Update! Help Chance Get a Second Chance!

I posted several days ago about a Plott Hound mix posted on Dogsindanger.com who was scheduled for euthanization in just a few short days. To my great relief, I heard from a kind woman at the St. Martin Humane Society that this lucky boy had been rescued from animal control at the last minute through the efforts of several different rescue organizations.

Chance, named for the fact that his rescue was truly his "last chance," tested strongly positive for heartworm when he went in for his vet check up. Unfortunately, this is all too common for shelter dogs in the South. Heartworm treatment is very expensive and very intensive. The vet who will be treating Chance has very generously offered to keep Chance during the duration of his two month heartworm treatment. After that, he will probably be fostered in Mississippi until he can be transported by the Katrina Lifeline to Maine to find his forever home.

In the meantime, the costs accrued to rescue Chance are going to be very high. If you are able, please consider sending a donation to the rescue group responsible for saving this sweet dog to help offset their costs, and to permit them to continue rescuing Death Row Dogs, like Chance.

Fran's Pet Haven
1212 Guidry Rd.
Breaux Bridge, LA 705l7

***UPDATE 2/20/08***

I just received word that Chance the Plott Hound mix is doing very well! His vet says he's a very good dog, and he has begun the first round of his heartworm treatment.

I also received a link so that donations can be made via paypal to Fran's Pet Haven to help defray the costs of Chance's rescue. If you can donate even a few dollars, please consider doing so. Helping Fran's Pet Haven recoup the costs of Chance's rescue means that more dogs like him can be given a second chance.

The Thinking Blogger Award

I'm very honored to announce that The Dog Log has awarded Saving Lives One At A Time with the Thinking Blogger Award! Thank you so much!

There are rules attached to this award
1. You must write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think
2. Acknowledge this post
3. Proudly display the Thinking Blogger Award with a link to the post that you wrote
**Of course all of these things are optional...it's just a nice way to recognize your favorite blogs.

Without further ado, here are the blogs that Saving Lives One At A Time selects as recipients of the Thinking Blogger Award:

Houndsgood
Paws Awhile
AnimalShak
Nearly Dr. Ferox
Rescue Me

If you are a pet lover, these are definitely "must see" sites. They all actively promote helping needy animals.

Be Humane T-shirt From the Dumb Friends League of Denver, Colorado

One awesome way to support animal rescue organizations is to purchase items they have for sale. Generally, the proceeds go directly to support animals in need. Moreover, by wearing a t-shirt with the logo of your favorite rescue group, or wearing a shirt with an animal welfare message, you help raise awareness of issues in animal welfare.

The Dumb Friends League/Humane Society of Denver has an online store to help raise proceeds to help the shelter animals in their care.



This t-shirt had been on my Christmas wishlist, but alas, I didn't get it. So, I bought it for myself. As you can see, this white women's t-shirt has a beautiful design featuring the colorful photographs of two shelter dogs and a shelter cat. It also features the message, "Be Humane," and the logo of the Dumb Friends League/Humane Society of Denver.




While I was at it, I also purchased this large coffee mug for my fiancee. It features a beautiful photograph of a golden retriever and the message "Don't Be Cruel," as well as the logo of the Dumb Friends League/Humane Society of Denver.






I am always stunned by the gorgeous designs on the items featured in the Dumb Friends League Online Store, and I know my purchase is helping animals in need. Check out their store today!

About Dumb Friends League/Humane Society of Denver, from their website:

"Founded in 1910, the Dumb Friends League is a national leader in providing humane care to lost and abandoned animals, rescuing sick, injured and abused animals, adopting pets to new homes, helping pets stay in homes, and educating pet owners and the public about the needs of companion animals.

The Dumb Friends League is the largest animal welfare organization in the Rocky Mountain region, welcoming tens of thousands animals to our two shelters. We turn no animals away.

At our main shelter in southeast Denver and our Buddy Center in Castle Rock, dogs, cats, rabbits and other small pets enjoy the comfort of a nurturing environment in state-of-the-art facilities."

What's in a name? from the Dumb Friends League/Humane Society of Denver website:

"When our organization was founded in 1910, it was named after a London, England, animal shelter called Our Dumb Friends League. In those days, the term "dumb" was often used to refer to those who were unable to speak.

Although the term "dumb" is not generally used with that meaning today, we've kept our name, because it has significant recognition among Colorado residents.

The mission statement of the Dumb Friends League includes these words: “speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves," meaning our companion animal friends.

We are a private, nonprofit organization, and thanks to the support of many individual, foundation and corporate donors, we continue to make a big difference for the people and animals in our community and beyond."

If you live near Denver, Colorado, please consider adopting a pet from the Dumb Friends League.

Sparkle's Gots Lots of Flair -- Now She Needs a Home

Sweetie-pie Sparkle TCAC087465A is a 5 month old female Shepherd/Pit Bull mix. Someone thought it would be wise to crop her ears at home, leaving her with almost no ears whatsoever. Sparkle doesn't let her odd looks get her down. She has a personality that lives up to her name! She is very friendly and thrives on attention. Despite her great personality, Sparkle's time is very limited. She is scheduled for euthanization on January 31, 2008.

Sparkle is currently located at the Tulare County Animal Shelter in Visalia, California.

The odds are staked against Sparkle...she's a big black dog, she has disfigured ears, and she's a pit bull or pit mix. Can you defy the odds and help Sparkle find a new home? If you can adopt or rescue Sparkle, please contact the shelter at 559-636-3647 immediately!

Tulare County Animal Shelter
14131 Ave 256
Visalia, CA 93292
Phone: 559-636-DOGS
TCanimalshelter@tularehhsa.org
mshanley@tularehhsa.org

****UPDATE 2/1: BEAUTIFUL SPARKLE IS NOW LISTED AS "ADOPTED!" CONGRATULATIONS SPARKLE!!!

Cuddly Pearl Urgently Needs a Home

Pearl is a one-year old female tortoiseshell domestic shorthair in desperate need of a new home. This little bundle of purrs loves to cuddle, and her favorite past-time is being carried around on your shoulder. Would Pearl fit perfectly on your shoulder? Her adoption fee is $45, and she is spayed, dewormed, and current on vaccinations.

Pearl is currently located at the Madison-Oglethorpe Animal Shelter in Danielsville, Georgia. Her time is extremely limited! If you can adopt or rescue Pearl, please call (706) 795-2868 immediately.

Madison Oglethorpe Animal Shelter
1888 Colbert-Danielsville Road
Danielsville, GA 30633
Phone: (706) 795-2868
Email: moaspets@earthlink.net

**2/11. Sorry, Pearl's picture has been removed. I'm waiting to find out her status...
***WONDERFUL NEWS 2/12! PEARL WAS RESCUED***

GoodSearch: Donate to Your Favorite Charity Just By Searching

Who Do You GoodSearch For?

We all make dozens of internet searches every day. Now, using GoodSearch you can donate at least $0.01 to your favorite charity every time you do a search. GoodSearch uses Yahoo search results, so rest assured, it's a powerful search tool. GoodSearch is an AWESOME and FREE way to help your favorite animal charity!

One cent per search may not sound like a lot of money, but if you're making five searches a day, that's $0.05. Multiply that times 100 supporters doing five searches a day, and that's $5.00 for your favorite charity. Multiply that times one month, and that's $150.00 for your favorite charity, and all you had to do was use GoodSearch as your search engine.

If you personally do five searches a day through GoodSearch, and your family and your friends do the same, the revenue generated for your favorite charity really adds up!

Using GoodSearch is easy! Simply go to GoodSearch and select a charity to support, then search just as you normally would. There are hundreds of charities using GoodSearch. If your charity is not included in the list, contact them and encourage them to join today! You can also easily set GoodSearch as your homepage, or add it to your toolbar.

So, who do you GoodSearch for?

I GoodSearch for Saving Shelter Pets, Inc., at home and Saving Georgia Dogs at work.

Drop me a line and tell me who you GoodSearch for!

Buddy Needs a Buddy!

Buddy is an adult male chow/collie mix in desperate need of a new home. He loves pets and belly scratches and is looking for someone to love him. Can he be your buddy?

Buddy is currently located at the Belmont County Animal Shelter in St. Clairsville, Ohio.

Sadly, Buddy's time is very limited. He is scheduled to be euthanized on January 25, 2008 because the shelter simply does not have space to house him indefinitely.

If you can adopt or rescue Buddy, please call 740-695-4708 or email bcarl@1st.net immediately!

****GREAT NEWS!!! BUDDY WAS ADOPTED 2/10!****

Belmont County Animal Shelter
45244 National Road West
St. Clairsville, OH 43950
Phone: 740-695-4708
Email: bcarl@1st.net

Feral Cats and Alley Cat Allies

Just because he's feral, doesn't mean he has no friends.



Most communities have large populations of stray cats and kittens. Some of these cats once belonged to someone, and have simply reverted to a wild state. Others, however, are feral. Feral cats were born in the wild and have never been socialized to humans. In essence, they are wild animals. Most adult feral cats cannot be domesticated and lead lives as normal, affectionate pets. However, feral kittens that are caught at an early age can often be socialized and lead great lives as pets.

Feral cat populations are a problem. They kill native bird species, they raid garbage cans, and they can spread diseases to your pet. BUT, the worst part of all is the tragic lives feral cats live. In urban areas, these cats depend on scavenging for human food scraps, and thousands starve to death when food supplies run low. They are killed by coyotes, by dogs, and in some parts of the U.S., by mountain lions. Their most dangerous predator, however, is humans. Thousands die on the roads when they are hit by cars. Others are killed when people poison them, shoot them, or worse. These animals lead a miserable existence.

Sadly, many communities have chosen to deal with feral cat populations by trapping them and killing them. Even in communities without a feral cat population control program, well-meaning individuals often trap feral cats and bring them to animal control facilities or humane societies. Bringing a feral cat to a shelter is almost a guaranteed death sentence. Feral cats are not socialized to humans and are generally not suitable as pets. Deemed "unadoptable" as soon as they come through the doors of a shelter, feral cats are almost always immediately euthanized.

There is a humane solution to the feral cat overpopulation problem called Trap-Neuter-Return, or TNR. TNR involves trapping feral cats, spaying or neutering them, and returning the to the area where they were trapped. Usually, the trapped cats are also vaccinated against rabies and other serious diseases. The released sterilized cats are then cared for by kind individuals who make sure they have enough food, water, and shelter to survive. By returning the sterilized cats to the location, the cats maintain their colony structure. Colonies protect their territories, keeping out newcomers and keeping a steady population. They also stop reproducing, allowing the colony to slowly die off as each individual cat dies due to natural causes. TNR also allows volunteers to trap kittens who may be young enough to be socialized and placed into homes. Stray cats and abandoned pets which are socialized to humans are also sorted out from the colonies and placed for adoption.

Cat owners can also help control the feral cat population. 1. Keep your cat indoors. If you live in an area where feral cats are exterminated, your cat may be mistaken for a feral and be killed. A cat allowed to roam outside is also at serious risk of being killed by wild animals, hit by cars, catching a disease, or being hurt or killed by cruel humans. 2. Spay or neuter your cats. If you have a female cat, and she gets outside even once unattended, she can come back pregnant. If you have a male cat, and he gets outside even once unattended, he can impregnate a female feral, perpetuating the problem.

More ways you can help:
1. Visit Alley Cat Allies to find out a wealth of information about humanely controlling feral cat populations.
2. Become a feral cat caretaker.
3. If you are feeding feral cats, have them spayed or neutered. Caretakers can often get free or reduced price veterinary services for the feral cats they care for.
4. Encourage your local lawmakers to adopt TNR as a means of controlling the feral cat population.
5. Spread the word!

Winging Cat Rescue

Winging Cat Rescue is one of my favorite rescue groups. If you are interested in virtual volunteerism on behalf of shelter pets in need, Winging Cat Rescue is a really great group with which to get involved.

Winging Cat Rescue consists of a wonderful group of cat lovers from across the United States who work incessantly to end the needless euthanization of healthy, adoptable cats. Cats are euthanized at an alarming rate because too many owners do not take responsibility for their cats, and too many are allowed to breed indiscriminately. There are simply not enough homes for them all.

Winging Cat Rescue focuses most of its efforts on a county animal control shelter in Griffin, Georgia, which still uses the gas chamber as its method of "euthanasia." Thanks to the tireless efforts of WCR the euthanization rate for healthy cats has been reduced from about 95% to about 5%.

In the short term, Winging Cat Rescue raises funds to rescue cats from death row, vet them, board them, then transport them to adoption centers and sanctuaries in the Northeast, or adopt them out locally.

As part of its long-term goals, Winging Cat Rescue also sponsors low-cost spay and neuter clinics, spay and neuter certificates, and vaccines for animal control shelters.

HOW YOU CAN HELP!

1. DONATE DIRECTLY TO WCR.
It takes roughly $170-$190 to sponsor one cat, including pull fees, vetting, s/n, shots, boarding, and transport.

2. Purchase an Item From WCR's Online Store.
All proceeds go to WCR's Medical fund.

3.ADD WCR to your MySpace Friends!
Keep up-to-date on WCR's latest efforts.

4. Help Sponsor Phoebe. Right now
WCR is trying to save the life
of a very special kitty in need. "Phoebe" came in to animal control with injuries to her ears. Until she gets to the vet, there's no way to tell exactly what is wrong with her. Without the help of WCR, she will almost certainly be euthanized. Can you help sponsor her to safety?

***HAPPY UPDATE 2/2!*** SWEET PHOEBE WAS TREATED FOR HER INJURIES AND WAS ADOPTED! THANK YOU, WINGING CAT RESCUE, FOR SAVING HER LIFE AND HELPING HER FIND A NEW HOME!

Urban Tails: Inside the Hidden World of Alley Cats

Urban Tails: Inside the Hidden World of Alley Cats by photographer Knox and writer Sara Neely is a beautiful little book chronicling the secret lives of a colony of alley cats behind the photographer's studio. The book, full of poignant photographs and memorable text, documents the lives of a colony of feral and homeless cats living in an alley behind the photographer's studio in Atlanta.

Everyday, people in urban centers walk past secret societies of homeless cats, forgotten and abandoned, to lead short and usually, tragic, lives. Knox's photographs capture the bittersweet essence of these fragile beings, one minute remembering a kitten chasing a piece of littered paper on the sidewalk, and the next minute remembering a handsome, dignified, gritty old tom cat who met his tragic end on the street. This book is a must-have for any cat lover, and forces us to confront the sad reality of the feral and homeless cat overpopulation problem. This touching book also documents the photographer's efforts to help these forgotten felines through a program of TNR, or trap, neuter, return, in an effort to alleviate the suffering of these beings, and to prevent more of them from entering this tragic world. To purchase, click here.

For more information about feral cats and TNR, or trap, neuter, return, please visit Alley Cat Allies.

Butterball and Biscuit Want to Be Your Chubby Buddies

As the owner of a chubby-tubby cat, I have a real soft spot for these guys. I can't imagine my tub-tub lost and wandering outside. Do you have a place in your heart and home for these two chubba-chubbas?

Butterball is a chubby young adult male orange tabby cat in desperate need of a new home. He is neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations.












Biscuit is a chubby young adult female tortoiseshell cat in desperate need of a new home. She is spayed and up-to-date on vaccinations.















Butterball and Biscuit were picked up together as strays. They were already altered when they came in, and their chubby size indicates that someone loved them. Now they are stuck in a shelter, waiting for someone else to love them. They are very attached to each other -- they sleep together, they eat together, and the play together. They would really like to find a new home together. These two are both sweetie pies who love attention, and their adoption fee is only $80.00 for both of them. Please consider adopting Butterball and Biscuit before their time is up!

Two cats are better than one! If you are thinking about adopting your first shelter cat, consider adopting a pair! Two cats are really no more work than one cat. Moreover, if you spend a lot of time away from your home, two cats keep each other company. As a owner of multiple cats, I can tell you that it is an absolute blast to watch two cats playing with each other. They definitely keep each other entertained.

Butterball and Biscuit are currently located at the Bowling Green Warren County Humane Society, which, unfortunately, is not a "no-kill" shelter. If you can adopt Butterball and Biscuit, or another shelter cat, please contact the Humane Society immediately!

Bowling Green Warren Co. Humane Society
924 Louisville Road
P.O. Box 1456 (mailing address)
Bowling Green, KY 42102
Phone: 270-783-9404
FAX: 270-842-8687
EMAIL:
Lorri Hare, Director: LorriC143@aol.com
Deana Wehr, Asst. Director: deanawehr@alltel.net

***HAPPY UPDATE 2/2*** BUTTERBALL AND BISCUIT HAVE BOTH BEEN ADOPTED!!!

Calling All People Who Enjoy Sewing, Knitting, or Crocheting

For most dogs and cats, shelters are a scary place. They are full of new and scary smells and sounds, and there is constant commotion going on. Pets who used to live in a home have an even harder time adjusting to the chaotic environment of a shelter. Cold steel cages and concrete runs with no material comforts are typically the temporary homes for shelter pets which only exacerbates an animal's stress.

Sadly, stressed animals often hide, display fearful behaviors, shy from human contact, and act unfriendly. Moreover, stressed pets, especially cats, are much more susceptible to common shelter illnesses, such as upper respiratory infections. These conditions all conspire to make it incredibly challenging for many terrified and confused pets to "look good" for potential adopters. Sadly, the pets that most urgently need out of the shelter for the well being of their emotional health are the ones passed by adopters because their personality is overshadowed by their stress and fear.

Amazingly, simply providing a small blanket for a shelter cat or dog can significantly reduce that pet's level of stress, make the pet more comfortable, and give them a sense of security. Reducing the stress and fear of shelter pets allows them to better show potential adopters their true personalities, increasing the chance that someone will pick them.

If you enjoy sewing, knitting or crocheting, you can be literally be a lifesaver for a shelter pet. The Cage Comforter Program was started in 2001 as a cooperative effort between the Center for Animal Care and Control in New York City and the Compassionate Action Institute.

This collaboration was a resounding success. In the 2 years while the program was active, volunteers provided approximately 10,000 comforters for shelter pets. The results are tangible. In one Pennsylvania shelter that adopted the Cage Comforter Program, the shelter reported that it did not have to euthanize any cats during the summer months - a first for that shelter.

If you would like to make comforters for shelter pets, first, contact your local shelter to see if they would be interested in receiving beds. Some shelters may not want to institute such a program, simply because the comforters may entail more work for shelter employees or volunteers. On the other hand, many shelters simply send the comforters with an animal when it is adopted, or it is thrown away if the animal is euthanized. If your shelter already has a program in place, great! You can get started making comforters right away. If not, you'll probably need some help. Ask your friends and family if they'd be interested in assisting you. Ask seniors in your community. Ask a local sewing or knitting club. The possibilities are endless. Please visit the Compassionate Action Institute for instructions on how to make the comforters, ideas about who to recruit to make the comforters, and ideas about soliciting donations and supplies.

How Could You Resist Daisy's Smile?

Sweet, smiley Daisy is scheduled to be euthanized tomorrow, Saturday, January 18, 2008. Can you save her life? Daisy is currently housed at the City of Turlock Animal Shelter, located in Turlock, CA. She is a one-year old black and white pit bull. She is spayed and up-to-date on her rabies vaccine. Her adoption fee is only $19.00.

Poor sweetie pie Daisy has two strikes against her...she's a big black dog, and she's a pit bull. Her chances of adoption are slim to none.

If you can save Daisy's life, please contact Glena Jackson at 209-668-5550 or email her at GJACKSON@TURLOCK.CA.US immediately!



Turlock Animal Services
801 S. Walnut
Turlock, CA 95380
(209) 668-5550 ext 6301
Fax: (209) 668-5101

If you cannot adopt or rescue Daisy, please cross-post her to your animal rescue contacts!

**Sad Update (1/23): I am very sad to report that Daisy did not make it out of the shelter. The shelter made every effort to find her a home, but she was euthanized on 1/22. Thank you to everyone who crossposted on her behalf or sent good thoughts her way.

Dear Daisy, I'm so sorry someone brought you into this world only to abandon you. I'm so sorry you were born a pit bull, so that people were afraid of you. I'm so sorry that your previous owner didn't see your million dollar smile for what it's worth. I'm so sorry that you spent your last days alive in a shelter. I'm so sorry that we couldn't save you. May you be at peace at the Bridge.

The Little Shelter That Could -- With Your Help!

If there was a documentary called "The Little Shelter That Could," it would feature Heard County Animal Control located in Franklin, Georgia. This small, rural shelter is constantly taking in a flood of abandoned and unwanted animals. Yet, most of the animals are rescued before their time is up. This is in part due to the super-human efforts of the Animal Control staff, as well as a network of rescuers around the country. But they need help. For the past few weeks, they have received an overwhelming number of owner turn-ins. Undoubtedly, many of these pets came in when their families received a new puppy for Christmas, and the original pets are no longer wanted. Right now, their little shelter is facing a crisis. If they don't move some animals out, they may be forced to euthanize for space. But you can help. If you live in or around Franklin, Georgia, please consider adopting from Heard. If you don't live in the area, you can still help by cross-posting on behalf of this shelter and its wonderful pets.

Take 2508, for example. 2508 is a sweet medium sized female black lab mix. Her time is short. Are you the person she is looking for? ***Great News! 2508 was RESCUED!***

Or 113807, a sweetie pie young, medium-sized female Treeing Walker Coonhound. She absolutely loves attention and petting and would make a great family pet. 113807's time is very short. Can you help?

***113807 was rescued!!***






Or 2408, a fox terrier/beagle/hound mix of some sort. This sweet medium sized boy needs a new home immediately! Can you give 2408 a home?

***2408 was rescued!!***


If you are interested in any of these pets, please contact Heard County Animal Control immediately! If you live in the Franklin area and these dogs are not what you are looking for, please check out their website to see who is available for adoption. They also have several wonderful cats that urgently need homes.

Heard County Animal Control Center
11818 Ga Hwy 100
Franklin, GA 30217
Phone: 706-675-3570

If you can't adopt or rescue one of these great dogs, please cross-post to your rescue contacts and groups.

Casio The Tri-Pod, A Tale of One Special Kitty

Casio was dumped at a rural Georgia pound with a shattered leg. Many animal control facilities do not have the funding to provide medical care for sick or injured pets that are impounded or surrendered by their owners. Often, these sick or injured pets are euthanized or tossed in a cage, slated for the next euthanization date, never to be seen by potential adopters.

Once in a while, however, one of these unfortunate pets has an angel that intervenes on its behalf. Such was the case with Casio. Winging Cat Rescue swooped in to save his life.

Casio was rushed to the vet, and his shattered leg was amputated.

Within a short time, Casio was looking much better. He was a real sweet-heart during his recovery.

A couple weeks later, Casio was ready to find a new home. He got his Christmas wish! Casio was adopted!

This happy ending couldn't have happened without the wonderful people of Winging Cat Rescue. Please consider donating to Winging Cat Rescue so they can continue to rescue wonderful cats like Casio, who would otherwise never make it out of shelters alive.

HoundsGood

HoundsGood is a blog I visit on a daily basis. It is a touching and informative blog maintained by a wonderful woman who devotes much of her time to rescuing death row pets. What is most interesting is that this woman does much of her rescuing from behind a computer screen.

HoundsGood is a chronicle of a special woman's activities as a virtual volunteer, a personal journal of the trials and joys of her life, and a place to find information about how to make life easier. The blog also features information on how YOU can help animals in need. It doesn't take much to make a positive difference in an animal's life, and HoundsGood celebrates the fact that one person can make a real difference. Check out HoundsGood today!

Are you Tayzer's Savior?

Tayzer needs help!
I can't believe this handsome husky mix has been passed up time and time again! He's been at the Town of Richland Dog Control shelter since July and his time is almost up! Can you save him before it's too late?

His adoption fee is $87.50 which includes rabies vax., DP2, and worming. He also qualifies for a low-cost neuter certificate.

If you can adopt or rescue Tayzer, please call the Town of Richland Dog Control immediately at 315-387-2060. His time is extremely short!

Town of Richland Dog Control
Sandy Creek, NY 13145
Phone: 315-387-2060
Email: richlanddco@frontiernet.net

Please feel free to cross-post for Tayzer!

**Update 4/9. Tayzer's profile has been removed, and sadly, I have not been able to determine his fate.***

Now That Her Kittens Have Found Homes, Gwen Is Looking For a Home To Call Her Own

Are you that special someone Gwen is looking for?

Gwen came into Champaign Animal Control with a litter of kittens. Now that she has raised them and seen them all off to new homes, it's her turn.

Gwen is a mature lady of 7 or 8 years, ready for a nice quiet home. She is spayed, up-to-date on shots, dewormed, FeLeuk and FIV negative, microchipped, and litter trained. Her adoption fee is $85.00

Gwen is currently residing at Champaign Animal Control which means her time is limited. If you are interested in adopting Gwen, please call 217-384-3798 as soon as possible.

***GREAT NEWS 2/11!! GWEN HAS BEEN ADOPTED!***

Champaign County Animal Control
210 S. Art Bartell Rd
Urbana, IL 61802
Phone: 217-384-3798

If you have room in your heart and your home, please consider adopting a shelter cat!

Great Valentine's Day Gift For Your Favorite Pet Lover

Greetings!

I generally am not a huge fan of Valentine's Day, and my fiancee and I do not make any sort of fuss about it. This year, however, I am going to ask him to get me one of these "Roses" for V-Day. Please consider sending one of these special "roses" to your favorite pet lover.

This Valentine's Day, Give the Gift of Life!

The lifespan of a rose is 1 week, and the lifetime of a cat is 15 years. For $8.00, the price of a rose on Valentine's day, you can provide a vaccination for a shelter cat. Which one is the better investment?

Every donor will receive a photo of the kitty they helped vaccinate with their donation.

Please send your donation to Paypal: spaldingurgents@hotmail.com

This fundraiser is sponsored by Winging Cat Rescue, a licensed rescue in the state of Georgia that rescues death row cats and transports them to adoption centers and sanctuaries in the North where they can find new homes. Please consider a donation in lieu of a rose this Valentine's Day.

Ohio Black Dog is One of a Kind

Number 19 is a young male black lab mix in desperate need of a new home. He is currently located at the Stark County Dog Warden Department in Canton, Ohio.

He has some hair loss on his back and legs, and the shelter believes it is probably an allergic reaction of some sort. He passed his temperament with flying colors! His adoption fee is $69.00 and includes neuter, rabies, 5 way, and bordetella.

His time is very limited! Please call 330-451-2343 immediately!

"Number 19" comes with a sponsorship available for a licensed rescue that can take him!

Stark County Dog Warden
1801 Mahoning Road NE
Canton, OH
(330)-451-2343

He has been at Stark since before Christmas, hence the Christmas bandana. His was not a Merry Christmas; can you give him a Happy New Year?

As with all posts regarding pets in need, please feel free to crosspost and network for this pet!

***UPDATE 2/9/08! "Number 19" has been adopted!!!!***

Reekoe's Room

As an avid supporter of animal rescue, I am constantly looking for new and creative ways I can help. Several months ago, I decided to start a Cafepress store in the hopes of raising extra money to donate to my favorite rescue groups. My store, Reekoe's Room, features unique gifts for pet lovers, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, bumper stickers, and more. Most of my designs promote the adoption of shelter pets, spaying and neutering, and kindness towards animals. For example, my Report Animal Cruelty Design, featured on the left, has been a consistent best-seller.

Each month, I select an animal rescue organization or shelter and donate 100% of the profits from my store. This little experiment in virtual volunteerism has turned into a great success!

In December 2007, the proceeds from Reekoe's Room went to Saving Shelter Pets, Inc. Through purchases made at my store, I was able to donate almost $200.00 to this organization.

In January 2008, the proceeds from Reekoe's Room will go to the Newnan-Coweta Humane Society, located in Newnan, Georgia. This small humane society works tirelessly to rescue dogs and cats slated for euthanization at the local animal control facilities.

To see who else we've supported, please visit About Reekoe's Room.

Calling All Pet-Loving Bloggers!

Dear Pet-Loving Bloggers,

As you may very well know, your blog is a very powerful tool, and as someone involved in online animal rescue activities, I can tell you from first hand experience that bloggers can help save and improve the lives of shelter pets.

Here are three quick, easy things you can do to help needy pets:

1. Post a link on your page to Petfinder.com or Blogroll it, add a Petfinder widget to your webpage or blog, or add a Petfinder search banner to your page.

2. Add a link to your page to the Animal Rescue Site or Blogroll it, add an Animal Rescue Site Button to your page, like the one seen on the right side of my page, and remember to click on this link daily to help feed shelter animals!

3. Find a pet on Petfinder.com that tugs at your heartstrings (don't worry, it won't take long to find one), and post its picture, biography, and the shelter contact information in a post on your blog. The more exposure these pets get, the better their chances for adoption.

These are just a couple ways that individuals can make a difference in the lives of shelter pets using the power of the internet. Stay tuned for more simple ways you can help animals online.

Thanks for helping!

Are You The One Ariel is Looking For?

Ariel is an adult female brown tabby in urgent need of a home. Ariel is a good-looking lady who is litter-trained and very sweet. She is affectionate and friendly, and can't wait for a good home. Are you her next best friend?

Ariel is currently being held at the Jasper County Animal Control Shelter in Rensselaer, IN. If you can adopt her, please call (219) 866-5756 immediately!

***HAPPY UPDATE 2/2**** ARIEL HAS BEEN ADOPTED!!

Jasper County Animal Shelter and Control.
2430 Clark Street
Rensselaer, IN 47978
Phone: (219) 866-5756
Email: jaspercoanimalshelter@yahoo.com

0716 Deserves a Name and a Home

"0716" is an adult female yellow Labrador Retriever.

This friendly girl was picked up as a stray. She was not wearing a collar or identification. No one has called to report her missing.

She is scheduled for euthanasia at 1 p.m. on Wed., Jan 16th .

Please call if you are interested in giving her a second chance in your home. Her adoption fee is $60 CASH which includes her spay, rabies vaccine, duramune vaccine, and her Ohio dog license, which will be honored anywhere in the state of Ohio through the end of 2007.

"0716" looks like a happy yellow lab that would make a perfect pet for a great family. Couldn't you just see her fetching tennis balls and swimming in the lake?

If you can save her life, please call the Columbiana County Dog Pound at 330-424-6663 immediately!

Columbiana County Dog Pound
8455 County Home Road
Lisbon, OH 44432
Phone: 330-424-6663
EMail: dmcvay@ccclerk.org

***Wonderful News: "0716" is listed as ADOPTED!!!***

Adding a Petfinder Widget to Your Blogger Page

If you look to the right, you'll see a Petfinder widget that showcases a shelter cat in Georgia. These widgets are a great way to spread the word about pets in need.

If you have a webpage or blog, you can easily add one of these widgets to help promote homeless pets. Unfortunately, some blog sites such as Squidoo and Wordpress.com do not allow these widgets to function properly in a sidebar. They work great on Blogger though.

Here's how to add the widget:

1. Go to Petfinder, and you're given several options for customizing your widget, including font, color, and size. You are also given the option of promoting a specific shelter, or promoting pets in a particular state. Make your selections, enter your email address (you can opt out if you don't wish to receive emails when there are updates or new features available), enter your website address, push "Go!", and the next page will bring up the code you will be entering into your page. Select the code, right click, and pick copy.

2. Go back to your blogger page and click on "Template." From there, click on "Add a Page Element" located at the bottom of the page. It will bring up a menu of several options, including "HTML/JavaScript." Click "Add to Blog" and it will bring up a text box. Paste your code into this box. Give your text box a title, like "Adopt a Shelter Dog," "Adoptable Cats," etc., then click "Save Changes." This will put your new module into the bottom of your templates. Click and drag it into your widget boxes in the sidebar.

3. Preview your page, and make sure your Petfinder widget is working properly, and you're on your way to helping shelter pets!

Dogs in Danger

DogsInDanger.com has, somewhat surprisingly, been a rather controversial website. Dogs In Danger is a non-profit site dedicated to listing dogs who are on their last few days in the hope that adopters or rescues will step up and save their lives before their time is up. What raises the hackles of some people about this site is that fact that it lists the euthanization date for the dogs.


This beautiful Plott Hound / Lab Mix, for example, is scheduled to be euthanized on Wednesday, January 16.

This handsome fellow is located at the St. Martin Parish Animal Control Shelter in St. Martinville, Louisiana. If you can help him, please contact Sara Glasgow at 337-394-1220 IMMEDIATELY.

This guy is a large male brindle Plott Hound mix, who weights about 90 lbs. He's about 4 years old and energetic but also very sweet, and the pound staff absolutely loves him. He is also available to foster.

His adoption fee is $65 which includes a $50 neuter certificate and a $10 rabies certificate.

St. Martin Parish Animal Control Facility
1004 Industrial Park Road
St. Martinville, LA 70582
337-394-1220

Yes, it is very disturbing thought that this beautiful dog and thousands more like him may very well be dead within three days, but I firmly believe that people need to know that these dogs WILL die unless they are rescued. And they also need to know that the killing will go on until people stop dumping their pets and stop allowing them to breed indiscriminately.

DogsInDanger.com might offend some viewers with delicate sensibilities, simply because they are forced to think about the fact that perfectly good cats and dogs die needlessly every day. But they also provide a great service in bringing public awareness to the unpleasant fact of pet overpopulation, they put furry faces with the numbers of pets killed daily, monthly, and yearly, they allow potential adopters to see which dogs need their help most urgently, and last but not least, they provide exposure to dogs that otherwise might never be seen by anyone except animal control staff between the time they are picked up or surrendered, and they time they are euthanized.

***UPDATE: 1/17/08. I HAVE RECEIVED WORD THAT THIS BEAUTIFUL BRINDLE BOY HAS BEEN RESCUED.***

I have been terribly concerned about this boy, and was fearing that I would have to post my first "bad news" update since I started this blog. You see, big, brindle, hound-mix dogs like this are a dime a dozen in the South, and they hardly ever make it out of shelters alive. Most people go for the small dogs, the fluffy dogs, the puppies, and the purebreds.

Several wonderful people from various rescue groups banded together to get this guy out of the shelter just in the nick of time. Unfortunately, his vet check revealed that he is heartworm positive, which is very common for shelter dogs in the south. He will have to stay at the vet's for a while while his treatment begins, then he will have to be boarded.

While it is incredibly easy to prevent heartwork by simply giving a dog a preventative, heartworm treatment is very expensive, intensive, and often risky. Dogs undergoing heartworm treatment must be kept from any kind of physical exertion for up to a month to protect against the risk of a dead worm blocking an artery, which can cause death.

After this guy goes through his heartworm treatment, he will be transported to the Northeast U.S., where he will find a new home.

In the interim, his heartworm treatment and boarding costs are going to be very expensive. Come back soon to find out how you can donate to help offset the costs of his medical treatment and boarding.

Can You Save Mabel's Life?

Mabel Id# A08-41

Mable is a 6 month old female brindle lab mix currently sitting on death row at the Spalding County Animal Shelter in Griffin, Georgia. Her adoption fee is $35, which includes a rabies voucher. She was impounded as a stray, and her time left alive is short, unless someone is able to rescue or adopt her. Her scheduled euthanization date is tomorrow, Monday, January 14 at 4:30 PM Eastern time.

Please, if you can adopt Mabel contact Spalding County Animal Control at 770-467-4772 immediately!

Spalding County Animal Control
(770) 467-4772
Spalding County Animal Control
208 Justice Boulevard
Griffin, GA 30224

******GREAT NEWS! AT THE LAST MINUTE, MABEL WAS SAVED******

Please look at Mabel's video:

Check out Saving Shelter Pets

If you are interested in getting involved in animal rescue online, I can't think of a better place to start than Saving Shelter Pets, Inc. If you have a couple minutes, please stop by their site, explore, and introduce yourself in the forum. I look forward to seeing you there!

Saving Shelter Pets, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization with members located throughout the United States and Canada.

Saving Shelter Pets works to eliminate euthanasia of healthy companion animals as a method of population control through rescue and transport, spay and neuter, and other innovative programs.

At this time, Saving Shelter Pets' primary focus is on high-kill shelters in Georgia. Georgia, and other areas in the Southeast, face a monumental pet overpopulation problem. Every day, thousands of perfectly adoptable animals are euthanized because there are simply not enough homes for them all. While many shelters in Georgia have made great strides toward ending the unnecessary killing of healthy pets, many shelters simply cannot handle the numbers of animals coming through their doors. Even worse, however, is that many shelters still use the gas chamber as a method of "euthanasia." This method of killing pets has been almost universally condemned as inhumane. To learn more about euthanasia by gas chamber, please click here. (WARNING, VERY GRAPHIC AND SAD).

SSP strives to end the unnecessary euthanization of companion animals through both long range programs and rescue efforts aimed at those pets in imminent danger of euthanization. Though its Rescue and Transportation program, Saving Shelter Pets has rescued hundreds of dogs and cats from imminent death and transported them to wonderful no-kill rescues and sanctuaries in other areas. From there, these pets are adopted into loving new homes.

SSP has a wonderful intervention program called Puppy Promises that keeps litters of unwanted puppies out of the shelters and spays the mother dog.

SSP also has a wonderful spay and neuter program providing spay and neuter assistance in several counties in Georgia, and recently, in Ohio, as well. Spaying and Neutering is the KEY to ending the pet overpopulation problem.

In addition to the on-the-ground work done by Saving Shelter Pets, the organization also has a very active and very FRIENDLY forum for pet lovers, rescuers, and others looking to help animals in need. Join the forum today to see how you can help.

Donate $10.00 to Help Save a Life

Newnan-Coweta Humane Society is located in Newnan, Georgia. As you may be aware, Georgia's pet overpopulation problem is at epidemic proportions. Rural animal control shelters often have less than a 10% adoption rate. That means that hundreds of pets are dying needlessly every day in Georgia. NCHS works tirelessly to rescue "death row" dogs and cats, but with limited resources, they cannot save them all.

Parade magazine and the Case Foundation are partnering with Network for Good and Six Degrees to launch America’s Giving Challenge; an initiative to inspire and reward greater giving through online technology. To learn more, visit Parade.com. NCHS is participating in this challenge. Participating charities seek donations from supporters around the country. The top eight charities with the GREATEST NUMBER of unique donations will win a $50,000 grant. The top 100 charities will win a $1,000 grant. Fifty-thousand dollars can improve the lives of hundreds of dogs and cats! The minimum donation is $10.00. Your donation, combined with others across the country, can help NCHS win this matching grant. Please click HERE to contribute to this campaign. You can also contribute through the badge in the right side of this page.

Mr. Wu Urgently Needs a Home

I have a huge soft spot in my heart for orange cats, and Mr. Wu is breaking my heart. He is currently "red-listed" at the West Valley Animal Care and Control Center in Los Angeles. He could be euthanized at any time. Mr. Wu looks like he knows what may be in store for him. Please, if you have room in your heart and home for Mr. Wu, contact the West Valley Animal Care and Control Center in LA as soon as possible.

"Mr. Wu IDA913772" is a beautiful orange young adult male domestic shorthair male in desperate need of a home.

If you are interested in adopting Mr. Wu, please call (888) 452-7381 as soon as possible.

West Valley Animal Care and Control Center
www.laanimalservices.com
20655 Plummer Street
Chatsworth, CA 91311
(888) 452-7381

West Valley Animal Care and Control Center is an Animal Control facility, and he has been "red-listed" so Mr. Wu's time is VERY limited! Please call ASAP to adopt him!

***Update 2/8. Mr. Wu is no longer listed on the LA Animal Services website. I have not been able to determine what happened to him :(