More Than Turtles

"Turtle Gardens has Rescued and placed almost 4000 animals since we opened our doors to unwanted pets. Each is vaccinated upon arrival if needed, wormed, fed 21% dog food or fair quality cat food, spayed or neutered and started in basic obedience training. We use positive reinforcement training. Dogs thrive on clicker training. They learn HOW to learn. They learn what behaviour earned them a treat and are very quick to repeat it; be it a sit, walk on loose leash or come when called. All important to learn and continue. Our logo is the little shelter with heart but our policy is slow and steady; there IS a home for every pet."



"Here is the rescue tail of Marvin from across the pond in Scotland. Once again a sad story with a very happy ending. Don't you just love him in his stylish shades."

National Bird Day

"Join Us for National Bird Day
January 5, 2008

National Bird Day is just around the corner. If you are planning to do an art show with a gallery or other public event you may still be able to contact venues in advance — the sooner the better. Our new 2008 National Bird Day poster designs — featuring an African grey parrot photo or original artwork by Caia Koopman — are here. And be sure to check out our new e-cards!"

Pets: No Expectations

"Pets make the best companions because they will never be mad at you or expect things of you like people. Often times a lot of people are discouraged from buying pets because they can be an expensive initial investment depending on what you want, but there is a great way to get a pet that is inexpensive and for a good cause - pet adoption!"



"There are approximately 200 pets awaiting adoption at the Humane Society of Northeast Florida, and there is a story behind each of them.

None, however, has one as unique — or perhaps as heartwarming, coming at the holidays — as Freeway, a 2-year-old male who appears to be an Australian shepherd mix.

“I don’t think he acts like a ‘Freeway,’” said Kim Boyer, one of the principal players in this animal’s rescue story. “I think he acts more like a ‘Prince’ because there is something special about him."

Dogtown

"DogTown is the largest no-kill animal facility in the country, located on 33,000 acres of Southern Utah canyon country. At any given time, the sanctuary hosts hundreds of dogs from all around the country, and the world, along with cats, horses, guinea pigs, rabbits, goats, and various other farm animals—between 1,500-2,000 animals at any one time. NGC teams up with the DogTown’s top-notch staff of veterinarians and trainers to find out what it takes to rehabilitate problem pooches and find them loving homes."

FRIDAYS at 9P et/pt
Starting January 4
Discovery Channel

Pet Adoption: Internet Potential

"The Internet has enormous potential for pet shelters and adoption agencies. While most of them are legitimate and responsible organizations, but it is recommended that the research of the organization thoroughly before you consider the adoption of a new pet from one of them. As the Internet provides a degree of anonymity, it is relatively easy repugnant breeders and suppliers to create the appearance of legitimacy."



"Adding a pet to your home is a huge responsibility. Not only do you have to know the proper care, grooming, and training needed for a pet, especially dogs, but you have to make the right decision when you go to adopt a pet. You have to be prepared to adopt the dog and know they depend on you. So while there are several things to consider when you adopt a dog you also have to decide where to adopt the dog from. There are several places to obtain a dog that include breeders, kennels, rescue shelters, pet stores, humane societies, and private owners. Each place is going to offer you a little bit of a difference in the type of dog breeds available as well as their condition. Read further to find out what each place is like."

Animal Stories

"Yes, pet lovers, there is a Santa Claus. Actually, many who are filled with the Christmas spirit every day of the year.

For those who rescue animals, adopt them from groups or shelters, donate to sustain these efforts, or who keep all of these pet lovers in their thoughts, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year."



"Top 10 Animal Stories of 2007"

Have Yourself A Very Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all!!!

Happy Birthday Boo

In honor of my dog, Arabelle (Boo), this post is dedicated to her on her birthday. She was born Dec. 24, 2006.

I love you Boo!!!!!!!!!




Here's Boo on the day I got her.





Here's Boo now

Pets For The Holidays

"When circumstances are right, local shelter officials say a puppy or kitten can be a great gift for the holidays.

“Statistically it has been proven through North Shore Animal League (the world’s largest no-kill shelter/pet adoption agency) and the Humane Society of the United States that, generally, Christmas adoptions do last,” said Tracy Couch, director of the Kingsport Animal Shelter. “That was great news when they came out with those stats because for years they had said ‘be careful with your Christmas adoptions."



"Pet adoption rates usually go up during the holidays, then when the charm wears off and the daily responsibility becomes tiresome, shelters see returns during the months of February and March.

"We want to make people understand there's a commitment here," Imhof said. "Cats live a long time, it's a 20-year commitment for some kittens."

The commitment with dogs can add up to 15 years. That’s why the no-kill animal rescue group never adopts pets as gifts."

Animeals

"Ten million animals are abandoned to shelters and the streets in this country every year. Many of the shelters and the rescue groups that house and feed these animals are struggling to keep them fed. Since 2003 AniMeals has been providing food and supplies for these hungry and homeless animals. We also feed the pets of the homebound and disabled, feral cat colonies and thousands of animals living on the streets. In the last two years we have sent out over 46 tons of food Our territory covers all of Western Montana...an area of approximately 29,600 square miles. Our deliveries are made by the "AniMeals Express" a volunteer network of drivers."

http://www.animeals.net/



"If you do a search on the Internet for “rescue dog” you will find endless links for ways to rescue and adopt puppies, adult dogs and abandoned dogs of every imaginable breed, from all around the world. These wonderful humane efforts to place dogs in loving homes are indeed one logical response to “rescue dog,” but the other is the polar opposite, with tales of heroism where it is in fact the dog who rescues the human, or more often, numerous people, trapped in perilous conditions due to earthquakes, avalanches, other natural disasters or manmade destruction."

Pet Gifts

"Of the many great gifts to give loved ones during this holiday season, a surprise pet should not be on anyone’s list.

“The adoption and pet supply gift certificates are great for someone who has been thinking about adopting a pet,” said Beth Lockwood, executive director of SPCA Tampa Bay. “Pet ownership is a big responsibility and should be a personal choice. We feel pet owners should be able to select the animal with which they feel a connection. Our gift certificates are a way to give family and friends love for life this holiday season,” said Lockwood."



"A litter of 13 puppies was dropped off at the animal shelter Sunday, which will all but alleviate the shelter's lack of resources.

The Animal Shelter Society, Inc. has really spread itself thin, Shelter Manager Becki Kelso said, and is in need of supplies.

The shelter needs blankets, bath towels, sheets and cleaning supplies, such as liquid laundry soap, bleach and paper towels. It is especially low on dog food - without red dye - for both adults and puppies."

Holidays Pet Adoption

Nearly a quarter-million animals were adopted through the first five weeks of the Iams Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive.

The campaign, which runs through Jan. 3, seeks to place 415,000 pets in new homes. As of last week, 124,564 dogs, 108,120 cats and 8,206 other pets had been adopted.

More than 2,600 shelters in 14 countries are participating, including nearly 90 in Illinois. To locate a shelter near you, go to www.iamshome4theholidays.org.

If you’re planning to adopt this holiday season -– and the Iams people say that because of shelters’ excellent screening programs, very few holiday adoptions get returned –- here are some points to consider."

Pets: Not Just Property

"Pets are no longer treated like any other piece of property. California has a law on the books under California Probate Code Section 15212 passed in 1991 which provides as follows:

A trust for the care of a designated domestic or pet animal may be performed by the trustee for the life of the animal, whether or not there is a beneficiary who can seek enforcement or termination of the trust and whether or not the terms of the trust contemplate a longer duration.

This California statute provides that you can create a trust for the care of a designated domestic or pet animal for the life of the animal. The duration will only be for the life of the pet, even if the trust instrument contemplates a longer duration."

Eliminate Fleas

Getting Rid of Fleas:

"t's true - your pet has fleas - now what? First, you need to remove the fleas, and eliminate the problem once and for all. But, while there are several treatments, they are not all equally effective, and they aren't necessary for every case. The choice depends on which you need to cure.

One straightforward solution to use is sprays, spot on applications, powders, or similar. The treatment requires a simple application. The length of time they work varies - powders or sprays usually last just a few days, spot on treatments can last a month, and they can vary in coverage. Powders and sprays can also protect against more than fleas, such as ticks, mites, and more."



"Welcome to Planet Pets. This site is dedicated to pet owners the world over! Over 3,500 Pages of Quality Pet Information."

Pets: Holiday Gifts

"One way to green up your pup, is to adopt him/her from a dog shelter or rescue! You can save a life and the environment at the same time.

Here are some great resources if you are looking for your next green 'best friend'."



"Each winter the Russian bear hunt leaves hundreds of cubs motherless. Your gift provides critical resources needed to nurture infant cubs back to health and rerelease them into the wild. Help rescue a bear cub today.

95% of the seal pups killed in Canada's annual seal hunt are less than three months old. Your gift supports IFAW's efforts to expose the cruelty of the hunt to the world. Help save a baby seal today.

When disaster strikes - a hurricane, volcano eruption, fire or flood - animals are often the forgotten victims.

Save an animal left behind. Working with local communities, IFAW steps in to alleviate suffering, save lives, and educate people on how to prepare for emergency situations in the future."

Animals: Basic Rights

"Last Chance for Animals (LCA) recognizes that animals have the ability to experience pain, and as such they deserve certain basic rights protecting them from pain caused by humans. LCA believes that non-human animals should not be subjected to suffering and exploitation by humans because alternatives exist for nearly every traditional "usage" of animals.


LCA opposes the use of animals for scientific curiosity, entertainment, clothing, and food. LCA recognizes the use of non-human animals in medical experimentation as both immoral and of questionable scientific validity due to the tremendous biological difference between species. LCA's work advocates conscious and informed lifestyle decisions, and the organization is committed to disseminating truthful information about societal animal abuse to improve the treatment of animals."



"PetHarbor.Com is a not-for-profit website. We are here to help connect the general public to the large amounts of data kept by the animal-care industry, which includes your local animal shelter, SPCA, Humane Society, county or city Animal Control, and many private animal-welfare organizations."

Dogster

"This is a special place for Dogsters to help Dogsters arrange for community transport of rescues or dogs being rehomed."



"Listings and reviews of pet-centric places by dog lovers, for dog lovers."




"The holiday shopping season is upon us, and Dogster is here to make it easier and more fun than ever. We scoured the web to find the absolute best gifts for dogs and dog-lovers, tested dozens of products, and put them all together here for you."

Tis The Season To Give

"When times are tough financially, it can be difficult to give money when you yourself are struggling. If you want to give more, here are seven websites that you can visit daily to help others. You don’t have to sign up for anything or give them money. All you have to do is click a button or answer some vocabulary questions. (The sites have been verified to be truthful by Snopes.com, a leading myth-buster."



"On the Road:
Mobile Animal CSI Unit

If you caught the unveiling of this specially designed, first-of-its-kind vehicle on national TV, you know how excited we are about the Mobile Animal Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Unit. With our very own Dr. Melinda Merck, the nation’s premier forensic veterinarian and animal CSI, at the wheel, the vehicle will be available to travel to assist national and local law enforcement in their efforts to build cases against and prosecute animal cruelty offenders."




"Millions of Children this holiday are asking this very question! During the holiday season, tons and tons of parents contemplate the decision of when is the right time to bring an animal into the family.
A very simple answer is, "when your ready."

Pets In Palm Beach

"More than 150,000 dogs and cats were put to death in Palm Beach County's publicly funded animal shelters over the past 10 years.

It's a sad statistic that people usually don't like to talk about. But one of the biggest political questions in South Florida suddenly is how to reduce the number of abandoned and unwanted pets.

Dozens of impassioned pet lovers lined up Tuesday night to speak and listen at a contentious town hall meeting hosted by County Commissioner Bob Kanjian about a proposed ordinance requiring most dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered."



" This past February, Assembly Bill 1634, the California Healthy Pets Act, was introduced to address this horrific problem by promoting responsible pet ownership in California by requiring most dog and cat owners to spay or neuter their pet by the age of six months.

The bill has many common sense exemptions for legitimate breeders, show animals, police dogs, guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and for dogs and cats too old or too sick to undergo surgery. Spay and neuter ordinances and laws have been proven to be an effective solution throughout California and the United States. In addition, dogs that are not spayed or neutered are three times more likely to attack humans and other dogs and cats. California leads the nation in dog bites and maulings."

Kindness To Animals

" Best Friends Animal Society is a nonprofit organization founded on the principle that kindness to animals makes a better world for all of us and dedicated to creating a society where there are No More Homeless Pets.

Located in the middle of the beautiful Golden Circle area of Southwestern Utah, Best Friends operates the largest no-kill sanctuary in the country for abandoned, abused and neglected companion animals. There are never fewer than 1,500 animals at the sanctuary. These once sad little faces come from rescue groups and shelters all over the country. Once they are here, they receive the care and attention they deserve and to heal emotionally and physically. Once they've received a little care, most of these special animals will go to new homes with loving families. For those who remain here, the Sanctuary will be a true home and haven for the rest of their lives.


The best gift doesn't come from a store… it comes from your heart. Share a gift of life and love this holiday season. Gift Sponsorships provide your loved ones with the warm feeling of caring and sharing. Sponsor one of the animals at Best Friends and give the gift of love and life."

For Dog Lovers

"Drink to canine well-being with the Dog Lover's Wine Club from Carivintas Winery in Buellton, Calif. The doggie wine club, which benefits shelters and rescue organizations nationwide, offers a variety of shipment plans. For example, the Bow Wow Wow Club costs $48 per month for two bottles. Or you can personalize a bottle of Carivintas wine with a photo label ($62) or digitized painting ($102) of your pet. www.dogloverswineclub.com."



If you've gone green, take a look at Organic Bouquet, which is offering roses, holiday wreaths and organic treats ($48.95-$59.95) benefiting the Humane Society of the United States. www.organicbouquet.com.



If your pup inspired love at first sight, let the world know with a "You had me at woof." T-shirt from Planet Dog, where products partially benefit the Planet Dog foundation for rescue organizations and shelters. $19.95. www.planetdog.com.



"The bond you form with your dog can be as deep and lasting as any
other bond that you form with your family members. In some cases,
it can go even deeper still, and this has been demonstrated time and
again over the years.
“Lassie” the movie, might only be a corny much overdone movie to
many people, but at heart it is true, and embodies the spirit of the
bond between owner and dog.
To that extent it becomes imperative that you decide upon which
type of dog you want in your life before you actually go and adopt
one. This is where this book comes in handy."

Oleander: Her Story

"Her name is Oleander, and her freeway drama gripped the residents of Riverside County like few car chases ever could.

For two months, the golden retriever mix wandered a six-mile stretch of Interstate 10, surviving on little food and water, loping along on a broken leg. Frightened, she evaded the California Highway Patrol officers who tried to rescue her, weaving her way through the median strip's oleanders -- hence the name given by her would-be rescuers.

As officers continued their pursuit -- even shutting down traffic a few times -- drivers, watching helplessly, called in to report sightings. When a patrolman finally coaxed the 3-year-old dog into his car, she was whisked to a Riverside County Department of Animal Services shelter in Banning.

The story was picked up by the local news media, and within two days of the announcement that the dog was up for adoption, the shelter received 90 phone calls from people wanting to adopt Oleander, foster her or give her money. Ten people claimed they were the rightful owners.

Oleander is one of thousands of animals at Southern California shelters, many of which will never be adopted. If she had simply been dropped off at the facility and lined up in a run next to dozens of other unwanted canines, she might be there months from now."

Social Networking: Pets

"Think of Dogster as Facebook for canines. There, my dogs (along with 346,639 other four-legged members, as of last week) had their own profile pages that listed their likes and dislikes, personal mottoes — Otto’s is “Are you going to finish that?” — and best tricks (“catching seedless grapes in mid-air”).

So what if my dogs could barely type, much less upload photos of themselves wearing Santa hats?

We live in an era where there is a social network to cater to any niche group you can think of, including infants whose parents create Facebook profiles for them and then expect the godparents to pretend to correspond with the babies. Why shouldn’t pets arrange play dates online or blog about their health issues?

Or as Ted Rheingold, the founder of Dogster, put it in a phone interview last week, “It’s not weird at all.”

It was perhaps inevitable that Dogster spawned Catster, which had 145,551 members of its own as of last week. Coming next: horses, birds and fish will get their own sites, too, Mr. Rheingold said.

He said there is a simple explanation for the lure of animal lovers’ sites. “All these people come for the same reason everyone else is on the Internet: they found people who are like-minded,” Mr. Rheingold said. “They were missing what I call a certain kind of social-ality in their lives, and this is the place where they found it. It’s actually quite heartwarming.”

Dog's Best Friend

"They say dogs are man's best friend. But this week, a mysterious GO Train rider proved he was a dog's best friend. And now his grateful owner is trying to track him down for a thank you that can't possibly express the relief she feels.

This is the story of Jagger, a Toronto pooch who got scared three weeks ago when he came into contact with another canine in a local dog park. He ran away and for nearly a month, Karen Ke had no idea where her beloved pet had gone - or even if she'd ever see him again."



Community For Dog Lovers
http://www.k9mania.com/forum/index.php



"There are numerous programs to help the homeless on the streets, but what about the pets of the homeless?

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, about 750,000 people in the United States experienced homelessness on a given night. About ten percent of the unshielded homeless have at least one dog or cat."

If A Dog Taught Us

I would gladly give credit if I knew who wrote this but a friend sent it to me. I think it's wonderful!

"If a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be
pure ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.

Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle
them gently.

Be always grateful for each new day.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!"

Fido And Tabby

"A well dressed woman walks up to a homeless man and gives him a bag of fast food on her way to work. The man has been sitting on the sidewalk in the same spot for weeks, he looks up and says “God bless you.” The woman nods and walks away but not before she turns to see him open the bag and remove a burger, take a bite and give the rest to his dog. This scene is probably something that goes on more often than we would like to think."


"By registering with Fido Finder, you will be registering your dog's vital information, such as name, breed, gender, color, and postal code. If your dog is ever lost, the person who has found your dog will be able to locate you based on the postal code in which the dog was found."



"By registering with Tabby Tracker, you will be registering your cat's vital information, such as name, breed, color, and postal code. If your cat is ever lost, the person who has found your cat will be able to locate you based on the postal code in which the cat was found."
http://www.tabbytracker.com/




Fuzzster.com (BETA), where our fuzzy pets can meet other fuzzy pets and owners! Invite your friends and their fuzzy pets to join, and meet other interesting people with pets just like you.

Pets Need Gifts Too

Many thanks to Gwen for sending me this information:

"They take in all animals and they've created such a large facility, that they allow individuals and groups to volunteer. They've made it a rescue and a learning facility."



"This holiday season, bring joy and meaning to your loved ones by choosing a Gift for Animals."



More gifts for animal lovers here.



Your dog could be in a movie.

Pets: New Lease On Life

I just learned about something called Black Dog Syndrome. It really surprised me. Black dogs are commonly the last, if at all, to be adopted. Go here and read more about it.



"Pet Guardian Angels of America (PGAA) – www.pgaa.com - is in its 10th year of providing free national pet adoption and rescue assistance, and Internet access to general and health information for all types of pets.

Since July, 1998 PGAA has maintained its free website at www.pgaa.com and has responded to an average of 60-90 e-mail per month, from around the country, relating to pet adoption and rescue as well as to questions regarding pet care and welfare."



"Homeward Trails Animal Rescue is a small non-profit animal rescue organization based in Arlington, VA. We rescue dogs, cats and small animals from rural mostly lower- income shelters in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and as far away as Georgia.

Sadly, without our help, all of these adoptable animals would face almost certain euthanasia - usually within days or hours of our rescuing them. Each year we take in hundreds of wonderful animals who were left at shelters by no fault of their own."




"Founded in 1961, "Buddy Dog", as it is affectionately known is a not for profit animal welfare organization dedicated to finding new homes for homeless dogs and cats. The Society is incorporated with one main objective, "giving a new lease on life to impounded dogs and cats".

Buddy Dog accepts homeless dogs and cats, in good health and of friendly disposition, which could, without our help, be destroyed. These animals find refuge at our shelter and can depend on becoming someone's forever friend. There is no time limit on their stay."

Boo's Christmas Angels: Part II

This is where I stayed and they were wonderful. The only way to donate if you wanted would be to send it by mail.

The Dog Pound
1701 U. S. Highway 72 East
Athens, Alabama 35611
Phone: 771-7889


Just one free click helps feed animals

Go here.



Or shop at the Animal Rescue Site Store

http://shop.theanimalrescuesite.com/store/site.do



Donate to The Fund For Animals
https://secure.hsus.org/01/ffa_donate?qp_source=gaffar



Sponsor A Homeless Animal or Donate

http://www.homewardtrails.org/donate.html



You may also donate to your local shelter. It doesn't have to be money;it may be blankets or any other items an animal needs.

There's always someone who is hard to buy for. If that person is an animal lover, why not make a donation to the shelter in his/her name? You can specify the purpose for the donation (spay/neuter fund, building improvements, pet food or toys, etc).



" The Marshall County Humane Society is dedicated to animal welfare. Our small shelter takes in stray dogs and cats and companion animals that for many reasons are no longer wanted by their owners. We take care of animal cruelty cases in our county, and have a spay/neuter program to help control the overpopulation of pets. We are proud to say that in 2000 we placed more than 300 pets in adoptive homes in Marshall County, Indiana."

http://www.mchsshelter.org/



You may also help my new family take care of me since they are so kind to foster me. I'm not expensive but they could use some help with food bills.

Just go here and there's a button on the right for donations.

http://petrescuercentral.blogspot.com/



"Be famous! Tell the world you care and sponsor a dog untill they get adopted. We'll post your name on the adoption page next to your sponsored dog and send you updates on how your dog is doing for $5.00 a week!

Please keep in mind we are a non-profit organization and all money, food, bedding, toys ect. go towards the care of the animals."

There are items you can donate for less than $5! They have a list.

http://www.jrhumanesociety.com/donate.html


Please help all my friends for Christmas. I have angels but so many of them don't. We will love you forever. Thank you.

Boo's Christmas Angels

Hi!

My name is Boo(actually Arabelle) and I would like to ask you to participate in a very special Christmas project.

Had my mom's friends not saved me from the shelter I would have been euthanized. I am not the only pet in danger.Look what's happening to my friends. Here are some facts:

It costs U.S. taxpayers an estimated $2 billion each year to round up, house, kill, and dispose of homeless animals.

Over 56% of dogs and puppies entering shelters are killed, based on reports from over 1,055 facilities across America.

An estimated 5 million cats and dogs are killed in shelters each year. That's one about every six and one half seconds. (The Humane Society of the United States) Millions more are abandoned, only to suffer from illness or injury before dying.

In six years one unspayed female and her offspring, can reproduce 67,000 dogs.

Seven dogs & cats are born every day for each person born in the U.S. Of those, only 1 in 5 puppies and kittens say in their original home for their natural lifetime. The remaining 4 are abandoned to the streets or end up at a shelter.


The Humane Society of the United States provided these statistics:

* Number of cats and dogs entering shelters each year:
8–10 million (HSUS estimate)
* Number of cats and dogs euthanized by shelters each year:
4–5 million (HSUS estimate)
* Number of cats and dogs adopted from shelters each year:
3–5 million (HSUS estimate)
* Number of cats and dogs reclaimed by owners from shelters each year:
Between 600,000 and 750,000—15–30% of dogs and 2–5% of cats entering shelters (HSUS estimate)
* Number of animal shelters in the United States:
Between 4,000 and 6,000 (HSUS estimate)
* Percentage of dogs in shelters who are purebred:
25% (HSUS estimate)
* Average number of litters a fertile dog can produce in one year: 2
* Average number of puppies in a canine litter: 6–10

http://www.hsus.org/

I had angels who saved me. Not all pets do. Come back tomorrow for Part II on
Boo's Chrismas Angels to see how you can help. Please help save my friends.

Me And Boo

I was reminded again yesterday of how special pets can be. After the recent ordeal of having to find my Boo a foster home I was able to spend an entire day with her before she left to go to her last foster home. She'll be back with me soon.

Boo is a good, loving dog. I had her placed twice and she wasn't unwanted because of anything she did. She was unwanted because both foster homes wanted her to change. One didn't like her barking at night. Why did she bark? Because the lady's son often slept in his truck at night and Boo wanted him to come inside.

The next foster parent expected Boo to be happy inside a small pen. Boo has always been an inside dog. High expectations for a poor pet.

I have always had a pet and I have loved them all but, as I've gotten older, I've begun to notice how much more important they are to me. Perhaps that's because I'm not work focused anymore and don't have a busy life.

Spending yesterday with Boo was a very special gift. I know she has to move one more time but this will be her last stop on this roller coaster. She will be back with me as soon as I can make it happen.

And to think this all came about thanks to fans of a show called Jericho.

Ruby: For Adoption

My Boo is safe tonight thanks to the generosity of others. Ruby can have that opportunity too if she's adopted.

• Animal: Dog
• Breed: Feist, Chihuahua
• Sex: Female
• Age: Baby
• Size: Small

Ruby was turned in 11-06-07 She is , good with other dogs & very sweet!!! Rubys adoption fee is $65.00 to cover her spay & rabies vaccination!

More info here.

Happy Endings

Just an update on my Boo.

She was spayed yesterday and is doing great!

She leaves for her new foster home in Indiana Friday night.

The other good news is that I will be able to spend about 8 hours with her before she leaves. I haven't seen her in two weeks.

I am very excited about that but sad to see her go. Of course the alternative is unthinkable.

Many thanks to everyone who made this possible. Your outpouring of support, donations, and love have been beyond astounding.

I'll be with my Boo tomorrow but I'll be back to make another report when she arrives in her new home.

Thank you all!!!

Pet Rescues: My Boo

I have decided to wait until Monday to go back to my regular blogging. My real life circumstances have been taking all my time and I can't work on the blogs right now.

I am speaking of the campaign to save my dog Boo. You can read the story here if you missed it.


The good news is that, once again, some kind, compassionate Jericho fans banded together and worked with me on a solution. The best news is that Boo has been saved. She has a new foster home and will be going there on Sat.

There is still work to be done so we will continue. I will post daily updates.

Thank you all. Donations welcome for the expenses of moving her.

Urgent Request

This picture is of my beloved Boo. I am desperate and begging for your help. Especially if you live in the North Alabama area.

Boo is an 11 month old mixed Labrador Retriever/Beagle that I cannot keep and cannot find a home for.

She is currently at a shelter here. They are a good organization and they have listed her at Petfinder and they have put ads in the local paper. No success so far.

I will have to pick her up this weekend if she is not adopted by then and I have nowhere to take her. She is a good dog and loves people and children. She has always lived inside.

If anyone can direct to any resource I will be forever grateful. If you live in my area and could give her a foster home I can buy her food.

Ideas, resources, anything will be greatly appreciated.

You may email me at sweat1951@rock.com

Thank you in advance.

Pets And A Petition

Here is a great article about getting a pet for Christmas. A few years back my sister and I decided to get our mom a puppy for Christmas. After much thought we decided to wrap up a picture of the puppy instead. Sure enough our mom said she really didn't want a pet at that time. It saved everyone a lot of trouble.


"Now that the holidays are upon us, I wonder how many kittens and puppies will be under the tree for Christmas and dumped on the streets by New Year’s Day. Although it’s been said many times, many ways, it bears repeating every holiday season: Please, please, don’t get a pet for Christmas unless someone in the household will take the responsibility for it."



Please sign this petition:

"Antifreeze is sweet: animals...and sometimes children...are attracted to this common, but deadly, fluid. A simple bittering agent, denatonium benzoate would make this sweet,bright colored substance taste..yuck, and thousands of animals lives could be saved every year. Hundreds of children could be prevented from visiting emergency rooms. The cost minimal...just pennies per gallon. A small price to pay to save a life! Please help me get a bill introduced and passed into a law by signing this petition. I am eleven years old and lost my beloved golden retriever Sam and my faithful companion Jessie to intentional antifreeze poison. Two wonderful animals within days of one another. Please help me prevent other animals from suffering this horrible death. Please consider using your name instead of being anonymous this will help me with presenting the petition for consideration of a bill."

Pets: Leaving Home

"We all know that the hardest part of leaving home isn't leaving friends and family - it's leaving a pet. Your parents can live without you and your friends probably never liked you anyway, but your pet will never get over losing you.

Before deciding to move with your pet, or deciding to bring one home if you plan on moving into or already live in an apartment, there are a ton of things to consider. Besides worrying about the time and money it will take to care for a pet, the responsibility of raising an animal that will live 15 years, and the scary prospect of scooping poop, pet owners have got to worry about landlords.

The National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, on its Web site www.petpopulation.org, cites "Landlord Issues" as the No. 2 reason for owners to relinquish pet dogs to shelters. It is the No. 5 reason for owners to relinquish cats. Avoid having to give a pet away by clearing it with your landlord first.

*******I wish it was that easy.******


"The Seattle Humane Society has come up with a way of getting in your face, sort of. Instead of asking you to come in and adopt a pet, it is taking pets to you to make them even harder to resist.

The Seattle Times explains that the plan involves a vehicle called the MaxMobile, which can transport as many as 20 animals to places where people gather. Here's a portion of the story:

Friday was the maiden voyage for the MaxMobile, a 33-foot bright-yellow truck specially designed and built for the Humane Society. It can hold up to 20 animals -- including cats, dogs and rabbits -- for transportation to retail centers or high-traffic areas where they are put on display in hopes they'll steal a heart and find a new home."

For The Love of Animals

When I first started this blog I was looking for information and my first choice for that was PetLvr.com

This is a "website for all Earthlings Who Love Animals". There's a forum and you can even get a free blog for your pet. You can find lots of links and tons of information on all kinds of animals.

Check it out. You'll be glad you did.



Petfinder.com Foundation
P.O. Box 16385
Tucson, AZ 85732-6385
E-mail: foundation@petfinder.com
http://www.petfinder.com/foundation
Phone: (425) 255-PETS (425-255-7387 8:00 am - 5:00 pm,
Pacific Standard Time)



"The plight of homeless and displaced animals is astronomical. Shelters today are overcrowded. Domestic animals are left on the roadside to fend for themselves. Pet shops and breeders continue to sell animals to the general public without regard to conditions or quality of life after they leave their doors. It is up to all of us to make this world a better place for domestic animals."



"We strive to help all animals regardless of species, breed and age find loving new homes. We do that by providing a mutual online location for people all over the world to search for an adoptable pet in need of a new family."

Dogs Don't Care

" I really do like people ... I just like my dogs better. There is one and one reason only for this: unconditional love.

Humans are jerks. Humans put dogs on chains for their entire lives, abandon them to fend for themselves, keep them in puppy mills in conditions unimaginable, beat them, degrade them, and on and on.

But dogs are forgiving. Nearly every dog that's been abused forgives and will go on to become loyal to another human.

Humans are vain. We often talk of ourselves and boost our own egos about our possessions, our beliefs, or our status in society.

Dogs couldn't care less. They don't care if we have a new or an old car, as long as they get to go for a ride. They don't care if we have a prestigious job, as long as there's enough money for food in their bowls."




"Top 10 Reasons To Spay or Neuter Your Pet"

Boo: Hoping 4 A Miracle

Today seems to be the perfect time to tell you the story behind my reason for starting this blog. It's a day to give thanks and I would like to do that too.

My parents were of different opinions when it came to pets for me and my sister as we were growing up. My dad was an animal lover to the Nth degree while my mom only tolerated them. We were allowed to have pets but they were never allowed in the house.

When I was a teenager I brought home an abandoned Siamese cat I named George. My mom, surprisingly, let George stay in the house. After three years George died. I'd had pets die before but this one was different because we were so close. I am thankful I had George.

When I was in my 20's I adopted a mutt from the shelter and named him Sam. What a sweetheart he was! Unfortunately, a few years later, he ran out to greet my aunt and she ran over him. My grief was overwhelming and I still think about Sam often. I am thankful I had Sam.

Some years after that I had an Eskimo Spitz named Ike. He was so sweet and what a personality he had. I watched him grow from a puppy to a best friend. He stayed in the house until the day he went outside, got loose, and ran in front of a car. The driver never stopped. I am thankful I had Ike.

Abby was a Bassett. She was one year old when I got her from a lady who said she and her family were not at home enough to give Abby the attention she deserved and needed. Abby adjusted beautifully and we became fast friends. She loved everybody and was so gentle. She loved going for rides and sleeping with me. Maybe she loved chicken more than me because she seemed to be trying to talk every time I brought chicken home. And, what a sense of smell she had!

Abby would have been 3 in August 2007. In July we had one of our best days ever. We stayed outside most of the day and some children came to visit her. She loved children. For dinner that night we shared chicken. Later, she lay at my feet while I was on the computer. She always did that. Around midnight my roommate came home from work. Abby always ran to meet her at the door but not this time. We weren't too concerned until Abby seemed to have a hard time standing up.

To make a long story short we called the Vet who said to bring Abby in the next morning. We never made it. She died about 3 a.m. Abby took a big piece of my hear with her. I didn't eat or sleep for three days and the pain of losing her continues even now. I am thankful I had Abby.

Then along came Boo. Actually, her name is Arabelle. I named one of my blogs, Arabelle's Alley for her. Boo was born December 24, 2006 and I got her eight weeks later. I didn't really want another pet because I was still grieving for Abby but I decided maybe another pet was what I needed. I am so glad I made that decision.

Boo is a mixed Beagle/Black Lab. She took not only the part of my heart that was left but my life too. My circumstances had taken a turn for the worse so I was with Boo seven days a week 24 hours a day. We slept together, played together, loved life together. My circumstances became such that I had to find a new place to live. I won't go into all the details.


I had a neighbor and her daughter who visited every day. They loved Boo and she loved them. When I knew I had to go (no pets allowed)I asked them to keep Boo until the day came when I could get her back. I never doubted that day would come.

It broke my heart to leave Boo but she was happy. I'd go visit every few days and it was obvious she was well taken care of and she even gained weight. Then, my neighbor announced she couldn't keep Boo any longer. Why? Because my neighbor's son often came home late at night and would sleep in his truck which Boo hated so she'd bark for hours.(That wasn't going to change said the neighbor).

I checked with everybody I knew to see if they could keep Boo and they all said they couldn't. What a relief I thought it was when my roommate's sister agreed to take Boo. The only problem was that Boo had always been an inside dog and she now had to live in a small pen within a backyard fence. (There was another dog in the backyard).

After my first visit to Boo at her new home it was obvious how unhappy she was. I had not been gone ten minutes before I got a call that Boo had gotten out of the pen. I waited several days before going back to see her. She was absolutely wild and who could blame her? After I left she again tore up the pen and got out.

My roommate's sister called and said(in her usual unreasonable tone)that Boo had to go. Either I move her or she'd call the shelter. Some people have no feelings I suppose. I tried so hard to find somebody I knew who would take Boo but no luck. So, on one of the saddest days of my life, I had to take her to one of my area vets who will adopt animals out. She remains there today.

Why am I telling you all this? Partly because my grief and pain know no bounds right now. Part of me writes this because I'm hurt and confused. Only someone who has experienced a pet as family would understand.

I said all that to say Boo is the reason for this blog. Maybe somebody will find what they need here. Maybe someone will read this post and be able to relate. Maybe nobody will ever have to experience this kind of pain. I am thankful for Boo.

I hope I can report back soon that Boo has found a new home with people who will love her and take good care of her. Not that I don't want her;I want her back so badly it's killing me.In the meantime, I am hoping 4 a miracle that my Boo can return home to me. That's what it will take. One big miracle.

If you believe in prayer please pray for my miracle. I can't imagine my life without my Boo in it and I won't try.

Thank you.

Non-Disposable Pets

"Often people feel they must give up their pets for various reasons. On these pages, you'll hopefully find some alternatives and be able to keep your animal. There is also lots of info here for those who would never dream of giving up their pet, but just need some advice on basic pet problems . They are often the very same problems for both groups of people.

First and foremost, pets are living creatures, capable of fear, love, pain, loneliness, and joy. They should never be considered disposable property, for they should be considered members of the family."



"PETS 911 believes that if you consolidate all the adoption, lost and found, veterinarian/emergency clinic, fostering, volunteer, shelter/clinic, and health and training information out there and give the public a single and easy place to find this information; education will substantially increase and euthanasia will decrease. That is our mission.

Please take a few moments to look at our site. You will see that PETS 911 is an answer for not only the public, but also the animal welfare community on how we can all take part in saving the lives of 5 million animals every year."

My PetSide: New

"Procter & Gamble Productions, Inc. (PGP) and NBC Universal Digital Media (NBCU) today announced the launch of a new website for dog and cat owners - Petside.com. The website, created in partnership with The ZiZo Group, is a comprehensive source of information and services that helps pets and their owners get the most out of life.

At MyPetSide, users can create their own, highly personalized profiles
for their pets by uploading critical information, including contact
information and medical records. There is also a lost and found feature
that helps reconnect pets with their owners. Registered users can also
receive customized discounts on products and services, specific to the
age and type of pet they have. MyPetSide also allows pet owners to
connect and communicate with other pet owners via groups and
individually.

In addition to the ASPCA, Petside has partnered with other highly regarded organizations for relevant content, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), by licensing content from a work published by John Wiley & Sons Publishers, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA)."


If you are part of a shelter or rescue organization, or an organization that helps our beloved companions in some way, please let me know and I will be happy to link to your site to help give you more exposure.

Feed Animals Free

"This Animal Rescue Site is having trouble getting enough folks to click on it daily to meet their quota of getting free food donated every day to abused and neglected animals.

It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on the purple box "fund food for animals" for free. This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising.Here's the Web site! "

Please pass it along to other animal lovers. http://www.animalrescuesite.com/


You may also click the purple box on my sidebar. Thank you.

Announcing: Pet Rescuer Central

This blog was born from a need I have to work to spread the word about animal shelters and animal rescues/adoption. The need arose from a recent personal experience that I will eventually share.

This blog will grow over time and I hope you will be here to grow along with us.

Today my heart is broken and my life forever changed. The pain is too deep and the ache too wide to share my story now.

Just know, for now, that I dedicate this blog to the love of my life and my most faithful companion; Boo.


"IF YOU FIND IT HARD TO THINK ABOUT LIFE WITHOUT YOUR PET, IMAGINE YOUR PET’S LIFE WITHOUT YOU.

Every hour of every day 50 companion animals are euthanized in U.S. animal shelters simply because their human companions died and made no arrangements for their continuous care. This amounts to more than 500,000 orphaned pets killed every year."

pet adoption,

"Top 5 Reasons to Adopt a Pet

Are you thinking of getting a new pet? Have you ever considered pet adoption? Adopting a pet is a wonderful option for adding a canine friend into the family. Here are 5 simple reasons why you should choose pet adoption."


"The plight of homeless and displaced animals is astronomical. Shelters today are overcrowded. Domestic animals are left on the roadside to fend for themselves. Pet shops and breeders continue to sell animals to the general public without regard to conditions or quality of life after they leave their doors. It is up to all of us to make this world a better place for domestic animals."

A New Year Begins

"Anna Quindlen enjoys a moment with Beau's pal, Bea. Her new book is about life with Beau, a black Labrador retriever. "Human beings wind up having the relationship with dogs that they fool themselves they will have with other people," she writes."

Excerpt from `Good Dog. Stay.

"Starting out, I thought that life was terribly complex, and in some ways it is," Quindlen writes. "But contentment can be pretty simple. And that's what I learned from watching Beau over his lifetime: to roll with the punches (if not in carrion), to take things as they come, to measure myself not in terms of the past or the future but of the present, to raise my nose in the air from time to time and, at least metaphorically, holler, `I smell bacon!'"



Top 20 viewed posts of 2007 from PetLvr.com