Bodie

I adopted Bodie from the Oregon Humane Society in Portland. He was returned twice due to separation anxiety, and was an accomplished escape artist. He was only two years old. The first couple of years were tough. He would follow people home if left out in the yard alone for anytime at all. Finally Bodie out grew the terrible two's, three's and four year old stages that Labs are known for. Now all he wants to do is sleep in his recliner, play and give sloppy dog kisses. He fills our house with love and is the best part of coming home at the end of the day. I can't imagine our life without him.

Julie Bliss
Camas, WA

Help stop dogs from being sold into research

Dear Animal Advocates,

The Federal Pet Safety and Protection Act would prohibit Class B Dealers and unlicensed individuals from selling dogs and cats to research laboratories. Class B Dealers are people who collect dogs and cats to sell to the research industry. They sometimes obtain their animals through illegal or unethical means, such as by responding to “free to good home” ads in newspapers, falsifying records to keep the true origins of the animals unknown and stealing pets kept outside in yards. They also buy animals in bulk from “bunchers,” whose methods are even more questionable.

Eliminating Class B Dealers will also take away the profit motive of bunchers, providing a much-needed safety net to ensure beloved pets are not stolen or acquired under false pretenses and sold to facilities that test on animals. What can you do? Visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center Online to email your U.S. senators and representative urging them to support and cosponsor the Pet Safety and Protection Act. You may use the same link to read about this legislation in greater depth. Thank you for supporting the ASPCA and America’s animals.

Courtesy of ASPCA

A Tribute to the Greatest Therapy Dog Ever!

This is truly a wonderful story that demonstrates the incredible spirit of dogs...they are indeed the most forgiving and giving creatures on God's Earth...



Baxter the Therapy Dog, a San-Diego-area Chow/Lab mix who spent years providing care and comfort to humans at the end of life, died last Friday at the age of 19.After a puppyhood of abuse, Baxter grew up to become a certified therapy dog with Therapy Dogs International, and enjoyed fame and fans worldwide for his years of volunteer work at San Diego Hospice, where he spent time cuddling, licking faces, and providing smiles for people in hospice care. He even became the subject of an award-winning book: "Moments with Baxter: Comfort and Love From the World's Best Therapy Dog." Many of those who knew Baxter believe that it was his own ailments that made him such a powerful companion to hospice patients. The arthritis that plagued him during the latter half of his life left him unable to walk. His owner, Melissa Joseph, helped him carry out his duties at the hospice by pulling him around in a cart and carrying him to patients' beds.

Thanks Lynda for forwarding this beautiful story to me.

Skitter's New Family

I adopted this beautiful seal blue Italian Greyhound on July 4th - Independance Day. She's the one in the middle in the photo. She was a puppy mill momma for 6 years and never had the life she should have. It was difficult to seperate her from her kennel mate, Marco ... but Marco has also found a happy home with the Director.

Juliet is now called Skitters because she is skittish about everything! Her recent toe-nail clipping turned exciting. It required 3 techs and the vet to hold her down - and she still won. Next time, she'll get a bit of happy medicine before her appointment. The vet suggested Rescue Remedy which is a herbal treatment for dogs with 'issues'. I add some to her drinking water and it seems to help. Or it may be useful hoping on my part. She has the run of the house, a great backyard with lots of hiding places and a doggie door. She's been wonderful about using the doggie door since day 2.

Her days are spent running and jumping with her new (grouchy) OLD iggy sister. Sometimes her iggy cousin comes for a visit. Skitters wears her catch leash 24/7. If it wasn't for the leash, I'd never catch her. After 2+ months, Skitters will sit on the couch with me and watch TV - as long as we maintain a 24" distance and I don't move.

She will lick my fingers if they are coated with Breyer's All Natural Vanilla/Chocolate Crackle Ice Cream. Nothing else will do. When I come home from work, she momentarily forgets how scary I am. Skitters will bark, wag her tail and do a little stiff-legged hopping dance. I love her dearly, and she is making progress to accepting her new life. She is so beautiful and sweet that it is hard not to just scoop her up and hug her. Someday!

Next goal is going for a walk on the leash - I'm hoping we can pull that off next spring. She has taught me patience! I've told her story to my friends, family and coworkers. I can't imagine how anyone could treat her or any of mill dogs so horribly. She has a forever home now and I'll spend everyday spoiling her. I am so glad the National Mill Dog Rescue let me adopt her!

Riley the Rescue Dog

Riley came to us as a rescue. I saw his picture on Petfinders.com after we lost our beloved Mags to a stroke. We immediately hopped in the truck and headed to the rescue in Texas. We didn't even take time to call. We arrived 3 hours later and found that he had been loaded into a van heading to an adoption event. After a couple of calls and a wild chase to catch the van, we caught up with Riley. We knew immediately that he was ours.

He has had a rough time being treated for heartworms but he is acclimating well and negotiating a truce with our female Aussie, Molly. He is a laid back guy with a gentle personality. He has made it his job to wake us up every morning at 7am. He jumps on the bed and snuggles with us until we are fully awake. We are so lucky to have found him but I do wish he came with a snooze button. :)

Carla Thrasher
Moore, OK

Courtesy of The Animal Rescue Site

Does Lead in Toys Pose a Danger to Pets?

Whether your pet prefers squeaky rubber squirrels, stiff rawhide bones or fuzzy mice, he or she undoubtedly loves to play with toys. But is the source of your dog's or cat’s merriment safe? Many common household products—including toys for children and pets—may contain trace amounts of lead and other toxins. In most cases, however, the levels of these ingredients in toys don’t pose a significant threat to your furry friend.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) reviewed 200,000 cases from the past two years and produced no examples of lead poisoning from pet toys. According to Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, ASPCA Vice President and Medical Director of the APCC, younger dogs, just like children, are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, but most studies reveal only tiny amounts of lead in pet toys—not a grave risk for acute or chronic lead poisoning in dogs.
“Just because it's 'detectable' doesn't necessarily make it hazardous,” says Dr. Gwaltney-Brant. “Even oxygen is toxic at the right concentration.”

And what about other types of treats such as rawhide bones? Like pet toys, rawhide chews can include trace amounts of pesky chemicals. Dr. Safdar Khan, Director of Toxicology at the ASPCA, believes many dog lovers would be surprised if they learned the true contents of their pets’ treats. But he also adds that pet parents would likely be surprised if they knew the complete ingredients of what they eat and drink, too.

The reality is that a dog is much more likely to suffer obstruction from a rawhide bone than poisoning from a hidden toxin. In general, the smaller the dog, the fewer rawhide treats he should receive, and only give your pet rawhides under a watchful eye. Remember, it’s always wise to supervise!

And lest you think we’re leaving out our feline fans, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when shopping for kitty’s favorite play things:

The wand toy, often adorned with feathers, string or small stuffed toys, is ubiquitous. But take care with it, and watch for pieces of string or other components that might fall from the toy and get swallowed by your cat.

Another popular treat for the kitty set is catnip. Word to the wise—some cats become very excited when smelling or eating it, so be careful about petting your cat until you know how she will respond.

Please don’t let your cat play with rubber bands, paper clips or plastic bags. All can prove dangerous and a choking risk to our feline friends.

For more information about playing it safe with your pet, please visit APCC online.

Courtesy of ASPCA

ASPCA Happy Tails: We Are Family

In April 2007, shortly after they received the keys to their first apartment in New York City, Lisa and John Bolender decided their first order of business was to adopt a dog. The young couple made a beeline for the ASPCA Adoption Center in Manhattan, where they met a special, one-year-old Cane Corso named Aniya, who also goes by the nickname Niya.

“She put her paw up against the glass when I came near, and we knew we had to meet her,” Lisa says. “The first night in our place in New York was spent with Niya curled up with us on a pile of blankets and pillows. She has been devoted to us ever since.”

Eventually, the little family moved back to their home state of Michigan, where they decided to expand their brood. “Niya wanted to play with every dog and person she came across, from sun up to sun down,” explains Lisa. “So John went to the Livingston County Humane Society and adopted Brutis, another Cane Corso, about four months younger than Niya.”

Now the two pooches are best buddies. Says Lisa: “Niya will plop herself down on Brutis' head or back her rear end into his side at least once an hour to get him to play. They run around and follow us from room to room, always jumping on each other.”

But the family didn’t stop there—in March 2008, Lisa and John welcomed a daughter, Ava, into their furry world. “Niya was wonderful with Ava from the start,” Lisa muses. “She even sleeps in Ava's room at night by her bed. Every time Ava wakes up, Niya is the first one she looks for.”

This fun-loving, loyal pooch has settled into life as a big sister and canine matriarch with ease. “She shakes her entire rear end when she is happy, to make up for the lack of a long tail,” Lisa laughs. “She also likes to ‘talk’ to us when she wants to play or just wants attention, and never ceases to get excited to see us when we walk through the door.”

She adds: “Niya is very special to us. She is an essential part of our every day. She makes us laugh and is Ava's best friend. I am so happy that we walked into the ASPCA that day.”

Courtesy of ASPCA

A Barktoberfest Celebration for Pottstown PA area residents

For Immediate Release
Contact: Carol Dietch Long
610.213.9245
cdlong@cdlbiz.com

In a Dog-Eat-Dog World, Local Pet Retailer Finds Her Niche

Pottstown, PA – October 15, 2009 – Today’s climate of big box competition and belt tightening can be tough on small retailers. Lacking the arsenal of resources that bigger retailers have to ensure profitability, small retailers must rely on gut instinct and innovation to stay alive. That’s just what Diane Dietch of Pottstown, PA–based Diane’s Discount Pet Supplies and Adoption Center has managed.

Dietch has accomplished what few small business owners can do – turn a passion into a business and then keep it alive for 20 years. The retail establishment on Route 100 employs 15 full- and part-time people. It has thrived despite the recent economic downturn and the opening of a national pet store just two miles away – without resorting to layoffs. “We have seen a slight drop in sales, so we really tightened control of expenses and thought of new ways to service our customers,” Dietch explains.

For example, over the years Diane’s has introduced new services to keep up with customers’ needs but also to keep cash flow strong. “We started offering low-cost vaccine clinics several years ago,” Dietch adds. “This year we opened a self-service dog wash so people can leave us with the bath-time aftermath.”

Dietch started her business in 1989 when she was 24 years old, but she was already a veteran of the pet industry. “I started cleaning kennels when I was 12 years old. In high school I started working at a local pet shop where I really learned the trade,” says Dietch. It was there that Dietch honed her ability to connect with customers. That connection, and the pleasure she and her staff derive from connecting pets with owners, has helped ensure her business’s ongoing success while still looking after animals’ interests.

It’s no wonder, then, that one offering Diane’s is best known for besides its fully stocked fish room and hand-raised birds is its pet adoption services. “In the past 20 years, we’ve adopted out just over 12,000 dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens,” Dietch adds. To encourage the spaying and neutering of these pets, Diane’s offers a $50 to $75 refund when the owner presents proof that the pet has been spayed or neutered.

Now that Diane’s offers on-site spay/neuter services through the work of Dietch’s veterinarian husband Steven M. Silberman, DVM, the shop can better uphold its drive to help control animal population. “We can now take a proactive step to tackle an ongoing and under-addressed problem – the unfortunate destruction of cats and dogs due to pet overpopulation,” Dietch says.

Dietch’s resolve to help ensure no pets suffer through inhumane euthanasia is evident in her past work with no-kill shelters and her current work with A Shelter Friend, Inc., a nonprofit pet rescue group based in Elizabethtown, NC. “A Shelter Friend sends daily e-mail messages for pets in shelters whose time is running out. If no one commits to rescue the pets, then they are destroyed in a gas chamber, which is a very cruel method of euthanasia.” says Dietch. “We take in as many pets as we can – often meeting the transport van in other states and many times in the middle of the night – so we can find homes for these pets in Pennsylvania.” Dietch’s unwavering commitment to both animal interests and her customers has helped her business succeed and provide jobs in the local community. That’s reason to celebrate – which is exactly what Diane’s is doing on Saturday, October 24, 2009.

“To thank our customers and community, we’re having a ‘Barktoberfest’ celebration,” Dietch explains. “We’re having a big sale and free gifts plus activities, demonstrations, and costume contests for pets.”

Activities include a K-9 North Coventry Police Demo at 1:00 pm, an Exotic Animal Show at 2:00 pm, and Doggie Contests beginning at 3:00 pm for best costume, biggest dog, smallest dog, and best look-a-like. Other attractions include a canine mini-agility course, pet microchipping, face painting, and a bounce house for kids, as well as visits from an animal herbalist, a pet chiropractor, assorted vendors, and more. Food and beverages will also be available.

To learn more visit http://www.ddpets.com/ or call 610.970.7500.

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A chance to showcase your dog!

From Kyla Duffy,
Editor Happy Tails Books

I’m raising awareness about puppy mills and supporting dog rescue groups by publishing breed-specific books full of stories about adopted dogs. The books give proud owners of adopted dogs a chance to showcase them, raise awareness about dog adoption and breed characteristics, and generate funding for dog rescue through the donation of a portion of each sale. The first book, “Lost Souls: FOUND! Inspirational Stories of Adopted Boston Terriers” is available for pre-sale at http://happytailsbooks.com/ and on Amazon.com. The next four books will be about Golden Retrievers, Labs, Dachshunds, and Chihuahuas, and we're planning region-specific mixed-breed books down the road too. We are currently collecting stories for all of our books and would love to hear from anyone who has a great story about their adopted dog. Is there anything you can do to help us spread the word?

Thank you,

Kyla

http://happytailsbooks.com/

Tucker Angel

Tucker Angel had an amazing first day with us after spending 4 months with his foster mom...who taught him how to love and trust humans. Tucker is a former puppy mill dog who, just 4 months ago, suffered extreme mental cruelty and deprivation. He was catatonic and covered with urine when purchased at a puppy mill auction. Lawrence and I are working to continue the efforts of National Mill Dog Rescue compassionate team of folks who rescue these dogs so they can live the rest of their lives as normally as possible.

Tucker is a quiet, gentle little cocker boy who has already endeared himself to many. KC is fine with our newest addition; Zoe, however, is not so sure....Tucker wants to lie by her so I think she'll come around in time. Tucker was with his foster mom, Barb for 4 months before he took a treat from her hand. Puppy mill dogs are so abused; they learn to mistrust humans, spending their lives in metal cages only to breed and make money for their owners. No vet care is supplied, a poor diet can lead to malnutrition and disease; dogs lie in their own feces and urine. I always knew puppy mills were bad; I just never knew HOW BAD! Lawrence and I are honored to have this beautiful soul grace our lives with his presence. We are looking forward to the day when he wags that cocker stub in happiness and believes he has nothing to fear from humans.

Anyway, I encourage you to become more informed and aware of this inhumane treatment of innocent animals by visiting their website and reading about Lily (search this blog for Lily to read the several posts about her incredible life and ultimate salvation). We hope it enlightens you and that you'll share this knowledge with others. There are over 10,000 puppy mills in operation in the US...they sell to pet stores, in newspapers, and online.

Ok, here we are 3 weeks, to the day when Tucker first joined our family. He’s making steady progress, albeit VERY slow progress. We’ve settled into a routine. Tucker began sleeping in a bed downstairs because he was afraid of going up to the bedrooms. He now runs up and down the stairs, but still won’t go into the bedrooms. He usually will pee outside (we have a doggie door which he eagerly learned how to use, but has some accidents when he cannot get outside). Some other “naughty” behaviors: he chewed a bit on my computer cord a few days ago and has dug a couple of small holes in the backyard. No, no punishment for now; he has too many other issues to overcome.

BUT, when you think about the lack of freedom and his horrible, traumatic early years, it’s a small price to pay for his rehabilitation.

Tucker was mute 3 weeks ago, but has begun to bark a bit, and if you listen ever so carefully, you’ll hear this soft whine that says, “I’m cute, come be with me; I know you MUST be really good people.” He will be sleeping peacefully, but let one of us stand up, he’s alert and ready to run (and sometimes does!). Other than that, he’s a sweet and adorable little guy. He’s now wagging his tail (or cocker “stub”) when I call him and will come close. We’ve only touched him 3 times in 3 weeks and he’s never been on a walk (cannot get close enough to him to put a leash on), nor will he allow us to pet him. We’ve chosen to allow him the freedom to heal in HIS time, not ours.

Three weeks ago, he was VERY afraid of any little noise and would startle and run for safety, always staying far enough away to NOT get trapped by a human. He’d circle around the furniture, the spa, the trees, anything that would allow him to stay in control of who’s coming close.

He’s slowing relaxing and now will lie on his side when sleeping nearby; we believe it’s an indication he’s becoming a bit more comfortable around us. He will take treats from our hands, but NO WAY will he stick around if that same hand reaches out to pet him! It’s hard to be so patient when we want to just love on him, but we know the life we’re providing for him is EXPONENTIALLY better than the puppy mill he came from.

Tucker is dependent on bonding with our other 2 dogs, a cocker, KC, and follows our Aussie, Zoe all over the house and yard. He’s made attempts to “play” with them, but still seems a bit unsure how to have a good time as a “regular” dog. His foster mom told me that rescue dogs like Tucker need a “pack” to show them how to be a dog and that they closely watch the behaviors of the other dogs. Is this not an inhumane way to make money? What kind of person inflicts this kind of severe trauma on an innocent, defenseless soul (or kills them when they no longer can serve their purpose)? I imagine that as rescue dogs heal, they go through behavioral stages as those layers and layers of pain, neglect, and abuse become a more distant memory.

Tucker now appears to be in a puppy stage (the chewing, barking, and house accidents), but I can tell that with time, patience, and love, this little angel will continue the healing process and one day, will enjoy being caressed and attended to by his loving human “pack” (At least, we HOPE that’s in the future for us and for Tucker). I would strongly suggest that if you’re considering adoption of a dog as severely traumatized as Tucker, listen to the good folks at Mill Dog Rescue.

They know the needs of each dog and will be ever SO grateful for your generous contribution through adoption. In our opinion, puppy mills should be shut down entirely and their owners prosecuted for animal cruelty. But, as long as people want less expensive dogs than reputable breeders charge, there will continue to be a need.

Please share this knowledge about the harshness of puppy mill life with your friends and family, coworkers and neighbors. Hopefully, we CAN make the difference it takes to apply the pressure for more humane treatment of these precious souls. These dogs NEED good homes, with patient, loving people and the necessary time for healing to take place. Lawrence and I are eternally grateful for the opportunity to help this one little dog. We’d be happy to answer any emails regarding questions that might arise. Thank you Mill Dog Rescue for your tireless work and constant heartache. YOU are the true angels!

Courtesy of National Mill Dog Rescue

ASPCA Happy Tails: A Home of One’s Own

Our loyal readers will remember the fab five poodles who charmed us last year. They were the special pups who needed extra TLC after being rescued—along with nearly 30 other dogs—from a home in Queens, NY. All of these fortunate pooches were adopted, and we recently caught up with the new parent of the fab five’s lone lady, Bonnie. The eight-year-old was beloved at the ASPCA for her affection for other small dogs and calm, collected humans. Now she has a quiet home to call her own.

“My daughter and I first met Bonnie when we visited the ASPCA hoping to get a cat,” explains Patrice Mattia of Manhattan. “We did in fact have a cat in mind who we had seen on the website, but as it turned out, she wasn’t a match for us. My daughter, who had been looking at the dogs, said, ‘What about the little poodle?’ We were able to meet Bonnie that day, and thought she was adorable. I went back the next day to play with her.”

The shy pooch was a perfect match for the family, and they officially welcomed the little lady into their home on August 14. “She is the sweetest little dog in the world,” muses Patrice. “She’s a little on the quiet side, which is fine with me, and her favorite things to do are sleep and eat!” That’s not to say Bonnie’s a bona fide couch potato—she still enjoys her city romps. “Her morning and afternoon walks are energetic, especially if pigeons are around,” Patrice says. “Her night walk is a short ‘walk’ period, just to take care of business, and a long ‘carry’ period—we stay out window-shopping for a long time. She only weighs five pounds, so I swoop her up in my arms.”

Clearly, urban wildlife is still a new and marvelous experience for the previously sheltered lass. “If she’s in the park, she is in heaven and walks and sniffs forever,” notes Patrice. “She almost never barks except when she sees pigeons. Then I think she surprises herself with her own bark, like ‘Where did that come from?’”

Patrice adds: “We totally love her—it feels as though she’s always been with us.”

Courtesy of ASPCA

Our Little Annie

After the death of our first dog we were reluctant to adopt another dog right away. Our surviving dog, Jake thought otherwise. To help him cope with the loss of his big sister we began our search for a little sister. We were looking for another shepherd mix and instead fell in love with the sweetest black lab mix that came with the command "sit" from a local shelter. Although scared her first night she quickly made herself comfortable and loves her big brother Jake. She has a lot to say and "talks" to us all the time.

Her favorite activity is a ride in the tandem kayak around the lake. While Jake is handsome and independent, Annie is cute and cuddly. We couldn't imagine a life without our two kids! Although sad to think that Jake is getting older, we take comfort in the fact that we will be able to rescue another dog. I once heard and often repeat, "life is a series of dogs" and couldn't agree more.

Erika Beeler

Ballwin, MO

Courtesy of The Animal Rescue Site

Help give teeth to the Puppy Mill Bill

Dear Pennsylvania Advocates,

To make sure that last year’s puppy mill bill (HB 2525) has teeth, the PA Department of Agriculture and Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement have proposed changes to the regulations that govern the commercial dog breeding industry.

The purpose of these changes is to define certain kennel standards—including lighting, humidity and ventilation—clarifications that are critically needed if HB 2525 is to live up to its full potential and make life better for thousands of puppy mill dogs in Pennsylvania.

The ASPCA supports the proposed changes, and we’d love your help moving them forward—especially because the puppy mill industry is pulling out all the stops to oppose further regulations.

What You Can Do

Please tell the PA Department of Agriculture that you support its efforts to better regulate the puppy mill industry. Visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center online to learn more and to download a letter of support that you can mail to the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement.

The Bureau is accepting letters from the public until October 27, so please don’t delay—send your personalized letter of support today.

Thank you for your continued support of the ASPCA and Pennsylvania’s animals!

(c)2009 ASPCA, All rights reserved. Visit at http://www.aspca.com/

About Eternal Youth

By Sue McCrosky, Sugar Hill, GA

Three years ago my husband and I helped rescue two dozen malnourished and abandoned dogs. Many were young enough to recuperate, but one older male, a white husky mix, was destined for euthanasia. "Champion" was filthy, sick with heartworm and kidney infections, and at least 15 pounds underweight. He had lived his life bound to a tree by a six-foot chain. Flies had eaten off the tips of his ears, he had lost a middle toe, and his teeth were worn from chewing on his chain. He looked weary with life. We first thought that death would be a kindness. But I patted his head, and he licked my hand. We had to try. So Champ spent a month undergoing rigorous treatment. The clinic's staff praised his gentleness and affection.

At home, he took easily to walking on a leash. He slept in my bedroom on his own bed. When he moaned from bad dreams, he responded to my pats and words of comfort. He loved riding in the car, his bright eyes staring at the sights as if making up for lost time. He became family. We later fostered a litter of puppies that had to be bottle-fed. Champ sniffed and licked the pups, their eyes still closed. He became a surrogate mother, abiding the pups as they crawled on him and chewed his tail. He didn't mind.

One day I saw Champ on his back, wiggling like a puppy. He grinned, murmured sounds of satisfaction, rolled over and grabbed a toy. This big snow-white dog was acting like he'd never known a day of mistreatment. He was reveling in life.

Champ taught me that youth lies in endurance, the appreciation of respite from pain, and joy in the love of family. He'll spend the rest of his life in gratitude – and I will try to do the same.
© AARP Bulletin, June 2009

Bella is the luckiest dog in the world - a new family and new BFF

The Hunsicker Family adopted a rescue dog, Bella, several weeks ago. She's a beagle-lab-shephard mix (perhaps) and she is settling into her forever home nicely. Everything excites Bella. Each walk is the best one yet. She loves greeting people in our home and will immediately roll over on her back and welcome any and all belly rubs. She is a little overweight, but we're working on that. Her new best buddy is Cooper, our next door neighbor's black lab. He's a very sweet dog, same age as Bella, and will allow her to often times get the best of him. When he's had enough, he simply runs away.

Bella tries but can't outrun Cooper. They very much enjoy chasing each other until both are exhausted. Bella came to us from Rescue Animal Placement. She was well cared for by the Marquart's, a very generous foster family, for the last 13 months. We are lucky to have found her. Here are some pics of Bella and Cooper I thought I'd share.

Help animals suffering from the devastating flooding in the Philippines

September, 2009: The worst flooding to hit the Philippines in over 40 years has taken its toll, filling streets and homes with mud and storm water. While people struggle to recover, aid is also desperately needed for the hundreds, potentially thousands of stranded animals left hungry, homeless, and alone in the wake of this devastation.

Worse, two storm systems are developing and on track to hit the same area of the Philippine Islands, putting everyone -- human and animal -- at risk again.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), well-experienced in emergency operations to save animals, is sending a water rescue team to the Philippines to provide direct emergency relief for animal survivors. IFAW has already worked in the past with the Philippines Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) on optimal rescue tactics, and providing logistical and communications assistance in the field.

You can help. Donate $25 towards IFAW's relief efforts and help provide a happy ending for some of the voiceless survivors of this natural disaster. IFAW works to improve the welfare of wild and domestic animals throughout the world by reducing commercial exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats, and assisting animals in distress. IFAW seeks to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well-being of both animals and people.

Please note: Your purchase is tax-deductible in the U.S.A., and you will receive a receipt from GreaterGood.org for your taxes. 100% of this gift goes to IFAW as a grant through GreaterGood.org and is earmarked for animal rescue and assistance in the wake of the disaster in the Philippines. GreaterGood Network stores do not receive any profit from the sale of this Gift That Gives More™; we bring it to you in the spirit of the greater good. GreaterGood.org has ultimate authority and discretion with regard to the distribution of its funds. All expenditures made are consistent with the exempt purposes of GreaterGood.org.

Click here to Help the dogs of the Philippines