Queeny Park, St. Louis, October 19 & 20, 2002

Adopt-a-Stray Day
~ Until there are none, rescue one ~

Cats, cats and more cats ... caboodles of kittens too (dogs coming up next)

This is the best representative shot out of hundreds of felines. Each had a bio/history sheet including temperament and likes/dislikes notes. This is the only cats pic here, hard to focus through the bars. Suffice to say, they came in all shapes, sizes and coat/color varieties.

Big cheers for all volunteers, especially dog handlers. It takes more than a lot of energy and dedication for all their work - they seldom get the accolades they deserve. 

Here's Luke, or Kuke, as I first mistyped ... one kooky lookin' guy in "au naturel" curly coat - he'd be a most dapper dude with a proper grooming. Little trim around the eyes, even out the mustache and beard - watch out now! The could-be Sir Lucas is a cocker/poodle mix, approximately one and a half years old. He likes other dogs, not sure about cats. From Granite City APA - 5000 Old Alton Rd., Granite City, IL 62040 (618-931-6030). Doubt he's still there though, he was one absolutely irresistible fellow with a goofy, oddball bark to boot.

Point of fact - most on this page were probably adopted. We saw several adoptees (clue: jam-packed goodie bags) prancing off to their new lives as we arrived. The idea here is to show what variety and quality exists among the cast-offs found in any pound, shelter or rescue organization. No animal is born bad. Healthy, intelligent animals, many pure-bred, become throw-aways due to human delinquency. Death (human) would be the one and only legitimate reason for abandonment. All any critter needs is patience and a few kind words to turn into your best buddy for life. Fit for royalty coming-home greetings guaranteed, sloppy kisses complimentary.

Little sweetie Miss Meredith, Lab/Dal cross, 10 to 12 weeks old from Northeast Humane Society, Hannibal, MO.

"My little dog - a heartbeat at my feet." - Edith Wharton

Plenty of room for walks and play breaks

Jamaican, pure-bred Boxer, beautiful brindle, two to three years old. He's fine around female dogs, not good with males. Don't know about cats. Boxer and Doberman Rescue: http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/MO29.html is a member of Purebred Rescue of St. Louis: http://www.gsdogrescue.org/ (314-768-9888)

Cherry, rust color, about three years old, is a new momma. Two of her pups (11 weeks) are below.

This cuddle-bug appeared, "Here's one," while I was asking about Cherry - OK, everybody say Awwwwwwwww!

A non-fuzzy-ear version

Looks like Buddy's kerchief was too tight, that's just extra skin for the 10-month-old to grow into.

What a clown - Akita/Pit, tail going 90, bouncing all around doing his best not to pose. Buddy is OK around other big dogs but likes to bark at the small. He's housebroken and learning commands. His handler works with Pit Bull Salvation (waiting on that info) and the Franklin City Humane Society- http://www.franklincountyhumanesociety.org, P.O. Box 400, Union, MO 63084, 1222 W. Main St. Pets4you63084@yahoo.com

Deaf emissaries from SNAP, Special Needs Aussie Placement. 9328 Talbot, St. Louis, MO 63123 (314-853-6542) SNAP_4thedogz@yahoo.com; www.snap4thedogz.org

Aubrey, an unflappable Aussie/hound mix, three to four years old, male, OK with dogs and cats. OOOps, my notes only have Aus. Rescue, several of which are listed here: http://metroanimal.org/directory/main.html (click resource directory) - do the Ctrl F trick (hit Ctrl and F key together, type Aus in box that pops up, then hit find next) to go to each listing.

These little buggers were hilarious. The black and the tri-color were engaged in serious rough 'n' tussle - pulling ears, chewing legs and tails, rolling on and trampling over tan baby just snoozin' away, unfazed through all. Saint Charles Humane Society, 1099 Pralle Lane, St. Charles, MO 63303 (636-949-9918) http://www.stcharleshumanesociety.org/.

Money can buy you a good dog, but it won't buy the wag of his tail.

Trisha, shep mix, about a year old, excellent watch dog, good kisser - loves people, dogs and cats. Heartland Humane Society - http://heartlandhumanemo.homestead.com. Home foster, dog and cat rescue, adoptions. P.O. Box 692, St. Peters, MO 63376 (636-922-0569) animalchef@prodigy.net

Mike (official camera man because digi confounds me) snapped these lovelies while I was involved with another group. We forgot to go back for information. The following links are from MetroAnimal http://metroanimal.org/directory/main.html - Rescue/Adoption Resource Directory, St. Louis area

• Greyhound Companions of Missouri - Rescue/adoption of retired racers. Phone: 314-839-1525. Fax: 314-209-1299. E-mail:tusing@i1.net URL: http://www.GCMO.org.
• (Greyhounds) Rescued Racers - 10929 St. Henry Ln., St. Louis, MO 63074. 314-423-4126 or 314-921-7379. E-mail: gdoglady@yahoo.com. URL: http://www.rescuedracers.com.
• IMPACT for Animals URL: http://www.impact4animals.com
• Italian Greyhound Rescue - 911 Indiana Ave., Jefferson City, MO 65109. 573-761-0699.
• REGAP -- Retired Greyhounds As Pets - P.O. Box 25383, St. Louis, MO 63125. 314-894-0834. E-mail:stlregap@hotmail.com. URL: http://www.regap.com.

From experience, I can highly recommend greyhounds for the right home. A friend adopted two retired racers at different times from a county pound - oddly enough it turned out they were littermates. They made themselves right at home, even "building" their own track in the back yard. What a joy they were to watch. My little beastie, Miss Liberty (Mutt Extraordinaire, Dog's Eye View host: http://members.aol.com/Libbyk9/index.html), had a many a marvelous time trying to keep up with them.

One warning ... those lean, leggy girls were so graceful and elegant, draped on the couch or wherever, doing whatever ... we usually felt outclassed and underdressed - whatever the occasion.

Buster will feel slighted if I don't include his home page: http://www.therealmartha.com/toottoot/index.htm ~ The Boston Tooter, an American Original, a.k.a. maestro of the hootin'-rootin' Tootin' Gang ... wide variety of links to check there too

This was a good deal, $3. a chance on choice of hotel getaway. Best kind of advertising going for any business, be it a special event or various types of ongoing support. Money is always most welcome, but next time you're cleaning out closets or files, call a shelter or rescue group. Your "trash" could fill any number of animal needs.

Help yourself to all the graphics/pics you can use. Any that are not mine were found without copyright. Linking back here would be cool. Also happy to swap links/list pages where you post.

LibbyK9@aol.com or MarthaJones1@aol.com
Please use a clearly defined subject line. Due to never-ending piles of junk and virus threats, I delete unknowns.

Be the kind of person your pet thinks you are!

Thanks to Sue for this adaption of "A mother is born ... " ~ Rajneesh. Sorry I can't credit frame, found it in old, old files.

Watch for link to memorial page for The Jazz Man, one above-and-beyond, truly outstanding search and rescue team member. In the meantime, find mini-bio (close to end of page): http://www.therealmartha.com/WARK9/index.htm - pics, stories and excellent working dog info from my "adopted" Army K-9 unit.

Two TV trucks were leaving the park as we were coming in.  Unfortunately, forgot to watch the news so don't know how much time was given to the event. Anyone can do their promo part by pestering the media. A simple phone call, "Will you be covering ... ?" is all it takes to make sure reporters/editors (TV, radio and print) know about events. Actually news coverage has been generous, as compared to other places I've lived - just never hurts to do a little extra push.

A lot of people still think pound negatives when they hear stray. Most are light years better than past horror images. However, some are still in the dark ages using gas chambers instead of humane injection. See http://crean.com/ - Killing with Kindness: The Campaign for a Federal Law for the Humane Euthanasia of Companion Animals

Excerpts from Parade Magazine, Oct. 20, 2002 

Professional animal trainers and best-selling authors Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson encourage you to adopt a needy dog as part of “Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month.”

Make that tail wag!

If You Adopt—the Three Rs
Most adopted dogs settle into their new lives with a delighted sigh of relief, but an adjustment period is to be expected. Some problems can crop up. These might include separation issues, housebreaking accidents or overactivity. Often, these are the result of your new dog’s response to stress. Lessen the stress and you lessen the problem. Here are the three Rs for adopted dogs:

Redirect
For the first few weeks at home, keep your dog on a nontightening collar and leash with you around the house. If he starts to chew a table leg, redirect him: “Leave it. Where’s your toy?” If she starts to jump, say “Off, sit.” Then pet her while she sits. Over and over show your dog what you want, help him get it right. If you’re not sure how, find a training professional who can show you what to do.

Reward
Catch your dog in the act—of doing something right!—then leave no doubt in his mind that you liked what he did. Be shameless with rewards. Make that tail wag! Use praise, treats, toys, petting—whatever your dog enjoys. If you reward what you like and ignore what you don’t, your new dog will catch on.

For example, your dog whines for some attention. You love her but don’t like whining, so you ignore her. She whines a few more times then lies down. You praise her warmly for lying down, stroking her silky ears. She grins a happy, canine grin and will lie down faster next time.

Routine
Create a routine your dog can learn to anticipate: when and where you walk, when you feed, when the quiet times are. Supervision is mandatory at first. Treat a newly adopted dog like a toddler: Out of sight is into trouble. When you can't supervise—confine to a crate or behind a gate. Regular exercise is a good stress reliever for your dog as it is for you. Long walks, romping with other well-socialized dogs, chasing a ball are all ways to help him unwind. Safety always comes first, so keep your dog on lead or in a fenced area.

Myths About Adopting Older Dogs
Myth #1: An older dog won't love me like a puppy.
Quite right, she may well love you even more intensely than a pup. Sometimes dogs, who have seen the “dark side” of life, enter a caring home eager to love and be loved. We’ve seen many dogs rescued as adults whose bond to their people is more intense than some pups who have only known the good life.

Myth #2: Adult dogs demand more time than puppies.
A new dog in the family will require work, no matter what age. Pups tend to demand more full-time supervision and attention than most adult dogs. Adults are normally past the intense chewing phase, and their mature bodies allow for fewer walks a day.

Myth #3: Older dogs can't be trained.
Ha! Adopted adult dogs are routinely trained as hearing-ear dogs for the deaf, arson-detection dogs, customs dogs, wheelchair assistance-dogs and more. Older dogs can and do learn—without a problem. The older dog is one of the best-kept secrets of dog adoption. Don’t let age stand in the way of a wonderful companion.

Five Steps to a Better-Behaved Dog
1. Link obedience to things your dog enjoys.
Whenever your dog "asks" for something, have him do something for you first. If he paws you for a pet, tell him, "Sit." If he scratches the door to go out, “Come." If he drops his ball in your lap, "Down." Have fun, but be sure he responds to you before you respond to him.

2. Follow through immediately.
Dogs learn to respond when you have them respond. If you say, "Sit," and always wait for five seconds to see if your dog is going to sit, your dog will learn to wait five seconds before sitting. If, on the other hand, you say, "Sit," and immediately, calmly place him or lure him into the sit position, he will learn to respond immediately. It is all up to you.

3. Stay Calm.
Dogs learn faster when you are pleasant, positive and patient. If you become frustrated with your dog—STOP! Think of new ways to teach him. Read books, look at videos, consult your veterinarian, meet with a qualified trainer/behaviorist, but don't get angry. All he knows is what you teach him.

4. Praise enthusiastically, reward freely.
Praise costs you nothing! Heap it on for a job well done. If he sits on the first command at the door, open it for him. If he downs happily, toss him his toy. Break out the treats when he listens well. Let him know he did exactly what you wanted.

5. Spay - neuter! Most serious dog bites are from unneutered male dogs between the ages of one and three. All unplanned litters are—obviously—from unneutered dogs. If you love dogs in general and yours in particular, you will neuter your animals. They will live longer, happier lives.

Web Resources (from article, more below)
GreatPets.com
From Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson, GreatPets is one of the Internet's most friendly and informative training and behavior sites for both dogs and cats. Staffed by over a dozen training professionals, the site features active message boards and more than 900 articles in the libraries.

Petfinder.com
Search tens of thousands of listings for dogs and cats available at shelters and rescue groups nationwide.

National Breed Club Rescue Network
A breed-by-breed listing of rescue organizations and contacts for purebred dogs.

An article side bar mentioned several benefits that go with having a dog. Besides "helping to lower your blood pressure, walking a dog will keep you active." Or at least make sure you don't take root in the computer chair. Buster's timing is uncanny - if I'm stuck for an idea, taking that break clears the noggin more often than not. However, he's best at pestering in the middle of something that can't wait or I'll forget ... just gotta hit save, make note and go is all there is to it.

Another advantage - any cat or dog will listen to woes, grievances or whatever nettle is on your mind. It's OK to talk to yourself without feeling like a crazy person, at least one other pair of ears is tuned in but not arguing. Beware though, if an actual conversation starts up - you might be in trouble (~.*).

Seriously ... everyone's had times when getting out of bed didn't seem worth the trouble. Dog(s) do not agree. Somehow, their earnest approach to morning business and jubilatious dirt-kicking ritual thereafter always seems to make the whole world a little less weighty. (A funny - a friend's dog sleeps with her daughter, then climbs in with Mom right before her alarm goes off, "It's like she's the mistress, and I'm the wife!)

http://metroanimal.org/directory/main.html - Rescue/Adoption Resource Directory, St. Louis area (includes Illinois, also as far as Kansas City and in between).

If transportation is a problem, some rescue groups have cooperating "runners" available. Take advantage of Web resources in your search for the perfect pal. Thanks to unlimited communication possibilities, it's not unusual for an animal to fly from one coast to another. My sister working rescue in Texas is always making pick-ups and deliveries in nearby states. http://www.baccr.org/volunteer.htm

Watch this page for animal welfare/educational listings that may not be on the big lists. All contact info is welcome, Web site not required.

Anyone operating on their own, or has a skill to offer but not sure where/how best use might be is also welcome to submit info.

http://spca.inteliport.net/about.html - New SPCA in Perquimans County, Hertford, NC with a lot of work to do improving existing situation/conditions. Priority goal is halting the use of carbon monoxide euthanization (gas chamber). Information/documentation/sites that have visual or audio aids are needed to expose the cruelty. "County officials have no idea why this is an issue to be addressed." E-mail ireneb@inteliport.com - contact info also on site.

See http://crean.com/ - Killing with Kindness: The Campaign for a Federal Law for the Humane Euthanasia of Companion Animals

http://www.startribune.com/stories/389/34372.html - Winterizing your dog

http://www.doggiedoor.com/ - Doggie Door to Canine Behavior, " ... your dog's best friend as you surf around and discover ways to help your dog become a well-adjusted, happy canine companion."

http://www.petrescue.com/ - "Welcome to our world, where the welfare of every animal that crosses our path is of the utmost importance to us."

Find nearest purebred dog breeders, clubs and rescue groups, fast and free: http://www.breeders.net/

Free to a good home? Never: http://www.parrett.net/animalaid/free.html

Links above found in The Straight Poop newsletter, subscribe: http://www.straight-poop.com/subscribe.html - back issues: http://www.straight-poop.com/

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. This kind of thing has a way of going around and coming back as best advantage for all.

http://www.accy.net/dogrules.htm and http://www.accy.net/catrules.htm - Waaay too funny

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.wonderpuppy.net/ - Humor, serious/important issues/info, great links ... much miscellaneous

Below from Dr. Weil, Weekly Wellness Bulletin ~ http://office.drweil.com/bulletin/weekly_bulletin_100802.html

October 08, 2002

Less Stress with Pets Pet owners have fewer illnesses than others - and recover faster when they do get sick - have lower blood pressure, are less likely to be depressed, and have higher self-esteem than people who don't have pets. New research now suggests that the company of pets can help combat stress. Faced with a stressful task pet owners didn't respond as strongly to stress as those whose animals were absent but had a friend or spouse present. A study from the State University of New York at Buffalo showed that among married couples with normal blood pressure, participants given mental arithmetic tests showed only a seven point increase in blood pressure when their pets were with them compared with 35 point increases when a friend or spouse was present. Without any company, blood pressure jumped about 25 points. The researchers concluded that their results were further evidence of the health benefits of having a pet. Be well, From the DrWeil.com team

Side-trip to more stress-busters ~ silly, sassy and serious: http://www.therealmartha.com/stress/index.htm

Check back often for new links and info, also check out: http://www.therealmartha.com/adopt/index.htm ~ Meet the Shelter Sweeties (at "my" shelter) and a looooooooooong list of links, inside and out.

http://www.therealmartha.com/Special%20Adopt/index.htm ~ Special Needs Adoptathon report, includes pics

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

http://www.therealmartha.com/spayneuter/index.htm ~ Spay/neuter graphics on printable pages, telling it like it is

Don't forget to submit your info, and comments are always welcome. However, the mail-eating buggies have been quite busy lately. If I don't answer in a day or two, please send again. MarthaJones@aol.com or LibbyK9@aol.com

Thanks to Marie for this goose-bumper

Sighs

She keeps repeating it over and over again.

"We've been back to this shelter at least five times. It has been weeks now since we started all of this," the woman told the volunteer.

"What is it she keeps asking for?"

"Puppy size!"

"We have plenty of puppies, if that's what she's looking for."

"I know. We've seen most of them,"

"Well, did you find one?"

"No, not this time. Can we come back on the weekend?"

"You never know when we will get more dogs. Unfortunately, there's always a supply."

The young child took her mother by the hand and headed to the door, "Don't worry Mom, I bet we'll find one this weekend."

Over the next few days both Mom and Dad had long conversations with her.

They both felt she was being too particular. "It's this weekend or we're not looking any more," Dad finally said in frustration.

"We don't want to hear anything more about puppy size either," Mom added.

Sure enough they were the first ones in the shelter Saturday morning. The child walked slowly from cage to cage, kneeling periodically to take a closer look. One by one the dogs were brought out
and she held each one. One by one she said, "Sorry, you're not the one."

It was the last cage on this last day in search of the perfect pup. The volunteer opened the cage door and the child carefully picked up the dog and held it closely. This time she took a little longer.

"Mom, that's it! I found the right puppy! He's the one! I know it!"

"What? Are you sure? How do you know?"

"It's the puppy sighs!"

"Yes, it's the same size as all the other puppies you held the last weeks.",

"No, not size ... sighs. When I held him in my arms he sighed. Don't you remember? When I asked you one day what love is, you told me love depends on the sighs of your heart. The more you love, the bigger the sighs!"

Mom didn't know whether to laugh or cry. As she stooped down to hug her child, she did a little
of both.

"Mom every time you hold me, I sigh. When you and Daddy come home from work and hug each other, you both sigh. I knew I would find the right puppy if it sighed when I held it in my arms."

Holding the puppy up close to her face the child said, "Mom, he loves me. I heard the sighs of his heart."

Author unknown, slightly edited for this publication