And all your little guys, too.
Enjoy this cool video while ringing in the New Year.
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Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Worthy Organizations
While there are many, I am listing my favorites here with the hope you will click on them, learn about what they do, and see how you can help. Here at the end of the year, it's a good time to make a contribution if you can.
Pet Rescue, Inc. - local Westchester County organization that does enormous rescue work, everything from the pull, transport, vetting, foster, and adoption process. Been around a long while (25 years or so), so has a terrific cadre of foster families, and rescues numbers of animals yearly on par with national groups. Hard to imagine that but this is a fantastic place to drop some cash.
Rolling Dog Farm - New Hampshire (formerly in beautiful Montana). Adopts "disabled" dogs and horses for the rest of their lives. Been around about 12 years and is run by a couple who gave up the corporate life to care for animals on a farm. Their blog has a fun and dedicated readership, and Steve and Alayne give thrice weekly updates on the antics of everyone's favorites (like Widget!)
Noah's Arks Rescue - Okatie South Carolina - rescues dogs from shelters who are in extreme need of medical attention. Jennifer runs the place and keeps several dogs at her home, as well as manages the foster families that take in these very needy dogs, like Smiley/Miley, rehabilitates them and makes them more adoptable. Money is used for vet care for dogs that would absolutely be put down if it were not for this group.
Animal Farm Foundation - Hudson Valley, New York. Dedicated to rehabilitating the image of the American Pitbull. Does facilitate fostering and adopting, and also awards grants to organizations that match pitbulls with forever homes. Has great notecards, too!
Pets Alive Westchester - took over the old-time Elmsford Animal Shelter, getting lots of warehoused animals adopted within their first year at the helm just by using a new model of outreach. Has a fantastic volunteer program, where people can help with all levels of work: painting the fence to dog-walking; you name it! Very dynamic, very committed, and this past year opened a dog sanctuary in Puerto Rico, with a major gift of $250,000. That island desperately needs their help as dogs aren't always treated so well. Pets Alive Puerto Rico is changing that and giving an avenue for dog lovers there to organize.
Guardian Angels for Soldiers' Pet - fosters dogs and other animals of military personnel while they are deployed. I know the lady who co-founded this group, Linda, and let me tell you, she runs a tight ship. This organization has 2,500 foster families across the country ready willing and able to take in animals while their owner is overseas for a year or more. This effort prevents dogs from being dumped at shelters where they will face certain death. They also have a dog sanctuary in Texas, where they are headquartered.
Coastal German Shepherd Rescue - Orange County and San Diego (two chapters!) California. I have never worked with them but their reputation is stellar. Someone (probably multiple people) out that way is breeding German Shepherds for volume and many end up at shelters emaciated and in need of major medical care and love. This group does everything from the pull, to the vetting, to the foster, to the adoption process. More money means more dogs get rescued. They offer hope where there is none for these forgotten dogs.
Soi Dog Foundation - if it were not for this organization - an army of volunteers! - many dogs would have been left to perish on Dog Island in Bangkok after the floods. Also - this fantastic organization has neutered or spayed over 32,000 animals in Asia in the short time they have been around! That is huge, and really getting to the root of the problem. You can travel to them and volunteer (direct action!), too, but the flight costs a lot. Visit them for photos of hope coming out of hopeless situations. You will be glad you did.
NYC Top Dog - this is the place where I am boarding Olive and Dixie, and which has recently turned from business model to a non-profit model. They provide a segway for dogs going from rescue to adoption, which is critical. Many times the only thing preventing a rescue from taking place is the lack of a temporary place to house the dog for a few weeks. Pedro Rosario, who runs Top Dog, is a caring animal advocate and is a well known dog lover. Rescues love him. He houses about 140 dogs (big and small), and about 50 cats. What he needs is to own the building he's in so he can build running-around pens! Any major donors out there?!
Wheels of Hope (partners with New York City Animal Care and Control) - this is a transport vehicle service that works with the New York City Shelter system (read: a lot of animals in a high kill situation) and which has also provided a critical piece of the rescue continuum: transport from one place to the next in a professional, systematized, and safe way. While relying on volunteers to cart dogs around from point A to point B sounds good, that kind of things is a lot of work to organize and manage well. With Wheels of Hope, they are already familiar with the shelter system, and they know where point A and B are... not small things. This simple van transport has literally saved thousands of dogs' lives by providing a piece of the puzzle that often stops a rescue from taking place. Logistically, their existence also allows someone in another state to organize pulling a dog, and bringing them to a place like Top Dog for boarding until a foster or a more permanent situation can be worked out.
Cloud Nine Rescue Flights - A fabulous organization run by a now-married couple (they met doing this work!) Pilots donate their flying hours, Cloud Nine owns two planes who provide safe transport, and dogs from high kill areas (usually in the south but also in the Midwest) get flown to high adoption areas, some 19 or 20 animals at a time. A true lifesaver. Over 500 pets a year saved. Amazing. They also have the amazing "barkery" -- where they hand-make and bake dog and cat treats twice a year. Special order yours!
Alley Cat Allies - dedicated to cat care everywhere. Promotes anti-cruelty legislation, tutors in cat-colony management, advises about feral cat care. I'm selling them short, I'm sure. Take a look yourself.
Again, these are just a few good orgs. I have two more to add later. Jenny's Hope in Westchester and The Grey Muzzle Foundation, but I am out of time. Mom is visiting, today is Museum Day, and I already convinced her to adopt a dog this vacation. Can't push my luck.
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Pet Rescue, Inc. - local Westchester County organization that does enormous rescue work, everything from the pull, transport, vetting, foster, and adoption process. Been around a long while (25 years or so), so has a terrific cadre of foster families, and rescues numbers of animals yearly on par with national groups. Hard to imagine that but this is a fantastic place to drop some cash.
Rolling Dog Farm - New Hampshire (formerly in beautiful Montana). Adopts "disabled" dogs and horses for the rest of their lives. Been around about 12 years and is run by a couple who gave up the corporate life to care for animals on a farm. Their blog has a fun and dedicated readership, and Steve and Alayne give thrice weekly updates on the antics of everyone's favorites (like Widget!)
Noah's Arks Rescue - Okatie South Carolina - rescues dogs from shelters who are in extreme need of medical attention. Jennifer runs the place and keeps several dogs at her home, as well as manages the foster families that take in these very needy dogs, like Smiley/Miley, rehabilitates them and makes them more adoptable. Money is used for vet care for dogs that would absolutely be put down if it were not for this group.
Animal Farm Foundation - Hudson Valley, New York. Dedicated to rehabilitating the image of the American Pitbull. Does facilitate fostering and adopting, and also awards grants to organizations that match pitbulls with forever homes. Has great notecards, too!
Pets Alive Westchester - took over the old-time Elmsford Animal Shelter, getting lots of warehoused animals adopted within their first year at the helm just by using a new model of outreach. Has a fantastic volunteer program, where people can help with all levels of work: painting the fence to dog-walking; you name it! Very dynamic, very committed, and this past year opened a dog sanctuary in Puerto Rico, with a major gift of $250,000. That island desperately needs their help as dogs aren't always treated so well. Pets Alive Puerto Rico is changing that and giving an avenue for dog lovers there to organize.
Guardian Angels for Soldiers' Pet - fosters dogs and other animals of military personnel while they are deployed. I know the lady who co-founded this group, Linda, and let me tell you, she runs a tight ship. This organization has 2,500 foster families across the country ready willing and able to take in animals while their owner is overseas for a year or more. This effort prevents dogs from being dumped at shelters where they will face certain death. They also have a dog sanctuary in Texas, where they are headquartered.
Coastal German Shepherd Rescue - Orange County and San Diego (two chapters!) California. I have never worked with them but their reputation is stellar. Someone (probably multiple people) out that way is breeding German Shepherds for volume and many end up at shelters emaciated and in need of major medical care and love. This group does everything from the pull, to the vetting, to the foster, to the adoption process. More money means more dogs get rescued. They offer hope where there is none for these forgotten dogs.
Soi Dog Foundation - if it were not for this organization - an army of volunteers! - many dogs would have been left to perish on Dog Island in Bangkok after the floods. Also - this fantastic organization has neutered or spayed over 32,000 animals in Asia in the short time they have been around! That is huge, and really getting to the root of the problem. You can travel to them and volunteer (direct action!), too, but the flight costs a lot. Visit them for photos of hope coming out of hopeless situations. You will be glad you did.
NYC Top Dog - this is the place where I am boarding Olive and Dixie, and which has recently turned from business model to a non-profit model. They provide a segway for dogs going from rescue to adoption, which is critical. Many times the only thing preventing a rescue from taking place is the lack of a temporary place to house the dog for a few weeks. Pedro Rosario, who runs Top Dog, is a caring animal advocate and is a well known dog lover. Rescues love him. He houses about 140 dogs (big and small), and about 50 cats. What he needs is to own the building he's in so he can build running-around pens! Any major donors out there?!
Wheels of Hope (partners with New York City Animal Care and Control) - this is a transport vehicle service that works with the New York City Shelter system (read: a lot of animals in a high kill situation) and which has also provided a critical piece of the rescue continuum: transport from one place to the next in a professional, systematized, and safe way. While relying on volunteers to cart dogs around from point A to point B sounds good, that kind of things is a lot of work to organize and manage well. With Wheels of Hope, they are already familiar with the shelter system, and they know where point A and B are... not small things. This simple van transport has literally saved thousands of dogs' lives by providing a piece of the puzzle that often stops a rescue from taking place. Logistically, their existence also allows someone in another state to organize pulling a dog, and bringing them to a place like Top Dog for boarding until a foster or a more permanent situation can be worked out.
Cloud Nine Rescue Flights - A fabulous organization run by a now-married couple (they met doing this work!) Pilots donate their flying hours, Cloud Nine owns two planes who provide safe transport, and dogs from high kill areas (usually in the south but also in the Midwest) get flown to high adoption areas, some 19 or 20 animals at a time. A true lifesaver. Over 500 pets a year saved. Amazing. They also have the amazing "barkery" -- where they hand-make and bake dog and cat treats twice a year. Special order yours!
Alley Cat Allies - dedicated to cat care everywhere. Promotes anti-cruelty legislation, tutors in cat-colony management, advises about feral cat care. I'm selling them short, I'm sure. Take a look yourself.
Again, these are just a few good orgs. I have two more to add later. Jenny's Hope in Westchester and The Grey Muzzle Foundation, but I am out of time. Mom is visiting, today is Museum Day, and I already convinced her to adopt a dog this vacation. Can't push my luck.
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Tuesday, December 27, 2011
All is Well
It doesn't take much to care and to apply yourself for another being. Check out this story (and watch the link to YouTube) about Cora, the very lucky dog who was rescued by a patient and extremely determined person from Hope for Paws. I remember this group from the video shown on their home page, of the little white dog that was petrified and wouldn't let anyone near her. That dog got saved, with some patience, and it looks like the man adopted her!
All is well with Little Romeo, and the other three boys are getting over their irritation at a new little one being brought home. When a pack of dogs is used to one another, and each other's movements and mannerisms, and someone new comes in with their new movements and mannerisms, there is an adjustment period. This hasn't been bad at all. It's provided a lot of laughs. This morning I had four dogs laying on me when I woke up.
Going to see Miss Olive today and taking her to the park with her new coat from a fan. Dixie isn't quite as needy as Olive so I don't usually take her to the park, but on a long walk in the kennel neighborhood. I bring chicken and liver treats for the dogs in the puppy room there, who are normally on their way to their rescue situation and are usually pretty thin. The kennel, NYC Top Dog, has become a non-profit organization instead of a company. Pedro Rosario, who runs it and whom I cannot say enough good things about, is known far and wide as a strong advocate of the animals. His entire kennel is made up of dogs that are in between a shelter situation (or something worse) and a rescue situation.
Blogging will be light the next few days, but I do plan a post on the various organizations that are worthy of your support. There are many doing some great work, like Hope for Paws.
Thanks for your readership. I hope you all find this blog informative.
Share
All is well with Little Romeo, and the other three boys are getting over their irritation at a new little one being brought home. When a pack of dogs is used to one another, and each other's movements and mannerisms, and someone new comes in with their new movements and mannerisms, there is an adjustment period. This hasn't been bad at all. It's provided a lot of laughs. This morning I had four dogs laying on me when I woke up.
Going to see Miss Olive today and taking her to the park with her new coat from a fan. Dixie isn't quite as needy as Olive so I don't usually take her to the park, but on a long walk in the kennel neighborhood. I bring chicken and liver treats for the dogs in the puppy room there, who are normally on their way to their rescue situation and are usually pretty thin. The kennel, NYC Top Dog, has become a non-profit organization instead of a company. Pedro Rosario, who runs it and whom I cannot say enough good things about, is known far and wide as a strong advocate of the animals. His entire kennel is made up of dogs that are in between a shelter situation (or something worse) and a rescue situation.
Blogging will be light the next few days, but I do plan a post on the various organizations that are worthy of your support. There are many doing some great work, like Hope for Paws.
Thanks for your readership. I hope you all find this blog informative.
Share
Monday, December 26, 2011
Meet Little Romeo
The adoption went super-well. We brought my dogs into the bedroom, kept Romeo on his leash, and had George off his leash in the living room, where Romeo was, since he does better that way when meeting new dogs.
The initial meeting when very well. Romeo was suitably deferential to the other three dogs (who are all rescues). I took my dogs out of the bedroom and into the living room, on their leashes, and did the close-but-not too close thing for about a half hour. There were no big skirmishes until late in the evening and at that point it was Romeo who lunged at George, who walked too close to Romeo while he slept in his bed (or actually, one of the other dogs' beds). George is a bit like Oscar the Grouch but he's easier with other dogs than he used to be. Romeo started the argument and George pinned him to the ground. Feisty yorkie! I bet Romeo will be more careful going forward.
Overnight he slept in his bed (again, another dog's bed) and stayed there all night till I walked them at 6:30am. We're walking them about every three hours right now till he gets used to his routine. When he first got here, my Mom kept his leash on him and walked him throughout the house. He peed on everything. It took us a few hours to realize he thought he was being walked! Since being off-leash in the house, he has only marked one area - not again since - and no pooping inside (even though he had slight diarrhea, which happens when dogs are nervous at being switched from one situation to another). It's already cleared up and now he's on a regular walking, pooping, eating schedule.
All is well. Here are some pictures of the adventure yesterday. Mom is so glad she got George a companion, and I am so glad this guy got out of the shelter. He was NIPPY there because he was afraid and I was afraid for his life because he couldn't get placed. One rescue already said no to him. And here he is, now, a bundle of happy joy and good nature.
In the car, happy he's out of jail. He and Mom match.
One of the trees in my lobby provided facination.
Wow, this place is nice and much bigger than my shelter digs!
I know what I'm doing. (They sure do learn fast!)
Mom learned, too, how to provide a comfy place to sit!
Smiling shyly for the camera.
Everyone is so happy!! Shelter dogs are the best!!
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Saturday, December 24, 2011
Merry Christmas to All!
I hope you all have a blessed and merry Christmas holiday.
The best gift I could get: My Mom, who is visiting from Florida, is adopting a chihuahua from the shelter where I volunteer. We're bringing him home tomorrow morning; won't the boys be surprised! I'll fly home with her since she has her other (rescue) dog, George, and you can only take one dog at a time on the plane. Little Romeo's tag, bed, harness, collar, toys, and sweaters are all ready for him. He was vetted this week, has lyme disease (but who cares, it's treatable), and is about two years old.
Pics to follow...
In the meantime, have a laugh:
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The best gift I could get: My Mom, who is visiting from Florida, is adopting a chihuahua from the shelter where I volunteer. We're bringing him home tomorrow morning; won't the boys be surprised! I'll fly home with her since she has her other (rescue) dog, George, and you can only take one dog at a time on the plane. Little Romeo's tag, bed, harness, collar, toys, and sweaters are all ready for him. He was vetted this week, has lyme disease (but who cares, it's treatable), and is about two years old.
Pics to follow...
In the meantime, have a laugh:
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Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Many thanks... and don't forget to tell others...
I am so pleased and happy to say that the chip-in goal for Dixie's and Olive's boarding has been reached for December! Many thanks to all those who contributed and to those who passed it around to others.
And, don't forget to forward this little tidbit to your friends and family...
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And, don't forget to forward this little tidbit to your friends and family...
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Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pet
This group, mentioned here numerous times and whose logo is in the left column of this blog, is in the $50K category at the Refresh Your World Challenge at Pepsi. They want to use the money to build an animal sanctuary in TX. GASP fosters the pets of military people who are deployed (rather than those pets being dropped off at shelters because the military is particular about you leaving the day they say). I know one of the co-founders of GASP from our days together at Soldiers' Angels, another great group that supports soldiers. She was responsible for over 250,000 letters going to soldiers each year. You cannot imagine the logistics involved in that enterprise because we kept track of each address given to each letter writer. But that's another story for another day. Linda has since started this group and they are literally saved lives by their work.
You register once and yes, you do have to sign in to vote each day, and I know that's a pain. But it's FREE money! And we all know someone to send this to.... They are currently 82nd in this category. Let's change that!
Pass it around!!!
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You register once and yes, you do have to sign in to vote each day, and I know that's a pain. But it's FREE money! And we all know someone to send this to.... They are currently 82nd in this category. Let's change that!
Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pet
Fans of Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pet, please vote for us in the Pepsi Refresh contest and help us win $50,000 to be put towards the MVP Sanctuary Project! Thank you in advance!
Pass it around!!!
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Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
Tail Waggin Research
Psychology Today has a great article that explains what your dog (or another dog) is feeling when he/she wags his tail a certain way.
What a Dog’s Tail Wags Really Mean: Some New Scientific DataSpecific tail wags provide information about dogs’ emotional state.
Published on December 4, 2011 by Stanley Coren, Ph.D., F.R.S.C. in Canine Corner
Not yet figured out if when to know they are giving you the five finger salute!
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Saturday, December 3, 2011
New Christmas Collars!
Went to the cat colony today (trapped four to spay/neuter, and relocate to a bigger colony that isn't eleven miles from home), went to the shelter (four dogs went home today!), and then to see the Two Misses, Dixie and Olive, who got new Christmas collars. I held up chicken and they posed.
And here is their chip in link. Full story at the chip in page. We are30% 37 % 48% 62% 71% 100% of the way to December's boarding cost figured out. Anything you can contribute is greatly appreciated!
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And here is their chip in link. Full story at the chip in page. We are
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Wednesday, November 30, 2011
New Chip-In For Dixie And Olive
I give quite an extensive background of "the girls" at the chip-in page. You will notice I have combined collecting for both girls into one chip-in. The boarding cost for them each is $12 a day, or $360 a month for one dog, or $720 for a month for both: hence the amount being asked for in the chip-in.
I appreciate anything you care to donate towards their care. Many thanks!
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I appreciate anything you care to donate towards their care. Many thanks!
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Chicken Snacks For Dogs Causing Deaths
Dogster has the goods:
I don't want to besmirch an entire country, but be aware that dog snacks made in China have caused canine deaths all too often.
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“FDA is advising consumers who choose to feed their dogs chicken jerky products to watch their dogs closely for any or all of the following signs that may occur within hours to days of feeding the products: decreased appetite; decreased activity; vomiting; diarrhea, sometimes with blood; increased water consumption and/or increased urination. If the dog shows any of these signs, stop feeding the chicken jerky product. Owners should consult their veterinarian if signs are severe or persist for more than 24 hours. Blood tests may indicate kidney failure (increased urea nitrogen and creatinine). Urine tests may indicate Fanconi syndrome (increased glucose). Although most dogs appear to recover, some reports to the FDA have involved dogs that have died.”
I don't want to besmirch an entire country, but be aware that dog snacks made in China have caused canine deaths all too often.
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Kudos to Terrell, Texas!!
via Facebook:
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BREAKING NEWS FROM TEXAS:
Via Stop Gassing Texas Pets -
City of Terrell ENDS gassing! Confirmed 11/29/11 by Police Chief Jody L. Lay "All procedures are conducted with the dignity of the animal in mind and are humanely administered. We are dismantling our chamber and recycling it as scrap metal."
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Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Calls And Letters Needed
via Facebook:
So I guess my childhood dog, a shelter rescue named Lacy (a white huskey mix with a blue eye and a brown eye), would have been put down immediately, even though he went on to live 14 years and never bit anyone. My ex boyfriend's dog, Ben (a rottie) - another shelter rescue, would have been put down even though he is the mascot of the house and well-loved, and named Ben as in Gentle Ben. I guess my friend Karen and her husband Eric would have had to put down Amadeus (a rottie) who they inherited with their house (POS former owners left him in the garage!), and who lived with them and their two toddlers for his remaining years, and guarded those kids with his life. The great dane thing just shows how ill informed this town is. They are the gentlest creatures of all, the whale-sharks of the canine world (eat plankton but are huge).
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Cumberland County Animal Control in Fayetteville, NC. There is a breed ban set to go into affect Monday the 5th of December all Dobermans, Rottweilers, Chow Chows, German Shepherds, Great Danes, Pitbulls, Mastiffs(all bully breeds), Akitas and Huskies. These dogs will be held for the mandatory 72 hrs and then will be killed, they are not going to be given a chance to be adopted. Contact Mayor and be nice about it.
Mayor Anthony G. Chavonne
433 Hay Street
Fayetteville, NC 28301
910-433-1992, 910-433-3401
Fax 433-1948
mayor@ci.fay.nc.us
So I guess my childhood dog, a shelter rescue named Lacy (a white huskey mix with a blue eye and a brown eye), would have been put down immediately, even though he went on to live 14 years and never bit anyone. My ex boyfriend's dog, Ben (a rottie) - another shelter rescue, would have been put down even though he is the mascot of the house and well-loved, and named Ben as in Gentle Ben. I guess my friend Karen and her husband Eric would have had to put down Amadeus (a rottie) who they inherited with their house (POS former owners left him in the garage!), and who lived with them and their two toddlers for his remaining years, and guarded those kids with his life. The great dane thing just shows how ill informed this town is. They are the gentlest creatures of all, the whale-sharks of the canine world (eat plankton but are huge).
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Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Much To Be Thankful For!
The number of dogs and cats euthanized is down to 2.4 million annually. I recall when it used to be 17 million. Even if those estimates are slightly high or low, that's an astonishing improvement. And it represents an even more astonishing amount of hard work.
I am thankful for so many things in my life. My family - including Renaldo and Mr. Wiggins, my friends, catching a little of God's grace when he made me an American, my job, my volunteer work and the luxury of having time to volunteer at all. I am also thankful for all those who work on behalf of animals in whatever way they can.
Here are some guidelines form the ASPCA about avoiding a digestive diaster on Thanksgiving with your pets.
Here is something good to stick with:
And of course I have to end this post with the obligatory funny dog pics (and some cat pics!) in honor of the holiday.
Have a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving.
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I am thankful for so many things in my life. My family - including Renaldo and Mr. Wiggins, my friends, catching a little of God's grace when he made me an American, my job, my volunteer work and the luxury of having time to volunteer at all. I am also thankful for all those who work on behalf of animals in whatever way they can.
Here are some guidelines form the ASPCA about avoiding a digestive diaster on Thanksgiving with your pets.
Here is something good to stick with:
And of course I have to end this post with the obligatory funny dog pics (and some cat pics!) in honor of the holiday.
(Have to recognize the cat colony I'm feeding)
Have a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving.
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Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Something To Be Thankful For
Around the web (From AOL's page)... I just wanted to share because I think the tide might be turning! All these great stories were listed just like this in a row.
Pit Bull Saves Woman Who Fell Down Hill - Pittsburgh News Story ...
Pit Bull Saves Woman With Aneurysm
Update: Pit Bull hero saves woman - National Dogs
Examiner.com
Stray Pit Bull Saves Woman, Child From Attacker
New group saves dogs from fate in shelter
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Pit Bull Saves Woman Who Fell Down Hill - Pittsburgh News Story ...
Pit Bull Saves Woman With Aneurysm
Update: Pit Bull hero saves woman - National Dogs
Examiner.com
Stray Pit Bull Saves Woman, Child From Attacker
New group saves dogs from fate in shelter
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Daniel the Beagle Has a Loving Home
Remember this post about a dog who survived the gas chamber in Alabama?
Dogster has a great follow up story.
Thank you God, Joe Dwyer and family, and 11th Hour Rescue!
Dogster has a great follow up story.
Joe Dwyer welcomes Daniel to the family home (Jennifer Brown/The Star-Ledger)
October 3 should have been Daniel’s last day alive. The Beagle was placed in an Alabama gas chamber with 16 other stray dogs and the attendant turned on the carbon monoxide pump and waited. When the killing was done, the door opened, and there were 16 dead dogs.
Daniel, however, walked out wagging his tail. He was sick, but alive.
11th Hour Rescue in New Jersey heard about his story and flew him to the Garden State. Daniel recovered and was adopted by Joe Dwyer and his family, who already have four dogs and are clearly wonderful dog people.
“It’s nothing short of a miracle,” Dwyer says. “Whatever higher power one believes in, God has chosen him to live.” Daniel was named for the biblical figure who survived his time in a lion’s den.
Thank you God, Joe Dwyer and family, and 11th Hour Rescue!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Delta Does It Again
Really, if you are a pet owner, stay away from this airline.
Previous stories here, here, and here.
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Previous stories here, here, and here.
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Dog Treats From China Killing Dogs
via Vitals on MSNBC.com:
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At least 70 dogs have been sickened so far this year after reportedly eating chicken jerky products imported from China, FDA officials said. That’s up from 54 reports of illness in 2010. Some of the dogs have died, according to the anecdotal reports from pet owners and veterinarians.
...Symptoms may include decreased appetite, decreased activity, vomiting, diarrhea, increased water consumption and increased urination. If dogs show any of these signs, stop feeding the animal the chicken jerky products, FDA officials said. If signs are severe or persist for more than 24 hours, seek veterinary help.
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The Shelter Project
This is an easy-to-use way of finding your way to the dog or cat that will rescue you.
Pass it on.
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Pass it on.
DID YOU KNOW?
Shelter pet adoptions are on the rise, despite the ongoing recession and high rates of unemployment.
Each year approximately 4 million pets are adopted.
The percentage of pets in homes adopted from animal shelters and rescue groups has risen from 27% to 29% in the last two years and encouraging statistics show that euthanasia of shelter pets is down 10% since 2009.
However, 2.7 million healthy and treatable pets are still losing their lives in shelters each year.
Seventeen million people will acquire a dog or cat within the next year.
The Shelter Pet Project is the first animal welfare campaign that the Ad Council has taken on in its 60-year history.
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Sunday, November 20, 2011
Updates on Dixie
Shelter day today; all the dogs got out (yay!) and the thin ones were fed a second meal today (this happens a few times a week if they are thin). Yesterday I was at the kennel/boarding facility, walking Olive and Dixie. They are both doing well. See the post below about Olive.
Dixie has become so much more animated since she left the shelter and is staying at the kennel. She upgraded from a cage to a run (same with Olive), so can walk around, though not much. She gets walked daily, which is also an upgrade, since at the shelter she only walked from her cage inside to the outdoor run, and it was just a movement, not a walk. With the volunteers that take Dixie out, she walks a mile! And she does it about twice a week.
I've never known Dixie to want to run like she does not. She does this thing that right after she poops, she wants to make a mad dash down the street!
Here are some pictures of Dixie. She is dog friendly, people friendly, rides nicely in the car, but does not suffer cats!
In both of these pictures, Dixie was looking at a small bucket of chicken bits that I fed her from (I usually bring her and Olive something), and was going to share with the puppy/small dog room after the workers took her back into her kennel. Finally, a dog that looks at the camera!
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Dixie has become so much more animated since she left the shelter and is staying at the kennel. She upgraded from a cage to a run (same with Olive), so can walk around, though not much. She gets walked daily, which is also an upgrade, since at the shelter she only walked from her cage inside to the outdoor run, and it was just a movement, not a walk. With the volunteers that take Dixie out, she walks a mile! And she does it about twice a week.
I've never known Dixie to want to run like she does not. She does this thing that right after she poops, she wants to make a mad dash down the street!
Here are some pictures of Dixie. She is dog friendly, people friendly, rides nicely in the car, but does not suffer cats!
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Update on Olive
Olive had a nice day. I got to the boarding facility at around 2:00pm and it was still nice and sunny. We sat in the sun a few times, the first of which she got her bone to chew. I was concerned because her gums bled but it might be because she doesn't get many bones like that. She did have a dental when I pulled her in July. Hard to believe it's been that long! We walked about a mile. She's put on a few pounds and I need to tell Pedro, who heads up the kennel (and is wonderful) not to feed her so much. I said once that he's got to feed her less because she's gaining weight, and he said "but she looks so pretty."
Many thanks to those who have contributed towards Olive's boarding. It's such a big help. The entire cost for one dog for a month is $360! And I have two dogs in boarding, both pulled from the same shelter. I first pulled Olive, only planning to have one dog out, got her adopted, and then once those folks were going to keep her, I pulled the second dog, Dixie. Don't you know Olive came back after a month. We learned she needs a quiet home and not too many visitors. She spent five years in a shelter and lived in a cage. She needs and will need a long transition, a lot of patience, and probably one owner, or a couple who are equally committed to allowing her time to feel secure. But I am not giving up on her and only wish I could see her more than once or twice a week. I do have two other volunteers going to see her so she actually gets visitors three to four times a week.
Many many thanks for your concern for OLIVE! Enjoy the pictures! I will post some of Dixie tomorrow.
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Saturday, November 19, 2011
Another Woman Charged With Starving Her Dog
People are sick of animal abuser's crap. It's a painstaking process to get laws and penalties changed. It takes showing up at court hearing, like in this story; it takes lobbying your local officials, it takes speaking to the press, being smart about getting your story out, and not giving up.
But it's happening, all over.
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But it's happening, all over.
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Kisha POS Curtis Indicted With Four Degree Animal Abuse
Well, it's almost time to go to trial. On Decemkber 3rd, Kisha Curtis, famed animal abuser of Patrick - a dog starved and thrown nineteen stories down a trash compactor - will face a jury.
I am not encouraged the the charge is only fourth degree. But we will see what happens.
Go here for the story.
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I am not encouraged the the charge is only fourth degree. But we will see what happens.
Go here for the story.
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Monday, November 14, 2011
Updates
One day I will be a regular blogger again, writing on things that are time-sensitive, telling of the latest news, putting together a substantial story instead of posting mostly pictures. But with the two dogs that I rescued in boarding, the usual at the shelter, my soldier-supporting work (we have a dog unit!), and the cat colony I've just begun to manage (oh, didn't I mention that? I think I have a saved draft post about it, that I haven't finished yet. I won't mention that I'm not even a cat person!), I am swamped. Then there are my own dogs and the birds I adopted a month ago....
So please forgive. Below are some brief updates and pictures of Olive and Dixie, both still in boarding, and one of Patrick, who looks better now than I bet anyone thought possible. Thank You God!
Also, here is Olives "chip-in" if you would like to help with her boarding costs. It's $12 a day. She is at Top Dog in Morris Park, Bronx, if you care to donate directly to either Olive or Dixie. You can get a receipt for tax purposes. Pedro runs the place and he is wonderful. His facility is specifically for dogs that are halfway from a shelter situation to a rescue or foster, or an adoption. Thanks for anything you can do.
And here's Dixie:
Dixie's chip-in link is here. Again, anything you can do is appreciated.
And, here's Patrick, preparing for a game I imagine (I thought it was World Series Time, but I guess that's over now). It is hard to look at this magnificent boy and remember the skeleton we all saw. God bless his caretakers.
And finally, here are the birds I adopted - Pauline and Pips, who will go on the picket line if I don't post a picture of them.
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So please forgive. Below are some brief updates and pictures of Olive and Dixie, both still in boarding, and one of Patrick, who looks better now than I bet anyone thought possible. Thank You God!
Olive Girl!
Some basics: Olive spent five years in a low-visibility, low-kill shelter. I sprung her when she was on "the list" due to overcrowding, which increased due to the bad economy. I put her in boarding, and through facebook "crossposting" got her adopted her out to a friend of a friend. She was returned her after one month (not a good fit, sadly) and was freaked out and skiddish about that. I still have her in boarding and it's been three months. She is 42 pounds, 6 years old, totally vetted (including dental and a microchip), and is available by appointment. Please click the link in the left column for my email and put "Olive, blog" in the subject.
This picture was taken yesterday. Olive had a nice long walk today (about a mile), half a small chicken empanada, three marrow bones, a small piece of chicken cutlet, and a backrub (while sitting in the sun). AND, she rec'd FIVE days of boarding from an ANGEL! Many thanks. You know who you are.
Also, here is Olives "chip-in" if you would like to help with her boarding costs. It's $12 a day. She is at Top Dog in Morris Park, Bronx, if you care to donate directly to either Olive or Dixie. You can get a receipt for tax purposes. Pedro runs the place and he is wonderful. His facility is specifically for dogs that are halfway from a shelter situation to a rescue or foster, or an adoption. Thanks for anything you can do.
And here's Dixie:
Dixie!
Dixie was in the same shelter, but for three years. She wasn't in danger of being put down but by my pulling her and working to get her adopted, it opened up another cage for another dog to not get euthanized. We still put down a lot of little guys this past year, but I like to think one less than might have been. Dixie is about 5 years old, friendly with other dogs, does NOT like cats, and is really opening up since being at the boarding facility. She discovered grass recently and decided she likes it. Dixie will come fully vetted including a dental and a microchip. If you are interested in Dixie, plese put "Dixie, blog" in the subject line of an email.Dixie's chip-in link is here. Again, anything you can do is appreciated.
And, here's Patrick, preparing for a game I imagine (I thought it was World Series Time, but I guess that's over now). It is hard to look at this magnificent boy and remember the skeleton we all saw. God bless his caretakers.
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Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
Kudos To Macon, Georgia Animal Control
The shelter signed a pledge to go no-kill for a week. This is a big deal in the south, where there are far fewer spay-neuter programs, and many many strays. I do not mean that as a gratuitous knock on the south!
I appluad small steps like this. It's so easy for advocates of worthy causes to feel frustrated at not getting a big committment. But this small step is a measurable thing that can be done. It's something to build on. I do think a month would have been nice, but I'm also thinking that if they agreed on a week, a week of no-kill is likely a big deal in that community.
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SIGNED, Macon Animal control has officially signed the PAWS of Hope & Faith Pardon. During the week of Nov.6th thru 12th there will be no animals put down! The goal is to save everyone of them. Small steps: one week of no-kill will lead to more!
I appluad small steps like this. It's so easy for advocates of worthy causes to feel frustrated at not getting a big committment. But this small step is a measurable thing that can be done. It's something to build on. I do think a month would have been nice, but I'm also thinking that if they agreed on a week, a week of no-kill is likely a big deal in that community.
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Remember Issues With (Certain) Dogs Flying On Planes, and, Delta Still Sucks
Short snouted dogs have trouble breathing (and panting, which cools them) during stressful situations, like flying in an airplane. See this old post I did on the subject.
But as the subject has been studied and more evidence shows that not only short nosed dogs don't fare well, but that any dog in the cargo hold of a plane could easily die from extremem temperatures and stress caused by any number of factors.
Recently, this poor dog died unnecessarily. I feel bad for the soldier whose dog it was.
I do not even fly Delta Airlines anymore, since they have lost three passengers' dogs in recent years. Here is a bit from the kitten article I linked above, about Delta's poor record:
And some of my old posts about Delta, here and here.
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But as the subject has been studied and more evidence shows that not only short nosed dogs don't fare well, but that any dog in the cargo hold of a plane could easily die from extremem temperatures and stress caused by any number of factors.
Recently, this poor dog died unnecessarily. I feel bad for the soldier whose dog it was.
The problem is so widespread it led to a study by the U.S. Department of Transport which analyzed the death of cats and dogs during flights from May 2005 to May 2010. Their results showed that flat-faced canines such as pugs, bulldogs, boxers, Boston terriers and cats such as Himalayans and Persians were extremely susceptible to the stress of flying in the cargo hold.
The study also found that English bulldogs, like Buster accounted for more deaths than any other breed.
Animals with snub-noses are at a higher risk because “their breathing is more restricted” than cats and dogs with a longer muzzles. This restricted breathing makes it harder for them to cool themselves by panting.
Since the study many airlines have banned these animals from flying unless they are seated in the climate controlled cabin of a plane, like human passengers.I would add that flying in cargo is no picnic and many animals have been frozen to death (like this one) as well as having died of excessive heat. It's better to leave your pet home, frankly, or use a pet friendly airline.
I do not even fly Delta Airlines anymore, since they have lost three passengers' dogs in recent years. Here is a bit from the kitten article I linked above, about Delta's poor record:
This is not the first time Delta Airlines has been in the news for the death of a pet they were transporting. Between November 2009 and October 2010 the airline reported 12 deaths, four injuries and one loss.Another article over at Dogster about Delta losing people's pets.
There were a total of 33 animal deaths reported during that time from all of the airlines combined – placing Delta with a far greater number than their competitors.
And some of my old posts about Delta, here and here.
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Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Escape From The Gas Chamber
Meet Daniel, one lucky little dog.
Nineteen states still use the gas chamber as a means of euthanizing. It's barbaric. Dogs gasp and choke, often burning their windpipes. They panic, vomit, and lose their bowels. There is nothing humane about it. In some areas, the gas chamber is old and needs to be used twice to do its job. Older dogs, without sufficient lung capacity to succumb to the poison gas, take longer to kill.
Florence Alabama rightly voted to ban the use of the gas chamber this past legislative session, but the ban will not take effect until December 31, 2011. Until then, many dogs will suffer the fate Daniel fortunately escaped.
I hope his case brings some awareness to the gas chamber's use.
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(photo credit: Associate Press)
Nineteen states still use the gas chamber as a means of euthanizing. It's barbaric. Dogs gasp and choke, often burning their windpipes. They panic, vomit, and lose their bowels. There is nothing humane about it. In some areas, the gas chamber is old and needs to be used twice to do its job. Older dogs, without sufficient lung capacity to succumb to the poison gas, take longer to kill.
Florence Alabama rightly voted to ban the use of the gas chamber this past legislative session, but the ban will not take effect until December 31, 2011. Until then, many dogs will suffer the fate Daniel fortunately escaped.
I hope his case brings some awareness to the gas chamber's use.
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