animal rescuers - resources - support

[violaine]

i thought that i would place this topic under the support heading, as anyone who is involved in animal rescue work, probably could use a little bit of support from tme to time :bouquet: i'm on a committee of the humane society, and work many fields. so, feel free to discuss experiences outside of rescue work.

please write about an animal rescued, how he/she was brought to you attention, finding the rescue group and transporting of rescues, fostering, dealing with inflexible/behind the times animal control shelters, model of excellence shelters, bending ears of commissioners, and/or legislation/law- how a bill becomes a law, share resources, et c.

http://www.ddal.org/legislation/federal/bills/

[Andrew, Jr.]

Belle,

Thank you for this! I am home all day, and I find so many different kinds of animals. I have found bats, birds, dogs, cats, elk, deer, and even a bison that wondered off his owner's property. I work with animal rescue, along with my vet who also works with both animal rescue and ASPCA. She is a Godsend to me, and the animals she has helped.

I only take in strays. I have a dog, Dino Martini. And I have 3 cats, Madison, Gabby, and Sophie. I rock them to sleep every day until their eyes roll to the back of their heads and they start to snore.

I cannot imagine my life without my animals. They are a huge part of who I am as a human being. I feed birds, squirrels and chipmonks. I recently found 2 box turtles this year. I took them into my vet, who is making them well. They had some disease that she is treating with medicine. Once I get them back, I am releasing them back into the woods. The boxwood turtle I found 3 years ago is now huge. His mate had babies in my front yard in my iris's. The eggs were looked like chocolate eggs you get at Easter. I watched them like a hawk, and soon enough, the babies were born. It was wonderful to watch. The one think I do to know that the turtle's are mine is to dab a bit of white out on their shell. Not a lot, but enough to last for a while. And I reapply it when the white out fades.

I can just talk and talk about animals. They are such a joy.

Love,
Andrew

[NotAnAverageGuy]

Good thread topic Violane!!!!

I try to do what I can to get rid of the stigmatism Pit Bulls have against them.

Pitbulls and Parolees on Animal Planet is a rescue I do support.

[Andrew, Jr.]

Dog Fighting is huge in Maryland. They have places all over the state. Personally, I don't care for the bully breeds because I was bitten by a German Shepard when I was a youngster. And I don't agree with dog fighting at all. I think it is just plain wrong.

I really believe when raising any animal it is all about the owner, and how the owner raises the dog. If you put a pitt bull on a tread mill, and then starve the dog, and tangle a kitten in front of him - we all know what is going to happen. It's terrible.

As for Animal Planet, I have problems watching that show. It gives me nightmares.

[Kimbo]

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.

[Novelafemme]

Belle,

Thank you for this! I am home all day, and I find so many different kinds of animals. I have found bats, birds, dogs, cats, elk, deer, and even a bison that wondered off his owner's property. I work with animal rescue, along with my vet who also works with both animal rescue and ASPCA. She is a Godsend to me, and the animals she has helped.

I only take in strays. I have a dog, Dino Martini. And I have 3 cats, Madison, Gabby, and Sophie. I rock them to sleep every day until their eyes roll to the back of their heads and they start to snore.

I cannot imagine my life without my animals. They are a huge part of who I am as a human being. I feed birds, squirrels and chipmonks. I recently found 2 box turtles this year. I took them into my vet, who is making them well. They had some disease that she is treating with medicine. Once I get them back, I am releasing them back into the woods. The boxwood turtle I found 3 years ago is now huge. His mate had babies in my front yard in my iris's. The eggs were looked like chocolate eggs you get at Easter. I watched them like a hawk, and soon enough, the babies were born. It was wonderful to watch. The one think I do to know that the turtle's are mine is to dab a bit of white out on their shell. Not a lot, but enough to last for a while. And I reapply it when the white out fades.

I can just talk and talk about animals. They are such a joy.

Love,
Andrew


{{{{Andrew}}}} I just love your post and can relate to so much of it!

As a child ~ animals were my sanctuary. I found safety and refuge in caring for them and in the peace they offered amongst the craziness of my life.

As an adult I have had to work diligently to not bring home every stray I come across. Living in a border town means that I see A LOT of homeless animals and it tears me up to not be able to help them as freely as I would like. But...I do what I can by volunteering at our local animal care centers and by offering my home as a foster site when I can.

There are animals that I have had in my home that, due to experience, I would not have back...but for the most part I can weigh the benefits against the draw backs and find that the unconditional love and laughter these animals have brought into my life have, by far, been well worth the time, money and energy spent.

[Andrew, Jr.]

Animals are just fur gifts from God. I know that I would be so lost and alone without them in my life. When I was very young, I would come home with everything imaginable.

I would win animals from the State Fair, like Igawana's. I even lost one in my mother's house. To this very day, it was never found. I have no idea of where that baby went. It was a big guy too. :eek:

Then there are the hundreds of goldfish that I would fill up my blowup pool with water for them. For some reason I felt the need to rescue the animals from the fair. :rubberducky:

Animals validate my life. People just shoot me down. Animals just want me to love them. It is love at it's best.

[violaine]

oh crumb! i typed about a page, and now it's gone. :bigcry: had to take some calls and walked away from the post. i'm going to start over, in a document file, save it, and return with one of my most recent Dobie Rescues. i will describe the entire process start-to-finsih.

great to see you all. thank you for sharing your expressions of love toward animal-friends.

[violaine]

i shall use a green heading for safe; yellow for content warning; and red for may find very disturbing.

Daz’s Story.

A woman on my committee posted a brief to our FB page about a dog called "DAZ" at our local animal control shelter: A stunning dobie in need of a home. Our shelter is high kill- meaning, the animals are there for only three days. Animal Control falls under a Municipality:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municipality

Sometimes, animal control, rescue groups, and the humane society come from different places with regard to best serving the public/animals. This is a very important distinction to make because Animal Control where I live [and I am quoting!] exists to “keep roaming and biting dogs off the streets” and are not “required to keep the animals longer than a three day period”.

So, we placed a three-day hold on Daz, as that was longest hold animal control permitted us. The Process began! I telephoned dobie rescue groups in my state, wrote to them, as well as dobie rescue groups in neighbouring states. I sent out lots of emails to all of my contacts and included the FB page. The woman and friend- on my committee was totally devastated by what she saw going on inside of the shelter. In fact, she did telephone a county commissioner later that afternoon because: The council generally functions as a parliamentary or congressional style legislative body, proposing bills, holding votes, and passing laws to help govern the city.

Daz was soaking wet when he was brought out to meet my friend during their meet and greet at the animal control shelter. My friend was barely able to pet him, and spend time with him, as the staff were standing over and rushing the visit. She needed to take a photo of him, and send to dobie rescue to verify he was a dobie. While Daz was outside of his run, it would have made sense to clean the enclosure, but that was not the case. after he was placed back inside the spraying of water and chemicals began! I have several letters from people who have written letters/emails to the humane society about witnessing this very same thing - out in the open at our local ACS.

We had to place a second hold on Daz, and my friend claimed to be very ill, so it was approved by ACS. Dobie rescue were an awesome bunch, and trying hard to find a foster for Daz. Time often gets down to the wire with animal rescue work, so I acquiesced to the universe, and then several local people came forward to offer temporary fostering for Daz. Thank goodness! Everyone plays a vital role in a well-coordinated rescue effort, and the feeling of comradery is unbelievable. Plus, there was an awareness of the culture of the ACS we were dealing with, and dobie rescue was not amused about the shelter’s inflexibility. A letter was composed to the county commissioners from dobie rescue, and the woman on my committee telephoned and spoke with a commissioner also.

I was thrilled to death when we go the go ahead from dobie rescue to get Daz out of the shelter! He had been in there without sunshine or any outside fresh air- for six days! Dobie rescue had faxed over their vet info, as Daz needed to be neutered. I paid for him to be adopted out- 10$ adoption fee, and 14.95$, which should have been waived [most shelters work with rescue groups, realising the animal will be S/N, chipped, et c. and are about the animal not the $]. It’s not even like 10$ + 14.95$ is a lot of money, right? Daz was already chipped anyway. We took him outside and he nearly pulled me onto the ground! He is a large dog, and was running for freedom! We took him to several parks to let him explore and exercise. I did a mini-eval of his temperament considering the situations- he was an OS [owner surrender], had been locked up and sprayed with water/chems for nearly a week. Daz loved children and other dogs. After about a half an hour, he finally “looked” at me. Then he kissed us. I wanted to live with him, and offer a forever home to Daz, but I couldn’t.

On the road, Daz jumped into my lap three times! Finally, with his butt in the back seat, and his shoulders and head leaning against me, he fell asleep- and snored! We were in close-close contact with the woman and founder of dobie rescue from start to fiish. She actually heard him snoring on our drive to meet the foster. Daz jumped right into the car when he met the foster, and would be with him for a little over a week before getting neutered. His temperament was checked out during this time. Dobie rescue founder told me the day we took him out that she had a forever home lined up for Daz- if all was fine with his disposition.

All of us we pleased to hear about Daz going to his home and even laughed about him jumping the fence to meet his next door neighbour new dog-friend! [we knew that he was a fence jumper- and this info must be communicated to the rescue group. Whatever the ACS will share information-wise, is crucial info to pass along to any rescue group].

The next time I write, I’ll share steps being taken with the ACS- how to come up with a goal/plan to try and bring ACS up to date, researching ACS S.O.P.'s [our local ACS does not have a SOP!], and aiming for an environment healthier/happier for all of the shelter animals, working with county commissioners, director of animal control/chief animal control officers, rescue groups, when to involve HSUS, and even the media.

[Andrew, Jr.]

I would love to have the money to buy land to have a non-kill shelter for animals. *Deep sigh. Now that would be such a blessing for both animals and me. I hate to see or hear about any animal abused, tortured, or starved. If animals could only talk.

Belle, I loved your story. Thank you.

[NotAnAverageGuy]

I would love to have the money to buy land to have a non-kill shelter for animals. *Deep sigh. Now that would be such a blessing for both animals and me. I hate to see or hear about any animal abused, tortured, or starved. If animals could only talk.

Belle, I loved your story. Thank you.

Andrew by law even no kill shelters do have to put down some of their animals, I came upon this once when I did volunteer work for Probation... the owner had to take in 3 dogs to be put down, these dogs were adoptable but I never got a straight answer as to why she had them put down.


Here for the shelters, it is a 3 day stay as well for certain breeds, if a rescue or someone doesn't adopt them, which is very sad.

[WolfyOne]

Very nice thread topic.

Those here that know R and I, know what we've gone through this year. It prompted us to move to another town just so we could protect the stray cats we were feeding on our porch. We have way more cats than we ever expected to have, 17 to be exact. All of them are or have been strays at one time in their lives. We started out doing catch, fix and release them back outside when they were healed. We've taken them to the vet when sick, put flea medicine on the indoor and outdoor ones. Have had a bb removed from the nose of one. Anyhow, we gathered up all the outside cats that we could because an old neighbor killed one of them with an air compressor nail gun. We managed to put 4 on a farm. The vet kept 3 for her place. A friend took 2 and a lady in a neighboring town took 2. That still leaves us with 17, in which 3 belong to a roomie of ours. It's been a struggle with 17, but we manage. It's hard finding homes for those that can be adopted out because we don't trust others around here to take care of them. We've put a lot of money out of our own pockets to fix so many cats and hopefully will find a few good people for some of them. Some of them have been attacked by our old neighbors Great Danes and are spooked easily by dogs now. Some are semi feral and trust few. 3 are 7 months old and were born outside, so we trapped them and took them directly to the vet. I do it again in a heart beat if it meant saving a life from a cruel person. I think spaying and neutering is very important, but most country folks don't. We helped clean up the over population of cats in a town that needed it desparately.

I think that's about it. Perhaps not in any kind of order, but ya'll get what I'm saying.

[NotAnAverageGuy]

I have often thought about doing a sugar glider rescue, but I have spoken to 2 rescue organizations and found out what it will take to have one and it kinda made me sad that I can't do it but donating to their cause to help them is what I have upheld myself to do.

One small donation helped at least 4 gliders in their sanctuary to get medical care, that made my day.

[Andrew, Jr.]

NotAnAverageGuy,

I had no idea about putting the animals down. No what-so-ever. :eek::bigcry: To me, animals have a place in nature. The same as we do.

Now, I do believe that when, say geese for example, get too overpopulated, they need to be hunted. I have no problem with that because for the most part the geese are food. And in alot of food banks, deer-geese-ducks, are given to the homeless and those who are on a limited budget. Here in Maryland if a car hits a deer, and it is called in, the folks go and cut the deer up to feed those who are hungry.

WolfyOne,

I agree with your post about spaying and neutering. Yes, this is a good thread.

Namaste,
Andrew

[NotAnAverageGuy]

NotAnAverageGuy,

I had no idea about putting the animals down. No what-so-ever. :eek::bigcry: To me, animals have a place in nature. The same as we do.

Now, I do believe that when, say geese for example, get too overpopulated, they need to be hunted. I have no problem with that because for the most part the geese are food. And in alot of food banks, deer-geese-ducks, are given to the homeless and those who are on a limited budget. Here in Maryland if a car hits a deer, and it is called in, the folks go and cut the deer up to feed those who are hungry.

WolfyOne,

I agree with your post about spaying and neutering. Yes, this is a good thread.

Namaste,
Andrew



Oh yes Andrew its unfortunate but they do and I didn't like it but even with spaying and neutering, people can't take care of their animals so it goes to a rescue and I am not sure why they put them down there at all.

[Pennysparkles]

I would love to have the money to buy land to have a non-kill shelter for animals. *Deep sigh. Now that would be such a blessing for both animals and me. I hate to see or hear about any animal abused, tortured, or starved. If animals could only talk.

.

Mr too Andrew, me too. My dogs are both rescues and even after 4 years my beautiful little terrier cross still reacts as if I am going to beat her when I go to put her lead on, it breaks my heart.

I so wish they could talk so I could understand better what they are telling me. But I give them all the love and light I can every day and thank spirit for bringing them to me.

Namaste

[NotAnAverageGuy]

There is a sugar glider rescue in Irving, Tx that does ALOT of rescuing, Angie(the head rescuer) barely even has time to update the website she has.

I am posting a link for anyone who wants to know more about them and the lengths she has gone to take care of her rescues and there are some stories about some of the sanctuary gliders she has and why they are there. Warning: some stories are heartbreaking and will anger the best of us.

www.hopeforgliders.org/

[Andrew, Jr.]

Are gliders a part of the farret family? :deepthoughts:

I can't look or watch at animal abuse stories, even on Animal Planet. I have horrible nightmares about it later on. I am just wayyyy too sensitive. :penguin:

[Inuus]

Sugar gliders are not in the same family as ferrets.
Sugar Gliders are marsupials native to Australia Tazmania New Guinea area
Ferrets are in the weasal family same as wolverines minks fishers martens polecats stoats etc

[NotAnAverageGuy]

Thats correct not a member of the ferret family, gliders are way cuter and less stinkier anyways

[Inuus]

Yes not as stinky!

Thats correct not a member of the ferret family, gliders are way cuter and less stinkier anyways

[NotAnAverageGuy]

Yup when a male glider is fixed their smell goes away... thank god

[Andrew, Jr.]

I hope all of our fur family kids are all doing well this Thanksgiving holiday.

Love to all my fur godkids - ooxx
Be sure to love on them for me,
Andrew

[WolfyOne]

Mr too Andrew, me too. My dogs are both rescues and even after 4 years my beautiful little terrier cross still reacts as if I am going to beat her when I go to put her lead on, it breaks my heart.

I so wish they could talk so I could understand better what they are telling me. But I give them all the love and light I can every day and thank spirit for bringing them to me.

Namaste

One of our rescued cats cowers when you go to pet her head. It wasn't until we noticed her bottom teeth were knocked out that we figured out why. Her tongue always hung out of her mouth and R opened her mouth one day to find a row of teeth gone. I think whoever dumped her in our area must have beat her badly. She's much better than she was in the beginning, now that we brought her inside. She used to get very defensive and swat or hiss at anyone that would get near her. Sometimes that old trigger comes to the forefront and she only does it a little now.......if I could only find the person that did that to her.

[NotAnAverageGuy]

Poor baby suffering that abuse, ugh I wish humans would leave animals alone and not abuse them, they are pets not punching bags.

Happy Thanksgiving from The Suggie Shack and Harley the dog!!!

[Blaze]

~Chuckles~ Stinky huh? I think my Ferrets smell earthly. I happen to love my stinky/earthly rascals. I also have 2 mixed Pitts that are as loving as can be, so I agree that they get a bad rap.
I raised about 14 different species of tortoise, all that were given to me because their owners no longer had time for them. As are my Ferrets. I got my 2nd pit from a kennel that someone had left after Katrina, so she is my daughter now.
Will I take in more animals through my life? Yes, definitely!
Will I fight for the animals that cannot speak for themselves? Yes, most definitely.
I have a lot of issues with abandonment of amimals, more than I have time to explain, as well as the many other issues of kill/no kill. I do understand the laws, may not agree, but do understand, but I truly believe, as with any system, there are loop holes and strings that can be pulled to save just one more life.

[FeminineAllure]

Great sharing. Thanks to all of you for your love:sparklyheart: for animals and being the change!:gimmehug::playingcat:
I have some things to share when I am feeling better.:waitinggirl::cough:

[NotAnAverageGuy]

Yes male gliders urine and marking scent is horrid, worse than a ferret. I can only equate the smell to an used tampon, that's why he was fixed.


What do ya'll think about the Vick dogs and their rehab?

Anyone else watch Pitbulls and Parolees?

[Rook]

My Ferrets don't stink..hmph....They have a subtle Musky Aroma...
My boy, I got from a pet store, he was a few days from being sent to Humaine Society, nobody wanted him because he was a "Biter", and evidently the previous Owner that brought him back didn't have the patience to Teach....
He's never bitten me...

My girl, I got from petfinder.com, a shelter had her displayed, after a few Screenings, they actually haggled her price..
She is a young darling, feisty, and has her "Dainty" moments....I noticed immediately why they weren't set on a price, she was 'special needs' and they were understaffed..

Ferrets have a bad reputation, unjustly set on them, which quickly lands them in Shelters, and in Most cases, face unfair Euthanazia because someone didn't a} do their Research b} Didnt care enough c}Realized the Ferret was more than they bargained for...

A ferret is a huge commitment, their Temperament is close to that of a Cat, they can be Aloof, Inquisitive, shy, friendly...
They can live 10-12 years.
The more time you spend, the better you know them and they will Bond with you...
That some Bite? Yes, Why? It's instinct, Ferrets are carnivorous Predators in the wild [ Think Rikki Tikki Tavi, rather than kodo & podo ]
The Biting starts when they're babies, and they play hard...they don't realize Human skin is a lot more delicate than ferret skin...
Oftentimes their Bite is out of Fear/Aggression/Curiosity, you WILL know which is which....Play (they're hopping all over the fucking place "clucking" and throwing tender quick sharp nips, puffed up tail)..Fear ( The ferret is trying to stay away from you, and you insist on grabbing them no puffed up tail, and sometimes "toilet" issues).. Aggression ( The ferret stands ground, cornered, Puffed tail, they will spit/hiss a warning, the rest is your "stupidity").. Curiosity ( If you just ate a peanut butter & jelly sandwich, or a grilled cheese, or put on a Fruity perfume, Flower hand lotion, Their notorious Curiosity will get the better, and they will Instinctively say "YUM", you will not be amused at that moment)...
All but 2 are Fixable, with Patience...
and yes, you CAN teach an old Ferret new Manners...

Many Ferrets sadly wind up in a very Abusive home, and honestly? I think the Person is worthy of a few baseball bat strikes...
If you won't strike a child, or harm a dog..What does the person gain from terrorizing a tiny ferret, hitting them, torturing..?

Many ferrets in this circumstance wind up euthanized, Unless they are taken or dropped off at a No-Kill Ferret Shelter (there's a few out there, Badly in need of Donations, but they work it out), the shelter will keep them rather than Adopt them out, it's a lifelong Trauma for the lil guys....
Some get adopted to very Experienced Hoomans..

Oh, and as for the "smell"...
A Ferret will have a very Ripe cage, if you dont tend it often..
Think about the following..
A ferret has a high metabolism..Constantly active, they will eat almost every 4 hours until they're Full each time....
They require Vitamins sometimes if you give them Sub-Par Ferret food...
Premium Ferret food = not much waste...They absorb nutrients, and have fun...
The digested food has to go somewhere
Every 3-4 hours....
Whether it's pee [Boys will invariably smell stronger, a little less if they're Neutered, and if they're not, KEEP THEM BY THEMSELF, not-neutered male Rivalry can be dangerous, and Deadly, a non-receptive Female spayed or not, will suffer ferret "domestic violence", a weaker male can easily be killed.
Spaying + Neuter, is not an option, it's a Requirement..
Females in Heat will stay in heat until they're pregnant, if they dont get pregnant soon, they can develop aplastic anemia and die]
Or Poop.
It adds up.
The good side?
Ferrets are litter box trainable...
Once again...Patience....
And in some cases [ I dont do this ] They can learn cute tricks...
They also love toys if you surround them with it at an early age[ I pamper mine]..

[NotAnAverageGuy]

Sugar Glider Rescues are few and far between, some end up at some shelters, etc and are put down because noone knows how to take care of them and how to feed them or who to call about them, so it's easier for the shelter just to put them down.

[Inuus]

Yes I watch Pitbulls and Parolees good show and I really like Rescue Ink thats a really cool show!

[Linus]

Yes I watch Pitbulls and Parolees good show and I really like Rescue Ink thats a really cool show!

I'm curious about the Pitbulls and Paroless show. And I've never heard of Rescue Ink. What's that show about? We've been watching Dogs 101 and Cats 101. When we finally settle down (buy house) we want to get a few dogs and cats (after Bobcat passes since she has feline leukemia).

We've been using PetFinders to torture ourselves about what wants we want and what we look for (doesn't make sense to get an animal now since we'll be uprooting and moving to Los Angeles next year). Anyways, I'm rambling at this moment..

[Rook]

Rescue Ink is pretty cool..
Reminds me of Animal Cops, 'cept "Tougher"...
Motorcycle riding, tattooed tough guys go about Rescuing abused or neglected animals, place them after taking care..and Educating...
They really get peoples attention, cuz honestly, they don't look like someone you can jerk around *lol*
:dogwalking:

I love Dogs 101, and Cats 101...makes me wanna adopt most of the pets they discuss...
Most..
They do point out Flaws too...
Dog Whisperers ok, there are times I don't like certain training techniques..but ehh..to each their own
I do however find it hilarious/cute when they deal with Chihuahuas.....and Great Danes/ Mastiffs

[Rook]

I almost forgot..
Every year, Ferret Enthusiasts {aka Obsessed with Ferrets} gather at the Mother of all AFA-sponsored shows, The Buckeye Bash.
Think of it as the ferret version of Pedigree Dog show...or Eukanuba...
Purebreed ferrets, Rescue ferrets.. Show Ferrets competing against "Pet" ferrets.
Yep, ferrets have their own classifications, and sub-classes.
And depending on said classification is the Temperament...
I don't say breed because it's more Color-Fur-Markings than different "breed" altogether.
many people confuse DEW ferrets with Albino...
An albino looks like a demonic possessed Ferret....red eyes, white white white, with a hint of yellow (their natural Oils tint the fur)
a DEW (dark eye'd white) can have very black eyes, and in most cases, an Albino will be either Deaf, or the next mr. Magoo...
Sometimes both...
Cinnamons look like a semi-auborn haired Ferret, y'know,Cinnamon coloured....
Then there's Chocolate point, Sable & Silver...
anything else falls within those types...
Then there's the Markings...
A sable/chocolate/silver Mitt has a white "Bib" under the neck, and their paws have white mitts...
You'll know you have a Silver or a Sable panda when they reach age 3, and "Blow" their Silver, salt+pepper colored Fur, and become close to a DEW

Many people mistake the Seasonal changes for weight issues...
In Autumn, they oftentimes Pack on the Pudge and start growing "Fluffy" fur, by winter, quite a few (Especially Males) look like they Pigged out, and gained considerable weight...

Males are also Twice as big as a female, normally...
In the Shows, some Markings are disqualification-prone...
Blaze, Angora, and sometimes Badgers....
Biting a Judge is instant Disqualify...
and believe me, the Owners have tried every Lame excuse to get their Ferret pardoned....
My fave has been
"Im terribly sorry, Puffins NEVER did this before, He must be nervous, please please give us a second chance, he's due for Breeding soon."
right, sir, he just out of the blue decided my Judge ribbon looked tasty and clamped on my thumb...gotcha

Here's a few Rescue Links [some are no-kill]
http://www.ferretfriends.org/

http://ferretfriends.tripod.com/

{Yes, the following Link is Anonymous...Ferrets are Illegal to own in the state of California...People still do, and "quietly" share ferre-friendly links, vet names etc}
http://www.ferretsanon.com/

http://www.ferret-fact.org/

http://theeducatedferret.net/default.aspx

http://www.furryferretrescue.org/

http://www.ferretguardian.org/

http://www.ferretsunlimited.org/

http://www.hofa-rescue.org/

i don't provide Breeder websites, because I advocate Adoptions, there's plenty that need a Loving home...
But, if you want to Fork over between 350-500 $ U.S. [depends on Coloring, and Purpose of purchase*Pet/Breeding*], feel free to contact me for a Reputable Breeder..not a backyard one.
:hangloose::cold:

[Inuus]

I like dogs 101. Great show for people not that educated on certain breeds. Helps them make an informed decision when picking out a breed. Same for cats 101 although in truth Im just not a cat person. NOT that I havent rescued and helped cats...just prefer dogs

[Blaze]

Thank you Rook, I ferret board for people going on human vacation, lol. And they always have lots of questions for me when they come back from vacation. SO now I can hook them up with the links that you have provided.

[Andrew, Jr.]

I just cannot work at a shelter or anything of the sort. I get too attached too easily. I tried to work at a PetsMart once rocking cats and kittens, but had to stop. I wanted to bring all the cats and kittens home. They were all rescue cats and kittens and going to be put down if nobody would adopt them. :rollcat::playingcat::cat: There is a Maryland law that is new that cats, esp. black cats, cannot be sold during Halloween. Too many were abused or found dead. :rant:


Michael Vicks...I have a problem with his defense of denial. He knew what was going on at his home in Virginia. In fact, how can he deny that he did not know that there were kennels built on his property? What about the money - his own money - that he used for gambling on the dogs? And what about when M. Vicks' killed the dogs himself? How can he possibly "imagine" that one? I don't get it. Not at all.

When the Phili Eagles signed him on for a million and a half for a year then his salary goes up for even more money, I was shocked. I believe in forgiveness. I do. However, I really have mixed emotions on him.

[violaine]

<3 the gang at rescue ink !! :dogwalking:

[NotAnAverageGuy]

I'm curious about the Pitbulls and Paroless show. And I've never heard of Rescue Ink. What's that show about? We've been watching Dogs 101 and Cats 101. When we finally settle down (buy house) we want to get a few dogs and cats (after Bobcat passes since she has feline leukemia).

We've been using PetFinders to torture ourselves about what wants we want and what we look for (doesn't make sense to get an animal now since we'll be uprooting and moving to Los Angeles next year). Anyways, I'm rambling at this moment..

Pitbulls and Parolees is about a woman who runs a pitbull rescue I wanna say in Arizona, she hires parolees to help her run her rescue, basically giving both the dogs and parolees a second chance all the way around, she is VERY strict on how she runs her rescue and who she allows to adopt a pitbull from her. Some of the parolees she has had working for her have turned their life around, some prolly not.

Rescue Ink, is a bunch of tattooed big guys who go help rescue dogs from bad situations.


http://animal.discovery.com/tv/pitbulls-and-parolees/


http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/rescue-ink-unleashed/all/Overview

[violaine]

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/IN86.html

Who We Are:

We are an animal control facility as well as an animal shelter. The mission of the Department is to work in partnership with the community to address problems associated with pet overpopulation, to promote responsible pet ownership and to enhance the health and safety of the community through the adoption of pets and the enforcement of ordinances and laws regarding animal-related issues.


hi. the link i posted above is not in my county, but we view johnson county animal control shelter as a "model" shelter [more on that later with regard to the shelter work i am doing in my own neighbouring county].

i thought i'd share the info on sugar-free candy and gum during the holiday season.

[Diavolo]

Some of you know that I do rescue work. I work with the parent club to help transport Doberman Pinschers throughout the State of California. I'm part of the underground railroad. My first transport resulted in two red Dobes making it to their destination. Unfortunately, I had already fallen in love so I went back the following weekend and brought home Rita. I've done many other successful runs. I was asked to foster a big blue male several weeks after I lost my beloved Beauregard. That mission was also a failure and Bubba now sleeps at me feet. They are both hillbilly Dobermans that needed somebody to see their potential. They found that when I met them.

I have many friends who work breed specific rescues, Boxers, Pits, Sled Dogs, Danes, Rotts and GSDs. My point is that many of the breed clubs have vibrant rescue networks. If only people who belonged to the parent clubs and had contracts bred dogs, there wouldn't be an issue. Responsible breeders always take back their dogs. The problem is irresponsible people breeding and/or not fixing their pet quality animals. Responsible breeders look for temperment, soundness, health and conformation. If that was all that was occurring out there the pet world would be a better place for pets, owners and rescue workers. People who think they're going to make money breeding animals are the problem. A responsible breeder will tell you that in reality it's not a money making proposition, it's done for the love of the breed.

[violaine]

[QUOTE=Diavolo;12968]Some of you know that I do rescue work. I work with the parent club to help transport Doberman Pinschers throughout the State of California. I'm part of the underground railroad. My first transport resulted in two red Dobes making it to their destination. Unfortunately, I had already fallen in love so I went back the following weekend and brought home Rita. I've done many other successful runs. I was asked to foster a big blue male several weeks after I lost my beloved Beauregard. That mission was also a failure and Bubba now sleeps at me feet. They are both hillbilly Dobermans that needed somebody to see their potential. They found that when I met them.

hi there diavolo :xmascandle: dobermans are the sweetest dogs ever :paw: the dobie rescue group i recently worked with [described in a previous entry] were so professional and close-knit. after my experience with this particular group of people with whom i keep contact and now feel bonded, i consider myself very fortunate to have their trust across the board. integrity - from the founder of the rescue, all the way to the "underground railroad" sure does reinforce their reputation.

my dobie of thirteen years was blue. people make comments all of time about that when his photo is shown. thank you for helping beautiful dobermans, diavolo :)




I have many friends who work breed specific rescues, Boxers, Pits, Sled Dogs, Danes, Rotts and GSDs. My point is that many of the breed clubs have vibrant rescue networks.

absolutely

If only people who belonged to the parent clubs and had contracts bred dogs, there wouldn't be an issue. Responsible breeders always take back their dogs. The problem is irresponsible people breeding and/or not fixing their pet quality animals. Responsible breeders look for temperment, soundness, health and conformation. If that was all that was occurring out there the pet world would be a better place for pets, owners and rescue workers. People who think they're going to make money breeding animals are the problem. A responsible breeder will tell you that in reality it's not a money making proposition, it's done for the love of the breed.

i am in accordance with your comments!

best,
belle

[Andrew, Jr.]

There was a feral cat group living in the habitat behind my community. I feed them, and I have put out an old igloo cat/dog house with warm blankets in it for them. :paw:

Then one day...one of the old bitties in my neighborhood called animal control. Everything was taken, and my cats were gone. These two single straight women who have nothing better to do with their lives than create havoc, and cause pain, destroyed some beautiful creatures. :ballcat: :rollcat: I don't wish evil upon them, but I also don't wish them well either.

I still miss my furkids. They were so gentle. And loving. No wonder people have such problems. Sheesh.

Andrew

[violaine]

http://www.maddiesfund.org/Grant_Guidelines/Starter_Grants.html

andrew, the above link/resource makes me think of you.

some of the info on the maddie's fund page, like if you go to the "funded projects" tab, and then click on "the shelter pet project" for starters, offers a little inspiration.

isn't that dog on the front just smiling?

are you familiar with the HB1468?

http://www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/billwatch/billinfo?year=2009&session=1&request=getBill&doctype=HB&docno=1468

i have so very many resources that i am going to post them slowly instead of going link happy happy ;)

{{andrew}}:bbq:

[Andrew, Jr.]

Belle,

I love how the dog is smiling. And the cat looks like my Gabby. I rescued Gabby from a woman who's farm was taken over by the ASPCA. She was elderly, and really had a heart of gold, but had no mobility, and couldn't take care of any of her animals. And she had all kinds from cats, dogs, horses, pigs, cows, and even buffalo. Anyway, long story short, Gabby's mother was pregnant, and I got her from my vet. And that looks like her.:sheep::penguin::rudreindeer::cat::cluck::badg er::dog::playingcat::frog::dogwalking::tiger::schn auzer::duck:

Love,
Andrew
:bbq:

PS: No, don't give me a ton of links to look up. My ocd will be in overdrive...not like it is already (laughing).

[suebee]

Does anybody have any resources in regards to blind dogs: living with, training another dog to be their guide and companion...etc

[Andrew, Jr.]

Let me go look for a couple. I have a book.

[violaine]

cybersue, hallo. :) :cheer:

maybe these will help:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/5897234/Blind-border-collie-gets-his-own-guide-dog.html

http://www.srdogs.com/Pages/agencies.html

[suebee]

Thanks Belle. I saw another piece online today about two standard poodles - one who is the guide dog for the other.

I'm considering the possibility (with the emphasis on considering) of adopting a blind Aussie. You might remember I lost mine this past summer. (and miss him every day). The dog in question lost her eyes to glaucoma. She had a mate, but since she was the dominant partner before she lost her sight, they apparently had actual physical battles when he tried to take the lead. I think that any one of my dogs would be a potential guide dog for her, and so I'm looking into the possibility. So, aside from being in touch with her foster Mom I'm trying to learn everything I can about living with a blind dog. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sue :bouquet:

[NotAnAverageGuy]

If I lived in a house with a backyard I would take in a blind,disabled, crippled dog. Most likely a Pitbull because alot of people want a so called "perfect" dog, well to me that dog is perfect, the dog is alive and being taken care of, instead of abused or put down simply because of the breed.


But I also have a HUGE diversion for sugar gliders, which is well known, if I had the means to have a rescue I would. Honestly down the road, I see me with gliders than a dog or cat.

[violaine]

:stillheart::flyingpig::stillheart:

andrew, cover your eyes please- more links ;)

sue, here's some good info, i think:

http://www.matnet.com/~divs/assisted/blind_dog.html

[christie]

Has anyone used the anti anxiety medication, Reconcile?

We have a mini schnauzer who was a Katrina rescue. He has always been a tad on the "crazy" side, but since our move in April, his anxiety has just escalated.

We consulted with a new vet here yesterday, and he has ordered this medication for Scooter. It should be in next week.

We have tried the OTC calming meds for him without any results.

I would be interested in others' experiences with this.

[Diavolo]

A friend of mine took on a deaf rescue boxer. What's critical to remember with these dogs is that the same protocols for training exist. She was having problems with this dog and hired a specialized trainer. The trainer told her that this dog needed to work for everything. I laughed because my dogs have to work for everything. I don't put food down, I ask them to sit and stay and wait for the command once the foods down. A blind dog can hear the commands, in my friend's case the dog could see the commands. She chose to ignore them because she got what she wanted whether she did it or not. Now she's great because she was treated just like the other dogs and had to work for everything. Just a little "food" for thought!

I've taken on two senior rescues. One was a greyhound the other was a Doberman. Neither lived long once I got them, the greyhound lived a little less than a year and the Doberman a little less than two years, but both dogs had an opportunity to spend their sunset years in a comfortable environment where they were well loved, had a warm fireplace to sleep next too and were properly spoiled. They break your heart in the end, but the good you do for them is worth the heartbreak.

[wolfwalker]

I have had dogs all my life. have 2 monsters now. But my all time best dog was Jack. He was a spanial, golden retriever mix that I simply loved and he, me.

He went blind when he was 7. I was very lucky in those first few months with him. He knew the house, the yard etc. I never stopped walking him off lead. he would just stay with me like he always had.

We had a problem when we moved. for the first few months, til he learned his way around. He would follow my cairn terrier around till he learned things for himself. Any new change, I would walk with him till he got the change. But mostly he just learned the change as it was being done.

being blind never restricted him in any way. It took some time for him to adjust but then he was just like any other dog. run to the door barking etc.
He lived to be 14.

open some food and see how fast they find the kitchen. LOL

I would take on another blind dog. they adjust and life goes on for them.

wolfwalker

[NotAnAverageGuy]

I asked this question on another site about sugar gliders, should they be legal in all 50 states without having to have papers just to own them, but for breeding they have to be USDA registered and licensed. Some states they are illegal, some you have to have USDA papers to even own them and some states are very shady, my question is should action be taken to make them legal in all 50 states?

[violaine]

[QUOTE=wolfwalker;13238]open some food and see how fast they find the kitchen. LOL

:trampoline: this comment made me smile, wolfwalker.

I would take on another blind dog. they adjust and life goes on for them.

wolfwalker

i think so too. if an animal is without one of his/her senses, or even very unwell- humans might believe that an animal rationalises/dwells on their health issue. wolfwalker, i am of a similar mindset- about life going on for them. over and over, that belief has enabled me to spend time around animal-friends who perhaps did not have much time left on this plane, before going on to the next step.

[suebee]

:stillheart::flyingpig::stillheart:

andrew, cover your eyes please- more links ;)

sue, here's some good info, i think:

http://www.matnet.com/~divs/assisted/blind_dog.html

Thanks Belle! That gives me some links to other resources too!

[Diva]

I'm not really a dog person, but here I have this dog....Lucy. She's a rescue Pit/Black Lab mix.....and stubborn as hell. But anyone who has met my Lucy can see how special she is.....

And they also wonder how TWO stubborn bitches can live under the same roof....but we manage. ;)

Nice thread, Belle!

[Blaze]

Awwww Diva. Lucy and you were meant to be together, she is your protector, you vacuum, your snuggle bunny, and your racoon scout, what more can you ask for. Besides... She is beautiful, and Two Beautiful female's tend to compromise. Gotta love that!

[Diva]

Awwww Diva. Lucy and you were meant to be together, she is your protector, you vacuum, your snuggle bunny, and your racoon scout, what more can you ask for. Besides... She is beautiful, and Two Beautiful female's tend to compromise. Gotta love that!



HA!!!

I have to tell You....I read "...raccoon SLUT..." ROFL!!!:huhlaugh:

[Andrew, Jr.]

Christie,

If I were you, I would research acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, reiki, and also if you can find someone via word of mouth who is a wildlife rehab. person. They usually can get better results than the avg. vet, and meds.

I wish you and your :dog: much love and peace.

Love,
Andrew



Sue,

I found some places here in the US but had no clue you guys were in the UK. Try this site, it is in Annapolis, Maryland, but you may get some ideas from it. It is www.eyecareforanimals.com. I hope it helps! :doghead:

Love,
Andrew

[Sachita]

I'm not really a dog person, but here I have this dog....Lucy. She's a rescue Pit/Black Lab mix.....and stubborn as hell. But anyone who has met my Lucy can see how special she is.....

And they also wonder how TWO stubborn bitches can live under the same roof....but we manage. ;)

Nice thread, Belle!

thats what I said... I'm not a dog person. Now I have 6.

[Sachita]

6 dogs, 4 cats, 1 pig, all rescues. I attribute the health of my animals to the food I give them along with herbs, fruits, veggies and natural healing. I pay a lot in animal feed/food but for long term health its worth it. My dream is to make more money and take care of more. Its our privilege to care for them and what we should do.

[Blaze]

6 dogs, 4 cats, 1 pig, all rescues. I attribute the health of my animals to the food I give them along with herbs, fruits, veggies and natural healing. I pay a lot in animal feed/food but for long term health its worth it. My dream is to make more money and take care of more. Its our privilege to care for them and what we should do.

I hope that all works out for you, that takes heart and dedication!

I asked this question on another site about sugar gliders, should they be legal in all 50 states without having to have papers just to own them, but for breeding they have to be USDA registered and licensed. Some states they are illegal, some you have to have USDA papers to even own them and some states are very shady, my question is should action be taken to make them legal in all 50 states?

Only because I am born and raised in Hawaii, I can say this; the laws are very strict, they don't want domestic animals being tossed out and becoming feral and a strain on what little natural habitats left of the almost extinct animals, plants and incect species that we do have. So Hawaii would more than likely not accept, as they don't have hamsters, hedgehogs, snakes, many types of lizards, And the quarantines are even stricter. The Amnesty law will give you a few days to turn in any illegal animals but if you do get caught, Well, jail and fines are outrageous. But if you truly believe in legalization, by all means, do what ever it takes!

[NotAnAverageGuy]

Kudos to all rescuers and fosters.

On a side note:

when the money becomes available to me and more resources as well, I am thinking of seeing if I can adopt a special needs glider. The glider I really would love to adopt, is living in a sanctuary setting for the rest of his life, he is blind but oh so loving.

[Diavolo]

thats what I said... I'm not a dog person. Now I have 6.

Wonder what would happen if I said I wasn't a femme person...

[NotAnAverageGuy]

Wonder what would happen if I said I wasn't a femme person...

No clue LOL just wait till others read it and see what happens:penguin:

[violaine]

in a bit we are convening to discuss an outline drafted by the humane society. the goal of our committee is to bring an animal control shelter into present times and practises, and to be more involved with its community [taxpayers who pay for AC services].

we will adress an animal control sheter operating without a S.O.P. [standard operating procedures], the way animals deserve humane treatment inside of the facility, and so on.

here is a great link:

http://www.animallaw.info/articles/ovusodmunicipalordinances.htm

we plan to call in several of our advisors, who have been with us every step of the way, when we meet next,as this goes before the county commissioners.

:dogwalking: :doghead:

[violaine]

an email from dobie rescue-

"Daz had his heartworm treatment yesterday and today and he is truly a phenomenal, very well loved big Doberboy. Handled the shots well, so fingers crossed the next month is uneventful for him. Good save!!!"

[he was neutered a little while before undergoing hw tx].

:antler:

[FeminineAllure]

I have a feral cat colony living on my back porch. I feed them daily and provide shelter...water. Some are coming around...baby steps.
I initially thought one of the female cats had one kitten it turns out she has three!!! They are precious!
I am working with some local organizations to TNR them. Provide their shots, medical care if needed.
Then the other day a beautiful Tabby was crying at my door. I fed him/her and hopefully she/he went back home. I could tell this cat was someones pet.
My purpose in life is connected to helping cats somehow. The funny part is I am highly allergic to them.
I live on Benadryl just to have my baby boy Punkin. Another rescue.
Punkin says hello to auntie belle.:gimmehug::cat::cat::cat::cat::cat::cat:

[Inuus]

Kudos to you rescuers fosterers(is that a word?..lol) and animal guardian angels!
Ya know after reading alot on this thread I know there are alot of loving/caring animal angels out there which regularly restores my fairth in humanity. But I also know how education is really important too!
I have found actually alot of people are quite ignorant about the proper basic care of animals, or dont think it all through before they get an animal on impulse. To me its the hardest thing for me to deal with! I try to educate people as best as I can. Im known as the nutty dog lady around here that drives miles to take her dog to a canine oncologist when she was diagnosed with cancer..lol people know how much I care about my Gouda and dogs in general so when they are having troubles training or the dog seems sick etc they seem to ask me. I dont mind at all but wow..just amazes me how many people dont even know the basics. Is it just me? Am I just oversensitive or something? Do others see at least some of what Im seeing? Like for example
A coworker calls me the other day to say her sons pit is sick with vomiting and she has noticed flat type worms in his stool. I had to step back and take a breath. I mean to me it just seemed obvious the poor thing is infested with tapeworms. Something so easily prevented or treated with the proper meds. She said she had wormed him once. I said well do you give him monthly heartworm prevention meds? The one I give Gouda also kills internal parasites. She said whats heartworm? WOW uggh..I really had to step back. Heartworm is one of the easiest potentially deadly conditions in dogs to is also easily preventable. She had never taken the dog in for heartworm testing and she didnt even know what it was. I just find that very frustrating!
Oh and dont get me started on the people that dont spay or neuter their pets! I have gone around and around with people even my sister about this. I would say out of all the pet peeves(no pun intended) with people and their pets..spay/neuter is my biggest! I think education and relearning what one might have been brought up to believe is the key. It seems old learned habits are hard to break in that dept.
I guess Im a zealot or something when it comes to proper care and treatment of pets. Im a firm believer..you take on a pet even with the best of intentions(rescues etc) its ones obligation to give the best of care one can afford ...Im not saying the pet should get treatment while the human family suffers. But think it through if you arent willing to pay for possible health problems down the road dont get a pet. Pets arent disposable items like alot of the stuff in our society. Also if one isnt in a stable situation as far as housing etc a pet..another living being shouldnt be brought into that situation in the first place.
Im sorry this was a vent of sorts but I felt if anyone could understand all you animal lovers could :)
Im sure some of you have pet peeves as well..Im sure Im not the only nutty dog(or cat or any pet) lady in here..lol

[Tommi]

I know Melamine hit the news about our pets food. Sometimes other things don't make the headlines, and critters suffer.

Diamond Pet Foods Announces Recall of Premium Edge Adult Cat and Premium Edge Hairball Cat Food

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - On September 23, Diamond Pet Foods issued a voluntary recall for Premium Edge Finicky Adult Cat and Premium Edge Hairball cat because they have the potential to produce Thiamine Deficiency. Today’s announcement provides additional information from the company’s posted announcement of September 23 when the initial recall information was provided.

Thiamine is essential for cats. Symptoms of deficiency displayed by an affected cat can be gastrointestinal or neurological in nature. At the first stage the cat may show decreased appetite, salivation, vomiting, and weight loss. Later, neurologic signs can develop, which may include ventriflexion (bending towards the floor) of the neck, wobbly walking, circling, falling, and seizures. These ultimately may result in the death of the animal if left untreated. If your cat has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. "

Entire press release, and states affected can be seen @ http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm192404.htm

[Kimbo]

Has anyone used the anti anxiety medication, Reconcile?

We have a mini schnauzer who was a Katrina rescue. He has always been a tad on the "crazy" side, but since our move in April, his anxiety has just escalated.

We consulted with a new vet here yesterday, and he has ordered this medication for Scooter. It should be in next week.

We have tried the OTC calming meds for him without any results.

I would be interested in others' experiences with this.

I have not had any experience with this...are you doing anything to work with his anxiety? Definitely kennel them when you are not around. I worked with a trainer and she helped me find ways to keep my dog a bit busier but nothing ever really took away all her anxiety.

[violaine]

christine, may these links be of some help to you all.

i like very low-key arrivals/departures to and from the home. going about your business for a little while does seem to help with separation anxiety related issues. plus, you have time to put down the packages, and go to the bathroom!

http://dogtime.com/canine-anxiety-epidemic.html

i've always been fond of this site:

http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/barking.pdf

http://www.ddfl.org/tips.htm

[NotAnAverageGuy]

My dog has some issues as well with anxiety, I keep her busy with toys, etc and it does help.

And I started taking her places with me, to get her more social and when she is around other dogs her anxiety ceases a lil.

I have noticed most of the small breeds have serious anxiety issues

[Kimbo]

My dog has some issues as well with anxiety, I keep her busy with toys, etc and it does help.

And I started taking her places with me, to get her more social and when she is around other dogs her anxiety ceases a lil.

I have noticed most of the small breeds have serious anxiety issues

Seperation anxiety is common in abandoned dogs. You can watch a dog in a pound slowly lose it's spirit..they call it shelter shock. The longer they stay the worse it can be. I found my dog on petfinder and watched her the month before I closed on my house, by the time I got to the pound to get her she had lost her spirit and was set to be euthanized.

I love dogs and knew my house would not be a home without one. As soon as everything was moved in and put away I went to meet her...she broke my heart, when I went to take her back to her kennel she took her lead and sat down on it and wouldn't budge.

When I put her in the front seat of my truck for the ride home she glowed...she acted so proud and knew she was home. I was suprised I adopted her, she was a pit, lab mix and I know I'm not the best alpha dog. I have some fears of pits after one attacked my house. My Sadie dog taught me alot...

[violaine]

kimbo, yes. Daz, the dobe could not make eye contact for quite some time after being in the shelter.

yellow

now, this shelter is a horrible animal control facility. the dogs are routinely sprayed with water and chemicals instead of being moved out of their runs. there is no excuse for this. i will not go into further details, because i am waiting for the day to post some good news in the name of change at this particular animal control shelter.

i have made entries in this thread about my work on a committee of the humane society. the humane society does not wish to "run" the animal control shelter. the humane society, my committee, and many other people within the community [who have written compelling letters about the "culture of the animal control shelter" in this county] only want the animals to be respected, and yes, hopefully all of them go to forever homes.

the issue is when the county commissioners are the legislative and policy making body of county government the animal control must answer to- and the commissioners do nothing about complaints. hence, al of our involvement - when it really should be the job of the county commissioners to listen to the taxpayers who pay for animal control services- including the "humane" treatment of animals at the shelter.

i'm going to add another post so this does not get timed out.

[NotAnAverageGuy]

Seperation anxiety is common in abandoned dogs. You can watch a dog in a pound slowly lose it's spirit..they call it shelter shock. The longer they stay the worse it can be. I found my dog on petfinder and watched her the month before I closed on my house, by the time I got to the pound to get her she had lost her spirit and was set to be euthanized.

I love dogs and knew my house would not be a home without one. As soon as everything was moved in and put away I went to meet her...she broke my heart, when I went to take her back to her kennel she took her lead and sat down on it and wouldn't budge.

When I put her in the front seat of my truck for the ride home she glowed...she acted so proud and knew she was home. I was suprised I adopted her, she was a pit, lab mix and I know I'm not the best alpha dog. I have some fears of pits after one attacked my house. My Sadie dog taught me alot...

I had heard that as well, my dog was a Xmas present 4 years ago from a breeder. I spoiled her and I think thats my downfall right now.

[NotAnAverageGuy]

kimbo, yes. Daz, the dobe could not make eye contact for quite some time after being in the shelter.

yellow

now, this shelter is a horrible animal control facility. the dogs are routinely sprayed with water and chemicals instead of being moved out of their runs. there is no excuse for this. i will not go into further details, because i am waiting for the day to post some good news in the name of change at this particular animal control shelter.

i have made entries in this thread about my work on a committee of the humane society. the humane society does not wish to "run" the animal control shelter. the humane society, my committee, and many other people within the community [who have written compelling letters about the "culture of the animal control shelter" in this county] only want the animals to be respected, and yes, hopefully all of them go to forever homes.

the issue is when the county commissioners are the legislative and policy making body of county government the animal control must answer to- and the commissioners do nothing about complaints. hence, al of our involvement - when it really should be the job of the county commissioners to listen to the taxpayers who pay for animal control services- including the "humane" treatment of animals at the shelter.

i'm going to add another post so this does not get timed out.

Belle,

Here in Houston, BARC has had the "not wanting to run their shelter issue" and most of the animals there were sick and some died.

[Rook]

Hmm...
For the Deaf ferrets, I use a specific Sign Language for each and every action....Something they'll easily learn, nothing complicated or fancy...
I've also fostered Deaf Dalmatians... Same deal with the Sign language { for Sit, I would lower the hand firmly in the air, heel was patting the hand on the ground in front of you *Vibration*, "Treat" was Groping the air near my mouth*after they see u several times doing that while holding treats, they get the point* Discipline was easy, use harness, corrective tugs, "No" was Index finger firmly pointed near the face, not too close with corrective tugs at first, never switch signs, never use same signs for anything else}...
Worse thing to do for either Dog or Ferret ( and yes, Deaf Humans *L*)..Approaching from behind, catching off-guard to grab attention...
in the animals case, you could get bitten or you could upset them{in the humans, an elbow, or slap or punch if they're high strung...}

We have a growing population of Feral cats in Athens county, because immature Students make cute kitty cuddly adoptions, when the Quarters over and they have to return to mom + pop....the City gets the kitteh...
Many locals implore them not to do that..
But, ever since the Cat shelter was closed due to lack of funds and volunteers [ this happened when I first moved in ], the numbers grow..
Some residents even offer advise on those wanting to help control the Feral population, by setting Humaine traps, and Neutering / Spaying...
Taco Bell on the main downtown road has a pack of feral cats called "the taco bell kitties"
The running joke is a little...dumb...and racist...{ there's a chinese buffet across the street...}

http://www.cypresskeep.com/Ferretfiles/Deaf.htm

http://www.deafdal.co.uk/Links.htm

:cold::blink::glasses:

[violaine]

anyway, the information here about animal control in my county, and how the commissioners have done nothing for many years about their chief animal control officer, and the various complaints about her/the way the shelter operates [without a Standard Operating Procedure manual]- is a crime- to be sure. we have met other people, animal lovers, taxpayers, animal shelters, humane societies, and so on- who have dealt with this type of shelter scenario before, in some other town. some other chief animal control officer. some county commissioners - who do not act in the best interest of their community nor the animals, of course.

[violaine]

[QUOTE=NotAnAverageGuy;15799]Belle,

Here in Houston, BARC has had the "not wanting to run their shelter issue" and most of the animals there were sick and some died.

i understand.

many times, even the best shelters become sort of territorial of "their" shelter- how the day to day business is handled. if the commissioners vote a humane society to "run" a shelter, providing the hs wishes to do so- that may be another story. however, the chief animal control officer in my county is married to a deputy and the animal control shelter is getting support from someone. the chief ACO is not going down if she, the husband, and commissioners can help it.

steps have to be taken. many, many pieces need to be in place. meetings have to be held. advisors brought in. well-thought-out plans have to be brought before the commissioners - who have been all too willing to ignore issues.

[NotAnAverageGuy]

[QUOTE=NotAnAverageGuy;15799]Belle,

Here in Houston, BARC has had the "not wanting to run their shelter issue" and most of the animals there were sick and some died.

i understand.

many times, even the best shelters become sort of territorial of "their" shelter- how the day to day business is handled. if the commissioners vote a humane society to "run" a shelter, providing the hs wishes to do so- that may be another story. however, the chief animal control officer in my county is married to a deputy and the animal control shelter is getting support from someone. the chief ACO is not going down if she, the husband, and commissioners can help it.

steps have to be taken. many, many pieces need to be in place. meetings have to be held. advisors brought in. well-thought-out plans have to be brought before the commissioners - who have been all too willing to ignore issues.





Thats alot of steps and that I totally understand, just seems things need to be done quicker than it normally is done. BARC has hired like maybe 2-3 head leaders in the last year and they all got fired.

[Novelafemme]

For anxiety in dogs I would recommend Bach Flower Essence, Rescue Remedy. You can find it at your local health food store and it has a very calming affect very shortly after administered.

Olive (my dog) has always displayed symptoms of separation anxiety. After I leave she will try to find anything she can get her paws on that smells like me or the girls. I have had to resort to moving our laundry into my closet because she drags it all over the house and eventually onto the couch so she can sleep on it. I have one particular sweater I give her that I don't mind being covered in dog hair and saliva and she keeps it with her at all times when home alone.

Another key to diminishing separation anxiety is to not speak to them when you leave the house. I used to always snuggle Olive, tell her to be a good girl and that I would be home soon. I was told that this behavior just escalates their anxiety because they know you are leaving and by acknowledging that it exacerbates the problem.

So now when I leave I don't make eye contact and I don't say goodbye. The same goes for when I come home and she is jumping all over me and flipping out. My behavior communicates to her that I am in charge and I am the alpha female in the house. I walk in the house, pick up her leash and walk her outside to go potty. Then when we get back in and I have things settled I acknowledge her and smother her with kisses.

At first I thought this was very cruel behavior on my part, but after really working on it I started to see a marked improvement in her behavior and spirit.

[suebee]

I want to thank everyone for the links they provided regarding living with blind dogs. I've decided that I can't adequately care for the little Aussie girl I wanted to adopt. :dog: I'm really sad about it, but I want her to have everything she needs. I did learn a lot in the process though. Maybe this will lead me somewhere in the future. Who knows?

[WolfyOne]

Well, we have 2 of our cats in quarantine in separate cages because of mouth infections. We've been trying for a couple of months now with the help of our vet to cure this infection. Seems just when we think it's under control, it comes back. Our vet says it's being passed around through their saliva and we're lucky the other cats don't have it. At least we think they don't because they're aren't showing signs of it. Currently they are getting oral mouth medicine twice a day and a shot of antibiotic at night because we can't give them pills. Most of our cats are drama queens and kings when it comes to pills. However these girl kitties could barely eat food, so pills were out. The alternative if this infection doesn't go away would be to have them put down and I don't want that to happen, so I need lots of prayers for Silver and Tigress. I am not prepared to lose any of these cats to death after working so hard to keep them alive and off the streets.

[Tommi]

Has anyone used the anti anxiety medication, Reconcile?

We have a mini schnauzer who was a Katrina rescue. He has always been a tad on the "crazy" side, but since our move in April, his anxiety has just escalated.

We consulted with a new vet here yesterday, and he has ordered this medication for Scooter. It should be in next week.

We have tried the OTC calming meds for him without any results.

I would be interested in others' experiences with this.

.


No, but found ths when I researched the CVM site..and it mentions in conjunction with training as Kimbo mentioned.
Margaret Gillis, regulatory associate at Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN, has received a WARNING LETTER because of various promotional items associated with the firm’s product, Reconcile™ (fluoxetine hydrochloride). Reconcile™ is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated for the treatment of canine separation anxiety in conjunction with a behavior modification plan. The four items in question involved an article entitled, “Separation Anxiety: A Brief Overview,” the “reconcile.com” Web site, a consumer brochure, and a print advertisement in the May issue of Veterinary Forum Magazine. The pieces and the Web site suggested that the product was more effective than had been demonstrated. Therefore, the drug was found to be misbranded under sections 502(n) and 201(n) of the FFDCA.


christine, may these links be of some help to you all.

i like very low-key arrivals/departures to and from the home. going about your business for a little while does seem to help with separation anxiety related issues. plus, you have time to put down the packages, and go to the bathroom!

http://dogtime.com/canine-anxiety-epidemic.html

i've always been fond of this site:

http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/barking.pdf

http://www.ddfl.org/tips.htm

Great links violaine...here's another one *
http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/default.htm That is where I found the info on Reconcile above.:3butch:

[Kimbo]

Well, we have 2 of our cats in quarantine in separate cages because of mouth infections. We've been trying for a couple of months now with the help of our vet to cure this infection. Seems just when we think it's under control, it comes back. Our vet says it's being passed around through their saliva and we're lucky the other cats don't have it. At least we think they don't because they're aren't showing signs of it. Currently they are getting oral mouth medicine twice a day and a shot of antibiotic at night because we can't give them pills. Most of our cats are drama queens and kings when it comes to pills. However these girl kitties could barely eat food, so pills were out. The alternative if this infection doesn't go away would be to have them put down and I don't want that to happen, so I need lots of prayers for Silver and Tigress. I am not prepared to lose any of these cats to death after working so hard to keep them alive and off the streets.

Ah man that stinks. Nothing is worse than a sick kitty who shares the love...my little feral is sneezing way more than I am comfortable with...I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I don't get an upper respiratory going thru my herd.

Good luck Wolfy--I hope the critters get to fighting this infection.

[violaine]

kimbo- do you mean colony? the guinea pigs are a herd-[teasing you ;)]

i would like to share some important information, if anyone is unfamiliar with how to get statistics from a shelter. may be a good idea to take a look the first amendment/freedom of information, before writing to a shelter for the records-

http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/press/information/topic.aspx?topic=how_to_FOIA

how to access public records- you can click on a sample request at the bottom of the page:

http://www.nathanwinograd.com/?p=1837

[Passionaria]

I have a beautiful male Birman rescue cat named Suave. He was caged as a breeder for the first 4-6 months of his life. When he was brought to his foster Mom's he sat in an open room, unable to leave the little 3x3 space he was used to being in. He just sat there, still confined. He didn't know how to play, or interact. When I got him he stayed under the couch for a week, until I found Kitty treats. He would only come out at night when all the lights were out, so I used to pretend I was going to bed, just so I could see him.

LOL I had a psychic reading done on him (don't laugh) and it was suggested he needed a cat friend. I looked and looked for just the right cat, finally finding a very well socialized Flame Point Himalayan / Persian kitten. She was a little white ball of fluff, and walked in here like she had booked a room at the Hilton, and was making sure it was to her liking. Over the past year, she has taught Suave to play, how to be social, and even how to come to me. After 2years, he will finally come to me and ask for attention. I have yet to hear him purrrr. But I do know he feels safe and loved.:bigcry: Pashi

[Darth Denkay]

I know I'm late to the discussion but wanted to toss in my experience. No I haven't used Reconcile™ (fluoxetine hydrochloride) - you may not be aware of it but all it is is prozac - which can be useful in treating anxiety. I definitely think meds are warranted when the anxiety is bad, but behavioral modifications are equally important. Someone mentioned the not making a big deal out of leaving/coming back, which is very true. Same thing with storm anxiety - act like nothing is wrong which sends the message that nothing is wrong. If you try to comfort then it sends the message that something is wrong. I would consult with your vet for resources for behavioral interventions. One book I found helpful in terms of a general understanding was "Don't shoot the dog." I also used another resource that was specifically intended for canine anxiety - recommended by my vet - can't remember now what it was called.

As for the meds, prozac is safe and can be effective. But don't by Reconcile when you can get generic prozac for much cheaper. I don't know if you have Walgreens in your area but they have a generic meds plan. If you get the family plan - $35 a year - it covers generic prozac and includes pets. That's definitely the way to go. There are also other meds that can be used. My dog is on clomipramine - that and intense behavioral work have made a huge difference for her. Her anxiety has gone from major anxiety/freak out attacks to sitting and shaking, which generally doesn't last very long.

Establishing yourself as alpha is also really important, for many reasons, one of them being for anxious dogs. When they see you as alpha then there is a sense of safety for them and it can reduce anxiety. Something as simple as obediance school to help you be alpha (if you aren't already) could be a helpful step as well.

I'll check at home and see if I can find links to the references that have been really helpful for my Norah.

[NotAnAverageGuy]

Where should I post a thread about sugar gliders and exotic pets? under this section or the other part of the forum that has healthy pets thread?

[violaine]

hi notanaverageguy-

i think you could put your ideas in a new thread if you wanted, or here- for resources/support. i've never really been terribly picky about the animal conversations staying on topic of particular animal in threads i start on the boards. it's up to you :bringcoffee:

hope you are doing well. i totally miss a site called cavycompendium. apparently, there's a database error that has not been tended to for a very long time. the forums were great, not just for gpigs. there were plenty of forums for other exotic pets.

[NotAnAverageGuy]

hi notanaverageguy-

i think you could put your ideas in a new thread if you wanted, or here- for resources/support. i've never really been terribly picky about the animal conversations staying on topic of particular animal in threads i start on the boards. it's up to you :bringcoffee:

hope you are doing well. i totally miss a site called cavycompendium. apparently, there's a database error that has not been tended to for a very long time. the forums were great, not just for gpigs. there were plenty of forums for other exotic pets.

I belong to one suggie site and it doesn't have the speed of convo how I like it, :dance2:, I adore sites like this that always has something going and not many threads linger for a week or two.

:awww::sugarglider:

[FeminineAllure]

For those of us that want or need information on caring etc... for feral cat colonies I found excellent reading on these three sites. I apologize ahead of time if any of them have already been shared.:rollcat:

http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/ferals.html

http://www.feralcat.com/

http://www.feralcatcaretakers.org/Overview/Mission.html

I hope you all are enjoying your Sunday!
It snowed here last evening for the first time this year.:snowysmiley:

[Kimbo]

For those of us that want or need information on caring etc... for feral cat colonies I found excellent reading on these three sites. I apologize ahead of time if any of them have already been shared.:rollcat:

http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/ferals.html

http://www.feralcat.com/

http://www.feralcatcaretakers.org/Overview/Mission.html

I hope you all are enjoying your Sunday!
It snowed here last evening for the first time this year.:snowysmiley:

I'd like to add the link to the group here in Seattle--I'm proud to work with this group to become Sexless in Seattle!! (not my personal motto..:tease:) Many other cities started their own feral projects based on the success of The Feral Cat Project in Seattle. I do not hesitate to take ferals to them or to refer anyone who will assist with ferals.

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

[Sachita]

Wonder what would happen if I said I wasn't a femme person...


lol- try it and see. Are you sure yo can handle 6 femmes?

[NotAnAverageGuy]

lol- try it and see. Are you sure yo can handle 6 femmes?

Can I get front row seats to watch this match LOL

[FeminineAllure]

I bought some cat toys for the feral cats. I am starting to name them. It was precious watching them play with the balls. I am working on socializing them a bit. It will take some time but two of the older kittens really seem to be coming around. Patience and unconditional love are amazing tools.

[violaine]

http://www.satyamag.com/feb05/kortis.html

i thought the link above contained some good information- like the styrofoam house [i've made these and put thick cardboard around them, then more styrofoam, et c]. tonight i brought in a little friend for a short period of time [actually, we visited neighbour john!]- perhaps she has a home? i see her running in an awful hurry one direction frequently, but she's out in all of the worst kinds of weather. also, i've watched her run after a car, but the people in that car do not have a cat! i'm beginning to think someone may have moved and left her behind. if i can find someone willing to really love her forever, i'll ask her if she'd like to go. she does certainly have friends here, who do have homes. they gathered in warmer weather to make big plans under shady trees, full moons, and open fields.

:playingcat:

[NotAnAverageGuy]

Belle,

how are the pigs doing?

[violaine]

well, thank you kindly for asking.

:artist:

how are your gliders?

[NotAnAverageGuy]

yw hun and the suggies are doing great they just got fed

[violaine]

i throw hay parties for the pigs all of the time! they know the word/my tone- and are open to having them any time of the day or night!

:harley:

i am glad your babies are doing well. a lot of company for you, i bet.

[NotAnAverageGuy]

very much so they keep me occupied often when they are awake

mainly my male because he thinks I have superworms for him all the time, which I don't cuz they are a rare treat for him.

[violaine]

i am going to check on star and moo one last time before bed. hard not to get them up. i'll say hallo from your boys-

here's some :canoworms: from all of us :danglecarrot:

[NotAnAverageGuy]

i am going to check on star and moo one last time before bed. hard not to get them up. i'll say hallo from your boys-

here's some :canoworms: from all of us :danglecarrot:


Please do and ty for the worms

I am about to head to bed soon myself

[violaine]

:rudreindeer::rudreindeer:

good night :bouquet:

:sparklyheart:

[NotAnAverageGuy]

Good night Belle

[Kimbo]

Tonight there is a documentary on called Pedigree dogs exposed. The AKC has come out against the documentary which does not surprise me at all due to the fact that they seem to promote puppy mills. It's on BBC America or you can find it in full online--I don't have time to google it this morning. Warning it is sad...

http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/pedigree-dogs-exposed/ (http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/pedigree-dogs-exposed/)

[Andrew, Jr.]

I received a book last year called "For the Love of Stray Cats" by Father Joe Breighner. It is very easy reading. In the front of the book is a prayer for animals that was written by Dr. Albert Schweitzer, MD. This is how it goes:

"Hear our humble prayer, o God, for our friends, the animals. We pray especially for animals who are suffering; for any who are hunted or lost; for any who are deserted, or frightened, or hungry. We pray for all animals who must be put to death. We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity. And, for those who deal with them, we ask a heart of compassion, gentle hands, and kindly words. Make us ourselves to be true friends to the animals, and so to share the blessings of the merciful."

[violaine]

[QUOTE=violaine;19614]http://www.asilomaraccords.org/read.html

hallo andrew and kimbo :)

asilomar accords = one of many important resources available to people who work with companion animals.

there's much information i'd like to post with regard to specific steps people can take who are looking for answers/change- about how a shelter operates, obtaining statistics, licensing information,limited permits, eu procedures, training, board of pharmacy, controlled substance registration, and/or working with county commissioners who are not responsive to [founded] complaints within their community pertaining to the shelter.

more later- might be timed out!

[Andrew, Jr.]

Belle, :dog: :playingcat:

I would love to know more about that. Please share more when you can!

Love,
Andrew :thumbsup:

[Kimbo]

laughing therapy for dogs--this was on our local news last night. What a simple thing to do in shelters to make dogs calmer and more comfortable--most of all though more adoptable.

I really hope the link works.

http://www.king5.com/on-tv/evening-magazine/Laugh-therapy-for-dogs-78924772.html

[Andrew, Jr.]

I used to volunteer at a local shelter rocking cats. I loved it. It was just one night a week. However, if the cats didn't get adopted out, they were put down. I had to stop volunteering because of how hard it was for me. I found that I would be rocking cats, then small dogs, and then I had a bird of some sort that would sit on my shoulder - I think it was a love bird that lost his/her mate. Anyway, within a few weeks the bird died. I am it was from a broken heart. But I never saw any of the ferrets or sugar gliders you guys all talk about. I wish I did. I would be able to tell you a story or two about those rascals then. But for now, I just have my cats and a few small dogs. :dog::dogwalking::playingcat::doghead::ballcat::ju nesmiley::awww:

The joy they gave me. :cheer:

[DapperButch]

Tonight there is a documentary on called Pedigree dogs exposed. The AKC has come out against the documentary which does not surprise me at all due to the fact that they seem to promote puppy mills. It's on BBC America or you can find it in full online--I don't have time to google it this morning. Warning it is sad...

http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/pedigree-dogs-exposed/ (http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/pedigree-dogs-exposed/)

Yes, too sad....I didn't get very far before I had to shut it off. :-( I appreciate the film being made, however.

[NotAnAverageGuy]

I can't watch stuff like that, it raises my bp and my temper

[Kimbo]

Yes, too sad....I didn't get very far before I had to shut it off. :-( I appreciate the film being made, however.

The first 15 minutes suck but I tell you that is a really good documentary full of information. I thought I was pretty informed on breeding but the whole eugenics compenent ... gez. The continuous affirmation of genetically sick animals with best of breed awards. The information on Rhodesian ridgebacks, pugs, bulldogs, bassets and pictures of the breed 100 years ago and what is deemed best in breed now....holy crap.

I was given a Boston Terrier as a gift a bazillion years ago...he was such a sick dog--I named my credit card after him and ended up putting him down due to the pallet issue pug nosed dogs have. I've had one purebred dog---I will never ever have another.

The denial of people regarding the genetics and the ability of these people to turn a blind eye just amazes me...really really amazes me!

[violaine]

serious stuff.

here are some links for help with outlining a draft whenever a really awful shelter is not working at all in favour of the animals or even active within your community. often times, the community members-taxpayers- are the ones paying for shelter services. Some of the info is for the state of Indiana.

how well another shelter operates- i.e., a wonderful facility in another county for example, can be kept in mind for a draft/outline- but placing the focus on your county is critical. Once statistics are brought in, these will speak volumes for a comparison of just how well shelters can operate, and expenses even lowered by using volunteers, internet- petfinders, fundraising, linking with other shelters, rescue groups and so on [saving taxpayers money is a key point, again, as they are the people who pay for AC services if the shelter falls under a municipality].

*first off, ask yourself what the goal is you wish to achieve* & who all will be addressed, and also present to speak/contribute during any meetings with county commissioners?

find out the type of licensing for an animal control shelter:

https://extranet.in.gov/WebLookup/Search.aspx
[your state Gov- can then search facility by name]

if a facility has a S/N [spay/neuter] clinic and a vet[s] on board, there should be licensing. Shelters without S/N clinics, handling controlled substances such as those used for euthanasia, may be operating under a “limited permit”, and state codes explained in the link below:

http://www.in.gov/pla/2902.htm

application process for controlled substances, and what must be in place prior to approved licensing?

http://www.in.gov/icpr/webfile/formsdiv/52616.pdf
[if this link will not come up, it’s found under the limited permit info page]

http://www.purdue.edu/REM/eh/DEA.htm
[Additional info [for state of Indiana]

what are some of the controlled substances, and checking your state laws:

http://www.dar.uiuc.edu/faqs_controlled_drugs.htm

http://209.85.229.132/search?q=cache%3AotSn31es4vcJ%3Awww.americanhumane .org%2Fassets%2Fdocs%2Fadvocacy%2FADV-laws-state-euthanasia.pdf+2009+board+of+pharmacy+indiana+limi ted+permits+animal+control&hl=en&gl=us

Board of Pharmacy, may prescribes the controlled substances to a shelter under a controlled substance advisory committee:

http://www.in.gov/pla/3015.htm

any time a shelter is being investigated, say for unusually high eu rates, complaints, budget issues, et c., here’s how to use the FOIA [freedom of information act] obtain information from a shelter, such as statistics:

http://www.nathanwinograd.com/?p=1837
[go to bottom of page for sample request]

http://www.foiadvocates.com/howto.html

http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/press/information/topic.aspx?topic=how_to_FOIA

*some questions to look at for submitting to the shelter, explained in the FOIA [freedom of information act] might very easily be found on the CSR [controlled substance release] form.

[violaine]

my neighbour is calling the cat, "baby". this cat is a mellow marshmellow. she rolls a lot = happyhappy. i think her eyes are sensitive to light, she's been declawed, and i'd guess her age to be round five or six. baby is cream and white with lemon eyes, and lovely. i bought her a cute collar, 4 catnip toys, litter, and i get food free from walmart [torn bags] for the humane society. i deliver the containers of cat/dog chow to a food pantry. baby has a good human in my neighbour, and an auntie belle :)

maybe anyone in need of cat/dog kibbles could also check with their local walmart - if the food has been picked up already, ask to which food pantry it was delivered.

hope you are all well.

[NotAnAverageGuy]

Belle,

remember I spoke with you about the problems here with BARC?

Below is a news link from our local paper, Houston hired a new chief at BARC, I am not sure if you are going to be able to read the comments but they are very harsh to say the least.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6765474.html

[NotAnAverageGuy]

2 dog disease I hate most,

PARVO and Distemper

My best friend is going to have to put her almost 1 year old shih tzu down because of distemper. I know there is no cure and vaccines don't always help.

Why if they can cure certain diseases can't they cure these two?

[Andrew, Jr.]

Notanaverageguy,

I have no idea of why destemper and parvo are not curable yet. It just makes my heart melt when I see this. I have no clue as to why ppl won't get their pets vac. for these because of how horrible the disease itself is. :schnauzer::doghead::playingcat::junesmiley::cat:

[violaine]

i read the article you posted on barc- and i really am hopeful some positive changes will transpire for houston animals with the new chief . i could not read the comments, although i would have been interested in community feedback.

on topic of diseases such as parvo and distemper, a site that's been round for quite a while:

http://www.vetinfo.com/dencyclopedia/deindex.html

:bulldog:

hope you are all keeping well.

best,
belle

[Kimbo]

2 dog disease I hate most,

PARVO and Distemper

My best friend is going to have to put her almost 1 year old shih tzu down because of distemper. I know there is no cure and vaccines don't always help.

Why if they can cure certain diseases can't they cure these two?

Did the dog get vaccines? That is the best chance they have--I know they are not without error though.

I don't say this to be an ass but if she did not get the dog his basic shots,--and these 2 are contained in the basic puppy shots, then I would be really pissed at my friend for not being a responsible dog owner. Sorry but I'm an ass about this stuff. http://www.vetinfo.com/puppy-vaccines.html

--I'll never be as sweet as Belle!

[Kimbo]

I might add that both of those, distemper and parvo, are virus's like the flu. Just like the flu we need to get a shot every year to give us the best chance for not getting it but virus's are not cured in the human population.

[Andrew, Jr.]

Thanks for the info Kim. I didn't know they were virus's. That makes me even sadder for the pets.

Belle, I can't get into that link. Is it the right one or am I doing something wrong? Let me know. Thanks love.

[Inuus]

Did the dog get vaccines? That is the best chance they have--I know they are not without error though.

I don't say this to be an ass but if she did not get the dog his basic shots,--and these 2 are contained in the basic puppy shots, then I would be really pissed at my friend for not being a responsible dog owner. Sorry but I'm an ass about this stuff. http://www.vetinfo.com/puppy-vaccines.html
--I'll never be as sweet as Belle!

OH I hear ya! I am an ass about that stuff as well. My friends all turn to me for advice about their dogs when they are sick or having training probs. I tell them right up front. You want me to help then you better be prepared for what I might say and I dont mix words!

One other thing that just chaps my ass is people who DONT get yearly heartworm checks and DONT use heartworm medicine ALL year long. Its an easily preventable disease with the monthly meds

[NotAnAverageGuy]

Yeah the dog had her shots but I know nothing is fool proof and vaccines are not a cure all.

[Kimbo]

I learned a really hard lesson when I had PanLeuk go through my kitten room...the kitties would be playing one minute and then they would vomit and within hours they were dead, it's horrific to watch. It comes out in the dirt around here, some years it's devastating and other years we would see nothing. Once the kittens are exposed they go fast and very rarely do you save one. Once the outbreak is over everything must be sterilized. These kittens are to young to have shots..they say most kittens are exposed in their first year of life.

Also if you've ever seen a cat suffer with an upper respiratory--it's another tough thing to watch--The FVRCP shot is a damn good investment.


http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2139&aid=222 (http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2139&aid=222)

[NotAnAverageGuy]

I learned a really hard lesson when I had PanLeuk go through my kitten room...the kitties would be playing one minute and then they would vomit and within hours they were dead, it's horrific to watch. It comes out in the dirt around here, some years it's devastating and other years we would see nothing. Once the kittens are exposed they go fast and very rarely do you save one. Once the outbreak is over everything must be sterilized. These kittens are to young to have shots..they say most kittens are exposed in their first year of life.

Also if you've ever seen a cat suffer with an upper respiratory--it's another tough thing to watch--The FVRCP shot is a damn good investment.


http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2139&aid=222 (http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2139&aid=222)


I have seen this while working at the SPCA and such with the kittens as well as other shelters, it's freaking horrible.

[FeminineAllure]

http://action.humanesociety.org/site/Ecard?ecard_id=1261

Be The Agent Of Change

Thanks!

[Kimbo]

http://action.humanesociety.org/site/Ecard?ecard_id=1261

Be The Agent Of Change

Thanks!

I want that job!!

[violaine]

wishing each amazing soul a gentle weekend - thank you for all that you do in the name of animal stewardship :beachkids:

:cooking:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/proposal-for-creation-of-an-animal-stewardship-bill

[NotAnAverageGuy]

Anyone donating to shelters and rescues for the holiday this year?

[Andrew, Jr.]

Every Christmas I take to the county humane society a case of cat & dog food, treats, toys, blankets, towels, and rawhides. It is the very least I can do. I witnessed first hand what happens. That is why I can't work there. It just tears me up.

Andrew

[Kimbo]

Anyone donating to shelters and rescues for the holiday this year?

This year I am going to be helping out Pasado's Safe Haven on Christmas--Home for the Howlidays..We did part of it yesterday

http://www.pasadosafehaven.org/articles/09.12.12/hfth/hfth.html (http://www.pasadosafehaven.org/articles/09.12.12/hfth/hfth.html)

I think for me it will be the best Christmas I've had in years....

Happy Holidays to all of you and to your critters too!

[NotAnAverageGuy]

Same to you Kimbo

I donate to my Texas glider rescue around this time, I up the amount for the holidays, but I try to donate at least 7 times a year (7 is my lucky number). The small amount I donate, not on holidays, goes to get the males fixed and to the other vet funds needed for the sanctuary gliders and for other food and supplies.

[Kimbo]

Same to you Kimbo

I donate to my Texas glider rescue around this time, I up the amount for the holidays, but I try to donate at least 7 times a year (7 is my lucky number). The small amount I donate, not on holidays, goes to get the males fixed and to the other vet funds needed for the sanctuary gliders and for other food and supplies.

I am glad to hear you do this. It is not how much we do or give it is that we do it--that we have passion for life beyond ourselves--it's so very important to me and it sounds like to you as well. I commend you for putting your money and your time towards the sugar gliders--It may seem small to you but it feels HUGE to me and I am sure to those gliders who benefit from you. You're alright in my book!!

[NotAnAverageGuy]

Thanks Kimbo, yeah it may not seem much but it is HUGE, after I see the aftermath of what people do to these animals and why they ended up in sanctuary care in the first place.

[FeminineAllure]

Last year I adopted a cat for a year for my Dad for Christmas. I hung the picture of the animal on his refrigerator.
This year with the 5 or more ferals and a kitten out back it is costing me a small fortune. Their shelter, the igloo and blankets and beds, wet and dry food, cat milk. They are my financial focus for right now. And I also need to trap them soon and take each to the vet which ranges from 50$ to 85$ dollars a cat to be neutered or spayed, all shots, deworming, any medical care. And god forbid if they have feline aids or leukemia they put them to sleep so they do not infect the rest of the colony.

For gifts this is a great site>http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

And just by clicking on their site daily sponsers pay for food and care for a rescued animal living in a shelter or sanctuary.

[NotAnAverageGuy]

I also use GoodSearch, where you can designate a charity and each time you search something, a small donation goes to that charity.

[Kimbo]

Last year I adopted a cat for a year for my Dad for Christmas. I hung the picture of the animal on his refrigerator.
This year with the 5 or more ferals and a kitten out back it is costing me a small fortune. Their shelter, the igloo and blankets and beds, wet and dry food. They are my financial focus for right now.

For gifts this is a great site>http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

And just by clicking on their site daily sponsers pay for food and care!

I'm glad you are there for them, your dedication inspires me. I know the financial impact, but I also know the rewards. I wish you and your ferals a very happy holiday.

I have to take patrol over again in my neighborhood now that my critter trapping companion is expecting a baby.

[FeminineAllure]

I finished some shopping up on The Animal Rescue Site and..."Your purchase will give or help:


70.0 bowls of food" How awesome is that!!! More things in this world should be Win Win.

[violaine]

:bouquet:

if the weather is bad where you are- very cold- a simple and very warm/durable/inexpensive house for outside animals can be made from a large styrofoam cooler turned upside down.

cut a hole in one size, and shipping tape/secure the top [which will be on the bottom if this will create a larger inside space]. for easy clean up, place a large liner of some sort on the bottom- tarp, vinyl, or plastic.

photo:

http://www.our-happy-cat.com/feral-awareness-for-winter.html

[NotAnAverageGuy]

I am seeing an ungodly amount of animals being sold on craigslist, about 95% of them are from BYB's or people who can't take care of their animals anymore but the other 5% percent are legit rescues and shelters.

This is very unsetteling to me. Anyone else find this appaling?

[Andrew, Jr.]

NotAnAverageGuy, :stillheart:

I think it is horrible to sell any animal on Craigslist or Ebay or any list for that matter. I just cannot imagine anyone doing something like that. It is just beyond my comprehension. Some people should never get pets. I believe that all animals have souls. I could careless what anyone says about that. I believe that. They are a creation from God, and to be respected as such.

Thanks for bringing that to our attention.:dogwalking::bigladybug::playingcat::bal lcat::goat::floatbee:

Peace.

:dog:

[Sachita]

I know Melamine hit the news about our pets food. Sometimes other things don't make the headlines, and critters suffer.

Diamond Pet Foods Announces Recall of Premium Edge Adult Cat and Premium Edge Hairball Cat Food

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - On September 23, Diamond Pet Foods issued a voluntary recall for Premium Edge Finicky Adult Cat and Premium Edge Hairball cat because they have the potential to produce Thiamine Deficiency. Today’s announcement provides additional information from the company’s posted announcement of September 23 when the initial recall information was provided.

Thiamine is essential for cats. Symptoms of deficiency displayed by an affected cat can be gastrointestinal or neurological in nature. At the first stage the cat may show decreased appetite, salivation, vomiting, and weight loss. Later, neurologic signs can develop, which may include ventriflexion (bending towards the floor) of the neck, wobbly walking, circling, falling, and seizures. These ultimately may result in the death of the animal if left untreated. If your cat has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. "

Entire press release, and states affected can be seen @ http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm192404.htm


You know I don't think this is the first time they've been recalled. This company has had trouble. It's hard to find a good pet food these days. I use to use Wellness Core and switched to Taste of The Wild. It turned out to be better and cheaper. When you have as many dogs as I do it's expensive to feed everyone but its even more expensive to have huge vet bills. I'm thankful I don't have many vet bills.

[Sachita]

I am seeing an ungodly amount of animals being sold on craigslist, about 95% of them are from BYB's or people who can't take care of their animals anymore but the other 5% percent are legit rescues and shelters.

This is very unsetteling to me. Anyone else find this appaling?

when they allowed re-homing fees, which should be a good thing to insure a second thought, it opened the door for people looking to make a fast buck. $100.00 for an animal they picked up somewhere and might have even stolen.

I think it sucks yet at the same time I have found excellent homes for animals I adopt out but i take extra steps and make sure they are going to a good home. I follow up and give them the option to bring the dog back should things not work out.

I have 2 adorable kittens that need homes if anyone is looking for sweet indoor cats.

[NotAnAverageGuy]

when they allowed re-homing fees, which should be a good thing to insure a second thought, it opened the door for people looking to make a fast buck. $100.00 for an animal they picked up somewhere and might have even stolen.

I think it sucks yet at the same time I have found excellent homes for animals I adopt out but i take extra steps and make sure they are going to a good home. I follow up and give them the option to bring the dog back should things not work out.

I have 2 adorable kittens that need homes if anyone is looking for sweet indoor cats.

The excuses I see as to why they can't take care of their animal is the reason I don't like CL's policies.

[Inuus]

I use Taste Of The Wild as well. Works much better for my dog. her coat is so much softer, she sheds less and umm not to be gross but she poops less and more firm. Seems like its easier for her to digest

You know I don't think this is the first time they've been recalled. This company has had trouble. It's hard to find a good pet food these days. I use to use Wellness Core and switched to Taste of The Wild. It turned out to be better and cheaper. When you have as many dogs as I do it's expensive to feed everyone but its even more expensive to have huge vet bills. I'm thankful I don't have many vet bills.

[Inuus]

It is annoying. I cruise CL every day several times a day looking for ads to flag. People just get smart and dont put a rehoming fee price on their ads they just list what they have and say contact me for more details rehoming fee applies. I have seen people on there too report others they know who just got a dog from them for free or small fee only to resell it on CL. Its hard its annoying but I still go in there several times a day to "police" what I can

I am seeing an ungodly amount of animals being sold on craigslist, about 95% of them are from BYB's or people who can't take care of their animals anymore but the other 5% percent are legit rescues and shelters.

This is very unsetteling to me. Anyone else find this appaling?

[Diavolo]

This year I am going to be helping out Pasado's Safe Haven on Christmas--Home for the Howlidays..We did part of it yesterday

http://www.pasadosafehaven.org/articles/09.12.12/hfth/hfth.html (http://www.pasadosafehaven.org/articles/09.12.12/hfth/hfth.html)

I think for me it will be the best Christmas I've had in years....

Happy Holidays to all of you and to your critters too!

Pasado's made some serious mistakes during Katrina resulting in dogs being sent to a horder in Arkansas where they ultimately died. They were too interested in publicity and forgot about the animals. I think they mean well, but they dropped the ball and dogs died.

[NotAnAverageGuy]

It is annoying. I cruise CL every day several times a day looking for ads to flag. People just get smart and dont put a rehoming fee price on their ads they just list what they have and say contact me for more details rehoming fee applies. I have seen people on there too report others they know who just got a dog from them for free or small fee only to resell it on CL. Its hard its annoying but I still go in there several times a day to "police" what I can

Flagging is one way to stop em but most of the time they come back and repost like you said, I am just sick of the excuses they hand out.

[Andrew, Jr.]

I just don't understand why corporate ppl think it's ok to get away with hurting animals. It isn't. It's wrong. We all know it is.

I just shake my head. What is this world coming too?

[NotAnAverageGuy]

IAMS tests on animals, makes me sick

Belle,

how long does change take when it comes to things like BARC?

[Andrew, Jr.]

Alot of the cosmetics and perfume/cologne companies do so as well.

Medical schools also train doctors on animals. I am not sure if the animals are living at the time.

I just enjoy animals. They are my companions in life. I would be lost without them.

[IttyBittyFem]

I just enjoy animals. They are my companions in life. I would be lost without them.

LOVE this - it says it all!!!

[IrishGrrl]

I got a new puppy on Dec 13th from the aspca. She is 3 months old, a lab/shepard mix. 5 days later she had what I thought was a cold. Took her to the vet, and the vet says she either has kennel cough, or Distemper..but she cant tell which becouse if she tests her now, she will turn up postive since she was just vaccinated. Vet gave her some meds, but she's done with them now, and still sick. Eyes have discharge, nasal discharge,sneezing, occasional coughing still. Her appetite isnt very good, not drinking much water, but eliminating fine..no loose stool. She has a follow up visit tomorrow, but I"m wondering if there is something more the vet can do. I hope it's not distemper..I'll just die.

Advice?
How do I get her to eat? I've been fixing boiled chicken and rice for her, which she eats some of..but trying to get her to drink more water.

[NotAnAverageGuy]

I got a new puppy on Dec 13th from the aspca. She is 3 months old, a lab/shepard mix. 5 days later she had what I thought was a cold. Took her to the vet, and the vet says she either has kennel cough, or Distemper..but she cant tell which becouse if she tests her now, she will turn up postive since she was just vaccinated. Vet gave her some meds, but she's done with them now, and still sick. Eyes have discharge, nasal discharge,sneezing, occasional coughing still. Her appetite isnt very good, not drinking much water, but eliminating fine..no loose stool. She has a follow up visit tomorrow, but I"m wondering if there is something more the vet can do. I hope it's not distemper..I'll just die.

Advice?
How do I get her to eat? I've been fixing boiled chicken and rice for her, which she eats some of..but trying to get her to drink more water.

The houston aspca? You might have to feed her through a syringe to get anything down here, basically force feed. My best friend had to deal with this many a times, you can buy the big syringes at like Tractor Supply Co. or maybe a PETSmart or Petco. I pray it is not distemper, if it is than the ASPCA is at fault for not giving the dog the needed vaccinations for having a dog in the kennels there. If she gets worse I suggest taking her to an Emergency Vet in the area, maybe they can help more.

[violaine]

An alternative to a down payment in fencingDurham NC anti-tethering law in affect January 1st 2010
Posted by scottccf on December 10, 2009

Effective Jaunary 1st, 2010, Durham county’s anti-tethering law goes into affect. This law states a dog can not be tied to any chain or runner and left unattended in the county of Durham. Violations can range from a $50.00 civil fine to being tried criminally. Below is a news release from the Durham County’s website:

Starting January 1, 2010 Durham County, citizens will no longer be able to tie their dog outside with any type of chain or runner. After January 1, 2010 if your dog is tied out and left unattended, it could result in fines anywhere from a $50 civil penalty to taking the dog owner to court and filing criminal charges.

This new anti-tethering ordinance has been enacted to protect the dogs and the citizens of Durham. Dogs left tied out can be at risk of many things, such as accidental choking or injuries from being entangled. Improper tie outs can result in dogs breaking the tie out and becoming a nuisance or danger to neighbors and other animals, getting lost, injured or even killed. Lack of human contact when dogs are tied out can lead to loneliness for the dog and even dog aggression.

For you as a dog owner it means you will need to provide some other way of keeping your dog on your property. We hope you will choose to bring your pet inside, but we realize this may not be the best solution for your family. If you must keep your dog outside you will be required to have a fence. The minimum requirements for the fence are:

•100 square feet for a dog under 20 pounds (10 x10 pen)
•200 square feet for a dog over 20 pounds (10 x 20 pen)
These dimensions are for each dog so for example if you have 2 dogs less than 20 pounds you will need twice the square footage. You also have the option of having an underground fence system professionally installed.

Animal Control strives to help the citizens of Durham County with their animal concerns. If you have any questions regarding this new anti-tethering Ordinance please call us at 919 560-0630.

[Semantics]

An alternative to a down payment in fencingDurham NC anti-tethering law in affect January 1st 2010
Posted by scottccf on December 10, 2009

Effective Jaunary 1st, 2010, Durham county’s anti-tethering law goes into affect. This law states a dog can not be tied to any chain or runner and left unattended in the county of Durham. Violations can range from a $50.00 civil fine to being tried criminally. Below is a news release from the Durham County’s website:

Starting January 1, 2010 Durham County, citizens will no longer be able to tie their dog outside with any type of chain or runner. After January 1, 2010 if your dog is tied out and left unattended, it could result in fines anywhere from a $50 civil penalty to taking the dog owner to court and filing criminal charges.

This new anti-tethering ordinance has been enacted to protect the dogs and the citizens of Durham. Dogs left tied out can be at risk of many things, such as accidental choking or injuries from being entangled. Improper tie outs can result in dogs breaking the tie out and becoming a nuisance or danger to neighbors and other animals, getting lost, injured or even killed. Lack of human contact when dogs are tied out can lead to loneliness for the dog and even dog aggression.

For you as a dog owner it means you will need to provide some other way of keeping your dog on your property. We hope you will choose to bring your pet inside, but we realize this may not be the best solution for your family. If you must keep your dog outside you will be required to have a fence. The minimum requirements for the fence are:

•100 square feet for a dog under 20 pounds (10 x10 pen)
•200 square feet for a dog over 20 pounds (10 x 20 pen)
These dimensions are for each dog so for example if you have 2 dogs less than 20 pounds you will need twice the square footage. You also have the option of having an underground fence system professionally installed.

Animal Control strives to help the citizens of Durham County with their animal concerns. If you have any questions regarding this new anti-tethering Ordinance please call us at 919 560-0630.

That's great. :)

We have had anti-tethering laws here for years but unfortunately they aren't enforced very well and the penalties aren't strict enough, so most people don't care.

Having the legislation itself is important, however, because now it is easier to expand on them. We have a few things in the works here that will make the laws more enforceable and stiffen the penalties.

Progress! Thanks for sharing, Violaine. :)

[FeminineAllure]

http://www.caringconsumer.com/pdfs/companiesDoTest.pdf

[FeminineAllure]

http://search.caringconsumer.com/

[FeminineAllure]

http://search.caringconsumer.com/

[FeminineAllure]

http://www.astrostar.com/DO-NOT-Test.htm

[FeminineAllure]

I apologize some of my posts are not making sense. This is for companies that DO test on animals.

Arm & Hammer (Church & Dwight), P.O. Box 1625, Horsham, PA 19044-6625; 609-683-5900; 800-524-1328; www.armhammer.com
Bic Corporation, 1 Bic Way, Ste.1, Shelton, CT 06484; 203-783-2000; www.bicworld.com
Church & Dwight (Aim, Arm & Hammer, Arrid, Brillo, Close-up, Kaboom, Lady's Choice, Mentadent, Nair, Orange Glo International, Oxi Clean, Pearl Drops), P.O. Box 1625, Horsham, PA 19044-6625; 609-683-5900; 800-524-1328; www.churchdwight.com
Clairol (Aussie, Daily Defense, Herbal Essences, Infusium 23, Procter & Gamble), 1 Blachley Rd., Stamford, CT 06922; 800-252-4765; www.clairol.com
Clorox (ArmorAll, Formula 409, Fresh Step, Glad, Liquid Plumber, Pine-Sol, Soft Scrub, S.O.S., Tilex), 1221 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612; 510-271-7000; 800-227-1860; www.clorox.com
Dial Corporation (Dry Idea, Purex, Renuzit, Right Guard, Soft & Dri), 15101 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 5028, Scottsdale, AZ 85254-2199; 800-528-0849; www.dialcorp.com
Johnson & Johnson (Aveeno, Clean & Clear, Listerine, Lubriderm, Neutrogena, Rembrandt, ROC), 1 Johnson & Johnson Plz., New Brunswick, NJ 08933; 732-524-0400; 800-526-3967; www.jnj.com
L'Oréal (Biotherm, Cacharel, Garnier, Giorgio Armani, Helena Rubinstein, Lancôme, Matrix Essentials, Maybelline, Ralph Lauren Fragrances, Redken, Soft Sheen, Vichy), 575 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10017; 212-818-1500; www.loreal.com
Max Factor (Procter & Gamble), 1 Procter & Gamble Plz., Cincinnati, OH 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745; www.maxfactor.com
Mead, 10 W. Second St., #1, Dayton, OH 45402; 937-495-6323; www.meadweb.com
Melaleuca, 3910 S. Yellowstone Hwy., Idaho Falls, ID 83402-6003; 208-522-0700; www.melaleuca.com
New Dana Perfumes, 470 Oakhill Rd., Crestwood Industrial Park, Mountaintop, PA 18707; 800-822-8547
Olay (Procter & Gamble), P.O. Box 599, Cincinnati, OH 45201; 800-543-1745; www.oilofolay.com
Pantene (Procter & Gamble), 1 Procter & Gamble Plz., Cincinnati, OH 45202; 800-945-7768; www.pantene.com
Physique (Procter & Gamble), 1 Procter & Gamble Plz., Cincinnati, OH 45202; 800-214-8957; www.physique.com
Ponds (Unilever), 800 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632; 800-909-9493; www.ponds.com
Procter & Gamble Co. (Clairol, Crest, Gillette, Giorgio, Iams, Max Factor, Physique, Tide), 1 Procter & Gamble Plz., Cincinnati, OH 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745; www.pg.com
Reckitt Benckiser (Easy Off, Lysol, Mop & Glo, Old English, Resolve, Spray 'N Wash, Veet, Woolite), 399 Interpace Pkwy., Parsippany, NJ 07054; 973-633-3600; 800-333-3899; www.reckittbenckiser.com
Shiseido Cosmetics, 5-5, Ginza 7-chome, Chuo-k, Tokyo, 104-0061, Japan; 212-805-2300; www.shiseido.com
Schering-Plough (Bain de Soleil, Coppertone, Dr. Scholl's), 2000 Galloping Hill Rd., Kenilworth, NJ 07033-0530; 800-842-4090; www.sch-plough.com
S.C. Johnson (Drano, Edge, Fantastik, Glade, OFF!, Oust, Pledge, Scrubbing Bubbles, Shout, Skintimate, Windex, Ziploc), 1525 Howe St., Racine, WI 53403; 800-494-4855; www.scjohnson.com
Suave (Unilever), 800 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632; 212-888-1260; 800-782-8301; www.suave.com
Unilever (Axe, Dove, Lever Bros., Suave, Sunsilk), 800 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632; 212-888-1260; 800-598-1223; www.unilever.com
Vicks (Procter & Gamble), 1 Procter & Gamble Plz., Cincinnati, OH 45202; 513-983-1100; 800-543-1745; www.pg.com

[violaine]

my committee have recently launched a pet food bank in addition to the ongoing work we do in the community for outside dogs who are chained/tethered. today, the amount of dog food collected amounted to around three hundred pounds, and so i thought of a neighbouring county humane society director. she wants to model a committee like ours helping outside dogs, in her own community. in turn, she is assisting us [best she can] with steps their HS have taken to get an ordinance through in favour of the well-being for tethered dogs. we are still going in that direction, but it's been difficult- our county commissioners unfortunately are not at all like hers. i feel like this is the armpit of the usa in areas pertaining to an absence of reasonable steps being taken into the 21st century for the interest of animals across the board!

[key]

I have been catching up on this animal rescue thread. Thank you for starting it.

I spend half the year out in rural New Mexico working with the Humane Society there rescuing homeless dogs and cats. We are a very small organization with no facilities, so we take each rescue/stray into our homes until we can find them a way home or out. It truly is the best alternative for the animals (having a home, rather than being in a crowded loud kennel) but it does take an extra toll on us.

Happy to read about the anti-tethering laws in your area. We are far from there, but headed that direction hopefully. I have been searching, but cannot find the non-profit that I am sure exists that actually provides the kennels for people. Do you know the name of it?

But I did find this site:

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

[Softly]

not sure if this belongs here.

but I got a cat yeterday. adopted from the spca she is between 2-4 yrs old, they couldn't tell. she is a tortie.

anyway she has been sneezing since we brought her home. and Daddy has a cat and I don't want him to get sick so for now we put her in our extra bedroom with her litter, food and comfy bed. I called the spca and they said keep the cats apart for a bit and they are giving us some medicine for the sneezing.

do you think the other cat is going to get sick?? :(
I feel horrible...

[violaine]

:stillheart: softly, congratulations on your new family member :)

here are some links for you. i would keep the cats, food/water bowls, et c. separated until the symptoms of the respiratory distressed kitty subside.

http://www.vetinfo.com/causes-cat-cold-infections.html

http://www.vetinfo.com/cencyclopedia/ceindex.html

http://www.vetinfo.com/guide-feline-vaccinations.html

Age Vaccine(s)
6 Weeks
Distemper (Panleukopenia)
Rhinotrachetis
Calcivirus
Chlamydia
9 Weeks
Distemper (Panleukopenia)
Rhinotrachetis
Calcivirus
Chlamydia
12 Weeks
Distemper (Panleukopenia)
Rhinotrachetis
Calcivirus
Chlamydia
Leukemia
15 Weeks
Distemper (Panleukopenia)
Rhinotrachetis
Calcivirus
Chlamydia
Leukemia
Rabies
Adult Cats Booster annually for all but rabies.
Rabies booster at one year, then every three years .
Avoid vaccinating pregnant females

[Sachita]

not sure if this belongs here.

but I got a cat yeterday. adopted from the spca she is between 2-4 yrs old, they couldn't tell. she is a tortie.

anyway she has been sneezing since we brought her home. and Daddy has a cat and I don't want him to get sick so for now we put her in our extra bedroom with her litter, food and comfy bed. I called the spca and they said keep the cats apart for a bit and they are giving us some medicine for the sneezing.

do you think the other cat is going to get sick?? :(
I feel horrible...

some cats have respiratory problems and allergies. I have a cat that sneezes often and running nose. have the cat checked and if not temp or infection it could just be allergies. I've started giving the cats (I use to just give the dogs) cod liver oil and I also use that natural flea stuff in water around here (ashley's green products) which has vinegar and garlic in it. This has helped quite a bit but it still happens and I have to clean his eyes a lot.

[Sachita]

:stillheart: softly, congratulations on your new family member :)

here are some links for you. i would keep the cats, food/water bowls, et c. separated until the symptoms of the respiratory distressed kitty subside.

http://www.vetinfo.com/causes-cat-cold-infections.html

http://www.vetinfo.com/cencyclopedia/ceindex.html

http://www.vetinfo.com/guide-feline-vaccinations.html

Age Vaccine(s)
6 Weeks
Distemper (Panleukopenia)
Rhinotrachetis
Calcivirus
Chlamydia
9 Weeks
Distemper (Panleukopenia)
Rhinotrachetis
Calcivirus
Chlamydia
12 Weeks
Distemper (Panleukopenia)
Rhinotrachetis
Calcivirus
Chlamydia
Leukemia
15 Weeks
Distemper (Panleukopenia)
Rhinotrachetis
Calcivirus
Chlamydia
Leukemia
Rabies
Adult Cats Booster annually for all but rabies.
Rabies booster at one year, then every three years .
Avoid vaccinating pregnant females


This is simply an alternative. Before going hog wild on vaccinations and supporting the pharmaceutical companies that have no interest in your pets welfare, please read:

http://www.healthyhappydogs.com/VaccinationDanger

I do understand that some things are necessary but I also think prevention is the key to good health. I am required to vaccinate my dogs ONCE rabies and I worm them myself but not as often as recommended. I have a pet pig and if I followed normal vet suggestions I would be giving her vaccinations all the time including monthly (or more often depending where you live) worm med that would actually shorten her life. I don't. I focus on food, lots of clean water, herbs and good care- clean stall, brushing etc. Once a year I might take a poop sample to a vet to look at. I've had blood drawn a few times and shes always checked out wonderfully.

I have older dogs that are breeds that they claim should die sooner. Their slower but I swear they act like pups sometimes.

If you don't have the experience or ability to study and research then perhaps find vets that subscribe to natural remedies and will work with you on a program to keep them safe.

[Sachita]

I use Taste Of The Wild as well. Works much better for my dog. her coat is so much softer, she sheds less and umm not to be gross but she poops less and more firm. Seems like its easier for her to digest

Oh wow I missed this. I remember when Gouda got sick. How is Gouda now?

TOW is a great food. Will it stay this way as they grow? who knows. I also swear by Cod Liver oil and buy a gallon at amazon Cal Vet for 20 bucks. Over all the decrease in shedding is amazing.

The feed store here that sells it always thanks me for sending them customers to buy it, however they have yet to give me any discounts knowing I also rescue animals and feed animals that aren't mine. I've decided to contact them and see what is involved in becoming a distributor and I'd also like to offer free seminars at the local churches on animal care.

I am a firm believer in food for healing people and animals. You probably get sick of me saying it.

[key]

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere's Goldie!

http://www.axcessmypics.com/photo/photo05/7a/bd/8aa6fa38ae1a.jpg?th=170&tw=225&s=false

Found her a block from the highway, and see dogs along highways pretty regularly (as I drive long distances). One of these days I may start a "found on the highway rescue." So far, the ones I have been able get to, I have been able to get to the ACC of the area. But I wonder if that was the best thing to do, you know?

[Semantics]

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere's Goldie!

http://www.axcessmypics.com/photo/photo05/7a/bd/8aa6fa38ae1a.jpg?th=170&tw=225&s=false



What a sweet girl. :)

[Sachita]

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere's Goldie!

http://www.axcessmypics.com/photo/photo05/7a/bd/8aa6fa38ae1a.jpg?th=170&tw=225&s=false

Found her a block from the highway, and see dogs along highways pretty regularly (as I drive long distances). One of these days I may start a "found on the highway rescue." So far, the ones I have been able get to, I have been able to get to the ACC of the area. But I wonder if that was the best thing to do, you know?


she's so pretty!

I know what you mean about rescuing. We rescued a bunch of feral cats and took them to get fixed and the SPCA said they weren't taking cats. The HS here is NOT a no kill shelter. We found homes for some but opted to let them remain wild.

Sometimes I'll see a stray and he/she is just free, roaming around, maybe a little hungry and cold but free.

Sometimes I wish I could fence in my 30 acres and take a bunch of them. Id make them huts and tents, let them run in the woods. Its expensive to care and feed animals.

With the economy some of the shelters that normally get donations are suffering. Especially around here.

[violaine]

goldie is so lovely! she looks very happy :)

sachita, i totally agree with you on using the list as a guide, and doing vaccine & pet food research - thank you. i, too, prefer vets who have a holistic approach treating the whole animal, instead of the ones who simply nod their head and write down furiously [selling unnecessary] treatment plans.

http://www.holisticvetlist.com/

[key]

she's so pretty!

I know what you mean about rescuing. We rescued a bunch of feral cats and took them to get fixed and the SPCA said they weren't taking cats. The HS here is NOT a no kill shelter. We found homes for some but opted to let them remain wild.

Sometimes I'll see a stray and he/she is just free, roaming around, maybe a little hungry and cold but free.

Sometimes I wish I could fence in my 30 acres and take a bunch of them. Id make them huts and tents, let them run in the woods. Its expensive to care and feed animals.

With the economy some of the shelters that normally get donations are suffering. Especially around here.

The Bob Barker Foundation http://www.djtfoundation.org/ recently stopped funding spay/neuter programs for feral cats. They said they just could not see any real progress made, the cats just reproduce too quickly.

Have you seen this website? http://www.thedogisland.com/

I did not find out for years that this site was fake!!! But what do think about this idea? Rabbits and dogs running free (yes, the dogs eat the rabbits)...The dogs are S/Ned the rabbits are not.....sorry bunny
people.


:sermon:

[WolfyOne]

she's so pretty!

I know what you mean about rescuing. We rescued a bunch of feral cats and took them to get fixed and the SPCA said they weren't taking cats. The HS here is NOT a no kill shelter. We found homes for some but opted to let them remain wild.

Sometimes I'll see a stray and he/she is just free, roaming around, maybe a little hungry and cold but free.

Sometimes I wish I could fence in my 30 acres and take a bunch of them. Id make them huts and tents, let them run in the woods. Its expensive to care and feed animals.

With the economy some of the shelters that normally get donations are suffering. Especially around here.

We still have 13 of the ferals we rescued from our old town and found homes for 11. One had to be put down after we'd had her for over 2 years. We had fixed all of them, even the ones we gave away. I'd do it again in a heart beat if it meant saving a life. My rescues will never go to a shelter.

[Inuus]

I know there isnt alot of options when one rescues or finds and animal and that totally sucks. But I would say its better to take them off the streets and not let them suffer. I understand the thought of being "free" but from experience I can say dogs running wild and livestock dont mix. I just had more own horror story with that last week(but dont want to go into details not the place for it)Heck sometimes dogs running loose and cats dont mix.

I do wish there were more $$ and more organizations to help

Kudos for all of you that do you best!

[violaine]

:farmbull:

checking in with everyone. today was kind of a trying afternoon with a situation my committee investigated involving two dogs. the guy who telephoned in the information is a builder, and a second time caller to our committee. he was actually very involved and distressed during The Process.

i'm not sure detail-wise how much to put here ? it can be disconcerting to see in person, and words to read often evoke images. the builder noticed through recent land clearing, a few cases which might not otherwise be visible and/or helped. animal control actually did something [albeit small] today.

well, tomorrow is a new day- and the builder is joining us for a meeting involving these kind of issues. if enough people come forward, a voice for the animals will arrive in the name of ordinances designed to be protecting them.

[Kimbo]

:farmbull:

checking in with everyone. today was kind of a trying afternoon with a situation my committee investigated involving two dogs. the guy who telephoned in the information is a builder, and a second time caller to our committee. he was actually very involved and distressed during The Process.

i'm not sure detail-wise how much to put here ? it can be disconcerting to see in person, and words to read often evoke images. the builder noticed through recent land clearing, a few cases which might not otherwise be visible and/or helped. animal control actually did something [albeit small] today.

well, tomorrow is a new day- and the builder is joining us for a meeting involving these kind of issues. if enough people come forward, a voice for the animals will arrive in the name of ordinances designed to be protecting them.





I hope things are going better. I know from my experience there are many highs when involved with rescue and change...but there are also many lows.

[Kimbo]

Pasado's made some serious mistakes during Katrina resulting in dogs being sent to a horder in Arkansas where they ultimately died. They were too interested in publicity and forgot about the animals. I think they mean well, but they dropped the ball and dogs died.

I was there helping in Katrina with HSUS...I know first hand what happened and I stayed very involved after I left. There were many mistakes that were made that caused the death of animals..everything from shutting us down from going in to search to sending animals out to kill shelters. Animals were euthanized to take in the Katrina animals, the Katrina animals were next. There were many mistakes made and many things learned.

I've spent countless hours volunteering for Pasado's...They made mistakes as did many others. I stand by them and their efforts. They have made a huge difference for animals here in Wa state.

[WolfyOne]

not sure if this belongs here.

but I got a cat yeterday. adopted from the spca she is between 2-4 yrs old, they couldn't tell. she is a tortie.

anyway she has been sneezing since we brought her home. and Daddy has a cat and I don't want him to get sick so for now we put her in our extra bedroom with her litter, food and comfy bed. I called the spca and they said keep the cats apart for a bit and they are giving us some medicine for the sneezing.

do you think the other cat is going to get sick?? :(
I feel horrible...


I have a few sneezers in my house. They get allergy shots every month. Our vet said we could give them half a benadryl a day, but our little drama queens foam at the mouth when we try to give them pills. R has learned from our country vet how to give shots . With our brood of rescues, we keep medication on hand in case one gets sick.

With yours coming from a shelter, I'd be careful she doesn't have pneumonia. We've had to battle that here more than a few times. We keep a stethoscope on hand so we could listen to their lungs.

[violaine]

[QUOTE=Kimbo;42473]I hope things are going better. I know from my experience there are many highs when involved with rescue and change...but there are also many lows.

thank you :) and i agree with you !

here's the higher aspects- the guy who phoned in to us about the two dogs [and another case] is now on our committee! he's actually already taken supplies to additional dogs - because he's outgoing and gentle, on the road a lot , and a fierce advocate/activist for animals, he will be an awesome person to have on our team.

the two dogs i wrote about in the earlier post were seen by the health/environmental department , who were instrumental in getting the situation improved by miles, not the animal control !

good to see you, kimbo :tiger:

[Kimbo]

not sure if this belongs here.

but I got a cat yeterday. adopted from the spca she is between 2-4 yrs old, they couldn't tell. she is a tortie.

anyway she has been sneezing since we brought her home. and Daddy has a cat and I don't want him to get sick so for now we put her in our extra bedroom with her litter, food and comfy bed. I called the spca and they said keep the cats apart for a bit and they are giving us some medicine for the sneezing.

do you think the other cat is going to get sick?? :(
I feel horrible...

How did it turn out? Runny nose w/discharge, sneezing, discharge from the the eyes, mouth breathing, lack of appetite are all indicators that the cat has an URI. If your cats have had their FVRCP they have been inoculated against Rhinotrachetis. Cats who have had their shots might get sneezy but they don't generally get a full blown infection. It can kill a cat if left untreated.

[violaine]

a group of concerned citizens - including the committee i am on, and several others, are going to have some press coverage this evening on the shelter i've been writing about. someone at a meeting we held about a week ago, must have been a spy for the shelter, because they now are posting on a brand new FB page- and listing animals -the first time in their history of existence in this county! unbelievable. i mean, any change is obviously great for the animals. we want to see the shelter moving forward in so many areas, and hopefully they might zoom right into the 21st century.

anyway, this day/evening will be for the animals- and voice given to them by people who are true to their missions, with a clear vision. glitch-free monday.

[Kimbo]

a group of concerned citizens - including the committee i am on, and several others, are going to have some press coverage this evening on the shelter i've been writing about. someone at a meeting we held about a week ago, must have been a spy for the shelter, because they now are posting on a brand new FB page- and listing animals -the first time in their history of existence in this county! unbelievable. i mean, any change is obviously great for the animals. we want to see the shelter moving forward in so many areas, and hopefully they might zoom right into the 21st century.

anyway, this day/evening will be for the animals- and voice given to them by people who are true to their missions, with a clear vision. glitch-free monday.

Good luck to you..I am glad they are posting the animals FINALLY--Gez.

I hope they get the link to http://www.petfinder.com/index.html (http://www.petfinder.com/index.html)

[AtLast]

Need some advise-

I have a 14 year old cat (Luciano) that is in great shape, very active and spry. However, he is getting older and I am thinking I should be giving him something for his joints. Are there cat foods available with glucosemine and condrotin (sp?)? Giving him a pill everyday would be insane (and upsetting to him), so I am thinking along food lines. He is on "senior" kitty food, but I am wondering about a joint health specific food for cats. Thanks.

[owen4u1904]

{{{{Andrew}}}} I just love your post and can relate to so much of it!

As a child ~ animals were my sanctuary. I found safety and refuge in caring for them and in the peace they offered amongst the craziness of my life.

As an adult I have had to work diligently to not bring home every stray I come across. Living in a border town means that I see A LOT of homeless animals and it tears me up to not be able to help them as freely as I would like. But...I do what I can by volunteering at our local animal care centers and by offering my home as a foster site when I can.

There are animals that I have had in my home that, due to experience, I would not have back...but for the most part I can weigh the benefits against the draw backs and find that the unconditional love and laughter these animals have brought into my life have, by far, been well worth the time, money and energy spent.

I still live with my parents... :(..lol...but, I have been banned from bringing home cats. Or any other kinda animals that I find. Of course it is kinda funny, cause now we have 3 cats that I never found. We have or Mama cat who came to us prego. We kept one from her first litter. She had like 4 more litters, then her 5th litter she had a grey kitten which she never had before. But it was kinda weird, cause we just had a grey cat who ran away or went to the woods and got beat up or something and was never seen again. So we kept the grey kitten. LOL, our family is real orginal though, we named her kit. So we have 7 cats with more kittens on the way and 3 dogs.

[Kimbo]

Need some advise-

I have a 14 year old cat (Luciano) that is in great shape, very active and spry. However, he is getting older and I am thinking I should be giving him something for his joints. Are there cat foods available with glucosemine and condrotin (sp?)? Giving him a pill everyday would be insane (and upsetting to him), so I am thinking along food lines. He is on "senior" kitty food, but I am wondering about a joint health specific food for cats. Thanks.

Hey buddy..Hope life is well in your world! My vet gave my cat Cosequin for my Bella's joints. you sprinkle it on their food. I do not think you have to have a prescription. I bet there is other stuff out there but that is all I am familiar with.

[Kimbo]

I still live with my parents... :(..lol...but, I have been banned from bringing home cats. Or any other kinda animals that I find. Of course it is kinda funny, cause now we have 3 cats that I never found. We have or Mama cat who came to us prego. We kept one from her first litter. She had like 4 more litters, then her 5th litter she had a grey kitten which she never had before. But it was kinda weird, cause we just had a grey cat who ran away or went to the woods and got beat up or something and was never seen again. So we kept the grey kitten. LOL, our family is real orginal though, we named her kit. So we have 7 cats with more kittens on the way and 3 dogs.

I really wished you would take into consideration spaying your cat. I know you mean well but it is appalling to many of us that spend countless hours rescueing animals --- over 6 million animals a year are euthanized. Please spay your cat. Allowing her to breed like this is irresponsible IMHO.

In many cities it is against the law to allow an animal in heat to roam free.

If you need any help with resources please PM or post here...we are a wealth of resources.

[FeminineAllure]

http://www.petco.com/product/106533/Pet-Naturals-Hip--Joint-Cat-Soft-Chews.aspx

This may work for your cat Kimbo.
~Hugs to him~

[Andrew, Jr.]

Atlasthome,

I have no clue what to give a sr. cat for joint care. Things you can do around the house is to put out a heating pad (on low) and put it under a towel and let your baby lay on that. Stop her from jumping up and down. Pick her up. My baby is elderly too. And I use a heating pad in the winter months. She loves it. As long as she is happy, Daddy is happy.

Ask your vet for something you could put in her water or sprinkle over her food. Pills are a no no for my elderly cat. It just is too much for her too.

Love,
Andrew

[violaine]

there was a good turn out tonight at the meeting of concerned citizens including rescue groups/foster people, and lots of volunteers belonging to various committees. the reporter wants to interview the commissioners plus the chief animal control officer before running the piece. i heard this before from him, as i've worked with the same reporter on a handful of our own newspaper stories. however, tonight was a different tone all together, with a room full of amazing people sharing experiences regarding the animal control shelter- it gave a voice to the animals - past, present, and looking towards a brighter future.

a news station was scheduled to come, but at the last moment, there were three breaking stories :annoyed: so that just gives us another opportunity to get this issue out a bit later- not such a bad dealio.

one paper already covered it. we're on the way.

tomorrow, i will attend a meeting of the commissioners to get the animal control shelter statistics, which i've been asking for far too long! also, i will inquire about an animal advisory board being formed, to be a liasion for animal control and county commissioners. i should be able to get all the statistics i want if there's a board in place [the present chief of animal control disbanded that board years ago!]. another plus to having a board, is the members are diverse- humane society will have a seat, and That Means- we will get ordinances for anti-tethering !!

tomorrow comes early, and i'm not a morning bird.

[owen4u1904]

I really wished you would take into consideration spaying your cat. I know you mean well but it is appalling to many of us that spend countless hours rescueing animals --- over 6 million animals a year are euthanized. Please spay your cat. Allowing her to breed like this is irresponsible IMHO.

In many cities it is against the law to allow an animal in heat to roam free.

If you need any help with resources please PM or post here...we are a wealth of resources.

I totally get what you are saying. She is the only one we never got spayed. She came to our house pregnant and just kept having them. Eventually the dr had a talk with us too, and he had to really make us understand that it is okay to do an "abortion" type of thing. The first couple of times when was getting ready to spay her we would notice she was pregnant. We kept our a kitten out of the 4th set, and that is when she took off. She still eats our house but we cant catch her and we know she is pregnant again so me and the rest of my family agreed that she will probably come inside to have them so we need to watch for her and just keep her in the house this time. Thank you for letting me know but this story does let people know that cats need to spayed and you just have to learn to deal with that part that I mentioned above.

[AtLast]

Thank you so much. Yes, Lucci does have a portion on my bed that I have put a big heating blanket out on. Both cats and my dog snuggle up there! He has been showing that he needs more warmth in winter and has actually been coming in much earlier as the day gets colder. He mostly hangs out in my backyard and keeps an eye out for anything that moves.

I will ask my vet about any supplements as I have to take both cats in for annual exams and some shots.

No, I can't oill him, too upsetting for him and he doesn't have many teeth left. But, overall, he is aging quite well which makes me very happy. Very playful and still very agile. I just want to give him anything that might help his joints as he continues to age. There are oddles of things out for dogs.

Atlasthome,

I have no clue what to give a sr. cat for joint care. Things you can do around the house is to put out a heating pad (on low) and put it under a towel and let your baby lay on that. Stop her from jumping up and down. Pick her up. My baby is elderly too. And I use a heating pad in the winter months. She loves it. As long as she is happy, Daddy is happy.

Ask your vet for something you could put in her water or sprinkle over her food. Pills are a no no for my elderly cat. It just is too much for her too.

Love,
Andrew

[violaine]

Today at the meeting of commissioners –

I spoke briefly with the secretary to commissioners prior to 9:30 meeting, and asked her if the statistics would be on the agenda. She handed me a copy of the agenda, and there was nothing pertaining to the animal control shelter. Secretary told me the statistics would be available, and the chief animal control officer would be present next meeting on Tuesday- 9. Feb. 2010, at 9:30 A.M. I wasn’t sure if I could bring up the topic of the statistics anyhow, and secretary said that I could when the commissioner called for “wishes to be heard”. My goal was to get a word in about having an Animal Advisory Board established [like it used to be before the Chief AC Officer disbanded it years ago]. With an Advisory Board, a lot of great changes could take place.

The meeting began as scheduled, and after about ten minutes, I could hardly believe my ears.... NOTHING was on the Agenda for today about the AC/shelter, yet one commissioner began addressing the complaints at our animal control shelter, plus their awareness of the FB citizens concerned about the AC/shelter page.

Thank goodness on staying to be a presence there, as I almost left since the secretary and agenda made no mention of the discussion!

The commissiners were looking at an investigation of the AC/shelter by The Animal Board of Health [who are NOT on our team]. A few areas where Animal Advisory Boards/Board of State Federation of Shelters and ABOH do cross paths, i.e. rabies holding periods, and abuse cases. The ABOH has no background, education, or experience in the animal sheltering department.

I gave comments when the room was addressed to do so, – which should be publicised in the minutes- welcoming and urging the diversity of an Advisory Board. This would not be a cost to the taxpayers- as one commissioner stated budget cuts for AC ahead, and there would be an expense involved with Advisory Board implementation.

If the commissioners want an independent investigation of AC by the ABOH, there will not be anything found- and of course, the AC/ shelter and commissioners come off looking clean. We know this is not the case, and are in desperate need of transparency via a watchdog organisation like Board of State Federation of Shelters. This is heavy artillery in the most positive degree.
For example, when statistics are requested, they need to be sent out, versus never receiving them. Financials, et c.

I telephoned BOSFS today directly after hearing the commissioners. My contact will get on this immediately to the Board of State Federation- and did mention a person she had in mind who has many years of experience, and another individual at a private Humane Society. She will also write to the commissioner who brought this to the agenda.

People/taxpayers might have attended if discussion of the AC/shelter had been posted to their website/agenda. The scary thing is, if the commissioners do not wish to discuss public matters, and only wish to stick to “roads/hwys”, then someone else needs to be the boss of the animal control/shelter!

So, BOSFS is writing to commissioners offering to do an independent investigation of the AC, as this was brought to her attention. Humane society here has already submitted the BOSFS info to a commissioner.

[Kimbo]

I totally get what you are saying. She is the only one we never got spayed. She came to our house pregnant and just kept having them. Eventually the dr had a talk with us too, and he had to really make us understand that it is okay to do an "abortion" type of thing. The first couple of times when was getting ready to spay her we would notice she was pregnant. We kept our a kitten out of the 4th set, and that is when she took off. She still eats our house but we cant catch her and we know she is pregnant again so me and the rest of my family agreed that she will probably come inside to have them so we need to watch for her and just keep her in the house this time. Thank you for letting me know but this story does let people know that cats need to spayed and you just have to learn to deal with that part that I mentioned above.

It's hard to take a cat who has roamed freely outdoors and then make them a complete indoor cat. It's not impossible but the fact is when they want to get out most often they will.

If she is pregnant and has kittens, well it's still winter, they're at risk. If you can't catch her I would recommend trapping her. It would be easy for you with her already feeding at your house. There are very humane traps for getting cats. There are a lot of resources in your area. .

http://www.spayneuterservices.org/resources.htm

http://www.petsalivespayneuter.org/

[violaine]

i am posting all of this information in this thread for people to understand The Process- should anyone ever have to go up against a municipality - which is defined as a political unit having corporate status/powers of self-governing.

some AC/shelters, and Chief Animal Control Officers who fall under governing body of municipality, answer to the County Commissioners.

always remember, please:

you are the voice for the animals, shelter, and county commissioners - as a taxpayer - as a constituent to the county commissioners - neither shelter or commissioners could exist without voter/taxpayer/community support!!
:farmtree:

[violaine]

after i sat in on the meeting of county commissioners, who failed to list the topic of complaints at the AC on their agenda/website- i brought up some issues to the commissioners during the meeting, including having an animal advisory board. then i rang up my contact who wrote to the commissioners straightaway-

if the commissioners refuse this help, and want to cover up their chief animal control officer/lack of involvement with the complaints at AC, and if they try to force the issue of animal board of health - our work is not done ! we do have a plan B. :)

Hi [county commissioners],

My name is [x] and I am the CEO of the [x] Humane Association and President of the [x]. I have been following the animal shelter situation in your community and have spoken with some of your local animal welfare groups over the past year or so. Both [my group] and the Humane Society of [x] County are members of our state federation of animal welfare organizations.

It has come to my attention that your County Commissioners may be interested in improving the situation at your shelter and have discussed a possible evaluation- possibly by the State Board of Animal Health. While the SBOAH does many great things, they have limited knowledge of animal sheltering best practices, programming, etc.

A goal of our state federation [x] is to elevate the sheltering community in Indiana. [my] County has been of particular interest to us as a shelter that frankly, isn’t moving forward and has a lot of issues with best practices, etc. Our state group provides free/low cost training sessions throughout the state as well as many other functions.

While we are not comfortable visiting the shelter and doing an onsite evaluation as the staff there may not be particularly warm to that idea, [x] would like to offer to produce a document for you that would give you a road map of where your shelter should be, best practices for adoptions, cleaning, policies, etc. Our board is made up of members of the major animal shelters in Indiana including, Bloomington, Ft. Wayne, Evansville, Indianapolis, Kokomo and New Albany.

Our cumulative expertise in the area of animal sheltering could at this point be a good source of information for change at your local shelter and hopefully helpful to the commissioners in making decisions for the betterment of your community, its animals and the shelter itself.

Our board has members who lecture nationally and sit on national animal welfare boards. We hope we can share our knowledge with your community.

Please let me know if we can be of assistance and if there is anyone else I should be contacting at this point. We would also be happy to send a team to meet with the commissioners themselves to discuss and/or present the report.

Thanks so much and I look forward to hearing back from you.

All the best,
[x]


[x]
CEO
[x] Humane Association
Leading, Advocating and Educating for Animal Welfare
President, [x] Welfare Organizations

[Semantics]

5 worst states to be an animal: Abuse laws lax

What's the punishment for being cruel to an animal? In five states — Idaho, Hawaii, Kentucky, Mississippi and North Dakota — the law’s response is, “Not much.”

Those five states have the weakest animal protection laws in the nation, according to a recent report by the Animal Legal Defense Fund, a non-profit organization based in Cotati, Calif. The report says the states' failings include not requiring owners provide basic animal care such as adequate food and water, no requirement for mental health evaluations or counseling for those convicted of animal abuse and no restrictions on future ownership of animals following a conviction.

None of the five states consider cruelty, neglect or abandonment a felony. And of the five, only North Dakota regards all animal fighting as a felony, not just dog fighting.

People in these states aren’t more likely to mistreat their animals, says Stephan Otto, ALDF’s director of legislative affairs and author of the report, but the laws haven’t caught up with society’s values.

“Most people treat their animals wonderfully, but the question is whether there are appropriate penalties when they don’t,” he said.

In Mississippi, for instance, the penalties for neglect and dog fighting are the same: a fine of between $10 and $100 or jail time for between 10 and 100 days. Someone who maliciously injures or kills a dog or cat cannot be fined more than $1,000 or imprisoned for more than six months. The only restitution required is the replacement value of the animal, plus the cost of any veterinary fees or other expenses incurred. By contrast, in California, one of the states with tougher penalties, dog fighting is punishable by imprisonment for 16 months to three years, a maximum fine of $50,000 or both.

Kentucky vets not allowed to report abuse
In Kentucky, veterinarians are prohibited from reporting suspected cruelty or fighting, an unintended consequence of a law mandating client confidentiality. Otto says a bill was recently introduced to rectify the problem.

States that are soft on crimes toward animals often have an agricultural lobby that may see animal protection issues as potentially limiting options for farmers, says Francis Battista, a founder and director of Best Friends Animal Society, a non-profit organization based in Kenab, Utah. When animal issues come up, they tend to be put on the back burner in favor of human issues. Cultural or traditional attitudes can also affect the way people relate to animals and the willingness to adopt animal protection laws, he says. People in southern and western states can have an independent mindset that precludes being told how to treat their property, including animals.

In 2009, when a Mississippi man tied his dog to a tree, set her on fire and let her burn to death, it was considered only a misdemeanor. He was fined $1,000 and given a six-month sentence. Last month, the Mississippi legislature introduced a bill that would increase the penalty for acts of cruelty toward dogs and cats. If passed, people convicted of cruelty could go to prison for up to five years and pay a fine of $10,000.

Beyond greater penalties, there are other consequences to being convicted of a felony rather than a misdemeanor, Otto says.

“Those convicted of felonies will usually serve their sentences in a state or federal prison rather than a local, city or county jail," he says. "A felon will also have more restrictions on their rights than a person convicted of a misdemeanor. In many states, convicted felons cannot serve on juries. They may also lose their right to vote or to practice certain professions, such as lawyer or teacher. Felons may also be prohibited from owning guns or serving in the military.”

Arkansas, which was once ranked at the bottom of the ALDF's annual report, improved its standing last year after the state’s attorney general brought together people from agricultural and animal protection organizations and hammered out an agreement that included a felony penalty for torture, including starving, and neglect, improved the definition of care, and provided for mental health evaluations and counseling. People who commit animal cruelty in the presence of a minor face stronger penalties.

“It catapulted them from the very bottom to the middle,” Otto says.

Many states are taking steps to offer better legal protection for animals, including mandates for mental health evaluations, counseling or restrictions on animal ownership for people who are convicted of animal cruelty. Those are important because people who commit crimes against animals frequently repeat them.

There’s also a strong connection between animal abuse and other types of violence, particularly domestic violence, a link that has been shown in many studies. A 1997 study by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Northeastern University found that those who had committed a violent crime against an animal were five times more likely to commit violent crimes against people. When animal abuse is addressed early, before it becomes a habit, it can help to reduce overall violence in a community, Otto says.

“We think it’s incumbent that the mental health angle of this is addressed in laws,” Otto says. “A lot of states too are looking at prohibiting those convicted of animal cruelty and neglect from owning animals for a certain period of time after conviction. We think that’s another helpful tool to break the cycle of abuse and potentially eliminate new victims.”

Better definitions of care provide a baseline for pet owners to meet as well as objective criteria for law enforcement to know whether the law has been violated. But in the end, enforcement is key.

“You can have the best laws on the books, but if you’re lacking enforcement, they’re not worth anything,” Otto says.

Second chance for abused animals
The good news is that animals are resilient, Battista says. Whether they have suffered neglect, abandonment or overt physical abuse, they have an amazing ability to respond to rehabilitation efforts.

He would know. Best Friends took in 22 of the 47 dogs rescued from the estate of Michael Vick after he was arrested and charged with conspiracy to engage in dog fighting in violation of the Animal Welfare Act. Many were so shut down and unresponsive due to the abuse they'd suffered that they that they would have been euthanized if Best Friends hadn’t taken them, says spokesperson Barbara Williamson. Because of judicial requirements regarding their placement, only a few are in adoptive homes so far, but the rest are at Best Friends or in foster care and all are making progress. Only one is considered aggressive toward people, Williamson says, and even she is now friendly if introduced by someone she trusts. She will stay Best Friends for the rest of her life.

“Animals are survivors, like people, and they will take every opportunity to respond to help,” Battista says. “Depending on what category of abuse you’re talking about, the way we rehabilitate and the time for rehabilitation might be different. Some animals are never going to be lap cats or lap dogs, but they’ll always improve and they’ll always respond. It’s simply a matter of time and patience.”

Link (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35202253/ns/health-pet_health/)

I saw this article this morning. We are definitely making gains on animal welfare but there is a lot of work to be done. I hope that the lack of animal protection legislation becomes something that is addressed nationwide.

[Kimbo]

5 worst states to be an animal: Abuse laws lax



I saw this article this morning. We are definitely making gains on animal welfare but there is a lot of work to be done. I hope that the lack of animal protection legislation becomes something that is addressed nationwide.

Thanks for the link. I didn't know that about Kentucky..It seems really odd that a vet would not be able to report abuse.

[violaine]

:analprobe: = for county commissioners/chief animal control officer !

statistics are finally in for the AC/shelter being investigated. the euth rate is 80%. not surprising whatsoever, but how the pages were submitted blew my mind- poor print quality- and each page consisted of lousy bar graphs. who would present something like that to superiors [commissioners] ?

anyway, we have a meeting tuesday coming, and the one commissioner will be questioned in front of the room and possibly media- why the state animal control / shelter welfare organisation comprised of individuals on the board with a long history of expertise in their field- are not even being considered ?

the statistics, actual report, and outright rejection of the AC/s organisation is unsettling -

[Kimbo]

:analprobe: = for county commissioners/chief animal control officer !

statistics are finally in for the AC/shelter being investigated. the euth rate is 80%. not surprising whatsoever, but how the pages were submitted blew my mind- poor print quality- and each page consisted of lousy bar graphs. who would present something like that to superiors [commissioners] ?

anyway, we have a meeting tuesday coming, and the one commissioner will be questioned in front of the room and possibly media- why the state animal control / shelter welfare organisation comprised of individuals on the board with a long history of expertise in their field- are not even being considered ?

the statistics, actual report, and outright rejection of the AC/s organisation is unsettling -



I hope the media is there and those numbers get on the news. Many people don't realize how high the euthanasia rate really is in their communities. Curious if it stated in total how many animals and if it broke out cats and dogs--generally cats euthanasia is higher than dogs.

Keep up the good work Belle---I have a feeling the commisioners are going to be grumbling under their breath when they see you at a meeting! Gotta love it.

[IrishGrrl]

Calling all animal lovers!!!

Please read my thread "finding Jack a home".

I rescued him from the houston "corridor of cruelty".

Thanks for your help!

[violaine]

i would encourage you to copy/paste the information for sweet jack here as well, irishgirl.

wishing you all the best in placing him. will take a look-

best,
bella

[violaine]

hi :)

tuesday's meeting with the commissioners was not the greatest. chief animal control officer was there, and avoided questions - she just wanted to "tell stories", and is prone to breaking into tears. this woman, a Chief ACO for this county over the last 25 years, still has no clue how much it costs to euth. an animal.

the commissioners were not warm to the idea of the impressive board of people who are experts in their field on AC sheltering issues - including SOP's [standard operating procedures]. they "need more time", and so that's where tuesday's meeting stopped.

today, i received a note from the CEO of the welfare group [we want her to work with the county commissioners, and she had not heard a peep from any commissioner after writing her letter] - until today ! she received word from one commissioner who wanted more information about the board members, and the welfare organisation :)

whatever is said at a meeting w/commissioners goes on record - and you never know who in the room hears the issues brought to them, and who they discuss with, et c. we already know the commissioners feel The Squeeze from us due to the local newspaper reporer, FB page, & animal control page- with our questions/comments [nothing is unprofessional or inappropriate/crossing lines].

cross your fingers-

[violaine]

:tiger:

commissioners are now meeting with us at the end of next week to hear problems w/animal control. they are also expressing interest to the animal control welfare group [this group should be contacted to investigate sheltering issues of this nature, but they also help good shelters operate better, and do cover the entire state of indiana].

:sheep:

[Kimbo]

:tiger:

commissioners are now meeting with us at the end of next week to hear problems w/animal control. they are also expressing interest to the animal control welfare group [this group should be contacted to investigate sheltering issues of this nature, but they also help good shelters operate better, and do cover the entire state of indiana].

:sheep:

That is fantastic!

[violaine]

two words: The Media.

we tried every avenue reasonable first:

1. talk with Chief ACO about issues.
2. meet with her superiors, the commissioners about complaints.
3. contact HSUS & the welfare organisation for our state - who suggested the media if all else failed.
4. repeat 1 & 2 [to no avail the first and second attempts]
5. letter to editor, news - tv, radio, local newspaper

#5 worked.

:farmchicken:

[Andrew, Jr.]

:smladybug: Belle,

You are a heroine for all of our animals. God bless you! :farmchicken:

Love,
Andrew

:ohm:

[Soft*Silver]

over 150 dogs, chickens, horses and geese were removed from a farm that had been running as a "sanctuary". What had once started as good intentions, ended up in a hoarding situation. The woman's 97 year old mother was removed from the home that was saturated with ammonia and feces smells. She is in the hospital under guardianship.

While many of the dogs looked healthy, and had food, water and a dog house and pen, the mass of animals lent diseases to spread, such as mange, worms and fleas. The horses were skin and bones. Not all of the canines will survive, due to the degree of disease they had endured.

I cannot wait to get into my new home. I cannot have more than one dog at the trailer park. When i am in my own home, I will begin to foster. I wish i were there now so I could help out and lend a fostering hand to those who are working to save as many of the animals as possible...

[violaine]

HSUS Indiana Update

February 2010

Here’s what the Humane Society of the United States is up to in Indiana recently.

In this update:

1. Indiana Humane Lobby Day on February 23rd - RSVP Now!

2. Alleged Dogfighting Operations Raided in Indiana / Rescued Puppies Ask Legislators to Help Less Fortunate Dogs

3. House Bill 1258 Clears House, Moves to Senate

4. HSUS Pursues Petition to Outlaw Cruel Coyote Penning in Indiana

Indiana Humane Lobby Day – RSVP Now!



Think only professional lobbyists can lobby? Think again! Come to our free Indiana Humane Lobby Day in Indianapolis on Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010 to make a tremendous difference for animals.

This is an exciting opportunity to meet directly with your elected officials or their staff about legislation that will significantly impact animals. There will be a briefing with tips for lobbying and an overview of pending animal legislation that will prepare you to meet your elected officials and advocate for animals. Any way you can help spread the word about this event is much appreciated! Please note that you must RSVP in order to attend, we will not be accepting day-of registrations this year.
RSVP here if you plan on attending!

Alleged Dogfighting Operations Raided in Indiana

In August 2009, the Humane Society of the United States assisted law enforcement with the largest dogfighting raid in Indiana’s history. Over 100 dogs were seized from deplorable conditions.

Rescued Puppies Ask Legislators to Help Less Fortunate Dogs

As ambassadors for Indiana’s fighting dogs, three of the puppies rescued from the raid went to the Indiana Statehouse to meet with legislators about strengthening Indiana’s animal fighting laws.


House Bill 1258 Clears House, Moves to Senate


House Bill 1258, the animal fighting and pet store bill, cleared the House of Representatives the week of February 1st with a strong bipartisan vote of 71-26.

Introduced by Rep. Linda Lawson, the bill would make it a felony to be a spectator at an animal fight, would add animal fighting to the list of crimes in the state RICO statute, would require pet stores to provide consumers with information on the origin of their puppies prior to purchase, and would require people who own horses to provide them with shelter that is free of standing water.

If your legislator was one of the 26 who voted against this common-sense bill that would protect dogs in Indiana, please contact them and let them know that you were unhappy with their ‘no’ vote on HB 1258. The number for the Indiana House of Representatives is 317-232-9600.


HSUS Pursues Petition to Outlaw Cruel Coyote Penning in Indiana


In the summer, the HSUS submitted a petition to the Indiana Natural Resources Commission to prohibit cruel coyote penning in Indiana.

The Commission is expected to vote during their March meeting on whether or not to prohibit the pens that do exist in Indiana.

Please contact the Natural Resources Commission here and urge them to outlaw coyote pens in Indiana.


Indiana State Director

[violaine]

Basic Guidelines for a Shelter

http://www.animalsheltering.org/resource_library/policies_and_guidelines/guidelines_for_an imal_shelter_policies.html?log-event=sp2f-view-item&nid=120811371

Standards in Statistics and Transparency

http://www.asilomaraccords.org/

(I don’t know how animals are tracked, etc. If Chief ACO were to use petfinder.com, she would be able to use http://www.petpoint.com/ which is a free shelter management software system to track everything that needs to be known about the animals. The goal is to know what the issues are in your community, why the animals are coming in and creating programs that chip away at those issues.) With petpoint, you can easily print actual kennel cards that should stay with the animal on it’s cage while it is at the shelter. It tracks all the info about the animal, vaccinations, etc.

Adoptions/Dog Walkers

They should also be implementing a program called “Meet your Match” and have adoption counselors.
Meet your Match is a nationally renowned program and now a standard for good shelters to match the right animal with the right person and avoid return adoptions. Bloomington did this and we have very few return adoptions now.

http://www.aspca.org/adoption/meet-your-match/

We also have dog walker volunteers who volunteer and walk dogs everyday to get them out of their cages. We have a training, rules they have to follow, etc. It is a great program that makes for happier dogs and helps us determine their personalities, etc. We also have trained the volunteers now to do basic training with the dogs when they walk them. Any dogs that need some training to improve their adoptability get it from the select group of dog training volunteers or we have even had a certified trainer come in and work with problem dogs that just need a little schooling.


Cleaning Protocols/Disease Control
I would ask for a copy of cleaning protocols document that they should have. There should be cleaning protocols for disease control/prevention, regular daily cleaning, etc. Do they have protocol for what to do if they have a parvo outbreak? Or another highly contagious disease? (As you know, you NEVER HOSE A KENNEL WITH A DOG IN IT!!! Good lord;(

They should be working to strategically minimize euthanasia to just animals that have major health issues that can’t be treated, major behavior problems (aggression, etc.) and get away from euthanasia for space. This should all be reported to the public on a regular basis with the detail of why they are euthanized, source of the animals, etc. If you don’t know any of these things, how can you fix the problems? In the end you save the tax dollars because you are fixing the problems.

This is a lot to take in, but these are just a couple of areas of things that should be brought up. This stuff is the basic, baseline expectations for a shelter. Bloomington was in a similar place as you several years ago. They changed management and followed all of the best practices and now the shelter is a welcoming, happy place that has seen it’s intake numbers go down, public awareness up and is a jewel in the community.

We have volunteers who take pictures of adoptable animals each week, load it to petfinder with descriptions, and produce our weekly adoptable posters that go out in hundreds of locations around town. Volunteers distribute these flyers each week and again are something that our community expects, loves and it produces tons of adoptions. The right group of volunteers and a well outlined program makes all of this really easy and very little effort on the shelter’s part.

I would also ask when is the last time Chief AC Officer went to any national trainings/conferences to stay up on trends in animal welfare. I bet it has been a long time, if ever.

Good luck and let me know if there are others areas/topics that you need further info about. I’m happy to provide it!

[at the top of this letter:

Good luck with your meeting coming up. I know that [your commissioner] talked to [a board member of our animal sheltering welfare group] (Ft. Wayne) last week. The impression is that [your commissioner] thinks [chief AC Officer for your county] knows what she is doing and that the issues brought up aren’t all that valid. [your commissioner] is however leaning toward a national evaluation of the shelter if they can afford it/want to spend the money. our board member talked to your commissioner about our indiana animal control welfare org., but also gave the commissioner the links to the national organizations that will do an evaluation.

That may be the only thing that gets him to see that things are not right at the shelter. He emailed me saying he would be interested in info from our welfare org. I asked by when and he never responded.
I will put together a basic outline of stuff that should be done and offer greater details, etc. as they need/want it. We feel if we give him too much details program information they will be overwhelmed. Very much a learning curve here].

[Kimbo]

So I've had this lil' feral named Sweet Pea, she came from a hoarding situation and was probably inbred. She's owned me now for around 5 years. Over the years I have gained her trust and she lets me touch and pet her. Over the last year she has actively been seeking me to give her love and she lets me know she wants lovin' by putting her fang in my skin or better yet she claws me. I've only picked her up once and it wasn't a good experience for either of us. I got brave and decided I would try to pick her up again.....this time I was able to put her on my knee for a brief second....she growled and was definitely not liking it BUT-no blood was drawn, she didn't thrash or claw. Progress? I think so. I might try to pick her up again soon.

A few minutes after I put her down she was over it and back over fanging me for attention. Ferals bring me the most joy....I really love all the steps..it's a lifetime of earning trust and baby steps.

[FeminineAllure]

I can so relate to Kimbos entire post.
I have 6 ferals I look after and 1 is a kitten. Then I have my once feral cat punkin who has been with me for years now.
It is amazing how far Punkin has come. When we first found eachother he was a feral that I fed but he would only eat and drink if I was like 10 feet away from him. This went on for weeks. He finally came inside one day through the open sliding door. He walked the entire perimeter of my home and then finally let me pet him. It just melts my heart when a feral finally trusts you enough to pet them. So Punkin slept next to me on the floor the first night. When I woke up I forgot I had a cat and he forgot he was inside and he bit me on the ankle. He had an appointment with a vet and I did hold my breath being bitten until his bloodwork cleared.
He is the most loving, loyal, big ball of mush today. He is my soulmate animal.

Back to the ferals... picture fixing 6 plates of food, water, cat milk and having your own cat at your feet because Punkin must come with me to feed them all lol. I open the door and there they all are at the bottom of the steps waiting for me! Then I have the one cat that may be inbred it is like she has ADD. She does not stop moving, rolling on the ground, doing flips in the air and I am trying to introduce my own cat to her because I want to adopt her when she is more socialized.
So...We all walk out back as I put out their food. 2 of the cats will let me pet them but are still a little scared.
I bought them toys and play with them when I can.
Animals are so precious, vulnerable and unconditional.

[violaine]

[QUOTE=Kimbo;50748]So I've had this lil' feral named Sweet Pea, she came from a hoarding situation and was probably inbred. She's owned me now for around 5 years. Over the years I have gained her trust and she lets me touch and pet her. Over the last year she has actively been seeking me to give her love and she lets me know she wants lovin' by putting her fang in my skin or better yet she claws me. I've only picked her up once and it wasn't a good experience for either of us. I got brave and decided I would try to pick her up again.....this time I was able to put her on my knee for a brief second....she growled and was definitely not liking it BUT-no blood was drawn, she didn't thrash or claw. Progress? I think so. I might try to pick her up again soon.

A few minutes after I put her down she was over it and back over fanging me for attention. Ferals bring me the most joy....I really love all the steps..it's a lifetime of earning trust and baby steps.

dear kimbo :supermanbooth:

i love your fanging story [and lisa's!]. thank you for leaving them here :)
catching little ones is not as easy as one might believe at first glance, but in my experience, once they are removed from the HAH or pet crate, and held for a little while, the hissing and spitting [maybe fanging?] calms down ;)

awesome work!

bella
ox

[FeminineAllure]

Punkin fangs me all of the time. He will take his mouth and rub his teeth up against my hand while I am petting him. I believe it is the cats way of marking you with their scent and saying "You are mine and you belong to me!!!"

[Kimbo]

Punkin fangs me all of the time. He will take his mouth and rub his teeth up against my hand while I am petting him. I believe it is the cats way of marking you with their scent and saying "You are mine and you belong to me!!!"

I've never had one of the tamer cats fang me...I think it might be something more common to ferals. Yes it is ownership, that's a given & I've given in :heartbeat:--I don't mind the fangs but I wished she'd hold down the claws a bit. ouch, ouch..

[violaine]

could either of you - kimbo or lisa- please share how you are able to do the best work for the ferals coming to your house, and/or the colony, please? thank you. when do you put out a HAH/crate? how do you feel about separating the mom if you must, from the babies? do you try to neut the males first - and does that help reduce the chance of other feral males entering into the colony? who helps you do the work- if anyone- and where do you turn for placement of adult / teen ferals?

[FeminineAllure]

could either of you - kimbo or lisa- please share how you are able to do the best work for the ferals coming to your house, and/or the colony, please? thank you. when do you put out a HAH/crate? how do you feel about separating the mom if you must, from the babies? do you try to neut the males first - and does that help reduce the chance of other feral males entering into the colony? who helps you do the work- if anyone- and where do you turn for placement of adult / teen ferals?

My best work currently is providing decent shelter, food, love and next on my list is medical. I have people that will help me TNR and get them to a vet but the fee is quite high. If I do it myself I belive it is 55.00 per cat.
As far as seperating the baby kitten from the mother I would have to do that if the mother or kitten had feline AIDS or leukemia . I would try to spay the females before the males. Because other feral males are able to enter the colony. As well as males from the same family.
There is no one helping me with the work. There is a local agency that offered me food and offered a day a clinic spayed and nutered the cats in some location I was unfamiliar with.
No shelters are accepting kittens at this time. With the economy not as many adoptions are taking place.
I love the ferals. They each have a unique personality and they would be missed.
My goal is to socialize them before I would adopt them or seek to adopt them out. And I don't want them to sit in a shelter in a cage waiting for a home.
Some ferals I believe from what I have seen and experienced are just not sociable with humans or adoptable.

[Kimbo]

could either of you - kimbo or lisa- please share how you are able to do the best work for the ferals coming to your house, and/or the colony, please? thank you. when do you put out a HAH/crate? how do you feel about separating the mom if you must, from the babies? do you try to neut the males first - and does that help reduce the chance of other feral males entering into the colony? who helps you do the work- if anyone- and where do you turn for placement of adult / teen ferals?

I'll be back in tonight to address your question. I'm sure it will be a long post.

[Andrew, Jr.]

When I rock Dino, he loves to suck the webbing between my thumb and first finger. I have never had a dog do that before. I was one proud papa that night.

Andrew

:pipe:

[Kimbo]

As promised:

Situations vary on how I go about trapping--in a colony/hoarding case we take out as many traps as we can and get as many at once as we can care for. In my neighborhood it's single cats--I have 2 traps, one big Havaheart and one small squirrel trap that I use for trapping kittens.

In hoarder cases or colony cases we go in and feed for a week or two before hand. At one of the housing projects here that was being torn down we drove in and set up food/water stations and then made a strict point of driving the same car every night at the same time to feed them. 2 days before we are going to trap we only take out water and no food, on the third day we go in and set traps all around the feeding stations. In the traps we always put some mackerel or tuna. We NEVER leave traps unattended especially where kitties are involved. We set the trap and put inside two cat food cans, one with food and one empty so we can put water in it later. On the floor of the trap we put a little cardboard or newspaper and over the trap we place a towel. Once a trap is tripped we try to get to them as quick as we can. We cover the trap on all 4 sides to keep the cat calm, if you leave them uncovered they thrash and fight and hurt themselves. If we need the trap we find a confided area and transfer the cat to a crate. The transfer is a process in itself--if the cat see's one crack of light it will get out. We place the doors of the trap and the crate together with a board in-between them. We put towels-pillows around each side of the gap so there hopefully is no escape routes. We then slowly pull the board up and give the kitty a gentle nudge and it will move into the crate. Once in the crate the board goes back down immediately, pull the trap away and then slide the board out as we close the crate door. If we don't need the traps again we leave the cats in them. If the cats are staying in the trap they need the cardboard or a towel to lay on. If they are going in a crate we put newspaper on the floors with a towel so that they have some barrier to their urine. Once we are done trapping for the night (generally a dusk to midnight job) we take the cats to a safe garage or barn, give them a go over as best we can, water them (just a little) and cover them up for the night. The next morning bright and early we load them up for the clinic to get spayed or neutered.

At the clinic they knock them out spay and neuter them and then put the animals back in crates that we have supplied. The males stay in the crates and recover for the day, we feed them and release them that night. The females stay with us for at least a day--we watch them for any additional issues. Once they are up and moving and seem like they are going to be okay we feed and release them. The ideal situation is to release them back to where they came from. If they can't go back we try to find barns or other people who are managing a colony and see if we can release into their colony. The groups I work with give and take--if someone has some land they often will take the ferals that have no home, we take the kitties and adoptable older cats and try to adopt them out.

Sometimes an animal will be euthanized. The vets here evaluate every cat and treat as much as they can while they are under but occasionally they will find one that will suffer if let out into a colony. In these cases they will euthanize. They like to test ferals for kitty leukemia because it is transmitted to other cats, most often in these cases, if positive, they euthanize.

It talks a lot to get the feral out of cats and to gain their trust. Most people feel that feral kittens become unadoptable if they are not handled before about 10 weeks old--some say younger. I can tell you I have taken in feral kittens, it is not easy to tame them. Also my house does not work in their favor because I live a very quiet life...I have to induce noises in my house so that doesn't freak them out when they go into a home. The trick with any feral especially kittens is keep them confined!! I always feel guilty and want to let them out, staying caged is in their best interest! They are ready to roam when they quit hiding so much. I have cages that are open so they don't hide in a crate--the open cages allow them to see the world around and to become curious about it. You are best of to have less ferals and give them more time then to have many ferals and give them less time. The more feral kittens are handled the better. If I am home the cage moves from room to room with me--I take one kitten out one at a time for as much one on one time as I can give them. The more one on one interaction the better. I invite friends over to hold them and play with them. I've had great success with kittens but I've had some that never did tame. I had a dog at the time so I also exposed the kittens to my dog. My Sadie dog loved her kitties!

Very rarely do I bring adults home...I've taken in two and I've kept them in my office for a month or two and then I slowly integrated them with mine. During that time I would attempt to touch them but most often all I did for them was fed and clean up after them. I totally run on instinct when it comes to them. I have a dog door in my house so the other cats teach them how to use it and then they come and go as they please. They don't go to vets or get tons of shots. When I am working with adult ferals I do not look them in the eye, I use my peripheral vision. Eye contact can be threatening to them. Also if I do look a cat in the eye I do not stare and will blink my eyes slowly twice if we do gain contact. They do that with each other.

If they cats are in my neighborhood I find a feeding spot for them for a week or two and then out goes the trap. I release them back into my neighborhood and keep an eye on them. Predators in Seattle for feral cats are coyotes, raccoons, eagles, hawks and possums (although rare). The kittens are more exposed to other birds like seagulls, crows and blue jays. Feral cats will often abandon a kitten or all their kittens especially if they are first time mothers. Very rarely will you save a kitten who has not nursed from it's mother, I've seen it happen with 2 kittens that were abandoned but it took a village. Hand feeding newborn kittens is exhausting, they need fed and expressed every 2-4 hours.

Lots of people will help you trap if you are willing to help yourself, so to speak. If someone asks me to help them I want them to be involved. That means I will come and set the traps and teach them how to set it, I want them to watch the trap. Once a cat is trapped they can tend to it for the night or call me and I will come get it. If people wanted me to come deal with the situation I tend to be less involved mainly because it is difficult to find barns or other colonies and I just cannot let them all out into my neighborhood. There are costs depending on your state. We are very fortunate here to have great resources. Some things that can help save expenses are to only test the adults for leukemia--if one is positive then you may want to test the others. If it's mother cat with kittens we only test the mother. I do not get rabies shots only because rabies is very rare in Seattle however we have a growing bat population and I think I would rethink that now. I do give them the FVRCP shots---that one shot alone I think is worth it's weight in gold.

Anyways that's my 2 cents.

[Diavolo]

I've got a rescue Dobe at the house right now. She might have nipped at a child or something. She's only 9months old and she's just a spazz. Very sweet dog that just needs some training. Bubba is just being a snot. He's snapped at her a couple of times. She's heading to the rescue hopefully tomorrow. I need some rest before Sunday.

[Andrew, Jr.]

I hope everyone is doing well. :rose:

[violaine]

all is calm for now here- another meeting tomorrow afternoon w/commissioners.

the dobe rescue, andrew, feminineallure, and kimbo's work = ongoing and hard, but so very rewarding. thank you all for being you <3

hugs-
bella

[violaine]

[QUOTE=Kimbo;51358]As promised:

Situations vary on how I go about trapping--in a colony/hoarding case we take out as many traps as we can and get as many at once as we can care for. In my neighborhood it's single cats--I have 2 traps, one big Havaheart and one small squirrel trap that I use for trapping kittens.

In hoarder cases or colony cases we go in and feed for a week or two before hand. At one of the housing projects here that was being torn down we drove in and set up food/water stations and then made a strict point of driving the same car every night at the same time to feed them. 2 days before we are going to trap we only take out water and no food, on the third day we go in and set traps all around the feeding stations. In the traps we always put some mackerel or tuna. We NEVER leave traps unattended especially where kitties are involved. We set the trap and put inside two cat food cans, one with food and one empty so we can put water in it later. On the floor of the trap we put a little cardboard or newspaper and over the trap we place a towel. Once a trap is tripped we try to get to them as quick as we can. We cover the trap on all 4 sides to keep the cat calm, if you leave them uncovered they thrash and fight and hurt themselves. If we need the trap we find a confided area and transfer the cat to a crate. The transfer is a process in itself--if the cat see's one crack of light it will get out. We place the doors of the trap and the crate together with a board in-between them. We put towels-pillows around each side of the gap so there hopefully is no escape routes. We then slowly pull the board up and give the kitty a gentle nudge and it will move into the crate. Once in the crate the board goes back down immediately, pull the trap away and then slide the board out as we close the crate door. If we don't need the traps again we leave the cats in them. If the cats are staying in the trap they need the cardboard or a towel to lay on. If they are going in a crate we put newspaper on the floors with a towel so that they have some barrier to their urine. Once we are done trapping for the night (generally a dusk to midnight job) we take the cats to a safe garage or barn, give them a go over as best we can, water them (just a little) and cover them up for the night. The next morning bright and early we load them up for the clinic to get spayed or neutered.

At the clinic they knock them out spay and neuter them and then put the animals back in crates that we have supplied. The males stay in the crates and recover for the day, we feed them and release them that night. The females stay with us for at least a day--we watch them for any additional issues. Once they are up and moving and seem like they are going to be okay we feed and release them. The ideal situation is to release them back to where they came from. If they can't go back we try to find barns or other people who are managing a colony and see if we can release into their colony. The groups I work with give and take--if someone has some land they often will take the ferals that have no home, we take the kitties and adoptable older cats and try to adopt them out.

Sometimes an animal will be euthanized. The vets here evaluate every cat and treat as much as they can while they are under but occasionally they will find one that will suffer if let out into a colony. In these cases they will euthanize. They like to test ferals for kitty leukemia because it is transmitted to other cats, most often in these cases, if positive, they euthanize.

It talks a lot to get the feral out of cats and to gain their trust. Most people feel that feral kittens become unadoptable if they are not handled before about 10 weeks old--some say younger. I can tell you I have taken in feral kittens, it is not easy to tame them. Also my house does not work in their favor because I live a very quiet life...I have to induce noises in my house so that doesn't freak them out when they go into a home. The trick with any feral especially kittens is keep them confined!! I always feel guilty and want to let them out, staying caged is in their best interest! They are ready to roam when they quit hiding so much. I have cages that are open so they don't hide in a crate--the open cages allow them to see the world around and to become curious about it. You are best of to have less ferals and give them more time then to have many ferals and give them less time. The more feral kittens are handled the better. If I am home the cage moves from room to room with me--I take one kitten out one at a time for as much one on one time as I can give them. The more one on one interaction the better. I invite friends over to hold them and play with them. I've had great success with kittens but I've had some that never did tame. I had a dog at the time so I also exposed the kittens to my dog. My Sadie dog loved her kitties!

Very rarely do I bring adults home...I've taken in two and I've kept them in my office for a month or two and then I slowly integrated them with mine. During that time I would attempt to touch them but most often all I did for them was fed and clean up after them. I totally run on instinct when it comes to them. I have a dog door in my house so the other cats teach them how to use it and then they come and go as they please. They don't go to vets or get tons of shots. When I am working with adult ferals I do not look them in the eye, I use my peripheral vision. Eye contact can be threatening to them. Also if I do look a cat in the eye I do not stare and will blink my eyes slowly twice if we do gain contact. They do that with each other.

If they cats are in my neighborhood I find a feeding spot for them for a week or two and then out goes the trap. I release them back into my neighborhood and keep an eye on them. Predators in Seattle for feral cats are coyotes, raccoons, eagles, hawks and possums (although rare). The kittens are more exposed to other birds like seagulls, crows and blue jays. Feral cats will often abandon a kitten or all their kittens especially if they are first time mothers. Very rarely will you save a kitten who has not nursed from it's mother, I've seen it happen with 2 kittens that were abandoned but it took a village. Hand feeding newborn kittens is exhausting, they need fed and expressed every 2-4 hours.

Lots of people will help you trap if you are willing to help yourself, so to speak. If someone asks me to help them I want them to be involved. That means I will come and set the traps and teach them how to set it, I want them to watch the trap. Once a cat is trapped they can tend to it for the night or call me and I will come get it. If people wanted me to come deal with the situation I tend to be less involved mainly because it is difficult to find barns or other colonies and I just cannot let them all out into my neighborhood. There are costs depending on your state. We are very fortunate here to have great resources. Some things that can help save expenses are to only test the adults for leukemia--if one is positive then you may want to test the others. If it's mother cat with kittens we only test the mother. I do not get rabies shots only because rabies is very rare in Seattle however we have a growing bat population and I think I would rethink that now. I do give them the FVRCP shots---that one shot alone I think is worth it's weight in gold.

Anyways that's my 2 cents.

i really appreciate every inch of this post :) do you feel like you need some :cannabis: after typing all of that, and remembering the cases? ha.

{{{ kimbo}}}

your work is awesome, friend. the kitties are lucky to know you along their journeys.

[Kimbo]

i really appreciate every inch of this post :) do you feel like you need some :cannabis: after typing all of that, and remembering the cases? ha.

{{{ kimbo}}}

your work is awesome, friend. the kitties are lucky to know you along their journeys.

I do see the typo's and bad punctuation.. I am amazed I got that much out!

And yes...I just may need that stuff :peacelove:

[violaine]

gaining trust of a feral - when he comes around out of his comfort zone, for food from a human is pretty huge. in a minor way, i can compare the guinea pigs- who are prey animals- and while they trust me, beings who want to be picked up and held, is not prey animal wiring. accepting a prey animal/gp, or feral for who they are allows a person to see the full range/beauty of their appreciation of us !

:tiger:

[violaine]

On 2/16/10 3:10 PM/tuesday
Hi all,

The Commissioners meeting this morning didn't go exactly as planned (but it never does, right?!). Me and X were in attendance. During "wishes to be heard", I asked the commissioners if they were [Chief ACOs] boss and oversaw "general shelter operations" and they agreed.

I then led into some questions that I knew they couldn't answer very well since they truly have no idea about what goes on in the shelter. My intent was to follow up my questions with a request to hold a public forum so that [Chief ACO] could answer everyone's burning questions. The Commissioners actually attempted to give very vague answers to the questions that I asked, and told me that my questions would be best answered at the meeting that I have with Chief ACO and Commissioner this Thursday [later today]. I told them that was fine, but that I still thought it would be most effective to hold a public forum so that EVERYONE could ask questions. Commissioner X spoke up and told me that public forums like that typically turn into a bunch of angry people just "beating up" on the person answering the questions for the public. He said that he didn't think it was a good idea, and that he wouldn't be able to give me an answer about the public forum at that time. I took that as a "NO" for getting a public forum.

X and I did stick around to hear X Commissioner report on the decision regarding which organization would be used to assess the current state of the shelter. X Comm. said that he's contacted several local/state organizations but that no one really wanted to get involved with it because of the drama surrounding the shelter. He said that he's got a few national organizations that would be willing to assess the shelter but that they charge a fee - he didn't mention who the organizations were or what the fee would cost. He then asked the commissioners if they thought it would be a good idea to contact several reputable local vets to assess the shelter and the commissioners agreed that it might be something worth looking into. My opinion is that local vets know how to run a for-profit vets office, and have little to no experience in how a shelter should be operated... but this is still better than the original idea of bringing in the State Board of Animal Health. I think that someone within Humane Society needs to take charge and compile a list of organizations that could fairly assess the shelter. I just don't think that X Comm. is really qualified to chose the best organization for the job and needs some guidance. Maybe Indiana Welfare Sheltering Org. could assist us with this? [see below response].

The last important detail at the meeting was that Chief ACO has requested new laptops for all of her AC officers to carry with them while they're out on patrol in their vans. They apparently already have laptops but they are 5 years old and the batteries don't stay charged in them, so rather than replace the batteries with new $150 ones, she would like $9297 to purchase new laptops. They mentioned that this could possibly be paid for with money from the shelter's donation fund. Also, keep in mind too that she's asking for new laptops with the knowledge that the Commissioners are looking to reduce the number of people she has on staff.

Any thoughts on all this?

[response]

Hi all!
Below are the main two evaluations from national organizations that I know of. B. gave the information to X Comm. and told him at the time it would cost him money. I agree the contacting a vet is not the way to go. Vets and animal shelters are two totally different things. There are vets out there that specialize in shelter medicine, but not necessarily shelter operations. Your average private vet does not have the background in sheltering needed to really do an evaluation of the shelter in it’s entirety.

Shelter medicine vets would come into play to just address health of the animals in the shelter and typical shelter medicine issues such as kennel cough, upper respiratory infections in cats, protocols for highly contagious diseases such as parvo, etc.

American Humane Shelter Evaluation:
http://www.americanhumane.org/protecting-animals/shelter-professionals/shelter-training-ev aluation-program/

HSUS Evaluation:
http://www.animalsheltering.org/programs_and_services/shelter_evaluation_program/

X Comm. has yet to answer my email asking him what his timeline is for getting a basic informational report to them. I’m a little confused that he would tell the commissioners that others don’t want to help. We offered, just not willing at this point to go in the shelter because we probably wouldn’t get the info we needed anyway. The report we are willing to give him would however be very helpful for him to educate himself. There are also shelter self-evaluations questionnaires that they could use to get an idea of where they are what they need to do. Probably not best to have Chief ACO answer the questions, but it could be eye opening.

Maybe one of you can contact the above two organizations and get the info about how much evaluations would cost, what it would take, etc. They both would do an awesome job. Possibly a fundraising opportunity to have the community ban together and chip in the funds to purchase the evaluation?

[Kimbo]

gaining trust of a feral - when he comes around out of his comfort zone, for food from a human is pretty huge. in a minor way, i can compare the guinea pigs- who are prey animals- and while they trust me, beings who want to be picked up and held, is not prey animal wiring. accepting a prey animal/gp, or feral for who they are allows a person to see the full range/beauty of their appreciation of us !

:tiger:

so true---when working with ferals it is all on their time, you cannot push them or they will turn away. The good thing is that they are very forgiving and once the learn the beauty of the power of touch they do enjoy being touched and loved but being held really takes alot.

I have thoughts on your post but will be back to address when I am off work.

[violaine]

Hi all,

After nearly 2 hours of talking with Chief AC Officer, X Commissioner, and S. (Chief ACO's "#2 in-charge") today, I got several really positive points that I wanted to make everyone aware of. I am attaching the questions that I asked at the meeting (and I got nearly all of them answered) and have record of the exact answers in my possession. T. joined me at the meeting to take notes and interject her own comments/questions, and she really did a great job helping to keep the meeting on track while inputting some really great questions/comments as well!

The overall gist of the meeting that I got was that Chief ACO simply has too much on her plate to deal with all of the issues. Here's the basic meeting hightlights:

Volunteers: Ch.ACO said that she would "LOVE" to have volunteers. She said that she already has a volunteer application ready, but continually pointed out that volunteers could not walk dogs. While CH ACO really didn't give a concrete answer as to why volunteers weren't used, she did mention that HS did start a program "3 or 4 years ago" and that it didn't work out. She said that a previous HS President, ended up being the only volunteer that showed up through the "volunteer program" and CHACO said that she actually ended up hiring the one volunteer. CHACO said that it's up to the Commissioners if they want to allow volunteers, but she said that if HS wanted to coordinate the volunteers and start a program for the volunteers, the liability issue would be put on HS and not the shelter since they would technically be volunteering for HS. She said that she wouldn't care at all if someone came in, took pictures of the animals, and posted them to Petfinder.com. She said that she would even supply a bio for the animals being posted, and would let the person posting the animals know when one had been adopted. I made sure that X Commissioner noted that getting volunteers into the shelter was a top priority that I wanted brought up to the Commissioners.

Cleaning Practices: CHACO admitted to spaying down the cages with water while the animals were in them. She noted that was standard practice, and CHACO's assistant mentioned that it really didnt' matter anyways because the animals stand and lay in their own fecee's anyways. She said that she just doesn't have room to let the animal out while the cage is cleaned since the shelter is "at capacity". She said that the animal can get up on a bench inside the cage and stand while the cage is being cleaned so they don't get wet. She said that because they have heated floors, the animals aren't getting wet. She ended by saying that AC/shelter has one of the highest healthy adoption rates in the State.

Animal Control Authority: I pointed out the change in the ordinance from 1991, and asked her if she thought it would be a good idea to reinstate the Authority so that the Commissioners wouldn't have to deal with the shelter issues as often. She never directly answered if she thought it would be a good idea, but X Commissioner spoke up and said that it was certainly feasible to create an "advisory board" to act as a watchdog and buffer between CHACO and the Commissioners. He made sure to note that this would be comprised only of volunteers and the Commissioners would still be CHACO's boss.

Revenue & Financial Figures: The figures listed in her report actually checked out once she explained, so this was pretty much a dead end. We might want to contacty the auditors office and see her line items and where money is going because she had absolutely no idea. One important thing that X Commissioner and CHACO did mention was that donations couldn't be given with a stipulation attached (i.e. use this donation for cats only, spay/neuter,etc) and that CHACO and the shelter could use the donation for absolutely anything they wanted from buying new laptops, purchasing a vehicle, pizza parties for the staff, etc. She did say that she has 6 animal control officers, 1 kennel attendant, 1 kennel attendant/office help, and then her and the assistant.

Rescue Groups: She said that she 100% works with rescue groups, but the first thing that she does is tries to adopt the animals out herself before contacting rescues. She said that she really only wants to work with 501c3 "official" rescue groups. She did admit that the rescue has to go through the same process as anyone else trying to adopt an animal, but she claimed that this was a work in progress to streamline the process for rescue groups.

Euthanasia: Again, she had no idea how much it cost to euth. a 40 lbs. dog but said she will have that number to me by middle of next week. She admitted to using a squeeze cage on "feral, agressive animals" and a "gate" on wild animals, and she said that the shelter has a very nice table in the back where all other animals are euthanized. She did say that all animals are given a seditive prior to the euthanasia drug being administered, and that the euth. drug was either given intravenous or heart stick. She gave us the names of the drugs that she uses, and I'll look into them to see the effects and whether those are recommended. She stated that all of her animal control officers are approved to euthanize an animal and stated that Dr. M. and 2 other vets are the ones that give the officers the training. She didn't sound too sure about this, so I would bet that not all ac officers go to the vets she mentioned to receive training. She sounded like she was trying to cover up something when asked about euthanizing the animals. CHACO didn't seem to think that "shelter-requested" euthanasia rate was bad. She said that they are keeping track of the reasons why the animals are being euthanized now (at the request of the Commissioners).

Adoptions: CHACO seemed to think that her adoption process was easy (even though she requires cash payment for adoptions along a $9.95 money order made out to the AKC). She said that she would much rather adopt an animal than have to put it to sleep.

Marketing: CHACO agreed that she needed to get the shelter marketed better through online media and other media sources. She said that she would be happy if a volunteer would help to take this up.

Saturday Hours: I questioned CHACO about the Saturday hours, pointing out that she had listed 46 open Saturdays in her report, even though it the shelter could have only been open a maximum of 22. I also pointed out that her phone and website were never changed to note the new Saturday hours until April - she said it wasn't her fault and that the engineering department was responsible. I asked her point blank if she wanted to keep Saturday hours and she never gave me a direct answer but eluded to the fact that she doesn't because 1) she's getting more people surrendering their animals on Saturday's, and 2) it means that she has to lose a staff member one day through the week so that the shelter can be opened on Saturday's.

I hope that summarized most of the main points, but if there is a question that you see in the attachment that I did post an answer to, just shoot me an email and I'll get you the exact response. CHACO, X Commissioner, and CHACO's assistant know that I'm serious and that there are MANY serious people out here that want to see the shelter move into the 21st century, so I really think that as long as we stay on CHACO, assistant, & Commissioners, change is bound to happen. Please continue to attend the meetings about this, and certainly go to the Commissioners meetings every Tuesday at 9:30am. I am sticking with this until I physically see the change with my own two eyes, and I hope that everyone else sticks with it too!


Regards,

[BestButchBoy]

gaining trust of a feral - when he comes around out of his comfort zone, for food from a human is pretty huge. in a minor way, i can compare the guinea pigs- who are prey animals- and while they trust me, beings who want to be picked up and held, is not prey animal wiring. accepting a prey animal/gp, or feral for who they are allows a person to see the full range/beauty of their appreciation of us !

:tiger:


When I lived in Boston I had a colony of ferals that I fed, watered and neutered. I got 4 of them homes. And, I'm still in love with one special kitty who now lives with a good friend of mine in Boston. Her name is Buddy. Trust didn't come easy for her, but, we eventually bonded. And now, she lives a wonderful, love-filled life.

It's a tough life for all those poor babies out there---some abandoned, some just born wild. Same for packs of dogs.

I will never understand why ppl choose to an animal and then don't take care of it until it's life is over. It's a crime.

Gratefully, there are a lot ppl who take care of these poor wayward souls.

Good work!

[violaine]

I have a couple of questions.

What was her answer when asked about "counseling" owners who called to surrender their pets? Is there any type of "counsel" given into other options verses total surrender?

She said that when a person wants to surrender an animal, they are asked to fill out a card with any info that they have on the pet. She said that they receive both strays and family pets as surrenders CHACO assistant- said that they will try to "work with" the owner if they are surrendering a pet, such as giving the owner a bag of dog food (if surrender is for a financial reason). It was clear that there is no direct or written procedure for "counseling" owners who are surrendering an animal, so I'm guessing the person at the front desk can chose to counsel an owner if he/she wants. Owners are not directly told that the animal will have little chance for making it out of the shelter and into a home, but it does list in the fine print of the form the owner fills out that the animal could be euthanized.

I have also been thinking of how to request info on what percentage of animals taken in are of a "law enforcement" variety verses "standard shelter" type intake.

she said- I understand your question, and I believe this is outlined for the most part in the 2009 Animal Control Report. I asked CHACO what the "city in" figure meant and she said that was for animals that came in from the X Animal Control Officer (who apparently isn't affiliated with AC/shelter and works directly for the town of X) or its from animals being dropped off by public officials who are on duty such as police officiers. It sounded like the Commissioners are making them keep better bookkeeping on where the animals are coming from, why they are being euthanized, etc.


What was her response to the questions about animals "born in" the shelter?

CHACO said- that they don't have a vet on staff so if an animal comes in pregnant, then there is no way for the shelter to abort the pregnacy so they end up isolating the mother to let her birth her puppies/kittens. This was the first instance that I've heard of where a shelter doesn't have any way to abort a pregnacy. I hate to be insensitive, but it would probably cost the county less to abort the pregnacy then allow the mother to have the babies, have to care for the babies, and then the babies meet an almost certain death via euthanasia.


What was the answer to the # to reach their "at-capacity" and runs being used for storage?

Neither CHACO or assistant had any idea what the capacity of the shelter was...

they only said - that they had 30 runs. She did admit to the "Whelping kennel" being used for storage and the outside runs being used for storage or not being used at all. She said that most people who go to the shelter and see a section of the shelter blocked off think that part of the shelter isn't being used when in fact, that part of the shelter is used for the "expecting or birthing mothers area".

How did she respond when asked if she wanted a relationship with the Humane Society?

This was one of the only questions that I didn't get to ask because X Commissioner cut the meeting off right before I got to that question. From what I could gather, CHACO has had problems with HS in the past but was open to working with HS in the future, so I would say she's willing.


I think that there were really great steps forward in the meeting to have a relationship and open disclosure that is long overdue. Let's try to keep the momentum moving forward!!!

[IttyBittyFem]

I have a couple of questions.

What was her answer when asked about "counseling" owners who called to surrender their pets? Is there any type of "counsel" given into other options verses total surrender?

She said that when a person wants to surrender an animal, they are asked to fill out a card with any info that they have on the pet. She said that they receive both strays and family pets as surrenders CHACO assistant- said that they will try to "work with" the owner if they are surrendering a pet, such as giving the owner a bag of dog food (if surrender is for a financial reason). It was clear that there is no direct or written procedure for "counseling" owners who are surrendering an animal, so I'm guessing the person at the front desk can chose to counsel an owner if he/she wants. Owners are not directly told that the animal will have little chance for making it out of the shelter and into a home, but it does list in the fine print of the form the owner fills out that the animal could be euthanized.

I'd like to address just one part of your post Violaine. In our "Off List" conversation, I mentioned I've been a volunteer for NJ Boxer Rescue for over 20 years. During this period of time, I've learned so much through each individual case.

From my experience, attempting to counsel anyone into keeping their pet when they've already come to the decision to give them up. The one thing that really has a LARGE red flag, for me anyway, is the fact any owner would bring their pet to a "Kill" facility, rather than a shelter that has a "No Kill" Policy. Then you have the factor that they obviously didn't make an attempt to place their pet on their own, whether it be through word of mouth, Ad's, etc. I could go on and on with numerous signs the Owner not only wants to get rid of their pet, as well as lack of effort to do what's best for the animal. However, I personally do not want to make any attempt to convince the owner into keeping the pet. I've seen it done and in almost every single case, the pet eventually ends up back at the original (or other) Shelter within a 6 month period of time.

If the animal is a purebred, every single breed has their own Rescue Organization. If the animal is not a purebred, there are tons of Rescue Organizations that handle those type of cases.

If the owner doesn't want to make the effort to seek out any of these Rescue Groups, then at least find a facility that has a "No Kill" Policy.
So basically, what I'm saying is, any person that has already made up their minds to be rid of their burden (harsh words however, it's a harsh situation) should not be counseled into keeping their pets. Allow the animal to have a second chance in life by finding them a home where they'll be loved and cared for, rather than feeling the vibe, 'I don't want you'. Animals have the ability to sense a human's feelings. Do we really want them to stay with people that clearly have no desire to keep their pet? NOT me. I'd rather see the animal go to a Foster Home, evaluated while at the Foster and matched up with a home that will love their new addition to their family.

One last thing - this is clearly my own personal opinion, derived from years of experience with Boxer Rescue. I certainly welcome anyone that have different experiences and/or different opinions to jump right in and let us see this from a different perspective. :aslpeacelove:

[Kimbo]

Itty, I don't completely agree with you and this is why. When was the last time you called a purebred rescue group or any rescue group and they actually were accepting an animal, openings/foster homes are far and few inbetween. Help, well, there are just not enough of us to help all the animals that need help. I had to accept that long ago.

Also, in counseling a family you can find out if there is something you could do to help them, say the animal was having a simple behaviour problem? What if leading the family to a resource to help with the issue then will allow them to keep the animal. Many animals get dumped at the shelter because of medical issues some simple to treat, others, well we all know what vet's cost!

And very few cities have no kill shelters, sadly, Seattle does not. With over 6 million animals euthanized a year...well where do we put them all? Who feeds them? It's just not a reality. What is reality is that people need to slowdown on the breeding, and more people need to be involved in their neighborhoods.

[Diavolo]

The problem is we want to throw the baby out with the bath water.

There are breeders and there are breeders. We had a situation just a couple of weeks ago where a guy had a litter of puppies. One had a broken leg and he acted as if he hadn't even seen it broken. It was sticking straight out. We got the puppy. A week later a volunteer bought all of the puppies. When we went to get the puppies we talked him out of both bitches. When those puppies go to homes from the rescue they'll have chips, tattoos and contracts that they come back to the rescue if ever they can't stay in their "forever" home. He is not a breeder. He's a dumb ass that let his two dogs fuck.

A real breeder has contracts that they fulfill. Their buyers must complete local training courses for their dogs. They must have proper vet care. Their puppies are chipped and in the event they come into a shelter, the breeder wants them back and takes them back. No questions asked. A real breeder's dogs don't end up in shelters. A real breeder health tests and does specific planned breedings to dogs of a certain quality that will enhance the breed. Both parents NEVER live on site. If there were only real breeders out there, shelters and rescues would merrily go out of business.

We're very focused on sterilization and breed hate, but if the public perception of where to get a dog was educated by the dog clubs, there wouldn't be a problem.

Quietly the Doberman community is happy that CJ did not win the Westminster, even though we all think she was robbed. We all know that every Tom, Dick and Harry would want to start breeding Dobermans and that would be bad for the breed. I look at all of the trainwreck dogs we get through here and then I look at CJ. And we know that those clowns don't get what makes her so majestic. She's one of the most winning dogs in the country and I'm glad she's a bitch. At least there won't been viles of frozen giz to propagate. That might be a good thing.

[Kimbo]

The problem is we want to throw the baby out with the bath water.

There are breeders and there are breeders. We had a situation just a couple of weeks ago where a guy had a litter of puppies. One had a broken leg and he acted as if he hadn't even seen it broken. It was sticking straight out. We got the puppy. A week later a volunteer bought all of the puppies. When we went to get the puppies we talked him out of both bitches. When those puppies go to homes from the rescue they'll have chips, tattoos and contracts that they come back to the rescue if ever they can't stay in their "forever" home. He is not a breeder. He's a dumb ass that let his two dogs fuck.

A real breeder has contracts that they fulfill. Their buyers must complete local training courses for their dogs. They must have proper vet care. Their puppies are chipped and in the event they come into a shelter, the breeder wants them back and takes them back. No questions asked. A real breeder's dogs don't end up in shelters. A real breeder health tests and does specific planned breedings to dogs of a certain quality that will enhance the breed. Both parents NEVER live on site. If there were only real breeders out there, shelters and rescues would merrily go out of business.

We're very focused on sterilization and breed hate, but if the public perception of where to get a dog was educated by the dog clubs, there wouldn't be a problem.

Quietly the Doberman community is happy that CJ did not win the Westminster, even though we all think she was robbed. We all know that every Tom, Dick and Harry would want to start breeding Dobermans and that would be bad for the breed. I look at all of the trainwreck dogs we get through here and then I look at CJ. And we know that those clowns don't get what makes her so majestic. She's one of the most winning dogs in the country and I'm glad she's a bitch. At least there won't been viles of frozen giz to propagate. That might be a good thing.

Diavolo--I agree with you with the exception of what I have bolded. The biggest "dog club" is the AKC. They are the biggest promoters of irresponsible breeding just by the fact that they have very little in place to confirm those animals that they paper. To me the AKC has degraded the true responsible breeder.

[Diavolo]

Diavolo--I agree with you with the exception of what I have bolded. The biggest "dog club" is the AKC. They are the biggest promoters of irresponsible breeding just by the fact that they have very little in place to confirm those animals that they paper. To me the AKC has degraded the true responsible breeder.

We're saying the same thing, I just didn't make myself clear.

The AKC is just a registration service. What I meant is that the breed clubs, like the National version of the Boxer club, the Doberman club, the Chihuahua club, Aussie whatever, need to not only promote but require responsible breeding and then push their agenda publicly. That is, don't buy dogs that haven't been health tested, don't get an Aussie where one of the parents hasn't been finished either in the ring or in the field, don't buy a dog from a guy who has both parents on site. Right now everybody thinks AKC papers is the be all end all. Breed clubs need to advance a more comprehensive message. For the sake of the dogs they need to lead and right now they aren't.

I see more Dobermans out there that barely look like Dobermans except for the markings. The latest soul I transported, who also overnighted here had a ridiculously short snout, was undersized and had a hinky temperment. I'm sure her parents weren't health tested and the propensity for this poor little soul to develop or carry DCM, Wobblers, bum hips or any of the other plethora of health issues that plague the breed are huge. I have a friend who has finished a bunch of dogs but hasn't bred because he's been doing the research to breed out the health issues that plague the breed. That's what breeding dogs is all about. Betterment of the breed. And that's the message that the dog clubs (and by dog club I mean breed club) have to do.

And don't misunderstand me. I have two trainwreck rescues here. Rita is undersized, snipe nosed and kind of not right in the head. The only time that dog was at peace was after she killed a rat. Bubba has IBD and has classic Doberman OCD. His toes curl some kind of funky, his gait is not the kind of gay it's supposed to be and he blew his coat 18 months ago and all of the salmon oil in the world ain't bringing it back. And they both adore me and I would live in my truck before I would give them up.

[violaine]

itty, hallo :)

thank you for contributing to the portion of the animal control investigation addressing OS [owner surrendered pets]. the shelter staff do not have discussions/work with/counsel humans who entrust animals with staff of the AC /shelter.

that response, and so many others provided to us by the AC/shelter Chief Officer/Assistant, just astounded us during this investigation into multiple and serious issues- one of which is witnessed inappropriate treatment of animals at the AC/ shelter .

[violaine]

[QUOTE=Diavolo;55011]We're saying the same thing, I just didn't make myself clear.

The AKC is just a registration service. What I meant is that the breed clubs, like the National version of the Boxer club, the Doberman club, the Chihuahua club, Aussie whatever, need to not only promote but require responsible breeding and then push their agenda publicly. That is, don't buy dogs that haven't been health tested, don't get an Aussie where one of the parents hasn't been finished either in the ring or in the field, don't buy a dog from a guy who has both parents on site. Right now everybody thinks AKC papers is the be all end all. Breed clubs need to advance a more comprehensive message. For the sake of the dogs they need to lead and right now they aren't.

I see more Dobermans out there that barely look like Dobermans except for the markings. The latest soul I transported, who also overnighted here had a ridiculously short snout, was undersized and had a hinky temperment. I'm sure her parents weren't health tested and the propensity for this poor little soul to develop or carry DCM, Wobblers, bum hips or any of the other plethora of health issues that plague the breed are huge. I have a friend who has finished a bunch of dogs but hasn't bred because he's been doing the research to breed out the health issues that plague the breed. That's what breeding dogs is all about. Betterment of the breed. And that's the message that the dog clubs (and by dog club I mean breed club) have to do.

And don't misunderstand me. I have two trainwreck rescues here. Rita is undersized, snipe nosed and kind of not right in the head. The only time that dog was at peace was after she killed a rat. Bubba has IBD and has classic Doberman OCD. His toes curl some kind of funky, his gait is not the kind of gay it's supposed to be and he blew his coat 18 months ago and all of the salmon oil in the world ain't bringing it back. And they both adore me and I would live in my truck before I would give them up.

diavolo - hi :)

i found this group while visiting the FB page of a wonder dobe rescue i worked with a while back helping DAZ. [lean on me dobe rescue = stellar group of humans! LOMDR is on the FB page below].

http://www.facebook.com/SaveDobermans?ref=mf

[Kimbo]

Diavolo, my sister has had dobie's most of her adult life. She doesn't have one now but had there been one at the pound when she went she would. She had a beautiful fawn dobie that used to jump up in her arms. All my nephews were raised around dobie's, riding them and doing all the pulling they do, never once did any one of those dogs nip or bite. I would not hesitate to take in a dobie if I was going to take in a new critter.


On another not here's to Mr. Weener :king: ...the rescued dog who rescued his mom from a fire in Whatcom county! :hangloose:
He's a dachsund, bet you couldn't guess that. :o

[Diavolo]

Diavolo, my sister has had dobie's most of her adult life. She doesn't have one now but had there been one at the pound when she went she would. She had a beautiful fawn dobie that used to jump up in her arms. All my nephews were raised around dobie's, riding them and doing all the pulling they do, never once did any one of those dogs nip or bite. I would not hesitate to take in a dobie if I was going to take in a new critter.


On another not here's to Mr. Weener :king: ...the rescued dog who rescued his mom from a fire in Whatcom county! :hangloose:
He's a dachsund, bet you couldn't guess that. :o

Check out the pic in my gallery. That says it all.

And props to Mr. Weener!

[suebee]

An interview with Temple Grandin, where she talks about animal emotions and separation anxiety in dogs among other things. Link here (http://dogtime.com/temple-grandin.html).

[Kimbo]

Running pen operations pit a pack of dogs against a single wild-caught
coyote or fox as a form of hunt training for the dogs. The coyote or fox has
nowhere to run and is mauled. With hunter's comprising less than 5% of
Indiana's population, we can be louder. Take action to stop this profoundly
cruel blood sport now. PHOTOS: http://www.coyoteinfo.typepad.com (http://www.coyoteinfo.typepad.com/)

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CONTACT INFORMATION
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[Diavolo]

Jesus. What's the difference between what they're doing and pit fighting? Nothing.

[Kimbo]

I agree.

I have a hard time grasping the type of person who could participate or watch any event like this.