Bark Blog

Pets Seek Shelter From Floods

When folks in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and other river communities near the Mississippi evacuated in anticipation of flooding, many of them didn't get a chance to retrieve their pets. Or if they did, they couldn't find a safe haven that would accept them. The New York Times reports on animal flood victims, the good people who are volunteering their time, energy and money to temporarily shelter them and hopefully, reunite them with their families.

As someone who experienced Hurricane Katrina firsthand, I'm heartened to know that authorities now recognize the importance of pets in people's lives. However, awareness doesn't necessarily lead to action; people should not have to resort to living in a car with their dogs because there are no pet-friendly, temporary housing options.

To ensure that your pets will be safe in case of an emergency, create a disaster plan now. Make a list of items you would need to bring, such as food, bowls, medicine, collar, leash, etc. Contact out-of-town family and friends to ask if you and your pets could stay with them in case of an emergency.

Donations for area flood victims are welcome through the HSUS, Cedar Valley Humane Society,Cedar Rapids Animal Shelter, Last Hope Animal Rescue and Companion Animal Network.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Challenges for Backyard Rescues

As more citizens open their homes to foster shelter dogs and support small independent rescue efforts, conflicts with neighbors are bound to increase. The travails of a backyard rescue in Brookfield, Wisconsin, reveal some of the nuts-and-bolts challenges and consequences for activists -- and the electeds who regulate them.

Lisa Wogan

Search Dogs to the Rescue, ASAP

There's an interesting story about search and rescue dogs in the current issue of The Forensic Examiner, the official journal of the American College of Forensic Examiners. (You never know where you'll find worthwhile canine news.) John Lechliter reports that studies frequently show search dogs are the most effective way to find missing people. That's probably not a big suprise to BARk readers. What is surprising is how often authorities hesitate or call in search dogs only as a last resort. Lechliter says dogs should be an early option and that volunteer SAR teams deserve greater visibilility and support. Hear, hear!

Lisa Wogan

Saving Sabrina

I recently received an update on Sabrina, a sickly stray found wandering the streets of my former home of New Orleans. Sabrina had been suffering from an advanced stage of mange, which left open wounds on her furless skin. What's worse, some idiot had misguidedly poured diesel fuel all over her body to "cure" the mange.

Thankfully, she was rescued by Kim Johnson, a volunteer with Animal Rescue New Orleans, and Feral Cat Consortium, which sponsored Sabrina's vet care until funds could be raised. Kim's networking efforts brought in donations big and small to cover Sabrina's entire $1,300 medical bill. If you look at the before and after photos posted here, it's hard to believe it's the same dog.

In her email update on Sabrina, Kim wrote:

We don't need any more donations for Sabrina, but if you're feeling a bit generous, our animal rescue work continues. I am still working on trapping one dog with an embedded collar and open neck wound, and another dog with what appears to be an older broken leg... Those will both need medical care when I get them. ... [for] a tax deductible option, I work closely with Feral Cat Consortium. They help dogs too. They fronted Sabrina's vet bills until donations came in and they are a 501(c)3 corp. Their mailing address is Feral Cat Consortium, 4 Summer Haven Ct., Madisonville, LA 70447.

Please support any of the local animal rescue groups, and there are many good ones to choose from. ... We can't do it without everyone's help, and we appreciate support of any kind. But most importantly, the animals we help are living proof that the support network works. So thank you, to everyone who does their part, no matter how big or how small, for the animals.

I think Kim's last sentence -- and the "after" photo of Sabrina -- says it all. When people pull together, animals get a second chance.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Oprah Exposes Puppy Mill Horrors

On Friday, April 4, tune in to Oprah Winfrey's show for an undercover investigation of the horrors of puppy mills. These commercial breeders provide purebred puppies to pet stores nationwide.

The American Kennel Club contacted its community of dog fanciers with pre-emptive concern about Oprah's subject matter. The statement read:

"Dear Fancier: As you probably know, Oprah is airing a show tomorrow (Friday, 4/4) on the topic of "Puppy Mills." While the show was previously taped, we have been in touch with the producers about our desire for responsible breeders to be represented, and they have allowed us to submit a 2 line statement which they said will be incorporated into the show. They have also stated that there is no specific intention to malign purebred dogs or the AKC.

"We will be watching the show along with you and, if warranted, we will respond publicly. However, it is our hope that Oprah's interest in animal welfare will help open up a dialogue on the issue and that AKC and the dog fancy will continue to be engaged."

If AKC wants to demonstrate a sincere interest in animal welfare, it will no longer allow commercial breeders and pet shops to register puppies with AKC and do its part to educate the public as well.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Struggling Shelter Flooded; Situation Desperate

Last November, Franklin County Animal Control in Benton, Illinois (southeast of St. Louis, MO), burned to the ground, resulting in the tragic death of more than 50 animals. The dedicated shelter staff and volunteers have made do with limited resources ever since. Rather than turn animals away, cats and kittens found refuge in a storage shed and dogs and puppies survived one of the coldest winters on record in outdoor kennels pulled from the ashes. Donations are desperately needed to rebuild, but the shelter is located in a rural area of southern Illinois where public and private funds are limited.

To make matters worse, the shelter is now struggling to stay afloat, literally, after days of rain caused flooding. In the words of the shelter director, "PLEASE PLEASE BEG PEOPLE TO HELP US. We've ... been out in the rain for the last two days getting soaked trying to get tarps back up & help all these animals, but the situation is hopeless."

Foster homes are needed most, according to Michelle Parson, President & Dog Program Director of A Caring Place Humane Society in nearby Darien, IL. If you can help, please contact Michelle at (630) 271-9002 or michelle.parson@comcast.net.

Other area shelters are also suffering due to flood waters. The photo above is from the Piedmont Animal Control Shelter, where eight dogs drowned. You can read more here.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Sponsor A Dog, Save A Cheetah

In the south African country of Namibia, farmers have been caught between cheetah conservationists and and keeping their livestock safe from the spotted predator. So the non-profit organization The Cheetah Conservation Fund initiated a win-win solution. The Livestock Guarding Dog Program provides the farmer with an Anatolian Shepherd puppy who is raised with the livestock and will defend them as an adult. The large, barking dogs deter cheetahs from preying on domestic animals and farmers no longer feel the need to shoot the big cats to protect the herd. You can learn more by clicking on Adopt an Anatolian.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Act Against Dog Auctions

Last year, when a controversy was brewing over a new pet shop in the Chicago area, I was sickened by the naive comments of a dog owner. She had purchased her puppy from a pet store. Because her puppy was healthy and well tempered, she didn't understand -- and therefore, did not support -- criticism of pet shops. Her dog was fine, so what was the problem?

For every cute puppy for sale at a pet store, there are tens of thousands of adult dogs who live in commercial kennels. And I use the word "live" very loosely. A dog deserves more than just being "fed and bred." Two years ago, Mary O'Connor-Shaver attended a dog auction and saw firsthand the neglect and suffering of dogs at the hands of puppy mills.

There has been a long-standing controversy among dog rescue volunteers in regards to dog auctions. Some people believe that saving the life of even just one dog at auction is reason enough to go and bid. Others believe that this act, though compassionate, does nothing to increase awareness of the horrors of dog auctions and puts money in the pocket of the puppy millers.

If you want to help stop dog auctions, please go to Animal House and Ban Ohio Dog Auctions. We might not all agree on how best to shut down this deplorable industry, but increasing public awareness of the puppy mill dog's plight is a good first step.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Reward or Ransom For Lost Dog?

I'll never forget that horrible day when Jetta's new owner called to tell me that she was missing. We had fostered the beautiful German shepherd for a local rescue group and grown very attached to her. On the very day of the adoption, a friend came over to visit and left the front door open just long enough for Jetta to bolt. Thankfully, someone suggested I contact Sherlock Bones, an experienced pet detective, and he helped us take immediate action. Within hours, we got Jetta back safe and sound.

Since we were a nonprofit rescue group, Sherlock Bones didn't charge us for his services. I will always be grateful for his generosity. He told us that it was important to scrape together whatever we could to offer as a specific reward on our flyers because that got everybody -- even people who didn't like dogs -- keeping an eye out for her.

Apparently, Bert Clark of Canada received similar advice. The distraught dog lover offered a $15,000 reward for the safe return of his beloved chocolate Lab, Huckleberry. Clark scoffed at a reporter's suggestion that his reward was "excessive." (I think all of us who read Bark would agree!) Soon thereafter, he got his dog back, but questions remain as to whether Huckleberry was dogknapped and the reward was actually a ransom.

Lost in all of the drama over the reward money is the fact that the dog walker left Huckleberry alone outside a cafe while she went inside for "five minutes" to grab something to eat. If a dog were left in my charge -- and I made a living at it -- you better believe that pup would never leave my sight. Now that Huckleberry is safe, I wouldn't be surprised if Clark tells the dog walker to get lost.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Georgia (Dogs) On My Mind

Bark subscriber Jayne Glaser wrote to us with a special plea. She serves on the Board of Directors for Saving Georgia Dogs, Inc., a licensed 501(c)(3) animal rescue charity. “Our goal is to save dogs that are in imminent danger of being killed in animal shelters in rural Georgia,” writes Glaser, “many of whom would face death in the terrifying and inhumane gas chamber.” In addition to rescuing shelter dogs, the grass-roots group plans to open a spay/neuter clinic, create a heartworm treatment/prevention fund, offer humane education in local schools, and help women who stay in abusive domestic situations out of fear over what would happen to their pets.

Now Saving Georgia Dogs needs your help. The charity is participating in a contest sponsored by Parade Magazine and actor Kevin Bacon’s Six Degrees Foundation. The winner receives a $50,000 matching grant to help achieve its goals. To learn how your donation -- no matter its size -- can make a difference, please go to Saving Georgia Dogs, Inc. The contest ends January 31st, so hurry!

Julia Kamysz Lane

Shelters Rock

As the proud guardian of a former Seattle Animal Shelter pup, I add my voice to the songs in praise of shelters during this National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week (Nov. 4-10). While I’m not a huge fan of setting aside official days for everything from child dental care to air conditioning appreciation (these are for real) , I welcome the opportunity to sing the praises of shelters (and rescue organizations and foster families) that help find loving homes for abandoned and neglected dogs, cats, bunnies, birds and more.

If you’re looking for ways to mark the occasion with good works, check out the Humane Society of the United States’ Ten Ways to Show Your Local Animal Shelter Some Love.  Donating beds, time, money and skills are just a few of the ways to support and appreciate these essential resources. Also, in the spirit of the week, take a coffee break with Mutts cartoonist Patrick McDonnell’s Shelter Stories.

Lisa Wogan

Ellen DeGeneres Learns Tough Lesson

Oh Ellen DeGeneres, beloved talk show host, how could you be so ... human? DeGeneres and long-time partner Portia De Rossi adopted a dog who, despite their best efforts ($3,000 on training!?!), could not make friends with their cats. So the couple gave the Brussels Griffon mix named Iggy to their hairdresser and her family. Everything was fine until the rescue group Mutts & Moms called to see how Iggy was settling in. That's when things began to get interesting.

The adoption contract stipulated that if the adopter could not keep the dog, he must be returned to the rescue. That is a standard practice of rescue groups. Why go through the painstaking matchmaking process of adoption applications, references checks and home visits if the dog is just going to be given away again? That's how many dogs end up in rescue in the first place. In a video on her Web site, DeGeneres says the whole point of rescue is finding a good home for the dog. That's right -- the RESCUE finds the home, not the adopter who decides to give up the dog.

DeGeneres's heart was in the right place, but she still needs to follow the rules just like the rest of us. If the family was indeed a good match, there's no reason why the rescue wouldn't have adopted the dog to them once notified of the situation. Now the rescue is in a bad spot. If they adopt out Iggy to someone else, the other family and DeGeneres will make a big stink. If the rescue gives Iggy back to the family, it sets a terrible precedent for all future adoptions. It's a shame that both parties couldn't have handled this in a more civilized fashion, for everyone's sake.

Julia Kamysz Lane

88 Chihuahuas, Pugs, Poodles, Yorkies Need Homes

Backyard breeding is one of my biggest pet peeves because it stems from greed. Mattie Barber Rowell of southeastern Louisiana was recently booked on animal cruelty charges after 88 small dogs were rescued from filthy living conditions. They included Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Poodles, Pugs, Schnauzers and Yorkies. Some were so badly matted that they couldn't even walk. Two dogs had ulcerated eyes. All of them were infested with fleas and approximately one third were heartworm positive. Rowell surrendered her ownership rights and St. Tammany Humane Society in Covington, Louisiana, is doing its best to care for the dogs and find them new loving homes. To make a donation or adopt, please call the St. Tammany Humane Society at (985) 892-7387.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Devoted Dogs Guard Deceased Owner

Concerned neighbors contacted police when they hadn't seen 66-year-old Sandra Cherichella of West Paterson, New Jersey, for two weeks. Sadly, the elderly woman was discovered dead, most likely of natural causes, in her home. Her two beloved Border Collie mixes, Shaggy and Kathy, were guarding her decayed body. The house was filthy and filled with feces. The grieving dogs were dirty and suffering from mange, plus there was no food or fresh water. Police believe Cherichella could've been dead for nearly two weeks.

Lysa DeLaurentis, the animal control officer on the scene, couldn't bring herself to take the 10-year-old dogs to the shelter, where she was sure they would be euthanized. Instead, she brought them home to buy them some time and help them get healthy in hopes of finding a new home. If you'd like to help with Shaggy and Kathy's medical treatment, donations may be sent to:

All Humane Animal Control
781 Ringwood Ave
Wanaque NJ 07465

Or for more info, please call (973) 616-8569.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Puppy Buyer Discovers Gruesome Conditions

Last week, a potential puppy buyer drove to Pickett's Pride American Bulldogs, a breeder in north Houston, and discovered dozens of dead dogs and nearly 70 more emaciated animals in need of food, water and clean living conditions. Pickett's Pride owner Kathy Drobina has since been arrested on cruelty charges.

The Houston SPCA was awarded custody of 47 American Bulldogs and 10 cats. Animal Cruelty Investigator Howard Goldman sent an email to dog rescues around the country, asking for their help. He wrote, "We need to find good homes fast to avoid having to euthanize. Please contact me if you know any established rescue that could help the Houston SPCA help these dogs." Goldman can be reached at hgoldman@hspca.org or (713) 869-7722, Ext. 171. The shelter is located at 900 Portway Drive, Houston, TX 77024.

Julia Kamysz Lane

Noah's Wish Settles Katrina Allegations

In the weeks following Hurricane Katrina, many nonprofit groups kicked off fundraising campaigns on behalf of victims. I truly believe the majority were well intentioned. As I mentioned in a previous post, the Attorney General of California investigated Noah’s Wish for its alleged misallotment of Katrina funds. The humane organization raised $8 million as part of its Katrina animal victim campaign. That's quite a bit of money; I imagine such a charitable windfall proved more than the nonprofit could handle.

According to a Mutual Settlement Agreement and Release signed last month by California’s Deputy Attorney General, former Noah’s Wish founder and director Terri Crisp, and current Noah’s Wish Board Chair Amy Maher, “The Investigation examined the following allegations: (1) that contributions made to Noah’s Wish for the purpose of rescuing and caring for the animal victims of Hurricane Katrina were not used for this specific purpose; (2) that Noah’s Wish did not properly classify and account for the contributions received following Hurricane Katrina; (3) that Noah’s Wish lacked adequate fiscal controls over its funds; and (4) that problems existed regarding board governance. Noah’s Wish disputes each and every allegation.”

As part of the settlement, “Noah’s Wish agrees that it will not appoint Terri Crisp to the Board of Directors nor will it employ her in any manner.” Also, “Terri Crisp agrees that she will not serve as an officer, director or trustee, or in any position having the duties or responsibilities of an officer, director, or trustee, with any nonprofit organization for a period of five (5) years from the execution of this Settlement Agreement.”

Whether she was guilty of the aforementioned allegations or not, you’d think that Crisp would play it safe and keep her distance from disaster relief or nonprofit groups for awhile. Instead, per a former Noah’s Wish volunteer, Crisp has quickly founded another nonprofit, Animal Resources. Like Noah’s Wish, her new organization focuses on rescuing and caring for animals from disaster areas. I am an admittedly cynical person, so all I can muster is a sincere hope that both organizations make good use of their second chances, for the sake of the animals and the donors who want to help them.

 

Julia Kamysz Lane

Show Me the Money

After Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, it seemed like thousands of nonprofit groups initiated fundraising campaigns on behalf of victims. In the months that followed, there were public rumblings that some groups were not following through; they were taking donations in the name of Katrina victims, but directing it to victims of other disasters or using it for other projects altogether. Allegedly, such was the case with Noah's Wish, a nonprofit humane organization based in Sacramento, Calif. In the course of a civil investigation initiated in March 2007 by the California Attorney General, Noah's Wish founder and director Terri Crisp abruptly left the organization. The group recently settled though denies mismanagement. Four million of the original $8 million it raised on behalf of Katrina animal victims will now be under state control to ensure it goes toward its intended purposes, such as building a new animal shelter in Slidell, La. 

Julia Kamysz Lane      

This Puppy Needs Your Help

This just in from Rocket Dog Rescue:

This tiny pup, about 6–8 months old, was saved by shelter workers in Los Banos, CA, along with his badly injured brother. The third puppy was, sadly, deceased at the scene. All three (weighing about 5–7 pounds each) were hit by a car that then sped away, not stopping to see if the pups could be saved.

The shelter staff worked hard to save both of the pups and were devastated
when no one showed up to claim them. As the days went by and the shelter
became more crowded, they were forced to have to put dogs down to make
space for these puppies. They asked Rocket Dog rescue to come and take some, and we did. We saved six dogs that day so that none would have to be put down (it was really a great day!).

This sweet little dog, whom the shelter named "Scooter," wants a chance at a new life, in a happy and stable home, with a person to love who will never leave him. Scooter is happy and seems so trusting—it's as if he has never seen a bad day in his life. This small dog wants to fill your life with love (and he can do it!). He is a tiny guy with a giant heart and he's ready to open it to you.

Please, if you are able, donate to help with Scooters veterinary expenses!!!

More Volunteer Training from Noah's Wish

Noah's Wish—a "not-for-profit, animal welfare organization, with a straightforward mission: We exist to keep animals alive during disasters. That's it"—is holding training sessions across the country to train volunteers to be able to help out in disaster situations. Upcoming training locations include Wisconsin, Alaska, British Columbia, Alberta and Virginia. Sessions are filling up, so be sure to sign up early.

Noah's Wish provided vital services to hundreds of displaced animals after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. There is always a need for more volunteers trained in disaster response, and Noah's Wish

offers individuals, through its Volunteer In-Field Training, a new way in which to help animals during disasters. This program is unique in that it is the only training that prepares volunteers to respond to disasters by setting up a simulated temporary shelter and providing them the opportunity to experience most aspects of an actual mobilization.  Once volunteers complete the training they become a valuable resource to Noah's Wish making it possible for animals to receive all the services they so desperately need during disasters.  In many cases the animals would not get the help they need if it weren't for the dedication of the Noah's Wish disaster response team.

Disaster Response Training

Noah's Wish has another training weekend scheduled, this time in Los Angeles. Here's the press release:

Noah's Wish will be in Los Angeles to recruit and train volunteers for their National Animal Disaster Response Team from March 31 through April 2, 2006. The non-profit organization that works exclusively to rescue and shelter animals in disasters will conduct a three-day training program, which is a requirement for volunteers who want to participate in animal rescue and shelter during disasters. Noah's Wish relies on this trained volunteer corps to respond when disaster strikes.

Noah's Wish responded to Hurricane Katrina and set up a temporary shelter in Slidell, Louisiana, 72 hours after the storm devastated the Gulf Coast. Almost 2,000 animals were rescued and cared for in the three months following the disaster. The massive animal rescue effort was made possible by over 1,000 volunteers who responded from across the United States and Canada.

"Volunteers are the heart of Noah's Wish; without them, our work would not be possible," said Terri Crisp, Founder and President. "Our training is unique because it is the only program that simulates the disaster environment and prepares volunteers for the emotional and physical challenges of working to save animals in areas of total destruction and chaos."

Participants stay on-site for the hands-on training that includes team building and instructional classes. The agenda includes safety, procedures for processing paperwork, animal care and handling, search and rescue procedures and disaster preparedness.

Wade Beane, Director of Educational Programs, will lead the training, joined by Terri Crisp and at least six members of Noah's Wish. Crisp has been saving animals in disasters since 1983. Her unmatched experience has made her the expert in the field of managing animals in disasters. Terri is also the acclaimed author of "Out of Harm's Way" and "Emergency Animal Rescue Stories." She also helped co-write an animal disaster training course for FEMA.

For individuals who are not able to attend the three-day training, Noah's Wish will hold a free two-hour public information session on March 31 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Participants will learn more about the organization and hear first-hand accounts of animal rescue during Katrina from Crisp and other members of the response team. In addition, lifesaving information about disaster preparedness for animals will be
provided. Registration is required for the three-day training and is also required for the Friday night session. Location: Camp Trask, 1100 North Canyon Boulevard, Monrovia, CA 91016. Due to limited space, please register now and note that people will not be admitted for either the training or Friday session without pre-registration.

For more information and to register, please visit www.noahswish.org, email  info@noahswish.org or call (916) 939-9474.

Disaster Response Training

Wish you could have helped more during the hurricane Katrina disaster but you just didn't know how to begin? Noah's Wish, a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, works exclusively to rescue and shelter animals in disasters, and they train volunteers in disaster rescue, too. Founder and President Terri Crisp describes it like this: "Our training is unique because it is the only program that simulates the disaster environment and prepares volunteers for the emotional and physical challenges of working to save animals in areas of total destruction and chaos."

The 2006 training schedule is already underway, but there's still time to enroll in upcoming courses. The next three-day training session will be held in St. Louis, Missouri, March 3, 4, and 5. For the rest of the 2006 training schedule, click here.