (914) 941-2896 x22 or lisa@spca914.org, or vist the SPCA of Westchester web site.


Animal Haven: Small Dog Halloween Party
Friday, October 30, 2009
7:00–9:00 p.m.
Animal Haven
251 Centre Street (at Broome Street), Manhattan

Costume contest for people and their dogs (less than 20 lbs.). Tickets are $20 and include food, drink, and admission for you and your small dog.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Animal Haven web site.


Bella Starlet Dog: HulaPawLooza Howl-o-ween Float 2009
Saturday, October 31, 2009
5:30–10:30 p.m.
Greenwich Village, Spring Street and 6th Avenue, Manhattan

For the fourth year in a row, Beth Joy Knutsen and her beloved Bella Starlet Dog will bring back their always-fun-themed float to NYC's Village Halloween Parade with aloha spirit! There will be celebrity guests riding on the float — with and without paws! Many animal rescue groups are walking with them to promote animal adoption. All well-behaved pets and their people are welcome to walk alongside their float; pet strollers are recommended for the little ones on this long trek. Sponsors are the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals and DVM Hospitals.

For more information, contact pawcelebritybookings@gmail.com, or visit the HulaPawLooza web site.



New Rochelle Humane Society: Howl-O-Ween Open House
Saturday, October 31, 2009
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
New Rochelle Humane Society
70 Portman Road, New Rochelle, NY

At this Halloween-themed open house, meet our dogs and cats, tour the shelter, enjoy complimentary baked goods, shop for shelter merchandise, and have your pet microchipped!
For more information contact Beverly at (914) 632-2925 or petadopt@verizon.net, or visit the New Rochelle Humane Society web site.



Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center
 "Wags To Witches" Halloween Extravaganza
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Noon–5:00 p.m.
Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center
33 Warner Road, Huntington, NY

This frightenly great event will include fun for the whole family! Enter yourself, your kids, or your pets in our Halloween costume contests, have a treat of a time purchasing cakes and cookies from our bake sale, and watch our boooo-tiful dogs as they model their costumes on the Black Cat-walk during Little Shelter's Pets on Parade. Every child will receive a special treat bag. While you're enjoying the festivities be sure to take a tour of the shelter and meet some of our wonderful dogs and cats.

For more information, contact Jodi at (631) 368-8770 x205 or jodi@littleshelter.com, or visit the Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center web site.


Sean Casey Animal Rescue
2nd Annual Howlloween Block Bark Party & Fundraiser
Saturday, October 31, 2009
(rain date Sunday, November 1)
Sean Casey Animal Rescue
Noon–6:00 p.m.
153 East 3rd Street, Brooklyn, NY

Join Sean Casey Animal Rescue for this special event to raise awareness and funds for abused, abandoned, neglected, and unwanted animals in NYC.

For more information, contact Charles Henderson at (718) 436-5163 or charles.seancaseyanimalrescue@gmail.com, or visit the Sean Casey Animal Rescue web site.



Allied Rockaway Foundation for Animal Recreation and Fitness (ARF-ARF) /
The City of New York Parks and Recreation: Canine Costume Carnival
Saturday, October 31, 2009
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (rain or shine)
Rockaway Freeway Dog Park
Rockaway Freeway-Beach Channel Drive
(between Beach 80th and Beach 82nd Streets)

Your furry friends can party, rain or shine, and participate in the big canine costume contest. Prizes for most creative costumes in large and small dog categories. Treat bags for the first 50 people. Music and games. Pet photography. Incredible raffle baskets and prizes. Adorable animals for adoption from North Shore Animal League. Free/low-cost spay/neuter by the ASPCA (First come, first served, limited number allowed; please show up before 7:00 a.m. to have your pet spayed/neutered). Low-cost microchipping for dogs and cats ($25, includes insertion and registration) by the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals.

For more information, visit the ARF-ARF web site.



Fort Greene PUPS: 11th Annual Fort Greene Great "Pup"kin Dog Costume Contest
Saturday, October 31, 2009 (rain date, Sunday, November 1)
11:30 a.m. - Registration
Noon - Judging Begins
Fort Greene Park
Cumberland Street (between DeKalb and Mrytle Avenues), Brooklyn

Held in conjunction with the Fort Greene Park Conservancy's Halloween Festival, this event offers lots of great prizes and treats. Custom rosettes for the top three winners and three runners-up! Treats for all kids; plenty of embarrassment for all dogs. If you can't costume your dog, come see the show! Suggested donation is $5 per entrant.

For more information, contact Kath Hansen at wenley@mindspring.com, or vist the Fort Greene PUPS web site.


Rosebank Animal Hospital: Annual Halloween Pet Costume Contest
Saturday, October 31, 2009
1:00–4:00 p.m.
Rosebank Animal Hospital
1230 Bay Street (at Maryland Lane), Staten Island


Dress your pet in his or her Halloween best! Prizes, food, drinks, and trick or treat bags for everyone. Benefits Animal Care & Control of NYC.

For more information, contact Rosewood Animal Hospital at (718) 273-9800, or visit the Rosewood Animal Hospital web site.


Pet Pantry Warehouse / Adopt-A-Dog: 2nd Annual Howl & Prowl
Saturday, October 31, 2009
1:00 p.m. (rain or shine)
Island Beach Commuter Parking Lot
Steamboat Road and Arch Street, Greenwich, CT

In this Halloween costume parade for pets and people, participants will parade up Greenwich Avenue, receiving trick-or-treats from merchants along the way. The Costume Contest, with prizes from Pet Pantry Warehouse, will take place at the Delamar Hotel, 500 Steamboat Road. Registration is $20. All proceeds benefit Adopt-A-Dog.

For more information or to register, visit the Adopt-A-Dog web site.

 
xoxo

Monday, October 26, 2009

Keep Animals Out Of Labs or Regulate Sales to Those Labs

via ASPCA:

(BTW- this is an imperfect issue but if it must exist, I'd rather it be regulated. More commentary at end).

Dear Animal Advocates,

The federal Pet Safety and Protection Act would prohibit Class B Dealers and unlicensed individuals from selling dogs and cats to research laboratories.

Class B Dealers are people who collect dogs and cats to sell to the research industry. They sometimes obtain their animals through illegal or unethical means, such as by responding to “free to good home” ads in newspapers, falsifying records to keep the true origins of the animals unknown and stealing pets kept outside in yards. They also buy animals in bulk from “bunchers,” whose methods are even more questionable.

Eliminating Class B Dealers will also take away the profit motive of bunchers, providing a much-needed safety net to ensure beloved pets are not stolen or acquired under false pretenses and sold to facilities that test on animals.

What You Can Do

Visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center Online to email your U.S. senators and representative urging them to support and cosponsor the Pet Safety and Protection Act. You may use the same link to read about this legislation in greater depth. https://secure2.convio.net/aspca/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2611&JServSessionIdr003=kwb5fhnm42.app28a

From the link:
The U.S. Pet Safety and Protection Act (S. 1834/H.R. 3907) would provide a much-needed safety net to ensure that beloved family pets are not stolen or acquired under false pretenses for sale to research laboratories.
Recently reintroduced in Congress, the Pet Safety and Protection Act would prohibit Class B Dealers and unlicensed individuals from selling dogs and cats to research laboratories. Class B Dealers are people who make their livings by selling animals to the research industry. This is currently permitted under the Animal Welfare Act (passed in 1966), but these dealers are not held accountable for where they obtained their animals.

This is a problem, because dealers sometimes acquire animals through illegal or unethical means—such as by responding to “free to a good home” ads in newspapers, falsifying records to keep the true origins of the animals unknown, working with “bunchers” (people who collect animals from random sources to sell to Class B Dealers) and stealing pets kept outside in yards.

If the Pet Safety and Protection Act is passed, the Animal Welfare Act would be amended so that the only people who would be allowed to sell dogs and cats to research facilities would be:
  • Dealers who have bred and raised the animals.
  • Publicly owned pounds or shelters that obtained the animals from their legal owners.
  • A person donating a dog or cat whom they have bred and raised, or owned for at least one year.
People who obtained dogs and cats by any other means would not be permitted to sell those dogs and cats to research laboratories, thus ensuring that stolen pets do not end up in research facilities.
Thank you for supporting the ASPCA and America’s animals.

(Note from author: I happen to think this leaves open the door for municiple shelters to sell their dogs into research, and for puppy mill breeders to do the same, but in order to put pressure on anyone selling dogs in this way, it must first be regulated.  This is a good first step.) In the meanwhile, keep an eye on your dog while it is outside.

xoxo

Sunday, October 25, 2009

A Lousy Day

Well, what was supposed to be two dogs being put down was six eight, and the one below was one of my favorites.  I only found out because I went looking for her and couldn't find her.

This was Hannah, who I called "Hannah Banana." She liked to be brushed, liked having a bed, liked getting a bone to chew and on a good day she'd waggle her whole body at you.  It was the best and apparently the only reward for doing this work. I am going to miss her.




xoxo

Low Cost Spay/Neuter Mobile Clinic for cats, Oct. 29th in Pomona, NY

via LohudPets.com, a good friend of Yonkers Animal Shelter.

The Animal Rights Alliance (T.A.R.A.) Low Cost Spay/Neuter Mobile Clinic for cats will be at Hi-Tor Animal Care Center, 65 Firemen’s Memorial Drive in Pomona, NY, on Oct. 29. Drop-off will be between 7:45 and 8:30 a.m. and pick-up will be sometime in the evening. Reservations are required and only 60 spots available.


Cats and kittens (3 months old or 3 pound minimum) can be spayed or neutered, and can receive rabies shots and an optional ear tip for $65. T.A.R.A. will also offer distemper shots for $10, de-worming for $10 and Frontline for $15. Fees must be paid at the time the reservation is made. Credit card payment is accepted over the phone; cash and checks will only be accepted if the reservation is made in person at the shelter. Reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

For additional information, contact Vivian Kiggins or the shelter staff at 845-354-7900.


xoxo

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Victories And Disappointments

Raining again today. The dogs can't catch a break weather-wise. It stinks for them to be damp and for the outdoor pens to be soaked. As per usual, almost all the volunteers showed despite the bad weather. Camillo The Volunteer made friends with Mr. Willie, who needs to learn manners. When I was pulling away today Mr. Willie was sitting nicely and his ears were out flat, like he was listening! Camillo is good with the big dogs.

Well, we had the pleasure of seeing Coco leave today with a nice family and Mitzi being looked at. Sadly, the good comes with the bad, as both Smoke (a new boy who was owner-surrendered and has not cottoned to anyone and is a little too aggressive), and Abbey (long-timer at the shelter but who no one seems interested in) will be put down tomorrow morning. I hesitate writing the bad news but it is the truth. A number of volunteers are upset, but they understand, too. The shelter has been wonderful to Abbey; she's had a good life there and it's just time to make room for the new comers, who keep coming.

Good news from last week, Maybelle was adopted!  She was a long-timer, too, and I hear it's going well with her new family. 


Victories and disappointments.

xoxo

Play Gone To The Dogs

...

I was an Australian Sheepdog or Shepherding dog (I forget which exact kind but it came up twice, calculated on two separate occasions!), and this most recent time a dog I never heard of and can't remember now.  A hound, short haired, and likes exercise.  I think I was having a bad day.

http://gone2thedogs.com/index.html

You gotta look for the link on the right side that says "play gone to the dogs."

Have fun!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Two Good Adopt-A-Pit Bull Stories, in Honor of Pit Bull Awareness Day

...

As you may have noticed I write a lot about pit bulls.  If you asked me six months ago whether this would be true, I would have told you it was more likely for me to jump out of a plane.  I never wished them harm; I just didn't know a lot about them except the sensationalistic news stories that you see. 

So how did I get here? 
http://shelter-tails.blogspot.com/2009/07/volunteering-at-yonkers-animal-shelter.html

I have learned that pit bulls are a completely maligned breed. Like people, they come in all shapes and sizes.  If you saw the many pit bulls we have at Yonkers Animal Shelter, you would think they are just like people in this regard.  To suggest that all pit bulls are fighting dogs is like saying all people are body builders!  It's a ridiculous notion. Most of them are just homeless; their owner has fallen on hard times, someone neglected them, or they ran away and no one found them.  And now, some buildings in New York City are even banning breeds over 25 lbs.  Big mistake. It's an easy way out and it will only cause more trouble.


I would add to the ASPCA's statement that banning large breed dogs is only going to encourage the terrible problem of puppy mills breeding little dogs.  That is a post for another day, but trust me when I say it's a terrible thing. Don't ever buy puppy-store dogs; 100% of them come from puppy mills.  100%: no exaggeration.

Back to pit bulls: I asked around at some of the pet-friendly discussion boards for positive stories on pit bulls and here are the two stories that I received.

From Kristin in Nevada:
I have attached photos of Johnny Walker Red (he's the white and brown/red one). Johnny was born to backyard breeders. When they were unable to sell him, they dumped him and his sisters. We added Johnny to our fur-loving family and he is by far the funniest dog I know.

Johnny licks out our dishes and coats his face in spaghetti sauce, loves water and opens the shower curtain on you, and his favorite is waking up the kids. When we let him out of our room in the morning to go outside, he runs directly to our children's bedrooms and licks their faces to get them up to play. When he's excited, he flips his head around like Fraggle Rock. He's learning to sit up, but often falls over backward. I'm am laughing out loud imaging his fearful face as he reaches out his arm for you to pull him back. He is an awesome cuddler and the fastest cat food eater on earth. In a split second, the dish can be cleared without a kernel left.

Johnny is still a puppy so he chews on things as puppies do. This morning he ate a blue marker. I only knew because his face and paws were blue! Our command to send Johnny to his crate is "Lock Down." Just a threat is enough to get him to obey. I caught him yesterday with a roll of toliet paper in his mouth. All I said was "lock do...." and he spit it out on the floor.

Johnny chased our cat for the first two weeks, but was easily trained out of it. Now he just follows the cat around, VERY slowly and VERY closely. He gives him big slobbery kisses when he catches him and our snooty cat HATES it! It's just what he deserves!

Johnny was 9 months old when we got him, but it didn't take long for him to fit in. Pits are the most loyal, intelligent, and sensitive dogs I've ever known.

Everyone deserves a second chance. Rescued pets are the best pets. Somehow they know! ( I think you'll like the poem too.) Pits definitely need some extra help. There are so many of them and they get a bad rap. In Las Vegas alone, they put down 15 a day! Most are under two years old, too.
Good Luck. Let me know if I can help you in any other way!
Kristen

Here are family photos:


And this is from Lawrence, a shelter volunteer in Indiana:

The best way I have found to get Bully's adopted is to get them trained as well as I can and to get them out in the public I take them for walks around town, every person that comes in to the shelter I ask if they have thought about adopting a Bully. I am always outside with 1 or more of them training and people stop and ask about them and I do my best to "Sell the breed to them". I also put them on Dogster.com. The shelter is on petfinders.com.
Here are a few more pic's for you to use in your blog. You may also publish my email addy if you think it will help. The pic. is my whole clan, the black and the brindle on the bench (Bailey and Nala) are my two that I adopted. The liver and white APBT is my 2 year old (August) and the Pointer-Jack Russel mix (Tred) is a stray we picked up along the road 4 years ago.

Let me know how thing are going; keep in touch.

Lawrence
And his family portrait (I'd like to know how he gets his to all look at the camera at one time!)

(a-ha - it's the treats!)
 
  Also from Lawrence about the shelter where he is a volunteer:
We have adopted out 12 other Bully's in 90 days. Rambo, Olivia, Game, Herman are just a few, they all have very good homes now. Here are a few pic's.



One more thing:




The next time you go to adopt a dog, please give a bully a chance. They are loyal, loving, funny, devoted, and they love to please. It's why some humans have trained them to fight. But not all of them have had that happen. Most haven't! Pit bulls today are like the ubiquitous shepherd-mixes in "pounds" when I was growing up. And anyway, when you adopt today, you spend time at the shelter with the dog, and you can see if he or she bonds with you. Give them a chance! They'll be shelter workers there who will tell you what's what with a particular animal. They have no interest in convincing you to adopt a dog that you are less than comfortable with. If it doesn't work out, they will only get the dog back and you will be upset. So you decide, but it has to begin by giving them a chance. Please don't let a sensationalist media and a scared government that seeks an easy way out stop you from doing the right thing by a homeless animal.

xoxo

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Charlie (the formerly blind Beagle) Gets Adopted From Rolling Dog Ranch

Click the title for the story.

Well done, Rolling Dog Ranch!


xoxo

Pit Bull Awareness Day - October 24th

via Bless The Bully's: (the lady who started Pit Bull Awareness Day)



National Pit Bull Awareness Campaign

The National Pit Bull Awareness campaign is a nationwide effort to bring positive awareness to the American Pit Bull Terrier.

In early 2007, Bless the Bullys introduced the idea of a national "pit bull awareness day," and it took off like wildfire. Devoted pit bull advocates jumped on the opportunity to participate in the first of its kind nationwide initiative to bring about positive pit bull media attention together on one day.

The need for a national day of awareness is clear... In light of the constant negative media publicity and sensationalized hype that surrounds pit bulls, Pit Bull Awareness Day was established as a day to focus on these incredible dogs and their devoted, responsible owners.

As breed advocates, it is our duty to show the public that all pit bull owners ARE NOT alike. As responsible pit bull owners, we can no longer be willing to sit back and be judged, discriminated against and criminalized by the image set by the visible minority of irresponsible owners. The media berates our dogs daily. Legislators have labeled pit bull owners as the "criminal element" who only own pit bulls to enhance their macho image. The time has come to set the record straight, and the National Pit Bull Awareness Day campaign is just the place to start.

I know many, many bull breed owners and advocates work hard everyday to change the undeserved image of our dogs, and Pit Bull Awareness Day is the time to collectively make our voices heard. After all, we are the ONLY voices are dogs have. Bless the Bullys invites everyone - from breed clubs, rescue groups right down to individuals - to join us in celebrating this wonderful breed and their devoted, responsible owners/advocates. There are many ways to celebrate National Pit Bull Awareness Day, and we encourage you to check out the nationside events of 2008 and 2007 for ideas.

Finally, it is our hope that you make Pit Bull Awareness Day not only an anual tradition, but something you incorporate into your daily life. Raising awareness is the only way to bring about change, and we need to be vigilant in educating the public and reversing the damage done by irresponsible owners and the extremely unethical and far too unaccountable media.

Thank you to all the devoted bull breed owners who work tirelessly to bring about the goals of National Pit Bull Awareness Day EVERYDAY!


And don't forget what is happening in the NYC area:
http://shelter-tails.blogspot.com/2009/10/pit-bull-event-oct-24th-in-new-haven-ct.html


 
I'll be spending the day walking the sweeties at Yonkers Animal Shelter.
 

xoxo

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

News Round Up

via ASPCA:

Please call Governor Paterson to thank him for signing
A. 999B into law. By thanking our elected officials for directing their attention to animal welfare, we help make it more likely that they’ll do so again in the future.

Recently signed into law by Governor Paterson, this measure will, among other things:
  • -prohibit the inhumane destruction of stray and shelter animals (e.g., gassing)
  • -require that the euthanasia of stray and shelter animals be performed by injection
  • -require that such euthanasia be performed by a certified euthanasia technician, licensed veterinarian,  or licensed veterinary technician
Governor David Paterson: (518) 474-8390

Full story:
http://www2.aspca.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=63904.0


via Paw Nation:
Nora the Piano-Playing Cat Honored by ASPCA
 
The ASPCA will be handing out 10 Humane Awards on October 29, reports USA Today. Among the recipients are law-enforcement agents involved in the largest dog-fighting raid ever; a couple whose ranch is now a sanctuary to about 70 animals (a.k.a Rolling Dog Ranch in Beautiful Montana!); and, of course, Nora the Piano-Playing Cat, the ASPCA's 2009 Cat of the Year.
Full story and video:
http://www.pawnation.com/2009/10/21/nora-the-piano-playing-cat-honored-by-aspca/


via a good friend of mine who knew I would like this:

I actually don't know if this next story is true, but it doesn't matter; it's funny as is.

This is a true story of a Garage Owner in the Southwest. ( New Mexico )


He was sick and tired of thugs breaking into his garage shop to steal tools etc. So he came up with this idea. He put the word out that he had a new Mexican Lion that would attack anyone that would break in or climb his fence.. Would-be thieves saw the "Lion" from a distance and fled the scene.
HA!


 
 
via Dogs in the News: (a somewhat old story)
 
Pit Bull Dies Saving Family from Cobra
 
Full story and pics (warning: dog who died):
http://dogsinthenews.com/stories/070301a.php
 
 
Also via Dogs in the News: (an old story but I like it)
 
Pit Bull Leads Man to £3.4 Million

Full Story:
http://dogsinthenews.com/issues/0206/articles/020609a.htm
 
 
Another good one, via Daily Dachshund and Dog News:
 
Fierce Dachshund saves terrier buddy from eagles
 
http://www.dailydachshundanddognews.com/2009/09/fierce-dachshund-saves-terrier-buddy.html
 
 
Also via Daily Dachshund and Dog News:
 
Is the Hot Dog Look Over?
 
 
I hope not!
 
 

 



xoxo

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Ennis, Texas Rescue Group Closing - Homes Needed For 200 Dogs -- UPDATED!!

...

As of right now, all dogs have been adopted! 

I sent an email to verify, but since time was of the essence, I posted the story.  Check out two email responses I received:

As of today, 10/18/2009, all the Camp Wolfgang Dogs have found their way safely to rescues and new homes. NO DOGS WERE EUTHANIZED-ALL MADE IT OUT SAFELY!!!

Thank you everyone for your dedication and quick response to our plight. God bless you all....
Neisha Maraffi

At this time, all Camp Wolfgang dogs have been spoken for. If you are interested in adopting, please email us on Sunday to find out which dogs are available after all rescues have picked up their dogs.

Camp Wolfgang is still in need of monetary donations to go towards transports and to sponsor dogs going to other rescues. We are also in need of large and extra large crates for transport.

If you want to donate a crate, please drop them off at:

6234 FM 879
Ennis, TX 75119

If you would like to sponsor a rescue transport or sponsor one of the heartworm positive dogs going to various other rescues, please contact: Neisha (214) 755-1627 or Audrey (972) 875-1597

** Please call these numbers only if you are interested in donating. If you are interested in adopting, please wait until Sunday and then email us.

 

Original  post:
via GulfCoastPoliceNews.Com, 10/20/09


A German Shepherd rescue group by the name of Camp Wolfgang, in Ennis, Texas is closing down because of family issues on October 31st.


All the dogs are vetted, spayed/neutered, micro-chipped, well cared-for and many have had training.


They have nearly 200 dogs that must find a foster or be adopted before 31 October or they will have no choice but to euthanize them all.


If you cannot help by fostering or adopting...YOU CAN STILL HELP!!!


Please forward this information to everyone you know...if we all forward this to everyone we know, chances are good that many of these dogs can be saved!


They do not need or want donations, they simply MUST place all of the dogs.


Adoption fees are $75.00, free to verifiable rescue groups.

xoxo

Award Goes to ASPCA Forensic Vet for Work on Vick Investigation: Dr. Melinda Merck



In an unprecedented moment in animal welfare history, Dr. Melinda Merck, ASPCA Senior Director of Veterinary Forensics, received the National Asset Forfeiture Award from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Honored at the 2009 Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and Asset Forfeiture Program National Leadership Conference, Dr. Merck was presented with the Outstanding Investigation or Case Award for her forensics work in the investigation of Michael Vick’s Bad Newz Kennels—work that helped to produce evidence that led to a guilty plea.

“This is the first time an animal-related agency has received such an award or recognition,” says ASPCA President and CEO, Ed Sayres. “It was a great opportunity to show that pursuing animal crime cases can produce important results in drug investigations.”

Dr. Merck assisted in the recovery and analysis of forensic evidence from Vick’s property, including carcasses and skeletal remains of numerous Pit Bulls. The evidence helped to convict Vick of operating a competitive dog fighting ring, a federal offense that resulted in a prison term for Vick and three co-defendants. Vick was also ordered to pay restitution of $928,073 to the United States Government for expenses related to the interim and long term care of the Pit Bulls seized from his property.

The award ceremony had over 1,500 attendees, including prosecutors, U.S. attorneys and criminal investigators who have worked on the biggest drug and organized crime cases in our country.

Read about the forensics work of Dr. Melinda Merck:
http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/animal-csi/dr-melinda-merck-aspca.html

Read about the ASPCA's involvement with the Michael Vick case:
http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/dog-fighting/michael-vick-investigation.html



Thank you, Dr. Merck, for your excellence in medicine and for your dedication to animals!


Thanks, too, to the ASPCA, an organization I am proud to support monthly.



xoxo

Monday, October 19, 2009

Pit Bull Event, Oct. 24th, in New Haven CT

Bikers Against Animal Cruelty
The Friends of the New Haven Animal Shelter
Hot Water Rescue
LoveThyPitBull.com

all participating in

National Pit Bull Awareness Day

Saturday, October 24, 2009
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Edgerton Park, Edgehill Road, New Haven, CT


This event is FREE

All Dogs must be on regular leashes; no retractables allowed.
Good dog/pet etiquette must be observed.

Event highlights include:
  • Pit Bull constume contest
  • Agility and weight pulling tests
  • Canine Good Citizen Testing
  • Doggie Games
  • Fashion Show
  • Vendors, Shelters, Rescue Groups
For more information, vist the Connecticut Pit Bull Awareness Day web site.

http://www.ctnpbad.com/2009_ctNPBAD.htm

This event will honor Sgt. Stubby, the only dog to be promoted to Sgt through his work in combat. Stubby was adopted by a unit (he was a stray) during WWI, and served with distinction in France! (see sepia toned picture at the link).


About the Hosts of Connecticut's National Pit Bull Awareness Day

Bikers Against Animal Cruelty, Inc. (B.A.A.C.) is a non-profit volunteer group of compassionate motorcycle enthusiasts who advocate against animal cruelty, promote responsible pet ownership and help to defray the costs of emergency veterinary care for cruelty and neglect cases. Learn more about B.A.A.C. here: http://www.bikersagainstanimalcruelty.org/

LoveThyPitBull.com (LTPB) clothing designed by responsible Pit Bull owners, for responsible pit bull owners. LTPB is committed to promoting positive ownership of this amazing breed.
Learn more about Love Thy Pit Bull here: http://lovethypitbull.com/

The Friends of the New Haven Animal Shelter (FNHAS) is a non-profit volunteer group that helps the animals at the Robin I. Kroogman New Haven Animal Shelter. Our goals include socializing animals at the shelter, finding homes for all animals that enter the shelter, providing medical care for animals while at the shelter, and working with the community to spay and neuter house pets. Learn more about FNHAS here: http://www.findafriendforlife.org/

Hot Water Rescue (HWR) is a non-profit rescue group formed and based out of Connecticut that rescues, fosters, and places dogs all over the United States.
Learn more about HWR here: http://www.hotwaterrescue.com/



xoxo

Sunday, October 18, 2009

A Great Rescue Story via Rolling Dog Ranch (in beautiful Montana)

via Rolling Dog Ranch, again - cause it's worth saying, in beautiful Montana.
This is a wonderful update on blind Creighton, who came to us in the spring of 2008 from Mississippi and was adopted a few months later by Peggy and Matt M. of Olympia, Washington. Peggy and Matt renamed him Emmitt Creighton III, and have sent us periodic updates on him and their other blind Labs. (Emmitt became their third blind Lab!) They just emailed us these photos, as well as a link to a video clip of Emmitt doing an amazing job of playing fetch.
Read the rest of the piece at their blog, http://blog.rollingdogranch.org/rolling_dog_ranch_animal_/2009/10/sock-head.html


And CONGRATS to Alayne and Steve, for winning the Henry Bergh Award from the ASPCA!  A well deserved honor, to be sure.  See link below for story.

http://blog.rollingdogranch.org/rolling_dog_ranch_animal_/2009/10/winning-the-aspcas-henry-bergh-award.html

Here's a snippet:
ASPCA Henry Bergh Award


Steve Smith and Alayne Marker founded the Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary in Ovando, Montana, in December 2000. The couple left their corporate jobs in Seattle and relocated to Montana fulltime to devote themselves to animal rescue. Their mission was to turn 160 acres of open grassland and cottonwoods into a sanctuary for animals with special needs -- those pets who are least likely to be adopted and most likely to be euthanized in traditional shelters. The animal sanctuary is now home to approximately 70 animals, nearly two-thirds of whom are blind.



xoxo



I'm sitting working on the blog and look who gets up on the chair next to me? Time for pettin'.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Book Reading in Woodside, NY - "Buddy Unchained"

Saturday, October 17th
2 pm to 3pm
"Buddy Unchained" Book Reading

Woodside Library
5422 Skillman Avenue
Woodside, Queens, NY 11377

Bobbi Cook will read Buddy Unchained in the Childrens' Room of Woodside Library. Buddy Unchained... What is life like, day after day, for a dog kept outdoors in all weather on a chain or a rope, alone all day—a dog whose owners, for the most part, forget that he’s alive? Buddy, a lovable mixed-breed dog, has had such an existence.

Happy in a new home, Buddy tells the story of his former life of neglect, abuse, and finally, rescue, to live a good life with a family that cares about him. Information is included for parents and other adults about resources they can readily contact when they encounter a dog being abused. Incredible book!


REVIEW

"Buddy Unchained is a deeply moving look at a dog abandoned and adopted, a bittersweet tale of empathy and respect for a deserving puppy who has finally found a good home. The illustrations are utterly endearing and vibrant with the pain, joy and compassion they express. The story is simple yet of vast importance, and at the end we want nothing more than to make sure that all the Buddys of the world are loved and cared for like this patient, easy-to-please pup.? — Janet Leimeister, Events Manager, The Capitola Book Store

http://www.thegryphonpress.com/bk_buddy.html



Thanks to the organizers of New York Week For The Animals for a job WELL DONE!


xoxo

Almost Home Animal Rescue and Adoption WALKATHON in Hauppauge NY (Long Island)

Saturday, October 17th Registration 10 am*

*Walk starts at 11:00 am

Almost Home Animal Rescue and Adoption, Inc.

Walk-a-thon at Blydenburgh Park in Hauppauge


Blydenburgh Park
Veterans Hwy
Hauppauge, NY 11788

Have fun, get some exercise, and help the animals! The entrance to the park is on Veterans Memorial Highway, opposite the H. Lee Dennison Building.

If you can't do the walk, there are so many ways to make a difference, including Food Drives for our Training Wheels Program, "Coins for Canines" for kids, and of course donations. We can always use the community's help...and volunteers!

Find out details at our website : http://almosthomeli.org/ Call (631) 854-3713.

Almost Home Animal Rescue and Adoption, Inc. is a non-profit that was formed by a group of dedicated and compassionate volunteers with many years of shelter experience. We maintains a no-kill policy towards animals, treats families that come to us with respect.


Thanks to The New York Week For The Animals organizers for a job Well Done!!

xoxo

Adoption Event in Melville, NY Benefitting Little Shelter in Huntington, NY (Long Island) - Oct. 17, 2009

Saturday, Oct 17th doors open at 9:00 am


Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center

BINGO!

Camelot Hall Building
585 Broadhollow Road
Melville, NY 11746

Bingo players, please come to our Fundraiser Bingo Saturday morning. Come to 110 Bingo Hall (called the Camelot Hall Building), just south of the Long Island Expressway. The doors open at 9:00 am. Selling starts at 9:30 am and the game starts at 10:30 AM. It's a $4,000 Bingo in prize money and all proceeds go to benefit Little Shelter! Volunteers are needed. Please call at (631) 368-8770 ex. 206 for more information about Little Shelter Bingo.

Little Shelter in Huntington NY has been saving animals lives since 1927. They are located 30 minutes from NYC in Huntingdon, and are open 7 days a week. To learn more about their wonderful animals looking for a home, including Special Needs/Senior Pets and Overlooked Dogs and Overlooked Cats, please visit http://www.littleshelter.com/index.htm.


Thank you to New York Week of the Animals organizers for a job WELL DONE!

xoxo

WHAT A GREAT EVENT! Sugar Bush Farms - Out Of The Pits - Oct. 17 & 18, 2009

Saturday October 17 & Sunday October 18th 8am-4pm

Out of the Pits USDAA trial
Sugar Bush Farms
760 East Road
Stephentown NY 12168

Come join us at our educational/informational booth at the officially sanctioned USDAA trial being held at Sugar Bush Farms in Stephentown, NY. Help cheer on several Out of the Pits rescued Pit Bulls who will be competing at this agility trial. Rescued Pit Bulls not only make wonderful companions, they can excel at agility, and other canine sports.

We'll have our t'shirts, sweats, etc. available for sale.Competition will be taking place from 8am-4pm both days. Directions to the site can be found at Sugar Bush Farms website: http://www.sugarbushfarm.net No family pets please (only dogs in competition are allowed on site).







Thank you to New York Week of the Animals organizers for a job WELL DONE!

xoxo

Adopted!

GOOD NEWS!
THIS GUY was adopted from Yonkers Animal Shelter!

We are all thrilled!

Congratulations Teddy and new owners!!


Thursday, October 15, 2009

News Round Up

The Swedes have an idea. Not sure I love it but then I feed the squirrels outside my window.  They come each morning for their peanuts, to the consternation of my super. (Warning: dead rabbits in photo but not graphic).

http://www.thelocal.se/22610/20091012/


This lady ought to be remembered. Thank you, Bevie Wilson.


http://www.clearwatertribune.com/Weekly%20Pages/10-15-09/Oct1509HumaneSociety.htm


Sad news about little Teddy from Rolling Dog Ranch. I hope he's with Bevie. Leave a comment for the nice people at the ranch, for they are truly angels.
http://blog.rollingdogranch.org/rolling_dog_ranch_animal_/2009/09/teddy-died-today.html


In New York City:

via Paws n' Claws:
http://pets.lohudblogs.com/2009/10/07/animal-care-gala/

Also via Paws n' Claws:
http://pets.lohudblogs.com/2009/10/07/tis-the-season-for-pet-costumes/


Get your FREE Pet Safety Pack:
http://www.aspca.org/about-us/free-aspca-stuff/free-pet-safety-pack.html
Thanks ASPCA!


And, two notes about upcoming posts.  I will be doing a series about dogs and veterans and/or soldiers.  If you know of a good group, send them my way. I do have some lined up to discuss but I wouldn't mind listing a few (or more than a few) good organizations here.  I also will be starting a series about pitbulls who are adopted and share with you the stories their owners share with me. Maybe not every story will be about pitbulls, but they sure are a maligned breed.  I never realized.



xoxo

Dog Saves Family From Fire

via WAPT

Dog (named Monster) Jumps On Door To Alert Family Of Fire

See this article for another Hero Dog. He woke the family up by jumping on the sliding glass door (he was outside) while they were asleep.

http://www.wapt.com/family/21286935/detail.html



xoxo

Wednesday, October 14, 2009