Animal Rescue/Foster/Adoption

[Sun]

Greetings All,

I am looking for a way to connect with people who are interested in or involved in animal rescue, foster, adoption or all 3.

Every day my news feed on Facebook is overflowing with plea's from volunteers in animal rescue who are looking for some help, especially in foster care given that so many high kill shelters are overwhelmed. I thought of creating a thread here because I know that some of you are already active in animal rescue and others may want to get involved.

We could educate one another on what it takes to get involved in rescue or foster care for dogs, cats, horses and other animals. We can discuss trap/spay/neuter and population control. We can do some networking and find solutions to help the struggling groups in our communities that are overwhelmed with dogs and cats, puppies and kittens that are on death row.

Just now I received a desperate plea from a friend on Facebook who is in Chatanooga TN and cant find foster care for 3 little kittens so they may be put to death today. Seriously? We are facing an epidemic of cruelty with domestic animals and we could instead see a turn to compassionate "No Kill" shelter care if only we were more organized in this realm.

So if you have any thoughts or ideas, jump on in.

Thank you,

Sun

[Teddybear]

As I'm at work and not enout time to give the attention it needs. I WILL n back

[Sachita]

I think we have a few threads about this. There are quite a few people that rescue. I do. I also operate a dog boarding facility and we specialize in discounted boarding for military deployment or families in transition.

[Sun]

As I'm at work and not enout time to give the attention it needs. I WILL n back

Thanks Teddy

[Sun]

I think we have a few threads about this. There are quite a few people that rescue. I do. I also operate a dog boarding facility and we specialize in discounted boarding for military deployment or families in transition.

Thanks Sachita. I was not able to find a thread but will look again.

Right now I am looking for transports that work with rescue's in the TN area as they are some under served shelters out there that are asking for help as well as frustrated volunteers that need some new resources.

If you have any transport services that you would be willing to refer that would be great. Thank you

[Blade]

Every thing on my yard is a rescue, including Cracker, the flying squirrel, except the two old men in the back yard. I don't participate with an organized rescue group. I don't agree with how they portray the lives rescued animals have lived. Sometimes true stories, sometime half true stories and sometimes no where close to what happened to the animal.

I have never been in search of a cat, but God always sends them to me. Dogs well, that is another story. I've had many rescue dogs here. I see people in town and they go I got so and so from you. Usually I need to be reminded what kind of dog so and so was to remember them...LOL.

I have rescued cats, dogs, goats, squirrels, rabbits raccoons, birds all kinds of God's creatures have found their way here. For me it's a gift, and it always gives me a blessing.

[Sun]

Thanks for sharing that Blade. Sounds like some smart animals know a good thing when they see it!

[WolfyOne]

I'm down to 10 rescue cats and still hoping to find homes for half of them. I had 17 at one time inside. Did catch fix and release where I used to live in OK. Paid out of pocket for 36 and my vet kept 5, helped farm out the real wild ones, to be barn kitties. Where I'm at now, we have trailer park kitties, some that people who move out leave behind. I know this because they are fixed and it's sad. They know a lady goes around filling food bowls each day. I leave a cup of food out every morning and lately one has my number and waits for me on my porch for lunch.

I wish more people that took pets realize they come with a lifelong responsibility, like children. If you don't intend on keeping them and making the commitment, don't take them.

[Soft*Silver]

I spend alot of my time with rescue..dog, cat and horses. I do it on FB to raise funds for rescue organizations I have scrutinized and found to be good ones that dont waste the money. I also do it in real time too, helping with fundraisers and adopting and fostering. I recently adopted a very old girl, about 10 that absolutely no one wanted. She was a skeleton and the woman who found her trotting down her road, couldnt bring her in the house because she had a litter of Boston Terrier pups. So the old girl stayed outside in a pen..much better than running loose on the road, but none the less, she has a short coat and was skinny and old. So she is with me now and has adapted well in the house. She came housebroken, and is fat now, and poor thing, as loving as could be. Why she was running loose is beside me.

Someday in the future they are going to look back on our times and wonder who we ever allowed such a holocaust to happen to these animal. We will realize by then, that they are valued members of the world and divinely, we destroyed lives like some people smoke cigarrettes..with an addictive frenzy and no care where the next pack will come until the last one is gone...

[lusciouskiwi]

This is Nabiya, she's now 11. She was about 6 when I adopted her. This is our first day together and before she had had a bath and eventually groomed. She's here with me in Malaysia.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/150_7094051395_7120_n.jpg

Dog abandonment is a huge issue in South Korea and Malaysia (as well as other South East Asian countries). There have been a number of success stories in Korea with dogs being adopted by Americans and Canadians and funds raised for them to be flown out.

That doesn't happen so much here in Malaysia. There's a much bigger problem with street dogs here with terrible skin conditions as well as injuries and if the local city councils round them up and capture them ... well, let's just say it's not pretty. Nor is it humane. Lots of street cats here as well. Dogs are popular with the Chinese and Indians and cats are popular with the Malays. Cats don't tend to be speyed/neutered so the cat population is is crazy.

It's a serious problem with little to no financial support from the government.

[lusciouskiwi]

This is one of the facebook pages I follow:

https://www.facebook.com/ThePatrickMiracle

[Penelope]

I volunteer for the Friendship Animal Protective League out of Elyria, Ohio. Many of the cats and dogs brought in have been surrendered by owners, picked up in humane cases or rescued from puppy mills. They work directly with the Lorain County Animal Shelter who handles most of the strays, and then we pull a few at a time from there as space permits.

In my Facebook travels, I came across a group that is transporting animals from rescue groups and shelters to foster or forever homes across the US. They are called Pawsome Truckers & Transport.

Web-site: http://www.alldogswelcome.com/pawsome-trucks--trans.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PawsomeTruckers

[Sun]

I volunteer for the Friendship Animal Protective League out of Elyria, Ohio. Many of the cats and dogs brought in have been surrendered by owners, picked up in humane cases or rescued from puppy mills. They work directly with the Lorain County Animal Shelter who handles most of the strays, and then we pull a few at a time from there as space permits.

In my Facebook travels, I came across a group that is transporting animals from rescue groups and shelters to foster or forever homes across the US. They are called Pawsome Truckers & Transport.

Web-site: http://www.alldogswelcome.com/pawsome-trucks--trans.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PawsomeTruckers

Thank you for the links.

Is anyone in or near OK that can foster a small dog?

[WolfyOne]

You know, I feel like venting a bit.

I've been feeding a couple male cats that hang down at my end of the trailer park. I knew they were both fixed, but today I realized one of them has been declawed in the front. He had rolled over on the cement for me to pet him and I just happened to peek at his front paws. When they're declawed they just look different...who the hell lets a cat go that has not only been fixed, but also declawed. It makes me sick to think that there are people in the world that take an animal and discard them like trash when they no longer want them or can't bring them to wherever they're moving. I have been living in this crappy place because of my rescues. It gets harder everyday for me to stay here with this slumlord that owns the park now, but we all make choices. When my ex and I split up a few years ago and I got custody of all the rescues, I made the choice to keep them together and try and find good homes for them.....ok, so the good home thing hasn't really worked out, but I'm not going to just toss them in the street again.....some days I just wish I didn't or couldn't feel for animals or people, but I know it's not who I am.

Stepping off soapbox now.

[Glenn]

*Applauding* I've got a full house here too Wolfy. Someone just abandoned a mama and her five babies here in the woods I'm feeding now, along with a few others...

[ahk]

I use to foster bunnies when I was single. My little apartment living room was divided up with separate living areas for bunnies that were left by people in the hood. I would feed them, trap them, get them checked out, foster til they were adoptable.

http://www.rabbit.org/newmexico/

I help out with the parrie dog rescue folks, by feeding the dogs along the hi/byways of albuquerque. We save up our leftover fresh fruits and veggies during the warmer days, and buy hay to put in the holes right before the weather changes.

http://www.prairiedogpals.org/

Where I live in Albuquerque we have lots of stray dogs, mainly pit bulls, I try hard to keep treats and extra leashes in my car so I am able to get them off the streets before they are run over. I normally will take them to a rescue but sometimes to animal welfare, just depending on my own funds.

I was also part of http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/ helped them transport a few dogs across NM from TX to AZ to CO.

Great thread!!

[Ginger]

My sister does German shepherd and corgi rescue, so I've learned a lot about the movement from her.

It's so cool, how people across the country act as relay drivers, taking animals part of the way then meeting someone else who takes them the rest of the way to a foster home far away.

And I can only imagine the self-control it takes, to be that person who goes to puppy mill conventions, offering to take the dogs who can't breed anymore, staying civil with the breeders so they don't lose access to the dogs that need rescuing.

I really respect the organizations that support fostering and try to find appropriate homes for dogs, even if it takes a while. The stories and photos my sister has sent of dogs she helped socialize to the point where they were adoptable and can live in a home again, have been very moving.

People can't rescue animals on their own unless they have unlimited time, money and space. It seems like such a huge endeavor!

Wolfy, I don't know about your area, but surely there is some organization that will help you find homes for the strays you are fostering? You need support, but I don't know what that would be, where you live.

[Sun]

You know, I feel like venting a bit.

I've been feeding a couple male cats that hang down at my end of the trailer park. I knew they were both fixed, but today I realized one of them has been declawed in the front. He had rolled over on the cement for me to pet him and I just happened to peek at his front paws. When they're declawed they just look different...who the hell lets a cat go that has not only been fixed, but also declawed. It makes me sick to think that there are people in the world that take an animal and discard them like trash when they no longer want them or can't bring them to wherever they're moving. I have been living in this crappy place because of my rescues. It gets harder everyday for me to stay here with this slumlord that owns the park now, but we all make choices. When my ex and I split up a few years ago and I got custody of all the rescues, I made the choice to keep them together and try and find good homes for them.....ok, so the good home thing hasn't really worked out, but I'm not going to just toss them in the street again.....some days I just wish I didn't or couldn't feel for animals or people, but I know it's not who I am.

Stepping off soapbox now.

Wolfy I share your frustration. It is very hard to watch animals be thrown away essentially. Have you tried posting ads on Facebook for adopters? The rescue groups and shelters that I am linked up with have a lot of success through FB. All it takes is a photo and description of the cat. You decide how to evaluate the adopter or foster. You have a good heart and those cats are lucky to have you. I would try to get the cat who was de clawed placed because they are the most vulnerable when they can not defend themselves.

[Ginger]

Wolfy I share your frustration. It is very hard to watch animals be thrown away essentially. Have you tried posting ads on Facebook for adopters? The rescue groups and shelters that I am linked up with have a lot of success through FB. All it takes is a photo and description of the cat. You decide how to evaluate the adopter or foster. You have a good heart and those cats are lucky to have you. I would try to get the cat who was de clawed placed because they are the most vulnerable when they can not defend themselves.


Sun, that's a great idea, so use social media to find homes for the cats.

In New York there are cat rescue organizations and they raise money for catch-neuter-release programs, and other stuff. I'm not really up on what they do except in a general way—the point is, maybe there is something like that where you live, Wolfy?

I talked about my sister doing foster work with dogs but she has a whole network of people behind her who raise money and take turns hosting the dogs, and so on. There has to be something in your state, Wolfy! At least I hope so.

[nycfem]

Petfinder . com is a good site imo

[Sun]

Sun, that's a great idea, so use social media to find homes for the cats.

In New York there are cat rescue organizations and they raise money for catch-neuter-release programs, and other stuff. I'm not really up on what they do except in a general way—the point is, maybe there is something like that where you live, Wolfy?

I talked about my sister doing foster work with dogs but she has a whole network of people behind her who raise money and take turns hosting the dogs, and so on. There has to be something in your state, Wolfy! At least I hope so.

Hiya Scout,

I am actually from NY and recall seeing several groups posting about catch/release programs. You can never have too many of them. The volunteers who work well with social media place many animals so this really is a process that works. Some of the rescue groups are really good at getting a chip-in going on Facebook and even if people pledge $5 it all adds up quickly. It is always good to learn from the people who are having success at placing animals.

[Sun]

Petfinder . com is a good site imo

Thank you I had forgotten about them

[starryeyes]

I used to always take coworkers unwanted animals, keep them for a while and find them homes. I guess that is considered "fostering". I miss it, and I miss the excitement in finding them a new family. It was hard to let them go, but I knew I couldn't keep them.

I always have wanted to start a deaf animal rescue. My deaf dog is the biggest blessing in my life, and they are some of the most misunderstood animals. I have a house in a residential area, so I know I can't do it at present time, but hopefully in the future at some point.

Justin and I have also been talking about adding a 3rd dog to our tribe. I have always wanted to adopt a deaf-blind dog, and found a few that we are interested in. Of course, they are on the other side of the country which makes transporting difficult (road trip!) one rescue has a brother/sister pair of double dapple dashshunds. One is deaf-blind and the other is blind. I emailed them and they want to place them with us, but I am hesitant in taking both together and having 4 dogs and a ferret (who is sick and is taking all of my attention at the moment). I don't want to separate them, so it is probably not a good fit anyways. If the right one crosses our path, it will be meant to be.

Anyways, kudos to all the rescuers/foster parents. That is a tough job

Smiles

[WolfyOne]

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/14168_539448996083990_1936694439_n.jpg

[Sun]

So things are a mess out there with 50 animals per day being killed in shelters in Dallas/FW area and NYC + 5 boroughs is a mess as well. No ideas on the #. So many animals on death row that need out of Animal Control I am avoiding my Facebook news feed it is that overwhelming.

Then I come across this story and wonder...what is this nation coming to?

This was a baby bear!

Bear Killed in Mountain Air, NC, Angers Activists (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/23/bear-killed-mountain-air-north-carolina_n_2176381.html)

[Sun]

I used to always take coworkers unwanted animals, keep them for a while and find them homes. I guess that is considered "fostering". I miss it, and I miss the excitement in finding them a new family. It was hard to let them go, but I knew I couldn't keep them.

I always have wanted to start a deaf animal rescue. My deaf dog is the biggest blessing in my life, and they are some of the most misunderstood animals. I have a house in a residential area, so I know I can't do it at present time, but hopefully in the future at some point.

Justin and I have also been talking about adding a 3rd dog to our tribe. I have always wanted to adopt a deaf-blind dog, and found a few that we are interested in. Of course, they are on the other side of the country which makes transporting difficult (road trip!) one rescue has a brother/sister pair of double dapple dashshunds. One is deaf-blind and the other is blind. I emailed them and they want to place them with us, but I am hesitant in taking both together and having 4 dogs and a ferret (who is sick and is taking all of my attention at the moment). I don't want to separate them, so it is probably not a good fit anyways. If the right one crosses our path, it will be meant to be.

Anyways, kudos to all the rescuers/foster parents. That is a tough job

Smiles


Good for you for being so willing to take on a pet that is going to have a hard time getting adopted. Awesome.

I will keep my eyes open for one who is blind and deaf.

So glad that I saw this post, I needed some good news today!

[Luv]

I am currently living with an elderly friend of the family who is basically becoming an animal horder... today animal control was here and she has to find home's for 4 chihuahua puppies and a mama dog,,the shelters are full and no one is taking in animals from surrenders but they are picking up animals and because of the over population are putting down alot of animals .. its a shame that people dont get their dogs fixed and lil pups suffer the consequences :(

[Sun]

I am currently living with an elderly friend of the family who is basically becoming an animal horder... today animal control was here and she has to find home's for 4 chihuahua puppies and a mama dog,,the shelters are full and no one is taking in animals from surrenders but they are picking up animals and because of the over population are putting down alot of animals .. its a shame that people dont get their dogs fixed and lil pups suffer the consequences :(


Luv, if you are on Facebook, contact Pet Pardons right away. They can usually help. Also there are a ton of rescue groups in your area and some are specific to Chihuahua's.

Also your friend may be able to get a "pass" from the county and be allowed to keep the animals if no one is an any harm due to the Momma and 4 puppies. Especially since she is a Sr Citizen, the law sometimes bends in special circumstances.

Let me know if I can help in any way.

[Luv]

Sun she has wayyyy to many animals...not just 4 but 4 times over and they have been called on her before..I have contacted several organizations on Facebook already and hope to hear something

[Sun]

Sun she has wayyyy to many animals...not just 4 but 4 times over and they have been called on her before..I have contacted several organizations on Facebook already and hope to hear something

Do you have pics of the animals that are up for adoption? I can PM you my email and you can send them to me. I will network around for you.

[Luv]

yup sure do..there are 5 all together but she could stand to get rid of triple that amount..pm me your e-mail

[nycfem]

I was looking in New york on the 311 site and found that these pets are illegal to have in New York:

The City accepts reports of people selling or keeping wild or illegal animals and issues violations when appropriate. By law, wild or illegal animals may not be sold or kept as pets.

The following animals may not be kept as pets:

Wolf, fox, coyote, hyena, dingo, jackal, other undomesticated dogs
Lion, tiger, leopard, jaguar, puma, panther, mountain lion, cheetah, cougar, bobcat, lynx, other undomesticated cats
Ferret, weasel, mink, badger, wolverine, skunk, mongoose
Squirrel, raccoon, bat
Bear, elephant, zebra, rhinoceros, giraffe, hippopotamus
Tarantula, black widow, other venomous spiders
Iguana, gila monster, many other lizards
Monkey, ape, chimpanzee, gorilla
Viper, cobra, python, anaconda, many other snakes
Alligator, crocodile, snapping turtle, other turtles less than 4 inches in length
Eagle, hawk, falcon, owl, vulture, emu, ostrich, other large or predatory birds
Rooster, duck, goose, turkey
Bee (other than a honeybee), hornet, wasp, other venomous insects
Gopher, woodchuck, beaver, hedgehog, porcupine, other large rodents
Deer, antelope, llama, camel
Sheep, goat, pigs, and most farm animals
Kangaroo, opossum, koala, other marsupials
Dolphin, whale, seal, sea lion, walrus, other sea mammals

[ahk]

illegal (http://www.bornfreeusa.org/b4a2_exotic_animals_summary.php)in all states

[Ginger]

I was looking in New york on the 311 site and found that these pets are illegal to have in New York:

The City accepts reports of people selling or keeping wild or illegal animals and issues violations when appropriate. By law, wild or illegal animals may not be sold or kept as pets.

The following animals may not be kept as pets:

Wolf, fox, coyote, hyena, dingo, jackal, other undomesticated dogs
Lion, tiger, leopard, jaguar, puma, panther, mountain lion, cheetah, cougar, bobcat, lynx, other undomesticated cats
Ferret, weasel, mink, badger, wolverine, skunk, mongoose
Squirrel, raccoon, bat
Bear, elephant, zebra, rhinoceros, giraffe, hippopotamus
Tarantula, black widow, other venomous spiders
Iguana, gila monster, many other lizards
Monkey, ape, chimpanzee, gorilla
Viper, cobra, python, anaconda, many other snakes
Alligator, crocodile, snapping turtle, other turtles less than 4 inches in length
Eagle, hawk, falcon, owl, vulture, emu, ostrich, other large or predatory birds
Rooster, duck, goose, turkey
Bee (other than a honeybee), hornet, wasp, other venomous insects
Gopher, woodchuck, beaver, hedgehog, porcupine, other large rodents
Deer, antelope, llama, camel
Sheep, goat, pigs, and most farm animals
Kangaroo, opossum, koala, other marsupials
Dolphin, whale, seal, sea lion, walrus, other sea mammals


Iguanas? Really? They're the ubiquitous middle-school science class animal. I personally know of at least one kid whose teacher has one at school.

And zebras—that's funny. Some guy has a zebra and a white pony out in Coney Island, I think? Anyway they got loose and were running all over the city and some guy got it on his cell phone and it was all over the news.

And snakes? I thought only the poisonous ones were banned.

Live and learn!

[Sun]

Just want to post a shout out to anyone who knows anyone who does foster care for cats and dogs. Can you please refer them to Pet Pardons on Facebook. There are so many pets that need foster to get off of death row.
This epidemic is so out of control it is heart breaking.

Thank you

[Sun]

The ASPCA has set up shelters in NYC to help with overload of cats and dogs from hurricane Sandy. The shelters will close on Dec 17th, and there will be a flood of pets that need foster and adoption.

Now is a good time to mobilize rescue help to the NYC area. If you are in contact with a rescue from another state please consider taking some of these animals and helping NYC out.

Post here if you can help and I will put you in contact with rescue volunteers in NYC.

Thank you

[Sun]

Hey Friends,

I have not posted in here in a while but wanted to update on a few things.

1. New York Animal Rights Alliance has been working hard to lobby for change to the quick kill Animal Control & Care (such a bad name for a slaughterhouse) agency because change needs to happen. Hold times are too short and they do not work well with rescues nor do they invest time in adoptable pets that with a little more time could have homes. The list of complaints goes on and on. Its an awful place. This group is also lobbying for 2 more shelters, one in Queens and I believe one in Staten Island. These communities are very much under served and in need.

Anyway, check them out if you are in the area and please network these people they are really good ones.

NY Animal Rights Alliance (http://www.animalrightsalliance.com/#)


2. This is not news to some of you but there is a new book out called "Food Pets Die For: Shocking Facts About Pet Food" I am including the link but let me say in advance that there is a lot out there on this subject now, apparently dogs and cats are being rendered for pet food. It is a disgusting subject and very upsetting, so please use caution before clicking on any link on the subject. The industry clearly needs reform. Makes sense now why so many pets fail to thrive and even become very sick from commercial grade pet food. So much of it is toxic poison.


This leads me to an idea. For those of you who are making pet food, would you kindly post recipes? I think that more and more people are going to want to make pet food in the future.

Thank you!

Be well.

[starryeyes]

Thanks for this!! I have considered putting my dogs on a natural diet because of the horror stories I have heard about pet food as well. I need to look more into this, and come up with a plan.

Hey Friends,

I have not posted in here in a while but wanted to update on a few things.

1. New York Animal Rights Alliance has been working hard to lobby for change to the quick kill Animal Control & Care (such a bad name for a slaughterhouse) agency because change needs to happen. Hold times are too short and they do not work well with rescues nor do they invest time in adoptable pets that with a little more time could have homes. The list of complaints goes on and on. Its an awful place. This group is also lobbying for 2 more shelters, one in Queens and I believe one in Staten Island. These communities are very much under served and in need.

Anyway, check them out if you are in the area and please network these people they are really good ones.

NY Animal Rights Alliance (http://www.animalrightsalliance.com/#)


2. This is not news to some of you but there is a new book out called "Food Pets Die For: Shocking Facts About Pet Food" (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0939165562/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk)I am including the link but let me say in advance that there is a lot out there on this subject now, apparently dogs and cats are being rendered for pet food. It is a disgusting subject and very upsetting, so please use caution before clicking on any link on the subject. The industry clearly needs reform. Makes sense now why so many pets fail to thrive and even become very sick from commercial grade pet food. So much of it is toxic poison.


This leads me to an idea. For those of you who are making pet food, would you kindly post recipes? I think that more and more people are going to want to make pet food in the future.

Thank you!

Be well.

[Sun]

Thanks for this!! I have considered putting my dogs on a natural diet because of the horror stories I have heard about pet food as well. I need to look more into this, and come up with a plan.

You are welcome. Dr Pitcairn has a few great books about natural health for dogs and cats. I made my dogs food based on one of his recipes for years. It requires time and planning but the dogs thrive on it. Especially if you can do raw protein. That would be the most natural diet.

Whatever I find I will post back here because I am going to be doing some research and some friends who are furious over this topic will be doing some research too. It is very sad that we can not trust the pet food industry but I have had good luck with Wellness, EVO and Blue Buffalo brands. Hopefully none of them are using rendered euthanized pets because I will freak the hell out. Seriously.

[starryeyes]

Ok, I'll check it out!! Thanks!!

You are welcome. Dr Pitcairn has a few great books about natural health for dogs and cats. I made my dogs food based on one of his recipes for years. It requires time and planning but the dogs thrive on it. Especially if you can do raw protein. That would be the most natural diet.

Whatever I find I will post back here because I am going to be doing some research and some friends who are furious over this topic will be doing some research too. It is very sad that we can not trust the pet food industry but I have had good luck with Wellness, EVO and Blue Buffalo brands. Hopefully none of them are using rendered euthanized pets because I will freak the hell out. Seriously.

[Sun]

More bad new, horses being beaten and abused in a facility in the UK. Investigation underway. Please share news with friends in the UK.

Hamburger was found to have horse meat it in so investigation began.

Warning: Graphic Footage

Undercover Investigation Reveals Horses being beaten with Iron Bars (http://www.animalequality.net/news/536/undercover-investigation-reveals-horses-being-beaten-iron-bars-uk-abattoir).

[Breathless]

More bad new, horses being beaten and abused in a facility in the UK. Investigation underway. Please share news with friends in the UK.

Hamburger was found to have horse meat it in so investigation began.

Warning: Graphic Footage

Undercover Investigation Reveals Horses being beaten with Iron Bars (http://www.animalequality.net/news/536/undercover-investigation-reveals-horses-being-beaten-iron-bars-uk-abattoir).

That is more than disturbing and disgusting!!! They claim that this is an isolated incident, I call BULLSHIT! Animals do not look like that after a one time incident, that is long term abuse, that they are accepting money for it. This is not on just the slaughter house, but also the chain of businesses that follow after would have seen the evidence as well, and let it slide. Unacceptable.

[Penelope]

I don't make my own dog food but I have made my own dog treats recently. :dogwalking: They have few ingredients, making them a healthier alternative to store-bought. Here are a couple of the recipes I found/used:

Pumpkin Peanut Butter Treats
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 large eggs
2/3 cup pumpkin puree, canned or fresh
3 tblsps peanut butter

Preheat oven to 350F. Place all ingredients in mixing bowl and mix on medium with paddle attachment for about a minute. I mixed it by hand and it turned out fine. Dough will form little dough balls. If you pinch a piece and it crumbles, add a little water. If it's sticky, just add a little flour. Gather the dough together and form a ball. Place on lightly floured surface and roll out to about 1/4" thickness. Use a knife to cut squares or strips or a cookie cutter for shapes. Form scraps in to a new ball and roll out again until you've used up all the dough.

Place the cookies on a baking sheet; they can be close together as they won't really expand. Bake 15-20 min. for softer treats or 30 min. for harder treats. Depending on the size of the pieces, could make up to 100 treats if they are about 1" but my cookie cutters weren't that small. They can go in the freezer for up to 6 months and I would recommend storing them that way as there aren't any preservatives to give them much of a "shelf life". Pull a few out of the freezer about 20 min. in advance when you want to give them to your dog. :)

Basic Dog Biscuits
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (reg. flour or oats can be substituted)
1 egg
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. beef or chicken bouillon granules, or beef/chicken broth/stock
1/2 cup hot water
Optional Add-ins: bacon, eggs, liver powder, wheat germ, shredded cheese

Preheat oven to 350F. Dissolve bouillon in hot water. Add remaining ingredients. Knead dough until it forms a ball (approx. 3 minutes). Roll dough until 1/2" thick. Cut into slices or use cookie cutter. Place dough pieces on lightly greased cookie sheet (I think I omitted this step and it was ok). Cook for 30 min.

[Sun]

That is more than disturbing and disgusting!!! They claim that this is an isolated incident, I call BULLSHIT! Animals do not look like that after a one time incident, that is long term abuse, that they are accepting money for it. This is not on just the slaughter house, but also the chain of businesses that follow after would have seen the evidence as well, and let it slide. Unacceptable.

I am going to follow this story and follow up with the locals to make sure that this company is shut down. So far it looks like they are coming down hard on them with those guys being jailed. I am concerned about how the horses are being treated long term also. When I have info I will post it here ok. I am sorry that this is so upsetting I want to share the truth and its so hard because it is so awful.

[Sun]

I don't make my own dog food but I have made my own dog treats recently. :dogwalking: They have few ingredients, making them a healthier alternative to store-bought. Here are a couple of the recipes I found/used:

Pumpkin Peanut Butter Treats
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 large eggs
2/3 cup pumpkin puree, canned or fresh
3 tblsps peanut butter

Preheat oven to 350F. Place all ingredients in mixing bowl and mix on medium with paddle attachment for about a minute. I mixed it by hand and it turned out fine. Dough will form little dough balls. If you pinch a piece and it crumbles, add a little water. If it's sticky, just add a little flour. Gather the dough together and form a ball. Place on lightly floured surface and roll out to about 1/4" thickness. Use a knife to cut squares or strips or a cookie cutter for shapes. Form scraps in to a new ball and roll out again until you've used up all the dough.

Place the cookies on a baking sheet; they can be close together as they won't really expand. Bake 15-20 min. for softer treats or 30 min. for harder treats. Depending on the size of the pieces, could make up to 100 treats if they are about 1" but my cookie cutters weren't that small. They can go in the freezer for up to 6 months and I would recommend storing them that way as there aren't any preservatives to give them much of a "shelf life". Pull a few out of the freezer about 20 min. in advance when you want to give them to your dog. :)

Basic Dog Biscuits
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (reg. flour or oats can be substituted)
1 egg
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. beef or chicken bouillon granules, or beef/chicken broth/stock
1/2 cup hot water
Optional Add-ins: bacon, eggs, liver powder, wheat germ, shredded cheese

Preheat oven to 350F. Dissolve bouillon in hot water. Add remaining ingredients. Knead dough until it forms a ball (approx. 3 minutes). Roll dough until 1/2" thick. Cut into slices or use cookie cutter. Place dough pieces on lightly greased cookie sheet (I think I omitted this step and it was ok). Cook for 30 min.

Thank you so much Penelope. What a great idea.

[starryeyes]

http://weareteamlondon.org/

London is a pit bull who had his legs deliberately broken, on several occasions, and so severely that he had to have this legs amputated. The abusers originally said he had "fallen" from a 3 story window, but after investigation, they found out he was severely abused.

He was taken in by Panda Paws, which is one of the most amazing rescues I have ever seen, specializing in special needs and medically fragile animals.

Tomorrow, the abusers are going to court facing felony charges. London will be at the trial both days. Please keep this baby in your thoughts!!!

[Breathless]

I am going to follow this story and follow up with the locals to make sure that this company is shut down. So far it looks like they are coming down hard on them with those guys being jailed. I am concerned about how the horses are being treated long term also. When I have info I will post it here ok. I am sorry that this is so upsetting I want to share the truth and its so hard because it is so awful.

I appreciate that Sun. Closing our eyes to what is happening doesn't make it not happen, it just makes US part of the problem.

[Soft*Silver]

our local animal rescue is offering spay and neuters for $25 to lower income folks! We qualified because I am on SSDI, so what would have cost me $300 for the newf, now is only $25! They estimate they are going to do about 400 cats and dogs thru this special program! THINK of all the puppies and kittens that wont be born! Hurray!

[Parker]

Saw this article and thought I'd share .... what a jackass this guy is.


‘Gay’ dog saved from euthanization (http://myfox8.com/2013/01/31/gay-dog-saved-from-euthanization/)


http://localtvwghp.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/gay-dog-saved-from-euthanization-thanks-to-facebook-campaign.jpg?w=402


A male American bulldog was saved from euthanization on Thursday after the dog’s original owner turned him over to animal control because he said he was gay.

The owner apparently took the dog to Jackson Rabies Control Animal Shelter in Tennessee after he saw him mounting another dog, according to this post on Facebook.

A Facebook user posted a photo of the dog on Facebook on Wednesday and it received over 4,200 shares in less than 24 hours.

“This guy was signed over to RC, not bc he’s mean or bc he tears things up, but because… His owner says he’s gay! He hunched another male dog so his owner threw him away bc he refuses to have a “gay” dog! Even if that weren’t the most asinine thing I’ve ever heard, its still discrimination! Don’t let this gorgeous dog die bc his owner is ignorant of normal dog behavior! He’s in kennel 10L and he WILL be put down tomorrow bc there is no room at the inn!”

A woman named Stephanie Fryns, who is connected to the no-kill shelter Woof Connections, posted on Facebook her plans to adopt the dog on Thursday.

Earlier this morning she posted: “I managed to get here before the ac officers even.. lol.”

http://localtvwghp.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/udsdsdntitled-25.jpg?w=300&h=126

[diamondrose]

I always adopt my pets from shelters. I'v been blessed with a few of the best pets over the years. In more recent years, I adopted two elderly chihuahuas. My friends thought me crazy, but I didn't care. If they only had a few months left I wanted to fill their months with happiness and love. Thankfully, I was blessed with a few years with them. My boy chi passed in Jan 2009 and later my girl chi passed on June 2011. The following day, I returned to the shelter in search of a new companion and walked out with a bright eyed weiner dog I refer to as my diva dog Lulu. She is something else..always keeping me on my toes! Everyday I say to myself, I can't belive I got her from a shelter and others who have spent time with her are just as surprised.

Aside from that, by adopting it opens a spot for another animal to have a chance at finding a home :)

2 for 1 deal! :)

[Dominique]

My household had two rescued kats who lived a long time, pass away in the last year. I went to the humane society knowing I was coming home with a pet or two. I had an open mind.

The place was packed. They had more animals than they had room. The restrooms had cages in them! They had rabbits, ferrits dogs and cats galore. It was hard for me to decide as I love all animals.

Then I saw the decision maker. A big beautiful tabby Kat
with a sign on her cage 7 yrs old, free to a good home. She had been there for 6 months.

Living in a kennel, yes, it's better than the streets or worse......but it's not a way of life. This adorable tabby was a family pet. She was declawed on all four paws and obviously heartbroken she had to be given up. She gained 7 pounds in 6 months living in a 4 foot by 4 foot
cage. She became an emotional eater. She was 25 1/2 pounds when I brought her home.

As I was filling out the paper work, and telling the staff I had room for another one, I was all set up with cat nappers and kat condo's times two of every thing. They told me they had another 7 year old declawed kat that had spent too much time there, in fact he was very shut down. He would require a tremendous amount of patience. They cautioned me, *He was a hitter*. I asked if he ever bit anyone. *No*. Remember, no front nails.
I told them I'd take him (sight unseen).

I set him up in his own room with a window and a kat condo and a kat napper, plus all the other amenities he would need. The humane society lent me a baby gate, so he could slowly get used to his new house.

I gave the humane society a hundred dollars, even though they were not asking an adoption fee for my two teenagers. They were so well taken care of, as over crowded as that place was, and as long as they lived there.

I've had them 90 plus days, and they are doing well. I hope they have no memories of life in the shelter. Tabby is down to 24 pounds.....and my boy kat is an awesome athlete and has never once *Hit* me. He still won't let me pick him up but he's tolerating me stealing kisses.:blush:

Just like with Children, it's harder for the shelters to find homes for the older pets. I don't understand why. I'm so glad I was able to bring these two into my life.

[Sun]

Dominique thank you for that story!

What a beautiful thing you did by adopting 2 older cats. I have to give that shelter credit for packing the animals in there and not euthanizing them for space. We are in a horrible shelter crisis right now and I am pulling 2 animals asap to foster, one cat and one puppy from high kill shelters where there is no action.

It is a small gesture but doing what little I can do for them.

Thanks to all of you who are loving kind people and care for the innocent little onces who need us so much.

[Dominique]

What a beautiful thing you did by adopting 2 older cats. I have to give that shelter credit for packing the animals in there and not euthanizing them for space. We are in a horrible shelter crisis right now and I am pulling 2 animals asap to foster, one cat and one puppy from high kill shelters where there is no action.


The beautiful thing is the humane society. I am so glad I have these two!! As all animal lovers understand. Keeping them alive as long as they did and taking such good care of them. With the economy sliding, unfortunately family pets feel it. I'm sure thats what happened to my tabby.

In our newsletter (generated by parents of rescues)it notified us of a new program to help raise money for the humane society, pet food cans are being recycled. One
week end a month will be the drop off and again, parents of rescues are taking the collections to the recycle center and turning over the money. Every little bit helps. What a wonderful way to give back.

Thought i'd pass that on. Animals love unconditionally.
They really don't requre that much.

[Sun]

The beautiful thing is the humane society. I am so glad I have these two!! As all animal lovers understand. Keeping them alive as long as they did and taking such good care of them. With the economy sliding, unfortunately family pets feel it. I'm sure thats what happened to my tabby.

In our newsletter (generated by parents of rescues)it notified us of a new program to help raise money for the humane society, pet food cans are being recycled. One
week end a month will be the drop off and again, parents of rescues are taking the collections to the recycle center and turning over the money. Every little bit helps. What a wonderful way to give back.

Thought i'd pass that on. Animals love unconditionally.
They really don't requre that much.

Through Facebook I am in contact with a lot of animal rescue groups and shelters around the country. Not all Humane Society's are no kill shelters and there is a real movement toward that end. Also the movement to ban gas chambers on the national level is picking up a lot of support.

There is a very successful program in Dallas that I need to learn more about, where a local group is helping people who are struggling financially to keep their pets by providing food and vet care. They are also working on spay/neuter education. This combined effort is saving on average 5,000 pets a year so far. I want to study this model and see what it would take to spread the word nationwide. Always good to model what works!

Great idea about raising $ for the shelter. I wish that more people had your intentions.

[clay]

While I don't post here, I do peruse the thread on occasion.
THANK YOU to all who adopt/foster/help in any way with other animals!!
I now have one of my eight dachshunds I rescued back in 2005.

My partner, who passed in 2009, & I lived out of city limits, and were very active with a dachshund rescue group in Tn. at the time. We did many, many hours of state to state transports, home visits, and checking put vet and personal references on potential adopters/fosters.

We adopted all 8 of our babies from this one organization. One was blind, senior. One was with Cushings, almost 18 yrs. old. One was from a severely abusive past, had been in SIX previous homes...had huge knots and lumps from being beaten so badly, her tail was only 3 inches long from being abused.....had severe cataracts...and the rest were 2 to 2.5 yrs. old.
The one from severe abuse adopted me..no one else could touch her, love on her, or anything. So she became my little "velcro bean". I had her til 2 summers ago, and she went downhill rapidly..she was "around" 16 yrs. old...anyway, she is now at the Rainbow Bridge..waiting on me, along with my deceased partner...:).

I have the one left now. She is almost 11 yrs. old. She is getting that frosty face I so dearly love on these dogs.
Anyway, I am no longer able to provide a home for any other babies, but this one is stinking rotten!!! I do small things in other ways though...:).
THANK YOU for the wonderful stories here, for all the tireless efforts put in by all the volunteers, and to each who adopt/foster/transport/etc for these babies all over the US.

[Bard]

We have 2 rescue pups Phoebe a Whippet- Jack Russel who was dumped at a shelter as soon as she was weaned she was so very shy not socialized and she was about 10 months old when we got her she is a little love bug who has come out of her shell and my Velcro pup still shy with new people when we moved into out house the groomer that cuts Phoebes nails told us about a Sheppard terrier mix at a rescue that would be a great buddy So we got Gracie she only has 3 good legs one paw never developed properly she was a stray and they guess abused she is very leery of new things but she loved Phoebe at first sight they are now a bonded pair. We also have a kitty that people posted on craigslist to get rid of they had a whole litter but only wanted to get rid of jules she was not social they said she is a beauty and a lover just needed love and then there is Sky our horse we got her from a rescue but that is another tale I have to give her up but i know she will have a great home were she will be spoiled

[maryam]

We're officially at our limit for pets at our complex because we have two cats. Both of our darlings are rescue girls. I've mentioned Psycho Kitty elsewhere, but she's actually turning out to be a sweetheart. The thing is, she is deathly afraid of dogs (as am I, so no dogs for us. I'm sorry. I love to look, but I have issues...) and small children due to being in a bad situation when she was small. She then went through 7 foster homes or attempted adoptions before we got her. The kicker? She was only 14 months old when we got her. She is a Bengal, as is our older kitty. Both came from rescues. Psycho Kitty has a weird mix of clinginess and fear, with a bit of separation anxiety. She's doing well though. Really coming out of her shell and getting a bit cuddlier. Bengals tend to get put down in shelters a lot because they're viewed as being difficult, or destructive when really, they're very smart, high energy cats that probably aren't good for novice owners. We got our first Bengal from the rescue because we'd had great results with socializing ferals and other hard to home kitty beasts.

So right now, we can't foster more fur foots. But we can foster lizards! and we do! Right now, we have two geckos who are ours, and we're fostering one bearded dragon with lots of personality (he's a clown!) and a uromastyx. Our manager doesn't count them as long as there's 4 or less. Since they're all in secure aquariums, it's all good. We had a small Russian tortoise for a few weeks last fall, and she ended up taking her home. We have done snakes, but I'm squeamish about feeding them pinkies and stuff, so we generally don't get snakes. The lizards eat crickets, meal worms and veggies usually, so they're easier to feed. Yes, I can handle crickets better than mice. Call me weird!

The Spousal Unit would like me to get over the dog issue, and I have been getting better about it. I can handle some smallish ones, and I met a very nice gentle Newfoundland who didn't eat me (which is good!) the other day, but SU is the kind of person who doesn't push it. :hangloose:

[Sun]

Hello All,

I want to share this article (http://www.dailybulletin.com/opinions/ci_22767424/stop-bobcat-trapping-by-fur-trade-california) on pending legislation that needs support in CA. AB1213 will ban Bobcat trapping in CA. Chinese fur traders are trapping our cats and selling the pelts for a high profit. Given the inhumane treatment of animals by the Chinese fur industry, this goes from bad to worse. We are looking at slow and painful death for these beautiful cats.

It is hard for me to believe that this is allowed at all, especially in our State and National Parks. Bobcats (as well as all wildlife) are a precious gem of a community and are thriving in recent years.

Please share this article (http://www.dailybulletin.com/opinions/ci_22767424/stop-bobcat-trapping-by-fur-trade-california)with your networks in CA and if you reside in CA, please take a few minutes to write a letter or email in support of AB1213. I do a lot of legislative advocacy and I have to tell you that this is how change happens, our elected officials take email and letters very seriously as support.

I've asked the Humane Society CA for a lobby day on this bill so we may get organized to lobby the committee that will be reviewing this bill. This should be a no brainer for them however there is no inherent worth in allowing this torture and cruelty.

Please thank Assemblymember Richard Bloom D-Santa Monica for this bill and show your support: assemblymember.bloom@assembly.gov.ca

[Dominique]

Home (http://abcnews.go.com/)> ABC Univision (http://abcnews.go.com/ABC_Univision/)

What Are Pet Food Stamps?

http://a.abcnews.com/images/ABC_Univision/GTY_dog_food_stamps_31513_wg.jpg Child feeding a pit bull Terrier puppy (Tetra Images)






















By CONZ PRETI (http://abcnews.go.com/author/conz_preti) (@conz (http://twitter.com/conz))
March 16, 2013





A new New York-based non-profit is gaining popularity with a program aimed at helping low income animal owners with the wellbeing of their pets.
Several years ago, a friend of Marc Okon's told him that she was having financial difficulties and was receiving food stamps. "She told me she sometimes feeds her cat before herself and goes without eating," he said in an interview with ABC/Univision. "I felt horrible, and the term 'pet food stamps' entered my mind. It stayed with me until recently when I pursued it further and was able to open up this non-profit nationally."
Okon launched Animal Food Stamps (https://petfoodstamps.org/) in February of this year. Since then the organization has received more than 125,000 applications covering more than 250,000 pets. The non-profit provides free pet food to owners who need a little help to get to the end of the month. All food is bought thanks to private donations and through PetFlow.com. (http://www.petflow.com/) They expect the first batch of food will be sent out to be delivered next week.
http://a.abcnews.com/images/ABC_Univision/GTY_dog_food_stamps_31513_wg.jpg (javascript:void(0);)
Tetra Images
Child feeding a pit bull Terrier puppy View Full Size (javascript:void(0);)


http://a.abcnews.com/images/ABC_Univision/GTY_dog_food_stamps_31513_wg.jpg Tetra Images
Child feeding a pit bull Terrier puppy






Since it was launched, the service has received so many applications that the verification processes is backed up by about three weeks. Once approved, Pet Food Stamps will supply up to six months of free food. Owners will then have to re-apply to get another six months worth of food. Okon says, if needed, they could fill all of the current applications, but not all may meet the approval process requirements.
For those looking to receive dog food the process is simple. Log on to Pet Food Stamps and fill out a brief form. Soon after, a volunteer will reach out to verify the information, perform an income background check and approve or reject the petition. If people qualify for federal food stamps (and about 15 percent of the nation does) or fall below the poverty line, they will likely qualify for pet food, too.
The goal is not only to help pet owners in need, but also to lower the number of abandoned animals around the country. Although there have been numerous attempts to reduce the shelter intake number, such as low cost vet services, counseling and free spaying and neutering, this unique program is meant to fill a distinct void. According to Okon "seven million pets are surrendered to shelters each year with four million being killed due to lack of food."
The non-profit is not only working with pet owners, but also sending literature to every shelter in the country to hand out to people before they surrender their pets. "We are confident this will make a huge difference in shelter population, amount of pets put to sleep and help keep families together," Okon said.
As the non-profit grows and continues to increase its funding, Okon expects to hire more people and recruit more volunteers to help with the approval process, which would vastly increase the amount of daily pet food deliveries. They will also be airing a television commercial to raise awareness to the issue in the coming weeks.
As they say on their website, Pet Food Stamps doesn't want to see pet owners be put in between supporting their animal or paying the rent.

[Sun]

Dominique thank you for posting about the Pet Food stamps that one totally slipped my mind. What a great program. I saw the introduction and surge of the program on Facebook.

So many pets are being surrendered because their guardians are experiencing financial stress, so hopefully this will help to keep some pets with their families.

[maryam]

Update: Our Beardy Foster has found his forever home; he's now living with a science teacher from a local high school. He's not a classroom lizard though. He's a home pet. And now we have a second Uromastyx, this one came with a name; he's called Jafar from the Disney Aladdin movie. Not sure if I like that one or not. It just seems like people who give their pets "aggressive" or "evil" names may try to raise them that way. Thankfully, this doesn't really work with reptiles. But the poor guys get a bad rap anyway.

[femmeInterrupted]

To find this thread!

I have a long history of being 'found'. I often think of it that way, because the animals might be rescues, but it is they that invariably cross my path somehow.

This is Bender. Bender was an orphaned/abandoned barn cat. He was a tiny, snot covered grey mangy little kitten when he came into my life.
Amazingly, he survived his early health issues, and is now 8 years old.
In his 'hey day' he was a holy terror! A big old tom that came home with scabs and cuts and bites.
He's settled down now into pretty much a lap cat.
We love this cat so much it's crazy!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/4329_199444790028_3010741_n.jpg





This is Mika. Mika is a rescue from the Dominican Republic.
She has quite a story, but is a survivor. We've had her for coming up on a year, and she's taken to domestic life like a duck to water.
She traded sandy beaches for snow this last winter, but has gained weight and is socializing really nicely. She's a bundle of love.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/550350_10152479827350029_1002697924_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/261740_10150675458080029_2595069_n.jpg


This is Cleetus Puff. (A.K.A. Big Sexy)
We fostered him until he found his forever home with a wonderful woman. He is a bearded dragon.
He loved eating the my hibiscus flowers!