Rescuing The Rescuers

"Local animal rescue organizations that rely on private donations are grappling with an unprecedented increase in abandoned animals and a steep drop in private donations.

The Santa Cruz Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which adopts out 100-120 animals per month and runs entirely on private donations, has received about half of its normal cash donations and about 75 percent less in animal food donations. Hummer Ranch Pregnant Mare Rescue, which houses horses at a small Aptos ranch until they can be adopted, has run out of cash. And, Project Purr, which spays and neuters feral cats, may not have enough money to stay open until its next fundraiser in May.

"Donations are down at least 65 percent," said Lisa Carter, director of the SPCA. "We're having to think of drastic measures in order to stay afloat. It's pretty grim. Because of the economy, we're looking at having to rescue less. More and more people locally are being impacted by the economy."

Carter, who has been with the SPCA for six years, says she's never seen such a big drop in donations and such a demand for animal shelter services. The agency gives out cat and dog food each month to about 150 people who can't afford to feed their animals."

Death and Taxes

"A Conejo Valley man who's committed to finding new homes for abandoned animals is facing a $17,000 tax bill as a result of his not-for-profit adoption system.

Josh Pasewaldt, owner and operator of Newbury Park Pet Supply, has spent the past 16 months collecting small dogs and puppies from the Kern County Animal Shelter in Bakersfield and housing them at his North Reino Road store until they're adopted.

He charges the new owners the $60 fee it costs him to adopt them from the animal shelter, and he pays for the costs of transporting and housing them out of his own pocket.

Now Pasewaldt, 28, says he's just about reached the end of the road as a result of a series of regulations and higher costs that began last year when animal-control authorities ordered him to install fire sprinklers and take other steps."

When You Find A Stray

"You're in your car, heading somewhere or other, a long list of things to accomplish and already running late. Suddenly, you see him—a dog, there, by the side of the road. With a sinking feeling, you realize he's alone. Your car is coming alongside him now. You have only seconds in which to act. But what should you do?

This is a wrenching scenario for all who care about animals. Once you've seen the dog (or cat), it's too late to avert your eyes and drive on, even if you wanted to. After all, what if your own dog or cat were standing there? So, before you pull over, good Samaritan that you are, here are some guidelines for assisting animals safely and effectively."

Adopt A Rat

"Thinking about a pet?

Consider a rat.

Please, say the folks at the Twin Cities Animal Humane Society, where officials are seeking homes for a sudden surge of domesticated rats dropped off at metro-area shelters.

The Humane Society has been inundated with more than 400 abandoned rats this year -- more than twice the number they had taken in by this time last year."

Foreclosure: Poor Pets

"Jane Stonehill remembers the car pulling up to Animal Rescue Friends of Idyllwild's office a few months ago. It was full. Clothing and furniture. A mother and children. A gray and white Old English sheepdog.

They had lost their home and were heading out of town -- without their dog.

"They just had to walk away from it," said Stonehill, director of the rescue organization. "It's very sad."

The past six months, Stonehill and operators of other animal shelters and rescue groups in Riverside and San Bernardino counties have reported more dogs and cats being dropped off or abandoned at homes. One shelter had a 15 percent increase in its population. A rescue group has started a waiting list. The main culprit: the worsening economy and increasing foreclosure rates."

Brooklyn Animal Foster Network

Very interesting post. What do you think?


"And, since I am a dog owner with more than passing interest in animal welfare, I carefully read the scathing complaint I got from an animal rescue group the other day. I called the sender, Laurie Blier, director of the Brooklyn Animal Foster Network, which has been banned from ACC.

I also interviewed the person Blier was complaining about: Charlene Pedrolie, recently appointed head of New York City’s Animal Care and Control I learned that the issues are complex and that there are heartfelt opinions on both sides.

The brilliant columnist Jimmy Breslin recently told New York magazine he is disinterested in blogs because “They don’t even go in barrooms. It’s opinions written from the kitchen table!” I wonder if that’s what’s happening online in the emotional issue of Laurie Blier’s campaign against Charlene Pedrolie.



Blier’s petition to get Pedrolie fired has more than 1,000 signatures. The petition, and posts from a number of blogs, are making their way through Google toward the top of any search on Pedrolie’s name – clearly part of a campaign to discredit her."

Faith In Man

"Delaware County is hoping that man will be a lost dog's best friend.

Such faith in humankind underpins a new Web site that allows anyone discovering a mislaid pet to try to instantly find the pooch's true master."



"If you´re a pet owner, you know how it feels when your beloved pet looks at you with total trust and faith. People who share their lives with dogs know adoration; those who share their lives with cats know acceptance. All pet lovers know humor, and ultimately, they know tears. There is an acknowledged bond between humans and the creatures who love them and the expression of that bond may be greatest among those involved with animal rescue."



"The problem of abandoned and unwanted pets is not unique to Toronto. A recent Toronto Star article, however, has highlighted the plight of abandoned animals who may no longer be collected by City of Toronto shelters due to budget concerns, ultimately leading to an overflow of dogs and cats in neighbouring municipalities. According to the article, one of the biggest fears is an explosion in the feral feline population, since—as everyone knows—cats are raging sexaholics if left un-neutered or unspayed."