New Hope for Fear and Anxiety in Abused Dogs

Story at-a-glance

• Recently the ASPCA opened the Behavioral Rehabilitation Center in Madison, NJ, a first-of-its-kind facility dedicated exclusively to helping rehabilitate dogs that have been victims of animal cruelty.
• The center’s patients will come from shelters across the country as well as from ASPCA-involved seizures, and will primarily be victims of puppy mills and hoarding situations.
• Dogs with extreme fear disorders are in danger of being euthanized unless they can be rehabilitated – a job that typically falls to shelter workers and rescue groups. The ASPCA’s new center, which is launching a two-year research project, has committed to share its findings with shelters and rescue organizations across the U.S.
• The Behavioral Rehabilitation Center has over two dozen kennels, treatment rooms, “real life” rooms, and common areas. There are 10 staff members, including two behavior experts, plus volunteers and daily caretakers. The ASPCA invested over a half a million dollars in the center, and will pay for all patient expenses, including vet care.
• For many animals, being rescued from a lifetime of neglect and abuse is just the beginning of a long journey to recovery. The Behavioral Rehabilitation Center’s goal is to provide rescued dogs with customized behavior therapy and more time to recover, which will increase their chances of being adopted

 

By Dr. Becker

Recently the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) opened the Behavioral Rehabilitation Center at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, NJ, as part of a two-year research project.

Per an ASPCA press release, the center is “the first-ever facility dedicated strictly to providing behavioral rehabilitation to canine victims of cruelty, such as those confiscated from puppy mills and hoarding cases.” According to center director Kristen Collins, the center will also treat a certain number of dogs that have been confined for long periods because they are “evidence” in court cases.

The Behavior Rehabilitation Center’s canine patients will come from shelters across the U.S. as well as from ASPCA-involved seizures from puppy mills and hoarders. According to Collins, the center is the first facility of its kind in that it will be focused exclusively on providing rehabilitation for dogs that are victims of animal cruelty.

The Center’s findings as part of the two-year research project will be shared with shelters and rescue organizations throughout the U.S.

Dogs with Extreme Fear Disorders Are Euthanasia Candidates

Dogs suffering from extreme fear are prone to symptoms such as shaking, cowering, loss of bladder control, growling and biting. In some cases, the fear is always present and causes the animal a great deal of pain. These cases are very hard to treat.

This level of fear is commonly seen in dogs that have survived life in puppy mills or hoarding situations. Once free, fear consumes them because their previous miserable, often abusive existence is all they’ve ever known. Typically these animals are turned over to shelters and rescue groups who try to work with the dogs to help them overcome their fears. The alternative for many of these dogs is, sadly, euthanasia.

Dogs cowering in the back of their shelter kennels certainly have no quality of life, and prospective owners seldom choose them. If they do get adopted, without treatment they are ill-prepared to blend into a family environment, and many new owners are disappointed or at a loss to know what to do to help their new four-legged family member.

One of the things the ASPCA’s research project will do is provide some statistics to work with. Presently, no one really knows how many dogs with fear disorders are placed in adoptive homes, or how they do once they go to their new families. The Behavioral Rehabilitation Center staff will follow up on placed animals to document how well they are doing in their new environment.

Most Dogs Will Stay at the Center for Six to Eight Weeks

The ASPCA’s new center has over two dozen kennels, treatment rooms, “real life” rooms, common areas, and an office. There are 10 people on staff at the center, including two behavior experts from St. Hubert’s. There are also volunteers and caretakers who feed the dogs and clean their kennels.

Center behaviorists will provide customized behavior modification therapy to reduce fear and anxiety in abused dogs. From a recent press release:

Treatment plans will incorporate the use of scientifically sound techniques designed to reduce the dogs’ fear of people and other dogs, acquainting them to unfamiliar objects, sounds, living areas, and real-life situations that can induce trauma and severe stress among this population.

The ASPCA spent over half a million dollars on the center, and will foot the bill for all patient expenses, including veterinary care.

Most dogs will stay at the facility for six to eight weeks, with some requiring a more lengthy or shorter stay, depending on their individual situation. “Graduates” of the center will return to a shelter for placement, and ongoing therapy will be provided as needed.

"For some animals, the reality is that after a lifetime of neglect and abuse, the rescue is just the beginning of their journey to recovery," said Dr. Pamela Reid, vice president of the ASPCA’s Anti-Cruelty Behavior Team. The Behavioral Rehabilitation Center’s goal is to provide rescued dogs individualized behavior therapy and more time to recover from past abuse. This will increase the likelihood of successful adoption.

Rescued Alaskan Malamutes Some of Center’s First Residents

Some of the first patients at the new center were a few Alaskan malamutes taken from a Montana breeder who was convicted in December 2012 of over 90 counts of animal cruelty. A total of 213 malamutes were rescued from starvation and filthy living conditions in that case. The dogs were transferred to other kennels and kept as evidence for 16 months during trial preparation.

Eighteen of the dogs were pregnant, one of which weighed just 48 pounds (the average weight of an Alaskan malamute is 75 pounds). She delivered a litter of eight puppies. Only one survived.

Once the dogs were no longer “evidence,” they were sent to a humane society in Helena where they were spayed and neutered. Another animal welfare group helped begin placing the dogs. Some of the malamutes have found new homes; some are living in rescues awaiting adoption.

One of the dogs was adopted by the president of the Alaska Malamute Assistance League in Anchorage. The dog, a 6 year-old female named Cinder, is missing the tip of one ear, has broken teeth and a broken toe – all caused by food fights among the starving dogs while they lived at the breeding facility in Montana. According to Cinder’s owner, many of the malamutes are missing their tongues for the same reason.

Cinder’s owner, Bob Sutherland, says she has come a long way:

"We took a shy dog, and she’s all grins and giggles now. If you work with these dogs, they rise and shine. That’s why this ASPCA facility is so valuable to us. We were super excited to get these dogs in there to go through a training regimen. It saves us a lot of heartbreak about what we do with these dogs.”

Hope for the Future of Mistreated Animals

Sadly, there will be dogs that cannot overcome their fear, no matter how extensive the rehabilitation. But the center’s behaviorists are committed to do everything possible to help dogs recover. Euthanasia will be a last resort for dogs with an extremely poor quality of life, or those who pose a significant threat to people or other animals.

The Behavioral Rehabilitation Center will only be able to handle about 400 animals during the two-year project, so it won’t take much burden off shelters in the immediate future. The hope is that researchers will develop new ways to treat fear, anxiety and shyness in dogs that have been abused, and those techniques can be shared on a broad scale with other facilities and groups doing similar work.

According to Collins, success with this project could expand future projects to include fighting dogs, and even cats.

Related:

Humane Society of the U.S. finally changes its policy on fighting dogs

Great Update About Dogs Removed From Michael Vick’s Compound

Technorati Tags: abused dogs,fighting dogs,fearful dogs,dogs with anxiety,Dr. Becker,ASPCA,Pet Behavioral Rehabilitation Centers,JOMP,Just One More Pet,rehabbing dogs

16 Heartwarming Photos Of Lost Dogs Reunited With Their Families

BuzzFeed.com:

1. Abby

Abby, who also happens to be blind, went missing for more than a week during super heavy snowstorms in Alaska. Luckily, she managed to find her way home for Christmas. (A Christmas miracle!!!)

Image by McKenzie Grapengeter / AP

2. Bailey

After Bailey, a little Chihuahua mix, went missing for two months, his owner opened a newspaper and found him featured as the shelter’s pet of the month! Just another reason to own a newspaper subscription, folks.

Source: nwitimes.com

3. Puzzle

Puzzle went missing while on a walk in a Seattle park, and returned home nearly a week later. The funny part? Puzzle’s owner left the backdoor open, and Puzzle just happened to walk in.

Source: fremocentrist.com

4. Ruca

The 8-year-old Shih Tzu went missing for just over a week, and here’s the thing: Ruca was a gift from an Iraq soldier to his then-girlfriend, now-wife, Brittney. So, when Ruca dug a hole under the fence and escaped, a real-life Ace Ventura pet detective was hired to find her. Voila, home safe and sound!

Source: turnto23.com

5. Gizmo

This fellow 8-year-old Shih Tzu was found with the help of a microchip after being lost for four months. Awww!

Source: latimesblogs.latimes.com

6. Pooka

The Chihuahua-dachshund mix (Chiweenie) was missing 18 months and wandered all the way to New Mexico before being reunited with her owner in Kentucky. A handy microchip’s to thank for that!

Image by Jeri Clausing / AP

7. Beethoven (probably)

This big guy was missing less than a week, thankfully, otherwise who would those adorable children cling to?!

Source: imgur.com

8. Aka

Aka spent two years away from her family before being located more than 20 miles from home at an animal shelter. The reason the Alaskan mix was returned? A microchip.

Source: dailynews.com

9. Ginger

Ginger flew the coop for 10 years. Yes, you read that right, but the story gets even stranger. Because when the basset hound’s owner lost custody of Ginger as part of a divorce agreement, he never thought he’d see her again. So, imagine his shock when he opened a paper and saw the dog listed as part of an adoption center’s listings! Looks like she’s back with her dad for good, though.

Source: nydailynews.com

10. Oreo

It was over four and a half years before Oreo was found. He ran away while in the backyard, and his family had all but lost hope that they’d ever see him again. But he was found wandering the streets, thanks to a microchip.

Source: nbcbayarea.com

11. Buster

During Hurricane Sandy, 1-year-old Buster escaped in the chaos of the storm. After searching for close to a month, they found him: On a shelter website where he was due to be euthanized the next day. Luckily, they were able to reach the shelter just hours before he was scheduled to be put down.

Source: huffingtonpost.com

12. Shorty

Shorty disappeared seven years ago from her Louisiana home during Hurricane Katrina. At the age of fifteen, she was found with a microchip, wandering through North Carolina. It’s unclear how she made it into a different state, but for now she’s back with her family.

Image by WCNC

13. Nick

The 10-year-old military police dog, who served two tours, went missing from his yard. Even though it was only for a day, the family had serious cause for concern: Nick suffers from a serious genetic medical condition that affects his hind legs and requires medication. Luckily, the dog was spotted in a different neighborhood and returned safely to his family.

Source: inforum.com

14. Petunia

This mix breed pit bull disappeared from her home in Virginia back in 2003, and was found eight years later in California. That’s roughly 3,000 miles from her home! She was reunited with her elated family on live TV. Pretty emotional homecoming!

Source: digitaljournal.com

15. Earl

Poor Earl. This loyal German shepherd was stolen from his Virginia home and lost for nearly a month before he was found. Turns out that two men took him from his yard and began train hopping with the dog! Earl was found when the men were arrested for illegal train hopping in North Carolina, and he was immediately returned to his family.

Source: Brittany Randolph/The Star

16. Lizzy

Lizzy had been lost for over a month, not a great thing considering she’s blind. Yes, a blind rat terrier. But an anonymous man, who called himself Santa, dropped her off at a Michigan City animal shelter. The rest is adorable history.

Image by Matt Fritz / AP

Technorati Tags: lost pets,reunification,pets are family,dogs are family,love,for the love of a pet,success stories,JOMP,Just One More Pet

Adopt a Pet This Christmas… Or Give Someone a New Friend for Christmas (or Hanukah)!

By Marion Algier – Originally Posted on December 15, 2011  -  Updated December 14, 2012 – Cross-Posted at AskMarion

The holidays are a popular time to get your children the pet they’ve always wanted. Who can resist an adorable puppy or kitten with a bow under the Christmas tree? If you are thinking about getting a pet this year, I encourage you to consider ‘adopting’ a pet for under the tree instead of buying one. There are a lot of benefits to adopting a pet over buying one from a pet store. For some of the reasons why, please see THIS ARTICLE. Truly, good pets can come from anywhere, but I also recommend not picking a pet that is coming from a non-reputable breeder or puppy mill. For more information about what puppy mills are, please check out THIS ARTICLE.

A great way to give a pet, especially to someone who does not live in your home, unless you know the person really well, is take the person you are getting the pet for to the shelter, rescue or store and let them chose the pet they want. Sometimes that is not possible… Sometimes if it is for your child your input is the final choice. Or sometimes you know grandma or grandpa would love a pet or needs one and taking them just won’t work out, so each situation is different. But if you can take them for a pre-visit or actually to pick one out is ideal. If not, choose a pet they would want, rather than one you want. And then adopt just one more for yourself, if you possibly can.

If you are a pet lover, please donate funds and supplies or volunteer your time to local rescues and shelters or consider fostering or taking a pet home for the holidays… and then helping find them a permanent forever home.

Adopt (or rescue) just one more pet and you are not only saving a life but enhancing yours… or that of a friend, family member or just a lonely soul. Those of us who have pets know that loving an animal and having them love you awakens a part of your soul that changes your life forever!

With today’s economy, plus the return of pets to the shelter of people who think animals are toys, there are more pets who need homes than ever before, so please consider giving some of these pets a home for the holidays and forever.

Critter for Christmas Gift… Not Always the Best Idea… Unless It is Done the Right Way!

h/t to Cindy Wolff

If you are really thinking of surprising someone with an animal for Christmas, make sure it’s made of fake fur and stuffed. If you really want to get someone a pet for Christmas, give them a gift certificate or and IOU and then take them to find a pet, if they want one, of their choosing… or take them pre-shopping or along with you to pick one out.

Nothing says “I’m clueless” like giving an animal at Christmas to someone who was neither wanting nor expecting that gift.

After the oohing and ahhing at the precious animal, the reality of what you’ve done sets in.

You have just given someone a 10- to 15-year commitment (the oldest dog alive is 27) that can cost anywhere from a couple of hundred to thousands of dollars for care.

If you give a puppy, then you have further obligated them to be home every two or three hours to take the pup outside to use the bathroom.

They will spend the next year teaching their pup to be a good dog and not tear things up, don’t jump up, stop barking, house training and all the work that goes with helping the pet become a decent part of the family.

Cats are easier because you don’t have to go stand outside with them in 30-degree temperature on a freezing rainy day and beg them to use the bathroom.

But you are still obligating your beloved to the care of a pet. Also, why would you assume to know what personality of a pet suits what person? That’s a personal thing.

Pets are a very personal choice and the right fit is best for both the pet and their new parent. I’ve always adopted my pets based on their personality fit into my home. These are not plug-and-play toys. Some people prefer affectionate cats, while others don’t mind the aloof ones. Some like long-hair, some like short-hair.

Some people might actually feel like you’re given them a gift of obligation that never stops costing or needing, or insist you take it back.

So, if you want to adopt an animal for your family and you want your children to have a pet, that is one thing, but even then, you might consider buying a stuffed animal with a note attached that you will go as a family and adopt a pet after Christmas or even this spring.

Why spring?

People have more time off. They don’t mind being outside so much in the better weather. And your family can decide what pet fits.

Spend this time researching various breeds, figuring out which ones, like Dalmatians, are athletic and require a lot of exercise and attention and which ones, like Rottweilers, are couch potatoes.

You’ll learn that Jack Russell Terriers aren’t as sedate as the character Eddie on the television show “Frasier” and all puppies aren’t as bad as Marley.

But the biggest lesson you will learn is that pet ownership is not something you decide like choosing a lamp. It’s a long-term commitment of money, time and love. The reward is immeasurable, but it’s not usually something you decide for someone else. They often need to find it for themselves.

The good news is that there are so many places to adopt a pet these days! Fees vary and many are often waived this time of year. Below are just a fewrecources:

Best Friends Animal Society

Petfinder and Adoptapet are two terrific resources to search all adoptables at local rescue groups – the cool part is that on Adoptapet you can save your search and plug in your email and they will email you when pets that match your search come up.

Adopt and Shop – An amazing new “pet store” with shelter animals in Lakewood. They get all pets from the SEEACA animal shelter in Downey. Here’s the best part: adoption counselors are available to help match you with the perfect pet for your family. Your new pet will come complete with leash/collar or food, litter etc. All vaccinated, microchipped and spayed or neutered and can go home that day! I am not sure about the prices so you will need to call them but will average around $100 compared to the thousands for a pet store puppy with no vaccines, microchip, supplies, counselors, after adoptions support and spay/neuter. Some pets available at Adopt and Shop:

• Petco and PetSmart will have adoptions at all of their stores this season.
• German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County
• FoundAnimals Whisker Wonderland — A Holiday Adopt-a-Thon all over Los Angeles

 

 

"A Canine Christmas Extravaganza Adoption Event"

Sunday, December 16th
Paws-Abilities Total Dog Center, Fife
Noon-3 pm

Increase the merry in your holidays by adopting your new best friend!

Ho ho ho! It’s time again for our extra large and extra jolly Adoption Event!

Come join us and find your own Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, or Vixen!
Fourteen rescue groups will be attending with their adoptable dogs and puppies in all shapes, sizes, breeds, and personalities. All dogs are spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccinations, temperament tested and looking to pledge their love! Trainers will be on site to help you select a dog that will be perfect for your family and lifestyle.

Adoption fees will range between $100-$350.

Come early and enjoy the food and crafts at the vendor booths that will be set up outside of Paws-Abilities Total Dog Center at 10 am. You will be able to buy all the supplies your new pooch will need to be set up in style!

Doors for the Adoption Event will open at Noon.

And, guess who will be there to snuggle and take pictures with you and your new pooch–that’s right, SANTA!

Capture the memory of this holiday season and have a holiday photo taken with Santa and you and your furry best friend(s)!

Photos will be taken by PawPrints Pet Photography and they will make beautiful Christmas gifts!

10% of the proceeds from the purchased photos will be donated to Pawsitive Alliance!

Opt to Adopt and give the gift of a furever home to a loving dog for Christmas this year!

Shelter and Rescue Groups bringing their dogs:

• American Cocker Spaniel Rescue
• Barks R Us
• Collar of Hope
• Greyhound Pets of America, Greater Northwest
• Humane Society of Central Washington
• Left Behind K9
• Motley Zoo Animal Rescue
• NOAH
• Open Paws Resort
• Regional Animal Services of King County
• Res Q Angels
• Sunny Sky’s Animal Rescue
• Valhalla Canine Rescue
• Yakima Valley Pet Rescue

For more information, email Denise at info@pawsitivealliance.org or call us at 206-486-4PET!
Click here to download a flier and help us spread the word!Paws-Abilities Total Dog Center

7338 26th Street E
Building F
Fife, WA 98424
For more information and directions, visit the Paws-Abilities website.

Pawsitive Alliance’s mission is to end the killing of adoptable dogs and cats in Washington by increasing adoptions, supporting spay and neuter programs, and improving pet retention.

A Dog Named Christmas

Video: A Dog Named Christmas DVD (Hallmark Hall of Fame)

Pets and Toxic Plants, including Poinsettias and Herbs We Cook With for the Holidays

If you know of any local pet adoption events going on, please let me know and I will add them on here!

Also, a great pet owner gift:  StemPet and StemEquine – Stem Cell Enhancers for Pets 

It’s really for the pet, but like kids, they’d rather have the toy… or both!

Related Fun Christmas Posts:

Jingle Goats….

Unleashed…

Training Your Dog to Decorate Your Tree

Christmas for Pet People

All I want for Christmas Is You~

Critter for Christmas Gift… Not Always Best Idea! – Unless you do it the right way.

Pet Skunks Under the Tree

Animal Nativity

‘Until One Has Loved an Animal, Part of Their Soul Remains Unawakened’ – Join the NO KILL MOVEMENT

Technorati Tags: adopt a dog,Adopt Just One More Pet,donate to help pets,donate to local shelters,Just One More Pet,Pet Adoption,Christmas,Hanukkah,canine doggie extravaganza,JOMP

CANADA: Another Case of Dog Jihad?

Bare Naked Islam:

YORK: Dog found critically injured and near death with the number ’191′ chemically branded onto his sides. Not rushing to judgment here, but consider this: the York region has a large population of Muslims. Muslims consider dogs filthy. Recently, countless dogs in Muslim areas of the UK and Europe have been found poisoned to death.

Below is a passage from the Quran commonly associated with the number 191:

QURAN 2:191 And kill them wherever you overtake them and expel them from wherever they have expelled you, and fitnah is worse than killing. And do not fight them at al-Masjid al- Haram until they fight you there. But if they fight you, then kill them. Such is the recompense of the disbelievers.

York Region (h/t Susan K) When she found it, it was skin and bones, bleeding from the top of its skull, blind in its right eye, on the verge of death with 191 bleached into both sides of its torso with some sort of chemical. Rarely, if ever, had York Regional Police Const. Netashia McLellan’s heartstrings been tugged so violently.

Since Sunday, when she found him, the Ontario SPCA nursed “Lucky 191″ back to health. The police officer kept tabs on it, as she had previously worked as an animal control officer with the organization.

While the hound has made an “astonishing” recovery and remains comfortable with humans, it has often been seen with its tail between its hind legs. Despite the dog’s injuries, the Ontario SPCA is yet to classify the case as animal abuse. (Exactly what DOES constitute ‘animal abuse’ up there?) Instead, its investigators and police are working to find the dog’s owners.

So far, the theories on how it ended up this way range from being victimized by a twisted individual (You’re getting warmer) to being a former hunting dog that could have escaped and been hit by a car. (Back to freezing your ass off)

As for Const. McLellan, she said she said, “When I found him curled up in a ball, his breathing was erratic. I knew he was struggling,” she said. “This is very upsetting.”

Her theory is the dog could have been used for fox hunting and the numbers used to identify its owner.The hound could have also competed in trials, where dogs are put through a series of obstacles. (Fox hunting dogs are some of the best cared-for dogs on the planet and they don’t brand them like that) Const. McLellan said she is considering adopting the dog, to go along with her three others.

The Ontario SPCA said it has already spent a “couple of thousand dollars” to nurse Lucky back to health. If you have information about this case, call police on 1-888-668-7722, ext. 392. (Not to worry, BNI Canadian reader, Susan K, has already contacted them)

Related:

Banning Dogs as Pets

Jihad making lives “Ruff” for Dogs in Europe; PETA Silent

Muslims in Spain Declare Jihad on Dogs

Man’s Best Friend in Shariah’s Cruel Crosshairs

Dogs… Pets – Beyond Traditional Islam

The Latest Enemies of Iran: Dogs and Their Owners

Iran Cleric Says Dogs “Unclean” and Not to be Kept as Pets

1 Million Stray Dogs in Iraq to be Culled

Department of Islamic Justice Bows Down to Muslims Irrational Hatred of Dogs……. SHEER INSANITY !!!!

Pakistani Blogger Slams Islamic Feast of EID

Operation Bagdad Pups – No Buddy Gets Left Behind

First the Greenies Want Us to Eat Our Dogs… Now the Academics Say it is Insulting to Call Them Pets

Shocking Report… Gov’t to Decide What Pets You Can Own

Help Save USMC Sergeant Rex – Updated

PAKISTANI BLOGGER SLAMS ISLAMIC FEAST OF EID: ‘CALL ME AN INFIDEL’ BUT I CAN‘T ’MAKE MERRY‘ AT ’MASS-MURDERING’ CUTE ANIMALS

Single Black Female – a must read

Single Black Female

This has to be one of the best singles ads ever printed. It is reported to have been listed in the Atlanta Journal

Love the response this ad got!!

SINGLE BLACK FEMALE seeks male companionship, ethnicity unimportant. I’m a very good girl who LOVES to play. I love long walks in the woods, riding in your pickup truck, hunting, camping and fishing trips, cozy winter nights lying by the fire. Candlelight dinners will have me eating out of your hand. I’ll be at the front door when you get home from work, wearing only what nature gave me…. Call (404) 875-6420 and ask for Annie, I’ll be waiting…

Over 150 men found themselves talking to the Atlanta Humane Society.

The shelters are overflowing with pets who need temporary foster homes and forever homes… If you have the room in your home and the love in your heart… please adopt just one (or two) more pets. 

And if you are able, support rescues and shelters and if you know of someone who is financially struggling, help them to keep their pet.

Also, please join the fight to change laws and restrictions and to make it possible for shelters to allow homeless and battered individuals and families to take their pets to the shelter with them.

Checkout SoftPaws… The Purrfect litter!!.. Easy, Healthy for your Pets and Economical even with shipping costs… Lasts up to 2-months before needing to be changed

A portion of each bag of SoftPaws purchased is donated to a rescue or shelter.

Military dogs euthanized as ‘equipment’ under cruel law

If roadside bombs and other hazards of war don’t kill military dogs, senseless government regulations and red tape might. The United States is breeding 100 puppies a year to train for bomb sniffing and other soldierly duties, but many aren’t making it back to happy homes because an obscure federal law classifies them as "equipment" rather than personnel — and makes adopting them a financial and bureaucratic nightmare.

A bill to require that the military ship the heroic dogs home and ease potential veterinarian costs for adopting families is currently bogged down in Congress, as dogs continue to be euthanized. In the meantime, at least there is an occasional happy ending.

Please contact Congress (the House and Senate) and tell them to pass this bill NOW! It should take 10-minutes to pass to save these canine Veterans! Just another example of Congressional stupidity and incompetence! And I guess with all the executive orders that have been signed by President Obama, signing one more to save these K-9 heroes until Congress acts isn’t an option when you come from a family and ideological background where you eat dogs or hate and kill dogs?

In Dreams from My Father, President Obama wrote, “With Lolo (Obama’s stepfather) I have learned how to eat small green chili peppers raw with dinner, plenty of rice, and away from the dinner people I was introduced to dog meat, tough, snake meat, tougher, and roasted grasshopper.”

h/t to MSN and to MJ – Cross-Posted at AskMarion

Related:

Slain Marine’s service dog dies.. (Sad story.. Pictures of Lex and Lee)

HEART-WRENCHING IMAGE: DOG KEEPS WATCH OVER FALLEN SEAL’S CASKET DURING FUNERAL

Help Save USMC Sergeant Rex – Updated

Senate Approves Bill that Legalizes Sodomy and Bestiality in U.S. Military

Dog Killers Convicted For Murdering Navy Seal Hero’s Beloved Companion

Heart-Wrenching Image: Dog Keeps Watch Over Fallen Seal’s Casket During Funeral

Update: Retired Disabled Military Dog Rocky Has Been Saved

The Dog that Cornered Osama Bin Laden

Arizona Worker Fired For Euthanizing War Hero Dog – Is It Enough?

‘Dogs Have The Intelligence of a Human Toddler’

“Tails of Love”

Military Punishment for Dog Killer, Abuser a Joke! No Justice! VIDEO

Humane Society of the U.S. finally changes its policy on fighting dogs

Father Arrested for Allegedly Killing Family Dog in Front of Children

Tucson: Pets, Vets, Veterans Day

Honoring Military Dogs on Veteran’s Day

And the Verdict is Guilty – YES!

Can the US Become a No-Kill Nation?

Tails of Love – Book

Lone Survivor – Book

Department of Islamic Justice Bows Down to Muslims Irrational Hatred of Dogs……. SHEER INSANITY !!!!

Technorati Tags: canine handlers,canine heros,canine troops,canine veterans,dogs,K9 Unit,K9 Vets,military canines,shame on America,stand-up America,stand-up animal lovers,stop euthanizaition of healthy pets,stop euthanization,U.S. military,senseless government regulations,Congress

Blind Dog Living in a Trash Pile Gets Rescued

We’ve shared a lot of dog rescues, but this one may be the most heartwarming and amazing outcome yet. When you see Fiona in the trash, your heart will break… but just wait until the end.

You’ll love it!!  This is the most touching story ever.

 

 

Video: Blind Dog Living in a Trash Pile Gets the Most Beautiful Rescue – The End is Amazing

h/t to MJ

Unconditional Love

The dog does not know he is homeless… M~

No wonder they say "Man’s BEST FRIEND." This is such an interesting picture~- This man may be alone and have nothing – BUT he has some form of companionship and love. And it’s just enough… enough to keep going for tomorrow… for one more day.

What a beautiful picture and wonderful thought.  The dog is man’s best friend!  The question is, “Is man dog’s best friend?”

This would be me if I were homeless.  I would never give up my furkids and go to a shelter without them and no one should be asked to.  Pets are family members and live creatures who love us unquestionably that we are responsible for.  All shelters should have facilities for pets.  Please become part of the fight to make that happen.  When you have lost everything, love keeps you going!  M~

h/t to Sherry Garrett

Related:

The “ex”-Middle & Upper Class Homeless

N.J. Pets Welcome at Hurricane Evacuation Shelters

Homeless With Pets… Choosing Pets Over Shelter

A Patchwork of Food Assistance for Pets

Is Your Pet a Voiceless Victim of the Tanking Economy?

Where there is a will…

Can the U.S. Become a No Kill Nation?

Sources:

Homeless Shelters that Allow Pets

How to Help Pets of Homeless People

PAWsome… President’s Day Pet Adoption Specials–Check in Your Area~~

There are more pets and animals being given or returned to shelters all over the country… dogs, cats, horses, pocket pets, birds, reptiles, fish amphibians, zoo animals, domesticated cross-over animals and the list goes on.  If each have love in your heart and room in your home please adopt just one (or two) more pets.

If you can’t adopt another pet consider fostering or donating money and supplies… or to someone with pets who is having a hard time keeping them.

If you missed the main event or are gone for the holiday… some will honor the special for an extra day.

Below are a few shelters and rescues sponsoring specials over President’s Weekend, but check in your area as well

Austin Animal Center offers ‘PAWSidents’ Day special Feb. 17-20

The Austin Animal Center will observe Presidents Day with a $5 “PAWSidents” Day adoption special Feb. 17-20 on all ready-to-go pets.

Visitors to the Center can meet Pawsidents such as George Waggington, Abraham Linkitten and James A. Garfield, unless someone has elected to take them home.

Also, potential adopters have a chance to participate in Mutt Match from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Animal Center’s front entrance grounds. This will be an opportunity to take home an adult dog that is in foster care and talk to those who have taken care of it. Those fostering will be available to discuss a dog’s personality and training. The reduced fee of $5 applies to Mutt Match adoptions.

All pets will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and will go home with a collar, tag and microchip. These services are valued at more than $200 and will help these pets stay healthy and safe.

Visit the Austin Animal Center’s website to view pets available for adoption or on Facebook to meet these notable pets.

The Austin Animal Center, 7201 Levander Loop, is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information about Animal Services and the Austin Animal Center, visit the Austin Animal Center website.

About Austin Animal Services

Austin Animal services runs the largest animal shelter in Central Texas, providing shelter to more than 23,000 animals each year and animal control services to all of Austin and Travis County. The Animal Center is an open-intake facility where stray and owned animals from Travis County in need of shelter are accepted regardless of age, health or species.

Additionally, to help save animal lives the City of Austin entered into a temporary license agreement with Austin’s Pets Alive!, a non-profit animal rescue group, to operate the former shelter, Town Lake Animal Center, 1156 W. Cesar Chavez St., as an adoption site for City shelter animals that are at risk of euthanasia. The TLAC facility is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Are you looking to add a new furry member to your family? Check out these area adoption events in the Seattle area this weekend.

Kitty Harbor will be hosting one more special adoption event this weekend on February 18 and 19, from 12pm-6pm both days. They will have over 70 cats and kittens available for adoption. Some of these wonderful kitties include the Siamese that were rescued from a camper in Auburn last month. Kitty Harbor’s adoption event will be located at 3422 Harbor Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126. You can find out more at www.kittyharborseattle.org. This will be your last chance to adopt until Kitty Harbor reopens in June.

Purrfect Pals has a kitten and cat adoption event every Saturday at the Everett PetSmart store. Once the kitties (babies and mammas) have been spayed/neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated, foster families bring them to this event to find loving forever homes. Some weeks there are 20-30 kittens available! In addition to all the medical care these cats have already received, they also come with a free vet check certificate and carrier for the ride to their new home. The Everett PetSmart is located at 1130 SE Everett Mall Way, Everett, WA.

Pet Adventure will be hosting a cat adoption event this Saturday February 18th from 11am-4pm. This will mark their first adoption event with Purrfect Pals. For more information you can call Pet Adventure at 425-771-0676. They are located at 22803 44th Ave West E-5, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043. You can find out more on their website or their Facebook page. Pet Adventure provides the best in dog and cat nutrition with premium holistic pet foods and treats. They also have a large selection of supplements, toys, grooming supplies, as well as a growing selection of foods for small animals, birds and fish.

PETCO “Think Adoption First” National Adoption Weekend, starting at 12pm on Saturday February 18th. Visit the Purrfect Pals Adoption Centers at the PETCO stores in Kirkland (on 85th, near Costco), Northgate (on Northgate Way in the Target shopping complex) and Issaquah (on Gillman, next to ROSS). These events are sponsored by Purina Pro Plan, and will have plenty of wonderful cats and kittens ready to meet you and to be adopted into their forever homes.

Dooley’s Dog House, February 19th. What better way to celebrate your 21st birthday than with an adoption event? This will be no ordinary adoption event…Phoebe the cat is turning 21 on February 19th and her family Chuck and Marti are throwing her a birthday party/adoption event. Purrfect Pals volunteers will be there to help celebrate, and to help with the adoption event from 10am-3pm. There will be a party from 3pm-5pm. Dooley’s Dog House is located at 1421 Market St in Kirkland, WA 98033. You can visit their website at http://www.dooleysdoghouse.com/. They are a store that strives to offer products and information that will improve the nutrition, limit the susceptibility to disease, and improve the quality of life of cats and dogs.

Great Adoption Specials (Humane Society of North Texas)

Are you looking for the purr-fect new addition to your home??
HSNT is running a massive adoption event, lowering ALL adoption fees— now thru Presidents day (2-20)!!
Located at: 1840 East Lancaster Ave in Fort Worth
We have tons of adoptable pets available in all shapes, sizes, and ages.
If you visit; we are sure that you will be able to find the pet you have been searching for!
Every animal adopted will go home spayed/neutered, microchiped, current on vaccinations, and will get health insurance for 30 days plus a free vets office visit!

ALSO, every animal adopted will go home with a FREE GOODIE BAG filled with great treats, toys, coupons to local pet places and more!
>>>> All adoption fees are greatly discounted!<<<<
**As always item and monetary donations are always greatly needed!**
Thank you for choosing adoption!!!!!!

• Location: Humane Society of North Texas
• it’s NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

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