Special Needs Adoptathon Report

Pick-a-Pooch day, featuring approximately 150 "problem" dogs from 10 St. Louis area shelters, was no less than a splendid success. Don't have the final adoption tally, no matter - any and all efforts are worthwhile even if only a few throw-aways find forever homes.

Each dog had a handler who knew stats, history, etc. Pedigreed or mutt, all were grouped by "fault." So-called drawbacks included age, size, overly shy, aggressive or hyper/undisciplined, not good with kids or cats, must be an only dog and pairs not to be separated if possible.

As the sign says, two dogs are less work. They can entertain each other when left home by themselves. Pairs raised together weren't necessarily twins - although, must say so many mirror images in one place made quite an unusual sight. 

It's possible these two were related, litters can have different fathers. For instance ...

These guys were not at this event. They were snatched up almost immediately after spay/neuter recovery. And yes, early alteration is becoming more the shelter standard. See http://www.winnfelinehealth.org/reports/early-neuter.html for more info. I'm using the cuties as examples, if you look closely you can see different facial features to go with the various coloring. Still, they could have all had the same dad. Mixed-up gene throwbacks (entirely likely undesirable shades of old weird Uncle Harold) can pop up from both sides.

Not talking just mutts here - accidents happen in the "best" of families.

Backyard breeders who think they're going to get carbon copies of their adorable Fifi - easy to sell, make lots of money - are in for a rude surprise. Identical reproduction is genetically impossible - do your kids look/act exactly like you?

Eddie was the first to grab my eye, had to get a shot of those ears. He was in the shy group - no signs at the time though. More a wiggle worm, in your face/lap, "Pick me." All the dogs seemed fascinated with the camera. Maybe they liked Mike's after-shave. I was doing my best with each handler's help to finagle the best pose.

Caught this guy, a Gordon setter, on the way out. Perfect example of purebreds regularly found in shelters or breed-specific rescue.

Dundee was the representative guest on a channel 5 news promo the day before the event. Although supposedly difficult to handle, he was perfectly charming, a best-behaved gentleman. Animals can never be properly evaluated under institutional conditions, or the bright lights for that matter. Our TV star's bio features a thousand dollars worth of obedience training. He was dumped due to human failure to follow through. No dog is born bad. Misbehavior is always a human botch - lack of understanding, unreasonable expectations or plain stupidity.

What goes into a dog comes right back out. Yelling, beating or otherwise ignorant going-for-macho treatment will produce a fearful, unpredictable, potentially dangerous animal. Dogs live to serve man, that deal was sealed thousands of years ago. Kindness and patience will be rewarded with loyalty, faith and love for a lifetime. Fortunately damage can almost always be undone at any age.

Anyone who's adopted from a shelter or rescue will testify the animals know and are extra eager to please.

Credit and thanks for media promo cooperation also goes to Sarah Casey Newman of The Post-Dispatch, St. Louis Post-Dispatch (MO) for preview details in her Saturday column. "Every dog is special, of course, and shelter dogs are no exception (even if they are someone else's castoffs). Yet some of the most special dogs of all are shelter dogs who never find a home. In too many cases, their only crime is that they grew up. Passed over because they're no longer cute puppies."

Don't wait for a special event, visit your local shelters - you'll know your new best buddy at first sight. Critters do the choosing anyway, all you have to do is show up (and be on your best behavior).

"Keep your nose outta my stuff," would be the rough translation from Ember's usual top-shelf observation/command post. Balto, intent on minding everybody's business, was in need of a more formal dress-down.

Ember is one of several cats who hang out in the office, which is actually an old house. Balto, who has been around forever, enjoys a home-style social break from the kennels as do other long-timers, as often as possible.

Update! Balto finally found a new family and real forever home. Spyke is now senior resident, looking very sharp in "Adopt Me" cape while acting as official greeter at shelter events: http://www.therealmartha.com/SCHSOutreach/index.htm.

Please check new spay/neuter graphics on printable pages. Ideas for creative use are included: http://www.therealmartha.com/spayneuter/index.htm. Always open to suggestions and requests (sizing, or maybe you'd like one graphic with another's wording, or your own message/logo).

Some are sweet, some a little ... ahem ... shall we say spicy?

Courtesy of The Dog Hause
http://www.doghause.com/neuter.html

One of the best sites for everything spay/neuter too

"I am not a Miracle Worker.
I am a Rescue Worker."

http://www.seniordogrescue.org/content/notamiracleworker.htm

http://www.ahimsatx.org/nnl/humorus.htm - NeuterNeuterLand - spay/neuter graphics, signs, posters, leaflets, etc., promoting neuter with humor

Had to have at least one more cat on the page, wouldn't want anyone to think I was prejudiced.

(~.*)

Click to feed animals in need - no cost to you, sponsor supported
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/

Click Daily -- Feed an abused, neglected or abandoned animal now!

Better still, take a bag of food to your local shelter.

http://www.parrett.net/animalaid/free.html - Free to a good home? Here's why NOT

http://www.wonderpuppy.net/canwehelp/ - Facts and good advice for anyone considering giving up a pet. Of course that's not YOU, send to people who need the education to resolve problems first - might cost a life otherwise.

http://www.ncdl-dogpile.co.uk/ - For every search made on the DogPile search engine a donation will be made to the National Canine Defense League (NCDL), the UK's largest dog welfare charity. Cool, my sites are listed - proof positive of excellence :) DogPile's my fave from now on. Maybe US and other countries' humane societies will soon be able to benefit too. In the meantime, paws across the pond works for me. This kind of thing has a way of going around and coming back to the best advantage.

Lots of suggestions for ways anyone can help here: http://www.therealmartha.com/adopt/index.htm. Even work at home projects for those afraid they might "see something" or want to "take them all home." First, you can't take them all, so that settles that. As for seeing something, volunteers are shielded from reality. They want you back, not upset.

If nothing else, you can still feel sunny,

give money!

Don't forget to check the printable graphic messages: http://www.therealmartha.com/spayneuter/index.htm

and

http://www.therealmartha.com/adoptstray/index.htm - Adopt-a-Stray Day

http://www.therealmartha.com/patriotcritters/index.htm - Red, white and blue celebration for and by our four-legged family members

http://www.therealmartha.com/whizlist/index.htm - International Courtesy Whiz Exchange, the one and only virtual whiz-a-roo! Hey, it's what dogs do ...

http://www.therealmartha.com/Smile/index.htm - Name that smile ... friendliest, most beautiful, goofiest, mischievous ... show off your best buddy's pearly whites and mischievous

Find links to shelters and rescue organizations nation-wide and more on all my critter pages.

I'll be happy to add more pics, stories too. And credits I may have missed. Knew only about channel 5 and Post Dispatch. Please use a clearly defined subject line (Adoptathon will work). Due to tons of junk and virus threats, I have to delete unknowns. MarthaJones1@aol.com - if box is full, try LibbyK9@aol.com. Thanks!

Please share this page with anyone who loves animals, especially those involved with their welfare. I will be adding planning info, statistics, etc. as soon as possible.

Consider the quote below in relation to animals - young, old, in sickness and health, and/or equipped with maddening behavior baggage - the whole nine yards. Animals are not a hobby. Anyone who does not regard them as full-fledged family members is the lesser being, undeserving of caretaking privilege.

"The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new." ~ Rajneesh

Sue offers an extended version ~

"The moment an animal is adopted, a pet is born. The pet did not exist before. The animal existed, but not the pet. The pet is something absolutely new. It is born of love, care and commitment. It is born of hope, faithfulness and devotion. It is a part of a relationship that, after that moment, became a presence greater than its participants."

Help yourself to any of these. Or copy the text above and make your own to use anyway you like. Please link back to this page: http://www.therealmartha.com/Special%20Adopt/index.htm (I goofed with space coming out as %20 - double check HTML when linking, this publisher always sneaks in a 25 that has to be deleted).

Aha! Sue's been holding out on me - the graphic version below is her work.

More credit and thanks to Sue ... the two animated pups near top of page came from one of her always entertaining e-mails, before starting this page. Perfect, I'd almost swear they jumped in by themselves.

Helen's version

If conditions aren't right to add another critter to the family, consider sponsoring a spay. Taking one momma out of the birthin' biz will save thousands of lives. Don't forget those girls aren't out there getting pregnant all by themselves. Neuters are usually a little less expensive.

The following is from The Dog Hause (graphics too): http://www.doghause.com/neuter.html

Did you know?
Information from SpayUSA and the Humane Society of the United States.

Each day 10,000 humans are born in the U.S. - and each day 70,000 puppies and kittens are born. As long as these birth rates exist, there will never be enough homes for all the animals. As a result, every year 4 to 6 million animals are euthanized because there are no homes for them.

What can you do to stop the suffering?
Spay and neuter your pet! In addition to saving lives, spaying and neutering can also drastically improve your pet's health and life expectancy. The idea that pets become fat or lazy when they are spayed or neutered is a myth. Sterilized pets lead healthier, longer lives. Spaying a female eliminates the possibility of uterine and ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the risk of breast cancer. Neutering a male reduces the risk of both prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. Neutering also will make your pet more affectionate and less likely to roam, get in fights, or become lost.

You Can't Buy Love, or Can You?
by Emily Lambert
Furry companion without breeder's price tag
from http://www.stretcher.com/stories/02/02oct14e.cfm - I have no idea who Emily Lambert is or what experience might qualify her opinions. The article makes good points in general - however, some of it is way off, completely missing stark reality factors anyone who is seriously involved in animal welfare would include. I had to put my two cents in, as indicated in red. Also, keep in mind this was published in a money-saving lifestyle newsletter. Certainly nothing wrong with saving a buck, but that focus explains the slant. I cut out or otherwise edited a lot of the goo-goo, gag-me, foo-foo too.

You are seriously considering adding another member to your family. A furry one with four legs, devoted eyes and a tail wagging in delight. Adding a pet to your humble abode is a big decision, not to be taken lightly. Choosing a breed that fits into your lifestyle is of utmost importance. Are you looking for a dog to accompany you on camping trips or one to lay at your feet and watch TV? Perhaps you are searching for a family pet that will be gentle with your children.

There are more than 200 breeds of domesticated dogs in the world today, categorized into six different groups - hounds, sporting dogs, terriers, non-sporting dogs, working/herding dogs and toy dogs. Doing a brief analysis of each category, and its breeds therein, will help you make the right decision for the happiness of both your dog and your family. This does not mean you must steer clear of mixed breeds. Mongrels can be just as lovable and well trained. But, even with a mongrel, it is important to study the personality traits of the most likely breeds that have mixed.

A furry companion to call your very own does not have to come with a breeder's price tag. Look up the popular Labrador retriever in your local newspaper and most likely you will see it selling for around $600. A hefty sum to swallow before you purchase the crate, toys and dog food that will need to accompany it. There are many alternatives to choose from today that are much less costly than a breeder or a pet store. Important note: NEVER buy from a pet store, most are supplied by puppy mills.

From http://puppymills.com/ "A puppy mill is a mass dog breeding establishment that produces puppies for profit by selling them wholesale to the pet industry. Many puppy mills are characterized by overcrowding, filth, inadequate shelter and insufficient food, water and veterinary care. Most puppy mill owners sell their dogs wholesale to brokers, who in turn, sell them primarily to pet stores. Because profit, not quality dogs, is the ultimate goal of the puppy mill owner, breeding practices are often shoddy, and the breeding dogs are kept under the most inexpensive possible, [usually gruesome] conditions that will keep them alive and producing."

See http://www.therealmartha.com/ChristmasPups/index.htm for another way to educate against puppy mills.

Once you know what breed you are looking for, you can begin your search. Here are the spots to comb:

ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

Visit www.ASPCA.com to locate your neighborhood animal shelter. Up to 60 percent of dogs will die at the ASPCA this year because there are not enough homes. I have known many great pets to come from this establishment. The adoption fee hovers around $150 and includes vaccinations and spay/neuter. (This figure is from the state of Pennsylvania. Please check with your local shelter.) Unfortunately, the animal's history is not always known. While some owners drop off their pets and provide this information (not necessarily to be taken as gospel, "unruly" usually means the people didn't have a clue about proper training), other animals are found and brought in without any idea of their past life. Unless you know the history of the animal, it would not be wise to adopt one with a young child at home. GRRRRRRRR, that particular statement is apples and oranges. Some kids behave worse than animals. Any dog pestered beyond reasonable tolerance/endurance is liable to snap, at least. More reality - little kids can hurt little dogs, small bones break easily. Of course, huge dogs can accidentally trip and trample tiny people. Not a great idea to have a large boisterous dog around elderly/frail people either. Use your common sense.

www.Petfinder.com

This is an on-line database covering roughly 4,000 animal shelters and rescue/adoption organizations from the USA and Canada. You can easily narrow your search by location, breed, animal, gender and age.

Breed specific rescues often spend time at home with "foster" sponsors who become familiar on a day-to-day basis. Sponsors see the dog interacting with other animals, and other people, and can share this information.

Employees in small shelters, especially no-kill facilities, get to know each animal's habits, likes and dislikes too.

Shelter and rescue organizations fees vary and there may be a wait if you're dead set on a certain breed. Check around though, you'll probably be amazed at the numbers and "quality" available. The better - in my opinion - rescues also take in mixes of their breed. Quite often a mix is the better choice, especially among the hyper types.

Guide Dog Schools

Most guide dog schools have puppy raiser programs. The puppy raiser is responsible for training and socialization skills. This means training the puppy in basic commands (such as sit, stay, come and rest) and taking the puppy out to many different public places like the bank, the post office and the mall. The dog is raised in a family environment for the first 16-18 months of its life. After he is given back to the school, a series of tests are performed. If he does not pass these tests, he is up for adoption. Sometimes the test is not passed due to a simple fear of thunder. Other failures can be more severe such as evidence of aggression, or a physical problem like allergies. While the cost is high relative to animal shelters and rescue organizations, the quality of dog is also above average. For example, Seeing Eye has a fee of $500 (or less depending upon age and reason for rejection), and Guide Dogs for the Blind has a fee of $300. These dogs are usually bred at the school specifically for guide dog training and include golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, or Lab/golden mixes. There is often an even longer wait when going through a guide dog school than through a rescue organization. Be patient, put your name on a list and follow up consistently. (Use a search engine to find guide dog schools throughout the country.) Also check service dogs, military and police K-9 departments.

Local Newspaper/Veterinarian

Do not forget to scan your local newspaper and veterinarian's bulletin board for adoption notices. These dogs usually have no fee attached. The owners are simply happy to find a loving home. Wrong, more like people have a problem - get rid of the dog - easy solution. Dogs are not born bad. Whatever the problem is, people caused it. The usual "bad" behavior can be corrected if people would take the time. I will concede a few legitimate give-up reasons, but they're far between.

The last paragraph is what really set me off. Pets are expensive - when given proper care. Initial purchase is the least consideration.

The perfect pet can be found at a breeder, the pet store or at your local shelter. Why pay top dollar at a breeder or pet store when you can adopt an animal for a much lower price that needs a loving home? Not only will you be saving money, but also you may be rescuing your future playmate from another night of sleeping on his cold, concrete floor.

Bite me, cold concrete?? ... sure, sure - nice sympathy play. What about a case of terminal concrete rash? Those animals aren't lucky enough to make it to a shelter. There's more but I've said it before - numerous times - on other pages.