Finding Foster Homes for Dogs: A New Mission for Local Business

Bishop Plumbing in Chicago has taken on finding foster homes for dogs as a “company mission,” one that has a strong place in the hearts and minds of the owner and employees at Bishop Plumbing.  Bishop Plumbing "informs its clients about opportunities to foster dogs, and some of the company’s employees have provided foster homes for the dogs.

After several months with Oakum, his chocolate lab, Bob, the owner of Bishop Plumbing, decided to adopt another dog.  In his search to find a dog to adopt, Bob was very affected by the number of dogs up for adoption due to being abandoned.  He eventually adopted Buster, but he never forgot all those dogs that needed homes. Kristina Curran, one of the company managers, was contacted recently regarding a couple of dogs were in danger of being euthanized at a pound in Jacksonville, Illinois.  Kristina discussed this with Bob and they decided to rescue them! AND find good homes for them.  They developed a list of foster homes from Bishop employees and sent a Bishop truck to Jacksonville to pick up the dogs.  By the time the dogs arrived that afternoon, the two black labs and the white shepherd had all been found homes, thanks to Kristina.

"Bishop Plumbing is now starting an initiative to inform their community of clients about the need for safe homes for dogs who are currently roaming the streets or housed in pounds until the time comes for them to be put down.  If you are interested in either adopting or fostering one of these dogs and rescuing them from these fatal possibilities, please contact Kristina Curran at Bishop Plumbing by calling her at 847-824-1800."

Looking for a new company mission for your business? Why not follow the example of Bishop Plumbing and  network with your employees and clients to find homes for homeless and abandoned dogs and cats!

Posted By Dawn Kairns, Author of MAGGIE: the dog who changed my life

For those of you who love to read dog books:

MAGGIE is now $4.60 on Kindle

How A Single Kitten Saved Many Cats from Euthanasia

It all began when the The Humane Society of Boulder Valley's (HSBV) Foster Department sent an email notice (as they always do when animals need to go into foster) to see who of their foster volunteers might be interested in fostering a single kitten. The interest they received was immense; and it got this innovative staff thinking ...

HSBV had recently received many requests from other shelters (in Denver and Southern Colorado) to take kittens in because of the current over population in their shelters. We all know what that means -- a death sentence for the kittens (or adult cats) in the requesting shelters. Boulder Humane did not currently have room in their shelter to house these kittens, so unfortunately had to decline these requests -- at first. Until, that is, the foster department staff received such a great response from their volunteers for this one special kitten. That's when the HSBV Foster Dept. staff had a superb brainstorm to seize the opportunity to save more lives. They decided to reach out to see if their foster volunteers were interested in fostering these homeless kittens from other shelters for a couple of weeks. Yes, indeed, they would, came the replies! 

It's been over a week in the making and the kitties with a new lease on life arrive tomorrow at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley! They'll go out to foster homes 1-2 kittens each so HSBV can work them back slowly into their shelter system for adoption and still maintain space for our local homeless cats. We are so fortunate to have such a progressive animal shelter, as well as a strong volunteer base for our local shelter in our community.

I didn't respond to the email for the single kitten. The little angel reminded me too much of Cinnamon and I wasn't ready for that. But I'll pick up our two foster kitties Sunday afternoon. Maddie, our lab, watched with interest (I think -- I suppose it might have been disgust!) as I once again pulled out the toys, litter box, dishes, etc. She will play an important part interacting with them -- being able to say in their bio that they've been around dogs really helps them get adopted!

It's amazing what one little kitten can do!

Town Has One Week to Place 59 Dog and 32 Cats Before Their Lives End

Posted By Dawn Kairns, Author of MAGGIE: the dog who changed my life

Can You Help?

I was forwarded this email by a friend in South Padre Island, Texas. It is from Ed Mesa, Padre Island's City Manager. The City inherited a really difficult situation at the Laguna Madre Humane Society, which had been no-kill for many years. It is a small shelter with a minimal amount of staff; the surrounding city of Port Isabel is not economically affluent at all; shelter adoption rates were low; so the number of animals continued to increase. The resultant overcrowding conditions compromised the animals there terribly. The City took the shelter over during the past year or so.

In essence, at this point, this town has one week to place 59 dogs and 32 cats before their lives end.  If ANY of you can help by fostering, adopting, transporting, finding rescues to help, or calling rescues please contact: 
Jacky Woody-Conrad in South Padre Island, TX at JackyatJaM@aol.com, I walked dogs at this shelter (the Laguna Madre Humane Society) when visiting there -- the animals there have needed help for a long time. Please help if you can and pass this information along to anyonee who might be in a position to help. Thank you ...

From: citymanager@copitx.com
Sent: 7/7/2011 2:56:38 P.M. Central Daylight Time
Subj: probation period for the Shelter

Greetings,

First of all, I thank both support groups – the Friends of the Isabel Y. Garcia Animal Shelter and the Laguna Madre Humane Society for their generous help and guidance since the beginning when the City took over the operations of the Animal Shelter.  I made it very clear that the groups were volunteer groups helping with  the education of the public, fostering, adopting, rescuing, and sanctuary placement.  We have appreciated the advise and recommendations that each of the groups have shared with the City.  But the City is in charge of operating the animal shelter. The City chose to give both organizations  specific time to work in getting these animals rescued, adopted, etc. 

Currently, we are in a very complex situation just having taken over the shelter and now being on probation for what the previous management had done.  It is   very hard, emotional, and frustrating for all of us involved.  Shame on those who put the city and the animals in this situation!  We need the support of everyone to get to the point where our shelter can operate in the most humane way for all people involved and especially the animals who are the victims.  We have placed July 15 as the deadline for both organizations to work  on placing the animals for rescue, adoption, foster, etc.   

As of today, we have 112 dogs and 80 cats.  We need to decrease to 53 dogs and 42 cats more or less. So 59 dogs and 38 cats have to be rescued, adopted, foster,  or euthanized.  We are working on a list of those that are aggressive, sick, and it is going to be difficult in choosing which others are to go.  We are going to have the veterinarians guide us to get this list together and it is up to the Friends of the Isabel Y. Garcia Animal Shelter and Laguna Madre Humane Society to work in finding homes or rescues if possible  in this limited time schedule.  We don’t want to wait for the last week of the probation to do a mass euthanization.  It would not be fair for the veterinarians, staff  or the animals. 

We need all your support and help especially during this transition. 

Thanks,

Ed

Edward P. Meza, City Manager
City of Port Isabel
305 E. Maxan St.
Port Isabel, Texas 78578
o.  (956) 943-2682      
f. (956) 943-2029 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            (956) 943-2029      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

citymanager@copitx.com
www.portisabel-texas.com

Destruction of Dog Pound Gas Chamber

A victory indeed ...Now we need to destroy all of these cruel gas chambers around the country to stop the excruciating deaths animals experience in them.

Posted by: 

Dawn Kairns
Author of MAGGIE the dog who changed my life A Story of Love

Website: www.dawnkairns.com

Blog:      Dawn Kairns and Maggie the Dog 
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/themaggiebook

"They stay in our lives for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same." -- Author Unknown

 
Become a fan on Facebook of MAGGIE: the dog who changed my life

2009 Indie Book Awards Finalist
DWAA 2008 Merial Human-Animal Bond Award Finalist

Be Kind to Animals Week®: May 2-8, 2010

Taken from the American Humane Website:
http://www.americanhumane.org/protecting-animals/special-events/be-kind-to-animals-week/

"Join the event that’s been celebrated every year since 1915 -- American Humane’s Be Kind to Animals Week. In this annual tradition, we commemorate the role animals play in our lives, promote ways to continue to treat them humanely, and encourage others, especially children, to do the same.

Be Kind to Animals Week is celebrated with shelter information and resources, special American Humane merchandise, and the annual Be Kind to Animals™ Kid Contest that recognizes children who go above and beyond to create a better world for animals.

And while Be Kind to Animals Week is celebrated only once a year, there are ways people can be kind to animals every day. Here’s how:

Speak out for animals
Get informed about policies and legislation that can impact the animals in your community and throughout the country. Also, register to receive Action Alerts from American Humane -- you’ll be able to speak out for animals with just the click of a mouse. Advocacy for animals can make a huge difference in their safety and well-being.

Report animal abuse
Animal cruelty and abuse is not only tragic for animals, but also an indicator that other forms of abuse such as domestic violence could be happening. If you see something that looks suspicious -- a dog chained in your neighbor’s yard that looks underfed, a child putting a cat in a box and kicking it around the yard -- don’t hesitate. Let someone know.

Appreciate wildlife
All animals deserve to be treated humanly -- family pets and animals in the wild. Create an inviting space in your yard and garden for butterflies, hummingbirds and other creatures. If wildlife comes too close to home, look for ways to coexist with animals or to protect your property humanely.

Adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue
Every year, an estimated 3.7 million animals must be euthanized at our nation’s shelters because they could not be adopted into loving homes. Help animals find a second chance at happiness by adopting your next pet from your local shelter or rescue group. American Humane has tips to find the animal companion that’s right for you and develop a bond that will last a lifetime.

Take care of your pet
Pets are like children who never grow up. They need you to help keep them healthy and safe throughout their lives. Keep your animal’s vaccinations up-to-date. Make sure he’s wearing proper identification. Take your pet to the veterinarian regularly. Know what it takes to be a responsible pet owner."

To learn more about the many wonderful programs at American Humane visit:  http://www.americanhumane.org/
Posted By:

Dawn Kairns  
Author of MAGGIE the dog who changed my life

Website: www.dawnkairns.com

Blog: Dawn Kairns and Maggie the Dog  
Twitter: www.twitter.com/themaggiebook

Become a fan on Facebook of MAGGIE: the dog who changed my life

2009 Indie Book Awards Finalist
DWAA 2008 Merial Human-Animal Bond Award Finalist

Gas Chambers Banned in Georgia Animal Shelters

This is not a pretty subject. I was appalled when I first learned that animals in shelters in many states are euthanized in gas chambers using carbon monoxide, rather than by lethal injection. The result is anything but a humane death. This Georgia vote is a step in the right direction and my hope is that the remainder of states that still use the gas chamber will follow Georgia's lead. The following is from the Care 2 Blog today.

Georgia Votes to Ban Gas Chambers and Reunite Lost Pet

by Sharon Seltzer

Georgia could be on its way to becoming the number one state for protecting animals. The state’s legislators passed two new animal welfare laws last week.

In a vote of 115 to 46, lawmakers in Georgia finally approved a bill to stop the use of gas chambers to euthanize pets in animal shelters. Under the new law animals “must be put to sleep through lethal injection.”

The bill’s sponsor, state Representative Tom Knox told a local TV station, “Gas chambers, which use carbon monoxide to euthanize pets, are pretty gory.”

He won over his opponents by showing how animals die in a gas chamber and how they gasp for their last breath. He also demonstrated how pets become very frightened when they are placed in the gas chamber container, which resembles a dark closet. “They don’t’ go to sleep real quick,” said Knox. “It is not humane,” he continued.

State Representative, Gene Maddox, a veterinarian argued against the bill. He wanted to keep gas chambers open for feral animals. He told fellow legislators, “This is a bad bill… The carbon monoxide chamber is the most humane method.” Lucky for the pets of Georgia, Maddox was outvoted.

And during the same week, legislators approved a second bill to protect animals. The new law will require animal shelters to scan homeless pets for a microchip before euthanizing them. The vote on H.B. 1106 was unanimous.

Ironically, this bill was introduced by Representative Gene Maddox. The new law has two parts. First it requires shelters to scan animals for a microchip as soon as they arrive at a facility. If a chip is found, the animal shelter is obligated to contact the pet’s owner. Then the law makes it mandatory to re-scan household pets such as cats and dogs a second time before euthanizing them. The intention of the law is reunite as many lost pets with their owners as possible.

Maddox said the companies that make scanners have agreed to donate them to local shelters in order to keep the cost down. Some critics of the scanning bill argued that the majority of pets in Georgia do not have a microchip, but that may soon change as owners hear about the extra measures shelters will have to take to return lost pets.

Visit the original post at:

http://www.care2.com/causes/animal-welfare/blog/georgia-votes-to-ban-gas-chambers-and-reunite-lost-pet/

Posted By:

Dawn Kairns
Author of MAGGIE the dog who changed my life A Story of Love

Website: www.dawnkairns.com

Blog: Dawn Kairns and Maggie the Dog
Twitter: www.twitter.com/themaggiebook

Become a fan on Facebook of MAGGIE: the dog who changed my life

2009 Indie Book Awards Finalist
DWAA 2008 Merial Human-Animal Bond Award Finalist

Maddie and the Little Pit Bull

Yesterday I played ball with Maddie on the beach. She is so very athletic and agile! It's a thing of beauty to watch her leap into the air with glee to grab the ball, so comfortable and confident with her body. A young man walked by with a young pit bull on a leash. We began talking. The pup was 6 months old, precious, and dying to play with Maddie, barely able to contain herself on a leash at the site of Maddie running. He let her loose and off she went to chase Maddie. Her name was Samin, and she could really care less about the ball. Samin was in for the chase.

The man, Steven, was delighted that his dog followed Maddie into the water. He'd tried to get her to go in on his own prior to today, but Samin wasn't that into getting into the ocean. Well, nothing like an older dog to show her the ropes! Samin followed Maddie out into the ocean like she'd been doing it all of her life. So Steven was delighted. As I was, since it's nearly impossible not to smile from ear to ear watching this dog joy exploding before our eyes!

Then I saw it. The woman walking by with a look of horror on her face... I could almost hear her screaming inside, "Oh my God, that's a pit bull!!!!! Running loose!!!" She took a little step behind her significant other as she looked at us in dismay before hurrying away.

"How could you let a pit bull run loose???!!!" her face seemed to say.

I felt for the woman, for her fear. But I must admit I felt even more for the breed. For how misunderstood they are. How mistreated they are in the wrong hands. For the breed bans. The countless euthanasias. It's true, some may have aggressive genes bred into them, thanks to humans. But can't we judge each dog as an individual rather than stereotype and ban a breed from cities?

I wondered if this woman couldn't read the dog's happy and totally non-aggressive nonverbal language? Did her fear stop her from seeing that this dog was a sweetheart, both playful and loving?

Soon Samin was dragging, unable to keep up with Maddie, who was still going strong. Samin looked at Steven, panting and tail drooping a little.

"I'm whipped, Dad," his face seemed to say. "Maybe we better go now." Steven hooked the leash on to this very obedient girl, and off they went.

Thanks, Steven and Samin. You made my day more joyful for stopping to play. And thanks, Steven, for adopting Samin. One more pitbull rescued from a shelter...one more with a chance to LIVE!

Maybe I'll have to post in the future about the 2 pit bulls my husband and I fostered after Maggie (the dog in MAGGIE the dog who changed my life A Story of Love) died. They sure shattered any stereotypes I may have had about pit bulls being vicious!

Photo: Maddie (front, profile) & buddie, Drake summer 2009 Wyoming camping trip

Posted By:

Dawn Kairns
Author of MAGGIE the dog who changed my life A Story of Love

Website: www.dawnkairns.com

Blog: Dawn Kairns and Maggie the Dog
Twitter: www.twitter.com/themaggiebook

Become a fan on Facebook of MAGGIE: the dog who changed my life

2009 Indie Book Awards Finalist
DWAA 2008 Merial Human-Animal Bond Award Finalist

Book Review: Buckley's Story Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher

My blog often goes to the dogs, but today's post is devoted to their feline buddies -- one special feline in particular named Buckley. This is my review of Buckley's Story Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher by author Ingrid King.

Buckley's Story Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher is a moving love story between a woman and her joyful, affectionate cat that will touch the hearts of animal lovers. Buckley enriched and impacted Ingrid King's life in unexpected ways when she made that decision to make her home Buckley's forever home. With her self-appointed job as official greeter, Buckley brought joy to whoever walked through King's doorway. The author reminds us of the unconditional love our animals offer us and the spiritual beings that they are. She also reminds us to listen to our pets and learn the lessons they have to teach us.

Sadly, Buckley is diagnosed with heart disease after only two years of living with the author and her other cat, Amber. The second half of the book addresses the heartbreaking illness, diagnosis, treatment and final letting go of Buckley that so many pet lovers will relate to. The author also shares good medical information on the symptoms and treatment of this form of heart disease.

Ingrid King shows us both her struggle with and her ability to live in the present and enjoy the short time she has left with Buckley rather than focus on her inevitable loss and death. She also teaches us the importance of following our intuition with our pets even when it disagrees with veterinarian expertise.

I love King's observation that cats create a sense of peace in the home. I had never thought about it before in this way, but I realize how true it is with my own cat, Cinnamon, with the calm presence she emanates. Cat lovers, Ingrid King's passionate love for cats shines through beautifully in Buckley's Story Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher.

Posted By:

Dawn Kairns
Author of MAGGIE: the dog who changed my life
www.dawnkairns.com
www.maggiethedogwhochangedmylife.blogspot.com
twitter.com/themaggiebook

Pilots N Paws Saves Innocent Animals From Euthanasia

What is PILOTS N PAWS?
Information taken from Pilots N Paws website with permission
All photos from Pilots N Paws Website

Do you know about Pilots N Paws? They transport large numbers of animals to safety from "kill" shelters to non-kill shelters, rescue groups, foster homes, or a forever home. They do the noble work of saving large numbers of animals regularly who are on the brink of being euthanized.

Pilots N Paws have identified three serious issues that adversely affect animals in our country.

The first and most important issue is that about 4,000,000 animals or more are euthanized annually in the United States. This would not be the case if there were more and better spay and neuter programs and laws regarding owners’ responsibility for their animals.

The second issue is that because the problem is primarily regional a lot of these innocent animals could find permanent “forever” homes if they could be transported from high kill regions to areas with homes available. To accomplish this Pilots N Paws desperately needs more pilots to help with transports.

The final issue is that Pilots N Paws feels that while aviation has proven to be a successful way to transport animals to safety, general aviation in this country is threatened. See their website at http://pilotsnpaws.org/ for more details on this issue.

"It is truly the best of humanity working hand in hand to save these animals from euthanasia along with other remarkable stories such as service dogs, therapy dogs, two pups coming to the U.S. ... who were adopted by American Soldiers, just on and on......it is extremely rewarding and heartwarming."
-- Debi Boies, Co-Founder, Pilots N Paws

The Pilots N Paws Team

To transport many animals to safety is a large undertaking, and it involves shelters, rescues, foster homes for animals and pilots. Each will play a role in the success of a rescue mission and each must commit to its success.

At least three parties will make up each “team” participating in a rescue. The starting point is the sending shelter or rescue. They will dedicate themselves to making one or more animals available to be transported to safety. They will pair up with the receiving rescue, shelter, or adoptive home. These two parts of the team will be central to the event. Ideally the receiving party should be no greater than 300 miles in a straight line from the starting shelter because the majority of the planes that will be used will be able to do a transport of that distance. Anything beyond that distance is likely to eliminate some types of planes, making it more difficult to find a pilot willing to do the transport. However, if the distance has to be greater all is not lost, it just narrows down the number of pilots that will be willing to consider the transport. If the distance gets much greater than 300 miles then Pilots N Paws encourages the shelter to locate an intermediate shelter, rescue, or foster, and treat the transport as a relay with additional start and end points.

Pilots N Paws asks that if you are a potential receiving shelter, rescue group, or foster who is willing to participate in any way, that you contact shelters, rescues or fosters in high kill areas and offer to receive the animals that are pulled for the Pilots N Paws rescue. If you only want dogs or even specific breeds of dogs let them know, but don’t remain silent. Having people available to receive the animals rescued is critical.

The final part of the three part team will be the pilot(s). Once the sending and receiving rescues have joined, pilots will be able to identify that transport as one they will volunteer to do.
See the Pilots N Paws website and form for more specific details for how the team is set up.

The Pilots N Paws Website and Discussion Forum

Here's how it works. The Pilots N Paws website is a meeting place for those who rescue, shelter or foster animals, and pilots and plane owners willing to assist with the transportation of animals. Pilots N Paws do not coordinate the volunteers who provide rescue, shelter & foster services, nor do they arrange these services. They do provide the environment for those involved to come together in a common place and arrange or schedule rescue flights, overnight foster care or shelter and all other related activities.

If you participate you are encouraged to check the discussion board daily at http://pilotsnpaws.org/forum/ for new listings for the purposes of volunteering or assisting in efforts to save animals. This is where information about transports is publicly exchanged. Then an entire transport can be set up and all necessary information to successfully accompish the goal can be shared. This is where you can volunteer your efforts if you see how you can fill a need. All who participate in the discussion board are working for a common goal.

There are links to general information that is specific to pilots or those involved in the sheltering or rescue, and Pilots N Paws requests that these be respected and used just for those purposes.

Posting for a transport is the key to success. Transport needs must be posted as soon as possible and the sending & receiving shelters, and the pilot(s) must team up to handle and coordinate their own transports and media coverage. The posting must be in a specific format. Please visit Pilots N Paws at http://pilotsnpaws.org/ or the forum at http://pilotsnpaws.org/forum/ for instructions and examples.

Pilots

Pilots N Paws always needs more pilots. They are a 501C3, so portions of a pilot's flights are considered a charitable donation, says co-founder Deborah Boies. Pilots willing to do an animal rescue transport can use the postings to find a transport that suits their abilities. See Pilots N Paws website for details and instructions. Commercial airlines have and can offer a great service to the transporting of rescue animals. Pilots N Paws invites and encourages other airline employees who are willing and able to provide travel for rescues to participate in this program. Interested airlines and pilots can visit Pilots N Paws and can learn more about regulations of shipping pets on their airlines and on the situation that general aviation pilots are facing at www.gaservesamerica.com.

News

Please visit Pilots N Paws website to see the abundant news coverage they have received for their incredible animal rescue missions.

Thank you Pilots N Paws for the amazing service you do for the animals and bringing together the people who want to help and participate!

"Spay and neuter is our mantra as well as adopt a pet in need." -- Debi Boies, Co-Founder, Pilots N Paws

Posted By: Dawn Kairns

Author of MAGGIE: the dog who changed my life
www.dawnkairns.com
www.maggiethedogwhochangedmylife.blogspot.com
www.twitter.com/themaggiebook

Have Your Dreams Communicated Important Messages About Your Dogs/Animals?

This was another question I asked an online book club as author of the month. Here is Dr. Kay's response, a veterinarian and the author of Speaking for Spot:

I was once working with a dear client who was struggling with end of life decision-making concerning her Husky who was sick with lymphoma. She knew in her heart of hearts it was time to let go, but couldn't proceed with euthanasia, in part because the dog represented an emotional tie to her recently deceased husband. At the appointment time this client scheduled for euthanasia to take place she shared with me what finally allowed her to proceed. The night before she'd had a dream in which she saw her beloved husband kneeling down and her dear dog running excitedly into his outstretched arms.

What a confirmation this client received from her dream to help her make the most difficult of decisions about her beloved dog. Thank you, Dr. Kay, for sharing this dream with us. I woke up to the intuitive and even clairvoyant power of my own dream messages during my life with my soul mate black labrador, Maggie, and share many of them in my book, MAGGIE: the dog who changed life What about you, what important messages have you received through your dreams about your precious animals?

Posted By:

Dawn Kairns
Author of MAGGIE: the dog who changed my life
www.dawnkairns.com
www.maggiethedogwhochangedmylife.blogspot.com
www.twitter.com/themaggiebook