K9 Rescue Dog Dies During Training

A FEMA dog named Win died during training. Very sad. He did his job till the end.

via WVEWC.com:

VIRGINIA BEACH -- A rescue dog died during a training accident in Va. Beach.

Win, a seven-year-old Belgian Malinois/Shepherd, lived in Albemarle County and was part of FEMA Virginia Task Force 2.

Win's chest was punctured by a concrete reinforcing wire Friday while he was searching for someone in a pile of rubble. He located the "victim" and laid at her side to finish his search.

When his handler saw Win was hurt, he got the dog to the vet, but the dog couldn't be saved. The injury caused internal bleeding.

Win joined the FEMA team in October 2005 and had been sent to five disasters, including Haiti and Katrina.

Win had been buried at the family farm in Charlottesville.

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Save Todd Baran's Job!

Apparently this man has made a big impact in his community, by turning (de facto) his shelter into a no kill shelter for the past three years. The town where he works, Bolingbrook, IL, wants to eliminate his position as part of a cost saving measure. Now I know we need to keep budgets trim, but considering Mr. Baran has helped successfully adopt out all the dogs that might have been euthanized in his town, I think he's the type of worker a place would want to keep around.

Meet Todd Baran:

There is a petition being signed to help Mr. Baran keep his job. That can be found here:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/841074478

Another way to help is to write to:

Mayor Roger C. Claar

at bbmayor@aol.com 

or by sending "regular mail" to:

Mayor Roger C. Claar

The Town Center

375 W. Briarcliff Road

Bolingbrook, IL 60440

(630) 226-8412

Please be respectful; it does not help the cause to do otherwise, and this is democracy at work. The Mayor has a job to do, and just needs to know how much Mr. Baran's work is appreciated. 

Thanks.



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Dachshund Rescue of South Florida

I have come across a really wonderful rescue group out of South Florida. I know I've really been hitting hard at a certain BAD SHELTER, but I do want to note that not only are there good shelters (one to be highlighted soon) but there are wonderful, loving, and caring rescues - many of whom go way above and beyond. The one below is both cheerful and effective (a nice if not rare combo), and they work with one of my favorite breeds, thanks to a certain little dog (ahem, person!) named Renaldo the Red.

And - they merited this: (not a small thing!)

Meet Dachshund Rescue of South Florida:

Dachshund Rescue of South Florida is a foster based 501(c)(3) rescue who helps hotdogs regardless of age, health, or behavioral issues find new homes after being in a shelter, as a stray out on the streets, or owner surrendered.

We take our work very seriously and screen our potential forever families thoroughly to ensure that our dogs will never have to worry or want for anything ever again.

Our mission is to educate people who may be unfamiliar with rescue and the time, love, and compassion that goes into identifying a little one in a shelters through getting them settled into their new forever home and why choosing to rescue a dog can be one of the most rewarding things a family can choose to do.

If you are looking to add a dachshund to your family we would love to work with you. We have done our best to help explain the process and share some our favorite "happy tales" from our former dogs with their new forever families. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and we are looking forward to meeting you!

Here's their site:

http://www.dachshundrescuesouthflorida.com/



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Bringing Dogs Home From Afghanistan

Now this combines my two loves: dogs and soldiers!

There are numerous soldiers who've taken their new-found buddies home with them after deployment. Here's a young guy looking to take home FIVE!  He wants to rescue the puppies from a mother dog the soldiers had befriended, who lost her life when she tried to thwart a suicide bomber.

See if you can contribute a little something towards his efforts, and don't forget to pass this around.

http://puppyrescuemission.chipin.com/puppy-rescue-mission


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Police Chief Takes Over Management of Forrest City Animal Shelter in Arkansas

via KATV:

Click title for full article.

Here's an excerpt:

“As a result of the investigation into the latest incident at the animal shelter, Police Chief Dwight Duch has assumed control of the Forrest City Animal Control Division as of June 4, 2010,” Mayor Gordon McCoy said in a press release. “I am currently evaluating the department, as I have been for some time, and the facility. I believe that there is a solution to the situation, and I am going to work with the Forrest City Area Humane Society to get this situation resolved and ensure that it doesn’t happen again.”

We'll be watching. I have inquired about an attorney being hired and will be reporting back. I have been busy with a weekend long event, and cannot post the information yet that I have promised. In the meantime this has unfolded, and I think it's good news.

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Dog Wash to Benefit Putnam Humane Society (NY)... Sunday, June 6th

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Forrest City, Arkansas Animal Shelter Petition Site -- Tell them it stops NOW

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/forrest-city-animal-shelterjustice-for-bozo

Bozo was the young and gentle labrador that was dragged around and had over 100 deep puncture wounds all over his body.  Bozo succumbed to his wounds. You don't leave ten dogs in a pen unattended, and especially not with two females in heat.

Later tonight I will be posting elected official information so you can write them some sharpy worded letters.

Here is another good source for the full story:

http://www.examiner.com/x-40189-LA-Dog-Rescue-Examiner~y2010m6d2-Breaking-news-Dog-fight-at-animal-control-shelter-leads-to-dogs-death



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More on Forrest City, Arkansas Animal Shelter

Local news is beginning to pick up the story. There are other links to stories broadcast but this one lists a good chronology of events and offers video of the vet's office in the aftermath.

http://webmail.c.peoplepc.com/wam/MsgAttachment?msgid=24570&attachno=1&folder=INBOX&x=-102318843


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Forrest City, Arkansas Animal Shelter UPDATE -- NEW VIDEO!

See for yourself.

I will be posting company information for this area (so we can all start making some noise), and there are strategy discussions going on in the dog-rescue community. For now, please educate yourself about part of the problem: incompetence, indifference, and/or sheer stupidity.

Stuff that needs to be changed always begins with pain. We must meet it with the message that this is absolutely unacceptable and we will demonstrate that face using many means at our disposal: press, lawsuits, pressure on local elected officials, protests, and company boycotts if it comes to it.




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Indifference at the Forrest City, Arkansas Animal Shelter

I volunteer at a local animal shelter each weekend. There was and continues to be a good amount of training. Volunteers have eagle eyes for anything that puts dogs in jeopardy. Included in the many thing you must be vigilant about is not putting two dogs together (or more!) Sometimes, and only with official sanction, can two dogs be placed together. We sometimes do this with older dogs that are very mellow and they often will respond well to the company, putting on much needed weight (shelters are stressful and most dogs lose weight).

So it is with a fair amount of disgust that I post for you the following video. Rest assured, various animal groups have this shelter's number. Still, your awareness is golden, as they say, because it makes the club to beat them with that much larger.

Be forewarned, this is a graphic video. Bottom line, shelter workers were negligent and uncaring about the welfare of the dogs in their care ... in FORREST CITY, ARKANSAS.

I will be posting about them again, and urge you to call local government officials in FORREST CITY, ARKANSAS.

I will be compiling a list of companies that do business in this area and will be posting it.





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Veteran Dogs

This information was kindly compiled by Sasha, the Great Northern Malamute of Facebook, Doggie Historian, and purveyor of always-useful info.

During this important holiday weekend, please keep in mind the real reason for the time off: people who risked their lives for you and me to have the freedoms we do. God bless them, their families, and may God continue to bless America.

Here's a great selection of those dogs that served their country and their soldiers well, and who made their own contributions to our great nation.

RAGS

Rags was a Cairn Terrier mix who served as the mascot of the 1st Infantry Division during World War I. He “joined up” in 1917 in France and held his title until his death in 1931. Rags was recruited by Private James Donovan, who found himself AWOL after overstaying his leave in Montremere. Just as 2 military policemen approached him, he tripped over the small stray. Donovan thought quickly and said he was part of a search party, sent out to find the Division’s Mascot. Thus Donovan was out of hot water and Rags had a name and a job! Though he was a small dog, Rags relayed messages from the front lines. His greatest moment of heroism came during the Meuse-Argonne Campaign in 1918, when he ran a vital message through falling bombs. Although the terrier was gassed and partially blinded, he survived. Donovan however, was not so lucky. In 1920 Rags was adopted by the family of Major Raymond W. Hardenberg. He is buried at Aspen Hill Memorial Park & Animal Sanctuary in Maryland.

LEX

Lex is a German Shepherd that served in Iraq alongside Cpl. Dustin Lee. Lee was killed in a mortar attack outside Falluja with Lex by his side. The German Shepherd was so faithful to his handler that he had to be pulled away from him to allow medics to attend to Lee. The dog sustained some shrapnel wounds. Lex was present at Lee’s funeral and comforted his younger siblings. Normally military dogs must “serve” until they are 10, but the family of Cpl. Lee was told that Lex would be able to take early retirement and come to live with them given the circumstances. There was much bureaucratic paperwork, but eventually the Lee’s prevailed. At a ceremony a Marine read a statement, “This is to certify that military working dog Lex, having served faithfully and honorably, was discharged from the United States Marine Corps on this 21st day of December 2007″.

NEMO

Nemo the German Shepherd was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Unlike most of the dogs that served during that time, Nemo was allowed to come home. Nemo was trained to be a sentry dog at Lackland Airforce Base in Texas and was shipped to Vietnam in 1966. After his original handler returned to the US, Nemo was paired with Airman Second Class Robert Thorneburg. The two formed a close bond right away. On on December 3rd, 1966 after a night of fighting, Thorneburg and Nemo were out on patrol when Nemo sensed something. Before he could radio for backup, a Thorneburg was shot in the shoulder and Nemo was shot in the muzzle. The bullet entered under his right eye and exited through his mouth. Ignoring the wound, Nemo ran towards the 4 gunmen and allowed Thorneburg the time to call for reinforcements. Both man and dog were rushed in for emergency treatment. Nemo’s right eye had to be removed and he received skin grafts on his wounds. Eventually he was flown home to Lackland where he could receive the best Veterinary care. He lived out the rest of his life at the dog training facility on the Lackland Air Force Base. Nemo died on March 15, 1973.

Sgt. Stubby

Sargent Stubby was the Pit Bull hero of World War I. He enlisted in the most unlikely of circumstances, wandering onto Yale University Field (which was being used at the time for military training)as a stray. His stocky looks and good nature made him the perfect mascot. When the soldiers were deploying, they had a quandary. Most of them would be traveling via mass transit and they couldn’t sneak a dog on with them. That’s when they discovered that Corporal J. Conroy would be traveling in a supply car. At first he was resistant to the idea, but after meeting the endearing canine, he couldn’t refuse. Somehow the soldiers managed to smuggle Stubby over to Europe (he wasn’t a trained military dog), and there his heroic career began. He managed to alert soldiers to gas attacks in time for them to get their gas masks on, he captured a German spy and even saved a girl from an oncoming car! Stubby almost perished from poison gas as well as a grenade attack, but the scrappy Pit Bull pulled through. After 18 months in Europe Stubby returned home with Corporal Conroy. When he attended Georgetown University Law School, Stubby became the unofficial Hoya mascot. Stubby died in 1926. His body is kept by the Smithsonian museum.

Chips 

Chips was a German Shepherd/Collie/Husky mix that ended up being the most decorated K9 that served during World War II. Edward J. Wren owned Chips, but donated him to the army (private citizens were asked to donate their dogs to serve). In 1942 Chips began his training as a sentry dog. He traveled the world while serving with the 3rd Infantry Division – seeing North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France and Germany. In 1943, during the invasion of Sicily, Chips and his handler were trapped on the beach by machine gun fire. Chips broke free of his handlers grip and ran towards the fire, attacking the gunmen and eventually causing their surrender to American troops. For his heroism during the war he was given the Silver Star and Purple Heart, but those awards were later revoked (at that time dogs could not be given those awards). He was unofficially given a Theater Ribbon with an Arrowhead and 8 battle stars (for each of his campaigns). In 1945 he was returned to the Wren family.

SMOKY

Smoky is the smallest of the Famous Military dogs on my list! She was a 4 lb, 7 inch tall, Yorkshire Terrier who served in World War II. In 1944 Smoky was found in a foxhole in the jungles of New Guinea by an American soldier who brought her back to camp and sold her to Corporal William A. Wynne for $6.44. For the next 2 years Smoky lived a soldiers life. Because she was not an official military dog, she did not get dog food or medical care. She shared Wynne’s meals and slept beside him in his tent. The little dog even flew 12 air/sea rescue and photo reconnaissance missions, secured in the soldiers backpack. She survived 150 air raids and saved Wynne by warning him of incoming shells. Like many Yorkies, Smoky also loved to learn tricks and preform. She did so with the Special Services – entertaining soldiers in hospitals. After the war Smoky was flown back to the US hidden in a oxygen mask carrying case. For the next 10 years she made television and public appearances in Veterans hospitals until her death in 1957. Smoky is considered the first Therapy Dog.

SALLIE

Sallie was a brindle Staffordshire Bull Terrier (or Pit Bull Terrier – it is unclear) who served as the regimental mascot for the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. She was given to 1st Lt William R. Terry as when she was just 4 weeks of age. Sallie was raised with the men of the regiment and they were fond of her. She knew the specific drum roll announcing reveille. Sallie followed the men closely on marches and to the battlefield, always on the front lines. In a spring 1863 at a review of the Union army, Sallie marched along with “her” soldiers. Abraham Lincoln sat in the center of the reviewing stand and spotted the dog. He raised his famous hat in salute. At Gettysburg, Sallie became separated from the 11th in all of the chaos. Three days later they found Sallie guarding the bodies of the dead and wounded soldiers, herself unscathed. In 1865 at Hatcher’s Run Sallie was struck by a bullet to the head. She was killed instantly. She was buried on the battlefield while under heavy enemy fire. In 1890 the surviving veterans of the 11th Pennsylvania dedicated a monument on the Gettysburg battleground which contains a likeness of a sleeping Sallie.

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This Is An Actual Company In NYC

http://www.doggiecouch.com/index.htm

Hey, I'm all for it. Love their ad.

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Fed Report Says Dogs Are Dying In Puppy Mills

via The Christian Science Monitor; By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press / May 25, 2010 :

Protestors outside the American Kennels pet store on Lexington Avenue in New York City. The protesters decry "puppy mills," which they say are the source of dogs sold at the store. A government report says dogs are dying in 'puppy mills.'
Picture credit: -- J.B Nicholas/ Splash News/Newscom
____________________________________________________________________________

The review, conducted between 2006 and 2008, found that more than half of those who had already been cited for violations flouted the law again. It details grisly conditions at several facilities and includes photos of dogs with gaping wounds, covered in ticks and living among pools of feces.

...Investigators say the Department of Agriculture agency in charge of enforcing the Animal Welfare Act often ignores repeat violations, waives penalties and doesn't adequately document inhumane treatment of dogs. In one case cited by the department's inspector general, 27 dogs died at an Oklahoma breeding facility after inspectors had visited the facility several times and cited it for violations.

...Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Tuesday that the department takes the report seriously and will force immediate action to improve enforcement, penalties and inspector training.

Click title of post for full story.

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"Shelter dogs aren't broken..."

"Shelter dogs aren't broken, they've simply experienced more life than other dogs. If they were human, we would call them wise. They would be the ones with tales to tell and stories to write, the ones dealt a bad hand who responded with courage. Don't pity a shelter dog. Adopt one. And be proud to have their greatness by your side." -dogsrule.com


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You Want To Know About Animals in Shelters?

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John The Dog Has Mange...

UPDATE II:
John has been rescued!  He is being taken by a bulldog rescue on Long Island! I don't have more details yet but when I do I will share them. Thanks for all your support. All donations made to John's treatment will be donated to the rescue for the same purpose. They are assuming a great cost to take him in. I'm just glad he will have a loving home now, and not die a sad death in a shelter.

UPDATE:
John has been given a slight reprieve! We need to get this moeny raised so he can be adopted out, with a committment of the treatment costs since they are exorbitent. There may be a home for him in CT!

Click the NEW video link below!

Mange can be treated! (as a child we adopted an English sheepdog named Ollie, and don't you know he had the mange!)  But the treatment is expensive. There is a chip in and I've linked it below. Please do what you can to help. As with anything I post, I've contributed something to this effort, as well.

This is John:

JOHN IS SO SPECIAL ... HE BARELY HAS A HAIR LEFT ON HIS BODY, THE DEMODECTIC MANGE HAS TAKEN SUCH A TOLL ON THIS VERY SWEET DOG ... this is John, a three year old Bulldog, who looks sort of a prehistoric creature right now because of severe hair loss due to mange. He has probably suffered his entire three years on earth to get to this point, so now we want him not only not to suffer one minute longer, but to have a wonderful, safe life.

...We think he's part bulldog, part gremlin, he has that great, hunky chunky roly poly body and those feet? Right now they're a little sore from the mange, but they're like pladderpuss feet! Maybe he's part dinosaur! John is three years old and weighs a solid 50 lbs.

Please give WHATEVER you can, every dollar counts, to his chip in:

http://sixdog.chipin.com/mange-treatment-for-john

John is at Animal Care and Control in Brooklyn, New York.



NEW VIDEO:


John the dog from Paula Jean on Vimeo.

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Pet Food Drive in NYC

Most animal shelters are HAPPY to take donations of unopened pet food, beds, LINENS (of all kinds), BLANKETS, kennels, cages, gently-worn leashes and collars, nail clippers, brushes, toys, tennis balls...

...But, did you know you can give pet food to some pantries for people's pets?  In these hard economic times, this is really crucial. So many dogs and cats get owner surrendered to shelters due to those people feeling they cannot ake care of the family pet. (BTW -- these dogs and cats are often put down first since it is understood the family is not looking for them).  How much easier it might be to keep the family pet if their food costs were cut down just a bit?

The Animal Relief Fund (ARF) is helping collect pet food for pantries throughout New York City. Visit their donation site and see what you can do. They will distribute the pet food to pantries for you!
http://www.arf-ny.org/donate.html


Where do they donate the pet food?
See for yourself:
http://www.arf-ny.org/where.html


FAQ's: (who, what, where, when, how...)
http://www.arf-ny.org/faqs.html

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A Sea of Neon

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

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Gabe at Rolling Dog Ranch Gets Adopted!

This story will warm your heart!

As you know from a previous post, Rollong Dog Ranch is moving to New Hampshire. During all the preparations four of their beautiful animals have found forever-homes!  And these were all dogs that someone else had discarded and likely would have died from injuries or illness without the help of Steve and Alayne at the ranch. God bless these people.

Good luck Gabe and family!

Full story:
http://blog.rollingdogranch.org/rolling_dog_ranch_animal_/2010/05/oh-my-goodness-gabe-gets-adopted.html#comments

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NYC Pet Show - May 22 & 23

Another event in NYC this coming weekend:
http://nycpetshow.com/general.shtml

Schedule of events:
http://nycpetshow.com/schedule.html

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ADOPTAPALOOZA!

Saturday, May 22, 2010

11:00am - 4:00pm

Washington Square Park

New York City

ADOPTAPALOOZA!

http://www.animalalliancenyc.org/adoptapalooza/

Lots of good info, services provided, fun stuff to do, prizes (including a Dog Wash and gift bag for anyone who adopts), "petographs," training tips, costume contests, book signings, etc!

I highly recommend this event! Dogs and cats will be present from Picasso Veterinary Fund, North Shore Animal League, and Sean Casey Animal Rescue, and NYC's Animal Care and Control.

And -- you will get to meet Maddie, the mascot from Maddie's Fund!

This is a great event organized by the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals!

PRESS RELEASE (more great info!)
http://www.animalalliancenyc.org/adoptapalooza/pr2010-05-18.htm

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News Round Up

Poll: More people nationwide seek animal adoptions through shelters
http://webmail.c.peoplepc.com/wam/MsgAttachment?msgid=24177&attachno=1&folder=INBOX&x=1495014026

BBB Study: Lack Of Effective Law Enforcement Allows Missouri Puppy Industry To Thrive
http://webmail.c.peoplepc.com/wam/MsgAttachment?msgid=24176&attachno=1&folder=INBOX&x=-1536830806

Healing Heroes and Helping Hounds
http://webmail.c.peoplepc.com/wam/MsgAttachment?msgid=24164&attachno=1&folder=INBOX&x=-1684725689

Shelter or store? Most Americans say no question
http://webmail.c.peoplepc.com/wam/MsgAttachment?msgid=23915&attachno=1&folder=INBOX&x=396073886

Pit Bull Found With Ears Cut Off
http://webmail.c.peoplepc.com/wam/MsgAttachment?msgid=23859&attachno=1&folder=INBOX&x=1779033205

Shelter Tails: Money raised to bring dogs home from Iraq
http://webmail.c.peoplepc.com/wam/MsgAttachment?msgid=23857&attachno=1&folder=INBOX&x=697712154

Las Vegas volunteers pound the pavement to educate people about pet store puppies
http://network.bestfriends.org/golocal/lasvegas/15320/news.aspx

Adopt Your Next Pet
http://network.bestfriends.org/campaigns/foreverhome/adoptions.aspx

Volunteer!
http://network.bestfriends.org/volunteer/

Buying a puppy from a pet store or "private" breeder - is it a gamble worth taking?
http://www.examiner.com/x-2111-Tacoma-Dogs-Examiner~y2010m5d19-Buying-a-puppy-from-a-pet-store-or-private-breeder--is-it-a-gamble-worth-taking

Taye Diggs reads to "real dogs" in New York City
http://www.examiner.com/x-23879-NY-Dog-Social-Scene-Examiner~y2010m5d19-Taye-Diggs-reads-to-real-dogs-in-New-York-City

'Riot Dog' of Greece is canine protester, never misses a rebellion (Photos, Video)
http://www.examiner.com/x-1028-Pet-News-Examiner~y2010m5d8-Riot-Dog-of-Greece-is-canine-protestor-never-misses-a-rebellion-Photos-Video

DNA Could Solve Doggie-Doo Caper
http://webmail.c.peoplepc.com/wam/MsgAttachment?msgid=24138&attachno=1&folder=INBOX&x=-1205188829

Dogster Answers
http://www.dogster.com/answers/

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Before, After

Ever wonder about dogs in shelters? Is it too painful to go and look around? I found it very hard. Before I volunteered at Yonkers Animal Shelter, I used to drop off linens that people would give me (dogs often sleep on concrete or very hard plastic beds that wear well under constant washing) but I'd wait till I had a bunch so I wouldn't have to go and see their eyes. I knew I'd remember them and feel bad about not being able to help.

Each time I've adopted a dog from a shelter, I've remembered others there that I did not adopt. It's difficult, when you're a dog lover, to get their faces out of your head.

Here is a good before and after shot, so you can see the affects of taking that step, going to the shelter anyway - even through the difficulty of it - because you can literally save a life.

This is Ari, before being rescued, and after.

Ari is a pregnant pit-mix that was at a shelter in Georgia (a gassing facility, as it happens, which is another horror story). She was one of those pitiful faces that I happened to see on Face book, and cross posted for other dog-rescue people there, with the hope of seeing her get adopted, fostered, sponsored (an offer to pay her vet bills if someone else would take her), or even transported to another city, where someone else would take her.  There are huge networks of people working on behalf of dogs stuck in shelters. Some get rescued, many do not. But Ari did! And her and her pups will have a shot at life.

The below link is a "chip-in" for Ari and her upcoming puppy needs. I believe she is being fostered, and you can be sure her pups will not land in a shelter. Still, they will all need to be vetted and that costs money. If you are so inclined, and if rescuing or visiting shelters or volunteering at one is not something you can do yourself, but you can contribute financially (even five dollars!), here is a way you can help.



Click the above picture to be brought to the updates by the group who rescued Ari, see how many gifts have come in, and feel free to pass this around. This is one of those causes where, if everyone does a little, we've gotten a lot done. A chip-in is a short term need being met by numerous people. Once the goal is reached, the chip-in closes. Both of the others I've listed here have closed (goal was met or new strategy made and that goal was met).  I normally contribute to most of what I publish here, but last week gave to four unexpected causes (very similar in nature - three dog-related things, and one soldier-related thing), so I am going to sit this one out. I hope you will consider giving a little something if you are able.

UPDATE: I caved and donated.
But I don't see the update yet.  I hope gifts start showing up!

Thanks.

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Gaston County North Carolina Proposes Eliminating Dog Adoption, Relying on Euthanization Only

Every so often, an animal control person reverts back to the old days. Can you please send these guys some messages, to let them know we are watching?

I find North Carolina is one of the worst states in animal adoption. No doubt they are inundated with puppies; I see it in all the adoption "urgent" postings. But I think they rely way too much on euthanization and not enough on adoption, nor on controlling puppymills, which breed far more dogs than are needed (and do so in appauling conditions).

I got this from Facebook:

Mr. Horton at animal control has proposed for his budget cut to do away with the adoption program and rely on euth. Please spread the word and write our County Commissioners. He wants to buy a new animal control truck. This is going to set Gaston County back years if this passes. I was told that they well surpassed their adoption percentage this year.


GASTON COUNTY CONTACTS

Reggie Horton rhorton@gcps.org

County Manager Jan Winters Jan.Winters@co.gaston.nc.us

Chief of Police William Farley wfarley@gcps.org

County commissioners: John Torbett jtorbett@co.gaston.nc.us

Joe Carpenter KINGSPINNACLE@aol.com

Allen Fraley, Vice Chair afraley@carolina.rr.com

Tom Keigher tckcom@aol.com

Donnie Loftis donnieloftis@bellsouth.net

Mickey Price, Chairman mprice@co.gaston.nc.us

Tracy Philbeck tracy@tracyphilbeck.com

County Attorney Charles Moore - cmoore@co.gaston.nc.us

Assistant County Attorney Sam Shames shames@co.gaston.nc.us

Gaston County Tourism! 1-800-849-9994

From county document:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Function: Public Safety Department: Animal Control

Tentative FY 11 Budget: $1,616,366 County Dollars: 55.3% FY 10 Highlights:

• Operating increase for maintenance and equipment for facility in order to comply with State guidelines

• Financing of 1 Animal Control Truck

Benchmarks:

• Calls per Officer in FY 09 were at 2,448, up 20.5% from 2,032 in FY 06

• The number of animal control calls is projected for FY 10 to be 27,737, an increase from 25,822 in FY 08 (7.42%)

Animal Control’s reduction of 1% under the FY 10 Adopted Budget equates to a reduction of $6,400. For this reduction to be absorbed, Animal Control proposes:

• Eliminating the Adoption Program - $2,714

• Relying more on Carbon Monoxide - $3,925

• Deeper Reductions proposed by Animal Control are related to the privatization of kennel operations. Much groundwork is necessary to fully explore the possibility, due to time constraints only the 1% below FY 10 reductions are brought to the BOC.

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News Round Up...

Fur flies in Birmingham to get Gulf oil slick licked
http://blog.al.com/businessnews/2010/05/fur_flies_to_get_gulf_oil_slic.html




Three-legged dog given lease of life by pioneering surgery
http://www.hucknalldispatch.co.uk/news/Threelegged-dog-given-lease-of.6295870.jp




ASTONISHED medics have revealed a remarkable treatment for Parkinson's disease
 - a PET DOG.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/woman/health/health/2970830/How-a-dog-helps-treat-Parkinsons.html


ASPCA plugging proposed law to protect farm animals from cruelty:

Dear Animal Advocates,
U.S. Representatives Diane Watson and Elton Gallegly have introduced the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act (H.R. 4733), an ASPCA-supported bill that would require the federal government to purchase animal products only from entities that do not keep animals cruelly confined in gestation crates, veal crates or battery cages.

Factory farms in this country commonly house animals in cruel confinement systems. Veal calves are chained in small crates without enough room to turn around; sows are confined in gestation crates only a few inches wider and longer than the sows themselves; and egg-laying hens are jammed into tiny “battery” cages with less space, per bird, than the size of a regular 8.5″×11″ sheet of paper.

Whether or not it intends to, the federal government supports these cruel practices by spending over $1 billion per year on meat and eggs from animals who are raised in overcrowded cages and cramped crates. (This food is distributed to our military, federal prisons, school lunch programs, and many other government programs and services.)

Since almost all major packers and distributors do business with the federal government, passage of the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act would have a significant impact. It would dramatically improve living conditions for countless farm animals across America, and would put an end to the federal government’s economic support of this form of cruelty.

What You Can Do

Your U.S. representative needs to hear that this bill is important to you as a voter. Please visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center (https://secure2.convio.net/aspca/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2705&JServSessionIdr004=229js3cib4.app224b ) to email your representative and urge him or her to support the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act.

Thank you for taking action for animals!

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xoxo

Chip in for Max

UPDATE:
Max has a foster closer to him and the money people gave will either be donated to the shelter where Max came from (they emailed me to check what I wanted to do and I said put it there), or will be returned or repurposed as decided by donor.)

Well, Jack's chip in worked well!  In just a short time he had what he needed and is on his way. Jack and the following dog are from the south, where there are fewer spay/neuter programs and high-kill shelters.

Please consider another special case: (I gave to three of these today, even thought the contributions were modest, they are encouraging and they add up!)

Here is the link with the updates on Max:
http://helpmaxgetvettedandhome.chipin.com/pls-help-max-robeson-survivor-wsome-vetting-and-get-to-his-adoptive-home-in-ny

Here is the last note from Ann, Max's angel:

Okay, Judy Klipp is in NY and has kindly offered to foster Max if we can't find a closer foster or better yet, and adoptive home! Max is at the South Robeson Vet for the next week or so to be vetted and then we need to figure out how to get him to Judy in NY...this is do-able but will take some funds. We also can't leave Nicole stuck for Max's vetting & boarding costs at the vet, so some more money is needed for that as well. Some of you have already called the vet (as I did) and helped her with this but if you haven't already and can help with this still, PLEASE DO!
Max was saved from a painful and sure death at Robeson and I appreciate everything Nicole has done for and is doing for Max...we can't bail on her now! DO THIS FOR MAX please! Even if everyone can only give a few bucks...we understand...we're broke too! The things we do for these animals, I tell ya! (...but sure makes your heart feel good when you see these results!!!)

Feel free to email me anytime if needed (abtrvlr@aol.com) or just jump on here & CHIP-IN!

Thanks in advance...WE LOVE YA MAX! Ann

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Chip in for Jack

UPDATE:  JACK HAS TRANSPORT TO HIS RESCUE!!!


I find a lot of dog related content on face book and recently I came across what I think is a fine idea.
A chip in. As in, if you want a way to help but don't have the time to make a longer term commitment, or happen to appreciate direct action, one way is to help with a short term need for money called a chip in. It's not an organizational thing; it's to an individual who is transporting a dog, or to a vet that is boarding a dog or giving it care after it's been rescued from some bad situation.

If you go to the link provided, you will see the classic fundraising thermometer, the progress made, the people who have given, the details of how the money is slated to be used. Instead of giving it to a group, which is not bad, certainly, this is meeting a short term need.  Once the need disappears, it's done. An organization has to pivot and adjust to the next thing, and they do, but a part of me that has a masters degree in needs-assessing non-profits likes the rapid response aspect of this and the short term action needed and met.

The question becomes, but do I know these people and how do I know they will do the right thing with the money? The answer is that you don't know them, but someone whose information you trust does, and they are presenting this for your consideration.

Take a look at an effort for a dog named Jack. Jack is the ubiquitous black pitbull mix. He was rescued from a shelter in North Carolina - a high-kill facility. He needed vet care, received it, and now he is being boarded at the vet. That costs money, and the sooner he can get to his committed foster situation, the better.  The foster will socialize Jack with the other pets there, train him if he needs it, and help make him a more suitable choice for adoptable pet when the right person comes along. This has become the way a lot of perfectly wonderful dogs are handled. The alternative is they'd be put down for lack of space.

If you are so inclined to see Jack receive some help, perhaps you will consider a contribution. Here is the info.

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***Please share and cross post!! WE NEED TRANSPORT FOR JACK!! Saved from sure death at Robeson and vetted, NOW needs a ride to his foster home!! Been trying all week to no avail!! Someone please help get him to his new home!! I have created this note in the hopes we can get transport put together for him!!

We also need help with his expenses. Here is the chip in: http://gatchaman.chipin.com/mypages/view/id/2d7b34d2799486f9
Jack is currently in boarding at South Robeson Vet Clinic. His boarding was up on Friday but a kind individual paid for another few days of boarding for him. Desperately need help getting him transported. Transport info is as follows:

Jack will need to be picked up from South Robeson Vet Clinic, 9464 Nc Highway 41 S, Fairmont, NC 28340-5914, phone: (910) 628-7178

He needs to be transported to North Sunset St , Atkinson, NC 28421 ...

I will give the house number in a private email to whoever is able to help with the last part of transport.

I have made this note available to everyone so that anyone can post. I need to get this worked out asap as he has already been in boarding for a week. Please share and cross post this note so we can get Jack to his new home. Thanks.

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xoxo (Good luck to Jack)

Dogpile

http://www.dogpile.com/

Seems good.

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Free Distemper Shots in Atlantic County New Jersey - May 15

PLEASE PASS THIS AROUND

On May 15 the Absegami Community together with the Atlantic

County SPCA and New Jersey Aid for Animals is sponsoring a

FREE distemper shot clinic for dogs.

The clinic will be held at

the Bayview Fire House on 6th Avenue in Galloway

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

*There are only 100 shots available – so get there early*!!

**Free food, collars & leashes**

Please bring your dog on leash and cats must be in carriers

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Westchester County Adoption Event - May 22 and 23

The SPCA of Westchester County (NY) is having a BIG adoption day featuring 200 dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens from high-kill shelters.  Go to this link to see advance application info, and to get full details.

http://www.spca914.org/

May 22 and 23

10:00am - 3:00pm

Westchester SPCA

590 North State Road

Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510

914.941-2896

I hvae to say, I am MOST impressed by all the sponsors of this no kill shelter!  Great job!!

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