adopt

Who better than Spice with that engaging smile for a cover girl? I swear she was posing, showing off deluxe digs. Each dog has its own sparkling stainless habitat inside - most share the spacious runs outside as weather permits. Spice and Sugar were going home this day, together, as everyone hoped. Sporting new dos from the beauty parlor here, they were grungy, matted and tick-infested when we met. Note tail going below.

As my first project on arrival as a volunteer, this pair was a neat coincidence. While recalling past experience, two shook pups popped to mind. Found on the road, Animal Control had just brought them in. I spent the whole day doing nothing but talking to them, safe in my lap. A little TLC goes a long way, didn't take too long before they were all over me. And so it was with "my" girls, shy kisses too. Funny pair, Sugar docile, leaning in as I brushed, clipped mats and picked ticks ... Spice was pester, pester after she calmed down. When I had one, the other wanted in the act.

Cujo, so-named for his non-stop bark and efforts to look tough at first, is now a lover. BTW, that's not a trick shot, he's a miniature pincher. A very fat mini pin who steals food whenever he can. Several other small dogs were in the same run - lunch was a real circus. Or maybe nursery school, had to keep all the others out of one skittish, slow eater's bowl while making sure Cujo wasn't in the others.

This guy and I have had several good chats. Doesn't have a lot to say but seems to like hearing what a good boy he is.

Oh you pup, doing her best to give me the "Take me!" look - head cocked and all - when my batteries quit.

There will be more pix, and stories as an ongoing diary, for my own memories and to encourage anyone who wants to help. There are so many ways to do something, even if you're afraid you might "see something" or you know you'll want to take them all home. Who doesn't? You can't - that takes care of that.

If you sew, keep an eye out for comforters and such at thrift shops and garage sales. Easy to cut down and bind/hem for comfy pads. Knitters and crocheters, use your leftovers for critter-size blankies. There'll be no complaints about color-coordination or design. And no they're not for tuck-in, more like bunching up to suit. You'll sleep better knowing someone is drifting off on your handiwork or contentedly chewing on a handmade stuffed toy - any ol' style will do.

Rag rugs are also welcome. Cats in the socialization room have several shaped like hearts - what a nice, homey touch. Any towels or wash cloths past display point make great cleaning rags.

You can bake or buy goodies for fund-raising events, assist with school, other educational visits or therapy calls on nursing homes. Possibilities for away and/or other outside help are endless. As for a chance to be outside for a little sunshine, somebody always needs a good ear scratch or belly rub.

Check with individual shelters about their wish lists and volunteer opportunities. Phone people are needed for a variety of programs, easy to do at home. If you are brave enough to try hands-on, be assured that even at kill-shelters, volunteers are not exposed to reality. They want you back, not upset. Eventually, because I'd been around so long, I knew what and when but never saw a body until working as a vet tech a few years down the road. More about that later.

There's no such as 100 percent no-kill, certainly animals can't be kenneled forever. Severe illness or behavior problems can and do become factors. Huge difference in atmosphere of course, I feel really lucky to be involved. Pure chance picked the place closest to home. Did not know beforehand it was privately funded. By setting reasonable limitations, there's never a need for one to go down to make room for another. I'll be raving on as I learn more about all the positive goings-on.

So far, I'd vote best all-around, truly outstanding.

Non-euthanizing facilities are still the exception rather than the rule, although more and more are making progress. In Florida, it was worse than the worst nightmare when highly adoptables (vax/altered/purebred) had to go down to make room for county strays to do their "time" - especially knowing most were in such bad shape, they had no chance after all. Surely by now they've improved conditions. Definitely the dark ages 20 years ago, although, my sister's rescue group has been going through a miserable time with a city shelter due to politics and general ignorance. Unfortunately, that's the norm almost any time there's a government connection.

By hanging in, the group did manage to finagle cooperation for an adoptathon (planned long before the BS hit the fan). Only 10 of the total "sprung" for the occasion were placed - disappointing compared to the usual - however, every one counts in the overall picture, especially considering the circumstances. Anyone who works with animals knows you can't save them all. Not until puppies and kittens are not available on every corner. In a perfect world, once the supply dwindles people will have to think twice before throwing away those not-so-cute-now. Extremely not cool that dual definition of litter.

Some insist spay/neuter programs don't make a difference. Numbers are indeed mind-boggling, hasn't stopped me from preaching whenever I can. Again, every one convert counts. Taking one momma out of business saves multi-thousands of lives. That's including her pups' pups and theirs, and so on down the line (the cat tally is considerably higher). The best news I'd heard in a long time was a shelter importing from another area due to S/N success.

Below answers a question in response to somebody who'd heard something, "I was under the impression that the shelter was no-kill but was talking with a new client last week who had found an older dog and wanted to take him there. They (shelter staff) told him there is a chance if not adopted right away the dog would be put down. This not only shocked him but also me since we all thought they were a no kill. Has their policy changed?"

From another volunteer, "The shelter is essentially a no-kill; however, it is not a sanctuary. Due to the very limited size of the facility they are unable to take just any and all animals in and must pre-evaluate the animals they do accept, usually by appointment only. Animals which are dumped on the grounds (and there are many ... how 'bout them owners?!?) are turned over to the city animal control facility. After that point the shelter has little or no input on what happens to the animal. A local sanctuary, which is a sanctuary and also no-kill, is faced with same dilemma. The policies with both organizations are constantly reviewed to ensure the best possible handling for the animals, but no-kill does not necessarily mean no animal is ever euthanized. Spay and neuter, people, and hope that when you're old and maybe blind or deaf your family doesn't throw you out on the side of the road or into a dumpster or somebody's back yard, etc."

My immediate reaction to was basically the same, including a few examples due to people flat out lying when they give an animal's history. Medical problems are usually apparent almost immediately, however, a bite case may be perfectly fine until he's adopted. Great care is taken with every adoption to avoid potential problems, but the unexpected can and does happen. Animals are not themselves until they get comfortable in their new homes. A seemingly calm disposition can turn hyper or territorial. Ordinarily, with a little time and patience most surprises can be worked through. Every reputable adoption organization has a mandatory return policy in the adoption contract. Thanks also to microchip IDs, backgrounds can now be traced, thereby eliminating a lot of guess work.

Homeless Animals' Day
(Third Saturday of August each year)
Online Candlelight Vigil

The "No Excuses" Project

Spay/Neuter
Adopt
Rescue, Don't Breed

Animals don't need excuses - they need YOU!

Every shelter or rescue group I know about needs foster homes, not only for temporary overflow relief. Special cases include injured animals, or those recovering from surgery/under treatment (heartworm for instance). The traumatized or overly shy become adoptable faster in home-style socialization situations. Mom and pups or kittens certainly do better "at home." Most foster programs cover all medical expenses and food supplies.

Animals in shelters are undergoing considerable stress. They may not be used to cages or other animals. They are missing their old territory, and in many cases, their loving owner* who had to give them up. They may have been moved from their home, to the shelter, and now to a new home all in a very short time. Think of how moving is stressful for you and how hard it is to lose so many familiar things. The animals are experiencing the same thing. They may need extra patience, assurance, and guidance. They may need your presence more than other animals who have come into your home. Excerpt from http://www.peteducation.com/

* Many animals in shelters are pets whose owners can no longer care for them for a variety of reasons. This may be because their owners:

Other animals are brought to shelters because they are homeless or come from abusive situations.

My two cents: Being dumped is never the animal's fault. More to the point, no animal is born bad - behavior problems are caused by stupid people. Throw-aways will likely come with a certain amount of "baggage" and it will take a little while for everyone to adjust. However, once the adoptee gets over the feeling of insecurity, no one could ask for a better member of the family.

If you don't spay or neuter all your critters, Bob Barker, Doris Day and Betty White will kick your ass.

A bumper sticker is one thing ... if you have the balls, try this up close and personal, "Is there a reason your dog still has his nuts? Those girls aren't out there getting pregnant by themselves. How UnPC ... " Guaranteed to make an impression. Find more educational conversation suggestions: http://www.therealmartha.com/puppiesaresocu/index.htm ~ Spay/Neuter Myth Busting article by Miss Liberty, Mutt Extraordinaire, who also shares her thoughts on older adoptees (Puppies are so cute, but ... ) and favorite links. Watch for more peer pressure ideas on the way.

Sloppy wet smooches to Desy for these special requests! Do the right click thing to save for your own use. Visit http://www.geocities.com/thepuppourri for more spay/neuter messages and a variety of other great graphics.

Holiday warning signs, spay/neuter messages (free graphics link, and find samples on various pages), educational links and more: http://www.whispurrsonkittens.com/

Do you have a catchy slogan or success story (what you said/did to convince)? MarthaJones1@aol.com Please use a clearly defined subject line, too risky opening unknowns these days.

Huge thanks to all who have already contributed ideas and art - see several below, also here: http://www.therealmartha.com/spayneuter/index.htm (links to printable pages). Take one, take all - do the right click thing to save to your own files for whatever use you like. Some ideas for printing are stickers (like address labels, to stick on bills you're paying - what hoot it'd be to see the reaction when opened!), buttons (blanks available at most craft stores), biz card size to leave stacks around wherever or flyers for handing out/putting on windshields/bulletin boards.

It is the policy of In Defense of Animals to no longer use language that accepts the current concept of animals as property, commodities and/or things. Rather than refer to ourselves or others as "owners" of animals we share our lives with, we now refer to ourselves and others as "guardians" of our animal friends and to animals as "he" or "she" rather than "it." Guardians do not buy or sell animals; instead they rescue and adopt.

The above most accurately states my feelings. Certain other IDA policy remarks do not, especially, "... never buy ... " - a few conscientious breeders do exist. By working to preserve and perpetuate desirable traits they provide necessary and highly valuable service to man. Specifically I mean working canines, be they military, police, search and rescue or handicap assistants. Without a doubt, animals also proffer general physical heath and mental benefits for people of all ages and walks of life. Mutts usually handle those functions very well. However, oftentimes, purebreds fit particular requirements best.

Not much beats that buzz. One more potential momma going outta biz soon! A lovely, very lively and large 10-month-old boxer mix - I said hello as she was walking her young man, a new neighbor. For a change, I was preaching to the choir as the saying goes. He wasn't arguing - knew it was the right thing, but money was tight. So what else is new? Was all thrilled to know about low-cost services, gave him St. Louis link for all (and more info/services - includes nationwide listings: http://MetroAnimal.org, also listed below). He thanked me several times, and the best part is, he knows I know where he lives. Minor detail, feel free to butt in any ol' place. It is a matter of life or death.

Spent 98 percent of the first day with the spaniel mix pair. The other two percent was walking one strong little bugger, a poodle and ??? mix - not quite a year old. Got a nice healthy tootsie roll out of him before he tore my arm off anyway :)

The girls did not know about leashes, or at least they weren't risking going outside. No need to push it, wouldn't be the first puddle. People had been randomly feeding them on a farm attached to an industrial park where they were dumped.

Going back tomorrow - hooked of course. The best thing was lack of chaos. In Florida, AC was always showing up with something needing immediate, special handling ... bite cases, wild, injured, starved or dehydrated, you name it.

I'm pooped but it's a good pooped. Will stick to walking smaller, or less frantic.

"My" girls much perkier today. Bummer though, may have heartworms (going by a cough). Probably so, I also think one is pregnant, fat compared to the other.

Folded towels, cleaned litter boxes and scooped outside poop. The last was my request, as I told them, an excuse to get to know everyone. Got a full dose of puppy squeezes and assorted slobbering, etc. to last til next time.

Did dishes, folded laundry, helped with lunch - the circus mentioned above.

Shep/spaniel was intent on jumping an inner wooden fence - comedy at its finest, like a jack in the box, over and over he'd try. Fence was probably 7 ft. with a support board just the right height to catch him up to hang elbows off the top.

"My" girls should be all settled in new home by now. Glad they could stay together. Amazing news too, neg. heartworm and no prego, both had already been spayed! Who knows what the real dump story was.

Made friends with one very unhappy 8-year-old. Her "crime" was running across the street while the family was moving into a new home. Evidently she scared a neighbor's dog or maybe it was a kid, another who-knows. Why was she off leash in the first place? Stupid people, handy excuse, no question there.

The cutie pup above was the only one left - six or seven, new from foster care, had already been adopted.

I will get cat pics next time - while I'm not really a cat person, I do know a character when I see one.

Stay tuned, will be updating frequently. I can put you on new page notification list - however, can't promise anything. Mail is screwed up, incoming and outgoing, as usual, most of the time. Try: SendNewPage@aol.com or LibbyK9@aol.com, please put new shelter page in subject line. Due to piles of junk and virus threats, I delete unknowns.

My critter pages are not "officially sanctioned." I know how I am, and PC ain't it - certainly not about to start watching my language. When it comes to animals, all it takes is one "wrong" word to set off a gooney-bird toot.

You've seen the goonies. They fly in without a clue - flapping and squawking all around based on the wrong kind of supposedly do-gooder imagination - accomplishing nothing but the creation of hard feelings. No thanks.

In other words, I've been involved with numerous shelters and rescue efforts for more than 25 years. Who's doing what, where and when, is completely irrelevant to overall effect.

Animals featured on this page and most of the others in this series have already been adopted. If you are in the St. Louis area and want more info, E me: MarthaJones1@aol.com. Please use "shelter/rescue" as subject line. Ideas and positive suggestions are always welcome.

One plan for these pages is new arrival announcements. Doesn't matter when it happened, send your stories and pics - more the merrier. Yours might be the one to convince another to adopt. We know the rescues know, and how they show it. Would be cool to set up a link list for adoptee's own pages. Also see: http://www.therealmartha.com/NoMoreHomeless/index.htm

Please help yourself - do the right click thing to save, spread 'em all around. A link back here would be cool too. I don't recall where the blank came from, sorry about that. It's below if you'd like to take a shot.

For those who don't recognize Snoopy under those shades, he's doing his Joe Cool.

Always open to suggestions and special requests (sizing, or maybe you'd like one graphic with another's wording, or your own message/logo).

http://www.drivesubaru.com/Win03_Pets.htm - Of all places to find an excellent

article on dog overpopulation ... Subaru's Drive magazine. This is progress, and possibly an incentive for more non-animal-related corporate giants to follow suit by any number of means. Almost anyone involved in animal welfare will go out of the way to spend money with those who support education.

Please post link to all your rescue lists, and be sure to thank Subaru for publishing such an enlightening article. E-mail: drivemag@subaru.com or write to: Editor, Drive Magazine, P.O. Box, 514025, Milwaukee, WI 53202-3425.

I wrote mine (basically the same as above): Of all places to find such a thing! This is progress, and possibly an incentive for more non-animal-related corporate giants to follow suit by any number of means. Almost anyone involved in animal welfare will go out of the way to spend money with those who support education.

Now wouldn't it be too cool to find businesses giving discounts when a customer shows a spay/neuter receipt. All kinds of deals to work for all to benefit. Let me know any ideas you may have or have already put into practice.

This is why spay/neuter progress is essential: http://www.crean.com/kindness/ - Killing with Kindness: The Campaign for a Federal Law for the Humane Euthanasia of Companion Animals

I am your puppy
http://www.therealmartha.com/I%20am%20your%20puppy/index.htm
The understanding people need before taking responsibility for any animal and to avoid choosing the wrong animal. Too many end up neglected or thrown away after the novelty wears off, or they become more than a handful due to size or temperament. Yes it's true, those precious little furballs do grow up.

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=animalprecinct - Animal Precinct on Animal Planet continues to impress. While it's horrible to witness abuse and neglect, every bust is encouraging. All the officers and everyone else involved are to be congratulated. I hope every city takes heed. At the very least, examples need to be getting into classrooms. Write a fan letter: enforcement@aspca.org

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

Technically, a mixed breed is the offspring of two different purebreds. The mating of a purebred and a mixed breed results in a litter of mongrels. And, if both parents are either mixed breeds or mongrels, the pups are mutts. Whaddya know, learn something new every day. From http://mbdca.org/ - Mixed Breed Dog Clubs of America

I found this at ShopCat, tales of cats in the workplace: http://www.shopcat.com/index.htm - help yourself to a copy and link back to original source, The Dog Hause (link above).

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.

www.takingthelead.co.uk - Taking the Lead - dog training and behavior, interviews, fun, understanding (how dogs think - really good examples), bereavement, remembrance and more

http://www.ncdl-dogpile.co.uk/ - For every search made on the DogPile search engine a donation will be made to the National Canine Defence 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. These kind of things have a way of going around and coming back to the best advantage.

http://www.vetinfo.com/ - Veterinary info, help to understand diseases, disorders and health maintenance requirements of dogs and cats - not intended to diagnose or treat; interesting tips from readers too.

Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened. ~ Anatole France

http://metroanimal.org/ - "Our primary mission is to reduce the number of euthanasias of cats and dogs in the St. Louis metropolitan area, by working both independently and collaboratively with Animal Control, shelters, and rescue groups."

Metro Animal offers an extensive rescue/adoption resource directory, animal-friendly rental listings, contacts for help with behavior problems, low cost spay/neuter info and much more.

http://stldoglovers.com/ - St. Louis links to canine events/clubs/shelters/rescue groups and more

Part of me nags about people who lose track of their animals - do they deserve to have them back? Of course I do know some critters are truly dedicated fence-jumpers/diggers or otherwise determined escape artists, normally and/or under thunderstorm/fireworks circumstances. My Miss Liberty* earned her name. Pure luck changed her mind when she realized I was out of sight - wasn't long before an eight-foot fence went up. One thing that's certain, male or female, if they're looking for love, they will find a way out. Having that urge fixed will save innumerable lives, unwanted litter-wise. Also lowers the probability odds for having to scrape Bowser or Fluffy off the road.

http://www.baytownhumanesociety.org/ - My sister's rescue group (close to Houston), an affiliate of Baytown Animals' Concerned Citizen Responders (BACCR)

www.arlhc.org - Animal Rescue League, Henry County in Kentucky - this small group recently formed to take over shelter operations after the local dog catcher was caught, on video, shooting dogs and leaving them to suffer until they finally died. They need all the support they can get as a new organization facing tremendous challenges to keep going.

"We provide low or no cost help to the public so that they may spay/neuter their animals (more than 900 from two counties in the first nine months); food, vet care, shelter improvements, foster homes and much more working solely on donations. We are non-profit and we do have a tax I.D. number."

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 a little less expensive too.

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.

Recent discoveries (spay/neuter, fight abuse, shelter/adoption success stories, reality, fun and general info)

http://www.bluedogrescue.com/about.html - Find that special someone to lick your toes, fetch, purr, scratch, and clean your plate ... includes adoption/rescue organizations/reference and other resources

http://labradorlifeline.org/index.html - "Born on the LabsR4U mailing list, members of the list joined together to help purebred Labrador Retrievers at times when financial difficulty could make the difference between life and death, or health and sickness." http://labradorlifeline.org/cybershow/labsatplay.htm - must see the whole cyber show, more funny pics than I've seen in one place, check all categories

http://catscratching.com/ - Outstanding article, how to fully understand your cat's behavior and properly solve the issue of problem scratching

http://www.bfpa.org/ - Best Friends Pet Adoption, rescue/foster organization in Cary, NC - great success stories

http://www.fema.gov/fema/anemer.htm - Advice and resources to help prepare and respond to the emergency needs of animals, whether one or one hundred

http://www.worldbirdsanctuary.org/ - World Bird Sanctuary - Mission: to preserve the earth's biological diversity and to secure the future of threatened bird species in their natural environments through education, propagation, field studies and rehabilitation; includes info about what to do if you find a baby bird

I have not checked the links below recently, they're copied from Buster's award page ~ http://www.therealmartha.com/dadudeaward/index.htm. If you find a dead link or a problem with any page/link, please let me know. Thanks

Life is life - whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage. ~ Sri Aurobindo, poet and philosopher

The sterile version of "Deck the Halls," co-authored by The Neuteress of the Night and her spazzy dogmommie sidekick

Deck the halls
with balls of collies
Fa la la la la, la la la la

'tis no season for
litters' folly
Fa la la la la, la la la la

Dream we now of
spay and neuter
Fa la la la la, la la la la

'cause we know that
sterile is cuter
Fa la la la la, la la la la

Kind regards,
Bekye and the Living Floor Mops

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thanks to Sue for custom blinkie :)
Please help yourself to anything on any of my pages, unless specifically noted otherwise.

The "No Excuses" Project

Spay/Neuter Adopt Rescue, Don't Breed Animals don't need excuses - they need YOU!

Spay/Neuter
Adopt
Rescue, Don't Breed

Animals don't need excuses - they need YOU!