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."

Iams Home 4 the Holidays

Iams Home for the Holidays has set a goal to place 1 million orphaned animals into happy and loving homes during this year's holiday season from October 1, 2008 to January 5, 2009.

Award-winning actress and pet parent Felicity Huffman has teamed up with Iams Home for the Holidays to help raise awareness for the millions of homeless dogs and cats throughout North America.





- Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, Iams Home for the Holidays is among the world's most successful pet adoption programs and includes nearly 3,000 partner animal organizations from around the world that are dedicated to helping raise awareness about the importance of pet adoption and educating people considering a new pet.

- Since it began in 1999, Iams Home for the Holidays has helped place more than 2 million pets into happy homes. Last year alone, Iams Home for the Holidays helped nearly 500,000 families experience the joy of pet adoption.

- Every cat, dog, puppy or kitten that is adopted during Iams Home 4 the Holidays will go home with an Iams Adoption Starter Kit.

- Founded by the Helen Woodward Animal Center and supported by Iams, Iams Home for the Holidays began in 1999 with just 14 participating animal shelters in San Diego County. Today there are nearly 3,000 shelters in 15 countries around the world helping orphaned animals find loving homes and families.

Animal Shelter Contest

Care2.com, the largest online community of people passionate about making a difference, will award the grand prize of $10,000 to the animal welfare group that receives the most votes via the contest website. In addition to the grand prize, Care2 is awarding $3,000, $1,000 and two prizes of $500 to the four runner-ups respectively. Winners will be announced the second week of November.

To ensure every shelter and rescue group has an opportunity to win a prize, Adopt-a-Pet.com is also giving prizes of $1,000 at random (not based on votes) each week during the contest period.

The contest started on Monday, Sept. 22 and ends on Saturday, Nov. 1. Through the contest website people also can invite their friends to vote for their favorite shelter. Visitors can track who has recruited the most friends to vote for their favorite shelters. The top 20 people who recruit the most friends to vote will each receive a $50 gift certificate sponsored by Adopt-a-Pet.com.

“Care2 and its members have shown unwavering support of animal welfare issues throughout the years and are devoted to improving their plight, like our organization,” said David Meyer, president of Adopt-A-Pet.com. “We have 6,000 animal shelters across the country seeking to find homes for pets in their care, and the number of homeless pets on our site is increasing each month. By partnering with Care2 for this contest, we can further our goal of raising awareness about animal shelters and finding good homes for these 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."

Parrot Adoption

Parrot adoption is very much like baby adoption. Those who have parrots they cannot care for offer them to people who want a parrot. The adoptive parrot owners may not be able to afford the initial outlay, or they may simply want to give a good home to a parrot that must be relocated.

Parrot adoption does not always mean “free” parrots. The term is also used for inexpensive parrots purchased from former owners."

Boo Returns Home

Hello everyone. Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Arabelle but my momma calls me Boo. You may call me by either name.

I am very happy to be home with my momma again. I've been living in Indiana for the past 8 months and, while I loved it, it wasn't where my momma was.

I love my foster family and they were very good to me. I will miss them but I know I'll see them again one day. They are good people.

Talk to you all soon.

Boo Is Coming Home

When I see the money raised by Jericho fans for various causes, I am always reminded of those fans who helped save my Boo. Boo is my dog and you can read her story here.


I am thrilled to report that Boo is coming home after 8 months away from me. I cannot put my feelings into words.

I will be forever grateful for the fans who contributed money to make sure Boo could be transported to Indiana to live temporarily. I am grateful to Kestral and her family for taking Boo and treating her like family.

Jericho fans are an amazing bunch and I thank all of you who contributed money, support, and encouragement.

I'll let you know when Boo gets home. It will likely be next weekend.

Bichon Frise

"There is no doubt that Bichon Frise dogs are incredible adorable and it can take only one second to completely fall head over heals in love with that particular breed of dog. But before you bring home a Bichon Frise, it is important to know exactly what type of dog that you are dealing with, as not every dog is alike in their personality and what you can expect out of them.

In order to make sure that you will live together in peace and harmony, you must make sure that the Bichon Frise can give you what you will be expecting from it. By carefully looking over and learning about this breed, you will be able to determine if adopting one is the right decision for you. This way, when no mistakes are made, no one gets hurt and someone who does not mind the mannerisms of this breed can adopt the puppy."

Second Chance For Love

"If you have an inspirational story about your adopted dog, submit it to the Hill’s Pet Nutrition “Second Chance for Love” website. Participants must submit stories between 50 and 150 words, or a video clip less than 30 seconds that describes how you and your adopted dog gave each other a second chance for love.

Two grand prize winners will be award a $10,000 donation to a favorite shelter, a VIP shoot with pet photographer Jim Dratfield, and one year of free Science Diet pet food. Eight second-place winners will also receive rewards. In any case, your story can convince countless dog lovers to adopt from a shelter."

Happy July 4th

Broadway Barks

"Saturday, July 12, 2008

Shubert Alley, West of Broadway, between 44th and 45th Streets, between Broadway and 8th Avenue, Manhattan

BROADWAY BARKS 10! will help some of New York City’s shelter animals find permanent homes by informing New Yorkers about the plight of the thousands of homeless dogs and cats in the metropolitan area. Bernadette Peters and Mary Tyler Moore will host this star-studded dog and cat adopt-a-thon, and a galaxy of Broadway stars will join them onstage to present animals for adoption from New York City animal shelters and adoption agencies. BROADWAY BARKS will also feature an auction of celebrity-autographed memorabilia. Proceeds from the auction and other donations will benefit the attending shelters and organizations. This event is free and open to the public."

Animal Rescue

I found this worth sharing. I love it.


"Testimonial poem: Take me to the Rescue!

You may not think you know me, but I’m sure you’ve seen my face in back yards, fields & busy streets, you’ll find us any place. I’m what you’d call a rescue dog, who needs a safety haven. I may be thin & sickly, too, but I promise I’m worth saving.

I’m the dog who lives next door, the one you always see outside seeking shelter from the sun, and cool, safe place to hide.

You have seen me on the streets with no place to call home or maybe in an open field, scared & sad, & all alone.

But did you know that there’s a place that was built with me in mind? Where people love & care for me & show me the world is kind.

Where no dogs will go hungry, where peace & love abound Where kind & caring people will always be around.

I may be scared of humans because of what they’ve put me through But my heart is quite forgiving, won’t you please take me with you?

Take me to that rescue place, they’ll help me find a home And they’ll make sure while I’m waiting, I’ll never be alone

I’m small, I’m meek, I’m timid, but I’ll be strong before they’re through For life will begin again for me, if you’ll take me to the Rescue."

Adoption and DNA

"Assembly Bill 2949 will move to the Senate for consideration. Please visit The ASPCA Press Room to read more about it! Thank God there is Hope for these innocent cats and dogs who need a loving home. Do you have room in your home for a loving dog or cat who can bring so much love to you? Please visit your local ASPCA affiliated adoption center today and see where your heart takes you! I feel very badly about people who have never experienced the unconditional love of a pet. Now more than ever, the have a chance to experience---perhaps for the first time the JOY of a Cat or Dog Here's where you can learn about the Bill:"




"A new DNA test can not only tell you what your mutt is made of but also what health problems he may risk.

Piper was discovered at the Cleveland APL about eighteen years ago. He's an old dog and we think he may be a mix of Scottish Deer Hound and Lab. But we could never be sure until now.

Piper's DNA is being analyzed by the Wisdom Panel DNA test. It will not only tell me what's in his breed mix, it will also identify 316 genetic markers.

From a small blood sample, veterinarian Carol Osborne says the test can determine what Piper is from 134 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club."

Pet Honeymoon

"A honeymoon period can exist if you are 18 or 80, have children or don't, are married or not and causes many roundtable discussions among people who are committed to caring for these animals.

The period starts when you decide to adopt an animal. Your adrenaline increases along with your excitement level. You are sure you will find just the right pet for you and off you go to an animal shelter or rescue group.

Up and down the aisles you go, peering in every kennel to find just the right one. Is that one too hairy, or maybe a little too small? I like that one with the brindle coat, but I think she is a little big. What do you think?"

Season To Adopt

"Paloma is a runner. She loves to run. She doesn’t run anywhere in particular, mind you, she just enjoys the experience. Sometimes she gets to run in wide open spaces, like at the park, sometimes she runs alongside her mom’s bike, and sometimes she just runs back and forth through the house. To her, it doesn’t much matter, just as long as she gets to run. The way her life started out, however, it was possible that she might never have gotten the chance.Paloma is a one-year-old half English setter/half English pointer mix. Her name, which is Spanish for “dove,” was bestowed upon her because as a very young puppy, she was entirely white. The result of an accidental breeding between two show dogs, Paloma and her six sisters were unexpected and unwanted by the owners of both parent dogs. Fortunately, all seven dogs made their way to a pointer rescue shelter, and have since all found happy homes."



"So, it's May, and there are all kinds of babies being born. Chicks are hatching, baby turtles are coming up for air, kittens are plenteful, and of course, dogs are having puppies. Spring has sprung, and so have the baby animals.

This is the time of year where pet sales sky rocket. After all, the weather is nice, and people think of how much fun it would be to adopt or purchase a new furry family member. If this is you, that's ok, just try and be responsible about your decision. The shelters are full of animals that were bought in the spring and returned in the winter because things didn't work out. To prevent this, here are a few pointers:"

Petimony

"An increasing number of couples who split up are fighting over the family pet. Pets are being treated more and more like family members and when couples divorce or separate, the pets become a part of the legal settlements. Many attorneys are drafting “petimony” contracts for couples with pets creating a new focus on animal law issues."



"My first contact with pet rescue centers was when our cat Tom died, and we decided that the next in line for cat-in-chief should be from a shelter, not a pet store. Pet rescue shelters have got increasingly popular in recent years - there is nothing like the feeling of giving a deserving pet a nice new home! Rescue Centers take in animals for later adoption to loving homes. Obviously, local centers have limited room and resources for pets that need rehoming, and far too many wonderful animals get put down as a result."

Non-Disposable Pets

This is a sad article. I had no idea this was happening.


"Much about college life is temporary — classes last a semester, majors change, living arrangements endure maybe a school year and friendships come and go. But pets should not be part of that flux.
Yet every spring, as thousands of University of Arizona students pack up and leave Tucson for the summer or for good, local animal shelters notice a spike in dogs and cats being dropped off, unwanted.
If you can't commit to an animal for its lifetime — which usually lasts more than a school year — don't get a pet. To adopt a dog, cat, pet mouse or tortoise requires responsibility, maturity and the decency to understand that animals are not disposable."

Dog and Cat Ears

"An inflammation of the ear canal is called otitis. Most lay people call this an ear infection, and many times, an infectious microbial agent is involved, but occasionally the root of the problem is something other than a primary infection.

Dog and cat ears are built a little differently than human ears, but the variations are fairly minor. The ear flap is called the pinna. Below that is the canal leading to the eardrum, or tympanum.

Cat pinnae are fairly uniform from cat to cat and breed to breed. They are triangular and stand upright in almost all cats. Some purebred cats will have a distinct fold in the pinna that causes the flap to lie flat against the head and cover the ear canal. These cats are relatively rare and most of the time a cat with a folded ear will have suffered some injury that has healed poorly."

Pets: Responsibility

"This is from the Humane Society of the United States website:

Knowing that pets usually have shorter lifespans than humans, you may have planned for your animal friend's passing. But what if you are the one who becomes ill or incapacitated, or who dies first? As a responsible pet owner, you provide your pet with food and water, shelter, veterinary care, and love. To ensure that your beloved pet will continue to receive this if something unexpected were to happen to you, it's critical to plan ahead."
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"If you've grown up with pets, it can be hard to imagine life without them. But if you've never had a pet, the idea might seem a bit daunting. There are many encouraging reasons for having a companion of the animal kind.

Responsibility is usually the main word that springs to mind when thinking about getting a pet. Whether it is furry, finned, scaly or feathered, a pet is a definite commitment; a commitment that, according to most pet owners, turns out to be highly rewarding and regret-free."

Pet Adoption and Dog Art

This makes me happy.

"When the Army plans to invade a city, it brings in the big guns.

Huntsville Animal Services is doing the same Sunday when it invades the Wal-Mart parking lot on University Drive with dozens of animals for adoption.

The city shelter is getting a big boost from the largest pet adoption agency in the world, the North Shore Animal League of New York, which will be helping with the adoption process as part of its Tour of Life 2008. "
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"Dog Art Today is devoted to daily dog art from around the world. Features include contemporary dog art, the history of dogs in art, dog art auctions, books, posters, fashion and decor."
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Great animal videos