animal rescuers - resources - support

[Tommi]

Seeking support, answers, info...

My friend just received path report on 13 yr. old Dusty Best Boy cat. Diagnosis is oral squamous cell cancer of the lower left mandible, with incidental staph infection. Vet has recommended surgical removal ASAP. Swollen area just seemed to pop up over night. Vet says the surgeries are very successful as tumor appears to be localized and metastatic potential is low, and wants to refer to Veterinary Sugeon specialist.. I researched radiation therpay which is a 4 to 6 week process, and surgery may still be needed. As you can imagine, the cost will be great, but , this is her baby.

My girl tells me she knows of animal surgical cases that were successful. I know it is sucessful in people's... and Vet did not suggest putting him to sleep as he is an otherwise healthy guy, except for this lumpy bumpy mess..

Thoughts, suggestions, comments....

[Kimbo]

Tommi, if my memory is correct, I think Linus had a cat with a very similiar diagnosis. I don't know if he pops in here or not..ya may want to drop him a PM.

[FeminineAllure]

Seeking support, answers, info...

My friend just received path report on 13 yr. old Dusty Best Boy cat. Diagnosis is oral squamous cell cancer of the lower left mandible, with incidental staph infection. Vet has recommended surgical removal ASAP. Swollen area just seemed to pop up over night. Vet says the surgeries are very successful as tumor appears to be localized and metastatic potential is low, and wants to refer to Veterinary Sugeon specialist.. I researched radiation therpay which is a 4 to 6 week process, and surgery may still be needed. As you can imagine, the cost will be great, but , this is her baby.

My girl tells me she knows of animal surgical cases that were successful. I know it is sucessful in people's... and Vet did not suggest putting him to sleep as he is an otherwise healthy guy, except for this lumpy bumpy mess..

Thoughts, suggestions, comments....

Hi Tommi.

You and your friend certainly have my support. From what I am understanding from your post the vet seems positive about the outcome.
I would keep my cat alive as long as he was still eating and drinking and would not suffer much... and I could afford the care.
My friend has lost two of her cats in the past two years. One very recently. It seems to me the animals as well as their caregivers seem to know when it is time for them to let go.
The cat is 13 so he has lived a long happy life should he have to be put to sleep.
I have seen with sick people as well as with animals, sometimes they need to be encouraged to leave this world knowing that is okay if need be.
Keep us up to date please.
Thanks.

[AtLast]

A good friend of mine (Harry) has a 13 year old boxer (George) and he is going through what we all do when we need to make that quality of life versus our not wanting to let go decision. I love this dog, too and have known him for several years. He was my boxer’s best pal and Harry used to bring George over to visit my Valentino when he was too sick last year to go to the dog park anymore. They would just hang out quietly together on my front lawn like two old men playing chess and reminiscing. It was so kind of Harry to do this.

George has severe arthritis and is having stroke events as well as is incontinent. He is still eating, but really can’t stand for long. Harry was talking to me yesterday about calling his vet and asking him if it was time.He is struggling internally so much it just breaks my heart.

Harry has taken incredible care of George since his wife died 8 years ago. George was actually her dog. I know the loss of George is very much connected to the loss of his wife. This guy has made George a hand made cape and a bed in which George can slip into it and the covers gently cover him by just getting in the bed! Harry was an inventor (he is about 75 years old). He also made George special goggles to protect his eyes from getting poked as he aged and couldn’t see well. Harry adores this dog.

I can see that Harry is exhausted as taking care of George has been a 24/7 job for the last 5-6 weeks since he has had the stroke events and gets confused. Harry has to get up and bring George out several times at night.

I realized yesterday that the real problem is that George needs to tell Harry in some way that it is OK for him to let go. But even with all of what is going on with him, he still picked up a tennis ball in his mouth and gave it a very slight nudge toward me yesterday. I guess he just isn’t ready to give Harry the OK, yet. Still has a couple of tosses in him. But, I could tell harry was trying to make the decision and just agonizing.

I feel awful concerning both of them. I’m worried about Harry and his getting rest and taking care of himself but as long as George does anything as himself (or, old self), I don’t think Harry can let go of him.

I know Harry wants George to just die at home, peacefully. I remember wanting that for Valentino too. I guess I should just let them work it out. This is so damn hard! Both of them matter to me.

[Tommi]

Hi Tommi.

You and your friend certainly have my support. From what I am understanding from your post the vet seems positive about the outcome.
I would keep my cat alive as long as he was still eating and drinking and would not suffer much... and I could afford the care.
My friend has lost two of her cats in the past two years. One very recently. It seems to me the animals as well as their caregivers seem to know when it is time for them to let go.
The cat is 13 so he has lived a long happy life should he have to be put to sleep.
I have seen with sick people as well as with animals, sometimes they need to be encouraged to leave this world knowing that is okay if need be.
Keep us up to date please.
Thanks.

Thank you so much. It is hard, as she just had his brother put to sleep over the Holiday's. She knew and Choo Choo knew it was time. Dusty still has that bright sparkly look in his eyes, and wants to play and let me rub his ears while he almost stands on his head. So, tomorrow AM I;m taking the path report to the consult Vet Surgeon, for that 2nd opinion..she is out of town on duty for two months..so, I am his next of kin, the ex-officio kitty sitter and rock ...ugh. She is flying home over the weekend to see Dusty and see what the Vet has to say and --- well, to make some decisions..

[Tommi]

A good friend of mine (Harry) has a 13 year old boxer (George) and he is going through what we all do when we need to make that quality of life versus our not wanting to let go decision. I love this dog, too and have known him for several years. He was my boxer’s best pal and Harry used to bring George over to visit my Valentino when he was too sick last year to go to the dog park anymore. They would just hang out quietly together on my front lawn like two old men playing chess and reminiscing. It was so kind of Harry to do this.

George has severe arthritis and is having stroke events as well as is incontinent. He is still eating, but really can’t stand for long. Harry was talking to me yesterday about calling his vet and asking him if it was time.He is struggling internally so much it just breaks my heart.

Harry has taken incredible care of George since his wife died 8 years ago. George was actually her dog. I know the loss of George is very much connected to the loss of his wife. This guy has made George a hand made cape and a bed in which George can slip into it and the covers gently cover him by just getting in the bed! Harry was an inventor (he is about 75 years old). He also made George special goggles to protect his eyes from getting poked as he aged and couldn’t see well. Harry adores this dog.

I can see that Harry is exhausted as taking care of George has been a 24/7 job for the last 5-6 weeks since he has had the stroke events and gets confused. Harry has to get up and bring George out several times at night.

I realized yesterday that the real problem is that George needs to tell Harry in some way that it is OK for him to let go. But even with all of what is going on with him, he still picked up a tennis ball in his mouth and gave it a very slight nudge toward me yesterday. I guess he just isn’t ready to give Harry the OK, yet. Still has a couple of tosses in him. But, I could tell harry was trying to make the decision and just agonizing.

I feel awful concerning both of them. I’m worried about Harry and his getting rest and taking care of himself but as long as George does anything as himself (or, old self), I don’t think Harry can let go of him.

I know Harry wants George to just die at home, peacefully. I remember wanting that for Valentino too. I guess I should just let them work it out. This is so damn hard! Both of them matter to me.
Yep...sniff....

[Andrew, Jr.]

I think we are kinder to animals than we are to human beings.

Andrew

[FeminineAllure]

Hi, all you animal lovers!
This is pretty simple... Please ask ten friends to each ask a further ten today!
The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on it daily so they can meet their quota of getting FREE FOOD donated every day to abused and neglected animals. It takes less than a minute (about 15 seconds) to go to their site and click on the purple box 'fund food for animals for free'. This doesn't cost you a thing..
Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising.
Here's the web site! Please pass it along to people you know.
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/

Thanks!

[FeminineAllure]

My first poem I have ever written was when I was six.

When animals come close to me I start to wonder why?
People can not be more like them and come closer to eachother.

Your post made me want to share this Andrew.:cheer:

[Diavolo]

A good friend of mine (Harry) has a 13 year old boxer (George) and he is going through what we all do when we need to make that quality of life versus our not wanting to let go decision. I love this dog, too and have known him for several years. He was my boxer’s best pal and Harry used to bring George over to visit my Valentino when he was too sick last year to go to the dog park anymore. They would just hang out quietly together on my front lawn like two old men playing chess and reminiscing. It was so kind of Harry to do this.

George has severe arthritis and is having stroke events as well as is incontinent. He is still eating, but really can’t stand for long. Harry was talking to me yesterday about calling his vet and asking him if it was time.He is struggling internally so much it just breaks my heart.

Harry has taken incredible care of George since his wife died 8 years ago. George was actually her dog. I know the loss of George is very much connected to the loss of his wife. This guy has made George a hand made cape and a bed in which George can slip into it and the covers gently cover him by just getting in the bed! Harry was an inventor (he is about 75 years old). He also made George special goggles to protect his eyes from getting poked as he aged and couldn’t see well. Harry adores this dog.

I can see that Harry is exhausted as taking care of George has been a 24/7 job for the last 5-6 weeks since he has had the stroke events and gets confused. Harry has to get up and bring George out several times at night.

I realized yesterday that the real problem is that George needs to tell Harry in some way that it is OK for him to let go. But even with all of what is going on with him, he still picked up a tennis ball in his mouth and gave it a very slight nudge toward me yesterday. I guess he just isn’t ready to give Harry the OK, yet. Still has a couple of tosses in him. But, I could tell harry was trying to make the decision and just agonizing.

I feel awful concerning both of them. I’m worried about Harry and his getting rest and taking care of himself but as long as George does anything as himself (or, old self), I don’t think Harry can let go of him.

I know Harry wants George to just die at home, peacefully. I remember wanting that for Valentino too. I guess I should just let them work it out. This is so damn hard! Both of them matter to me.

Harry needs to tell George that it's ok for him to go. And George will go. When Beauregard had cancer I knew he was in pretty bad shape when it was diagnosed. I had to work Monday and Tuesday but had the rest of the week off. I told him to wait for me Monday and Tuesday. When I got home Tuesday I told him it was ok to go when he needed to, I was going to stay with him. He woke me up at 3am in deep distress. He was drowning in the fluid the tumors in his lungs. We went to emergency and I had to put him down that night. It was either hospitalize him until he died or let him go. There was no recovery. The decision was easy or as easy as it could have been under the circumstances. My Xica knew I couldn't do it. She knew that Beau would take care of me so she took herself out of the game. I had a conversation on the phone with my Aunt earlier that day telling her every day was a blessing with that dog, she was a 15yo pit mix. She was gone when I got home that night. George needs to know that Harry will be ok with out him or he's just going to hang around fighting until he can't any more. And Harry might not be ok without George. And that might be why it's going the way it's going.

[DapperButch]

A good friend of mine (Harry) has a 13 year old boxer (George) and he is going through what we all do when we need to make that quality of life versus our not wanting to let go decision. I love this dog, too and have known him for several years. He was my boxer’s best pal and Harry used to bring George over to visit my Valentino when he was too sick last year to go to the dog park anymore. They would just hang out quietly together on my front lawn like two old men playing chess and reminiscing. It was so kind of Harry to do this.

George has severe arthritis and is having stroke events as well as is incontinent. He is still eating, but really can’t stand for long. Harry was talking to me yesterday about calling his vet and asking him if it was time.He is struggling internally so much it just breaks my heart.

Harry has taken incredible care of George since his wife died 8 years ago. George was actually her dog. I know the loss of George is very much connected to the loss of his wife. This guy has made George a hand made cape and a bed in which George can slip into it and the covers gently cover him by just getting in the bed! Harry was an inventor (he is about 75 years old). He also made George special goggles to protect his eyes from getting poked as he aged and couldn’t see well. Harry adores this dog.

I can see that Harry is exhausted as taking care of George has been a 24/7 job for the last 5-6 weeks since he has had the stroke events and gets confused. Harry has to get up and bring George out several times at night.

I realized yesterday that the real problem is that George needs to tell Harry in some way that it is OK for him to let go. But even with all of what is going on with him, he still picked up a tennis ball in his mouth and gave it a very slight nudge toward me yesterday. I guess he just isn’t ready to give Harry the OK, yet. Still has a couple of tosses in him. But, I could tell harry was trying to make the decision and just agonizing.

I feel awful concerning both of them. I’m worried about Harry and his getting rest and taking care of himself but as long as George does anything as himself (or, old self), I don’t think Harry can let go of him.

I know Harry wants George to just die at home, peacefully. I remember wanting that for Valentino too. I guess I should just let them work it out. This is so damn hard! Both of them matter to me.

Wow, AtLast, this is so sad.

Harry may need to let George know that it is ok for him to go. I think that dogs, just like humans, hang on because they believe that their loved ones want them to.

I am not trying to be negative about your friend as I know he is suffering, but maybe the kindest thing he can do for George is to tell him that he can let go/take him to the vet and "let go"...(especially if George is suffering in any way).


Your mileage may vary,
Dapper.

[Tommi]

Wow, AtLast, this is so sad.

Harry may need to let George know that it is ok for him to go. I think that dogs, just like humans, hang on because they believe that their loved ones want them to.

I am not trying to be negative about your friend as I know he is suffering, but maybe the kindest thing he can do for George is to tell him that he can let go/take him to the vet and "let go"...(especially if George is suffering in any way).


Your mileage may vary,
Dapper.

Thanks for this thread.

Dusty, who has jaw cancer will let Deb-the-Ex, know when it is time. We talked to the Doc. about surgery, recurrence in a year, removal of 1/2 his jaw, stomach tube, etc and are not putting him through that.

Dusty has about another healthy month, the Vet estimated. So, he will let us know, and we are listening and watching, and won't let him suffer.

[Kimbo]

Thanks for this thread.

Dusty, who has jaw cancer will let Deb-the-Ex, know when it is time. We talked to the Doc. about surgery, recurrence in a year, removal of 1/2 his jaw, stomach tube, etc and are not putting him through that.

Dusty has about another healthy month, the Vet estimated. So, he will let us know, and we are listening and watching, and won't let him suffer.

I'm sorry to hear this. I had thought that this type of cancer was not a good one. I hope for the best with Dusty, Deb and you.

A few years back I had a cat named Giz who was competely healthy until one day when he was 6 y/o he started to vomit. A vet visit put him in intensive care for a few days with complete kidney failure. His ultra sound showed scarred kidneys that they thought would recover but after sub-q's and meds for 3 months nothing was working. One day I came home and it was obvious that something had changed and I could tell that he had enough. I had lit a fire that night and he tried to walk into it. I called the vet and sat with Giz and said my good byes. The vet came to my house and we let him go as I held him in front of the warm fire. It was very calm and peaceful. I laid Giz down so the other animals could say their good byes and then the vet took him with her to be cremated.

I believe Giz gave me the opportunity to help him go in a peacefull way--it was much easier on me and I believe it was much easier on him as well.

[FeminineAllure]

Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends the animals,
especially for animals who are suffering;
for animals that are overworked, underfed and cruelly treated;
for all wistful creatures in captivity that beat their wings against bars;
for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry;
for all that must be put death.
We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity,
and for those who deal with them we ask a heart of compassion
and gentle hands and kindly words.
Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals,
and so to share the blessings of the merciful.

[Andrew, Jr.]

There was a well-known Priest in Baltimore who was an animal lover. As a child, he really didn't have any pets.

After going thru the schooling of being a Priest, he would take walks from the Church to the office building which was thru a parkinglot and next to a very heavily wooded area. Well, he never knew of feral cats...but they knew him and taught him about life.

The cats made such an impact on him, that this Priest bought an igloo shelter for them, and would put blankets in it for warmth. He also would feed them. Slowly, he befriended each one. He had a total of 21 cats. However, the first 4 cats he befriended were the ones who really changed him. He wrote several small books (easy to read) about his cats. They taught him about life. What is was to be abandon, or killed by a car, or to have a terminal illness where the best thing to do was to be put down. It moved him beyond imagination.

When this Priest aged, and got sick himself, he left his beloved cats (only 4 are left today) to a woman who helped him care for the cats (as he got older). Now, the cats are living inside, but have a cat door to let them go inside or outside as they please. Mostly they are inside, and sleeping. The 4 are enjoying life as it was meant to be. They know what it is to be loved. They remember the rejection they once faced.

Feminine Allure,

That poem was just beautiful. I love it! Thank you for sharing that. I am going to write that down to remember.

[Semantics]

A RESCUER'S ANSWERING MACHINE:

Hello: You have reached ___-____, Rescue. Due to the
high volume of calls we have been receiving, please listen closely to
the following options and choose the one that best describes you or
your situation:

Press 1 if you have a 10-year-old dog and your 15-year-old son has
suddenly become allergic and you need to find the dog a new home
right away.

Press 2 if you are moving today and need to immediately place your
150 pound, 8-year-old dog.

Press 3 if you have three dogs, had a baby and want to get rid of
your dogs because you are the only person in the world to have a
baby and dogs at the same time.

Press 4 if you just got a brand new puppy and your old dog is having
problems adjusting so you want to get rid of the old one right away.

Press 5 if your little puppy has grown up and is no longer small and
cute and you want to trade it in for a new model.

Press 6 if you want an unpaid volunteer to come to your home TODAY
and pick up the dog you no longer want.

Press 7 if you have been feeding and caring for a "stray" for the
last three years, are moving and suddenly determine it's not your
dog.

Press 8 if your dog is sick and needs a vet but you need the money
for your vacation.

Press 9 if you are elderly and want to adopt a cute puppy who is not
active and is going to outlive you.

Press 10 if your relative has died and you don't want to care for
their elderly dog because it doesn't fit your lifestyle.

Press 11 if you are calling at 6 a.m. to make sure you wake me up
before I have to go to work so you can drop a dog off on your way
to work.
Press 12 to leave us an anonymous garbled message, letting us know
you have left a dog in our yard in the middle of January, which is
in fact, better than just leaving the dog with no message.

Press 13 if you are going to get angry because we are not going to
take your dog that you have had for fifteen years, because it is
not our responsibility.

Press 14 if you are going to threaten to take your ten year old dog
to be euthanized because I won't take it.

Press 15 if you're going to get angry because the volunteers had the
audacity to go on vacation and leave the dogs in care of a trusted
volunteer who is not authorized to take your personal pet.

Press 16 if you want one of our PERFECTLY trained, housebroken, kid
and cat friendly purebred dogs that we have an abundance of.

Press 17 if you want us to take your dog that has a slight
aggression problem, i.e.. has only bitten a few people and killed your
neighbor's cats.

Press 18 if you have already called once and been told we don't take
personal surrenders but thought you would get a different person this
time with a different answer.

Press 19 if you want us to use space that would go to a stray to
board your personal dog while you are on vacation, free of charge,
of course.

Press 20 if it is Christmas Eve or Easter morning and you want me to
deliver an eight week old puppy to your house by 6:30 am before
your kids wake up.

Press 21 if you have bought your children a duckling, chick or baby
bunny for Easter and it is now Christmas and no longer cute.

Press 22 if you want us to take your female dog who has already had
ten litters, but we can't spay her because she is pregnant again and
it is against your religion.

Press 23 if you're trying to make one of our younger volunteers feel
bad and take your personal pet off your hands.

Press 24 if your cat is biting and not using the litter box because it is declawed, but you are not willing to accept the responsibility
that the cat's behavior is altered because of your nice furniture.

Press 25 if your two year old male dog is marking all over your house
but you just haven't gotten around to having him neutered.

Press 26 if you previously had an outdoor only dog and are calling
because she is suddenly pregnant.

Press 27 if you have done "everything" to housebreak your dog and
have had no success but you don't want to crate the dog because it
is cruel.

Press 28 if you didn't listen to the message asking for an evening
phone number and you left your work number when all volunteers are
also working and you are angry because no one called you back.

Press 29 if you need a puppy immediately and cannot wait because
today is your daughter's birthday and you forgot when she was born.

Press 30 if your dog's coat doesn't match your new furniture and you
need a different color or breed.

Press 31 if your new love doesn't like your dog and you are too
stupid to get rid of the new friend (who will dump you in the next
month anyway) instead of the dog.

Press 32 if you went through all these 'options' and didn't hear
enough. This press will connect you to the sounds of tears being
shed by one of our volunteers who is holding a discarded old dog
while the vet mercifully frees him from a life of no medical care,
severe neglect and abuse..


:|

[violaine]

hallo to everyone - happy friday and weekend :)

i've some catching up to do in this thread. atlasthome, your post really was beautifully sad- i do not like being in that place- to make a decision of that gravity whatsoever. how are you all?

andrew, good to 'read' you :)

lisa, your little poem is just so you :stillheart: loved it. thank you for sharing [birthday girl].

kimbo and tommi, these stories are so hard. i lived with a cat who was called 'cleo' and five years of age when i adopted her from the animal control shelter. she had a tiny pea sized lump on her jaw one day. the vet gave her two weeks to like two months after the examination/x-rays and i was stunned! it was inoperable and invasive cancer. awful.


semantics - that list is quite the sobering reality, thank you for your posts!

dapperbutch, thank you. i think you are so right. i cannot go into my two dogs right now [and it's been since 2006], as they were my family for 13 years. in some ways like a husband - snoring, at times grumpy, and bed-hogging!!

i need to update on the recent fundraiser for the pet food pantry and committee of the humane society. plus, there's good news about the animal control. not sure i can put it down right now.

love to the dorg-and cat-zillas [exotics and so on!]

[Soft*Silver]

Most people think that its time for George to cross the rainbow bridge. I do not. Neither he nor Harry are willing to let go. While it is wearing on Harry and it might seem that George is on last threads of the cord that ties him to this earth, the practical matter is that George still wants Harry...and Harry wants George. I have put down many animals....because I adopt only old ones. No one else wants them and yet they are so loving and deserving of a home again...but, this shortens my time with them. Yes, but I will take any day with my beloved four leggeds than any time without them...

the time is probably close, and they will get their on their own. But what I hear and feel more loudly in your post, is your sorrow over the loss of your boy and how this is touching that part of you that continues to grieve.

I know that when any of my newfs get close to the final surrender, all the beloveds I have ever loved, are felt in my heart. I dont resist that grief...it is just a deep part of the love we shared..I hope I never stop feeling sorrow over those I lost...they made my heart grow bigger...and even as they pass, it opens my heart to continue to love...

blessings to George and Harry...and blessings to you too, ALH....


A good friend of mine (Harry) has a 13 year old boxer (George) and he is going through what we all do when we need to make that quality of life versus our not wanting to let go decision. I love this dog, too and have known him for several years. He was my boxer’s best pal and Harry used to bring George over to visit my Valentino when he was too sick last year to go to the dog park anymore. They would just hang out quietly together on my front lawn like two old men playing chess and reminiscing. It was so kind of Harry to do this.

George has severe arthritis and is having stroke events as well as is incontinent. He is still eating, but really can’t stand for long. Harry was talking to me yesterday about calling his vet and asking him if it was time.He is struggling internally so much it just breaks my heart.

Harry has taken incredible care of George since his wife died 8 years ago. George was actually her dog. I know the loss of George is very much connected to the loss of his wife. This guy has made George a hand made cape and a bed in which George can slip into it and the covers gently cover him by just getting in the bed! Harry was an inventor (he is about 75 years old). He also made George special goggles to protect his eyes from getting poked as he aged and couldn’t see well. Harry adores this dog.

I can see that Harry is exhausted as taking care of George has been a 24/7 job for the last 5-6 weeks since he has had the stroke events and gets confused. Harry has to get up and bring George out several times at night.

I realized yesterday that the real problem is that George needs to tell Harry in some way that it is OK for him to let go. But even with all of what is going on with him, he still picked up a tennis ball in his mouth and gave it a very slight nudge toward me yesterday. I guess he just isn’t ready to give Harry the OK, yet. Still has a couple of tosses in him. But, I could tell harry was trying to make the decision and just agonizing.

I feel awful concerning both of them. I’m worried about Harry and his getting rest and taking care of himself but as long as George does anything as himself (or, old self), I don’t think Harry can let go of him.

I know Harry wants George to just die at home, peacefully. I remember wanting that for Valentino too. I guess I should just let them work it out. This is so damn hard! Both of them matter to me.

[Tommi]

hallo to everyone - happy friday and weekend :)
......

kimbo and tommi, these stories are so hard. i lived with a cat who was called 'cleo' and five years of age when i adopted her from the animal control shelter. she had a tiny pea sized lump on her jaw one day. the vet gave her two weeks to like two months after the examination/x-rays and i was stunned! it was inoperable and invasive cancer. awful....
Sometimes it's gloomy here. It is hard to see this beautiful long haired black, alpha male getting skinny and loosing this fucking Cancer battle. He suns himself on the patio, and plays with the 6 month old kitten in the afternoon. I went to visit my boy yesterday and he wanted his ears rubbed, and to be brushed, just like I used to do for him........ Deb flew home tonight to spend the weekend with Dusty, and she leaves Sunday evening. She's deployed out of town till April 30. I don't think he is going to be able to survive that long.

Dusty saw his vet on Thursday for follow-up, had the last stitches out, and another long acting antibiotic.The first antibiotic he had 2 weeks ago really helped him , and he is eating and drinking really well again.

His jaw is more swollen. He sees a surgeon/onchologist who specializes in this type of cancer to see if there is anything that can be done.

One day at a time

[violaine]

http://www.sugarbane.com/wildlife.htm

http://www.opossum.org/

[Kimbo]

http://www.sugarbane.com/wildlife.htm

http://www.opossum.org/


Are you rescuing opossums in another state?

:balloon:

[Tommi]

It will be a month, maybe 3, maybe 6.

Not that I overdo things, but..I took Dusty for a 3rd opinion. We went to a Veterinary Surgical Hospital with a cancer wing... He saw an Oncologist/Surgeon that specializes in feline head and neck cancers. One doctor had recommended surgery. One doctor had said No surgery.

Gayle Donner, DVM was the most gentle , loving, caring woman,. She stroked Dusty as she examined him and he let her, jsut poke and prod jaw where the tumor is. She told him he was a brave boy. She held him tight and whisered, to me "Take him home take him to his Hospice."

I called the Ex who's out of town, and told her that I was taking him home and we would be his hospice care team. and her partner better be good to my boy..

I have unlimited visitation. I dropped him off at my old house, looked into his eyes, and saw the kitten we adopted 13 years ago.

[violaine]

some progress has been made with the AC Shelter. animals are being photographed, petfinder is being used, and rescue groups are contacted - none of which ever was or is presently being initiated/carried out by the AC Shelter! volunteers [the people who have been behind the movement for improvements at this shelter] are checking in with the shelter animals and pushing for all of these changes. at least we are getting somewhere, but it's still not enough-

here is a letter to a reporter who met with us months and months ago. i first met the reporter, "w", last year when he was at my address covering another story for my committee [of the humane society] .

note the way this county [where i reside] operates, sadly.


Hello W,

I am just following up again regarding the article about the X County Animal Control. The last time we spoke, you told me that you were still waiting on comment from the commissioners of from Animal Control. Were you able to reach them for comment?

I remember you saying that you would be able run the article even if we were not given a response. I'd like to move forward with writing the article even if we don't get comment from anyone-we can state the truth-that they did not respond. My guess is that if nobody has responded by this time, they will not respond ever.

I would be lying if I said the story is the exact same since our first discussion. We've made some progress, and I'd like to share all of that with you for an updated story.

Please update us on the progress of the article. We are very anxious for the public to know about this extremely important issue-the animals need everyone's support!

Thanks,


** W's response **

Hi ,

I haven't forgotten about this story. We're still working on the multi-part Progress section. I should be mostly finished with that after this week. Because of it, I haven't had time to work on the shelter story. I still need to talk with CH AC Officer and the commissioner. I do see that there's updates to the story, including a website and discussion of a community advisory board. The timing with Progress was incredibly bad, but I promise to publish something on this matter.

-W

on 3/15/10 9:23 AM

[violaine]

[QUOTE=Kimbo;67093]Are you rescuing opossums in another state?

:balloon:

i how are you? i visited tennessee for three days recently. don't tempt me, kimbo ~

[IttyBittyFem]

A RESCUER'S ANSWERING MACHINE:

Hello: You have reached ___-____, Rescue. Due to the
high volume of calls we have been receiving, please listen closely to
the following options and choose the one that best describes you or
your situation:

Press 1 if you have a 10-year-old dog and your 15-year-old son has
suddenly become allergic and you need to find the dog a new home
right away.

Press 2 if you are moving today and need to immediately place your
150 pound, 8-year-old dog.

Press 3 if you have three dogs, had a baby and want to get rid of
your dogs because you are the only person in the world to have a
baby and dogs at the same time.

Press 4 if you just got a brand new puppy and your old dog is having
problems adjusting so you want to get rid of the old one right away.

Press 5 if your little puppy has grown up and is no longer small and
cute and you want to trade it in for a new model.

Press 6 if you want an unpaid volunteer to come to your home TODAY
and pick up the dog you no longer want.

Press 7 if you have been feeding and caring for a "stray" for the
last three years, are moving and suddenly determine it's not your
dog.

Press 8 if your dog is sick and needs a vet but you need the money
for your vacation.

Press 9 if you are elderly and want to adopt a cute puppy who is not
active and is going to outlive you.

Press 10 if your relative has died and you don't want to care for
their elderly dog because it doesn't fit your lifestyle.

Press 11 if you are calling at 6 a.m. to make sure you wake me up
before I have to go to work so you can drop a dog off on your way
to work.
Press 12 to leave us an anonymous garbled message, letting us know
you have left a dog in our yard in the middle of January, which is
in fact, better than just leaving the dog with no message.

Press 13 if you are going to get angry because we are not going to
take your dog that you have had for fifteen years, because it is
not our responsibility.

Press 14 if you are going to threaten to take your ten year old dog
to be euthanized because I won't take it.

Press 15 if you're going to get angry because the volunteers had the
audacity to go on vacation and leave the dogs in care of a trusted
volunteer who is not authorized to take your personal pet.

Press 16 if you want one of our PERFECTLY trained, housebroken, kid
and cat friendly purebred dogs that we have an abundance of.

Press 17 if you want us to take your dog that has a slight
aggression problem, i.e.. has only bitten a few people and killed your
neighbor's cats.

Press 18 if you have already called once and been told we don't take
personal surrenders but thought you would get a different person this
time with a different answer.

Press 19 if you want us to use space that would go to a stray to
board your personal dog while you are on vacation, free of charge,
of course.

Press 20 if it is Christmas Eve or Easter morning and you want me to
deliver an eight week old puppy to your house by 6:30 am before
your kids wake up.

Press 21 if you have bought your children a duckling, chick or baby
bunny for Easter and it is now Christmas and no longer cute.

Press 22 if you want us to take your female dog who has already had
ten litters, but we can't spay her because she is pregnant again and
it is against your religion.

Press 23 if you're trying to make one of our younger volunteers feel
bad and take your personal pet off your hands.

Press 24 if your cat is biting and not using the litter box because it is declawed, but you are not willing to accept the responsibility
that the cat's behavior is altered because of your nice furniture.

Press 25 if your two year old male dog is marking all over your house
but you just haven't gotten around to having him neutered.

Press 26 if you previously had an outdoor only dog and are calling
because she is suddenly pregnant.

Press 27 if you have done "everything" to housebreak your dog and
have had no success but you don't want to crate the dog because it
is cruel.

Press 28 if you didn't listen to the message asking for an evening
phone number and you left your work number when all volunteers are
also working and you are angry because no one called you back.

Press 29 if you need a puppy immediately and cannot wait because
today is your daughter's birthday and you forgot when she was born.

Press 30 if your dog's coat doesn't match your new furniture and you
need a different color or breed.

Press 31 if your new love doesn't like your dog and you are too
stupid to get rid of the new friend (who will dump you in the next
month anyway) instead of the dog.

Press 32 if you went through all these 'options' and didn't hear
enough. This press will connect you to the sounds of tears being
shed by one of our volunteers who is holding a discarded old dog
while the vet mercifully frees him from a life of no medical care,
severe neglect and abuse..


:| "]


This is FABULOUS!!!!! By any chance, do you have the Author for these creative (yet so accurate) 32 options?

I'd just love to pass it along to so many that have volunteered with me for years upon years however, would prefer to credit the proper person.

Thank you soooooooo very much for submitting this. I'm confident I'm not the only one that is well aware of all of the above excuses (in addition
to a few hundred others pathetic ones)


Just to reiterate something that can never be said enough, ya'll deserve so much credit for the time and love (and we all know this 'Volunteer' job requires personal $ $ $ from our own wallets) invested in whatever capacity you go out of your way to rescue our beloved fur babies.

YA'LL ROCK - THANK YOU

[violaine]

tammy, a member of my commitee was not exactly quoted the right way- and she is not amused today! anyway, i am going to post the article about the AC shelter. comments AC made about the humane society are not true. i do not mind the he-said-she-said aspects of the article so much [as other people on my team/the citizens face book page seem to mind], because i'm happy the story is out there finally. any mention of an Advisory Board was all i wanted to see, basically because it just makes sense to have one- and there will not be these kind of issues [plus a lot of ordinances can be changed to work in favour of the animals :)].

M = Chief Animal Control Officer of the Animal Control Shelter
RB = friend of M

my/our team = tammy, AL, JK, LN, DG.



today -

Animal lovers fighting like cats and dogs
Commissioners to help settle dispute

By W
D, IND- When the county opened its new animal shelter in 2008, it was supposed to be the reward for a years-long struggle to complete the project. Instead it’s turned into a battle between animal control and animal lovers.

AL & JK have started a Facebook page [exposing problems at X Animal Care & Control] After a few months, it has more than 400 fans.

Its creators and supporters have specific complaints about M, X County’s chief animal control officer, and how she runs the shelter. One is that she supposedly doesn’t allow volunteers to work there.

“There are people in the community who want to volunteer,” AL said. “Open your doors and let us volunteer at the shelter that we pay for.”

JK added, “When was the last time anyone begged their employer to work for free? That’s basically what we’re doing. We’re pleading to work for free.”

They also accuse animal control of not doing enough to get their animals adopted and treating them cruelly.

“None of the animals get names; they’re given a number,” AL said. “There are no bios because there are no volunteers to do it.”

Tammy G. claims to have been at the shelter on three occasions when they were spraying the cages with dogs in them. [the reporter left out a lot here] M, {CH AC O} admits they have to clean the pens with animals in them, but says they aren’t left soaking wet all day, like her retractors accuse her of doing. She also cleans the cages during business hours, so the public has the ability to see the process.

“I have nothing to hide, and if I felt like I was doing something inhumane to an animal, don’t you think the vets of this county would’ve stood up and said something a long time ago?” M said.

RB, who ran X Kennel for 30 years, organized an annual car show to help raise funds for a new shelter. He says the $80,000 the X County Humane Society donated to cover the facility’s architectural fees came with the stipulation that the county use a Fort Wayne firm to design the building. But RB says he and others raised concerns over the design, including that there wouldn’t be enough indoor/outdoor runs to move animals out of the cages while they were cleaned. Or that the pens didn’t go all the way to the ceiling, which meant an aggressive dog could potentially climb out. That latter aspect has since been changed.

“Everything we said has come true,” RB said. “The Humane Society shoves this building down our throats, and now they’re complaining about exactly what we told them would happen.”

M {CH AC O} says volunteers have always been welcome at the shelter.

“We used to have a great relationship with the Humane Society,” she said, and many volunteers came from there. But over time the relationship soured. Volunteer attendance would dwindle to nothing, then later M would get requests for volunteers again. Beth Farmer, a former president of the Humane Society, volunteered and did such a good job that M hired her.

“She was the only one who would show up,” M said.

Those complaints extend to what critics say are a lack of listings of the animals available for adoption at the shelter.

“I offered to put their animals (online),” said DG. “They said they don’t allow volunteers period because of liability reasons.”

Since then, however, a page for the shelter, with a listing of available animals, has gone live on the Pet Finder website. It can be found at petfinder.

M said she heard from three people volunteering to create such a website. The person who ultimately created it was the only one who came through, she added. M said she and her staff took photos of all their animals for use on the website. The shelter also prints information on their animals in local newspapers, including the X County F.

“I don’t know what more I can do, but I’m trying,” M said.

Because of this perceived lack of information, her critics say this county’s animal shelter has a too-high euthanasia rate. Some put it as high as 78 percent of the shelter’s animal population. M says when you remove owner-requested euthanasia, it’s more like 44 percent. M has served as an animal control officer for 20 years, and some of her detractors say she’s become too callous to do the work any longer.

“They’re under the impression I intentionally want to do this,” she said. “Do you know how depressing it is to get up every morning, come to work, and have someone bring a pet in to be put down or a stray brought in when there’s no more room? That is not a fun decision for any of my staff. It breaks our hearts. We don’t want to do that.” [she cries at county commissioner meetings or any time she is questioned about the job she is not doing!].

As LN sees it, “There are two functions going on here. There’s animal control, which is getting the strays off the streets. Running the shelter is a whole other ideal. This county has the animal control people running the shelter, and I believe they are two different things.”

County commissioners are set to vote on a resolution instituting an animal control advisory board at Tuesday’s meeting. If approved, it would be comprised of citizens appointed to one-year terms who would make recommendations on the animal shelter’s operation.
Perhaps that will bridge the gap between the two sides. Or maybe RB's advice should be followed:

“If the Humane Society thinks that building is so good, they need to buy it from the county,” he said. “We’ll take that money and build a building that’s usable for an animal shelter. It’s a nice building, but it’s just so impractical.”

[Kimbo]

Excellent work Belle. Your group has really made a dent rather quickly. I hope you get your advisory board!

On a sad note my Bella kitty is deteriorating. She's lost another 1 1/2 lbs. We've increased her thyroid pills and it seems that is prompting underlying kidney disease. She's happy and eating but she is losing coordination in her hips/back legs and is ill a lot. I may start subq's on her to help her with hydration. She is 14 y/o and my head butter and my fav (ssshhhhh that can't get out to the troops here).

[violaine]

http://www.theotherendoftheleash.com/


dear kimbo, thank you for the message. i am saddened to read of your bella's declining health. may the sq's relieve some of her discomfort [and yours]. hang in there, friend.

belle

[Mrs. Strutt]

I so admire those of you who devote your time and talents to animal rescue.

Mr. Strutt and I just adopted a three-year-old beagle from Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue last Monday, who rescued her from a kill shelter. She is the most calm, loving, gentle spirit...she and my daughter are already completely head over heels in love with each other. I can't believe someone just threw this perfect little girl away :mad:

We named her Shadow, incidentally, since she follows all of us everywhere we go :stillheart:

[Kimbo]

My lil' feral, Sweet Pea, has finally stepped over the line. It's been around 5 years that I've had her. She now will sit on the couch with me and has quit running everytime I move or open a door or ?? She actively seeks me out for lovin' and I've even picked her up again, although not for long. She will let me rub her head to toe and will let me rub her neck under her chin although still a bit reluctantly. I think she is now classified as semi-feral.

My Bella cat continues to lose weight..she is as frisky as ever and does her yard patrols as usual but she's not really stablizing and certainly not gaining in weight. Such a bummer.

[violaine]

dear kimbo,

gaining sweat pea's trust is such a huge deal. wonderful news. i hope she leaves cat hair all over you in the days to come. ha. maybe you will even have enough fur to grow another cat.

thinking of you all. especially little bella

[Kimbo]

dear kimbo,

gaining sweat pea's trust is such a huge deal. wonderful news. i hope she leaves cat hair all over you in the days to come. ha. maybe you will even have enough fur grow another cat.

thinking of you all. especially little bella

I think she already heard your wishes..she is a tortie calico, white hair everywhere! There is a lot of vacuuming going on in this house.

thank you! lil' bella needs some good juju sent her way!

[violaine]

yesterday, a member of my committee saw three paint horses, and black two pot bellied pigs on some acreage just outside of the town in which we both reside. the animals were clearly not being fed regularly, and so i rang up the animal control officer on case number, to discuss feeding options/vet care for the animals. after our conversation, the officer telephoned back to let me know the human was open to receiving help from my committee.

we would establish an account at a local feed store as well as pay for one month of food and supplies, plus vet care.

now, the animal control shelter is not famous for working with the humane society in my county, but there have been small steps made recently in a positive direction [granted, most of which are not of their own accord] - but who cares however the shelter arrives at these means of actually supporting the animals.

being on a committee of the humane society works in my favour for getting inside - speaking with the officer, and working together for future cases of this nature - in the past, for whatever differences between shelter and humane society, there was no such chance. i like the flexibilty that i have with being a buffer in certain situations- because it is always about the animals.

my neck was on the chopping block at the onset of the issues at the animal control shelter, bringing to light the dreadful hidden secrets inside the shelter. i did not mind. the payoff was yesterday.

tomorrow is brighter even, and everyone can hopefully move forward. by the looks of things, the officer already has sights set on working to keep animals with their humans- just like the mission of the humane society.

[FeminineAllure]

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/355032783?z00m=19835859

Thanks!

[Andrew, Jr.]

In Baltimore City, there was a Saint. He intervened when a group of children were spotted throwing rocks & bricks on a puppy. The puppy was saved. And now the puppy is being treated with tlc and his wounds are being addressed. The Saint wanted no publicity, no cash reward, no nothing. All he asked the media to do was to get the children who did this to turn themselves in. We will see.

My neighbor who had to put down his elderly shepard last year called to see if anyone adopted the dog. If not, he put his name on the list to adopt the puppy. It is a pitt bull mix. :paw:

[Spirit Dancer]

Okay so we're still nursing the bite of the bunny.... is there a way to get around those teeth? V~ somone said you file them down? Is this true if so is it humane?
Just wondering

[Tommi]

Okay so we're still nursing the bite of the bunny.... is there a way to get around those teeth? V~ somone said you file them down? Is this true if so is it humane?
Just wondering
How about one of those TMJ Bite Blocks:goodscore:


:pile::superfunny::pendulum::rofl:

[violaine]

[QUOTE=Spirit Dancer;82686]Okay so we're still nursing the bite of the bunny.... is there a way to get around those teeth? V~ somone said you file them down? Is this true if so is it humane?
Just wondering

i work with rabbits/squirrels [as you know, the department of natural resources], and live with pigs. all of these animals have the sharpest of incisors, and require hard items to chew- proper pellets [oxbow], hay cakes, and hay/grass, plus toys [bird toys can be given to rabbits/pigs]. if there is malocclusion, i would suggest having the bunny be seen by a qualified exotic pet vet.

http://www.exoticpetvet.net/smanimal/bunnyteeth.html

lately, incisors have been a topic of conversation- between a friend who lived with a sweet rabbit, the lady with whom i work [d n r ], and the guinea pigs. don't let me get started on the claws [smile].

best,
belle
ox

[Spirit Dancer]

[QUOTE=Spirit Dancer;82686]Okay so we're still nursing the bite of the bunny.... is there a way to get around those teeth? V~ somone said you file them down? Is this true if so is it humane?
Just wondering

i work with rabbits/squirrels [as you know, the department of natural resources], and live with pigs. all of these animals have the sharpest of incisors, and require hard items to chew- proper pellets [oxbow], hay cakes, and hay/grass, plus toys [bird toys can be given to rabbits/pigs]. if there is malocclusion, i would suggest having the bunny be seen by a qualified exotic pet vet.

http://www.exoticpetvet.net/smanimal/bunnyteeth.html

lately, incisors have been a topic of conversation- between a friend who lived with a sweet rabbit, the lady with whom i work [d n r ], and the guinea pigs. don't let me get started on the claws [smile].

best,
belle
ox

Thanks lovely it is that time of year, Easter and spring we parents forget and buy baby chicks and bunnies for the easter basket:sadangel:and know they reguire more than a wee one can give. So off to the petting zoo they go and lessons are learned.:dimbulb:

[violaine]

:flyingpig:

only have a moment, but i wanted to share with you all [especially you, kimbo], that i received a telephone call early this morning from the Chief Officer Herself. she was so impressed with a conversation on case # for the horses, pigs, and cats, and my committee getting food/vet care for the animals, after i spoke with the officer a few days ago.

Chief Officer has asked for a meeting with me [we scheduled for the 19th at 2 P.M.], and really wants to work in partnership providing food to the animals in need throughout this county. her officers are on the road each day, and come in contact with people who could use the help. i promised her that the three people i plan to accompany me to the meeting will not be involving themselves in any of the past issues between the humane society and animal control facility. i made my intentions very clear - moving forward, mending fractured relations, and focusing on helping the animals. one of the people i invited to join me is a new board member for the humane society, and she has not any of the old troubled history between the HS and AC.

good news part two - the animal advisory board will consist of seven members- AC, HS, vet, community member, commissioner, attorney,
& law enforcement. these meetings will be Open to the public- yay ! and, the Chief Officer of animal control shall have no voting power.

i am happy today. thank you kimbo for your support during the process- and to everyone else who has followed, and cheered on my committee to bring the animal control in my county into the 21st century.

best,
belle

:farmtree:

[weatherboi]

way to go Belle!!!
we all know how hard you have been working!!!:pile:

congrats on such a positive break through!!

:flyingpig:

only have a moment, but i wanted to share with you all [especially you, kimbo], that i received a telephone call early this morning from the Chief Officer Herself. she was so impressed with a conversation on case # for the horses, pigs, and cats, and my committee getting food/vet care for the animals, after i spoke with the officer a few days ago.

Chief Officer has asked for a meeting with me [we scheduled for the 19th at 2 P.M.], and really wants to work in partnership providing food to the animals in need throughout this county. her officers are on the road each day, and come in contact with people who could use the help. i promised her that the three people i plan to accompany me to the meeting will not be involving themselves in any of the past issues between the humane society and animal control facility. i made my intentions very clear - moving forward, mending fractured relations, and focusing on helping the animals. one of the people i invited to join me is a new board member for the humane society, and she has not any of the old troubled history between the HS and AC.

good news part two - the animal advisory board will consist of seven members- AC, HS, vet, community member, commissioner, attorney,
& law enforcement. these meetings will be Open to the public- yay ! and, the Chief Officer of animal control shall have no voting power.

i am happy today. thank you kimbo for your support during the process- and to everyone else who has followed, and cheered on my committee to bring the animal control in my county into the 21st century.

best,
belle

:farmtree:

[Kimbo]

Belle...you RAWK!! You are getting so much done in such a positive way, I just really admire you! Such a great job you've done and will continue to do. I hope you and the boys are celebrating tonight! :danglecarrot:

[Dylan]

Belle,

You totally rock!

I just hooked up with an animal sanctuary in San Antonio, to do some gardening/landscaping/permaculture work, and I wanted to post their info here. The founder also brings out alternately-abled kids to work with the animals as an animal-therapy type of thing. She's going to be installing some gardens, butterfly gardens, bird sanctuaries, bat houses, and all kinds of stuff.

The founder and sole caretaker picks up animals from all over the country, and she even goes to Mexico. She's a great person. If anyone knows of any resources for her, please let me know, so I can pass them along. She deals primarily with farm animals including chickens from egg laying plants...but she also does stuff with other birds too.

Here's a link: Sunny Day Farms (http://sunnydayfarms.com/)


Dylan

[Kimbo]

Dylan, what kind of resourses is she primarily needing, there are a lot out there and much competition for them. Is she 501 ? Sorry haven't cruised her site yet.

[Dylan]

Dylan, what kind of resourses is she primarily needing, there are a lot out there and much competition for them. Is she 501 ? Sorry haven't cruised her site yet.

I don't really know much about animal rescues, so I don't have a detailed list of things she needs. I know feed (obviously) and donations (obviously), but other than that, I really don't know yet. I will find out next week. I start working down there on Monday. So far, I've been focusing on getting her gardens in.

She's not 501'd yet, but it's in the works. She's filled out the paperwork, and she's already got her board set up, and all that stuff. She's been funding all of this herself for the last ten years, but she can't afford to do that anymore.

And she's got the cutest mini-cow named Sweet Pea. So far, it's my favorite. I sooooooo want a mini-cow. And she's already got me not eating eggs from caged chickens. It's pretty horrid how they're treated. She's has cute demonstrations for the kids, and she showed me the one of the egg-laying cages. That's all it took. I'm sure by the end of this job, I'll be eating a lot less meat...if any at all.


Dylan

[violaine]

thank you weatherboi, kimbo, and dylan :)

i did actually celebrate with the guinea pigs- ha.

dylan, i read through the site, sunny day farms, and i loved their mission, and this part about the founder,

" she started with a simple idea: give children the opportunity to meet and learn the stories of the animals and let the animals be the teachers.

Brooke has an educational background and many years of extensive animal care experience that has led her to design many zoological educational programs for other facilities. She lives happily with her loving and supporting husband David and daughters, Alora and Grace, for whom she would move mountains."


i will think of any links i might have for you to pass along to SDF. thank you for your big heart, dyaln :) i bet the gardening/landscaping work you do is beautiful because i have read of your passion for the outdoors.


thank you :rrose:

belle

i was also wondering about the 501 status too, after looking over the site. i have info for grants, which may work for SDF, as their aim is to educate through various programs.

[violaine]

http://www.fundsnetservices.com/searchresult.php?sbcat_id=19

whenever i scheduled lecture series and wrote for sponsorship [orangutan foundation], ARCUS was a philanthropic resource available to O.F.I..

i recognise a lot of sources on the fundraising directory page.


http://www.animal-education.org/awed/queryherd2.asp
i post the above link to show that SDF could perhaps do something like this on their own-

i love research, dylan. whenever i get my computer back, i will submit more funding sources for SDF.

belle








http://www.maddiesfund.org/Funded_Projects/Community_Collaborative/Completed.html

one of the favourites for the HSUS.

[violaine]

http://www.americanhumane.org/protecting-animals/shelter-professionals/grants/



may be worth a look -

[Diavolo]

Last night I got the news that a red boy I transported two years ago bloated. The damage was so bad that they let him go on the table. He was really a good dog. Godspeed Honz.

[Kimbo]

I am really sorry to hear that Diavolo.

I saw this video today. I love whales and I love dogs, evidently whales and dogs like each other too!

Sorry ya might have to watch a commercial first.

Link (http://www.comcast.net/video/killer-whale-dog-playfully-interact/1468617886)

[Lady Pamela]

About 2 months ago a friend brought me a cat. I was asked to foster her because she and her sisters were left outside. They had been starved so bad that the two sisters expired.

She is a Himalaian Purshan and was sooo very sick.

Well I have now gotten her to eat, walk again and have decided to keep her.
Bella is her name now. And she loves the crap out of me...smiles

She has a very long way to go before her sore are better. And she doesn't have a voice. But I know what she is saying when she opens her mouth like she is meowing...lol

Her one eye is partially blind I believe as well. And I am quite sure she has a lil brain damage. But she is growing healthy by the day. And is very loveable.

Her muscles were gone by the time I got her but they are beginning to build again.

I feel so blessed she found her way to our home.

Sometimes the best things in life,
Aren't tied in pretty packages and bows...wink

[Diavolo]

Sometimes the best things in life,
Aren't tied in pretty packages and bows...wink

They sure aren't. Two years ago I fostered a scared blue Doberman. He's OCD, he has IBD and he blows his coat from time to time. But he never moved on to another permanent home, he loves me to death. He's not a pretty package, he's pretty much a trainwreck, but he's my boy and I adore him.

[Andrew, Jr.]

The reward money for finding the children who stoned the pit bull mix is now at $8K (all put up by various folks). It is going to have the children prosecuted. As for the dog, she is still recovering from her injuries. My neighbor is on top of the list to adopt her. He and his son go and visit weekly. I can hardly wait for them to bring her home. :clap:

[Kimbo]

There is a lot of concern in Seattle for the dogs. Distemper has hit the racoon population very hard here and now there is concern about the dogs that have not had their shots. I used to have a large racoon population around my house, I have not seen one in months.

[Andrew, Jr.]

There is a guy at Church who is in vet school. He swears that skunks make the best pets, once their spray pouch is removed. In fact, there is a new thing going on at his school where skunks are having this defense mechanism removed from skunks and they are being sold as pets.

Personally, I don't think it's right. I think skunks should be left out in the wild.

Andrew

[VuDu]

We used to have a skunk for a pet growing up. I don't know if I would say he made the best pet but he definitely was one of the greatest. My uncle found him while he and my b-i-l were hunting and brought him home. He behaved as part of the family within the week. We were a wild bunch, too.

We didn't have Sharky's scent glands removed. We just learned to be careful when he got too riled. :nailbitin:

They are quite intelligent creatures. I can understand why people would try to domesticate them. Not that I am condoning this, mind you.... just my 2 cents.

[Rockinonahigh]

Say folks wanna pass something by yall.My next door neighbor has a huge dog and for as long as I have lived hear (3years) he has been tied to a tree,they take care of him and he has a big igloo to sleep in but is never off the chain..unless he breaks it.He gets along with the other dogs cause they dont fight and are loose in the yard with him being tied tied the tree.The dog is black and very broad headed and his hair hangs down in ropes wich are his breed standard not cause of him not beng groomed.I dont want to call the pound cause if they do pick him up he is on a one way ticket out cause theses ppl at the pound would rather gass them than find them a home.this dog is huge like over a 100 pounds..The owners arent the friendlest ppl but not rude either,just not into talking to anyone,cause I have tryed to bring up the dog in a friendly convo over the fence...its hi ,hello and gone...

[VuDu]

Rockin,

Over in our parish (Ouachita) it is legal to have the dog on the chain as long as it has swivel ends and the rope/chain is at least 5 times the length of the animal. If the other animals have the freedom to run around, I am curious as to why that particular dog is restricted.

Would they be receptive to a visit from a concerned neighbor who has access to a behavior specialist? (yes, that would be you lol)

[Rockinonahigh]

No the chain isnt any where near 5 times the length of the dog,more like 3.He dosent seen unhappy with it but I dont see how he could be happy tied to a tree.I have tryed to talk to them about the dog and will contenue to do so.I hope I can get them to tell me about him and maybe I can find out if he has any probs they cant handle..it would take superman to lead this elephant anywhere.I doubt they have the ablity to do so or they would have by now.I will get back to u on this.

[Andrew, Jr.]

Rockin,

I would be worried about the chain around the dogs neck. It could be growing in his/her skin. Then the dog would have to have surgery to have the chain removed. I just cannot imagine anyone doing this to any animal, but yet it happens all the time.

You are a good man to do this Rockin. :pursebee:

Andrew

[violaine]

hi. i met with the chief animal control officer earlier this afternoon, and we spoke for two hours. later on, i will post to this thread about the meeting, which went very well. :dog:

here are a few ideas about the tethered dog next door, please, as i am founder of a committee who handle calls about chained/tethered dogs all of the time. now, bear in mind we tend to get 'creative' with situations/people. circumstances [human behaviour] will not be the same, and also, if i do not have any luck at the address, someone else on my team may try to visit at another time.

always remain respectful. no matter what! it's worth it - for the dear dog to keep lines of communication positive/open. the people may be a change of heart the very next day.

have you contacted the local humane society to see if there is a humane educator, or a committee who accepts calls for evaluating chained/tethered dogs?

if there is such a committee, like ours for example, we have funds to supply the human[s] with equipment [until ordinances/laws here are amended and passed for limited hours tethered, and/or a ban. i think if your animal control shelter is using gas for euthanasia, that is the worst, and you are not terribly far behind my county- who are just now coming into the 21st century as an animal control shelter].

another option, if no such committee exists, is to gently approach the people yourself, and if you can afford to purchase a trolley offer it to the family- some of these systems are 100', and will, if properly installed, be safe for the dog and provide a great deal more exercise than what is available at the moment for the dog living next door to you.

i try scenarios [believe me, i've come up with lots!] like: i was wondering if you all could use this trolley, my auntie gave it to me because i thought of adopting a dog. changed my mind, and i do not need it. i noticed you have a dog. would you like help putting it up for him/her?

variations of story work- just whatever feels comfortable to you. with the supplies we have, [food/dog houses/trolley systems, et c], sometimes i will stop and communicate to the people that i am driving around trying to give away excess supplies because summer is upon us, and we have limited storage. we try to keep it real simple. people can feel embarrassed and/or defensive, but most often we find the opposite is true, and the dogs are happier in the end. which makes the people feel better and possibly more open to even bringing the dog inside some of the time [another lengthy post! if i am lucky enough to talk my foot into the door with the humans ;) ]

i hope the situation improves for the dog. thank you for noticing and caring.

belle

[violaine]

http://www.unchainyourdog.org/Trolley.htm

[Kimbo]

hi. i met with the chief animal control officer earlier this afternoon, and we spoke for two hours. later on, i will post to this thread about the meeting, which went very well. :dog:

belle

You know I am dying to find out how well this went!

Belle, you always kickass...!

So, I will be anxiously awaiting the fantastic results...


:4femme:



:cheesy:

[WolfyOne]

I don't comment much these days on this thread, but i do read it regularly.

Belle, you're doing such a great job and I thought I'd at least post and tell you......keep on keeping on.

[Rockinonahigh]

I usely dont see these folks till the weekend cause of there work but as soonas I see them im going to have an easy chat with them about the dog,hopefully it will be productive,She is an attorney but for someone who deals with the public is pretty closed up about anything.Last year thay put up a huge shed or should I say building in the back yard,I really dont see whay they cant put up a good cross fence to take place of the chain.I will contact the site u posted,also I have contacted an animal rescue group hear that should be able to help.
Yes,I have 2 fur kids a pug and a jack russel and poodle mix,I have an large back yard they freely play in and can come and go at will.plus they both are spoiled to no end.Thanks for the advice and help everyone.

[Rockinonahigh]

I though about that very thing but have checkes with my binoculars and he dose have a collor on and not the chain around his neck..if it had been I would have prolly been in the pokey for makeing a midnight raid to get him out of there..I do know they take care of him but I hate he dosent have freedom to play.

[violaine]

i will keep my fingers crossed for you, rockingonahigh :)

your support is appreciated, kimbo & wolfyone. both of you do pretty hard work, and it is ongoing. this is for you: :gimmehug:

the meeting with chief officer of animal control was calm, and i asked if we could keep open communication and meet again in two weeks to touch base on the food pantry progress with her handing out information she now has shared with her officers.

i am also providing her with contacts who are involved in excellent rescues- dobie, guinea pig [the woman is a vet with ten years experience gp rescue], and rabbits.

chief was open today, and seemed very appreciative of everything we shared with her. she said that she couldn't do the committee projects we do because it falls outside of her job description. she said that when we get to the scene, she will completely support us in picking up where the animal control leaves off. i explained that we couldn't do what we do without her help, and that we end up telephoning the animal control anyway [the horses were discussed, and they have been located to a pasture with grass]. basically, the goal in mind for me today was to think of ways to build a working relationship from this day forward.

[Andrew, Jr.]

Rockin,

When I freed the kittens from the pitt bull dog fighting camp, I laid on my stomach and used my binoculars to watch what was going on. My male cat, Madison, is the one who I rescued from being the bait. He was tied up by his back legs. So I cut him down with my knife.

That is what I think you should do...use your binoculars. Watch what is going on. You never know what is going on behind the fence or shed. I hate to think of any animal being chained. Makes my skin crawl, and blood boil.

Belle,

You are fabulous! I tried to leave you a note, but couldn't find the note section. So here it is - you are fabulous! I have named you all of my kids Godmommy! And they are thrilled! It is all about love. Just like you!

Love,
Andrew

[Diavolo]

It's been quite a wild few days. I think they're about to pull a Doberman down in Riverside that was nearly starved to death. There is a German Shepherd that's been rescued in Orange County that was left for dead, his name is Courage. His story is here (http://www.examiner.com/x-2111-Tacoma-Dogs-Examiner~y2010m4d11-Shocking-case-of-neglect-to-3-yrold-German-Shepherd-named-Courage-who-is-now-fighting-for-his-life). My best friend just took on a puppy that was abandoned and came down with parvo, and survived. They're nursing him back to health.

[Rockinonahigh]

News..the big dog is going to the country to stay at a farm where he will have a yard to be in,I will be checking on how he is every day while he is still hear..they have also added abot 20 feet to the chain,wich they should have done before.I have also been in contact with a dog rescue group that will take him if the farmers change there minds,also they have come by and spoken to the owner.

Violaine..tks for the hug I shure needed one today,tks for the info as well it helped a lot.

[Tommi]

Posted March 16, 2010
It will be a month, maybe 3, maybe 6.

Not that I overdo things, but..I took Dusty for a 3rd opinion today. We went to a Veterinary Surgical Hospital with a cancer wing... He saw an Oncologist/Surgeon that specializes in feline head and neck cancers. One doctor had recommended surgery. One doctor had said No surgery.

Gayle Donner, DVM was the most gentle , loving, caring woman,. She stroked Dusty as she examined him and he let her, just poke and prod his jaw where the tumor is. She told him he was a brave boy. She held him tight and whispered, to me "Take him home take, take him to his Hospice."

I called the Ex who's out of town, and told her that I was taking him home and we would be his hospice care team. and her partner better be good to my boy..

I have unlimited visitation. I dropped him off at my old house, looked into his eyes, and saw the kitten we adopted 13 years ago.

We adopted Dusty, the gregarious male long hair black kitten 13 years ago on May 15.My Ex is flying home from work tonight, to be with him during his final days. Dusty wants to say goodbye soon. His jaw cancer has taken it's toll and it is time.

We will take him for his final ride this week, and grieve another loss. She will be inconsolable and I know it. We lost his younger brother in Dec. to bowel cancer. I worry about her, and her never ending grief. :(

I watched the movie "You Don't Know Jack" and realized how fortunate pets are.

[Kimbo]

I am so sorry Tommi. It is never easy saying goodbye to our furkids. I'm sending prayers to you all.

So sad.

[violaine]

tommi, your dusty and other loved ones are in my thoughts. anticipation of loss, and grieving the actual loss are difficult to process. and it takes time. i hope that you will be gentle to yourself right now.

[Soft*Silver]

what a lucky kitty he was, to have you and your ex to love him here on earth! And now when he needs you most, you unselfishly surrender him to the Light. It isnt the end, you know. He will await you on the other side...where we all go. He just got there first, Tommi... many many blessings to you and your ex and your boy....

[Andrew, Jr.]

I found a Vizsla mix female dog. She has a sweet, calm, and family like demeanor. I am very surprised that I found her. She has on a collar, but no tags. I took her into my vet to see if she was microchipped. I just have to wait and see what happens next. I just cannot imagine some family letting this dog go (no matter what the reason).

[Kimbo]

I found a Vizsla mix female dog. She has a sweet, calm, and family like demeanor. I am very surprised that I found her. She has on a collar, but no tags. I took her into my vet to see if she was microchipped. I just have to wait and see what happens next. I just cannot imagine some family letting this dog go (no matter what the reason).


Have you alerted your shelter? Our shelter has books where people can list their lost pets, they also post found animals.

Petfinder.org also allows you to post found pets.

Craigslist but be careful. Be careful with the amount of disclosure, make the caller tell you about the dog.

Signs posted around the neighborhood, if you can, are always the best source.

[Tommi]

We adopted Dusty, the gregarious male long hair black kitten 13 years ago on May 15.My Ex is flying home from work tonight, to be with him during his final days. Dusty wants to say goodbye soon. His jaw cancer has taken it's toll and it is time.

We will take him for his final ride this week, and grieve another loss. She will be inconsolable and I know it. We lost his younger brother in Dec. to bowel cancer. I worry about her, and her never ending grief. :(

I watched the movie "You Don't Know Jack" and realized how fortunate pets are.

Light the way for Dusty as he travels to the Rainbow Bridge in several hours. Keep us in the light as the sadness of his death is near.


Remembering the 6 week old kitten that charmed his way into our family, and all the great times the alpha male of the neighborhood took that kingly stride.

[Andrew, Jr.]

Hi Kimbo,

Yes, I took the dog to my vet to see if there is a microchip in her leg (no). And the signs are xeroxed off (thanks to Rosie) and posted all over. No bites yet. I called a couple of the pets locater places and also PetSmart, and PetCo. Nothing. She really has a sweet demeanor.

[Diavolo]

I drove transport yesterday for a beautiful little red girl with green eyes. Certainly not to the standard, but they were interesting. She was afraid of freeway overpasses and ducked every time we went under one. She's safe in the rescue now.

On another note, check this out.

GnZSTkycovg

[violaine]

[QUOTE=Diavolo;96939]I drove transport yesterday for a beautiful little red girl with green eyes. Certainly not to the standard, but they were interesting. She was afraid of freeway overpasses and ducked every time we went under one. She's safe in the rescue now.

{{{diavolo}}} you are a lovely soul. thank you for helping all of the dobes that you do, by travelling them to foster/rescue homes.

great videos :sheep:

happy sunday to you- may it be extra beautiful. you deserve it :)

belle

[turasultana]

Just found a cute little black kitten maybe 7 weeks old, taped up in a box on the street. looking for a home in the nyc area - though I'm falling in love fast. someone save me! :) I have 5 already.... she's damn cute though. sigh.

[Kimbo]

I was taking out my recycling when I saw this kitten in the road. I watched it as cars passed it and it was oblivious to the cars. I got closer and it left the road. I confronted my neighbor and the kitten is blind --- I don't get people. I think the kitten just might come up missing as soon as I get some tasty treats in him.

[DamSkippy]

I bet ya aren't surprised that I stop in here...:army:

I'm probably considered a bit crazy by many when it comes to my opinion of animals. I rescue them often..I have 6 cats myself and am constantly trapping something in my neighborhood to get spayed or neutered. I will apologize now for my attitude and impatients with those who turn a blind eye. I just can't.

I've been heavily involved locally and throughout the states in animal rescue. I've taken on local authorities on behalf of the animals, and I was one of the crazy people who did animal rescue in Katrina. I've also worked with Red Cross, FEMA and a few states to help implement animal rescue into their emergency preparedness.

I've a few stories when time allows which is not the case tonight, however I had to drop in and say hi.


(Snip: Kimbo) I'm probably considered a bit crazy by many when it comes to my opinion of animals. I rescue them often..I have 6 cats myself and am constantly trapping something in my neighborhood to get spayed or neutered.

I am the crazy cat lady with my family, some freinds and mostly at work. I have since 2005 altered 60 cats. My motto you come for dinner you will leave fixed. (ha) Anyways, i was recovering from chemo/breast cancer beginning of 06 and noticed cats and babys.. so i did research on the net and found out about some programs that i could trap ferals and bring them into the SPCA for 15.00 (single and limited money) worked for me, plus people helped my cause and donated for some $ here and there.

Nice to here other people doing the same (kudoz) i wont stop and i help my freinds out now since i have seemed to altered every cat in my blocks radious.

Dam Skippy

[Kimbo]

I get that DamSkippy, I have 6 cats myself. No more can come here, house rules and my commitment to my neighbors.

One resourse here that I am very fortunate to have access to is the feral cat project. She is having a rough time..I'm going to help her trap a soon to be mama cat. I also have another tom in my area that an appt is being made for.


http://www.feralcatproject.org/ (http://www.feralcatproject.org/)

[Lady Pamela]

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h184/born2bdiffrient/Bellawhenigother.jpg


This is Bella!

She is my latest rescue.
She still has much doctoring to get her better but she looks incredible from what she looked like when I first got her a couple months ago.

She and her sisters were thrown outside and left to die. Unfortunately the other girls did not make it. But my Bella is thriving.

Her wounds on her face down her nose are not healing very quickly though.

She has no voice except a strange sound every once and awhile. Her one eye is is partically blind and she is a lil slow. But she is so very thankful and lovable! She has become my lil shadow actually!

She has gained weight and the sore she had all over her body are healed now except for her face.

I am sooo glad she chose to come to me.

[FeminineAllure]

I just wanted to share with all of you animal lovers...I trapped 2 of my 7 feral cats today to go get medical attention and to be spayed/neutered. They will be back on Wednesday and I pray everything goes well.

[Diavolo]

I pulled a young Doberman out of Oakland last week. He'd been there two weeks and was totally withdrawn. He was collapsing in the shelter. Dobermans will do that. One of the gals there told me that he had become unadoptable but they knew he was a good dog and didn't want to have to put him down.

He's heading to the rescue on Sunday and he already has a new family interested and coming to see him next week. The lady sounds awesome, they've adopted from the rescue before. I hope they take him. I just love him, he's a great little dog.

Meet Sherman.

D5htJ91oFzs

The red one is my Rita and the blue one is my Bubba.

[christie]

I posted this in the Pets thread, but thought that some of you dealing more with rescue canines might have some ideas for the transition/socialization of Sookie, our latest Giant Schnauzer rescue.

All of our schnauzer pack are rescues. Max who is almost 22/23, Scooter was a Katrina rescue boy and Samson also came out of rescue.

Here is my conundrum. In all my years of having rescues as pets, I usually get the overly excited to have a home, in your face untrained behaviored pups.

Not our Sookie. While she has made great strides the last couple of days, I have never had a dog that just wanted to den up and be completely isolated. Since she came out of a horrific situation where she was found in a medium crate with a full size shephard, and obviously had no socialization/training, I am not expecting her to just perk up and be all, "Yay, I have a home" but I do want to figure out how to ease her process without reinforcing the behavior of isolating herself.

Treat bribing isnt working (I know Caesar would have my head for trying it), and she has started to come up to us for affection. I am hopeful that its just a time and patience thing. Ya'll all should know I have the patience of a gnat!

Any ideas for how we can facilitate the process?

[Diavolo]

I posted this in the Pets thread, but thought that some of you dealing more with rescue canines might have some ideas for the transition/socialization of Sookie, our latest Giant Schnauzer rescue.

All of our schnauzer pack are rescues. Max who is almost 22/23, Scooter was a Katrina rescue boy and Samson also came out of rescue.

Here is my conundrum. In all my years of having rescues as pets, I usually get the overly excited to have a home, in your face untrained behaviored pups.

Not our Sookie. While she has made great strides the last couple of days, I have never had a dog that just wanted to den up and be completely isolated. Since she came out of a horrific situation where she was found in a medium crate with a full size shephard, and obviously had no socialization/training, I am not expecting her to just perk up and be all, "Yay, I have a home" but I do want to figure out how to ease her process without reinforcing the behavior of isolating herself.

Treat bribing isnt working (I know Caesar would have my head for trying it), and she has started to come up to us for affection. I am hopeful that its just a time and patience thing. Ya'll all should know I have the patience of a gnat!

Any ideas for how we can facilitate the process?

Her comfort zone is going to be the crate, but she needs to get out. I would hook her up on the lead at regular times during the day and take her for a walk. She'll hate it at first but then it will become part of her routine and she will bond with you and eventually come out of the crate. She needs to go for dog walks with you, take her. It's the right thing to do. The best day will be when she walks over to you and puts her head in your lap. Or does the happy dance for a walk. It'll come. Sherman came out to me while I was reading in the yard and licked my arm today. Huge progress since last Friday.

[Corkey]

The walk is the most important aspect of her recovery. When she gets comfortable with it just being you or Jess, include the most calm of your pack to also go on a walk with her. You'll see progress.

[Soft*Silver]

I recently rescued an 11+ year old newfie/chow mix from our pound. His name is Old Max. He has been to the vet, who said he passes inspection and after treatment for kennel cough, will join Story (my 14 year old newfie girl) and myself in the house. (He is in quarantine at my house for now.) I have watched this old man go from total depression to doing the puppy play position with Story! He lost his missus when she died and the out of state daughter sent him to the pound. No wonder he was depressed. He is a happy little camper and yes, by god, if he does get along with Story in the house, he will live out his days with us.

I am setting up a portion of my property to be used as a foster program for our country pound. I SO loved fostering Max, that I do want to keep doing it. I already volunteer at the cat shelter where I got my one eyed limping kitty, Mr Smitty.

As for the Schnauzer, I think she needs more time to observe you and the pack. She has only been with you a few days, right? When I got Story, who was a kennel dog all her life, she had no idea what to do in the house. I got her when she was 7, so overnite, she lost her home and her pack and was thrown into a family setting. She shut down. She wanted to stay in a corner, away from people and the other dog. She needed time to process and watch. In time, she started coming out of the corner. (Just IMHO)

[christie]

Thank you all for your responses. I know that time and patience are key, as well as the walks. We leash them all up and off down the road we go! Our neighbors all think we are crazy anyway - we live in an area where pets aren't valued the same as Jess and I do. We experience a lot of "disposable" attitudes. They aren't bad people, but dogs, especially large ones, are often "outside" dogs and we are the only ones who actually walk our dogs. Most people open the door and let them run willy nilly. Makes me nuts.

I am happy to report that Jess says that Sookie has willingly come out of the crate and sat patiently by the door for her leash and has come for affection! (I travel for work 3 days per week). I can't wait to get home tomorrow to see where we are...

[turasultana]

saw a kitten on the street the last couple days. we caught her tonite cause some kids said they wanted her. of course dad said no. So now there's a kitten in the spare room for the nite. She goes to a shelter tomorrow unless we find a home asap.

7 weeks old about. But we have 6 including the one we found and kept a few weeks ago. no more room at the inn. I'm tormented. I may need to learn to just walk past them but its so hard.

nyc/brooklyn - come and get her!

[violaine]

usually in one e-mail, sent out to LOTS of e-mail routings.

i looked here- Resources for cats/animals in ny/Brooklyn area:

http://www.hellobrooklyn.com/Brooklyn_links/brooklyn_animal_rescue.html

turasultana,
maybe you could write to someone at each of the e-mail addresses provided below, and explain all of the [:bunchflowers:great!] work you have been doing. Also, be sure to mention the number of cats you already have. In doing this very same thing as I’m suggesting to you- after composing a warm and respectful letter- indicating my own work with dogs/cats/gpigs/et c., plus, my efforts to place animal[s], usually, what I have found [again and again], is that my letter gets forwarded to people who may not be otherwise accessible to me via search on the net . Your local humane society or animal control may also have a list of contact people to share with you for cat fostering, so when / if you write that one e-mail, add these to your list for sending out. Maybe checking one county over too, if you can get the kitty there. the local library may permit a flyer to be posted, groomers, and find out which businesses support your humane society [check their online newsletter], to see if you can post flyers there as well.

here:
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NY396.html

https://www.netpets.org/militarypet/foster.php

http://www.kensingtonkitties.net/foster.html

one letter with an attached image of the kitty, certainly saves time and energy. I mass e-message it to [cat] rescue groups, and individuals listed who foster pets [kittens/cats].

Thank you for helping the kittens out there on the street! Someone will offer help to you this time.:bunchflowers::bunchflowers::bunchflowers:

Best,
belle

[turasultana]

Thanks Volaine!

I live in kensington brooklyn so I'll def. call kensington kitties. Maybe if I give them a donation they can get the kitten a foster home.

[violaine]

the little pig from the animal control facility is as sweet as can be. he is smallish, his toenails were very long/coiled round and round, wood chips/bedding were stuck to several of his toes with poo, and he was seriously impacted. this happens with poor diet, husbandry, & lack of mental and physical stimulation.

i'm not sure if anyone knows about older pigs and this condition, but i am posting a link. he will need help- being emptied once or twice daily, and neutering will not help a pig once the impaction begins.

information:

http://www.guinealynx.info/impaction.html

not a lovely job, but someone has to do it for them!

[turasultana]

Glad to report that I found two different foster places willing to take the kitten! So depending on who I hear back from when, she either goes to a foster group in brooklyn today, or one in manhattan on Sat.

She's gotten over her fear of humans - this morning she wanted her belly rubbed and to be picked up and cuddled so she should be totally adoptable. I was worried she might be feral, but luckily she's just young enough to still be socialized. She's very cute. :)

[FeminineAllure]

We trapped one more feral yesterday. That makes three this week! One came back yesterday and two come back tomorrow. The kitten I am taking to my vet today for his shots etc... After his check up today I will make an appointment for him to be neutered as well. His name is Zachary and he gets along well with my cat so I am adopting him.

[turasultana]

Want to give a shout out to:
Brooklyn Animal Foster Network
http://brooklynanimalfosternetwork.org

They not only took in the kitten that I found. They are also supporting Brooklyn Pride with a table (Stray Pride!). AND they're having a benefit at Ginger's in July (dyke bar).

They even have Stray Pride T-shirts for sale on their site! I want one. :)

[Lady Pamela]

This is Fury

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs314.snc3/28384_129085510454390_100000588264847_224439_22814 02_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs314.snc3/28384_129085507121057_100000588264847_224438_56945 92_n.jpg

He is my new grandpuppy...smiles

I just wanted to share...He was rescued and still needs a good grooming job...But he is sooo cute!

[christie]

I am so glad to share that Sookie is coming right out of her shell. Yesterday, we saw a new side of her as she showed us her butt wiggle dance after a day spent being SO social that every time we turned around, her big ole wet nose was by your hand waiting for a pat.

We still haven't heard her make a sound but I think its coming.

Its really nifty to watch her progress and just makes my heart full.

[Diavolo]

My guy Sherman has come out of his shell a lot. It's been exactly a week today since I pulled him from the shelter. This morning he tentatively came down the hallway to my office. It's the first time since I picked him up. He's following my dogs' lead, so they've taught him to scratch the back door to get me to open it. He's a thief, but he doesn't tear stuff up. I've found a glove, a wooden spoon, a sports bra, a shoe, a bike bag and I can't even remember what else out in the yard. Just sitting there. Last night he actually came in to the living room, as opposed to spending the evening in his crate, even though the door is open. He gently snuck up on the couch that my dogs sleep on. My dogs were begging for ice cream so they didn't know he was there. When they went back to their spots, he hopped down and went back to his crate. He barks to be let out and sleeps in a hole that Rita dug in the back yard. Sunday the transport is running and he'll head up to the rescue. There is a family in Washington waiting for his arrival. He's going to have a great life.

[violaine]

a staff member contacted me this morning from the animal control shelter with regard to a stray red dobe. this is good news [shelter reaching out], but i had already provided dobe rescue contact information- they're [animal shelter] not yet using the numbers on their own. no worries! i sent an e-message to the dobe rescue group, mentioning the dealio about the dobe, and that someone from animal shelter will be telephoning.

:praying:

[suebee]

Article on dogs being given up in New Orleans because so many people have lost their jobs in the fishing industry. Thanks once again BP! Linky loo (http://blogs.dogtime.com/oh-mi-dog/archive/2010/06)

[fiercegrrl]

i just sent an email to a rescue about a dog i saw online that i think will be perfect for me. *crossing fingers*
i've wanted a dog for years and always felt it wasn't the right time. now that i'm sick i've gotten so upset at times that i kept putting off adopting one.
so, i've asked a couple of friends if they would provide a loving home for my dog when the time comes that i can't care properly for him or her. i think that it will a lot to my life to have a dog in it.
i get to meet her tomorrow!

[turasultana]

i just sent an email to a rescue about a dog i saw online that i think will be perfect for me. *crossing fingers*
i've wanted a dog for years and always felt it wasn't the right time. now that i'm sick i've gotten so upset at times that i kept putting off adopting one.
so, i've asked a couple of friends if they would provide a loving home for my dog when the time comes that i can't care properly for him or her. i think that it will a lot to my life to have a dog in it.
i get to meet her tomorrow!


Also note, another option if you want animals but just don't know if you can commit for their lifetime, is to foster. Then you get to help the animal, you get companionship and love, but you pass it on to another when it or you are ready to do so. Sounds like you got it covered though so good luck with your new dog! :)

[violaine]

-- posted in the holistic thread --

check with your vet, but a lot of the time, small animal vets suggest benadryl spray and fish oil capsule for dry skin issues. i've found the spray gets sticky, and causes more scratching! fish oil in small amounts can be ok for treating internally [the benadryl = externally], but there may be better avenues to take, and products to use. i like neem oil over the benadryl spray, and selsun blue small amount [pigs are only 2-3 pounds as adults!].

exotic pets, such as cavies/guinea pigs, are super drug-sensitive, and cannot be treated with many medications used for people, cats, or dogs. i'm caring for a little guinea pig who was quite a while at the shelter. since i've already posted some of his background in the animal rescue thread, so i won't go into all of it here, but i will share some links, please, on neem oil, and essentials not only for humans, but our animal-family members.

here is how i'm treating the pig, toffee- for parasites- even if he is clean because it cannot harm him:

http://www.oginet.com/pgurney/skinp.htm

[sometimes, these sites do not list exactly how much of a vitamin- like i think here on this one, peter does not write the amount of B vitamin for a guinea pig [like toffee!] who is dealing with impaction issues, and that info can be found in the following link].

http://www.guinealynx.info/nutritional_supplements.html

[be sure for guinea pigs to get the capsule B vitamin and open it up- one B complex will provide four servings, and the capsule type does not contain calcium, which can be a serious problem if a pig gets too much in his diet].

i am not fond of breeding pigs, as there are enough who are awaiting homes in fosters/rescues/shelters, but some good info here on natural / holistic care for unwell dogs also:

http://www.broadstoneguineapigs.co.uk/blog/?cat=5

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15261960
[i love pubmed!]

[Soft*Silver]

I am sad to report that the handsome Newf/Chow mix that I rescued from the pound died suddenly about a week ago. The vet misdiagnosed his cough, thought it was kennel cough. It was heartworm. He had done a heartworm test on him but he said his heart was so strong and he was so alert and active he felt it had to be a false positive. He apologized profusely to me and we grieved together. I love this old country vet. He has put down 4 of my dogs and 2 of my horses over the years. He has even come to my house to euthenize a dog because she couldnt be lifted without causing her serious pain.

Old Max had a good 2 weeks with me. He had a full belly, a soft comforter, a bowl of fresh clean water at all times. He had his own toys. He had been professionally groomed and had years of outside grime and sweat removed from him. He looked so handsome!

I will not be able to foster or rescue again for awhile. I am getting two surgeries done..one for my hiatal hernia, another for my back. Until I recover from this, I am unable to take on more responsibility.

and, my heart needs to heal from the loss of Old Max...

[christie]

I am sad to report that the handsome Newf/Chow mix that I rescued from the pound died suddenly about a week ago. The vet misdiagnosed his cough, thought it was kennel cough. It was heartworm. He had done a heartworm test on him but he said his heart was so strong and he was so alert and active he felt it had to be a false positive. He apologized profusely to me and we grieved together. I love this old country vet. He has put down 4 of my dogs and 2 of my horses over the years. He has even come to my house to euthenize a dog because she couldnt be lifted without causing her serious pain.

Old Max had a good 2 weeks with me. He had a full belly, a soft comforter, a bowl of fresh clean water at all times. He had his own toys. He had been professionally groomed and had years of outside grime and sweat removed from him. He looked so handsome!

I will not be able to foster or rescue again for awhile. I am getting two surgeries done..one for my hiatal hernia, another for my back. Until I recover from this, I am unable to take on more responsibility.

and, my heart needs to heal from the loss of Old Max...

Awwww, softness. We are so sorry to hear this. I know that even in the two weeks, you had obviously grown to love that old boy.

I'm glad he had you for even a short time. Our hearts hurt for you.

Christie & Jess

[Diavolo]

I'm sorry to hear about Max. We believe that if they can spend their last days in the comfort of a home and receive some love and compassion, we've done our job. I know you thought he was going to get more than he did out of this life, I'm sorry, that's really hard, but thank you for caring about him and making his last days comfortable.

I've volunteered to take on a hospice case. We have two at the rescue right now and they can't afford a third unadoptable dog. This one is a beautiful boy with Wobblers. He's at the shelter, but everyone loves him to death. He's a great dog. He was collapsed when he came in, he couldn't walk. I actually diagnosed him and I've never worked in a vet's office a day in my life. I told them to take neck X-rays and look for Wobblers. They came back and said I was right. They've nursed him back to leap frogging. He won't be adoptable. They have one guy who wants to foster him, if that works great, but I need to know he understands that it's hospice, the dog's probably not getting better or moving on. If that doesn't work, he's coming here. I suspect he's coming here. Wobblers dogs can't be around slick surfaces. My place is carpet and slate. He won't slip here. I had a greyhound who lost his home in his twilight years. Luckily his family worked to find him someplace to go and didn't dump him at the shelter. I took on a red Doberman a few years back who's owner died and the family didn't want her. She lived here for 19 months before the cancer got her. I can do a Wobblers dog until the pain is too much and let him go knowing he was loved.

[Soft*Silver]

thank you for your kind words of support about Max. I am so glad he did have two weeks of being loved and cared for. I have done rescue and foster all my adult life and know only too well how sad it is when the ones we take under our wings, only stay with us a short while. Sometimes our job is simply to help them get to that rainbow bridge they speak of, where our animals go and wait for us over there. I have a small army waiting for me...soft laughter.... I love senior dogs...and have inquired about an old newfie girl I found online...her and my old demented newfie girl should get along famously!

[Diavolo]

This occurred at SF Pride. Bad Rap is the local pit bull rescue. They do amazing things. The funny thing is they are an organization that knows where to draw the line and does so frequently with aggressive dogs. Knowing that, it makes the whole PETA position even more ludicrous.

Link a dink (http://badrap-blog.blogspot.com/2010/06/peta-proud-blog-response-to-yelper-from.html)

BTW, Ike the Wobbler's dog from Oakland Animal Services came here last night. He's here for hospice care. Quite honestly I didn't know if I should put him down on the way to my house he was so bad when I got him, I felt so bad for him. But I took him home and once he figured out that he could navigate the slate without falling down and that the cement and dirt in the back yard were safe too he's been doing ok. Not great, but he'll get a few weeks, maybe months with a warm place to sleep and a full belly and he'll know love.

[Stearns]

My neighbor and I caught 5 ferals in the last two days - mama cat and her 4 kittens. Mama got spayed and released, and the kittens were already spoken for.

Where I live, we have a free spay, neuter and release clinic once a month and a M-F $20 clinic that takes ferals without an appointment.

[Diavolo]

Ike has been improving little bits every day he's been here. Originally I though I was just going to keep him a couple of weeks and put him down, but I think I might be able to help him live a longer more quality life. I'm working with a 503(c) to get some help, I'm tapped right now. We'll see how that goes. He's a great dog, he follows me all around the yard. It took three days for him to quit sleeping on the slate and take advantage of the soft comforter I left down for him. I think he finally got a good night's sleep last night. He spends a lot of time laying down resting, but I think his legs are very week from the Wobblers. At least he's laying on something soft now. I tried Rita's Costco bed but he wasn't interested. He loves the comforter though. The open sore on his elbow should now start healing now that he's not laying on cement and slate. I think he went down where ever he was living before the shelter and they just left him there. After he wouldn't get up for a while they took him down and dumped him. He's got pressure sores that look like they're from him laying on something hard for a long time. At least he did a little dance when I got up this morning. That makes it all worthwhile.

[violaine]

I took on a red Doberman a few years back who's owner died and the family didn't want her.

animal control now works with rescue groups. in fact, they did telephone dobe rescue, [my contact provided to shelter], on a red doberman who was a stray. chief officer rang me to say they were all very impressed by the woman who came to pick him up at the shelter.

hope you are all doing well, diavolo.

[WingsOnFire]

At least he did a little dance when I got up this morning. That makes it all worthwhile.

This made me smile as tears rolled down my cheeks... I am a rescuer... I have my recent rescue beagle puppy "Pepper" sleeping soundly in her crate at home I am sure while I am away for the day. She has turned my home into quite the "romper room" where you never know when you will be bowled over by her 17 pounds and our rescued lab's 70 pounds following her...

I hope your new one gets healthier and I agree... there is ALWAYS hope!! We just have to know when that hope has run its course. I am glad your dog is doing better.

I have always wanted to buy a big ranch and open an animal rescue sanctuary.... maybe one day I will win the lottery and get my dream!

[Soft*Silver]

one of the reasons I like being single is that I dont have to listen to anyone complain to me about my committment to animals. If I want to take on an animal as a pet or as a rescue/foster, I am the only person I need to ask. I give alot of credit to the couples out there who do rescue/fosters together. I have not had that experience and quite frankly this alone is enough to keep me single.

I am heading into a stretch of 3 surgeries. I am not going to be able to take care of myself and my current pets, without assistance. I am eager to get these done so I can once again foster. Poor little Max was so grateful for his time with me...and there are SO many others out there needing some kind hand.

I know, someday, in decades or centuries, they will look at us in this time in history and see us as barbarians, for how we mangled the web of life and how indifferent we were to other living things. They will see this time as a holocaust.

if you can, open your home to a needy animal, who without you, might be put down. One life is a huge deal. One life that otherwise, would be surrendered because our kind, cant committ to caring enough to be kind and responsible to those pitiful beings...

[Stearns]

I'm not a Rescuer in the sense of fostering. Where I live there is a restriction on how many pets you can have, and I already have two. Plus, my dog is old and fearful of other dogs. I didn't get her until she was 2 y/o, so I'm not sure what happened to make her that way. My cat is an absolute beast when it comes to other cats. She torments them to no end, no matter what I do - how I've introduced them into the household, etc. - and I've had to find other homes for several over the years because they were just miserable from her treatment of them.

This Sunday is spay/neuter and release day. My neighbor and I are going after 2 females, 2 males and 1 kitten. The kitten will be put up for adoption at a local vet clinic. Our humane society lets you put deposits down on as many traps as you need, then you get your deposit back when you return the traps. It's a great arrangement.

I'll report back on how things go.

[lipstixgal]

I'm not a Rescuer in the sense of fostering. Where I live there is a restriction on how many pets you can have, and I already have two. Plus, my dog is old and fearful of other dogs. I didn't get her until she was 2 y/o, so I'm not sure what happened to make her that way. My cat is an absolute beast when it comes to other cats. She torments them to no end, no matter what I do - how I've introduced them into the household, etc. - and I've had to find other homes for several over the years because they were just miserable from her treatment of them.

This Sunday is spay/neuter and release day. My neighbor and I are going after 2 females, 2 males and 1 kitten. The kitten will be put up for adoption at a local vet clinic. Our humane society lets you put deposits down on as many traps as you need, then you get your deposit back when you return the traps. It's a great arrangement.

I'll report back on how things go.

Wow that's a nice thing to do rescue animals. I just love my dogs I have two Jack Russell terrriers and they are the best!! Would love to get another from the Jack Russell Terrier rescue but the one dog is old and I don't think he would take too kindly to another young pup in the house!! But I think its a great idea to rescue animals and find them good homes!!

[WingsOnFire]

one of the reasons I like being single is that I dont have to listen to anyone complain to me about my committment to animals. If I want to take on an animal as a pet or as a rescue/foster, I am the only person I need to ask. I give alot of credit to the couples out there who do rescue/fosters together. I have not had that experience and quite frankly this alone is enough to keep me single.

I am heading into a stretch of 3 surgeries. I am not going to be able to take care of myself and my current pets, without assistance. I am eager to get these done so I can once again foster. Poor little Max was so grateful for his time with me...and there are SO many others out there needing some kind hand.

I know, someday, in decades or centuries, they will look at us in this time in history and see us as barbarians, for how we mangled the web of life and how indifferent we were to other living things. They will see this time as a holocaust.

if you can, open your home to a needy animal, who without you, might be put down. One life is a huge deal. One life that otherwise, would be surrendered because our kind, cant committ to caring enough to be kind and responsible to those pitiful beings...
BUT BUT BUT.... You just might meet someone like Damon who cant tell me no!!! He just smiles at me when I tell him my dreams... and he would do it for me in a heartbeat..

Now,,,,, if I could get him a tiger to foster... he would be moving hell and high water to make sure the laws let him have it.. lol... he LOOOOVVESSS tigers.. But he also knows they are better off in the wild... but hey who wouldnt love to play with a cuddly tiger?? I still havent been able to take him to Turnpentine Creek... Hopefully it cools off soon.. I want to plan a weekend with him there. They are a tiger rescue sanctuary and have cabins in the air above the tigers.. You get to hear them roar at night... he will be so happy I think he will not be able to stop grinning..

ugggghhh... ok gotta get stuff in the car.. Sweetie has 20 mins to wake up and get out of the hotel room..

Becca...

[morningstar55]

wow . ha i didnt know this thread was here............. i started a new thread about 73 horses that were neglected/abused and 40 going bk to the abuser....
read on.........

http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1706

[Soft*Silver]

this is one of those situations where I hold myself and rock as I pray...I cannot imagine the inhumanity of this person. I also dont understand how the ASPCA touted her stable as a top morgan stable just a few years before this. How does a top stable topple into this kind of travesty? Those horses featured in the photos were rail thin and living in unhealthy and unsafe conditions. It also looked like some of their manes had been chewed off. Horses will often resort to eating manes and tails when they are starved. And if she is a top breeder, why didnt members of this breed step up and try to help these horses before it got to this point? All too often, people gossip but do nothing. If they did know, then shame on them for not speaking out and helping these horses.

Where I live, people sometimes do leave a bit of manure of manure in the stall by the walls to keep heat in...I know the amish do this. I have heard 4H advisors tell kids to do this. My own father did this. But no one who practices this the way it should be practiced, ever leaves more than a low layer, just against the wall. Certainly not in the middle. And never would a horse be able to sink in it. Did you see how high that manure was??? The smell of manure and urine that built up, rips the lungs and nostrils of the horse. How hopeless those poor horses must have felt. If you have never seen a depressed horse, it is so pitiful. Again, someday we will be known as barbarians and it will be said there was a holocaust that we allowed to happen...

And certainly no horse is covered with manure. That poor horse's belly that was all matted up. Mats HURT. It pulls the skin. Every movement is like someone pinching them.

I would like to hear more about this in the future, Ms Morningstar. I am going to ask some of my rescue friends, and a friend of mine in the morgan business about this case. If I find out anything that hasnt been reported here, I will post it..

thank you for bringing it to our attention. One more set of prayers for my prayer book...

[DamonK]

BUT BUT BUT.... You just might meet someone like Damon who cant tell me no!!! He just smiles at me when I tell him my dreams... and he would do it for me in a heartbeat..

Now,,,,, if I could get him a tiger to foster... he would be moving hell and high water to make sure the laws let him have it.. lol... he LOOOOVVESSS tigers.. But he also knows they are better off in the wild... but hey who wouldnt love to play with a cuddly tiger?? I still havent been able to take him to Turnpentine Creek... Hopefully it cools off soon.. I want to plan a weekend with him there. They are a tiger rescue sanctuary and have cabins in the air above the tigers.. You get to hear them roar at night... he will be so happy I think he will not be able to stop grinning..

ugggghhh... ok gotta get stuff in the car.. Sweetie has 20 mins to wake up and get out of the hotel room..

Becca...


I...WANT...A...TIGER

It could play with Pepper

My money's on Pepper

[Darth Denkay]

Hey Lipstixgal!

Just wanted to jump in and say that I'm owned by a Jack Russell as well - yes, they do rock. Right now my living situation limits me to just the one dog (and 4 cats) eventually I'd like to have a setup to do Jack Russell rescue. I would also love to do Great Dane rescue. Maybe an odd combination but I love em! I was raised by great danes so that's where that love comes from. In any case, YAY for Jack Russells!!!!!

Wow that's a nice thing to do rescue animals. I just love my dogs I have two Jack Russell terrriers and they are the best!! Would love to get another from the Jack Russell Terrier rescue but the one dog is old and I don't think he would take too kindly to another young pup in the house!! But I think its a great idea to rescue animals and find them good homes!!

[Glenn]

Are there any folks here who can give me a link to laws in different Countys in Indiana concerning pet restrictions? I am being discriminated againest by neighbors who claim my 10 cats bother:blink: them. They threatened to call pet control and kidnap my furkids! They are so cowardly, they write me letters instead of meeting face to face. I don't know who they are, or wth my little Angels are doing that is so badd. btw..my kids are fixed and i hardly see them near a neighbor.

[Glenn]

Ya know, Folks I've been up thinkin about how my furkids have their licenses and shots. I also just read that in most counties in the US it's actually illegal to trap and send away someone's furkid even if it's on your property. Yet, I remember what happened to Wolfy's poor MaMa cat. If I have a neighbor like that, even though I love my home, I will just move, because that's how much I love these kids.

[Andrew, Jr.]

I recently went thru something similar to this with the ferral cats living in the natural habitat behind my home. The two new neighbors (who were actually renters and not owners) called in Animal Control. It broke my heart. I feed these cats for 12 years. And my vet who lived next door, but moved last year into a single family home, helped with the spaying/neutering, shots, and so on. It is just that these 2 women were single, not working, and had nothing but time on their hands. There was nothing I could do. I even called up several attorneys for help. I wanted these cats back. I failed them. Now they are playing and free at Rainbow Bridge. :candle:

Next they called the Fire Marshall on me for having a grill and chimnea on my deck. I called the Fire Marshall and asked for names, and what law was broken if any. No laws were broken since I am a homeowner. :bbq:

Wait...it gets better.

My neighbor who is a single father and raising his son, who is 5 yo, alone. He is constantly running. He is a teacher, coach, and does after school activities with the kids. They stated that he was leaving his dog out, and not picking up after him. He had to put down his dog 3 years ago because of cancer. Sheesh. :dog:

Then they accused Rosie to her face of going thru their trash. What? :awww: Oh yeah. Right.

They then had the nerve to ask us to help with their yard work. I asked them both if they had a phone book. If not, I would be happy to give mine to them. I am not sweating for them - ever. We all need an apology.

Like I said, those 2 ladies with too much time on their hands. How sad. Both moved out in May - thank God above. They were a pain to everyone here in the neighborhood.

[Stearns]

This Sunday is spay/neuter and release day. My neighbor and I are going after 2 females, 2 males and 1 kitten. The kitten will be put up for adoption at a local vet clinic. Our humane society lets you put deposits down on as many traps as you need, then you get your deposit back when you return the traps. It's a great arrangement.

I'll report back on how things go.

All, I just trapped mother and kitten. And, guess what, Mama is pregnant.

I set up the second trap about an hour ago. I don't know who I'll catch, but I'm hoping for the other adult female.

[Stearns]

All, I just trapped mother and kitten. And, guess what, Mama is pregnant.

I set up the second trap about an hour ago. I don't know who I'll catch, but I'm hoping for the other adult female.

Update: :thumbsup: Dropped mama kitty off this morning at 8:00 for spaying. I'll pick her up at 2:00, she'll stay overnight with me and I'll release her in the morning. The kitten is with the neighbor and will go to the vet clinic tomorrow to be put up for adoption.

Oh, I did catch something wild (http://enchanteur.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/baby-possum.jpg) in the other trap. It wasn't unexpected; I knew the potential for that 'brand' or a raccoon was pretty high. The photo is exactly how it looked when it saw me, too, lol. Needless to say, I released it.

Thanks for the thread, violaine. I appreciate being able to share my 'Adventures in Feral Land'. I hope my stories aren't too boring.

[paposeco]

This lil' guy/girl was near death when I found it, just outside my front door.
About a week old. I took it in and nursed it back to health till Peanut was old and healthy enough to be set free. He/she has now joined the other gound squirrles. I miss the lil' thing but am happy that Peanut made it. :) I made this video of Peanut half-way through taking care of it.
JPMFUOSpabM

...take care of yourself, my lilttle friend:rrose:

[miss entycing]

hey everyone :) hope y'all are having a lovely day today

So, throughout the last several years, I've had Red Eared Sliders in a 60 gallon tank.. got them when they were babies, kept them around because I simply adore turtles... gave a few as gifts, etc.. when I moved to Colorado with Damon 4 yrs ago, I left them with my son and his fiance, who in turn found them a new family, a great family... I had 2 left, both were about 8 yrs old, had grown to about 7 inches long and were huge, big ol babies.. they fed from my hand, knew my voice.. I could walk into the room and call them, and they'd cross the tank to meet me-
anyways... we came home to SC last november and I have thought about getting more.. but just haven't gotten there yet.
Last night, Damon rescued a gorgeous, really young male Box turtle from the road, where it would have been hit, brought it home to me, and we went to Petsmart and got supplies, tank and LOTS of extra's for him :) he seems to be doing great.. exploring, eating well, dipping in the pool we made in the tank, loves grapes, and carrots, and worms, lol...

I named him Spanky :sunglass:

Does anyone have experience with Box turtles? I don't know a whole lot about their upkeep and care, and even if I should have him out of his element of the wild, yanno? Last thing I would ever do is make something suffer-

thanks in advance for any input!
Deanna

[Diavolo]

Last night, Damon rescued a gorgeous, really young male Box turtle from the road, where it would have been hit, brought it home to me, and we went to Petsmart and got supplies, tank and LOTS of extra's for him :) he seems to be doing great.. exploring, eating well, dipping in the pool we made in the tank, loves grapes, and carrots, and worms, lol...

I named him Spanky :sunglass:

Does anyone have experience with Box turtles? I don't know a whole lot about their upkeep and care, and even if I should have him out of his element of the wild, yanno? Last thing I would ever do is make something suffer-

thanks in advance for any input!
Deanna

No, but you raised a great son!

[violaine]

i am thinking about purepisces and her beloved dakota, who went on to the next step. may dakota be rolling in the grass, getting acquainted with lots of playful companions, and always, going on to the next step for her amazing journey.

[FeminineAllure]

In the past couple of months a friend and I have trapped 3 female ferals, 2 male ferals, and 2 kittens today that will go up for adoption. But it is bittersweet at times. Romeo was one of the first male ferals to be captured and the vet wanted to keep him as one of their office cats. But he never fully adapted to more than one on one interactions with people so I asked if they wanted me to take him back. They agreed it would be best. I hate to admit it but I can not wait for his return on Friday.
I still have 1 more female, 2 males and at least 4 more kittens to capture yet.
One step at a time, but at least I have taken my first steps to make a change in their lives.
Zack is a one year old feral male that comes to visit me inside every day. He is the most loving cat I have ever encountered.
I have seen this over and over now that the most humane thing you can do for animals is to get them spayed/neutered!

[violaine]

:bunchflowers:lisa,

do you think with more time, the kitty would adapt to vet office new surroundings?

i'm so proud of you!!

ox

[FeminineAllure]

:bunchflowers:lisa,

do you think with more time, the kitty would adapt to vet office new surroundings?

i'm so proud of you!!

ox

belle:cheer:

I don't think so belle. He has been there for awhile now. Some animals do better one on one than in crowds of people.
I will find a compatible home to match his personality!
Thanks for the support.
xoxoxo

[FeminineAllure]

Hello to my fellow animal lovers!

Yesterday, one of the kittens from the feral colony was at the bottom of my steps barely moving. I picked him up and brought him inside. I tried to feed him some cat milk and water. He would not take any. So I rushed him to my vet around the corner.
He needed to be admitted and was very weak. I don't know if his mother stopped feeding him...He is four months old so should be eating on his own. He is black with beautiful green eyes. The doctor said it is unusal for a kitten to seek out help and usually just goes away to die. So I named him Willie because of his "Will" to live.
He was given medical attention around the clock and the Doctor called to say he may be able to come home today. When he is better he will go to another vet who adopts kittens out of her office.
Almost all of the ferals are spayed or neutered now but there are a few kittens still needed to be trapped and put up for adoption. I have 8 ferals I look after and about 4 kittens. I feed them every morning and evening, play with them and give them lots of love and attention. But they are on a porch and some stay under the porch until I walk away to come out to eat. Please pray for this kitty.
Thanks!!!

[FeminineAllure]

The kitten came home from the vet today. He is on antibiotics, baby food and soft kitten food. He is drinking and being fed through a syringe every few hours. He has a slight fever but we are watching it. He should improve in a few days. If he does not he would have to be put down but I am optimistic.
My friend Mary is here helping me and wants to take him home with her. She just adopted 2 other kitties recently.

Have a good weekend everyone.

[Scorp]

Hey Folks,

Great news for us animal lovers who live in Mass. I just received a thank you email:

Thank you for helping to protect animals and people from poisoning.

Thanks to your calls and emails, H. 4285 passed the Massachusetts Senate on July 13th and was signed into law by the Governor on July 19th. This new law will prevent accidental and malicious poisonings of animals and people by requiring that a bittering agent be added to antifreeze to make it less palatable.

This important legislation will take effect in Massachusetts on January 1, 2011.

We often ask our elected officials to support or oppose legislation that affects animals, but should also remember to say thank you when they enact animal-friendly laws.

[Diavolo]

I drove transport today. I had an old dog that somebody dumped in Southern California. He arrived from SoCal on Thursday. And a little girl my brother pulled from San Francisco who had chemical burns all over her body and a particularly bad burn on her nose. They are both safe in rescue now. And I got a kiss (http://www.flickr.com/photos/87312840@N00/4829345722/).

[violaine]

http://www.rodentswithattitude.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?p=58614


ive never tried them myself, but this is good information for hoomans:

http://stitchandboots.wordpress.com/2009/05/06/dandelions-taraxacum-officinale-plant-profiles/

[violaine]

just checking in with everyone. i have a really great story to share about a missing boston terrier-

i saw him running, and he absolutely could not be bothered, so there was no way for me to ring up the number of any human on the tags, which i could see attached to a collar. well, i found a crumpled sign stapled to a post on my way to kroger, and i stopped just to check. it was for a missing boston, and the collar was red, so i telephoned straightaway and mentioned where i saw him running around. the man came immediately, and a search went on for ten days and nights for this dog! i helped by keeping an eye out during my walks, and driving through an area to check on a feral cat.

people would see the dog, and phone his humans, this went on for over a week, and when the boston ran past or away from his human, the odds of a reunion did not seem favourable! little black and white dog was on the east side of town - in triple digit weather/humidity, maybe cooling off where he was reported to be seen: fields of beans and corn; private gardens; post office; walgreens; kroger; factory; and the bike/walk path.

his humans never gave up, and spent many hours each day searching.... they lived across town, highways, and get this - joey had never travelled on foot/leash beyond his huge yard. he went in the car everywhere, like to visit his other boston terrier family members-- all of whom were in on the frantic search. the eleventh day his human was having coffee, and heard a noise- it was the boston scratching at the sliding glass to come inside! his feet were cut up and bloody, he had abrasions on his legs/stomach, and lost five pounds. how amazing he found his way back to his family.

[Scota_Parisi]

It's been almost one month since my 13 year old furkid left us. And once my heart is in a better place, I've contemplated on being a foster home for older big dogs. Going to take some work, our home was in "senior citizen" mode for my boy (access ramp included). But that could be a bonus for an older dog waiting for a home.

Have done the animal transport before, but that has been a while. Considering volunteering for that, too.

My furkid was a rescued dog... headed to the pound when we crossed paths 13 years ago. Someone had given him as a pet to a 9 year old, who in turn, couldn't take care of him.

Hats off to those of you that help our friends, no matter what the species.

[AtLast]

I'm so sorry for those of you that have lost their fur babies recently. just damn hard.

I am excited because while at my vet today to pick-up my cat's sib-q fluid supplies, I got a CA application for new personalized license plates with proceeds going to low-cost animal clinics throughout the state. Seems like a great idea. So many people having hard economic times always need something like these clinics to be able to have the love and companionship our pets give us. Many senior citizens. Also, there has been an upsurge in people bringing pets to shelters during this recession because they can't afford to keep them and take care of health needs. Maybe this will help. I hope so. Kind of expensive (the recession has affected me, too!), but maybe when my tags are due things will be better and I can do this. Just had a lot of expenses including on-going vet bills for my older kitty (kidney failure, but doing OK right now)..

[Glenn]

CALUMET SNAP
The Spay/Neuter Program of Northwest Indiana
Call- 1-708-755-1110
They also have discounts on medical issues for low-income people thanks to the donations of some great folks.
They will even pick up and bring your furkids to the facility from your home, and return them! They also provide free traps. 60 dollars

[betenoire]

I was wondering if anybody had any suggestions on the best way to go about rehoming kittens (and their mother)?

I took in a young stray (under a year old) about a month ago because I suspected that she was in heat. It was never my intention to keep her - I wanted to find her a safe home and get her inside before she became pregnant.

Anyway, it turned out I was too late. I had taken her to the vet to get dewormed (she has tapeworm) and discovered that she was pregnant. The vet figures this was her first heat.

She gave birth to four really darling kittens last night. On my bed (she apparently had no interest at all in the nesting box I'd put together for her).

While I want to keep her (I'm in LOVE) I just can't. Legally in the city that I live in you can only have 3 cats - I already had 4. So she makes 5. Kittens make 9 - holy shit. It's not fair to her or to me or to my other cats if she stays with me forever - my time and money are stretched as it is.

When I found out that she was pregnant I contacted every no-kill (and even low-kill) shelter and cat rescue organisation within four hours of me - and nobody had any room. I could not even dream of taking her to the local "humane" society as they are a high-kill shelter - and they told me outright that if I brought her to her while she was pregnant that they would kill her. Shitty policy.

So I'm on my own with this one. Any advice on rehoming (or offers to take her or one of the little ones home yourself!) would be super appreciated. I've never done this before.

Why the fuck can't people just get their damn cats spayed? Idiots.

[Soft*Silver]

the cat ladies society in Youngstown ohio have taken on cats from kill shelters across the nation. They keep every cat until it has found a home. You could call them and they could tell you who in your area might be a good solution for you to turn to, if they themselves might not take them on. Google them.

Also, check out petsmart and petco and etc...if they have pet adoptions in their store, they would know who are no kill agencies.

contact activity depts in nursing homes and assisted living centers. Sometimes they are seeking pets. Or you can bring them in during family visit time and see if just by chance, while people are enjoying petting them, someone might want one

post on craigs list under the pets category, the same information you posted here, asking for resources. There ARE private people in your area who are rescuers..you just dont know them yet. And they will tell you how to screen and what to do to get them homes

Contact vets and have them post about the kittens

make sure you ask for a rehoming fee. People who use animals for dog fight trainings seek free pets. Ask at least $25 if unvetted. $50 if vetted.

[Soft*Silver]

I need to know if there is anyone remotely close to Springfield MO who can help me pull a much abused St Bernard from a shelter ..... foster him for awhile until I can arrange animal transport over to Ohio...

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/17201048

I am working on collecting donations for his vetting...donations desperately needed.

you cant change the world, but you can change this dog's world...

[betenoire]

the cat ladies society in Youngstown ohio have taken on cats from kill shelters across the nation. They keep every cat until it has found a home. You could call them and they could tell you who in your area might be a good solution for you to turn to, if they themselves might not take them on. Google them.

Also, check out petsmart and petco and etc...if they have pet adoptions in their store, they would know who are no kill agencies.

contact activity depts in nursing homes and assisted living centers. Sometimes they are seeking pets. Or you can bring them in during family visit time and see if just by chance, while people are enjoying petting them, someone might want one

post on craigs list under the pets category, the same information you posted here, asking for resources. There ARE private people in your area who are rescuers..you just dont know them yet. And they will tell you how to screen and what to do to get them homes

Contact vets and have them post about the kittens

make sure you ask for a rehoming fee. People who use animals for dog fight trainings seek free pets. Ask at least $25 if unvetted. $50 if vetted.

Thanks. :)

I -think- I -may- have found a home for Momma cat (Little Edie). My girlfriend from work's boyfriend (mouthful!) has had to put his cat down in the last week and apparently he's considering getting another cat soonish because his apartment is "wrong" without a cat in it. She's going to talk to him for me about Little Edie. Of course, she stays with me for another two months due to the babies.

God I hope he takes her. I want badly to know exactly who she ends up with.

[FeminineAllure]

https://secure.humanesociety.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=4661&autologin=true&s_src=humaneaction&sub_src=moballot091010

""This November, Missourians will have the opportunity to vote on a citizen initiative to save tens of thousands of dogs from suffering in puppy mills.

Unbelievably, large-scale puppy mills in Missouri are allowed to keep dogs in small wire cages, stacked on top of each other, for their entire lives. They often don't get exercise, sunlight, companionship, or human interaction -- they live in filth and excrement and suffer discomfort and injuries from standing on wire for years on end.

I just pledged to help save these puppy mill dogs and join Missourians for the Protection of Dogs / YES! on Prop B, the campaign backing the Missouri ballot initiative, and which includes The Humane Society of the United States.

I hope you'll join me and sign the pledge as well -- and participate in the campaign that will save thousands of dogs languishing in Missouri's puppy mills."

[violaine]

http://www.community-paper.com/Archives/AnnYoung.html


:candle: :moonstars: (f)

[Sachita]

http://www.community-paper.com/Archives/AnnYoung.html


:candle: :moonstars: (f)

any amazing woman. Thank you for sharing this

[AtLast]

The other night, a little pooch was abandoned at the dog park I go to. An older, pug et. al., mix. Another regular park visitor found her and took her home and posted flyers which made me happy.

There has been an increase of abandoned pooches at our park during the recession. It seems people leave dogs here because they figure there are many people that will try and do something for the critters. It makes me mad on one hand, but then, this logic does indicate some caring from these people.

I saw the woman that took this little sweetie home with her and her own dog yesterday at the park. my guess is the little pooch has a new home! Everyone looked OK with this. Such a sweet little dog, she is. I'm glad she didn't spend one night in a shelter.

[betenoire]

I've found a home for Mamma! A friend of mine is taking her and one of the babies. :) They're only 5.5 weeks old, so it'll be another 3 weeks until I can rehome them - but I feel a thousand times better knowing that Mamma (who I anticipated having a great deal of difficulty rehoming) is going to be safe AND with someone I have known for years and trust.

I've gotten quite a few calls and emails since I posted the kittens online last night, and one person sounds very promising for the one female kitten. She called from her workplace (which is a pharmacy) and she sounds trustworthy. She likes the female kitten because apparently she looks a great deal like the cat that she had for 18 years who passed away recently and who she is missing. She told me a bunch of stories about her old cat...and I figure anybody who tells total strangers "kitty stories" is probably a good pet-parent.

I haven't returned any of the other calls or emails yet, but will be doing that this evening.

I wish that there were (or if they do exist that I knew how to access them) services in my area that could have made this process cheaper for me. Total vet bills between Mom's initial visit when she was pregnant, and getting the kittens checked out, and first sets of shots and deworming for everybody is going to total to nearly $400. Add on top of that all the extra kitten food and litter and the trip I'm going to be taking to Toronto to bring Mamma and the spotted belly kitten to their new Daddy....oy.

Not that I am complaining. I am glad I did it - it needed to be done. And if I had to do it all over again I would - except maybe next time I wouldn't burst into tears at the vets office when she tells me that Mamma is pregnant. (Seriously, I was a sniveling mess.)

I seriously tip my hat to people who do this frequently. To foster families and people who do rescue work on a volunteer basis and pay for so much petcare out of their own pockets and with their own time.

Much love to you all. <3

Pictures of Mamma and Babies (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=26198&id=1809707089&l=cf023d37bd)

[lipstixgal]

I've found a home for Mamma! A friend of mine is taking her and one of the babies. :) They're only 5.5 weeks old, so it'll be another 3 weeks until I can rehome them - but I feel a thousand times better knowing that Mamma (who I anticipated having a great deal of difficulty rehoming) is going to be safe AND with someone I have known for years and trust.

I've gotten quite a few calls and emails since I posted the kittens online last night, and one person sounds very promising for the one female kitten. She called from her workplace (which is a pharmacy) and she sounds trustworthy. She likes the female kitten because apparently she looks a great deal like the cat that she had for 18 years who passed away recently and who she is missing. She told me a bunch of stories about her old cat...and I figure anybody who tells total strangers "kitty stories" is probably a good pet-parent.

I haven't returned any of the other calls or emails yet, but will be doing that this evening.

I wish that there were (or if they do exist that I knew how to access them) services in my area that could have made this process cheaper for me. Total vet bills between Mom's initial visit when she was pregnant, and getting the kittens checked out, and first sets of shots and deworming for everybody is going to total to nearly $400. Add on top of that all the extra kitten food and litter and the trip I'm going to be taking to Toronto to bring Mamma and the spotted belly kitten to their new Daddy....oy.

Not that I am complaining. I am glad I did it - it needed to be done. And if I had to do it all over again I would - except maybe next time I wouldn't burst into tears at the vets office when she tells me that Mamma is pregnant. (Seriously, I was a sniveling mess.)

I seriously tip my hat to people who do this frequently. To foster families and people who do rescue work on a volunteer basis and pay for so much petcare out of their own pockets and with their own time.

Much love to you all. <3

Pictures of Mamma and Babies (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=26198&id=1809707089&l=cf023d37bd)

The cats are adorable!!

[CherryFemme]

Aloha,

I have a quick question for those of you who rescue and try to find homes for the rescued animal.

Do you have a questionnaire that you use when seeking out potential families?

BB and I have turned into a "Cat/kitten Rescue" by default. We live at the end of a street where people dump their cats before moving back to the mainland.
The dumpers are mostly military families, but some non-military. Unfortunately, this has been verified...meaning, our neighbor who watches the dump the animals runs out to them and asks WHY they are doing it and if they are military. Funny how people do not lie when they get busted.

Anyway-- I am writing today (and hoping I can find this thread later) because we are not allowed to keep animals at our house. We already are "stretching" the rules-- but the rejected cats keep coming.

We are getting rather good at getting the tamed, fixed, and fostered-- but I feel like I should do heavier screening before I place the kitten/cat with someone who contacted me via Craigslist.com.

Any ideas? I usually ask the basics like: Have you ever had a cat/kitten before and How long are you going to stay on Oahu-- but I feel like I need to expand my repertoire. If anyone on this site uses a script, I would love to see it.

Thanks, BB + CF

PS I am really bad at finding my old posts, but BB is better at it. :) I look forward to people's ideas and responses.

[Diavolo]

Get a load of this story. The local shelter had a "Doberman" up on their site. I called. She was on quarantine and I couldn't see her until 9/24. I called then. I still couldn't see her. I called four more times. No dice. Finally they called last Wednesday and said she could only be released to rescue and if I didn't come and get her by 5pm on Thursday it was all over for her. She came in as a starvation case. So at 4pm on Wednesday I got there and found this dog that was a lot of things but not a Doberman. Probably a German Pinscher. She's to their standard size wise. I couldn't leave her there to face the needle so I took this little shithead home. She's in heat. And she won't shut up and she's so damned cute, but Ike is intact so she can't roam free. And she attacked Rita so she can't roam free. Rita will kill her. If I don't first for the barking. Meet Sister, aka shithead.
http://pinkbunnyears.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/sister1.jpg

[las68]

About 5 months ago, I picked up what I thought was a black Lab mix puppy off the interstate. Turns out he is a full Lab. I named him Dodge because he was dodging traffic on a busy Monday morning. Lol! I hadn't planned to keep him, but fell for his big brown eyes. I have never had a Lab. Is it common for them to chew on everything? Yesterday, while he was in his pool, he decided to chew on it and almost "ate" one side. He pulls rocks out of the flower beds to chew as well as solar lights.Silly pooch even chewed a small tree in half and was carrying it proudly around the backyard. He has a plethora of chew toys and I give him rawhide dental chews every day. He's about 8 months old now, will this ever end?

[Semantics]

With Hollywood once again glorifying horse racing I wanted to bring attention to what a cruel and inhumane sport it can be.

04mvw6tTHrs
RSboR03WnjI

PETA on horse racing:


Horse Racing

They weigh more than 1,000 pounds, are supported by ankles the size of a human's, and are whipped and forced to run around tracks that are often made of hard-packed dirt at speeds of more than 30 miles per hour while carrying people on their backs. Racehorses are the victims of a multibillion-dollar industry that is rife with drug abuse, injuries, and race fixing, and many horses' careers end at the slaughterhouse.

Racing to the Grave
Horses begin training or are already racing when their skeletal systems are still growing and are unprepared to handle the pressures of competition racing on a hard track at high speeds. One study on injuries at racetracks concluded that one horse in every 22 races suffered an injury that prevented him or her from finishing a race, while another estimated that 3 thoroughbreds die every day in North America because of catastrophic injuries during races.

Strained tendons or hairline fractures can be tough for veterinarians to diagnose, and the damage may go from minor to irreversible at the next race or workout. Horses do not handle surgery well, and many are euthanized or sold at auction to save the owners further veterinary fees and other expenses for horses who can’t race again.

When popular racehorse Barbaro suffered a shattered ankle at the beginning of the 2006 Preakness, his owners spared no expense for his medical needs, but as The New York Times reported, "[M]any in the business have noted that had Barbaro not been the winner of the Kentucky Derby, he might have been destroyed after being injured."

Drugs and Deception
Trainers and veterinarians keep injured horses racing when they should be recovering by giving them a variety of legal drugs to mask pain and control inflammation. This leads to breakdowns because horses are able to run when, without the drugs, the pain would otherwise prevent them from trying.

Illegal drugs are also widely used. "There are trainers pumping horses full of illegal drugs every day," says a former Churchill Downs public relations director. "With so much money on the line, people will do anything to make their horses run faster." One trainer was suspended for using a drug similar to Ecstasy in five horses, and another has been kicked off racetracks for using clenbuterol and, in one case, for having the leg of a euthanized horse cut off "for research." A New York veterinarian and a trainer faced felony charges when the body of a missing racehorse turned up at a farm and authorities determined that her death had been caused by the injection of a "performance-enhancing drug."

Even the 'Winners' Lose
When they stop winning races or become injured, few racehorses are retired to pastures, because owners don't want to pay for a horse who doesn't bring in any money. Many end up in slaughterhouses in Canada, Mexico, or Japan, where they are turned into dog food and glue. Their flesh is also exported to countries such as France and Japan, where it is considered a delicacy.
Most horses who are sent to those facilities endure days of transport in cramped trailers where there is no access to water or food and injuries are common. Horses are subject to the same slaughter method as cows, but since horses are generally not accustomed to being herded, once together, they tend to thrash about in order to avoid being shot by the captive-bolt gun, which is supposed to render them unconscious before their throats are cut.

What You Can Do
Help phase out this exploitative "sport":

Refuse to patronize existing tracks and lobby against the construction of new tracks.

Support PETA's efforts to ensure that racing regulations are reformed and enforced. While horse racing should be eliminated entirely, the horses would benefit from a zero-tolerance drug policy, turf (grass) tracks only, a ban on whipping, and competitive racing only after their third birthdays.

Educate your friends and family about the tragic lives that racehorses lead.

http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-in-entertainment/horse-racing.aspx

[diamondrose]

I firmly believe animals have the short end of the stick in life. There should be more laws protecting animals. It amazes me how animals can go through hell and back , yet they are the true example of unconditional love.

I always adopt from animal shelters and always older animals. I adopted a pair of senior chihuahuas. The boy of the two sadly passed away janurary 2009. I had him 3 short years, yet I wouldn't have done a thing differently. He left knowing he was loved. I still have his companion.

For all those out there who help shelters in some way or another.. thank you. Animals can't speak for themselves, but we can speak for them . They have feelings just like any living thing!

[betenoire]

I have never had a Lab. Is it common for them to chew on everything?

I'm not an expert on Labs or anything...but. My parents have had three labs (one yellow lab when I was in highschool, and currently they have two chocolates) and all three of them were big-time chewers up until somewhere between a year and a half and two years. And even after they stopped chewing stuff they never stopped stealing stuff. Shoes, whatever is in your purse, the socks right off of your feet, dish towels, rocks from the garden. I don't know what that is all about.

I am pretty tempted to think it's a breed thing, because none of my parents non-lab dogs have been chewers (so it can't be something that my parents were or were not doing). They've had German Shepherds, Dalmatians, Rotties, and a Doberman and none of those dogs chewed up everything on the planet.

Despite the chewing - the labs are my favourites out of all of the dogs my parents have had. Such lovers!

[violaine]

he was six, and had been battling a recent medical condition, but grew fatigued; i was there with him during his transition, and know that he'll be busy for a while [chewing, bossing, popcorning, designing, et c]. thank goodness the other two pigs have bonded. star, made of mohawk and boar ways, always the love and light in my world. you're the best pig in the whole wide universe.

[Corkey]

Oh Belle, we will send Corkey and Socks to meet Star at the rainbow bridge. :(

[chefhottie25]

i have 2 rescue dogs and a rescue cat. they have been the greatest addition to my life. i volunteer sometimes at the humane society here. i really enjoy doing that. recently, my mom has adopted a retired seeing eye dog. he is a good old golden retreiver. i don't know how to get hooked up with that program. but maybe someone else does.

[Kenna]

Sadly,
I need to find homes for 2 adorable kittens and their playful, sweet Momma calico... (I'm so sorry Abby!! I wish it would have worked out about your landlord's pet policy. :( .... I'll do everything I can to make sure Harley is taken care of, promise.)

We rescued these babies and their very skinny Momma after a big rain storm...the kittens were so tiny and Harley was so sick. But they have THRIVED and have outgrown their indoor create.

I'm finding the shelters here are VERY different than in Pennsylvania. I've been told they would automatically put them down. Thank goodness winter isn't so bad here, since I had to make them an outdoor kennel and play area. I can't afford to get them "fixed" yet, and don't want a barn-yard full of feral kittens.

I'm really frustrated at the people who've been dumping off their pregnant Momma cats.... leaving the helpless kittens to fend for themselves against wild animals and other feral male cats.

[betenoire]

I'm finding the shelters here are VERY different than in Pennsylvania. I've been told they would automatically put them down. Thank goodness winter isn't so bad here, since I had to make them an outdoor kennel and play area. I can't afford to get them "fixed" yet, and don't want a barn-yard full of feral kittens.

I'm really frustrated at the people who've been dumping off their pregnant Momma cats.... leaving the helpless kittens to fend for themselves against wild animals and other feral male cats.

Best of luck to you, Sweet. You're doing a good thing.

I also found that the big shelters ("humane" society and the spca) were incredibly unhelpful. I get that they are overcrowded - but jesus!

What I found worked for me was I got everybody their first set of shots and THEN looked for homes for them. I advertised them on a local free classified site here and highlighted the fact that they had had their first set of shots, costing me $40 per kitten, and that I was asking for $20 for each kitten. My catchphrase was "It's a savings for you since you would have had to have gotten the kittens their shots anyway, and peace of mind for me knowing that they are going to live with someone who cares about them!"

The reason I did it that way is that it was stressed to me by both my vet and local rescue people that I spoke with that you NEVER offer up free kittens to strangers. Ever. People who take free kittens often treat them like free kittens. Having to hand over even $20 is a deterrent for anybody who has bad intentions (dog fighters, etc).

I just rehomed the last of the five who I was looking for homes for this morning (Mamma and four babies). It's absolutely doable, I promise.

EDIT - I just wanted to add that what I also found to be a smart move on my part was that I never let anybody come over right away. People would often call me and want to come over to see the kittens that very second - but I wouldn't let them. I always said that I was on my way out the door and made an appointment to have them come over the next day.

I ended up getting stood up a lot - but that was a good thing. I didn't want anybody to take one of my kittens on an impulse. I wanted them to be sure that this is what they wanted to do. If anybody still wanted a kitten after a day or two they would show up - the people who didn't end up showing up I know had thoughts things through overnight and had decided that they weren't really serious anyway. The woman who took the little girl kitten I actually started speaking with two weeks before she brought the kitten home (I had started advertising them before they were old enough to move out) and I felt VERY good about her because I had gotten to know her some and it was clear when she came to pick the kitten up that she was just as excited about it then as she was the first time she had called me.

People who impulse adopt animals are a big reason that we have the problems with unwanted animals that we do have. I didn't want to feed into that at all.

[Diavolo]

Sadly,
I need to find homes for 2 adorable kittens and their playful, sweet Momma calico... (I'm so sorry Abby!! I wish it would have worked out about your landlord's pet policy. :( .... I'll do everything I can to make sure Harley is taken care of, promise.)

We rescued these babies and their very skinny Momma after a big rain storm...the kittens were so tiny and Harley was so sick. But they have THRIVED and have outgrown their indoor create.

I'm finding the shelters here are VERY different than in Pennsylvania. I've been told they would automatically put them down. Thank goodness winter isn't so bad here, since I had to make them an outdoor kennel and play area. I can't afford to get them "fixed" yet, and don't want a barn-yard full of feral kittens.

I'm really frustrated at the people who've been dumping off their pregnant Momma cats.... leaving the helpless kittens to fend for themselves against wild animals and other feral male cats.

Try talking to Alley Cats (http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=191) they might be able to point you in the right direction. It's a good organization. I worked with them to Save Private Hammer (http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=26813). I'm the volunteer who met PFC Hammer in San Francisco, ran his little cat butt through Customs and handed him off to the volunteer who went to Denver with him.

[suebee]

Anybody have any suggestions how to encourage kittens to suckle? Have four new charges, two weeks old - mother died this morning. They really aren't showing much of a suckling instinct. Maybe it's just the rubber nipple on the bottle, but haven't had this much trouble actually getting kittens to suck before. Suggestions? Resources?
Any help would be much appreciated.
Sue

[FeminineAllure]

Anybody have any suggestions how to encourage kittens to suckle? Have four new charges, two weeks old - mother died this morning. They really aren't showing much of a suckling instinct. Maybe it's just the rubber nipple on the bottle, but haven't had this much trouble actually getting kittens to suck before. Suggestions? Resources?
Any help would be much appreciated.
Sue

Hi Sue.

I hope this helps some.
http://www.hdw-inc.com/tinykitten.htm

http://www.feralcat.com/raising.html

First try finding a foster feline mother; breeders, veterinarians and animal shelters may know of nursing cats in your area. Try calling any "cat people" that you know for leads as well. Cats will very often feed kittens other than their own.

[suebee]

Hi Sue.

I hope this helps some.
http://www.hdw-inc.com/tinykitten.htm

http://www.feralcat.com/raising.html

First try finding a foster feline mother; breeders, veterinarians and animal shelters may know of nursing cats in your area. Try calling any "cat people" that you know for leads as well. Cats will very often feed kittens other than their own.


Thanks for answering F.I.! Actually I guess I AM the cat person! lol Me and my partner and one of our closest friends. I raise kittens for both area shelters and my partner works at the vet clinic, so I guess I'm in touch with all the local expertise. :confused: The woman who has the other half of this litter is having a hard time getting them to suck too, and she's raised well over 300 kittens in the time she's been at this. So we're feeding them by syringe for now and will see if they take to the bottle tomorrow. Thanks for the links. I'll take a look at them tomorrow. For now - it's bed, cause that 4 AM feeding isn't far away. No need to set an alarm clock. Two of my dogs let me know when the babies are crying! Canine kitty-sitters, they are! :)

[Tommi]

Thanks for answering F.I.! Actually I guess I AM the cat person! lol Me and my partner and one of our closest friends. I raise kittens for both area shelters and my partner works at the vet clinic, so I guess I'm in touch with all the local expertise. :confused: The woman who has the other half of this litter is having a hard time getting them to suck too, and she's raised well over 300 kittens in the time she's been at this. So we're feeding them by syringe for now and will see if they take to the bottle tomorrow. Thanks for the links. I'll take a look at them tomorrow. For now - it's bed, cause that 4 AM feeding isn't far away. No need to set an alarm clock. Two of my dogs let me know when the babies are crying! Canine kitty-sitters, they are! :)

I was just going to say syringe...until they get nourshed better. poor babies.
Best wishes :stillheart:

[Tommi]

subee how are babies doing?

Cleaned out linen cabinet to get rid of unlikeable towels and sheets this weekend. They are needed at Animal Shelter for the winter cold.

Cleaned out the kitty toy box so PeachesBoi and Tigger could donate some of their many unused toys.

Plus, Pillows I hate and two bags of stuff into my car to drop off at the shelter on way home tonight.

Now remebering I have throw rugs in the garage to get rid of. Will wash first then take them over.

[suebee]

subee how are babies doing?

Cleaned out linen cabinet to get rid of unlikeable towels and sheets this weekend. They are needed at Animal Shelter for the winter cold.

Cleaned out the kitty toy box so PeachesBoi and Tigger could donate some of their many unused toys.

Plus, Pillows I hate and two bags of stuff into my car to drop off at the shelter on way home tonight.

Now remebering I have throw rugs in the garage to get rid of. Will wash first then take them over.

They're doing okay. They must have had a really good mother, because they're in great shape to start with, which gives us a little time for them to adjust. We've decided they are younger than we were told - probably one week instead of two. They suck some, but then I have to squeeze the bottle to finish off the feeding. So far, so good. I've fostered enough kittens to not say that they're out of the woods, but for now they're doing fine. Thanks for asking Tommi! :)

[suebee]

They're doing okay. They must have had a really good mother, because they're in great shape to start with, which gives us a little time for them to adjust. We've decided they are younger than we were told - probably one week instead of two. They suck some, but then I have to squeeze the bottle to finish off the feeding. So far, so good. I've fostered enough kittens to not say that they're out of the woods, but for now they're doing fine. Thanks for asking Tommi! :)

Belle made me think of this thread again. Of the seven kittens in the litter, five have been adopted to really good homes. One went back to the original owner, and four went - in pairs! :) We were really happy about that. My partner is still fostering the two remaining boys, because we were afraid that they'd get stepped on by my dogs when they were really small. They are just little love bugs! :playingcat: Even when they play they like to do so right beside one of us. We're still making an "effort" to find them a home, but - uhhhhh - wouldn't it be a shame if they had to stay with us? :sunglass:

http://i479.photobucket.com/albums/rr154/cybersuebee/FosterKittens-Dec10016.jpg

[Diavolo]

I've been really busy since the last time this thread was active. Little Sister went to a wonderful home, then I pulled a big blue Doberman and got him a great home in Michigan, then I had an amazing black and rust who is helping a girl dog who is terribly fearful get through her days. And last but not least, I had an owner turn in of a 7 year old Doberman that I gave to my Mom who was still grieving the loss of my father. Duke is helping my mom through the grief, doing an excellent job!

http://pinkbunnyears.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/173060_1710740900379_1593818353_31547978_5255963_o .jpg

[Soft*Silver]

I am looking for someone in Los Angeles...there is a cat shelter here who has raised funds to pull two cat brothers from a hi kill shelter there...details to follow ...but we need someone to pull them. I need a person....anyone from there?

[violaine]

http://frankiethelawdog.com/tag/sb-1246/

http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2011/1246/Analyses/iIMNpkCchGxcN5PX=PL=/H6awXK7NI=%7C7/Public/Bills/1200-1299/1246/Analysis/2011s1246.pre.ag.PDF

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kurt-friese/the-factory-farm-environm_b_835432.html

[violaine]

http://hsus.typepad.com/

I can understand why factory farmers don’t want the public seeing images of their business practices. The images of almost featherless hens, so crowded the animals are living on top of each other, or pigs being struck with metal bars by workers coarsened to their duties are deeply disconcerting. The response should not be, as in some country ruled by a dictator or a junta, to have the strongmen grab the cameras and smash them to the ground or melt them in a fire, as the authorities do in order to hide the beating and shooting of pro-democracy advocates. It's the same principle at work for the strongmen in these state legislatures. Their scheme is a neater way to smash those cameras to the ground and hide what's going on. Ironically, they want to prevent their very own customers, America's consuming public, from learning about the production practices that bring food to their tables and plates.

[Andrew, Jr.]

1. ASPCA: Call toll-free 1-866-230-4259 or go online. They have a 30 day free trial. They have 4 levels of coverage that you can select that meet your needs and finances. Also, you can call them if you have a poison control problem.

2. CareCredit: Call toll-free 1-800-365-8295 or go online. This is more or less a credit card that carries a low to no interest payment plan. The xeroxed brochure I have really does not give too much info out other than that.


The Veterinary Memorial Fund at Virginia Tech...my vet did this for me when my last pet was put down. It is when people donate money to this fund in memory of a pet or for friends/family. It's mission is to advance medical care for all animals. It supports clinical research which improves the lives of our pets. You may send your support no matter what it is to:
Veterinary Memorial Fund at Virginia Tech
VMRCVM-0442
Blacksburg, VA 24061

[Diavolo]

She's 4 months old, she totally has puppy breath and she's just a little tiny bit of awesome.

HMQk0yRvHqI

She's heading to the rescue on Tuesday.

[Diavolo]

I guess I should add that she was an owner turn in who is hanging out with us until Tuesday. I didn't breed her or give her up. I would never do either of those things!

[violaine]

http://pinkbunnyears.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/173060_1710740900379_1593818353_31547978_5255963_o .jpg



dobes are the best !! gorgeous dog. :bunchflowers:

[violaine]

fQtGYv0SMvg&feature=player_embedded#at=31

[violaine]

http://www.srdogs.com/index.html


http://www.ddfl.org/education/dog-behavior-tips

[nycfem]

http://eternal-earthbound-pets.com/Home_Page.html

[violaine]

CA:
http://www.feralcatfoundation.org/resources/


http://www.rescuinganimalsinneed.org/Shelters.htm

FL:
http://www.rescuinganimalsinneed.org/rescue_groups.htm

[nycfem]

Hi, everyone,

My friend Alice is someone who works to place cats in permanent homes. Cats with a less conventional gender presentation are, like us, more at risk for being mistreated. Thus she asked if I'd post at our site, as she wants to maximize the chances that this cat finds a loving, empathic forever home.

Jennifer

See ad written by Alice below:

"INTERSEX CAT SEEKS WELCOMING HOME

Our differences make the world go round! My name is Bowie (yup, like David Bowie!) and I was rescued from the mean streets of Brooklyn this past April. When I went to be spayed the vet discovered I am a happy and healthy intersex kitty.

My anatomy includes a uterus, penis, undescended testicles, vagina, cute pink nose, loving eyes, adorable whiskers, a gorgeous set of chops, big lovable paws, and luxurious black and white fur that's nonstop! I am large and in charge at 14 beautiful pounds, and I'm one of the most sweet-natured, easygoing tuxedo kitties you will ever meet!

I would love to live in a home with at least 1 other cat, because I'm used to being around other cats, and I miss them! And since I am a self-sufficient type, I do not demand a lot of attention, but gladly accept it when offered. I won't be a lot of extra work, I promise.

In fact I'm still a little reserved with people, after spending the whole winter outside as a stray. But now, I'm inside and safe, and my foster dad has been bringing me out of my shell with scratches on the head and pets, which I LOVE. He just has to make the first move, and then I'm 100% mush! Then I follow him around a little bit, and we enjoy each other's company.

What makes me so great is that when you want my attention you can have it, but when you'd rather be left alone, I can do that too. I am a very mellow, easygoing cat. Would you give me a chance?"

If interested, please PM me or email the cat rescuer (my friend, Alice) directly at: alicealice5566@gmail.com

[Andrew, Jr.]

Bump de Bump Bump

[Diavolo]

I went on a minor hiatus while I was training and then riding the AIDS/Lifecycle. I'm home and son of a gun if they didn't come up with a dog for me to pull. This guy is a 100 pounds of awesome. Literally. He's got a heart as big as all out doors and a calm gentle demeanor. Rita is teaching him the ropes, i.e. it's ok for me to sniff your butt but you must never ever sniff my butt. I named him Stormin' Norman because I name them all after Generals.
YouTube - &#x202a;MVI 5732&#x202c;&rlm;

[EmpressM]

I recently rescued two guinea pigs from the TRASH! Yes, you're eyes aren't deceiving you, I said trash.

Several weeks ago, my dog Domino and I were on our daily walk and passed by a house a few down from ours. It was heavy trash day for our neighborhood and there's was a large pile in front of this house. Domino suddenly starts barking like crazy, which isn't his usual behavior. About that time I notice a cage and something moving inside it.

So with a little apprehension that it might be a wild animal rooting through trash, I summoned up my courage and peeked in. I live in Texas and even that early in the morning it's still above 90 degrees F. Imagine my anger when I realized my neighbors had thrown their pets away! They had no food or water and were broiling in the heat, poor things!

I marched up to the door and knocked, fully intent on giving these people a piece of my mind, only to realize the house was empty! These evil people threw these little guys away and moved without even a second thought!

I immediately scooped up the cage and headed home. After a call to my brother who is a vet in Houston, I had an appointment with a vet experienced with guinea pigs in Dallas. Other than being a little overheated and dehydrated the little critters were fine! After some water, hay, and fresh veggies they perked right up, and after grilling the vet about guinea pig care, I took them home.

The next day I did some research to find a suitable habitat and supplies as the cage they were in was way too small. The kicker of all this is, Dallas has a guinea pig rescue where these people could have easily taken these animals if they were no longer able to keep them! Arrrrrgh!

The GP rescue, Texas Rustler, also has a non profit store with everything needed to properly care for guinea pigs and the people there were very helpful in getting me set up. And that's how the furry piggies came to live with Me and Domino!

While I am a total animal lover, guinea pigs are not my typical pet of choice. However, I've grown quite fond of the funny little critters! They are very vocal and fun to watch popcorning and playing together in their new home!

Thank goodness my little Domino let me know they were there! :)

[Tommi]

Nestlé Purina PetCare
www.purina.com


St. Louis, Missouri, July 29, 2011

Nestlé Purina Recalls Purina ONE Vibrant Maturity 7+ Dry Cat Food Bags Due to a Potential Health Risk

Pets with Salmonella infections may exhibit decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If you pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian

The product was distributed to customers located in California, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin, who may have further distributed the product to other states.

Nestlé Purina PetCare Company (NPPC) is voluntarily recalling a limited number of 3.5- and 7-pound bags of its Purina ONE Vibrant Maturity 7+ Dry Cat Food from a single production run and shipped to customers in 12 states. This is being done because some bags of the product have been found to be contaminated with Salmonella. Only Purina ONE Vibrant Maturity 7+ Dry Cat Food with both the “Best By” date and the production code shown are included in this voluntary recall:

Product Name Bag “Best By” Date & Bag UPC
Size Production Code* Code

Purina ONE Vibrant Maturity 7+ 3.5 lb. MAY 2012 03341084 17800 01885

Purina ONE Vibrant Maturity 7+ 3.5 lb. MAY 2012 03351084 17800 01885

Purina ONE Vibrant Maturity 7+ 7 lb. MAY 2012 03341084 17800 01887

Purina ONE Vibrant Maturity 7+ 7 lb. MAY 2012 03351084 17800 01887

*”Best By” Date and Production Code are found on the back or bottom of the bag.


No additional Purina cat or dog products are involved in this voluntary recall. No other Purina ONE brand products are involved. Only Purina ONE Vibrant Maturity 7+ brand products which match the “Best By” dates and production code above are included in this recall.

Consumers who have purchased Purina ONE Vibrant Maturity 7+ Dry Cat Food products with these specific “Best By” Date and Production Codes should discontinue feeding the product and discard it.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the product, and there is a risk to humans from handling contaminated products. People handling contaminated dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Nestlé Purina PetCare Company became aware of the contamination as a result of samples that had been collected in several retail stores.

At Nestlé Purina PetCare, the safety and efficacy of our products are our top priority. We apologize for any inconvenience due to this voluntary recall. For further information or to obtain a product refund, please call NPPC toll-free at 1-800-982-6559 or visit www.purina.com .
Consumer Contact: Nestlé Purina PetCare Office of Consumer Affairs: 1-800-982-6559
Media Contact: Keith Schopp – 314-982-2577

CHECKERBOARD SQUARE
ST. LOUIS, MO 63164-0001, USA
TEL. 314 982 1000
FAX 314 982 2752

[Diavolo]

It was a rough day at the Farm today. I had to let Ike go. He was a great dog in his own quirky little way. I'm really going to miss that dog. The house is empty without him.

[Glenn]

Anyone who is low-income living in Illinois or NW Indiana can now have any cat fixed for only $20.00 via Calumet SNAP-1-708-755-1110.

[SoNotHer]

Great thread, and I'm subscribing.

In NW Indiana, Anderson's Feline Reduction Center in Beverly Shores is also a fine resource.

Dr. Anderson at the Anderson Feline Population Reduction Center works with both owned cats, and feral/stray cats. All cats are $50, and this fee includes the surgery itself, a pain shot, a rabies vaccination, treatment for visible parasites (ear mites, worms, fleas), a dose of Revolution, a shot of penicillin,and a physical exam; other vaccinations or testing is additional. The clinic operates on Saturdays, and is cash only. Dr. Anderson’s is a low-cost, high-volume spay/neuter clinic, and does not provide other veterinary services.


12 US Highway 12, Beverly Shores, Indiana. (219).861.9006

[Daddislilgrrl]

Hi y'all! I'm Daddislilgrrl, and we run Andrews Rescue and Foster Care. We rescue small breed dogs from animal control offices, and we bring them home, get them vetted, housebreak them and crate train them. They go to their new home with their crate and we adopt all over the country if there's an exceptional home :)

To see who we have available, go to www.petfinder.com and seach for dogs in Andrews TX.

Hugs,
Daddislilgrrl

[WolfyOne]

Hi y'all! I'm Daddislilgrrl, and we run Andrews Rescue and Foster Care. We rescue small breed dogs from animal control offices, and we bring them home, get them vetted, housebreak them and crate train them. They go to their new home with their crate and we adopt all over the country if there's an exceptional home :)

To see who we have available, go to www.petfinder.com and seach for dogs in Andrews TX.

Hugs,
Daddislilgrrl


It's always nice to see a fellow animal lover :)


I have done cat rescue in the past and am still with 11 rescues out of 36. It would be great to find homes for more of them, but past getting them fixed and bringing them home after their vet visit, I've never taken them back to the vet ...well, 'cept my little queen, who came with me from IL. She needs allergy shots regularly and ointment because she licks the fur right off her belly at times. If I had the money to ship my cats to other states, I'd be happy to send them off to good homes. Just that I don't ask for money to adopt them out because I don't have an adoption agency. All I ever wanted was good homes for them. I suppose if someone wanted one of them, they could figure out how to get them to their place.

I think it's great that we have so many kind, caring animal people on this site.

[Diavolo]

Goodness gracious. I have another senior here. There is a hot seat in hell for people who dump seniors at the shelter. She was part of a breeding pair, the male was so sick the shelter had to let him go. They called me to come get her. She's been over bred and then over bred some more. She's a sweet girl, with a wacky sense of humor. I named her Miss Cleo.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/429818_2988131794353_1593818353_32526259_981530591 _n.jpg

[Diavolo]

I had another dog through her last month. He was a starved GSP. Super sweet dog. He wanted to press his head against me all of the time. I tried to get him to eat to no avail. I gave him to a friend of mine to foster, she only got him to eat some and she was cooking for him. She had X-rays done and nothing was there. Six days later another set and something was so egregious they opened him up. He was full of cancer so they let him go. He was a great dog and I'm happy that the last three weeks of his life were full of home cooked meals and love. We named him Sport.
http://pinkbunnyears.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/sport-leaving.jpg

[SoNotHer]

This is as insupportable as greyhound racing is.

Ticks “Crawling up the Wall” in Kennel at Tucson Greyhound Park

http://dingo.care2.com/pictures/causes/2934/2933201.large.jpg

With each passing month, more evidence emerges of humane problems at Tucson Greyhound Park. Last week, GREY2K USA received new state records that document neglectful conditions in one of the track kennels, as well as an ongoing problem with greyhound injuries.

According to a March 6, 2012 Arizona Department of Racing Stewards Report, a state inspection revealed “ticks crawling up the wall” in the Brian Lewis Kennel:

“Brian Lewis kennel had ticks crawling up the wall behind the crates during a State Inspection and TGP Management told State Officials that the kennel would be addressed as far as cleanliness and to this date nothing has been done.”

This is not the first time that poor kennel conditions have been documented at Tucson Greyhound Park. In fact, similar conditions have been documented at the facility over and over again. Sadly, it’s becoming all too obvious that track management is simply incapable of addressing this chronic problem.

Meanwhile, the same March 6 Stewards Report also documents continued problems with track conditions at Tucson. The Stewards Report refers to a previous meeting between kennel operators and track General Manager Tom Taylor, and states:

“After nothing was resolved from a meeting with the GM and trainers/owners, some trainers/kennel operators are now holding the State responsible for all the injuries at Tucson Greyhound Park. As you can see there are 7 scratched greyhounds tonight ‘ALL LAME’”

Later in the report, state officials indicate that one kennel owner contacted them directly to voice her concerns:

“Donna Mann called the Stewards off the roof to talk about the out of control injuries. She has a list of 17 injuries which she gave to management, the racing office, and left copies in the racing office titled ‘DAN’ and the Director of Racing asked ‘why do you need him it’s our issue’ and to date Dan Reinertson has not received copies.”

Finally, it’s important to note that this Stewards Report also provides evidence that track management is indifferent to humane problems at Tucson Greyhound Park. Reading through the records, a sad pattern emerges. The state documents neglectful conditions in a track kennel, management tells the state they will address it, but then nothing happens. Kennel owners hold a meeting with management about injuries, but “nothing (i)s resolved.” A kennel owner takes her concerns about injuries directly to state officials, but the track Director of Racing discourages her from reporting the problem.

This indifference by Tucson Greyhound Park management is part of the problem. It proves that the track is incapable of being a good corporate citizen, and cannot be trusted to resolve even the most basic humane issues at the facility. That is why it’s time for Arizona lawmakers and voters to step up and help the greyhounds. If they don’t, no one will.

For more information, go to SavingGreys.

Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/ticks-crawling-up-the-wall-in-kennel-at-tucson-greyhound-park.html#ixzz1t9nNfGxg

[Diavolo]

Blech!

Poor Sport was covered with ticks when he got here. My vet pulled them all off of him. He was visibly happier.

[SoNotHer]

Help Sad Animals at Lagoon Amusement Park

by Alicia Graef
April 27, 2012

http://dingo.care2.com/pictures/causes/2935/2934806.large.jpg

80 comments Help Sad Animals at Lagoon Amusement Park

A group of animal advocates are calling for a boycott of the Lagoon Amusement Park in Farmington, Utah due to the poor conditions the animals are kept in.

A variety of wild and exotic animals can be seen from the park’s Wild Kingdom Train Ride, ranging from miniature donkeys and deer to elk, bears, Siberian tigers, Canadian lynx and camels, among others, who are kept in small enclosures with dirt or concrete floors that provide minimal space and no environmental enrichment. It might be advertised as the second largest zoo in the state, but the facility is not designed to properly house the species of animals that reside there.

“Lagoon has failed to meet minimal federal standards for the care of animals used in exhibitions as established in the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has cited Lagoon numerous times for failure to provide veterinary care to sick and dying animals, filthy enclosures, inadequately trained employees, and failure to provide animals with adequate space. Lagoon has had a high death rate and several unexplained deaths,” said Jordan Kasteler, who organized the group and operates LagoonSucks.com.

Lagoon spokesman Dick Andrew has denied allegations of abuse, claiming that there are four veterinarians who monitor the animals regularly and staff members who work with the animals every day, according to the AP …although ABC 4 News reports that he said they have three vets. Maybe he doesn’t really know.

Regardless, it doesn’t matter if there are vets nearby when no one calls them, or inaccurately communicates the issues when they do actually call, or when employees are not properly trained to monitor the behavior, health and well being of the animals in their care and don’t recognize problems when they arise in the first place.

Andrew also stated that the last USDA violation was in 2006 for a paperwork issue, but the most recent violation was in 2011 for failure to maintain a program of parasite control for its leopards, which included failure to follow up after treatment for intestinal worms to ensure that they were gone and the leopards were healthy.

The list of USDA violations is enough to leave anyone wondering why Lagoon has been continuously allowed to keep animals. A fallow deer fawn didn’t live through its first 48 hours because no one observed whether or not it was nursing, as directed by a veterinarian. Bison were found with no water. Sheep were found with nowhere to lay down in the shade because of the “concentration of feces that had accumulated’ in their shelter. This problem had been previously noted by an inspector seven times. Animals were left with overgrown hooves, but it was undetermined if this was because no one was maintaining records for when they were due for regular hoof care, or because no one actually knew they needed it.

Elk were found with ribs showing. Multiple animals were found limping, with no records regarding treatment or followup care. A common theme in most of the violations is that no record keeping system is in place or maintained to ensure that all of the animals receive appropriate veterinary care, but the list goes on and on.

However, this isn’t the first time issues over animal care been called out at Lagoon. The Utah Animal Rights Coalition has been continuously protesting the zoo’s conditions after reportedly receiving “hundreds of phone calls” from the park’s visitors who were upset over the state of the animals at the zoo, while others have spoken out on their own.

The park has plenty of other attractions for visitors that don’t involve animals. It is not a rescue, a sanctuary or an accredited zoo. The animals are practically a sideshow trapped in an environment that they don’t belong in and there is simply no reason for them to be there.

Kasteler said group plans to continue with protesting until their are actual changes.

TAKE ACTION!

Please sign and share the petition asking Lagoon Amusement Park to stop imprisoning the animals in its care and let them go to facilities that are better suited meet their needs.

Please sign the petition here -

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/lagoon-animal-imprisonment/

You will find the article here -

Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/help-sad-animals-at-lagoon-amusement-park.html#ixzz1tLPH9tzg

[SoNotHer]

Dog that was spared the death penalty is released

http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/2W_Mv6u4So8m3A3JkEo7Yg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD0zODg7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://l.yimg.com/os/152/2012/04/27/AP120105143347-jpg_142013.jpg

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A mutt who sat on doggy death row for more than a year before given a reprieve is now officially free from government captivity and headed toward TV stardom. Prada, the 4-year-old pit bull mix that was ruled vicious and ordered put down, was released Thursday from Nashville's Animal Control facility, where the dog had been held since January 2011.

Prada was ordered put down after attacking several other dogs. A judge spared the dog's life after the Villalobos Rescue Center in New Orleans agreed to take the animal. The center is featured in Animal Planet's reality TV show "Pitt Bulls and Parolees," which puts ex-convicts and abused dogs together so both man and animal can be rehabilitated. "Prada loves these people," Nicole Andree, the dog's former owner said after a representative from the rescue center came to Nashville to collect the dog.

Andree, a 35-year-old childless real estate agent, fought a lengthy court battle to spare the dog, vowing never to stop until she got Prada off death row. But she had to agree to give up her beloved pet to save the animal's life. The judge lifted the death order after Nashville lawyers said they would not object if Prada went to the rescue center. The dog, however, must stay there for the rest of its life. Andree says she plans to visit Prada at the center. She believes the dog will have a good life there.

http://news.yahoo.com/dog-spared-death-penalty-released-230245022.html

[Semantics]

With Hollywood once again glorifying horse racing I wanted to bring attention to what a cruel and inhumane sport it can be.

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PETA on horse racing:



http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-in-entertainment/horse-racing.aspx


The season is well underway and the cruelty continues.


BREAKDOWN: Death and disarray at America’s racetracks


At 2:11 p.m., as two ambulances waited with motors running, 10 horses burst from the starting gate at Ruidoso Downs Race Track 6,900 feet up in New Mexico’s Sacramento Mountains.

Nineteen seconds later, under a brilliant blue sky, a national champion jockey named Jacky Martin lay sprawled in the furrowed dirt just past the finish line, paralyzed, his neck broken in three places. On the ground next to him, his frightened horse, leg broken and chest heaving, was minutes away from being euthanized on the track.

For finishing fourth on this early September day last year, Jacky Martin got about $60 and possibly a lifetime tethered to a respirator.

The next day, it nearly happened again. At virtually the same spot, another horse broke a front leg, pitching his rider headfirst into the ground. The jockey escaped serious injury, but not the 2-year-old horse, Teller All Gone. He was euthanized, and then dumped near an old toilet in a junkyard a short walk from where he had been sold at auction the previous year.

In the next 24 hours, two fearful jockeys refused their assigned mounts. The track honored two other riders who had died racing. As doctors fought to save Mr. Martin’s life, a sign went up next to the track tote board: “Hang in there, Jacky. We love you.”

On average, 24 horses die each week at racetracks across America. Many are inexpensive horses racing with little regulatory protection in pursuit of bigger and bigger prizes. These deaths often go unexamined, the bodies shipped to rendering plants and landfills rather than to pathologists who might have discovered why the horses broke down.

In 2008, after a Kentucky Derby horse, Eight Belles, broke two ankles on national television and was euthanized, Congress extracted promises from the racing industry to make its sport safer. While safety measures like bans on anabolic steroids have been enacted, assessing their impact has been difficult because many tracks do not keep accurate accident figures or will not release them.

But an investigation by The New York Times has found that industry practices continue to put animal and rider at risk. A computer analysis of data from more than 150,000 races, along with injury reports, drug test results and interviews, shows an industry still mired in a culture of drugs and lax regulation and a fatal breakdown rate that remains far worse than in most of the world.

read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/25/us/death-and-disarray-at-americas-racetracks.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

[Hollylane]

The season is well underway and the cruelty continues.

#@$@#$(*)_()*(*@#$@#@!!!!!! I can't fucking believe this shit happens, it brings out my potty mouth, and a deep loathing for human beings who find these events entertaining, or who choose to turn a blind eye to the horrors of what is happening. In my opinion, it is all about human greed, and that is just evil.