Friday, September 30, 2005

sweet sixteen...paws that is...

Whelp, I've done it again. My Friday night will be a yowler. I'm transporting two adult dogs and two puppies to the upper crust of Tennessee's border tonight right after work. Once again, my mother and I will taking a little animal adventure together. I'm practically cross-eyed I'm so tired, but cute animals always keep me excited enough to remain coherent.

Posting has been lesser than more this week, other than emergency postings. I've just been ridiculously:
a) busy
b) tired
c) overwhelmed
d) all of the above

"D" would be correct. I'm ready for a weekend and transporting rescues is just the way to get it started off with a smile.

Even though I need the money, I'm having even more fun giving it away through my little charity paintings.

Oh yeah, and I got juried into EBSQ+!!! After looking at the other artists who made it through the jury, I was stunned that I was included. I'm just being honest, not humble. There are some fantastic artists in there. Lovely LoLo is one of them (tho' she's been in the Plus section for a while)...her artwork is awesome.

Toodles now. I shall attempt to take pics of the little smilers on the way up to the upper crusty...

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

Urgent Plea for LA Pits

This is a crosspost regarding the current situation with pit bull pups in the hurricane-ravaged areas--with permission...

"...got this e-mail this morning from a shelter board member. Lacey said it's awful. She said that in Gonzales alone they have about 200 pits. She has formed her own group of people there and they are just going out in the streets and finding strays and distributing food and water. She said there are still dogs in houses and in fenced-in yards and they are only able to feed them, they can't take them. She said a lot of the pits are in or came from the projects. Most of the females have sagging teets from being bred over and over. They have seen dead dogs in fenced-in backyards. She said they are just gathering and crating the ones they will bring back. They have about 12 dogs of various breeds right now to bring back and place. She has pits wandering up and sleeping in her tent at night just happy be with a person. She has 4 female pits and 1 male pit as of right now and she will be coming home this weekend to bring them. We need to find fosters for them to go to ASAP. She said most of these dogs wouldn't be claimed but that they will post them on Petfinder as victims of Katrina and give owners 30 days to claim before they can be placed in permanent homes. She said they still are not letting people back in yet so people have no way of claiming their dogs.

PLEASE, PLEASE pass this on and crosspost widely. We will assist with transport and expenses if necessary. These dogs will be coming to Dickson, TN. I know a lot of you are full right now but if you can just find room for one more I know you will be blessed. I will be taking one of the females. Thank you and if you have any questions you can e-mail me and I'll try to help. Below is the info that I had received by e-mail before I talked to Lacey.

Laura Mucerino (click to email her)
Luvabull Foster & Rescue
Dickson, TN

It is really a very sad situation.
Lacey called me this morning. At this moment in time she has the following she prays you can find a place for:
1. male, intact, thin, very sweet. Brindle and white
2. female, red/white, ok with most other dogs, shows some food agression
3. beautiful blue female-is in an apartment now, she is feeding until she has a place to take it.Let me know.Thanks!"

Monday, September 26, 2005

Hollis and the Tennessee Ninja Team

I love smart people...
Read about Dr. Hollis and her team

Saturday, September 24, 2005

Needed: Buddies for Bullies

This is a CROSSPOST:

Hi all,
You may already know this but just thought I would send this out. PBRC (I am a volunteer) is coordinating pit rescue efforts so if anyone needs assistance with transporting or finding fosters for pit bulls please e-mail them. They are getting lists of people volunteering pits and help transport. There is also a fund to help rescues/fosters that need help with pits. http://www.pbrc.net/fund/katrina.htm

We have many volunteers and friends who have been down and back and down and back to LSU and Gonsales and the number of pits and rotties are HUGE! Thanks for all your help with all these animals, no matter what breed, no matter what species.

Merry Young
merry@pbrc.net
PBRC Adoption Counselor
www.pbrc.net
http://www.pbrc.net/fund/katrina.htm
http://www.pbrc.net/dogpages/east/braveheart11604.html

Friday, September 23, 2005

the beginning of the end...

...tonight I wrote the final check to the lawyer to close my father's estate...in tears; steeped in the bitter abyss of lingering grief...the "business" of his death is coming to a close...little by little I lose my connection to his presence here on Earth...closing doors is so fucking unfair.

...on a less dissonant note, I will be posting another charity auction for the Humane Society of the United States. I hope to have it up this weekend...it might be my favorite so far...I am honored that people have been so generous in buying my art for such a good cause. Some of the major rescue groups have already depleted their funds on this rescue mission, so if you're interested and you've won the lottery lately, well...

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

FINALLY A REASON TO CELEBRATE!!!!!!

Today I am tearful with joy. The Senate voted 68-29 today to prohibit use of federal taxpayer dollars for the slaughter of horses for food export. Click the image for more details. Check out more information on the Stop Horse Slaughter Blog.

Sunday, September 18, 2005

Something to forward to friends...

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A PRESENTATION AND PLEA FOR THE SMALL VICTIMS LEFT BEHIND...

PLEASE CONTACT THE PRESIDENT TO RESCUE THE LAST VICTIMS

Please call or email President Bush and other officials today and urge them to provide assistance to the Humane Society and other rescue organizations to help the animals left in the wake of Katrina.

I changed this post because some anal dweeb reported the site for plagiarism. I sincerely doubt the Humane Society would have minded me spreading the word on an emergency plea for help. Ordinarily I would not post a "replica" of something, but sometimes there are greater things to be accomplished and I view the HSUS as a partner. Some people need more to do. Hell, I even left their credit intact.

Whatever.

Do please just take time to click the link and send a message. THAT was the important part to begin with. Thanks!

Saturday, September 17, 2005

The dish on Katrina (NO) animal rescue--please read the previous post...it's important...

Before you read this post, read the previous post.

...but this one is important, too...

here is a straight-from-the-horse's-mouth email about the animal rescue operations in New Orleans that we have been so terribly worried about:

"Subject: phone conversation with La. Asst. State vet

cross posted from http://www.nola.com pet rescue forum 9/17

11565. UPDATE re Littlefield, N.O. animal rescues
by Lavajunkie, 9/17/05 8:17 ET
posting as a favor: IMPORTANT UPDATE re Asst. State Veterinarian / N.O. animal rescues I want everybody to know of a conversation I had late this afternoon (Friday, 9/16.) with Dr. Martha Littlefield, the Assistant State Veterinarian. She is the front-man in the rescue operations, working closely with the VMAT teams, La-SPCA and HUSA, and even the Mississippi state vet.

This conversation ended a day of many TC's and a few emails with state / government / private sector personnel, including several deans at the La School of Vet Med, the Area Emergency Coordinator (a vet (I think)from Utah volunteering his time,) the logistics coordinator for the US Dept of Agriculture, a gentleman at HUSA that works directly under Wayne Pacelle(who is back in La today,) and the Commissioner (top dog) of the Louisiana Dept of Agriculture and Forestry, the department under which the state vet operates.

To make a long (almost 30 minute conversation) story short, I found her to be of pleasant demeanor, courteous, and informative, as I did the others I spoke with today. She was exceptionally generous with her time. She has been receiving calls on her cell phone (it was published on the web, and yes I have it and her email, but no, I'm not distributing them) 24 hours a day. Many if not most of these calls are nasty, with people cursing at her. Such behavior is unbecoming the caller, and is NOT warranted.

I felt MUCH better about the rescue efforts after talking with her. And, I have complete confidence in what she told me.

The GOOD NEWS:

1. Hay and cat and dog food, along with water buckets, are now being dropped from helicopters into Plaquemines Parish. Much of the Parish is still not accessible by vehicle.

2. They are on the verge of opening two additional shelters; sites have been chosen, and now it is just the logistics of the paperwork, getting electricity turned on, etc. If I had to guess, I would think just a few days until there is substantially increased capacity for animal holding.

She explained to me the actions that were taken BEFORE Katrina hit, and gaveme a history of the rescue operations, and also of the opening of the various shelters currently open.

She (along with the Commissioner) assured me that they have NEVER instituted or called for a 30 day quarantine. What they did do, was council with other vets / health personnel who jointly decided that in order to protect the public health from possible epidemics ("possible" because no one knows what bio-hazards most of these animals have been exposed to, and what diseases they may have acquired in their recent struggle - including those for which fleas and ticks, etc., are vectors) the animals should be held for 15 days, and if transported out of state, should be held for another 15 days, to allow time for owners to claim their pets. So the rumored 30 day quarantine is only a rumor, the 30 day period is to allow pets to be re-united with their owners. A good priority, I think.

Rescue personnel (not shelter / staging area workers) must be creden tialed" by the Dept of Agriculture and Forestry. They want rescuers to have real animal experience to help ensure the safety of the people. She said (not an exact quote, but as close as I can recall) "If you've ever been on the other side of a dog fight, you know it's somewhere you don't want to be." (My note: Ever seen a pit bull in full aggression? They become single-minded, oblivious to commands and physical pain (such as hitting them with a stick to try to distract them.) They will only become distracted long enough to get rid of the irritation - as by biting their owner. I have seen one go through a plate-glass window to attack its litter-mate. And I'm not
talking about a dog trained / bed / raised for fighting - I'm talking about a pet,
a sweet, loving pet who was raised with and loves cats, rabbits, you name it. It can be, in two words, terrifying / dangerous.) Dr. Littlefield went on to comment that ANY breed of dog can be dangerous; their most recent case of a dog killing a child was by a smaller breed (she told me, but I don't remember the breed.) She herself is permanently scarred - from a bite from a small dog.

I implored her to write all that she told me, so the story would be complete, and from the source. She needs to confirm protocol (damn the red tape) but I am hopeful she will do so and distribute, which I offered to do for her. She and her colleagues are NOT the enemy, I am convinced. People working with / under her have even saved mice!

The Dept of Ag is taking a terrible financial toll. History has proven that they will get little or no financial reimbursement from the Feds. I would like to suggest that after things calm down, we set up a fund specifically for that department. if each of the thousands of us contributed just a few dollars, we could substantially alleviate their financial troubles. And maybe consider doing the same for other departments and organizations"

*** Permission to cross post granted ***

Friday, September 16, 2005

TELL YOUR SENATOR YOU WANT HORSE SLAUGHTER TO STOP!!!

THE VOTE HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL NEXT WEEK. THIS GIVES US A CHANCE TO MAKE MORE NOISE - PLEASE KEEP THE PHONES AND FAX MACHINES RINGING, AND FORWARD THIS FAR AND WIDE.

Last June, your efforts were instrumental in the House of Representatives voting to stop the use of any federal taxpayer funds to slaughter horses. Now Senators John Ensign (R-NV) and Robert C. Byrd (D-WV) are expected to introduce an identical measure in the Senate, in the form of an amendment to the Senate Agriculture
Appropriations Bill. If the amendment passes in the Senate, it will in effect stop the brutal slaughter of horses - both wild and domestic - in the United States for human consumption abroad.

Please take a moment to contact your two U.S. Senators TODAY, urging their immediate support of the Ensign/Byrd Agriculture Appropriations Amendment. The Senate will consider the amendment during the week of Sept. 19, so your immediate assistance is critical. We must reach every single member of the U.S. Senate and secure their vote. There is no other way to win this battle for America's horses.


TAKE ACTION TODAY!

  • Call or fax YOUR TWO US SENATORS
  • Ask them to support the Ensign/Byrd Agriculture Appropriations Amendment (prohibiting your tax dollars from being spent on horse slaughter) and respectfully request their specific position on the issue. The fact sheet below can be used for talking points. Your phone call or fax could make all the difference.
  • Pass the message far and wide - it is critical that the phones resonate on Capitol Hill
  • To find your two US Senators, visit www.senate.gov or call the Capitol Hill operator at (202) 224-3121.

    On behalf of the horses, thank you for your support,

    The AWHPC Team
    American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign
    www.wildhorsepreservation.org




    FACTS ABOUT HORSE SLAUGHTER
  • Last year three foreign-owned slaughter plants cruelly slaughtered more than 65,000 horses for human consumption in Europe and Asia.
  • Tens of thousands more of America's horses were exported and slaughtered in other countries. Slaughter is NOT humane euthanasia. Horses suffer horribly on the way to and during slaughter.
  • Passage of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (AHSPA) will reduce animal suffering - hence its wide support throughout the equestrian and veterinary world, as well as the humane community.
  • Americans support an end to horse slaughter for human consumption overwhelmingly (polls from Kentucky, Texas and Utah respectively show that 82, 72 and 69 percent of those questioned oppose the practice). In California, a 1998 ballot initiative (Prop. 6) banning horse slaughter for human consumption passed with 60 percent of the vote.

    1. Sick and old horses to slaughter

      Question: Is it true that slaughter is only a last resort for infirm, dangerous or horses who are no longer serviceable?

      Answer: 92.3 percent of horses arriving at slaughter plants in this country are in "good" condition, according to the US Department of Agriculture's Guidelines for Handling and Transporting Equines to Slaughter.

    2. Neglect and abuse

      Question: Will horse abuse and neglect cases rise significantly following a ban on slaughter?

      Answer: There has been no documented rise in abuse and neglect cases in California since the state banned horse slaughter for human consumption in 1998. There is no documented rise in Illinois following closure of the state's only horse slaughter plant in 2002.

    3. Cost of caring for "unwanted horses."

      Question: If there is a ban on horse slaughter, will horse rescue and retirement groups have the resources to take care of unwanted horses? Should the government have to pay for the care of horses given up voluntarily by their owners?

      Answer: Not every horse going to slaughter will need to be absorbed into the rescue community. Many will be sold to a new owner, others will be kept longer and a licensed veterinarian will humanely euthanize some. Opponents of this legislation admit passage of the bill will not necessarily lead to an increase in the number of horses sent to rescue facilities, precisely because humane
      euthanasia is so widely used. It is not the government's responsibility to provide for the care of horses given up voluntarily by their owners, as these animals are private property. Hundreds of horse rescue organizations operate around the country, and additional facilities are being established (a list is
      available).

    4. A safe and humane solution for sick, old and unwanted horses

      Question: If slaughter is not an option, what will we do with sick, old and "unwanted horses?"

      Answer: Approximately 690,000 horses die annually in this country (10 percent of an estimated population of 6.9 million) and the vast majority are not slaughtered, but euthanized and rendered or buried without any negative environmental impact. Humane euthanasia and carcass disposal is highly affordable and widely available. The average cost of having a horse humanely euthanized and safely disposing of the animal's carcass is approximately $225, while the average monthly cost of keeping a horse is approximately $200.

    5. Export of horses for slaughter abroad

      Question: If there is a ban on horse slaughter in the United States, will there be an increase in the export of horses for foreign slaughter? Will horses suffer from longer transport for slaughter in countries where there may be weaker welfare laws?

      Answer: Horse slaughter has declined dramatically in the United States over the past decade, but there has been no correlating increase in the number of American horses exported for slaughter abroad. Further, the AHSPA prohibits the export of horses for slaughter abroad and contains clear enforcement and penalty provisions to prevent this from happening. Risk of federal
      prosecution and the high costs associated with illegally transporting horses long distances for slaughter abroad are strong deterrents.

    6. Standards of care at sanctuaries and rescue organizations

      Question: Is it true no standards exist for horse rescue facilities that take unwanted horses?

      Answer: The Doris Day Animal League and the Animal Welfare Institute published "Basic Guidelines for Operating an Equine Rescue or Retirement Facility" in 2004. Additionally, the Association of Sanctuaries and the American Sanctuaries Association provide accreditation programs, a code of ethics and guidelines for the operation of sanctuaries and rescue organizations. Horse rescue
      groups must also provide for the welfare of horses in their custody in compliance with state and local animal welfare laws.

    7. Use of horsemeat in pet food

      Question: If there is a ban on horse slaughter, will horsemeat no longer be available for pet food?

      Answer: There is no horsemeat in pet food. This practice stopped decades ago and has some connection to the enactment of protections for America's wild horses in 1971. The US public and Congress were outraged to learn federal agencies were rounding up and allowing the exploitation and slaughter of these
      national treasures for items such as pet food. Some by-products of the horse slaughter industry are used in various consumer items, but they are derived from the rendering of dead horses (a different process than slaughter and not affected by the AHSPA) and other animals.

  • Wednesday, September 14, 2005

    The weight of it all...sigh

  • Some Are Found, All Are Lost...Littlest Victims: The luckiest ones are merely displaced. The unlucky still can't find their parents. For every one, the trauma will last a lifetime.

  • Uncharted Territory...Mental Health Experts Struggle to Forecast Katrina's Psychological Impacts -- and Best Treatments

  • number nine

    Today is our ninth wedding aniversary!

    Somehow we've survived one another. He's neat. I'm messy. He's very structured. I'm very laid back. He's outgoing. I'm shy. He eats things with eyeballs. I don't. He plays by the rules no matter what. I like to bend them according to the situation. He can't give medicine to the cats. Therefore, I am the medicine lady. He grabs our animals and plays with them. I lure them to me with my psychic powers (yes, I'm kidding). He likes to get laundry done. I'll go buy new underwear to keep from doing it. He spits his toothpaste all over the sink. I wipe his crusty toothpaste spit off of the sink. He throws stuff away. I am a packrat. He stays out until 3 with his friends. I'm home before midnight. On regular nights he goes to bed early. I like to stay up late (or at least I used to before I had to start getting up at 5:45 am!) He has the gift of gab. I have the gift of keyboarding. He has a tender heart for animals. So do I. He has a zany, often politically incorrect sense of humor. So do I, except I'm probably less politically incorrect...most definitely zany. I can't figure out why we get along, but we do and I'm blessed to be married to such a great guy :-)

    HAPPY ANNIVERSARY. I LERV YOU MORE THAN GOAT CHEESE (and that's a lot!)

    And, no, that's not us, but it is a pretty funny picture, especially of the man's swimtrunks...

    Tuesday, September 13, 2005

    Updates on Hurricane Katrina Animal Rescue Efforts

    UPDATE FROM Petfinder.com: Nobody loves the Internet and gossip more than me, but we all know the combination can be very troubling. I have become aware of some troubling rumors circulating about the care of the animals at emergency facilities in the New Orleans area.

    Most of the national animal welfare organizations - everyone from Best Friends out West to the ASPCA out East - are collaborating on the disaster relief effort. The rescue teams that are heroically saving pets are a mish-mosh of agencies as are the people running the temporary shelters. It is heartening to see staff and volunteers from groups as diverse as The HSUS, The Animal Rescue League of Boston, KittyCo Rescue and Last Chance Ranch all working side by side triaging pets, scooping poop and making food drops.

    There are several troubling rumors right now that are harming the morale of the animal welfare community. I care about this because our own Petfinder people are down there. Mike and Joan, known to you as the Petfinder press team, are taking photos of pets as I type this (they also happen to be my parents). It is important for you to know that the people who are there are committed and caring.

    So here are some things to keep in mind: we've been assured that no animals are being euthanized for space. In fact, they are working to move hundreds of animals a day into other shelter facilities throughout the state and country to ensure they have enough space to accept more. Also, no owned pet will knowingly be adopted without giving their family ample time to locate them.

    If temporary sheltering and emergency response were a perfect science, we wouldn't call these events disasters. But they are disasters. Please know that there are major forces at work to reunite these pets with their owners. Together we will rebuild. Together -- in partnership with every single one of you reading this. -Betsy

    Fantastic article on what the situation is like for the rescuers...from St. Petersburg Times...at the end are some resources if you want to help.

    Rescuers search city for marooned animals

    excerpts:
    "Maretti, a Chico, Calif., firefighter, climbs inside through a back window and pushes a small brown dog through the back door's metal railings and into Elmslie's waiting hands.

    But he's got an 80-pound problem. A listless black retriever mix lies inside, too weak to move or even bark.

    The pair tries to use a crowbar and a 2-by-4 to force open the metal security door. When both fail, they summon other rescuers and form a human chain to lift the hulking dog through a window and over the putrid floodwaters into the boat.

    Finally, they succeed.

    One saved. Perhaps tens of thousands more to go."

    ...The water rescuers move swiftly and listen for barks, meows and almost inaudible whimpers. Many rescuers are old hands, having responded to disasters all over the world, including the tsunami in Thailand, floods in India and oil spills in Spain and South Africa.

    But this rescue is different.

    'This is one of the worst disasters I've ever seen, primarily because of the huge devastation,' said Anand Ramanathan, a veterinarian who heads IFAW's disaster relief programs."

    ...'We take every one we can get,' he said. 'If we think that there's any chance at all that this animal is going to make it, we take it.'

    Craig will sit for hours on the median and wait for teams to bring back their catches. He sends the rescuers out with a warning about the murky water.

    'If you slip and fall, I'll have to kill you where you fall,' he said smiling. 'You kids have fun. Check in with dad every so often.'"

    ...Laura Maloney, executive director for the Louisiana Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said the group takes in 500 animals a day. At this pace, she expects to have shuffled at least 9,000 animals through the shelter by the end of this week.

    'We're racing against the clock,' she said. This is the biggest disaster we've ever seen in our history for animals.'

    More examinations occur at the Expo Center. Animals are treated for injuries and put in stalls. Volunteers create an identification file, which contains each pet's care instructions and, if possible, the address at which they were rescued.

    Soon, Maloney said, volunteers will post photos of each animal on a Web site, www.petfinder.com with the hope of reuniting pets and owners. So far, about 100 animals have been reunited.'"

    ...The rescuers compare dog bites; rub their lesions with Betadine and scrub their hands incessantly with bottles of Purell hand sanitizer.

    They also talk about the ones they left behind.

    'We were full; we couldn't bring them back,' said Sam Hall, a Largo developer who joined the effort late last week. 'A lot of them aren't going to make it through the night.' The crews vowed to return, but bad news doused their plans.

    The temporary veterinary triage center in Jefferson Parish was not accepting animals. Dozens of animals sent there earlier in the day were turned away.

    There were no more empty crates for the animals left behind.

    Craig, the operation leader, worries that the dogs already in the crates will overheat. He orders the crews to pack up and head to Gonzales.

    'I want to get these dogs there alive," he said. "I'm not wasting everybody's good work.'

    But when they reached the Expo Center, there was more disappointment. Officials there turned them away, too. It was already overcrowded.

    The team eventually found refuge for the animals at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Every animal, even the injured, made it there alive.

    But the day had taken its toll on the water rescuers.

    'I'm disappointed,' said Shirley Minshew, and IFAW disaster on-site coordinator from Macon, Ga. 'The animals haven't done anything wrong, and it's not fair for them to pay the price. We're risking our lives being in that nasty water to save these animals because we believe in what we're doing.'

    With the shelter closed to incoming animals, the rescuers spent Sunday loading up animals for shipment to Houston."

    PLEASE HELP; GIVE TO:
  • ASPCA | Read the Rescue Diary
  • LSU School of Veterinary Medicine
  • Humane Society of the United States
  • Noah's Wish
  • Best Friends (yeah! they have set up a shelter in St. Bernhard's Parish where the animal population was in dire need! thank you!)
  • IFAW
  • American Humane Association
    -->Check out your organization here: Charity Navigator

  • Monday, September 12, 2005

    Someone needs to tell the truth...

    Originally, the HSUS dispelled the animal shoot-to-kill order as rumor, but as people who have been displaced to my city have been interviewed the stories are clear and quite unpleasant. One man, who wanted to bring his animals, was refused and they shot his animals right in front of him. His words: "'They made us get out of the parish, and I wanted to take my animals (but)they shot my animals right in front of me,' said Miller.'" He has one dog left, Sassy.

    Link to that story:http://www.wbir.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=28517




    Also, there is this video from Dallas News where a now-famous Sgt. Minton is busy shooting animals (hurry while it's still working--GRAPHIC WARNING):
    http://www.dallasnews.com/s/dws/photography/2005/katrina_video/straydogs.html




    And, another PLEA from a blog from the Gulf Coast, GulfSails (http://gulfsails.blogspot.com/2005/09/kelsey-pet-rescue-speaks.html):

    "OK. The report I got from Dr. White who has been rescuing in St. Bernard Parish is that even though he has brought at least 40 dogs, 1 squirrel (a pet) and a Muskovie Duck-Saturday night and another 35 Sunday night, It is a DIRE problem.

    His words: 'There is an unending supply of dogs in St. Bernard Parish and they are dying.' The shoot to kill order has been given, by local officials, but the National Guardsmen don't want to do it. He asked me to put out a plea to ALL ANIMAL RESCUE GROUPS...WE DESPERATLY NEED YOUR HELP. COME DOWN AND GET SOME.

    I have seen other groups, but why are they not going to where the greatest need is? Please contact St. Bernard Sheriff's Department about housing some, and we mean lots, of these animals. I saw a load of Min-Pins and Skipperkees-I know it's spelled wrong-Saturday. These are pure bred small dogs. Our housing capabilities locally are stretched and the State animal shelters that were set up for the Katrina survivors are filling up quickly.

    Please spread the word to any animal rescuers and potential foster families that we need them."




    I have written to the HSUS about this asking for a straight answer. I hope I hear something. I just want to know the truth.




    More--from Petfinder's forums, related news stories and organizational updates:
  • St. Bernhard's Parish Needs Help
  • Mass Euthanasia by HSUS??? THIS IS A FALSE RUMOR!!!!
  • St. Bernhard [parish] Shooting Helpless Animals
  • Animal Friends of Katrina--InfoPage
  • OUTRAGE! letting business owners into NO; why not pet owners?
  • Snowball's Chance | Snowball FOUND

  • Call Now! The Senate vote is upon us!

    (from the Humane Society of the United States)

    Thanks to the outpouring of support and assistance from our members, supporters, and friends, The Humane Society of the United States is continuing our animal rescue operation in response to Hurricane Katrina. We know it is a difficult time for both people and animals and, now, we face another enormous challenge. We need your help immediately to save our horses.

    A crucial vote on whether to end the slaughter of American horses is expected to take place as soon as Tuesday, Sept. 13, in the U.S. Senate. This is our big chance to stop the annual killing of 90,000 American horses for food exports. It is absolutely essential that we reach every single member of the U.S. Senate today to secure their votes for the Ensign-Byrd horse slaughter amendment. Please call and email your two U.S. Senators today!

    1. Make a Call. Please make a brief, polite phone call to each of your two U.S. Senators and urge them to support the Ensign-Byrd horse slaughter amendment to the Agriculture Appropriations bill. Call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to speak to your Senators or call their Washington, D.C. offices directly.

    Not sure what to say? You can simply say this:

    "My name is [your name] and I'm calling from [your city and state]. I'm calling to urge Senator [your Senator's name] to support the upcoming Ensign-Byrd* horse slaughter amendment on the Agriculture Appropriations bill. I care very much about our horses and am horrified that thousands are sent to slaughter for European and Asian markets each year. Thank you."
    *Pronounced "En-sin" and "Bird"

    2. Take action. Send an email to your Senators and urge them to support the Ensign-Byrd horse slaughter Agriculture Appropriations amendment. Click here to contact your Senators now.

    3. Spread the word. Every single Senator needs to hear from concerned citizens like you. Ask your friends and family to call their Senators as well. Click here to tell five friends to take action now.

    You have the power to help put an end to the abhorrent practice of butchering our horses for menus overseas. The U.S. House of Representatives has already passed an amendment to prevent the use of tax dollars for horse slaughter. This tremendous victory could stop the slaughter of horses in the U.S. and prevent horses from being shipped elsewhere for slaughter -- IF the Senate passes the Ensign-Byrd amendment this week. Click here to take action today.

    Please stand with us to spare the lives of our wonderful horses. This is the homestretch -- with your help, we can push this legislation across the finish line and save America's horses from a horrible fate. Thank you for all you do on behalf of animals.

    Sincerely,

    Wayne Pacelle
    President & CEO
    The Humane Society of the United States

    P.S. If you are having trouble clicking on the links above, you can take action by cutting and pasting this URL into a new web browser window:
    https://community.hsus.org/campaign/ensign_amendment

    Sunday, September 11, 2005

    paws everywhere!

    The little lab puppy, Sassy, (there was only one, not two as I expected) sat on my lap the whole trip...
    My mother got kind of attached to Foxy Cleopatra. She really did look like a fox with big bat ears and a lean body. Ma is walking her before we load up.
    I didn't get a great picture of Daisy Mae, who was a dobie-mix. She had lived her entire life in shelters! She was very shy and had the saddest demeanor. She would walk up to you and look at you, but she wouldn't make "pet me" gestures. My heart broke for her. She is headed to a foster home, so I hope she'll learn how to play and romp for the first time.More Daisy Mae, Sassy and Zorro up front with the gal from Nashville who handed off the pups to us.
    Zorro was a big powerful pit bull, but he was an absolute perfect gentleman and laid in the backseat and lounged. Daisy Mae and Foxy were crated so we wouldn't run the risk of too many adult dogs getting riled up. Zorro would not go into the crate, so Daisy Mae had to go in.
    The only peep made during the whole trip was Foxy Cleopatra, who went nuts when the windshield wipers were turned on. It scared the shit out of both of us. The pics are not the best because I had my hands so full that I had to rely on my camera phone.

    Woof.

    Friday, September 09, 2005

    A car full of dogs...

    Tomorrow I will be transporting three adult dogs and two puppies to a city about 1.5 hours from here as part of a rescue transport tag-team. My 71 year-old mother has been commandeered once again to help. She thinks it's neat, but I can tell she's a little bewildered by my activities sometimes. I just love getting these sweet animals to responsible owners who will love and take care of them. Every living thing deserves to be respected. They are gifts to be cherished, not thrown away, abused or ignored.

    I am so excited that my charity painting raised over $200 for the Humane Society! I can't believe that! As Lawrence Welk always said, "Wonnerful, wonnerful, wonnerful."

    I've also decided to start my mid-life crisis early and get my nostril pierced. No, really. Why? Because I feel like it, that's why. I'd like to have one of those tiny studs like the beauties of India wear. Of course, I'll probably get fired if I don't cover it up somehow (I have to keep it in long enough to heal). I work in an ultra-conservative office. How did that happen?

    So, where did all that whining go about the fieldwork position you wonder? The terrifying prospect of working so many more hours a week, the getting out the door before the sun comes up. Tremble! Tremble! Tremble!

    Turns out it ain't no thang.

    Why? Because learning something new, useful and personally meaningful has reawakened my poor corporatized soul. I have actually had more energy than usual. The proof is in the pudding (I prefer vanilla, by the way). Now, tonight I really am tired, because I don't sleep more than four or five hours a night and it has caught up with me, but I am hoping I can eventually get my body out of insomnia mode. I haven't had a good night's sleep since Daddy died.

    That's a whole other story.

    That I don't want to talk about right now.

    There have been a lot of folks from the devastated Gulf Coast who have displaced to our area. I will probably get to work with them in a professional capacity which, I think, could be really rewarding and useful.

    So, I think that catches us up for now. I have been really overwhelmed at work and elsewhere as well, so I've not been up to posting much more than urgent messages. Hopefully I can get back to my cantankerous postings someday soon. There is too much sorrow and devastation right now.

    I will look forward to my happy carload of doggies tomorrow to bring us joy and amusement. I shall, of course, try to take photos if they are not camera shy.

    Then I'll get my nose pierced.

    Because I'm 40.

    And I can.

    Storm Aid

    STORM AID SITE

    Wednesday, September 07, 2005

    Wow!

    You guys are so generous! I'm floored. Click on the charity auction on the left to see what I mean. *wipes non-PMS tears from eyes*

    Shall We Debunk These Myths Together? Let's.

    From the ASPCA Rescue Diary...

    (I hope they don't mind me posting this, but the rumors are flying everywhere! I'm glad they posted some definitive responses!)

    "Evening Update, September 5:

    Don't believe everything you hear. The ASPCA has investigated allegations that family pets in Louisiana are being taken from their owners and shot. We have found absolutely no truth to this widely circulated rumor. According to reliable sources, one dog was shot and killed after he tried to attack an officer. There is no order to shoot animals unless they are endangering law enforcement officers. You can help keep a volatile situation from becoming even worse by checking out rumors before passing them on.

    Clearing up false information
    You may have heard the rumor that evacuees in Louisiana are being ordered to abandon their animals. In some cases, they have had to leave their animals but there are many animal rescuers in the area. The Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine has assured us that every effort is being made to reunite animals and people. The LSU veterinarian's Office is now coordinating all information about animals stranded in Louisiana. They have a 30-computer and phone bank set up, and are on site, so they are in the best position to combine data and forward it to rescue teams. In Louisiana, people reporting stranded animals or have found an animal should call (888) 773-6489. Outside Louisiana, people should call (225) 925-3980. Information may also be e-mailed to katrina@ldaf.louisiana.gov. The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine website is loaded with very good information and clear instructions."

    Monday, September 05, 2005

    !!!!!RELIEF!!!!! URGENT---PLEASE CROSSPOST !!!!!!!

    Update: 9-5--I think the following crosspost is enough evidence to rest easy about this. With the pervasive chaos that gripped New Orleans, it was worth checking out. A special thank you goes out to Papillion rescue enthusiast Judy B. for sending this information to me.

    SPCA Texas Shelter Update
    ~ !!!cross post!!! ~

    From: Andra O'Connell
    To: AKCparentclublist
    Sent: 9/4/2005 8:32:17 PM
    Subject: [akcparentclubconference] Shelters in Texas

    Many of you know Carl Holder. I spoke with him tonight and he gave me the following report regarding the shelters in TX and what he knew of others. Andra O'Connell
    Secretary, DCA

    From Carl Holder - the update as of Sunday, September 4, 2005 - The situation is not desperate and animals are still coming into the Houston SPCA as well as a number of other shelters and rescue groups. The Beaumont area humane society of SE Texas (an independent shelter) is loaded and has purchased additional runs to house the many dogs. Many of the animals now are going to Baton Rouge and Lafayette shelters. There is a group that is getting the strays that were abandoned.

    There are lots of wild rumors going around. "Shoot to kill" is one of the rumors and simply not true.

    The Baton Rouge local independent shelter is still taking animals. Food is not needed! Many dog and cat food companies are supplying fresh food to the shelters that need it. Local people that were not affected by the hurricane are coming out in mass to volunteer to help at the shelters.

    The Beaumont Texas shelter is NOT adopting animals out because they know who the owners are. Those animals that are not identified are not going to be adopted out right away either to give owners a chance to reunite with them. Many people are coming out daily to visit their pets.

    Please, if people or clubs wish to donate, it needs to be money and given directly to the shelters. These funds will go for the medical supplies and medical treatment of the animals that have been taken in. These are independent, local shelters that are 501 (C)(3) and will give tax deductible receipts. The addresses that you can send money donations to are:

    Humane Society of SE Texas (Beaumont)
    2050 Spindletop Road
    Beaumont, TX 77705
    Capitol Area Animal Welfare Society
    6357 Quinn Drive
    Baton Rouge, LA 70817
    (addresses of the other local and independent shelters will be posted later today)
    Permission to cross post to other lists is granted and encouraged
    Andra

    Judith H. Simpson, AKA Rosalind Foxx, Sara Logan


    Update: 9-5--I have heard from at least one person that this is a rumor and not fact, but I don't have any more evidence from her (yet) than from the original sender of the message. I do not have sources and nothing checks out on Snopes.com or hsus.org. I haven't heard back from the Humane Society, but I would say they are, shall we say, busy. Personally, I think if it was NOT a rumor there would have been a statement made already by the ASPCA, HSUS or other major animal protective/rescue agency. I will continue to post whatever I find out on this. In the meantime, rescue groups are working their asses off to get families' pets back to safety. Last night HSUS were able to recover 140+. Time is of the essence, so I am hoping these poor people are at least due one small happy surprise in the midst of losing everything else. Peace.


    Original info posted on 9-3:
    I cannot guarantee the validity of this information, but it is worth getting out in case there is some truth to it. I am also emailing the HSUS about this. Please also do the same. Info came from Domestic Psychology. We need to find out if this is a rumor.

    "This e-mail came from a dog show group:


    FWD: URGENT Info from New Orleans

    I will write a more detailed post tomorrow, actually today, but my husband finally reached me. He is safe, well protected by our Police force when they are fighting the fires, but I need to get this out ASAP. What he told me is so disturbing and urgent, if there is anyone out there with the power to do something quickly, this has to get out. I do have more inside info but I'm too drained to write more.

    My husband said that a shoot to kill order with regards to animals may begin soon. They believe it is the most humane way to handle the multitude of animals that are starving and ill, or injured. I cannot fathom this, and I can't bear to think that someone's family pet will end like this. Please, please, please try to get this order rescinded. I don't know who it came from. But someone will know the right person to contact. Let them begin on the Westbank, it isn't flooded, and there are secure back highways to come in. The rescues are just waiting for the word to go, and the military is coming in, and they will take care of the criminals that have better weapons than our own police force. I will post more, later after I've rested. Permission to crosspost.

    I stand behind the validity of this information.

    Siberianly,
    Lynn Szymurski
    Richlynn Siberians
    New Orleans, LA
    "

    CROSSPOST AND ALERT OTHERS SO WE CAN DETERMINE THE SOURCE/VALIDITY OF THIS STORY.

    Saturday, September 03, 2005

    And please read this...

    Thanks to Markham's Behavioral Health for the link...
    ZNet Commentary: How the Free Market Killed New Orleans

    and maybe this from an Aussie blog Donate? To Americans? I can tell you this disaster will highlight the weaknesses and imbalances in our nation. And there are many. But you must continue to do good. Every person who has it in them to do good must do so.

    DO please read the following post if you are also concerned about the pets and animals stranded by the storm...there could more disheartening events to follow...

    Horse Rescue Efforts - Hurricane Katrina Relief

    If you are a horse lover, check out what's going on with the National Horse Protection Coalition...posted on Stop Horse Slaughter.

    Before and After

    Before and After Katrina

    (thanks to Knitting in Color for pointing me to the link).

    Friday, September 02, 2005

    Charity Ebay Auction--100% of Proceeds go to HSUS Hurricane Katrina Rescue Efforts

    I hope you have given what you could to help our two-legged friends. I do also hope you will remember their beloved animals--family friends they may have been forced to leave behind. Since I do mostly animal-related art, I thought I would donate this little painting "Wilbur Doesn't Want Seconds" to the Humane Society of the United States. They do good work and need your support in rescuing stranded and hurt four-legged loved ones. I have decided to give 100% of the proceeds to the cause, so please be generous if you are able. I hope to have some more donations to auction over time (as I am able to finish them!). Obviously the watermark is not on the actual painting. Duh.



    Share the love, y'all. This old world needs that more than anything.

    *I am also very happy my company is matching employee donation dollars up to $100k. I think more companies should follow suit. This is such a sad, terrible thing. We need to return to what's real--community, charity, taking care of one another. Without that, what is there? Nothing.

    More perspectives...

    When something big happens here I like to read the international papers to see what other perspectives might be. They are indeed eye-opening and usually a lot less "sugar-coated" than the US media. Of course, don't take any media report as gospel, but it helps to have more than one source for perspective.

  • Australia: Economic ripple effect
  • Australia: America Fails It's Own
  • UK: Criticism of Bush mounts as more than 10,000 feared dead
  • A slide show from Germany
  • UK: Battle for Survival

    and here, the Christian Science Monitor
  • UK: Need is vast, but so is outpouring

  • It's not easy to pack a horse...

    Horse Rescue Groups Mobilizing Hurricane Relief Effort

    In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, horse rescue groups are mobilizing to provide assistance to horses and livestock impacted by the devastating storm and are seeking financial support for the effort.

    The National Horse Protection Coalition, along with Texas based Habitat for Horses and the Louisiana Equine Council have joined forces to assemble and deliver much needed relief for the animal victims of hurricane Katrina.

    The NHPC has secured a donated tractor-trailer that organizers hope will be filled with hay, feed, and veterinary supplies for horses and other livestock who have been displaced by the hurricane.

    "We are hopeful that our efforts will not only reduce animal suffering, but will also help to reduce any further financial and emotional loss to those affected," said Gail Vacca the Illinois coordinator for the NHPC.

    The NHPC is currently seeking donations of hay, straw, horse feed, livestock feed, and veterinary medical supplies which are being gathered in DeKalb, Illinois to be transported to animal welfare organizations who are already set up in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The loaded truck is scheduled to deliver the supplies in Louisiana as early as Sunday, Vacca said.

    "Many of these animals are injured and hungry and in order to ward off any further loss of animal life in the aftermath of this tragedy, we are doing everything we can to get these supplies down to the hardest hit areas as soon as possible," Vacca said.

    While Vacca's group is seeking donations of hay, straw, feed, and veterinary medical supplies from those in the DeKalb, Ill. area, others can make financial contributions are also needed and can be mailed to: National Horse Protection Coalition, 16217 State Route 23 , DeKalb, IL 60115 . Put "Katrina equine relief" in the memo. Information on how to donate online can be found at www.horse-protection.org/info.php?id=75.

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