51-year-old Tony Alsup hopes to open his own animal shelter one day. Until that dream becomes a reality, he is doing everything in his power to help dogs and cats affected by natural disasters. It started when he learned about the overcrowding in Texas shelters after Hurricane Harvey. The truck driver from Greenback, Tennessee knew he had to help, but he could not transport animals in a semi-trailer. “I thought, well what can I do?” Alsup told the Washington Post. “I’ll just go buy a bus.” And the kind-hearted animal lover did just that! Alsup purchased an old yellow school bus for $3,200, removed the seats, and headed to Texas. Since then, he has been transporting pets out of disaster zones across the south. He even traveled to Puerto Rico to assist in animal rescue efforts after Hurricane Maria. To read more on this story, click here:Trucker Drives 64 Shelter Pets Out Of The Path Of Hurricane Florence
Leo the cat found himself in a shelter at 6-years-old, waiting for a loving family to take him home, but his health issues made it difficult for the ginger cutie to find a home. Nonetheless, a couple that had been going to the shelter trying to find a buddy to adopt felt like Leo was the perfect match and after a couple times, they decided to make it official. “Each time we left without him our hearts broke, so we knew he was the one. He does have some health issues, however, which is probably why he had been in there 4 months and not been adopted. We didn’t care though,” the couple shared. Leo had to get dental surgery to fix an issue he had in his gum and although it took some saving, his humans managed to give the feline the medical help he needed and he’s now living happily, being the most loving cat. “I highly recommend adopting an older cat! They have less chance of ever being adopted. It’s such a good feeling to be able to give them the love they deserve.” To read more on this story, click here:6-Year-Old Cat Finally Finds Loving Home After Spending A Long Time In Shelter
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Kevin Raffee had waited until nearly the last minute. His wife, Julie Lamacchia, had already left their seaside home in Wilmington, N.C. But on Wednesday morning, the “life-threatening” force of Hurricane Florence churned closer, and it was time to leave. So Raffee started packing the nine-foot moving van in the driveway — dubbed the “Fluffy Bus” — with what really counted: nearly two dozen cats and dogs the couple saved from possible euthanasia. For many pets that have been left behind or abandoned after their owners fled this coastal county and surrounding communities, the final days before the storm hits could mean life or death. [These cats and dogs were moved to safety as Hurricane Florence bears down on the East Coast] Local, government-run animal shelters were filling up fast, and in many jurisdictions, such as Pender County, shelters that hit capacity must “make space,” Jewel Horton, manager of Pender County Animal Shelter, told The Washington Post on Wednesday. To read more on this story, click here:Shelter in Hurricane’s Path Warns it Will Euthanize Animals if it Can’t Find People to Adopt Them
Officials are pleading with residents in parts of the Carolinas and Virginia to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Florence, but certain city dwellers aren't able to leave Namely, the lions, tigers and giraffes at the Virginia Zoo, and the more than 100 dogs and cats at the SPCA shelter in northeastern North Carolina. "I am planning for the worst and hoping for the best," said Judy Anthony, the manager of the SPCA shelter, which is in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. To read more on this story, click here: Lions,Tigers and Shelter Pets Will Ride Out Hurricane Florence in Place
Do you know what to do when your pet has died at home? A recent incident that happened in the Dale City area of Northern Virginia has prompted me to share this story with you. In February, 2011, I allowed my little Shih Tzu, Domino, who had cancer to die at home. I was with him when he crossed over. I had already made preparations because I knew his time was near. The animal hospital a few miles away had told me that if he passed and they were closed (they close at 6:00 p.m.) that I should take him to a 24 hour animal hospital immediately. Domino passed about 4:00 p.m. My husband wrapped him in a blanket and we took him to the animal hospital, where they immediately took him to the back to prepare him. I had already planned for cremation. I received his urn a week later, and his urn now sits in my curio cabinet next to his sister, Sugar. Cremation for a pet can be very expensive, especially if the pet is big. Domino was down to about 8 pounds when he passed. His sister, Sugar crossed over in 2008, she was about 12 pounds so of course, it cost me more to have her cremated. Everyone can not afford pet cremations…and some don’t choose to do so. Some bury them in their backyards. In the case in Northern Virginia, the pet owner tried to cremate his dog himself in his yard and set his house on fire. Firefighters say Charles Harris was trying to cremate his 11-year-old Rottweiler in the backyard of his Dale City home. Authorities said he used gasoline to get the fire going, but it quickly spread to his home. The Associate Press reports that the man tried to get several animal shelters to help him dispose of his dog’s body, but they all told him the Rottweiler was too large. Firefighters have not said how extensively the home was damaged. No injuries were reported. If you have this situation, please do not try and cremate your pet in your yard. Consider contacting your Vet, animal control, animal hospitals and animal shelters. Please have this conversation with your Vet while your pet is alive to get an idea of what you should do when the time comes, especially if you have big pets. Also, for more information on what to do, click here:What to Do if Your Dog Dies at HomeorWhat do you do if your cat dies in your house? What do you do with the body?
Rehoming my Pug was a hard decision, but the right one; finding the right family was a struggle. He moved so fast that I saw the gash on her eye before I even realized what had happened. My Pug had bitten my daughter, again. Moments earlier I had been sitting on the couch, seven months pregnant, watching my dog chewing on a bone at one end of the carpet and my daughter playing with her tea set on the other side.Wow, I thought. What a nice, quiet evening. Suddenly the toy teapot made a whistling noise and before I knew it my Pug had leapt up from his resting place, run across the carpet, and bit her on the face. She cried, I cried, and in that moment I knew: It was time. Our dog was the first baby of my husband and I. Adopted while we were still dating, he quickly became the fur kid at the center of our relationship. I was that momma who put a coat on him in the winter, dressed him up for Halloween, and even tucked him into his little bed at night. I attended Pug party events, threw him a birthday party, volunteered at a Pug rescue, and took great pride in this fur child of ours. I loved him with all my heart, yet now my fur baby was injuring my human baby — for the third time. To read more on this story, click here:Would You Give Up Your Dog to a New Home if He Bit Your Child?
Tokyo, Japan - Japanese elementary school children enjoyed a dynamic performance by a troupe of 'unwanted dogs' on Wednesday when the Wow Wow Dog Circus came through town with the aim of educating youngsters on the responsibilities of pet ownership. Jumping rope, balancing on balls and crossing narrow balance beams the furry friends brought smiles and laughter to the students of the local public school located in Tachikawa city on the outskirts of the greater Tokyo metropolitan area. Beginning with a short 10 minute speech about dog shelters and statistics on the numbers of canines abandoned each year in Japan, organizers provided the young attendants with both education and entertainment. Impressed by what he learned one 6th grader said he didn't approve of people who abandoned their pets. "I really felt those people that abandon their dogs and don't take responsibility for them, that's not a good thing," 12-year-old Tokutaro Takahashi said. His classmate, Keito Aoki who also had a chance to jump rope on stage with man's best friend agreed. "For me it is unforgivable! From the moment you buy one, until it dies, that is our obligation," Aoki said. The Wow Wow Dog Circus aims to educate young people about the responsibilities of pet ownership and encourage them both as children and later as adults to adopt animals from shelters in preference to buying them from pet shops. "To understand the value of life, while they are still kids, to let them know what the situation in Japan is in the hope that they will pass on what they learned to others. That is the main focus of the program," said dog trainer Kayo Takeda. In contrast to some other nations the concept of 'doggie adoption' or animal rescue is still relatively unknown in Japan. Most pet owners purchase animals from local pet shops or kennels. "Compared to a country like Germany the number (of adoptions) is way too low, more and more we need to use the system (for adopting abandoned dogs). The sales at pets shops are very high (in Japan), but overseas the thinking to adopt a dog is much more prevalent. I'd like to hope that Japan will move forward in that direction," Takeda told Reuters. In Japan 100,000 dogs are abandoned and destroyed every year.
When Wang Yan lost his dog in 2012, he searched everywhere – even a slaughterhouse – to find his furry friend. Once he saw what was happening within the building’s walls, however, knew he had to take action and he build a shelter… There are a number of people choosing to use their wealth for a good purpose. For example, Johnny Depp intends to purchase the site of Wounded Knee Massacre and gift it back to the Native American people, and a 95-year-old Jewish Holocaust survivor is funding the rescue of 2,000 Middle-Eastern Christians. Such stories give one hope in humanity, and this latest news is no different. To read more on this story, click here:Chinese Man Spends $400K to Purchase Dog Slaughterhouse and Set Up Shelter
Real Men are Kind to Animals is a non-profit organization. While they don’t describe on their facebook page what they actually do…the pictures below speak volumes! You can “Like” their face book page at:Real Men are Kind to Animals
Arlington officers praised for pacifying ‘aggressive’ dog
This is one of those stories that make you say “awww!” As an animal lover…this story melted my heart! Lily, a Great Dane was only 18 months old when veterinarians removed both her eyes. She was suffering from entropion, a condition that caused her eyelashes to roll inward and scratch painfully against her eyeballs. But thankfully she’s got guide dog Maddison, another Great Dane to lead her around. Maddison stays close to Lily when they walk around, helping to guide her by touching her with his body to let her know the way. The two dogs were being cared for by UK dog welfare charity Dogs Trust, which had problems finding a good home willing to take the unlikely pair. Their previous owner could no longer cope with the two big dogs, and in July handed Lily and Maddison over to be rehomed. “With her lack of sight, Lily’s other senses have heightened so, although we don’t split them up often, she can tell if Maddison is nearby,” explains Louise Cabell, who works at the shelter. So cute! Here’s hoping these buddies find a great new home. “It’s very sad as members of the public walk straight by their kennel, often put off by the idea of having two large dogs and of course one without eyes can be a bit shocking!" Louise Campbell, manager of Dogs Trust Shrewsbury, had explained. The dogs sleep together, and were awaiting adoption at the Dogs Trust in the British town of Shrewsbury. After putting out a public call, more than 2,000 people offered to take the dogs, the Daily Mail says. The Williams family from the countryside in nearby Crewe, Cheshire were chosen to adopt the dog. Anne Williams and her husband Len said they weren't fazed by the prospect of having two large dogs. "We've always had two dogs together, I like them to have company and so taking on two of them wasn't a daunting prospect," Ann Williams told the Daily Mail. "We've also got a lovely big garden so it's the perfect setting for two huge dogs." The couple plan to take Lily and Maddison along on holidays to France and the Lake District in England.
ROCKPORT, Ind. — Authorities are investigating allegations in Spencer County of animal abuse in the form of freezing kittens that were still alive as a way to euthanize them. The initial investigation was led by the Spencer County Sheriff's Office, who refused to comment about the case to the Courier & Press. Officials only have said they turned the investigation over to the Prosecutor's Office due to a potential conflict of interest. Former Spencer County Animal Shelter worker Bridget Woodson said during her 3.5 months working at the county's shelter, she'd been asked on two separate occasions to put still-alive kittens in a plastic bag and then into a freezer to kill them at the direction of the Spencer County Animal Control Officer. A call to the officer was unanswered as was a text message. Calls to the shelter were unanswered, and the shelter's Facebook page has been taken down. To read more on this story, click here:Authorities Investigating Allegations of Frozen Kittens at Spencer County Shelter
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So you've decided to get a puppy? If you are thinking about getting one from a pet store or on-line, please be careful. That cute puppy most likely came from a puppy mill. Definition of a puppy mill: A puppy mill, sometimes known as a puppy farm, is a commercial dog breeding facility that is operated with an emphasis upon profits above animal welfare and is often in substandard conditions regarding the well-being of dogs in their care. Similar types of operations exist for other animals most commonly kept as pets or used as feed for other animals. The term can be applied to operations involving other animals commercially bred for profit, e.g. "kitty mills." There are an estimated 4,000 puppy mills in the U.S. that produce more than half a million puppies a year. Commercial kennels may be licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture which may inspect the kennels routinely. Please share, and remember "Adoption is an Option!"
What happens if you die before your cat or dog? It’s a question being addressed increasingly as more people are including pets in their estate planning. PETS ARE PROPERTY In the eyes of the law pets are property. But ask any pet guardian – otherwise known as a pet owner – if Fido or Fluffy is on equal footing with their other possessions and most will say ‘no.’ Increasingly, dogs, cats and other companion animals are the subject of bitter custody fights when couples divorce, and are gaining the upper paw when it comes to estate planning. While the law classifies pets as property, it does recognize that they’re qualitatively different than, say, a sofa or nightstand or the ’69 Camaro you painstakingly restored. In fact, it’s a crime in all 50 states to abandon an animal, an issue brought into sharp and painful relief during the ongoing home foreclosure crisis. Many animals die when once-responsible owners feel they have no choice but to abandon their pets, falsely assuming that someone from the bank will quickly come to their animals’ rescue. Rarely is this the case and a once-beloved family member is literally left to die. To read more on this story, click here:Pets and Estate Planning
People often tell me how much they love animals and ask what they can do to help them. The obvious is to donate money to shelters and animal charities, but there is more you can do beyond that. Another thing you can do is donate your time by walking dogs or fostering them, but what if those just don't seem like the right fit for you? We asked Rocky Kanaka, host and creator of Save Our Shelter, what else people could possibly do to help, and as an expert in this arena, he had several suggestions. To read more on this story, click here: The 1 Thing Most People Forget to Donate to Animal Shelters
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Dozens of adorable dogs who were rescued from hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico are now up for adoption in New York, animal shelter sources said Sunday. A total of 28 dogs — some of which were abandoned during the natural disaster— are up for grabs at Animal Haven on the Lower East Side, said Tiffany Lacey, executive director of the shelter. “These animals are in dire need. It’s life or death down there,” Lacey urged. “Come in and adopt because you’re gonna be helping.” The furry survivors were rescued from the island by charter plane and brought to the no-kill shelter on Saturday night, according to Lacy. The furry survivors include a pure-bred Shih Tzu, Great Dane and a hound, which are available for adoption beginning Tuesday. Some of the dogs were left at shelters by owners in the aftermath of the hurricane. Others were strays before the storm struck. The raging storm worsened the country’s epidemic of homeless and starving pups. “Even without a natural disaster, it is overwhelming. There’s a very high euthanasia rate. A lot of people are dumping animals,” Lacey said. A total of 53 dogs were saved by the animal rescue group The Sato Project. Some were brought to shelters elsewhere in the United States. The rescue was funded by the John and Wendy Neu Family Foundation, which worked with The Sato Project. Anyone who wants to adopt a dog should contact the shelter at (212) 274-8511. Visit their website: Animal Haven
You’ve probably heard animal rights advocates say, “Adopt, don’t shop!” Instead of buying an animal from a pet store or a breeder, millions of Americans are choosing to adopt a pet from animal shelters each year. But plenty of people are completely misinformed about animal shelters and the pets who come from them. Unfortunately, some myths that people believe may stop them from adopting an adorable cat or dog from their local shelter. Want to make sure you haven’t been deceived by the biggest misconceptions about animal shelters? Read on to check out the myths that seem to stick around no matter how much those in the know try to set them straight. 1. People assume it doesn’t make a difference if they go to the animal shelter Most people know that animal shelters have more pets than they can accommodate. But they still justify going to the pet store or seeking out a breeder by telling themselves that it doesn’t make a difference if they adopt one pet from the local animal shelter. However, adopting a pet instead of buying one makes a huge difference to the animal you bring home. You don’t have to get your next pet from the animal shelter. But if you do, you can feel confident that you’re making a difference. 2. They think that only animals who aren’t good pets end up at the shelter One of the biggest misconceptions of all? The idea that shelter animals are somehow “less than” other pets. People assume that cats and dogs only end up at the shelter because they don’t make good pets. But that’s simply untrue. People often give up animals because they’re moving to a new residence that doesn’t allow pets. They take unwanted litters of puppies or kittens to the shelter. And they also give up their pet if they can’t afford to take care of the animal, or if they simply don’t have enough time to spend with the animal. Pets you can adopt from the shelter are often just as loving and lovable as pets you can obtain anywhere else.
3. People think an animal shelter pet won’t bond with a new owner Everybody wants a pet who will bond with them and their family. Too many people assume that won’t happen if they adopt a pet from the animal shelter. An older dog or a cat who was a stray won’t be any less likely to love you than an animal who came from a breeder or from a pet store. A shelter will typically let you spend lots of time interacting with an animal before you consider adopting. Some even enable home visits. So you can easily tell whether you and a particular cat or dog are a good match. And trust us, you’re incredibly likely to find a pet who will love you if you head to the animal shelter. 4. They assume that pets at the animal shelter will be difficult to train Potential pet owners who would prefer to work with a breeder or head to the pet store often think that a pet from the animal shelter will be difficult to train. However, that’s certainly not a universal truth. Most animal shelters have a couple of animals who were neglected or abused by their previous owners, and those animals may have a few behavioral issues (or they may not). Every pet needs proper training, and fortunately, the process likely won’t prove any harder with a shelter pet.
5. People think shelter pets are dirty Another pernicious myth about animal shelters? That they and the animals inside them are dirty and unkempt. In most cases, the myth proves completely wrong. Shelter staff routinely groom animals. For instance, a shelter dog probably gets regular baths, brushings, and nail clipping sessions. And animals who live at a shelter generally live in conditions that are much cleaner and safer than what you’d find at a puppy mill. Sure, an animal shelter might smell, well, like animals. But when there are dozens of animals under one roof, can you really blame them? 6. They decide it’s a bad idea to get an animal with a back story Most people love the idea of getting a kitten or a puppy. That’s not only because baby animals are cute, but also because these animals don’t have a history. But trying to avoid an animal with baggage won’t help you find a better pet. Adult or senior animals are the right choice for many prospective pet owners. And while some animals have suffered abuse and may have behavioral issues, the shelter staff won’t neglect to tell you what they know about a pet’s back story, so you can decide what you’re willing to take on. Besides, every pet has a distinct personality; you won’t necessarily have an easier time with a pet who didn’t come from a shelter versus one who did. 7. People think you can’t know what you’re getting One of the most persistent myths about adopting a pet from the shelter is that you won’t know what you’re getting. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Some cats and dogs available for adoption have been in foster care, so a volunteer has hosted the animal in his or her home. They can tell you lots more information about the animal’s personality and habits than a pet store or even a breeder could tell you. Even if the animal has only stayed in the shelter, volunteers there can probably tell you about the cat or dog’s temperament. You’ll also get a more candid sense of the animal’s physical health or behavior than you’d get at a pet store or from a breeder. 8. They assume they can’t find the animal they want at a shelter Many people assume that if they go to the animal shelter instead of a pet store, they won’t be able to find the exact animal they want. It’s true that many of the pets at the shelter are mixed breeds. But shelters also end up with purebred dogs and cats, since people buy those animals and then give them up if they can’t take care of them. Some shelters actually maintain waiting lists for specific breeds, and breed-specific rescue organizations can help you find a specific dog breed or cat breed. 9. People think households with children shouldn’t adopt Many people think that pets who come from the animal shelter are unpredictable in their behavior. So, understandably, they feel wary of bringing an unpredictable animal into a household with small children. However, there’s no need to feel suspicious. Shelter staff assesses the behavior of each animal at their facility. The staff discloses any behavioral issues or suspected problems to potential pet owners. It wouldn’t do a shelter any good to lie about an animal’s personality or temperament. If you want a dog or a cat who will get along well with your children, just ask. The shelter staff can probably point you in the right direction. 10. They think a ‘free’ animal is a better deal than one at a shelter Most shelters charge an adoption fee when you want to take an animal home. So some people think that getting a “free” animal, such as a kitten from a friend’s litter, is a better deal than adopting an animal at the shelter. However, that’s usually not the case. Dogs and cats at the animal shelter get a health exam, important vaccinations, preventative medications, and often a spay or neuter surgery. If you adopt a “free” pet, you’ll be responsible for the cost of all of those items, which quickly adds up to far more than the typical adoption fee. 11. People think cats and dogs are the only animals available at the animal shelter Many Americans want a dog or a cat. But those who’d prefer a rabbit, a bird, a snake, or any other less common pet automatically write off the animal shelter. Not so fast! Many animal shelters host animals of all kinds, not just of the canine and feline variety. If you’re looking for a specific kind of pet, it never hurts to ask! The shelter may either have exactly what you’re looking for or know of another shelter where you could find the pet of your dreams. 12. They think an animal from a breeder will be healthier than a pet from a shelter Potential pet owners worry about the health of the pet they’ll bring home. Many erroneously cross the animal shelter off their list because they think that an animal from a breeder will be healthier. However, that’s often not the case. It’s well-known that many kinds of purebred dogs are prone to genetic disorders and predisposed to specific ailments thanks to the narrow gene pool of the breed’s bloodline. Broadly speaking, a purebred from a shelter and a purebred from the breeder will have the same likelihood of developing those diseases. But a mixed breed animal adopted from the shelter will likely develop fewer genetic ailments and could stay healthier in the long run. Plus, a pet from the animal shelter will almost certainly be healthier than one bred and raised by a puppy mill. 13. People think the shelter staff doesn’t know much about their animals Some people, especially those who have never walked into a shelter, imagine that the staff doesn’t know much about each of the animals. That couldn’t get further from the truth. First of all, many educated and experienced professionals volunteer at their local animal shelter. (We wouldn’t be surprised to find vet techs, veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and researchers among the ranks.) They also work hard to observe each animal’s behavior and temperament. They can probably even tell you which food, treats, and toys each animal prefers. And of course, they’re well-informed on the animal’s medical status and any special needs. 14. They think you can only get an adult animal from the shelter Have your heart set on a puppy or kitten? We have good news for you: You don’t have to go the pet store or find a breeder. In addition to adult pets, most animal shelters have an abundance of young animals who are up for adoption. Especially during the spring and summer, most shelters end up with lots of litters. That means there are plenty of puppies and kittens to adopt.
15. People think they can’t find the perfect pet at an animal shelter This is a big one, but it’s important to get this misconception out of the way. When people think about bringing a pet home, they often decide that they want the “perfect” pet. However, that’s an ideal that doesn’t exist, whether you’re looking around at the local animal shelter or talking with a breeder who has championship-winning dogs. The perfect cat or dog just doesn’t exist. Once you get past that idea, you’ll feel better prepared to evaluate what you want in a pet — without placing unrealistic expectations on your new kitten or puppy.
Yes, you read it correctly! Nationals’ Max Scherzer and His Wife Pitching in to Help Animals Affected by Harvey Washington Nationals' Max Scherzer and his wife, Erica, are pitching in to help D.C. animal shelters make room for animals affected by Harvey. Max and Erica are covering adoption fees at both Humane Rescue Alliance adoption centers in D.C. Thursday through Sunday, a spokesman for HRA said. The fee waiver only covers animals currently at the shelters, the spokesman said. The HRA is among many organizations across the country that are volunteering to accept animals from Texas who became separated from their owners or were homeless strays before the storm. To read more on this story, click here:Source: Nationals' Max Scherzer and Wife Erica Pitching in to Help Animals Affected by Harvey - NBC4 Washington
Houston SPCA US 501c3 charitable organization Message from: Houston SPCA Our profound thanks to all of you in Texas and across the United States who want to know how you can help Houston animals who were hit hard by this catastrophic disaster. Right now, you can help the most with emergency contributions. Visit HoustonSPCA.org/give. If you would like to make a donation to help the animals in Texas, click here to be taken to their donation page: DONATE Visit their Website
