Gulf Coast Rescue Needs & News
IN THIS ALERT:
- SMALL BITES
- Cat Food Still Needed In New Orleans
- Fighting For Their Lives - Unchaining the Avondale Pits
- Donate Crates in Memory of Shannon Moore
- June 23 & 24: Alley Cat Allies' Feline Forum 2006
- Pet Hoarders Tammy and William Hanson Still At Large
- National Headlines: Emergency Evac With Pets
- Looking for Volunteers in Anticipation of Hurricane Season
- Disaster Dogs: Handling & Treatment
- In Shannon’s Memory: Rescuers Need Rescue Too
- Katrina Paintings, Charity Auction for Rescue
- Red finds his forever home!
1. SMALL BITES
Formerly called News Bits, but renamed Small Bites to remind everyone to send small-bite food, or cat food, when donating for Gulf Coast animals.
REMEMBERING SHANNON MOORE
http://memoriesofshannon.blogspot.com/
Please share memories, thoughts and stories about Shannon and your own struggles to make sense of a disaster that disrupted the lives of more animals and people than any other in modern history...
SOURCE: Kinship Circle, info@kinshipcircle.org
GUEST BOOK FOR SHANNON HARTWICK MOORE
http://www.legacy.com/NOLA/Guestbook.asp?Page=Guestbook&PersonID=18017409
You may leave sentiments in Shannon’s memorial guest book, extended until July of next year... Or just continue to visit in times of quiet contemplation.
SOURCE: Capt. Ron, capron@pets911.org
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ST. MARY’S HUMANE SOCIETY NEEDS DOG FOOD (WET/DRY)
If you can assist please email the President of St. Mary's Humane or me. This is in Franklin County, Louisiana.
Pres. of St. Mary Humane Society: esmckee@cox.net
Susan Meyer (me): susankiwikiwi@hotmail.com
Thank you, Susan
SOURCE: Susan Meyer, susankiwikiwi@hotmail.com
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STEALTH VOLUNTEERS FIND DOG’S FAMILY AFTER 9 MONTHS!
news video: http://www.theksbwchannel.com/video/9345146/index.html
A dog brought to the Central Coast after Hurricane Katrina has been reunited with her guardians.
SOURCE: Marnie Reeder, starbright60@webtv.net
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INTERACTIVE GRAPHIC: FLASH FLOOD
Hurricane Katrina’s Inundation of New Orleans,
August 29, 2005 * The Times Picayune
In case you haven't seen it, this video relives how it all happened:
http://www.nola.com/katrina/graphics/flashflood.swf
Read what Leroy Sievers (NightLine) said on our website.
http://www.pets911.org/emergency/index.html
SOURCE: Capt. Ron, the Alliance, capron@pets911.org
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PETITION - LA - SB 652 TO BAN COCKFIGHTING IN LOUISIANA
http://www.petitiononline.com/10be10/petition.html
We, the undersigned, wish to voice our support for LA - SB 652 to BAN Cockfighting in Louisiana. We feel this is of national concern due to the potential impact of the spread of Avian Flu and other infectious diseases...
SOURCE: Kim Johnston, k_johnston@comcast.net
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MERCY’S RAINBOW BRIDGE
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=761431600&n=2
Song and Video by Maria Daines (writer.singer) and Mary-Alice (Cornwalls Voice For Animals-UK who created the slideshow).
SOURCE: Kathy, wolfdreams_2000@yahoo.com
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LIEFELINE PROGRAM HELPS WITH SOME VET CARE
http://www.uan.org/lifeline/index.html
UAN’S Lifeline:
-provides grants for companion animals during life-threatening emergencies when rescuers or caregivers cannot afford the entire cost of treatment.
-helps homeless or recently rescued animals suffering from life-threatening conditions that require specific and immediate emergency veterinary care.
-strives to serve Good Samaritans and rescue groups who take in sick or injured animals.
-In certain cases, LifeLine can also assist senior citizens and low-income families pay for immediate emergency veterinary care.
SOURCE: Momnick8@aol.com
2. Cat Food Still Needed In New Orleans
SOURCE: Bettina R., brosmar@hotmail.com
Cat food is still in dire need in New Orleans for feeding animals on the street until they can be trapped and fostered or reunited. These animals have been struggling to survive since last September and things are still critical in many areas.
Animals are still being reunited with their families! A cat was reunited with her family in May after having been kept alive by the very important food and water stations that volunteers maintain.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Nutro is offering a coupon for a free bag of cat food for filling out a short questionnaire. It's limited to one per household, but you can get family & friends to complete the questionnaire too, or do it for them!
http://www.nutroproducts.com/yourfamily/
Collect the coupons, then mail to:
Animal Rescue New Orleans
1219 Coliseum Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Note: I understand that there are hungry cats all over so if you need the food for feral colonies that you are feeding locally, this is a good resource for that too. Thank you!! Bettina, brosmar@hotmail.com
3. Fighting For Their Lives - Unchaining the Avondale Pits
SOURCE: Mary, fmblngtwrdxtc@gmail.com
BACKGROUND — Two rescuers in New Orleans happened upon two dogs at an address in Avondale, LA in late February while working with Villalobos staff facilitating a reunion. The dogs were chained on very short, heavy and padlocked chains. The dogs had no food, water or shelter. One dog was severely emaciated and his skin rubbed raw from the padlock and chain. While pictures show a doghouse present for the other dog, we watched him attempt to go into the house and he could not reach it due to the short chain.
After months of trying, THREE dogs were removed from this address in Avondale on Thurs 5/18/06. The owner signed a release for 2 and a euthanasia request for the other. Saturday 5/20, he owner requested the animals back. Elena at JPAS has gotten this case on a docket with Judge Messina for June 8. A petition plea was sent to Judge Messina for these animals. The animals are ON HOLD and will not be released until after the hearing date. NO ANIMAL HAS BEEN EUTHANIZED.
UPDATE, June 8, 2006, Case AS2006-012: Today's hearing was "administrative". All our information was submitted. ACO's were present and submitted their reports - apparently they'd been to Mr. Davis' house 3 times, one time was to get the second dog we had found (white / brindle patches w/ the doubled chain) and euthanize him at Mr. Davis' request, as he was "too aggressive for the owner to handle."
Judge Messina reviewed evidence, and aloud with the Parish Attorney, informed Mr. Davis that he was sending the case to the DA for criminal prosecution. The DA will decide, based on evidence, as to whether to prosecute or not. The dogs will not be released until this is resolved.
Mr. Davis will be charged on 3 counts of cruelty under state law, not just Parish Ordinance if the DA decides to move forward. If not, the case will return to Judge Messina for decision.
Elena has agreed with getting Phoenix to SAF for treatment!
UPDATE, June 10, 2006: I spoke with Anne at SAF (Southern Animal Foundations in NOLA) and, per Anne's typical wonderful response..."Of COURSE we'll take Him” I love Anne Bell. Anyway, going to find out if Phoenix has had any shots at all, and if not, whether JPAS can give him some before we move him to SAF. There, they'll get him healthy and begin HW treatment.
Check website for updates: http://www.geocities.com/unchainingtheavondalepits/
Direct link to the Blog for updates:
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-62ClVFgkdaX3ZzRbUYUDtNFXru_oPC96m2r4QZ82knXL
TO HELP WITH MEDICAL TREATMENT COSTS
Send money directly to:
Southern Animal Foundation
Attn: Anne Bell
1823 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
504-671-8235
***With payment, note that your donation is for Phoenix / Avondale***
Purchase an "Unchaining the Avondale Pits" t-shirt
view shirts: http://www.cafepress.com/0221
Brenda Shoss (Kinship Circle) has kindly donated the use of her "With My Eyes" poem for the back of the shirt. [read poem here: http://www.kinshipcircle.org/fact_sheets/default.html]
Phoenix's chained picture with "Fighting For Their Lives, Unchaining the Avondale Pits" text, is on the front. All proceeds from sales go directly to medical treatment with Southern Animal Foundation & transport to Villalobos Rescue for Phoenix, a formerly chained & abused dog from Avondale.
Donate through PayPal to me (thaleia@triad.rr.com) and I will send checks to Anne Bell at SAF.
Pictures of the dogs taken in February:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y37/mercurialmynd/haunt.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y37/mercurialmynd/haunt2.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y37/mercurialmynd/haunt3.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y37/mercurialmynd/haunt4.jpg
4. Donate Crates in Memory of Shannon Moore
SOURCE: JudyMcD44@aol.com
JudyMcD44@aol.com writes: Shannon's total commitment to the passage of Louisiana Senate Bill 607, the Pet Evacuation Bill, has inspired the "Shannon's Crates" campaign. Pet carriers and collapsible wire kennel crates MUST be available during the next disaster — hurricane or otherwise.
You can help continue Shannon's work and contribute to her legacy by donating:
(1) pet carriers — any kind except cardboard — new OR used.
(2) collapsible wire crates — new OR used. Puppy training crates with the slide-out tray are excellent.
(3) money donations (checks or money orders — no cash PLEASE)! — to purchase carriers and crates, and possibly other necessary Items DIRECTLY related to disaster pet evacuation needs such as leashes, collars, muzzles, and a few pet life preservers for use in rescue boats and vehicles.
MONETARY DONATIONS:
Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry
100 North Ardenwood
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Attention: Commissioner Bob Odom
Checks or money orders payable to:
LOUISIANA AGRICULTURE FINANCE AUTHORITY
reference/memo: Crates in Memory of Shannon
SHIP CARRIERS & CRATES TO:
Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry
100 North Ardenwood
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Attention: Hilary Stephenson
If you would like to have your name included in a Memory Book to be given to Shannon's family, please email following information to JudyMcD44@aol.com:
-name
-address (or email)
-date
-type of donation
DIRECT ALL QUESTIONS & CORRESPONDANCE TO:
Judy and Mike McDermott in New York
JudyMcD44@aol.com or MikeShadow44@aol.com
5. June 23 & 24: Alley Cat Allies' Feline Forum 2006
SOURCE: Bonney Brown, campaign director, Alley Cat Allies
bbrown@alleycat.org; 435-644-8583; http://www.alleycat.org
The Future of Feral Cat Management – New Orleans
WHEN: Friday, June 23, 2006
WHAT: Free half-day workshop for animal control officers, directors, and other animal control staff members from Louisiana or Mississippi. (Advance registration required)
WHERE: Four Points by Sheraton New Orleans Airport
TO REGISTER:
Call 601-749-5084 OR send an email to nolaalleycat@yahoo.com by June 16. In your message please mention:
* the New Orleans, June 23 session (we have another workshop in MS)
* your name
* your animal control department or organization
* phone number where we can reach you
* the names of any colleagues who will be joining you
Up to five staff members per department/organization admitted for free, $15 for each additional staffer. There will be a $30 fee for attendees with non-animal control jobs.
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Creating A Bright Future For Feral Cats In Louisiana And Mississippi
WHEN: Saturday, June 24, 2006
WHAT: Seminar for cat caregivers, humane groups, and residents who care
about cats. (Advance registration required)
WHERE: Four Points by Sheraton New Orleans Airport
REGISTRATION:
You must register by June 19 to be assured a space.
$25 per person for Mississippi or Louisiana residents.
$50 for out-of-state residents.
For registration application, call Alley Cat Allies at 601-749-5084 or email nolaalleycat@yahoo.com.
DIRECTIONS:
Four Points by Sheraton New Orleans Airport
6401 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie (New Orleans), LA 70003
ph: 504-885-5700 / Free Parking
From Baton Rouge and New Orleans International Airport:
Take I-10 East from Baton Rouge to Veterans Blvd. (Exit #225) or Airport
Road from the airport. Turn LT onto Veterans Blvd. Hotel is on RT.
From North:
From North of Lake Pontchartrain, take the Causeway South. Continue south to
I-10 West. Continue on Interstate 10 West to the Veterans Blvd. exit. Turn
LT on to Veterans Blvd. Hotel is located on RT side.
From Mississippi:
Take I-10 West to New Orleans. Follow signs for Baton Rouge while on I-10
and take Exit #225, Veterans Blvd. Turn LT onto Veterans Blvd. Hotel on RT.
From South:
Follow I-10 to the Veterans Blvd. (Exit #225). Make a LT on Veterans Blvd.
Hotel is on RT. New Orleans International Airport is 3 miles from the hotel.
Sorry, but the hotel does not allow pets.
6. Pet Hoarders Tammy and William Hanson Still At Large
SOURCE: Laura Gonzo, LauraGonzo@clearchannel.com
Laura Gonzo, LauraGonzo@clearchannel.com writes: Anyone involved in hurricane rescue will no doubt remember these people. Arkansas police raided their "sanctuary" to find hundreds of dogs, including many that they had "rescued" from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, in deplorable conditions. They are on the run and we are asking for animal people everywhere to be on the lookout. Sheriff John Montgomery (info below) should be contacted IMMEDIATELY if you suspect that you have seen Tammy and/or William Hanson.
WARNING! WANTED: HAVE YOU SEEN THESE PEOPLE?
Pet Hoarders, Tammy Hanson, 38, and her husband, William Hanson, 41, owners of Every Dog Needs A Home (EDNAH) in Gamaliel, Arkansas did not show for their court appearance and appear to be on the run. Tammy and William Hanson, convicted in January on 20 counts of cruelty to animals in Baxter County District Court, failed to show up in court for the sentencing phase.
Tammy Hanson also was scheduled to be arraigned on three theft of property charges and three tampering with evidence charges, all misdemeanors.
They could be in your community planning another EDNAH. Please keep your eyes open and help bring these people to justice. In the past they have operated out of other states, including Missouri. We need to stop them from committing future atrocities against animals!
If you see them contact:
John Montgomery, Baxter County Sheriff
904 Hwy 62 S.W.
Mountain Home, AR 72653
870-425-6222 or 870-425-7551
email: bcso@centurytel.net
website: http://www.baxtercountysheriff.com/
Photos, EDNAH "Sanctuary:” http://www.mhpets.com/hanson/
Articles about the Hansons:
http://www.baxterbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060114/NEWS01/601140318/1002
http://www.baxterbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060224/NEWS01/602240317&
SearchID=73236768935765
http://www.baxterbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060222/NEWS01/602220324&
SearchID=73236769095676
http://www.baxterbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060224/NEWS01/602240310&
SearchID=73236769005545
7. National Headlines: Emergency Evac With Pets
SOURCE: DawnWatch, news@dawnwatch.com
http://www.DawnWatch.com
The Thursday, June 8, Wall Street Journal has a front page story headed, "In Case of Disaster, Mr. Milelli Has Plans For You and Your Dog." It opens: "Moved by the images of teary residents who resisted leaving their flooded homes after Hurricane Katrina because they couldn't take their pets with them, Paul Milelli hit upon a plan to shelter man and beast together in public schools.
"'Pets and people in our minds have to go together,' says Mr. Milelli, Palm Beach County's director of Public Safety. 'It undermines our efforts to get vulnerable people out of harm's way if they don't want to leave Fifi or Fido behind.
"But Mr. Milelli and other emergency managers are finding that placing loved pets with their owners under one roof isn't easy. Palm Beach County's school board recently refused to participate in his plan for so-called pet-friendly shelters because it feared lawsuits. The concern: Pet dander would get into a ventilation system, trigger an asthma attack or other allergic reaction in a student or school staff member long after a storm has passed."
The article notes people who would not leave without their pets, or even died trying to save them. We read: "Congress is drafting bills that would require states to draw up plans to shelter animals or risk losing federal disaster funding. One bill has already passed the House."
And: "Craig Fugate, Florida's director of emergency management, says that not having a place for pets ultimately means that people will get hurt. 'When we have to go door by door searching for people who didn't leave their
homes because of their pets, it's not a pet issue — it's a people issue,' he says. "But there are practical challenges on the ground to animal sheltering. Red Cross shelters, citing health and hygiene reasons, have never allowed people to bring pets with them."
Those in New York should know that Mayor Bloomberg ended the likelihood of their evacuating easily with their animals: "The New York City Transit Authority recently ran into a political storm after it proposed policy changes allowing New Yorkers to board subway trains and buses with their dogs and cats if an emergency evacuation of the city is ordered. Mayor Michael Bloomberg immediately attacked the idea. 'We have to evacuate human beings,' he said at a news conference late last month. 'And that is where our priority has to be.'"
The rest of the article focuses on the challenge of finding appropriate pet shelter buildings in Florida. You can read it on line at http://tinyurl.com/pprf2. That link should work for the next seven days for those who do not subscribe to the Wall Street Journal.
The article, particularly with its front page placement, provides a great opportunity for animal friendly letters to the editor. The Wall Street Journal takes letters at wsj.ltrs@wsj.com. Always include your full name, address, and daytime phone number when sending a letter to the editor. Shorter letters are more likely to be published.
Or you can thank the journalist, Robert Block, at bobby.block@wsj.com
USA Today, NY Times, CNN on pet emergency evacuation 6/1/06
As hurricane season approaches, the newspapers carry articles about emergency evacuation. This year, after the tragedy of Katrina, some of those articles focus on pets, a few covering the four-day National Conference on Animals in Disaster, organized by the Humane Society of the United States, being held in Washington DC this week.
The Thursday, June 1, edition of USA Today, has a front page story headed, "Is everyone ready?; Nine months after Hurricane Katrina blasted the Gulf Coast, the U.S. government's chief tropical weatherman doubts it." It includes the following: "Texas has overhauled evacuation plans....Another key change in Texas: It will be OK to evacuate with pets. Past bans on animals in shelters deterred some residents from fleeing dangerous storms. 'One way that we are sure people move to safety is to say, come on and bring your dog,' Novier says."
You can read the whole article online at
http://www.usatoday.com/weather/hurricane/2006-05-31-season-starts_x.htm and send a letter to USA Today at http://tinyurl.com/cee7y
The Thursday, June 1, New York Times has an article headed, "Looking Out for
Pets in the Next Disaster." (Pg A16.) It tells us: "Last week the House voted 349 to 24 to approve the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act, requiring state and local disaster preparedness plans to take into account the needs of people with pets and service animals.
"Senators Ted Stevens, Republican of Alaska, and Frank R. Lautenberg, Democrat of New Jersey, have introduced a bill on the same subject. Their legislation would authorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reimburse shelters that provide for animals, which the House bill does not."
You can read the whole article on line at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/01/us/nationalspecial/01pets.html and send a letter to the New York Times at letters@nytimes.com
On Wednesday, May 31, the CNN show "Live From" hosted by Kyra Phillips, covered the issue, interviewing Congressman Christopher Shays (R-CT) who supports the bill. He said: "There are these stories of young children, literally who lost their homes, lost everything in their homes. The one thing they could hold on to, the one thing that gave them comfort was their friend, their family member, their pet....There were a lot of pet owners who simply refused to leave their pets and died with their pets in the storm."
Then Phillips commented, "Who could be against a law to save Lassie? This man, among others." And we heard from Congressman Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA) one of 24 House members to vote against the pet rescue bill. He proclaimed himself a pet lover but said,
"We had enough trouble during this last hurricane season evacuating people....What are we to do if we send a helicopter in to pick some people up and, you know, they've got a Shetland pony on the ground?"
Phillips ended with, "Just about everyone agrees that people should come before pets, but supporters of the pet evacuation bill argue that a law protecting animals would protect people as well. In a poll conducted for the Humane Society, about half of all pet owners said they would refuse to evacuate if they couldn't take their pets....Escape the storm or protect your pets? If this bill is signed into law, pet owners may be able to avoid that painful decision."
You can read the whole transcript, starting about half-way down the page, at
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0605/31/lol.01.html
Please thank Phillips for the coverage. Live From takes comments at
http://www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form5.html?5
And please don't limit your letters on this issue to USA Today and the New York Times. Most papers will have some article on hurricane evacuation that can serve as the perfect jump-off point for letters to the editor in support of the PETS Act (find out more about it: http://tinyurl.com/qqu5n) or about the sorrow and fatalities (both human and non-human) caused by Red Cross no-pet policies. So please keep an eye out and send a letter to your paper. If you have any trouble finding the correct email address for a letter to the editor I am happy to help, and I am always happy to edit letters. Yours and the animals', Karen Dawn
DawnWatch is an animal advocacy media watch that looks at animal issues in the media and facilitates one-click responses to the relevant media outlets. You can learn more about it, and sign up for alerts at http://www.DawnWatch.com. To unsubscribe, go to
http://www.dawnwatch.com/cgi-bin/dada/dawnwatch_unsubscribe.cgi
If you forward or reprint DawnWatch alerts, please do so unedited — leave DawnWatch in the title and include this tag line.
8. Looking for Volunteers in Anticipation of Hurricane Season
SOURCE: Maureen Koplow, mkoplow@comcast.net
John Walling, wallingconsulting@yahoo.com
National Disaster Animal Relief & Supply (NDARS) was established in March 2006 to build on the animal rescue experiences of the 2005 hurricane season. The Texas Gulf Coast, South Florida and Mid-Atlantic to North Atlantic coasts are forecasted to receive the brunt of the 2006 hurricane season (http://tinyurl.com/rs2dw).
NDARS is looking for people willing to assist animals endangered by natural and man-made disasters.
Info about NDARS: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NDARS/
To join NDARS: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NDARS/
NDARS contact and link information:
Karen Wingo, President - president@ndars.org
JoAnne Reints, Vice President - vicepresident@ndars.org
Keith Lender, Chief State Coordinator - chstatecoord@ndars.org
NDARS ph: 256-295-4001
National Disaster Animal Relief & Supply
P.O. Box 8506
Gadsen, AL 35902
501(c)(3) status pending IRS review
NDARS is a coalition of dedicated volunteers who believe no animal deserves to be left behind during any type of disaster. Our goal is to provide foster care, supplies, transportation and other items needed for major disasters.
NDARS is recruiting coordinators and volunteers for every state. A central database is growing to document volunteer goods and services.
...After you join, add your name and details to the Volunteers contact list and to one or more of the other member contact lists: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NDARS/database
* Food Supplies: Companies willing to provide food supplies during disasters
* Foster Providers: Persons willing to assist with fostering disaster animals
* Medical Supplies: List of all medical supplies to be donated for disasters
* Rescue Groups by State: A list of all rescue groups that are willing to assist with disaster victims
* Storage Providers: Places and persons who can stockpile supplies for disasters.
* Supply Transportation: Volunteers willing to move supplies to disaster areas as needed
* Veterinarians: Vets who will volunteer or provide low cost services in disasters
* Volunteers by State: A state by state list of people willing to assist with emergencies
Consider becoming a state coordinator for your state. Each state is part of a region which has a Regional coordinator. To see a list of coordinators and to see which states need a coordinator, visit:
http://ndars.wikia.com/wiki/State_directory
http://ndars.wikia.com/wiki/Regional_coordinators
To see email addresses and telephone numbers of current State and Regional coordinators see the State coordinator directory: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NDARS/database
9. Disaster Dogs: Handling & Treatment
SOURCE: JoAnne Reints, ndars2@yahoo.com
A strategy for handling stressed and traumatized dogs after disasters
Hosted by National Disaster Animal Relief & Supply, http://www.ndars.org/
WHEN: Saturday, June 17, 3pm-6pm (refreshments will be served)
WHERE: Daphne Recreation Dept., Hwy 98 and Whispering Pines
(between the Civic Center and the Daphne City Library)
COST: $25.00 per person. All proceeds go right back into the National
Disaster Animal Relief & Supply.
To pay in advance, please make checks to "National Disaster Animal Relief & Supply.”
Mail to: 343 Ridgewood Dr., Daphne, AL 36526
QUESTIONS: Contact JoAnne Reints, vice-president NDARS
251-895-1376 or ndars2@yahoo.com
We’ve all seen photos of pets from various cities after Hurricane Katrina, Ivan, Wilma and Dennis, lost scared, stressed. Many of us were there, working with these animals, wishing there was some way to ease their pain.
Jim Crosby, dog trainer and behaviorist was there too and has developed a system of communication and assurance that helps minimize the stress of these dogs, bringing them back into a normal relationship with humans,and
reducing euthanasia for alleged aggression.
...Jim used this system successfully in New Orleans post Katrina and will share his ideas and methods with all at the seminar. Jim spent one month with Muttshack working with problem dogs. He saw 1200 dogs in various stages of fright and trauma, and in the end only two dogs had to be put down.
Come to the seminar, hosted by NDARS, to learn handling and communication skills that can ease the stress on our dogs in any rescue situation.
Jim Crosby is a certified pet dog trainer, behaviorist, canine aggression specialist and consultant from Jacksonville FL. His work can be seen at http://www.canineaggression.org/
James W. Crosby CPDT, Jacksonville FL
member, American College of Forensic Examiners
member, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
consultant, National Canine Reseach Foundation
10. In Shannon’s Memory: Rescuers Need Rescue Too
SOURCE: jjpippin@sbcglobal.net
A member of Kinship Circle, a physician with Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), has posted this information in response to Shannon’s death. It never hurts to be reminded “Rescuers Need Rescue Too.”
jjpippin@sbcglobal.net writes: I didn’t know Shannon Moore, but some of our local heroes who traveled to the Gulf Coast to help after Katrina probably did. She was a dedicated woman for whom everything she could do must have
seemed to be not enough.
And there is a reminder here for us also, perhaps Shannon’s legacy to all of us who didn’t know her but are her colleagues in fighting for the animals. Whatever part of the task we undertake—-rescue/adoption, spay/neuter, education, legislation, conventional or activist advocacy, direct actions, whatever—-it’s far bigger than we are, and we must battle not only the animals’ circumstances but the stupidity, ignorance, apathy and outright opposition of our own species.
We are part of a movement that will eventually win for the animals, but we can’t win it all right away. Because it’s our nature to want to save all the animals and right all the wrongs, we must remind ourselves to work as hard
as we REASONABLY can and take our places in the history of this movement. It’s no good for our animal friends, ourselves and our caring colleagues if we suffer psychologically or physically because the enormity of the task seems overwhelming.
So all of you who feel overmatched, desperate, frantic, angry, discouraged or depressed—-either occasionally or all the time—-consider your important roles in the animal rights and welfare movements. Remember that all great social movements take time and sacrifice, and that we will experience all the evil along the way. Only the fortunate few will be here to see the animals achieve their deserved position as equals. But the rest of us will be doing the dirty work to get there, and we must take care of ourselves to take care of the animals.
Finally, lean on one another when things get especially tough, and understand that slowing down or taking some time away can make you stronger. Here is a great NTARN posting from Cary Birdwell on June 5, 2005. The advice applies to all the work we do, not just rescue. JJP
Rescuers Need Rescue, Too - By Chandra Moira Beal
Animal rescue is deeply rewarding yet extremely difficult work. To survive in this realm, one must find healthy ways to cope with the emotional challenges. Here are 10 points to ponder:
1. You can't save them all. Even if you spent every hour of every day working to save animals, you still wouldn't be able to save them all. Take comfort in knowing that you are not alone in your efforts.
2. Work smarter, not harder. Manage your rescue efforts like a business. Organize tasks to make the best use of time. For example, time spent recruiting more volunteers may make more sense in the long run than trying to do more yourself. If you find yourself pulled in many directions, you might be more effective if you focus on one rescue facility, one geographic locale, or one species or breed.
3. Just say no. Many people feel guilty when they can't take care of everything that comes up. Be realistic about how much you can handle! If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's okay to say, "I can't right now." Delegate to others when possible, and ask for help when you need it.
4. You are making a difference. Whenever you question whether you're helping very much, remember the old parable about the man walking on the beach, picking up starfish who have washed ashore and tossing them gently, one by one, back into the ocean. Another man approaches, notices that there are starfish on the beach for as far as the eye can see, and asks, "What difference can you possibly make when there are so many?" Looking at the creature in his hand, the first man replies, "I can make all the difference in the world to THIS starfish."
5. Celebrate victories. There are happy endings to many rescue stories. Rejoice in what is working. Of course, seeing an animal go home with a loving family is the greatest reward of all.
6. Small kindnesses do count. It's common to think that small efforts don't mean as much as large victories, but stopping to pet an animal, even for just one minute is worth doing. Your touch may be the only friendly attention he or she receives that day. Grooming, holding and comforting, or intoning softly that you care, are activities that many shelters don't have time for.
7. Find outlets for emotional release. Rescue work can be physically exhausting, emotionally draining and spiritually challenging. Don't dismiss your feelings or think you're a wimp for being affected by it all. Talk to someone you trust about what you're experiencing. Cry when you need to. Write your feelings in a journal. Channel your emotions into action by writing to the editor of your newspaper or your local representatives about the need for animal protection legislation.
8. Take care of yourself. Make time to do whatever makes you feel good. Take a relaxing bath, or go out to dinner and let someone else do the cooking. You need to recharge your batteries in order to maintain mental and physical health.
9. Don't downplay your compassion. When people ask me why I rescue animals, often I'm tempted to say, "Oh, it's not a big deal" or "Somebody's got to do it," when in reality I rescue animals because I care so deeply about them. Compassion is healthy, normal and necessary for this work. Let people know how important this cause is to you. You just might inspire others to become involved.
10. Never give up. When you get discouraged, it is tempting to throw in the towel. Despite all your hard work, you may not see real change in your lifetime. Still, giving up won't make it any better. Take a break, and come back fighting. And remember the man and the starfish.
The Four Phases - By Douglas Fakkema
Those of us who work on behalf of, and who dedicate our lives to, animals go through four phases in our career evolution. As we are unique, so are our individual stories, but we all go through a similar process, and, if we survive that process, go on to understand that we have achieved what we wanted in the first place.
PHASE ONE
Red hot and raring to go, we are out to change the world. We are high on life. We know we can make a difference, that our efforts on behalf of animals will ease their plight. We work what seems like 25-hour days yet are energized. Our enthusiasm overflows, our capacity for challenges is limitless. We eat, sleep and live in the cause for animals. Our friends don't understand our obsession and turn away or just fade away, and we let them for we meet new ones. Some of us though don't make new friends, we're too busy working for animals. Some of us become loners with only our canine or feline companions to keep us from total isolation but we're content because we have a cause. In our zeal, we tend to affix simple solutions to complex problems - every animal should be sterilized or no animal should be euthanized. We're often late because we try to rescue animals from highways and streets. We think we understand the problem and we know we can fix it if only people would get out of our way.
PHASE TWO
Our phase one enthusiasm has turned sour, the bubble bursts and we crash and burn. We see the same people coming into the shelter with yet another litter - they haven't heard our message. We continue to euthanize, there seems no end to it. Even our friends - those we still have left - don't understand us. We can't seem to reach anyone. Animals are still abused and neglected, their plight seems unchanged despite all our efforts. We've lost the boundless energy that characterizes Phase One. We no longer wish to talk about work, don't even want to admit where we work. We're tired all the time. We go home from work, lock the doors, turn out the lights, turn off the answering machine and close the window blinds. We're too exhausted to cook so we scarf fast food, pizza, potato chips or chocolate. Some of us buy
useless objects we can't afford. Some of us turn to alcohol for it takes away our feelings of hopelessness. We ignore our families and even our pets get less attention than we know is right. We seem powerless to affect any of the changes that drove us to such ecstacies of dedication in Phase One. We have become horrified by the work we have to do. Even our dreams are filled with the horror. Every animal we take in, every animal we euthanize is yet another nail in our coffin of defeat. Somehow we're to blame for all our failure and it's destroying us. Raise the shields Scotty, the Klingons are on our tail! Our shield gets thicker and thicker. It blocks the pain and the sadness and makes our life somehow tolerable. We continue on because every now and then we get a spark of Phase One energy.
PHASE THREE
Our phase two depression has turned outward and we're mad as hell. Hopelessness turns to rage. We begin to hate people, any people and all people unless, like our co-workers, they dedicate their lives to animals the way we do. We even hate our co-workers if they dare question us - especially about euthanasia. It occurs to us, let's euthanize the owners, not the pets. Let's take everyone who abuses an animal or even surrenders an animal and euthanize them instead. Our rage expands to our out-of-work life. That guy in front of us on the highway, the one who's in our way, euthanize him too. We rage at politicians, television, newspapers, our family. Everyone is a target for our anger, scorn and derision. We have lost our perspective and effectiveness. We're unable to connect with life. Even the animals we come in contact with seem somehow distant and unreal. Anger is the only bridge to our humanness. It's the only thing that penetrates our shield.
PHASE FOUR
Gradually, and over time, the depression of Phase Two and the anger of Phase Three become replaced with a new determination and understanding of what our mission really is. It is big picture time. We realize that we have been effective - locally and in some cases regionally and even nationally. So we haven't solved the problem - who could - but we have made a difference with dozens, even hundreds and sometimes thousands of animals. We have changed the way others around us view animals. We begin to see our proper place in our own community and we begin to see that we are most effective when we balance our work and out-of-work lives. We realize that work is not our whole world and that if we pay attention to our personal lives, we can be more effective at work. We understand that some days we work 14 hours and some days we knock it off after only 8. We take vacations and we enjoy our weekends. We come back refreshed and ready to take on daily challenges. We see that all people are not bad. We understand that ignorance is natural and in most cases curable. Yes, there are truly awful people who abuse and neglect animals but they are a minority. We don't hate them. When we find them we do all we can to stop them from hurting animals. We recognize that the solutions are just as complex as the problems and bring a multitude of tools to the problem at hand and use them any way we can and we begin to see results - one small step at a time. We reconnect with the animals. Our shields come down. We understand that sadness and pain are a part of our job. We stop stuffing our feelings with drugs, food or isolation. We begin to understand that our feelings of anger, depression and sadness are best dealt with if we recognize them and allow them to wash over and past us. We recognize our incredible potential to help animals. We are changing the world.
I've noticed that some people get frozen in Phase One (the zealots), or Two (the zombies), or Three (the misanthropes). Some shift back and forth between Two and Three and even between Four and Three or Four and Two. Many leave animal work during Phase Two or Three, never to return. Some seem to move rapidly to Phase Four, while for others it takes years and years. Some never get a sense of peace to go along with our purpose, they work their entire lives on the frantic pink cloud of Phase One or depressed or angry. I know I've been in all four phases in 25 years in animal protection. Can the journey from Phase One to Four be speeded up? Can we avoid the pain, discomfort and agony that go with the journey? I wish I knew.
11. Katrina Paintings, Charity Auction for Rescue
SOURCE: Susan Meyer, susankiwikiwi@hotmail.com
"Pawmpeii" by Katrina Dog Gracie Charity Auction
http://cgi.ebay.com/Pawmpeii-painting-by-Katrina-dog-artist-Gracie
CHARITY_W0QQitemZ7245547872QQcategoryZ66505QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
"Pawmpeii" was painted by dog-artist Gracie. Gracie was rescued from the devastation in New Orleans after Katrina. Gracie paints with her paws as she pauses and reflects on what she has survived... All proceeds from Gracie's paintings go to care for Gracie and other dogs at Harlequin Haven... Open your heart for the dogs and bid generously!
Gracie’s story: http://www.hhdane.com/mix/gracie.htm
Katrina Dog Art Therapy Painting Auctioned For Charity: "After the Storm"
http://cgi.ebay.com/After-the-Storm-painting-by-Katrina-dog-artists-
CHARITY_W0QQitemZ7247102454QQcategoryZ66505QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
"After the Storm" was painted by the Katrina-dog art therapy group at Harlequin Haven. The Katrina dogs share a somber bond after having watched their former home of New Orleans crumble and flood.
All proceeds from "After the Storm" go to care for Larry and the Katrina-dog art therapy group and their doggie family at Harlequin Haven.
Larry’s story: http://www.hhdane.com/mix/larry.htm
"Mozart's Giverny" Painted By Great Dane For Charity: Bid Generously
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mozarts-Giverny-Tile-by-dog-artist-CHARITY-
Rescue_W0QQitemZ7247912412QQcategoryZ11634QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
"Mozart's Giverny" is Great Dane Mozart's latest work. It is part of his "Paw Blossom" series of paintings on tiles. Mozart was rescued by Harlequin Haven after having been sold at an Amish auction by a puppy mill and later dumped.
Mozart paints with his paws to express his feelings as well as to get the word out that puppy mills are cruel. He stresses that you must not forget what happened to him, or it will continue to happen. All proceeds from the "Paw Blossoms" series go to Mozart's care and the care of his doggie family at Harlequin Haven.
Mozart’s story and what he has to say about puppymills and petstores that sell puppies: http://www.hhdane.com/danes/mozart.htm
12. Red finds his forever home!
SOURCE: Cathy Scott, cathys@bestfriends.org
http://network.bestfriends.org/hurricane/news/4525.html
Best Friends Hurricane Relief
Red, a friendly, partially paralyzed refugee pit bull from New Orleans, has gone to a permanent home. His new person, Diane McDermott, picked up Red on Wednesday, then drove him home to Florida.
But Red didn’t leave his temporary home – the Longwood Animal Hospital and Pet Resort where he received therapy — without a big send off.
The day before, a veterinary technician brought in doggie ice cream and everybody gathered around Red for a farewell party. Then on the day he left, employees showered him with going-away Kongs, tennis balls and his favorite chewies. For the trip home, his new mom bought him a Harley-Davidson T-shirt and a seat-belt harness. He was strapped in, sporting his new shirt, and his belly belt put on. A Houston TV news crew was there to record Red’s big day.
“He was sitting in the front seat of Diane's car,” said veterinarian Lucy Gillespie, who works at the hospital. “He was ready for the ride. He thought all the attention was the coolest thing ever. He didn’t look back.”
Red survived Hurricane Katrina but ended up a stray. Last October a car hit him. He somehow managed to drag himself back to the house of a man who had been leaving him food. The man called a Best Friends rescue team, who took Red to an emergency hospital where he stayed for a couple months after undergoing back surgery.
In January, he was taken to a temporary triage center and cared for by Best Friends staffers and volunteers. He became a favorite with volunteers, who sat with him, tucked him in at night, bathed him, played tug of war with him, and gave him treats. In the evenings, Red was allowed out of his playpen to scoot around a large area inside the center. Once he got a donated cart, he raced around the building.
In February, Leah Purcell, who runs Spindletop Pit Bull Refuge in Houston, fostered Red. She took him for physical therapy at the Longwood pet resort in nearby Cypress. Red ended up staying for three months, so he could get daily massages and one-on-one therapy. But Leah visited him regularly and fielded calls from potential adopters.
“I’m glad I was able to find someone to adopt him who can handle him,” Leah said. “He’s a high-maintenance dog. Diane is a devoted type of person.”
Red was shy with Diane at first, but as soon as she started giving him treats, he warmed up.
Diane, who lives in Palm Beach, Florida, learned about Red when she watched a story about him on CNN, which aired when Red was still in New Orleans. Diane phoned Best Friends and eventually got in touch with Leah. A home check was done and Lucy spoke with Diane’s vet.
Diane was prepped about Red’s needs. After she was approved, she began getting her house ready for the day when Red would go home. In a room she calls “Red’s romper room,” she replaced rugs with a soft foam flooring so he can pull himself around on the floor without getting rug burns. And she got a new king-size mattress for herself, covered in plastic, and put it on her bedroom floor without a box spring, so Red can get on the bed on his own. “He’ll be sleeping with me,” she said. She also installed a ramp from the bedroom to the back yard.
Last year Diane cared for her invalid father and also took in her brother, who later died of cancer. “I’m used to taking care of people,” Diane said. “It won’t be that different with Red.” Her last dog died of old age and she was ready for another. Red, because his back injury left him semi incontinent and partially paralyzed, requires constant care with someone who is home during the day. Diane fit the bill because she works out of her home.
Before Diane and Red left the pet resort together, Dr. Gillespie coached Diane in specifics of caring for him, including putting him in and out of his cart.
While at Longwood, Red was doted on. During the day, he stayed in Lucy’s office and she’d sometimes take him home with her at night and also on weekends. Employees regularly took him outside on the grass to play ball in his cart.
He also got five massages a day. As a result, Red began showing improvement. “He has started moving his right-rear leg a little bit,” Lucy said. “He tries to use it when he’s in the cart.” Also, because of his back injury, his tail barely wagged. Now, after three months of therapy, he’s again wagging his tail.
It was a bittersweet goodbye for employees at Longwood. “Everybody is very attached to him,” Lucy said. “We all were crying. It was very sad.”
“I’m going to miss him,” she continued, “but I’m also happy he’s going to have a one-on-one relationship with someone who has time to work with him. Diane is going to do great.”
That’s the whole point of fostering, Lucy said, “to get them forever homes. Red is getting the home he deserves.”
Diane promised she’d give them progress reports. “We’re all looking forward to getting pictures and e-mails from Diane,” Lucy said.
Red's new person, Diane McDermott, seat belts Red in while a teary-eyed Dr. Lucy Gillespie looks on; and Red chewing on a toy as he waits to leave.
Story by Cathy Scott. Photos by Leah Purcell.
Shannon Moore July 22, 1969 ~ May 31, 2006
http://memoriesofshannon.blogspot.com/
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