Sparky and Kitty

I saw Sparky on Petfinder over 5 years ago. It was love at first sight. He hasn't left my side since that time and truly is one of my best friends. He's 100 pounds of nothing but love and sweetness.

I found Kitty all alone on my job site. Eyes barely open, about 4 weeks old, and weighing not even one pound.

Sparky and Kitty have become the best of friends and spend most of their time like you see them in this picture. Sparky shares his breakfast and dinner with Kitty and Kitty shares his naps with Sparky.

Until there are none, please rescue one.

They'll rescue you right back a hundred times over.

Lori
Jackson, NJ

Free at last...Seniors adopt a senior rescue

When I heard that Christian had been in the shelter for ten years (70 in dog years), I thought it was time for him to be free – he was 15. I visited the shelter and was taken to his cage – he crashed against the wire wall snarling. The keeper said he just did that to protect his long term home. Somewhat nervously we took Christian home. Christian was perfect for us seniors after only a day or two of adjusting to his new home. I didn’t even have to put him on a leash for walks. It was great seeing his joy racing and romping free in the fields and he turned out to be a lovable character and great fun. Seniors should seriously consider adopting a senior shelter dog.

Nick Percival
Ridgefield, CT

Help Save Polar Bears

Sponsored by: Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund

Polar bears are some of the hardiest creatures on the face of the planet...and they could disappear within our lifetimes.

Climate change and habitat loss are threatening to send these Arctic survivors to the brink of extinction in America, yet plans persist for destructive oil and gas drilling in vital polar bear habitat.

Help save polar bears and their homes. Urge President Obama to protect essential polar bear habitat in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and in the Chukchi Sea off Alaska's coasts. Unless we act now, America's wild polar bears could disappear forever.  Click the link below and sign the petition.  Then send the link to your friends so the goal of 50,000 names can be reached as soon as possible because time is surely running out.

Save the Polar Bears

Rescue Animals From Cruelty

Every hour, 570 homeless pets are destroyed in the U.S. You can help save animals from this senseless destruction.

North Shore Animal League America is the world's largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization. For over 66 years, they have been saving the lives of innocent dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens that have fallen victim to abuse, neglect, illness, and overpopulation. The Animal League has an unwavering commitment to rescue, nurture, and find loving homes for animals in need.

Please support these rescue efforts. Click here - NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE

Rescued From a Rough Family Experience

We rescued Derringer when he was a puppy after his mother killed all of his brothers and sisters. For some reason Derringer is the only one she spared, but he lost his tail in the ordeal. Now he's a full grown, happy, healthy little Min Pin. His hobbies are chewing his toys, guarding, walking, traveling in our 5th wheel, and making friends in all the new places we visit!

The Shoemake Family
Pahrump, NV

Terrific Timmy

A few months ago some trees around the house were growing into the electrical wires so we had to have them cut down. In the process of getting this done a tree fell on our fence and smashed it. Soon after we noticed a little brown stray dog started coming into our yard. He was so frail and malnourished but he had the sweetest and most gentle face. For the next few days I fed him and whenever he was finished he'd run off on his own. I continued to leave food for him and he always returned. About a week later the fence was fully repaired. I decided to give him a bath and convinced my parents to keep him because I so badly wanted to give him a home and he just seemed so grateful and happy.

It's been a few months now, Timmy has put on quite a bit of weight and he is a healthy happy pup. He's very clever and we taught him a couple tricks. He's also a bit bit naughty but extremely playful. Whenever any of us leave the house he always looks so sad but when we return he is so ecstatic scampering about full speed and jumping on us, you'd swear we went away for a month. He is not a fussy eater at all and he even likes lettuce! We don't know what kind of dog he is or how old he is and although we have had many dogs in the past we all agree that Timmy is undoubtedly the most loving and energetic dog ever. We are all so happy that he is now a part of our family because the unconditional love and tremendous joy that he gives to us is absolutely priceless.

Nicole Chaguanas,
Trinidad and Tobago

Late night visitor

This is Koda. Late one Saturday night I was going to bed, I did all my normal stuff, went around turned off lights shut the back door. I had just turned off the front porch light and shut the door when I heard this odd scratching and whining sound coming from it. I went and opened the door and in waddles this fat little brown puppy. Now more then six weeks old at the most. He had on a collar and was the happiest thing. I stepped outside to see if there was anyone around looking for him, but there was no one.

The next few days we took him everywhere asking if anyone knew who he belonged to. We put up flyers, called the vet and the pound to let them know. But no one ever claimed him. I kept telling my husband and my father that we would look for a good home for him elsewhere but really I was just putting off the inevitable. We kept him. About a month after we found him our coonhound June became very ill. She had been hit by a car in the summer and had just gotten her release from the vet to start going back outside and on walks. We were so happy.

But the vet missed that her diaphram had been torn when she had been hit and all her internal organs had moved forward into her chest cavity. We ended up having to put her down the week before Christmas. I think Koda was my saving grace during that time. He was a needy whiny little brown fluffball and I needed to be needed. So now my family is pretty complete with my basset hound Sherlock, Koda our mutt, and Thor the great dane.

Erin Acosta
Borger, TX

A truly amazing story - Thanks for sending Mary!

Two Lucky Pups

I volunteer with a canine rescue group in Carson City, Nevada. After our much beloved Ginger passed, our first poochie acquisition was the littlest Staffordshire Terrier, Sassi. She and two pups had been dumped in the desert and found by a shelter. She was then given to our group where the puppies were adopted out. She was a handful of energy and mischief, but she and we fell in love. A year later, Doc, our big Staffordshire, was found nearly starved to death (down to 35 lbs from 75 lbs now) and our group rescued him, plumped him up and we took him in as our foster boy. However, after three months, we couldn't part with him - he's such a sweet baby! They are now both our "kids" and we adore them and they adore each other. They are being properly spoiled and being properly trained and we are being properly entertained with their antics. We are a bit long in the tooth to have two energy balls like Sassi & Doc, but they keep us young.

Scarlet's joyful spirit

Scarlet was dumped at a shelter from a very young age and had been living there for about 6 months. A friend of mine was working at the shelter at the time so I would browse the dogs they had up for adoption out of interest. I saw Scarlet on the site one day and asked my friend about her – she was about to be put down as she was going kennel mad and no one had shown any interest in her. I thought it was heartbreaking that this poor girl had been brought into the world, spent the first 6 months of her life in a kennel and then was simply going to be killed – no animal deserves an existence like that. I asked my friend about rescuing her, spent some time convincing my parents to let me adopt her and she was shipped to me 3 days later. I’ve had her for 2 years now and it’s been wonderful spending that time with her. She’s an absolute joy to have around and I’m so glad that I rescued her – she has the most wonderful spirit and I feel great knowing I was able to keep it alive.


Josie Eldred
Katoomba, Australia

Melanie gets a home!

Who could resist a sales pitch like this…

UPDATE!!!! Melanie has become very very very stressed at the shelter, and needs a home of her own asap. She is depressed, and barely moves when her shelter moms are not at the shelter.

Sweet Melanie is a 4 year old female Black Lab mix. She has been at Hillside SPCA for over 2 years now, and is really ready for a home. She is adorable, and such a sweetheart, she loves to give kisses, and go for walks. Melanie was brought in by the dog warden when her owners kept leaving her to run the neighborhood. She has been with us since then. She loves other dogs, and is good with older children.

She has two shelter moms who she worships, unfortunately their home is already full of other dogs, and she just cannot go home with them, she really needs to find her own home. Melanie loves to go hiking, and walking, she LOVES when you get the leash down and spins in circles in excitement, until you get the leash on her then she's ready to go!!

Melanie gives the best kisses, and knows how to sit, and wait patiently for her snacks, she is a good eater, and loves to play with some of the other dogs. She would be ideal in a home with someone active who will take her for hikes, and walks often, she would even be a great jogger.  Sometimes at first meeting Mel can be very shy, but she quickly overcomes the shyness, and will be your best friend if you take her for a nice long walk, and give her some treats. Melanie's ideal home would be someone active, who has time to walk her often, with another dog or two, if any kids, they should be 12 years or older, and NO cats. Mel is no fan of kitties. Melanie loves Dunkin Donut's coolatas, and sour gummi worms, haha, she's really a special girl, who has been waiting so long for a home.

On the days that her shelter moms don't work she just lays in a dog house all day, and won't even come out, and her shelter mom's can't be there forever so it's time she gets her own home!!! She's just another black dog, that is ignored day after day while the tan, white, brown, and other "cuter" dogs get homes.  Please help us find the right home for Mel, no dog should spend 2 years at a shelter, she should live her life on a sofa, and on long walks.

Happily, Melanie is now living the good life in her forever home with Karen, Jim and her new best buddy Hobbes (her couch companion above).

Our Chrystal Clear Rescue Experience

Two years ago, we found ourselves disheartened after we lost our three elder dogs within a very short period. Because dogs have always been an important part of our family, finding ourselves without these family members left a hole in our lives.

While considering different dog breeds, we took a trip to our local shelter, the Steuben County Humane Shelter. We had always had pure bred dogs in the past and had some concerns about the animals we might find.

We toured the shelter for quite a while, and took several of the dogs out for walks and some one-on-one play time. All the dogs were appreciative, but Chrystal just seemed to connect with us.

Chrystal was a one year old Beagle-Basenji mix. But she had spent 7 months in the shelter. We were told that she had actually been adopted twice and returned both times. (Basenjis apparently don't like cats at all.)

She was cute and playful. But we're afraid that she had spent too much time in the shelter to be socialized. We were also concerned that she had been brought back twice before.

Chrystal turned out to be very well behaved and, incredibly, was already house broken. Over the next year, Chrystal's personality developed fully and she has become the most loving, energetic, adoring (especially towards my husband) and appreciative dog, we've ever owned.

And the other dogs at the shelter have benefited as well. As a result of our experience with Chrystal, we have become supporting members of our shelter, and volunteer with projects to raise money for our Privately Funded shelter.

Thank you for ALL you do for Shelter animals everywhere. I could Never again get an animal anywhere else. There are so many great pets just needing another chance for that perfect Forever Home.

Mary Whiting
Angola, IN

Sirius and Sandy

We got Sirius Black as a 5-month-old puppy. My dad found him on the side of a road in Arkansas and kept him for my son. We had no fence, so Sirius was inside or at doggy daycare. When we moved, we knew he would need company in our fenced yard or he would go find some.

The doggy daycare, Funnybones in Atlanta, was fostering Sandy. They had found her running across their parking lot, dragging a rope, with her collar dug into her neck. She was skin and bones. They took care of her for a couple of months before sending out an email seeking a home for her. I asked whether Sandy and Sirius got along. "Oh, yes," I was told. "They play together all the time. Sandy will wrestle as long as Sirius wants to." So she came to our new home with us when we moved.

It took Sirius a while to get used to sharing his family. It took Sandy a lot longer to stop eating everything in sight, including frogs. Now, as you can see, they are best friends.

Carrie
Tifton, GA

Our little Four Leaf Clover

We adopted Clover 2 years ago after I saw her on Petfinder. We had just lost our 13 year old Jack Russell to cancer a couple of months prior and our house was so empty. We knew we wanted a rescue and we knew we wanted a Jack Russell, but Clover is more human than anything else. After reading her story of how she was found in a dumpster with her brother after spending days in freezing temperatures and being brought back to health really touched our hearts. We knew she was a tough little girl. The minute we brought her home, we knew she was special. She loves her toys, she dances on her hind legs when she wants something or gets excited and she loves to snuggle. She loves to run and play with her friends at her daycare Gypsy Paws. We are so blessed to have such a loving creature in our home, she deserves all the love in the world.


Ashleigh
Gainesville, GA

My best friends

Living in the Dominican Republic since 25 years, found many homeless dogs & cats, still have 17 dogs ( from 4 months to 14 years of age) and 2 cats ( 13 y) over 700 birds.. Here are many street dogs or dogs left behind when people leave again. People just forget they need a home.

I do all I can to help my little friends, not always easy, but I LOVE THEM and they love me!

Snack time is their favorite, then destroy the garden, but they are happy - so am I.

"Bacardi" I found with my daughter Cassandra on Bacardi Island, close to Samana in 2006, she was almost dead, no fur, just bones, my brothers son said: she is the ugliest dog he ever saw...there I knew I have to take her home also cause nobody else would, even I was in a bad financial time. Today Bacardi is a beautiful lady and loves to fetch stones.

Karla, a golden retriever mix, I found on X-mas eve, someone left her in the street for back problems, today she is 14 - we share our back problems since then. She is one of my best dogs.

In Nov. 09 I found 3 female puppies in a tree trunk, in june 2010 a mother with her 3 pups - almost starved to death in an abandoned house. Today they are healthy and happy. My most favorite was Max, 1st. one I saved from being drowned, he later was together with Karla. Max was ALWAYS with me, specially in bad times I had. He had 8 pups with Karla, 6 I kept, 3 are still with me 13 1/2 by now. Max died with 16! God do I miss him...but one day we meet on the Rainbow bridge.

Andrea Thumeyer
Sosua, Dominican Republic

Reprinted from Dog Crazy Newsletter www.petplace.com Feb 13, 2010

Dear Dr. Jon,

I have a black lab named Destiny. I found him lying in the weeds along a four-lane highway. Someone had hit him & left him to die. I normally would not have looked where he was lying as that is where I turn on to the highway and I am usually watching the traffic coming from around the curve and down the hill behind me in my rear-view mirror. But for some reason, (I call it destiny), I happened to look in the ditch & saw his black head above the weeds.

A friend and I rolled him onto a blanket, carried him up out of the ditch, put him in my Jeep and took him to my vet. He never growled, whined or tried to bite. He spent 10 days at the vet and it cost me $1000, so I decided at that cost I'd best keep him!

He had to have his left hind leg amputated at the hip. He had lost over half of his blood into the tissue around that hip, he was malnourished, dehydrated, full of worms and fleas, and his other hip was out of the socket. That hip would not stay in place, but the vet said he would eventually learn to walk on it and he has. It is a very awkward gait, but he doesn't seem to notice as he rips and tears through the house playing with his Cocker brother or our 5 cats.

I also have 2 female Labs outside and just lost my 15-year-old Lab-Bassett mix that I'd had since she was a puppy. All of our pets were strays or otherwise unwanted animals that we have taken in and they are the joys of our lives. Anyway, this was a long story, but now you know why his name is 'Destiny' ... I was meant to be his new Mommy.

Thanks,
Joetta Snellin

Bubba (Formerly Korleone) the Pomeranian

It's tough enough when you have to put your beloved dog up for adoption, but I can only imagine how much the pain must be compounded when you are left wondering whether or not the next home your pet landed in is as loving as the one he left behind. Well, I was so happy to know that my blog helped one person rest at ease when she found the pet she had to give up, living with a loving family and doing very well.

It all started when I received this comment to a post dated November 3, 2009 titled "Bubba the Pomeranian"…

Omg!! That is my baby korleone!! I miss him so much but I had to give him up because he was very aggressive toward my new baby :( if u ever get this message send me an email and I will foward you pictures of him. I am so glad he found a wonderful home, it broke my heart to leave him there since he was always home with me.

As it turns out, Bubba (formerly Korleone) is now living with Brett and Danielle in Los Angeles.

Apparently Marjorie was a bit concerned about the fate of her Pomeranian. As she explained…

"I was worried for awhile since when I gave him up they said he would need to be trained again correctly since I apparently spoiled him too much and he was king of the household. I just thought he would be too hard to place since he was not into kids. Nice to know he found a wonderful family."

I was curious to know how Marjorie managed to locate the post.

"I was just googling "bubba the pomeranian" since I knew they renamed him Bubba which is odd because that is what my boyfriend calls me all the time. Attached are a few pictures I had saved on this computer."

I promised Marjorie I would post her pictures of the lucky Pomeranian who beat the odds and is now enjoying life in his forever home.

The original post can be found at http://butdogsrpeople2.blogspot.com/search?q=bubba



Frago

Hello Everyone,

I am sending an update on my buddy Frago. Poor Frago must have some lingering memories of the hell where he had to forge for himself, get hit with stones, and dodge bullets. We had a large storm with wind, thunder, lightening and heavy rain. When frago heard some of the initial loud thunder claps, he ran into a corner, huddled up, shaking, and crying. I got down on all fours and slowly approached him, laid down with him, then after about a half hour, I walked him back to the bedroom, telling him how much of a good boy he is. He climbed into the bed pulling himself tightly to me and licked my face up again. Being a combat veteran myself, I know what was in Frago's mind. He just needed a little time to be ensured he was safe and knew I would risk my life to keep him safe.

When I came home from Viet Nam, 3 July,1967-'69, I was a mangled up twenty-year-old, going on ninety a mental and physical wreck, trying to put some sense into what the heck had happend in my life. I am still trying to make sense of what I have seen and my participation in that nightmare. My first night home was laced with heavy thunder storms, complete with thunder and lightening. My mom came into the room and found me huddled under my bed crying. She walked out and shut the door. After all, they went through WWII, they were tough. Frago knows he can count on me, he feels the love, and enjoys the special food and treats I bought him. We have totally bonded, suffer PTSD together and give comfort to each other. The Lord introduced us with our shared experiences, very beautiful.

James G. Violante
Parkertown, NJ

Friends from death row

Bronx, then 18 months old, was on the euth list for Denton county in Jan 09 when a volunteer posted his story to a local pet rescue list. I'd always wanted a rottweiler, and I wanted a dog that was good with cats, so I took one of my cats in a carrier to visit with him. He sniffed the carrier and went to see what the dogs were doing. He was already 18 months old, so we had many adventures in the first few months, but he has done well. My grandchildren determined I needed a kitten, my cats were too old, in October 2009. So we went to the Fort Worth pound on half price kitten day. Which does mean 2 for the price of one if you have small children with you. Alex adopted Bronx shortly after he arrived, he shares Bronx's food and his nap space on the love seat.

Alice
Fort Worth, TX

My Boo Bear - what a wonderful soul!

Seven years ago, my son was on a construction job in a housing project in the city. Sitting on the sidewalk all by himself, covered in dirt and fleas, was an adorable little labrador/pitbull mix puppy. My son looked around, picked the dog up and put him in the dump truck.

Apparently, in that part of town, labs (b/c of their good nature) and pitbulls are bred together as "bait dogs" for dog fighting rings. I had never heard of such a thing at the time and was horrified at the thought.

Fast forward - Boo Bear has been a magnificent animal from the beginning and continues to be so. (They all are.) He's smart, kind, loveable and I can't imagine life w/o him.

Since then, we've rescued one more from the same situation that we've kept and a few more that we've turned over to a no kill shelter.  How can people mistreat them? Education is a must - starting in pre-school.

Sherry Keating
Wilmington, DE

NY: Make Animal Fight Attendance a Misdemeanor Crime!

New York currently considers attending an animal fight only a "violation" and results in no criminal record. Take action!
Sponsored by: ASPCA

A. 6287-B/S. 3926-A would make it a misdemeanor to attend an animal fight in New York State. The NY Senate passed its version of the bill, S. 3926-A, on June 22. Unfortunately, despite passing successfully through the Assembly Agriculture and Codes Committees, the Assembly companion bill, A. 6287-B, has not been scheduled for a floor vote by Assembly leadership.

By attending these barbaric spectacles, spectators make animal fighting a lucrative underground business. In addition, animal fights create environments that promote other hazardous acts, such as the sale of illegal drugs, weapons possession and gambling. Making attendance at animal fights a misdemeanor will give law enforcement an important tool with which to punish the spectators who drive the animal fighting market.

Sign the petition asking New York state assemblymembers to support A. 6287-B and to urge Assembly leadership to post this important humane bill for a floor vote.

Click here to sign the petition!

Rescuing Mojo

Five years ago, I rescued MoJo from the min-pin rescue. I had to drive 4 hours to the foster home to see if they approved of me. They had 6 min-pin there where fostering & 3 of there own. They let them out of the cages to come to the living room, They where all barking like crazy & jumping around. My friend said your not going to take one of these dogs are you?

I was sitting on the sofa & one dog came up & kissed me on the cheek & jumped back down. His name was Jo-Jo. He had been abandoned by a retired priest, The priest also abandoned his dying wife in Hospice. JoJo was her dog. He had sit in a church basement in a crate for six month in his urine & feces. barely getting feed by a church elder. Finally the elder brought him to the Min-Pin rescue. They said he looked like elephant man when they brought him in. all kind of skin problems,bacteria problems. He also had allergies I found out later. MoJo is JoJo, I changed his name. He bite someone & I called the Min-Pin rescue & they said to bring him back if I wanted to. I said no, I'm not going to bring him back. I am going to work with him I promised him he would never be abandoned again & I meant it.

Min-Pin Rescue said that you would be suprise at how many get brought back.  We went to obedience school & we trained his commands in German. He graduated form the Misty Wood Shephard obedience school.  The trainer praised MoJo on his stance and how he sits so proud for a small dog.  MoJo's nickname is Killer.

Sue
Ft. Pierce, FL

Three's a charm

When Gwennie, Sweet Pea, and Harley were surrendered to the Nantucket MSPCA Adoption Center because their owner had died, we knew it was going to be a challenging adoption. Three Aussie Shepherd crosses, Harley was a 7 year old boy, Gwennie was 5, and Sweet Pea was 15! And because Sweet Pea and Gwennie were so bonded, we wanted to keep the girls together.

Even though they were the most gracious, well-behaved dogs, the fact that Sweet Pea was 15 made many a potential adopter hesitate, understandably. Some people were afraid of getting attached to a dog who didn't have too many years left. Others were afraid of incurring the costs that go along with having an older pet.

After about five months, a couple spotted the girls on Petfinder. They had no trouble with Sweet Pea's age, but wanted to make sure they both got along with Rudy, their beloved 8 year old Mastiff. Soon after, they made the ferry trip to Nantucket to meet the girls.

Sweet Pea, almost totally deaf, was such a character that the couple fell for her first, and Rudy didn't seem to mind the girls either. We knew then that it was going to happen, the girls were finally going to find a home together.

What we didn't expect was what happened next. The woman mentioned that her dad was looking for a dog, so I showed her Harley. She couldn't believe it when she met him.  She said he was JUST what her dad was looking for. And when Harley met Rudy, they wore each other out playing!

You guessed it - all three dogs got on the ferry that afternoon and headed for their new homes. . . and this has gone down as one of our most successful adoption stories ever!

Stephanie Henke
Nantucket, MA

We need some help here!

We need your help! The ASPCA is delighted to have been accepted into the Pepsi Refresh Project, an exciting campaign launched in January whereby Pepsi awards up to $1.3 million per month in grants to people, businesses and non-profits for those ideas that will have a positive impact in communities around the United States. The ASPCA has applied for a $250,000 grant which, if secured, would afford us the opportunity to further support the incredible work of our Field Investigations and Response team in rescuing animals from disasters, cruelty and neglect.

The ASPCA would use our Refresh Grant to purchase, equip and operate a second Animal Rescue Transport Vehicle to facilitate the swift and safe removal and re-homing of animals in danger. By supporting this project, you will be a hero for suffering animals who need our help.
Refresh Grants will be awarded to the ideas that receive the greatest number of votes. Only two ideas will win within the $250,000 category, so the competition is tough. We need your help! Go to http://www.refresheverything.com/aspcarescue to sign in and vote today, and every day, through August 31. Help us spread the word by telling everyone you know by email, Facebook and Twitter so they can join the fight against animal cruelty by voting for us.

Meggie

My kids and I attended Bark in the Park, an annual doggy fair in Chesapeake, VA in 2007 and brought home a young German shepherd/hound mix. Chesapeake Humane Society volunteers had brought her from the city animal shelter. We named her Meg. She is sweet and happy and loves her home and family. In 2009 she was joined by an older spaniel, Murphy, from the Norfolk SPCA. Murphy is hard of hearing. Meg has become his ears, nudging him to wake him if he’s missing a significant event such as our coming home. She is a huge blessing to her humans and her little canine pal!

Linda Mendenhall
Chesapeake, VA

Abandoned So Young

Ramesses was found abandoned on a busy street. Taken to the local SPCA it was determined she was only about four weeks old. Fostered until she was old enough to be adopted I found her while visiting the facility. I wasn't there to adopt. I'd stopped by to make a donation. But I took one look at this adorable little puppy with the "reset" button on the top of her head and was smitten! Today she lives on the beach and is a healthy 40 lbs. She is one of the sweetest, most loveable and snuggly dogs I've ever had. She brings endless joy to our lives and I am sure she feels the same.

Kim
Pismo Beach, CA

Solo - A Dumped Dog Finds a Home

We found Solo walking down our street one day. People dump their dogs out where we live at the edge of town. We took him in and tried to find his home, but weren't able to. We decided to keep him, and he is now our pack's male alpha. He keeps the rescued puppies in line and plays with them to help them burn off energy. He is a very loving, playful, and happy dog; and we are fortunate to have him.

Beth Otto
Albuquerque, NM

Frankenstein the sweetheart

Around Valentine's Day one of my boyfriend's customers at work told us about a Siberian Husky that was dropped off for grooming, he was never picked up and the original owners had gave the wrong information to the groomers. He went and took a look at him and said he had to come to our house at least until we can find him a good home.

He got along with our first husky Rocco (on the left) so we decided he will have a permanent home with us, my Valentine's Day gift. My boyfriend decided to name him Frankenstein or we like to call him Franky (on the right). He was afraid of loud noises and for everything he would drop to the floor with his tail between his legs and ears slicked back. All we did was show him love, regular walks and food. He turned out to be a great dog for us and a great buddy for Rocco. Who would leave such a sweetheart? He doesn't have to worry about being left anywhere now that he has a forever home with us.

Miko
El Paso, TX

Our little Jane

Jane's owner was very sick and could not take care of her so she turned Jane over to the Virginia German Shepherd Rescue. They helped socialize Jane and found her a new home, with us. My husband and I have had Jane for 2 years now and we love her so much. I call her princess Jane and let her lay on the couch and bed.

I think that because of her size and intimidating looks people wanted to use her for protection. But now Jane can relax and we protect her. She is coming out of her shell and is growing more and more cuddly and wiggly everyday.

Adopting an adult dog was great for us because we both work full time and we didn't want to house train a puppy. The rescue group we adopted Jane from is very supportive and is like a family, we know they are always there if we need them.

Lucinda
Reston, VA

Molly's Adventure

Molly's adventure began in Kosovo. She showed up on our flight line one day scared to death. Being the animal lover that me and my best friend are we decided to try to lure her in with yogurt, it worked. We built up Molly's trust enough to get close to her. She was scared to death and very hungry. We weren't allowed to keep her in our room (deployed soldiers are not allowed to have pets). So, we convinced the veterinarian here on post to help us. He spayed and microchipped Molly, and said he would help find her a home.

They found a home for Molly in a town about 20 minutes from where our base is, keep in mind this was in December. We accepted that Molly had found a good home and was safe. In April, one of the guys in our unit knocked on our door and said there was a dog outside. We were amazed that it was Molly. She had traveled over 20 miles to get back to us! It was then I knew that I was going to try to take her home. We found a temporary home for her at a United States Contractors house and then booked her a commercial ticket to the United States.

When she arrived in New York, an amazing organization called Pilots N Paws picked her up and ensured that she was taken care of. Through a series of stops the pilots flew Molly all the way to Kentucky. She is now with my parents waiting for me to get home from Kosovo, which will be this month.

Donietta
Frankfort, KY

A Noble Tale

"Shocking! Who would let this happen to a dog!" These were our founding member Lois's first words to our volunteers after seeing first hand the heartbreaking condition of a large mixed breed dog brought into our local pound. Horribly gaunt and weak, suffering from terrible skin & ear infections, missing much of his fur he had been found wandering the frigid winter countryside of January 2009.

Never-the-less, he was amazingly friendly and as pitiful as he appeared still seemed to possess a regal air of dignity. Lois named him Noble and so his story with us began, inspiring our volunteers and also the community, to assist with the plight of this neglected and forgotten sweet soul. From the pound to our vet clinic for much needed care, but then who would foster this special needs, special boy?

"I want to make a difference in this dog's life, I want to care for Noble! I can provide constant attention and love in a warm home", came the unexpected offer from a kind wonderful lady named Birg. "Thank you for saving him and allowing me to be a part of his life" were her words and within a few short weeks, under her devoted care and love Noble flourished and began his almost magical transformation into a healthy, happy, tail wagging, grinning fellow where he would live, love and be loved forever with Birg & Marc and their family of rescue kittys never to be hungry and cold again.

Noble's plight and then heartwarming recovery truly touched us all, here at All Breed Canine Rescue, with so many gracious and wonderful offers of assistance, both big and small, and raising much needed awareness in our Southwestern Ontario home communities of St. Thomas, London and beyond for the many abandoned and neglected shelter dogs.

Jo-Anne Ellis, All Breed Canine Rescue
St. Thomas, ON, Canada

Voice your support to save wild horses

Dear Animal Advocates,

As we informed you two weeks ago, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has been conducting mass roundups of wild horses on public lands this month. On July 10, the agency used helicopters to run terrified horses over miles of scorching Nevada desert, resulting in the deaths of more than 20 horses, including three foals. Unbelievably, the BLM plans to continue these summer roundups in spite of July 10’s disastrous outcome.

In order to convince the Department of the Interior and the BLM that they can no longer sweep this issue under the rug, Congressmen Nick Rahall (D-WV) and Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) have drafted a letter to Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. The letter asks Secretary Salazar to halt the current roundups, along with any other pending wild horse gathers, until the BLM can demonstrate that it has addressed the failings of its current program for managing wild horses.

Congressmen Rahall and Grijalva need as many members of the House as possible to voice their support by signing the letter.

What You Can Do

Your elected officials need to know that as a voter, the humane treatment of our wild horses is important to you. Visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center immediately to contact your U.S. representative and urge him or her to sign this important letter to Secretary Salazar.

Thank you for your continued support of the ASPCA and our nation’s animals.

Charlie, "Just another black dog..."

My husband and I found each other a year and a half ago, sharing many interests and passions, including our deepest passion--our love for animals.


I knew that there were plenty of unwanted dogs at the shelters, and I told my husband that we should go to the shelter and let one find us.

We headed out to the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley, MN, and walking through the shelter's cages, we were greeted by a barrage of excited and anxious dogs barking in every cage, every cage but one. Surrounded by several dogs who were barking and growling territorially at each other was "Richard", a little black lab mix curled up in the back of his cage. I leaned down to his level and called out his name. His breathing was labored and his movement was slow, but gentle and willing. He wagged his tail and licked our fingers, staring at us with his dull yet gentle, hopeful eyes. It was just moments before I knew he was our dog, and my husband quickly agreed.

It was evident that "Richard", now named Charlie, had lived a rough life full of neglect and abuse. He came to the shelter with kennel cough, worms, scarred legs and shattered teeth from being kicked or chewing his way out of a concrete cage.

He stole our hearts, and is now nothing like that sickly, brownish, tired dog we saw before. He loves to go to training, give "hugs", sleep on his three beds, and go on long walks. He is the happiest, most well-behaved dog most people have met, despite his experiences. His companions are our rescued rabbit and blind foster dog, never to know suffering again for as long as he lives. He is not "just another black dog."

Jill Damron
Woodbury, MN

Cheyenne

My baby sister sent this to me in an email.  My first reaction was "Egads Sharon...just because you're retired and have so much time on your hands doesn't mean I can squander my precious time reading another silly story that I've probably seen a dozen times before.  But I started reading it.  Not sure why.  I couldn't stop.  Turns out I hadn't seen it before.  I am now so glad I read it.  Yes, it made me cry.  Sob even.  But I am just a little bit wiser and richer having read it.  I hope you take a few moments.  You will be glad you did.  Thanks Sharon.

Watch out! You nearly broad sided that car!' My father yelled at me. 'Can't you do anything right?' Those words hurt worse than blows. I turned my head toward the elderly man in the seat beside me, daring me to challenge him. A lump rose in my throat as I averted my eyes. I wasn't prepared for another battle. 'I saw the car, Dad. Please don't yell at me when I'm driving.' My voice was measured and steady, sounding far calmer than I really felt. Dad glared at me, then, turned away and settled back.

At home, I left Dad in front of the television and went outside to collect my thoughts. Dark, heavy clouds hung in the air with a promise of rain. The rumble of distant thunder seemed to echo my inner turmoil.

What could I do about him? Dad had been a lumberjack in Washington and Oregon. He had enjoyed being outdoors and had reveled in pitting his strength against the forces of nature. He had entered grueling lumberjack competitions and had placed often. The shelves in his house were filled with trophies that attested to his prowess.

The years marched on relentlessly. The first time he couldn't lift a heavy log, he joked about it; but later that same day, I saw him outside alone, straining to lift it. He became irritable whenever anyone teased him about his advancing age or when he couldn't do something he had done as a younger man.

Four days after his sixty-seventh birthday, he had a heart attack. At the hospital, Dad was rushed into an operating room. He was lucky; he survived. But something inside Dad died. His zest for life was gone. He obstinately refused to follow doctor's orders. Suggestions and offers of help were turned aside with sarcasm and insults. The number of visitors thinned and then finally stopped altogether. Dad was left alone.

My husband, Dick, and I asked Dad to come live with us on our small farm. We hoped the fresh air and rustic atmosphere would help him adjust. Within a week after he moved in, I regretted the invitation.  It seemed nothing was satisfactory. He criticized everything I did. I became frustrated and moody. Soon, I was taking my pent-up anger out on Dick. We began to bicker and argue. Alarmed, Dick sought out our pastor and explained the situation.. The clergyman set up weekly counseling appointments for us. At the close of each session, he prayed, asking God to soothe Dad's troubled mind. But the months wore on and God was silent. Something had to be done and it was up to me to do it.

The next day, I sat down with the phone book and methodically called each of the mental health clinics listed in the Yellow Pages. I explained my problem to each of the sympathetic voices that answered. In vain. Just when I was giving up hope, one of the voices suddenly exclaimed, 'I just read something that might help you! Let me go get the article.' I listened as she read. The article described a remarkable study done at a nursing home. All of the patients were under treatment for chronic depression. Yet their attitudes had improved dramatically when they were given responsibility for a dog.

I drove to the animal shelter that afternoon. After I filled out a questionnaire, a uniformed officer led me to the kennels. The odor of disinfectant stung my nostrils as I moved down the row of pens. Each contained five to seven dogs. Long-haired dogs, curly-haired dogs, black dogs, spotted dogs all jumped up, trying to reach me. I studied each one, but rejected one after the other for various reasons, too big, too small, too much hair.

As I neared the last pen, a dog in the shadows of the far corner struggled to his feet, walked to the front of the run and sat down. It was a pointer, one of the dog world's aristocrats. But this was a caricature of the breed. Years had etched his face and muzzle with shades of gray. His hipbones jutted out in lopsided triangles. But it was his eyes that caught and held my attention. Calm and clear, they beheld me unwaveringly.

I pointed to the dog. 'Can you tell me about him?' The officer looked, then shook his head in puzzlement. 'He's a funny one. Appeared out of nowhere and sat in front of the gate. We brought him in, figuring someone would be right down to claim him; that was two weeks ago and we've heard nothing. His time is up tomorrow.' He gestured helplessly.

As the words sank in, I turned to the man in horror. 'You mean you're going to kill him?'  'Ma'am,' he said gently, 'that's our policy. We don't have room for every unclaimed dog.'  I looked at the pointer again. The calm brown eyes awaited my decision. 'I'll take him,' I said. I drove home with the dog on the front seat beside me. When I reached the house, I honked the horn twice. I was helping my prize out of the car when Dad shuffled onto the front porch.  'Ta-da! Look what I got for you, Dad!' I said excitedly.

Dad looked, then wrinkled his face in disgust. 'If I had wanted a dog, I would have gotten one. And I would have picked out a better specimen than that bag of bones. Keep it! I don't want it' Dad waved his arm scornfully and turned back toward the house.

Anger rose inside me. It squeezed together my throat muscles and pounded into my temples. 'You'd better get used to him, Dad. He's staying!' Dad ignored me. 'Did you hear me, Dad?' I screamed. At those words, Dad whirled angrily, his hands clenched at his sides, his eyes narrowed and blazing with hate.

We stood glaring at each other like duelists, when, suddenly, the pointer pulled free from my grasp. He wobbled toward my dad and sat down in front of him.. Then slowly, carefully, he raised his paw.

Dad's lower jaw trembled as he stared at the uplifted paw. Confusion replaced the anger in his eyes. The pointer waited patiently. Then, Dad was on his knees, hugging the animal.  It was the beginning of a warm and intimate friendship. Dad named the pointer Cheyenne. Together, he and Cheyenne explored the community. They spent long hours walking down dusty lanes. They spent reflective moments on the banks of streams, angling for tasty trout. They even started to attend Sunday services together, Dad sitting in a pew and Cheyenne lying quietly at his feet.

Dad and Cheyenne were inseparable throughout the next three years. Dad's bitterness faded and he and Cheyenne made many friends. Then, late one night, I was startled to feel Cheyenne’s cold nose burrowing through our bed covers. He had never before come into our bedroom at night. I woke Dick, put on my robe, and ran into my father's room. Dad lay in his bed, his face serene. But his spirit had left quietly sometime during the night.

Two days later, my shock and grief deepened when I discovered Cheyenne lying dead beside Dad's bed. I wrapped his still form in the rag rug he had slept on. As Dick and I buried him near a favorite fishing hole, I silently thanked the dog for the help he had given me in restoring Dad's peace of mind.

The morning of Dad's funeral dawned, overcast and dreary. This day looks like the way I feel, I thought, as I walked down the aisle to the pews reserved for family. I was surprised to see the many friends Dad and Cheyenne had made filling the church. The pastor began his eulogy. It was a tribute to both Dad and the dog who had changed his life. And, then, the pastor turned to Hebrews 13:2. 'Be not forgetful to entertain strangers.'

'I've often thanked God for sending that angel,' he said.

For me, the past dropped into place, completing a puzzle that I had not seen before: the sympathetic voice that had just read the right article.

Cheyenne’s unexpected appearance at the animal shelter… his calm acceptance and complete devotion to my father… and the proximity of their deaths. And, suddenly, I understood. I knew that God had answered my prayers after all. Life is too short for drama; petty things, so laugh hard, love truly, and forgive quickly. Live While You Are Alive. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second time.

Bill for Nationwide Puppy Mill Reform Needs You!‏

Dear Animal Advocates,

As you may already know, there is a large loophole in the federal law concerning USDA oversight of large-scale commercial dog breeders (known as “puppy mills”). Currently, breeders who sell to brokers and pet stores have to be licensed by the USDA, while those who sell puppies directly to the public do not.

Introduced in Congress in late May, a bill called the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety (PUPS) Act will bring all commercial dog breeders in the United States under federal oversight by requiring any breeder who sells or offers to sell more than 50 dogs annually to the public—including over the Internet—to be licensed and inspected. The bill will also require all licensed breeders to exercise every dog daily.

The PUPS Act is extremely important humane legislation that will improve the lives of thousands of dogs across the country. We hope we can count on your support to help us get it passed.

What You Can Do

Now more than ever, it is vital that members of Congress hear that puppy mill reform is important to their constituents. Please visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center to email your senators and representative to urge them to support and cosponsor the PUPS Act.

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

I Saved Sally So She Could Save Me

I have always felt a kinship with animals and volunteered occasionally to help out when I could to ease the passion I have for animals till I was adopted by Sally. When I decided to foster Sally with her seven siblings I did not know that she would change my path in life. This entire littler was incredible. All the puppies except Sally were growing and developing beautifully. I took her to the vet on many occasions only to find that she had digestive issues and could not process her proteins. Her medications were going to be extraordinary and she still was at a very high risk of not surviving.

Sally had a special gift of being sweet and loving and she became my constant companion and friend, In order to try to get her healthier I chose to go holistic and cooked special foods and treats for her. She was fed every two hours by spoon for almost eight weeks. I have never seen an animal try so hard to improve her little worn out body. Her siblings were adopted to wonderful families but she was not ready to find her new home. Throughout the next three months Sally has thrived and was finally put up for adoption and although it was the hardest thing I have ever done my little girl found the perfect family.

Just last week I watched, with tears in my eyes, her walk away, very healthy (no residual effects) with her new Mom and Dad. I am not sure I saved her life I believe she has saved mine. I now work for PRBJ doing what I have a passion for. Sally's plight and love will impact so many because I now will be able to help so many other animals. Thank you Sally


Karen DeLaPuente
Sanford, FL

When Tom Met Sara

Tom Mylar was a man in need of a senior dog. Some may wonder why anyone would “need” a senior dog, but for Tom, it was all about balance. He’d just lost Dawson, the senior dog he’d adopted a few years ago from the St. Louis Senior Dog Project. Now he was down to his two younger dogs, and things just didn’t feel right.

“There was a void in my household with just the two younger dogs. I needed an older dog to provide some balance.” Tom explains what he means by “balance” in this context. “Perhaps it’s a sense of maturity, of greater contentment, of wisdom even – hard to say.”

Tom also has a soft spot for senior dogs and figures he always has room for at least one. He’d already loved and lost two senior dogs from the St. Louis Senior Dog Project. Now he was back to look for another.

Sara was a plain black dog with a grey muzzle. She’d spent most of her nine years at the end of a chain with only a shed for shelter. Now she was safe in a foster home, learning about a new way of life, a life of comfort and love. Sara had survived her past; now she needed a future.

We brought Sara to her first adoption event not expecting much. We just hoped the situation wouldn’t be too stressful for her.

Then Tom met Sara.

As for the balance Tom wanted, he says, “Sara provides it. Having come from a situation where she was forced to find comfort sleeping within a woodshed at night, Sara seems to really appreciate where she is now. She wags her tail a LOT. She is quite content and happy. And thanks to Sara, so am I.”

Ellen Ellick
St. Louis, MO

PA: Ban the Gassing of Animals!‏

Dear Pennsylvania Advocates,

Pennsylvania Senate Bill 672, legislation that was introduced to outlaw the use of gas chambers on animals, passed the Senate Agriculture Committee in April but has not advanced since then. We now need your help to ensure passage of this important humane legislation in the Senate.

Gassing is an inhumane, prolonged process that can take as long as 30 minutes to work. Many animals panic during the procedure, and first attempts occasionally are unsuccessful.

What You Can Do

Please be the animals' voice and contact your state senator to ask him or her to support SB 672. Visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center today to email your state senator on behalf of this bill.

In addition to sending this important email, please consider calling your senator about SB 672. You can look up your legislator's phone number on our website, ASPCA.

Thank you, Pennsylvania advocates—your support is invaluable!

Winston gets a 2nd chance!

Winston was just 2 years old when we removed him from another place where he had been dumped by his previous owner, one of many. He was terribly underweight (not fed with regularity and then sometimes only with bread) and rarely, if ever walked. He suffered from severe depression for the first 18 months that we had him, until we believe that he understood that this would be his forever home. We now have a happy, VERY HEALTHY 10 year old Golden that has changed our lives. We can't imagine not ever having him.

He's a beautiful, funny, goofy, lovable pet.

Janice Gibson
Hillsburgh, ON, Canada

Bella makes two!

We rescued our black lab mix 2 yrs ago and named her Riley. She has been the best dog we ever had. She is so sweet, loving, and we laugh at how she talks to us. In my attempts to find a playmate for Riley, we started fostering. Riley has been great with all the dogs we have fostered. One day I received an email about White Shep/Lab mix puppy that needed a foster. I brought her (Bella) home only to find she has trust issues. Because she is scared she tends to snap at people and other dogs. I worked with her over the next couple months trying to socialize her in hopes to find her a forever home. Bella was such a challenge but I was certain we could make her feel safe.

She loved my husband and our pup Riley so much that she would follow them everywhere. I came home one day certain I found the perfect home for Bella. But, my husband said "I want to adopt her I can't let her go." We decided with all her trust issues she would probably be dumped again. We decided we coudln't let that happen so we adopted her. Bella has come a long way but still needs work. For Bella I think whe knew she found her forever home, with us.


Wendy Fujita
Mertztown, PA

The ones that captured my heart!

On the left is Charlie, that I adopted from my local SPCA. When I went to "check him out" at the shelter he ran along side the fence wanting to play with the other dogs and when I called out his name (Spence at the time) he ran and jumped into my lap. I knew he was the one for me. He was sick when I got him and very skinny. The SPCA provided me a free vet visit and we got Charlie well and he's nice and healthy!

A family friend found Lily, on the right, in the streets, looking as though she just had puppies. After no one claimed her and waiting for what seemed like forever, I adopted her and she became exactly what Charlie and I needed. He got a new friend and I got an absolute doll, who loves to sleep in my lap when I study and make sure I wake up in the mornings. They are both so precious to me and really show unconditional love.

Audrey Schnitzius
Dallas, TX

USA: Support the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act!‏

U.S. Representatives Diane Watson and Elton Gallegly have introduced the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act (H.R. 4733), an ASPCA-supported bill that would require the federal government to purchase animal products only from entities that do not keep animals cruelly confined in gestation crates, veal crates or battery cages.

Factory farms in this country commonly house animals in cruel confinement systems. Veal calves are chained in small crates without enough room to turn around; sows are confined in gestation crates only a few inches wider and longer than the sows themselves; and egg-laying hens are jammed into tiny “battery” cages with less space, per bird, than the size of a regular 8.5″×11″ sheet of paper.

Whether or not it intends to, the federal government supports these cruel practices by spending over $1 billion per year on meat and eggs from animals who are raised in overcrowded cages and cramped crates. (This food is distributed to our military, federal prisons, school lunch programs, and many other government programs and services.)

Since almost all major packers and distributors do business with the federal government, passage of the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act would have a significant impact. It would dramatically improve living conditions for countless farm animals across America, and would put an end to the federal government’s economic support of this form of cruelty.

What You Can Do

Your U.S. representative needs to hear that this bill is important to you as a voter. Please visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center to email your representative and urge him or her to support the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act.

Thank you for taking action for animals!

A New Plan to Stop Animal Abuse

Should the public know if a convicted animal abuser lives or works next door? A bill before the California legislature would require adults convicted of felony animal abuse to register with local law enforcement; their names would be placed in a database similar to the national sex offenders' registry. Tennessee, Louisiana, and New York are also considering animal-abuse registries.

"We're trying to reduce risk," says Stephan Otto of the Animal Legal Defense Fund, noting that animal abusers are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against humans and four times more likely to commit property crimes than those without a history of violence against animals.

The registry would include people convicted of maiming, mutilating, torturing, or killing animals, as well as pet hoarders and operators of animal-fighting rings.

"To me, the bill seems like overkill," says California State Sen. Bob Huff, adding that he's wary of putting animal abuse and child abuse on a legal par. Huff also worries that fines imposed on animal abusers won't bring in enough revenue to cover the costs of the registry.

Alison Gianotto, a New York Web developer, started a volunteer pet-abuse database after her neighbor's cat was kidnapped and set on fire in 2001. At a cost of about $10,000 per year, Pet-Abuse.com now tracks nearly 16,000 accused or convicted animal abusers. Gianotto says government officials need to do more "to help the public understand that animal cruelty is everywhere, even in their own backyards."

Go to this site to vote.