Rescue me Plz

The Anatomy of a Dog Attack

2010-05-07T23:48:00.002-04:00

The Anatomy of a Dog Attack
Submitted by Ryan O'Meara on August 10, 2009

“Out of the blue, it attacked for no reason”

When a dog attack is reported we will often hear the same old phrases bandied about.

“It came out of the blue”

“It was totally unprovoked”

“We didn’t see it coming”

“It was totally out of character”

Ring any bells? Well let’s try and understand how and why a dog might attack someone.

Dogs rarely, if ever, attack for no reason. Us humans often misinterpret a dog attacking “out of the blue” and “without warning”‘ because we simply missed the signs.

Let’s be clear about one thing. A dog who is prepared to bite someone has his reasons. Can we, as humans, justify those reasons using the social values of people? Probably not. But of course, dogs do not live their lives according to human social values.

Here is the story of John, Henry and Max.

max-black-labradorJohn has no wife or children. For the last five years he’s lived with his best friend in the world a playful Labrador called Max.

John is exited today. Henry, an old friend from school who he hasn’t seen for many years is visiting.

John decides today would be a good day to get his garden tidied, make a good impression on his old school chum.

As John gets busy in amongst the weeds in the front garden, he spies his old mate making his way up the street.

Henry’s been looking forward to catching up with John for weeks and, as he’s never been to his home before, finds himself feeling somewhat jubilant to realise he’s managed to find the street on which John lives without too much trouble and can now relish the prospect of seeing his friend again as well as finally getting to meet the only true love of John’s life, the much talked about Max.

It’s a hot and sunny day and Henry is wearing his sunglasses. Further up the street he spots John working in his front garden.

John’s already noticed Henry making his way towards him and yells out, “Hi Henry. Fancy a beer?”

Henry shouts back, “Sounds just the job. Can you believe this heat?”.

As per usual, Max has been ‘helping’ John with his gardening exploits by digging holes of his own all over the lawn. John doesn’t mind. He only wanted the garden so he could have somewhere safe to play fetch with Max on sunny days like today. He’s never been one for trying to keep it immaculate when Max’s favourite hobby is trying to tunnel his way to China.

Max has stopped his gardening though. He’s become preoccupied by the exchange between John and Henry and he’s taken a trip the front gate to see what’s going on.

“I wonder who this bloke is?” ponders Max.

“Why would he and John be shouting at other?” he thinks to himself.

“I’d better be on full alert.” he concludes. “John’s just shouted at this chap so he obviously wants me to keep an eye out.”

Max fixes himself in position at the front gate and hoists his tail high into the air, he’s keen to let the oncoming stranger know he’s about.

John doesn’t notice.

Henry’s still coming. So Max decides he needs to be more clear. He starts to emit a deep, low growl in Henry’s direction just to make certain the stranger who’s purposely striding towards him, his owner and HIS garden is left in no uncertain terms that he’s not moving

Henry’s still coming. And now he’s close enough for Max to notice his sunglasses. “This is getting more serious by the second”, thinks Max. “He’s not only not listening to me, he’s staring right at me. I know, I’ll stare right back at him. See if he’s as brave then.”

Problems. Henry is still as brave. To Max, Henry’s sunglasses look like wide, staring eyes, boring straight ahead and as he marches staunchly toward the increasingly anxious Labrador, Max wonders what his next move might be. As body language goes, Henry is showing all the signs of refusing to listen to Max’s advice.

Now tense and feeling genuinely threatened, Max is offered an escape. John jogs inside to fetch a couple of bottles of beer and Max is only too pleased to hurriedly follow his master. Max is somewhat relieved to suspect that John, his idol, is just as scared as he is about the relentless stranger pursuing them both from outside the garden gate.

“Shut the door John, shut the door” Max worries. “He’s still coming and you haven’t closed the door”.

Too late. Max’s heart leaps as he hears the gate swing open. Too late.

His worst fears are confirmed. The unrelenting Henry is now purposefully making his way up the garden path and toward the the house where Max and John are isolated, cornered and in Max’s case, petrified.

Gathering up every ounce of his canine courage and without a second’s thought for his own safety Max charges out of the house, tail hoisted aloft and barking his war cry as loud as his voice will muster. He heads straight for Henry wondering why this stalking maniac refused to listen to all of his earlier warnings.

“You might kill me but you’ll never take John”, Max decides.

Henry, his face very quickly drained of all its colour, is shocked and taken aback to be confronted by a clearly furious Max, the dog he’d heard so many nice stories about from doting John. This isn’t at all the dog he thought he’d be meeting.

Henry, alarmed and frightened makes his way toward Max, attempting to offer a hand of reassurance and friendship.

Max is having none of it.

“John warned you. Then I warned you. Why wouldn’t you just listen?”, reasoned Max.

Undeterred by Henry’s advance and determined not to let his owner come to any harm, Max lunges in Henry’s direction.

The realisation that Max is a long way past the stage of being able to be pacified dawns on Henry fast and he hastily tries to beat a retreat back out of the gate from which he entered.

John, hearing the commotion and now panic stricken by Max’s attack bellows “No! Max, no.”

Acutely tuned to his owner’s emotions and sensing the fear and alarm in John’s voice, Max forges ahead and launches into a full scale attack on Henry.

And then, as quick as it began, it was over.

An ambulance arrives to take Henry away and, hearing the commotion, John’s neighbours have summoned the Police.

John can be heard explaining, “He’s never done anything like this before“, the attack came “totally out of the blue“, Max was always “such a trustworthy dog“, he’s “never shown any signs of aggression in his life“, the attack was “totally unprovoked“.

But we know differently don’t we?

Let’s look again at how Max saw things unfold:

1. Max spots a man walking toward his and his owner’s garden – ‘his territory’
2. Not unduly worried, Max paid little attention to the stranger until John shouted in Henry’s direction. To Max, this was a clear signal to ‘watch for danger’
3. Obediently, Max sat at the front gate and watched for that danger.
4. He attempted to signal to Henry by putting his tail in the air and growling, that he was prepared to defend his owner and territory.
5. As Henry gets closer, Max again postures but now spots Henry’s aggressive body language, his wide eyes refusing to overt their gaze a clear signal of intent. Henry’s point blank refusal to alter his path, a sure fire gesture of defiance.
6. As John runs inside, Max’s thoughts turn to escape. He now believes John is as scared as he is and they should both seek shelter from the safety of the house.
7. Too late. As Henry enters the garden (Max and John’s territory) Max does what he thinks his owner needs him to do. He defends against the threat.
8. As Henry runs away and John panics, Max takes this as a sign that he should increase his attack, his canine instincts now in complete overdrive.

So let us again question whether John was correct when he explained to Police that Max’s attack was unprovoked.

Was it unprovoked? Not at all.

Was it unjustified in human, social terms? Absolutely.

Was it avoidable? Totally.

The Aftermath

Henry, his pain eased only slightly by drugs lies motionless in a hospital bed and starts to face the reality that a visit to see a dear, old friend has left him disfigured for the rest of his life. He ponders how best to explain to his young children that he’s still their Dad even though he knows his mutilated features will upset them deeply. He wonders how life will be from now on, how people will react to him.

Max, confused and still frightened by the terrifying ordeal earlier in the day is now wondering why he’s found himself confined to a small, secure cage at the vet surgery.

He stares through the bars and looks longingly towards the door, hoping against hope that he will soon be reunited with his trusted friend and master, John.

Unbeknown to Max, he’ll never see John again.

As the door swings open, Max’s tail momentarily begins to wag but he’s deflated. It’s not John. It’s a vet nurse.

He’s still pleased to see her. He’s lonely and upset and he just wants to go home and be with his friend.

He’s too pre-occupied to wonder why the vet nurse seems so wary of him. Wanting to put her at ease, he submissively offers up his paw. As the vet nurse holds it, she carefully shaves a small patch of fur away from his leg.

Max didn’t even notice the injection.

On this day it wasn’t only Max’s body that was destroyed as John’s memories of a kind, gentle, fun loving dog died too.

He asks himself once more, “Why did my dog attack someone for no reason?”

John may never know it, but Max had his reasons.

Dogs do not bite people without reason. They do not attack out of the blue. They do not launch into savage, frenzied assaults without provocation despite what you will undoubtedly read in news reports when the next dog attack hits the press.

There are NO devil dogs. There are NO unprovoked dog attacks. There IS a huge gap in understanding amongst some dog owners about why dogs attack and until we can bridge that gap in education people will continue to be attacked and more and more dogs will join Max, their memories destroyed along with their bodies.

Killing individual dog breeds is not the solution to a problem whicn runs throughs an entire species. Oh, and if you were left in any doubt, that species isn’t canine.

————

Originally published on Stop Dog Attacks | Copyright © Ryan O’Meara | Distributed Under Creative Commons Licence (Feel free to re-publish, anywhere, simply place a link back to this page. Thank you.)

http://www.dogmagazine.net/archives/3591/the-anatomy-of-a-dog-attack/

What's "Kitten Season?"

2010-04-27T12:50:00.005-04:00

There are "The Dog Days of Summer," but did you also know that there's a "Kitten Season?"

Kitten season is the time of year when cats give birth, flooding animal shelters across the nation with homeless litters. Kitten season is really three seasons in one, starting in spring, peaking in late spring or early summer, and ending in fall.

Why Does Kitten Season Occur?

When warm weather coincides with female cats heat cycles, female cats go into heat and male cats come running from near and far.

The easiest way to help reduce the overwhelming numbers of unwanted cats is to spay and neuter your own cat and encourage others to do the same. Unaltered cats are driven by their hormones and tend to sneak outdoors primarily in search of a mate. Mating just once can start a domino effect that can result in dozens, even hundreds or thousands of unwanted animals.

These unwanted cats and kittens, when not left on the street to fend for themselves, often turn up in high volume at the local animal shelter.

Straining Shelters

Kitten season presents many challenges for shelter staff and the cats in their care. Resources already hard to come by—like food, money and space—are often stretched to their limit as shelters, that often take in thousands of animals every year, are inundated with homeless cats.

Typically, the adult cats feel the most immediate effects, as they are often overlooked by potential adopters when kittens are in abundance. As shelters struggle to accommodate as many cats as possible, the risk of illness also increases.

The animals aren't the only ones who feel the effects of stress. The burden often carries over to staff and vet services as they attempt to cope with the overwhelming number of cats.

Five Ways You Can Help

The vast numbers of cats that shelters accommodate across the nation during kitten season will not drop overnight, but there are many ways to help reduce cat overpopulation. Here's how you can get involved:

1.Spay or neuter your cats

Kittens as young as two months and weighing two pounds can be safely altered. Many people ask their veterinarian to spay or neuter their pet. If you have trouble affording the fee, consider these steps.

2.Help your local shelter

Donate supplies, money or your time. Contact your local shelter to find out what's needed most.

3.Care for homeless or wild cats in your area

Work with your local animal control or feral cat group to help control your neighborhood's feral and stray cat populations. Keep your cat safe indoors and learn how to provide safe outdoor time.

4.Become a foster parent

Contact your local shelter or rescue group to learn more about becoming a foster parent for cats or kittens in need.

5.Adopt

Open your home to new cat or adopt a playmate for
your existing pets

Shelters usually start getting phone calls and drop offs in the beginning / middle of April, depending on how warm the weather has been. We meaning all shelters and rescue groups really need your help. Help in your local area, foster, feed, donate even if you can only donate ripped used towels, people don't understand what a wonderful help that really is. If you can help us in any way at all please email us at rescuemeplzzz@gmail.com. We our over run right now with newborn kittens, nursing mom's and pregnant mom's. We are in desperate need for help in fostering. We can give you supplies and teach you everything you need to know to get started. We are a small group of friendly, nice, caring and animal loving people! Please help us save these poor homeless babies! We can't just turn our backs on them when they need us, they will only suffer a horrible death if we don't do something for them.

Why Spay or Neuter Your Pet?

2010-04-27T12:46:00.001-04:00

Why Spay or Neuter Your Pet?

Spaying is a general term used to describe the ovariohysterectomy of a female animal. Neutering is a general term used to describe the castration of a male animal. However, neutering is used in reference to both genders. The surgical procedure, performed by a veterinarian, renders the animal incapable of reproducing. Here are answers to some questions you may have about this beneficial procedure.

When can I have this procedure done?
Both procedures can be performed as early as six weeks of age. Rescues are a strong proponet of "early" neutering since this guarantees that the animals will not be able to breed and populate within a community.

Why should I have my pet neutered?
Animal shelters, both public and private, unfortunately are faced with an incredible burden: What to do with the overpopulation of dogs and cats that they cannot find homes for. Estimates across the country indicate that over 10 million animals will be humanely euthanized at shelters each year, due to the sheer fact that there are not enough homes. Having your pet neutered ensures that you will not be adding to this tremendous burden.

What are some of the health benefits?
Through neutering, you can help your dog and cat live a happier, healthier, and longer life. Spaying eliminates the constant crying and nervous pacing that is a sign that a cat is in heat. Castration stops the mating drive in males, reducing the urge to roam, which in turn, reduces the risk of fights, injury, poisoning, accidents, and contracting diseases. If you have more than one pet in your household, all the pets will get along better if they are neutered.

A long-term benefit of neutering is improved health. Early neutering nearly eliminates breast cancer, and totally prevents uterine infections and uterine and testicular cancer.

Isn't it true that you only need to "fix" female dogs or cats?
Absolutely not! A male animal can father thousands of offspring in his lifetime. Roaming tomcats fighting other cats are a neighborhood nuisance and are prone to develop infections and abscesses from their fighting. An intact male may also develop the bad habit of marking its territory by urine marking.

Neutering just costs too much!
The cost of caring for a pet, including providing veterinary care, should be considered before acquiring an animal. If you would like to provide a good home for a pet, but cannot pay for the neuter, call your local animal shelter. They will be happy to provide information on low-cost neutering. The costs of having a litter are often more than the cost of neutering. There could be complications requiring hospitalization or surgery. You will be faced with finding homes or keeping the offspring yourself or placing more animals into your local shelter. The cost of the well-being of not just your companion animal but of future generations should be considered.

Can't I allow my purebred dog to have just one litter?
Mixed breed or purebred -- there just aren't enough homes. Animal shelters receive purebred animals everyday. Responsible purebred breeders have homes for their dogs before they are born.

I don't even own a pet! Why is this my problem?
All of us are affected by animal overpopulation. Millions of tax dollars are spent annually to round up lost, abandoned, and unwanted pets. Much of that money is spent to destroy these animals when homes cannot be found. Health is threatened by the danger of transmittable diseases, including rabies, animal bites, and attacks. Property may be damaged and livestock killed when pets roam in search of food. Animal waste, proving a serious environment hazard, foul yards and parks. It is only when all of us assume the responsibility for pet overpopulation that we will see any decrease in the problem.

Isn't it wrong to deprive an animal of the natural right to reproduce?
No, it's wrong to allow these animals to reproduce millions of unwanted offspring that are eventually killed because there aren't enough responsible homes.

If I find homes for my pets' litters then I won't contribute to the problem, right?
Wrong. Only a certain number of people want pets. So every home you find for your pet's offspring takes away a home from a loving animal already at a shelter.

Shouldn't every female pet have at least one litter before being spayed?
No. In fact, your pet will be healthier if she never sexually matures. Her personality will not improve either. She is just as likely to become less social and more aggressive after having a litter, as she is to become calmer and gentler.

Shouldn't children experience the miracle of birth?
No. A more important lesson to teach your child would be responsible pet ownership and concern for life by explaining why their pet should not have babies.

Doesn't neutering alter an animal's personality?
No. Personality changes that may result from neutering are for the better. Not being distracted by the instinctual need to find a mate helps your pet stop roaming and become calmer; though not less protective of their territory.

Won't animal shelters take care of the surplus animals?
No. Shelters do their best to place animals in loving homes, but the number of homeless animals far exceeds the number of available homes. This leaves many loving and healthy animals in our community that must be euthanized as the only humane solution to this tragic dilemma. Only spaying and neutering can end the overpopulation problem.

What can you do to stop the suffering?

2010-04-27T12:45:00.002-04:00

Did you know?
Each day 10,000 humans are born in the U.S. - and each day 70,000 puppies and kittens are born. As long as these birth rates exist, there will never be enough homes for all the animals. As a result, every year 4 to 6 million animals are euthanized because there are no homes for them.

What can you do to stop the suffering?
Spay and neuter your pet! In addition to saving lives, spaying and neutering can also drastically improve your pet's health and life expectancy. The idea that pets become fat or lazy when they are spayed or neutered is a myth. Sterilized pets lead healthier, longer lives. Spaying a female eliminates the possibility of uterine and ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the risk of breast cancer. Neutering a male reduces the risk of both prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. Neutering also will make your pet more affectionate and less likely to roam, get in fights, or become lost.

Good for You, Your Pet, and the Community

Prevent A Litter - It's Good for You

Spayed and neutered pets are better, more affectionate, companions.
Neutered cats are less likely to spray and mark territory.
Spaying a female dog or cat eliminates its heat cycle, which can last twenty-one days, twice a year, in dogs, and anywhere from three to fifteen days, three or more times a year, in cats. Females in heat often cry incessantly, show nervous behavior, and attract unwanted male animals.
Spayed and neutered pets are less likely to bite. Unaltered animals often exhibit more behavior and temperament problems than those that have been spayed or neutered.

Prevent a Litter - It's Good for Your Pet

Spayed and neutered dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives.
Spaying female dogs and cats eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer.
Neutering male dogs and cats reduces the incidence of prostate cancer.
Neutered animals are less likely to roam and fight.

Prevent A Litter - It's Good for the Community

Communities spend millions of dollars to control and eliminate unwanted animals. Irresponsible breeding contributes to the problem of dog bites and attacks. Animal shelters are overburdened with surplus animals.

Long Island low cost / free Spay neuter

2010-04-27T12:42:00.001-04:00

Municipal Shelters:

The Town of North Hempstead
The Town of North Hempstead has funding available for feral cat TNR. *If you are a resident of The Town of North Hempstead please dial #311 from your home phone and state that you have a feral cat problem that you need help with*

The Town of Oyster Bay (Beginning April 1, 2008) 677-5784

The Town of Babylon (Beginning April 5, 2008) 643-9270

Nassau County

1. PAWS - PIONEERS OF ANIMAL WELFARE learn more >>
PO Box 861
Hicksville , NY 11802
516 364 - 7297
http://www.paws-li.com/
Low cost and free certificates for feral and owned cats.
Traps for loan - call Judy @ 516 872-8053

2. LAST HOPE, INC. learn more >>
PO Box 61
Syosset, NY 11791
631 425-1884
Low cost and free certificates for feral
http://www.lasthopeanimalrescue.org/

3. ST. FRANCIS REFUGE
Low cost spay/neuter resources.
Dottie Abatelli 516 935-7893
PO Box 508
Plainview, NY 11803

4. Helping Promote Animal Welfare (Helping PAW)
Please call to schedule an appointment or to find out when we will be at a location near you.

5. NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE FERAL CAT
SPAY / NEUTER PROGRAM
medicalcenter@nsalamerica.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Call 516-883-7900 ext 268
Spay / Neuter with Rabies vaccination and*Ear tipping
$40 which includes an FVRCP, Rabies, and Penicillin injection

*It is recommended that all feral cats being returned to a colony be ear tipped to identify them as having been spayed / neutered / vaccinated and cared for, which is recognized by municipal animal control wardens.

Drop off Friday evening between 6 - 8 pm.
If you are unable to drop off Friday night, you may drop off Saturday, at 8 am.
Pick up Saturday evening between 6 - 8 pm
Payment is at the time of drop off or pick up.

We can accommodate up to 4 cats a day Monday through Friday for spay/neuter. Once a month on saturdays we hold a day for ferals only where we can accommodate up to 40 cats.
Suffolk County

1. LAP LEAGUE OF ANIMAL PROTECTION, GRATEFUL learn more >>
GratefulPawGrants@yahoo.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Free certificates for Huntington residents trapping and releasing ferals.

2. LITTLE SHELTER
631 368-8770 or 754 - 8200
33 Warner Road
Huntington, NY 11743
Irene DaVide - TNR Program
Traps to loan, will trap for elderly, loans cage for recuperation.
Educate persons and assist regarding TNR, low cost sp/n certificates
http://www.littleshelter.com/ Email: info@littleshelter.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

3. KENT ANIMAL CLINIC learn more >>
631 727-7797
2259 River Rd
Calverton, NY 11933
Low cost and free spay/neuter program

4. SAVE A PET learn more >>
631 473-6333
608 Route 112
Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776
Traps available. Can hold feral's as needed for preop. and
recuperation.
Low cost and free sp/n programs

5. ARF - Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons learn more >>

Daniel's Hole Road
PO Box 901
Wainscott, NY 11875
Sara Davison - Director Ext 209
631 537-0400
fax 631 537-1759
http://www.arfhamptons.org/
email: info@arfhamptons.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it "Operation Cat - A free TNR program for feral and stray cats.

6. Elsies Ark - Pat Lillis "Save the Un-savable"
PO Box 2900
East Hampton, NY 11937
631 329-2900
Free spay neuter certificates Inquire about adoptions for special needs animals.

7. SAVES, INC. GREENPORT, NY
631 722-0015 / 722-2650
Free Spay/Neuter Program
$25 donation and will give certificate for free spay/neuter program at Kent Animal Shelter.

8. Helping Promote Animal Welfare (Helping PAW)
Please call to schedule an appointment or to find out when we will be at a location near you.

NYC

1. ASCPA N.Y. SPAY / NEUTER MOBILE VAN
212 876-7700 Ext. 4303 for free spay / neuter program.
Choose #6 for rescue persons to sign up for free spay/neuter of feral and stray cats.

National

1. SPAYUSA 1 800 248-7729 203 377-1116 / 203 375-6627 http://www.spayusa.org/
Direct to low cost Veterinarians and Programs.

An updated version of "The Starfish Story"

2010-01-23T00:01:00.002-05:00

There was a man once, sitting on a bench, killing time in the Mall while he waited for some friends to finish shopping. He enjoyed watching the people go by; the young couples in love, the families, the intent shoppers, and the Mall Walkers. He liked watching them all.

The bench he was sitting on was outside a Pet Supply Store and eventually he noticed that there was a rescue group in the front of the store, off to one side. They had many dogs with them. The dogs were beautifully groomed and seemed very happy. Some people were visiting with them and petting them and occasionally filling out some paperwork. Most people were ignoring them. And no dogs were leaving the store.

The man was intrigued. He went in to the store. A Golden Retriever with three tennis balls in her mouth came up to greet him. A small, fluffy dog of unidentifiable breeding sat at his feet and looked up at him expectantly. There were two Labs and a beautiful German Shepherd. Toward the back an elderly collie quietly stood gently wagging his tail.

The man turned to one of the rescue workers "How can you keep doing this?" he asked in amazment. "For every dog you find a home for there are a dozen more at the pound, two dozen more tied up and forgotten in backyards around the county, and uncounted dozens being born to unscrupulous breeders only to end up unwanted and neglected. Why do you bother? Don't you know that what you are doing doesn't make any difference at all."

The rescue worker smiled and picked up the small fluffy dog. "But it does make a difference. It makes a difference to this dog. And to this one. And to this one."

Starfish story revised by jan hilborn at National English Shepherd Rescue Permission has been granted to freely reprint and distribute this document as long as NESR at "http://www.nesr.info" is credited.

Madison and Dusty's Happy Ending :)

2010-01-18T22:31:00.004-05:00

Hi Amy-

I hope you are doing well. Dusty and Madison are doing wonderful. I've attached a couple recent pictures of them. Having been so young myself when I had kittens in my family previously, I had *no* idea they grew so fast. They must be a good 66% larger than they were when we adopted them a little over a month ago now.

I also wanted to tell you that within 2 weeks of my parents first meeting Dusty and Madison, they decided to adopt to kittens of their own :-)

Adopting from Almost Home

2009-12-11T02:54:00.010-05:00

This slideshow shows the current animals we have for adoption. If you have any questions please email Amy at rescuemeplzzz@gmail.com

View current pets available for adoption here....

http://tinyurl.com/almosthomepets (adopt a pet)
http://tinyurl.com/almosthome-adopt (pets911)

You can visit the official Almost home website at www.almosthomeli.org

View current Almost Home animals needing homes

2009-11-30T13:35:00.009-05:00

Our goal is to find each family a dog or cat that makes their home complete. We also help families to keep the pets they currently have. Our mission at Almost Home is to rescue and re-home unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats from private homes and municipal shelters, and to place them into responsible homes.

www.almosthomeli.org

src="http://fpm.petfinder.com/petlist/petlist.cgi?shelter=NY739&status=A&age=&limit=25&offset=0&animal=&title=&style=4&ref=jpoh9l7adf9m1cJ"
width="500px" height="600px" hspace="0" vspace="0"
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Think you can't Foster? SURE you can!

2009-11-29T23:20:00.004-05:00

I found this online and thought it was GREAT! Its from Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society and written by the Shelters director, Liz Pease.

I encourage everyone I know to foster -- even if they're dead set on adopting.

Not only does fostering provide an invaluable service to rescue groups and the shelters who depend on them (not to mention the pets themselves), it's a great way to learn about your own needs as a pet owner. (You can't know if you've got what it takes to walk a young puppy at 1, 3 and 6 a.m. until you've done it!)

But I've heard a lot of excuses -- er, reasons -- why people can't or don't want to foster. So I was delighted to get the article below in a newsletter from the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society, which answers just about every possible excuse. (It was written by Liz Pease, the shelter's director of operations.)

With shelters overflowing and many people needing temporary care for their pets while they find new housing or weather a crisis, fostering is even more important these days. So print out this list and give it to everyone you know who thinks they just "can't" foster.

"I DON'T HAVE THE SPACE" -- I used to think this too. Then a cat came along that really, really needed me ... and I made the space! All it takes is a small spare bedroom or office, a bathroom, or even a corner where you can set up a playpen cage, which you can borrow from us! While we do need foster cats to stay separate from your own cats, it doesn't take much space to do that. And remember, whatever space you have at home is probably more than the kitty has here at the shelter now! [Editor's note: This is also what I tell people who think they can't adopt a big dog because they live in an apartment--Emily]

"I MIGHT GET ATTACHED" -- OK, yes, you might. But no matter how difficult it is to bring your kitty back to the shelter, just knowing that you're helping to save a life should ease any short-term pain. When you take in a foster cat, it gives us room to help other cats that might otherwise be brought to shelters that euthanize for time and space. It also lets us learn more about a cat's personality than we ever could in a shelter environment, which, in turn, makes the cat much easier to adopt out. Yes, some cats are harder to bring back than others, but be strong! You can do it! (And yes, I've kept one foster cat, but not the 60 that followed that first one!)

"MY OWN CATS WON'T TOLERATE A FOSTER CAT, ESPECIALLY AN ADULT" -- If you have a separate room, this shouldn't be much of a problem. Yes, your cat(s) will know there is another cat in the house, and they may be a little upset about it at first. But chances are they'll get over it pretty quickly, especially if you make sure you wash your hands after visiting with the foster cat and keep the cats from seeing each other if possible. Feliway Comfort Zone diffusers or Rescue Remedy flower essence can also help. Tell your cats they need to help do their part too! Eventually, they will be totally nonchalant about the whole idea of fostering. My cats no longer even bat an eyelash when a foster cat comes into the house.

"I CAN'T AFFORD TO TAKE ANOTHER CAT" -- This one is easy! You can get all your food and litter from MRFRS if you like, and MRFRS covers all medical expenses associated with foster cats! If you buy your own supplies for fosters, save the receipts so you can take a tax deduction!

"A SHELTER CAT MIGHT GET MY OWN CATS SICK" -- If you follow basic health protocols, such as washing your hands between handling cats and wearing an over-shirt when handling the foster cat, you shouldn't have any problems. A sick cat should be kept in a separate room, and bedding/clothing should be washed with bleach after use. We are also happy to provide you with a bottle of heavy-duty kennel disinfectant for cleaning if you like!

"SOMEONE ELSE WILL SAY YES. THERE ARE PLENTY OF OTHER FOSTER HOMES" -- They won't and there aren't. It's that simple. We have lots of folks who will take kittens, but very few who will take adults, and even fewer who will take sick, feral, and/or rabies-quarantine cats. Please help us! Kittens are easy for us to place. but our poor adults need help too.

"I ALREADY HAVE A FOSTER CAT" -- All right. Well, this gets you partly off the hook. But wouldn't your foster kitty like a friend?

While this article is specific to cats and, in some places, to MRFRS, its message applies to most other animals and rescue groups. Of course, every rescue group has different expectations of fosters, but it's true across the board that fosters are desperately needed and fostering is immensely rewarding.

Want to find a group to foster for? Look on Petfinder to find a rescue group near you and then give 'em a call. You'll be glad you did -- and so will they.

Would you like to foster for Almost Home Rescue? We really need fosters for cats,dogs,puppies and kittens.

Its very true you don't need a lot of space! Remember your saving a life! Saving a cat or dog from being in a tiny cage or kennel or worse being euthanized.

You will get attached, it's a given! There will be times that it's very hard to let go. You have to remember this animal was saved because you took him into your home and gave him lots of love making him more adoptable.

Most of the time your animals at home WILL adjust to a foster pet. It may take a day or two but most cats adjust well. If for some reason its just not working out and they are not getting along.... if you have separate room to keep foster great, and if not we will find a different home for the foster.

You don't have to buy the fosters food on your own, we can provide the food for you. All the vet bills are of course covered by Almost Home.

New Fosters should always be separate for at least a week to make sure they are not sick. Kittens and Cats are tested for Feline leukemia and fIV right away so we can make sure they are separated if tested positive.

Someone else will NOT say yes! We really need more foster homes so we can save cats and dogs from dying in Shelter.

For more information on being a foster parent for Almost Home please visit our website for a volunteer application www.almosthomeli.org or email us.

Adoption procedure and Events at Petco

2009-11-29T20:28:00.030-05:00

Almost home adoption events are held at local Petco's. Our cats and dogs are not in a shelter they are all in foster homes. Our foster parents bring the animals to these weekly events to be seen by people looking for a new furry family member. We encourage you to bring the whole family and also your dog if you have one. This way we can see how the dogs interact with each other. (After filling out an application you can put a "hold" and pay deposit on the animal.) If the application, interaction and reference checks go well we can then schedule an appointment to bring the dog or cat to your home to do an in home interaction. Hopefully everyone gets along well and you can adopt/rescue and save the life of a wonderful animal. Usually animals can not go home the same day of the event. We highly suggest you purchase supplies needed and get your home ready for new pet before bringing him or her home. Cats must go home in a secure cat carrier.

The dates of the Petco adoption events are always posted on our website www.almosthomeli.org

Selden
1100 Middle Country Road, Selden NY
(631) 451-8021

Patchogue
401 Sunrise Highway, Patchogue, NY

(631) 289-7240

West Babylon
655 West Montauk Highway, West Babylon, NY‎
(631) 669-8413‎

If you live out of state or a pretty far distance away, please call or email us first before coming out. We will make sure the animal your interested in is still available and will be at the event.

Six little Kittens

2009-11-22T20:46:00.010-05:00

An adorable litter of beautiful semi longhair kittens. These kitties were rescued from being put out in the cold with no where to go. They were born indoors and had constant human contact, so they are very friendly with people. They are just getting use to dogs and adult cats in their foster home. Kittens are playful, affectionate, friendly and of course litter trained.

Why Adopt an Older Dog?

2009-11-04T22:53:00.004-05:00

Why Adopt an Older Dog?

1. Older dogs generally like to watch the same programs on TV that you do, so you won’t have to learn to enjoy cartoons.

2. Many older dogs have already experienced rides in the car and walking on leash, so they’re instant companions and ready to continue those activities with you.

3. Older dogs have figured out what humans are all about and are willing and eager to add new information to their knowledge of human behavior. Old dogs can absolutely learn new tricks!

4. There’s absolutely nothing like the smile you get from older dogs—especially dogs that haven’t felt like smiling in awhile, but now have reasons to smile because you love them.

5. Older dogs are looking for human companions who will value their wisdom and their slow pace. They have their very own special appeal.

6. When you adopt older dogs, you can erase any unpleasant past experiences that they’ve had by loving them and caring for them. It doesn’t get any better than that!

Georgi and Jerry

2009-10-10T18:54:00.001-04:00

Georgi and Jerry are now about 12 weeks old. They were found in a box when they were about 4 weeks old. These boys are very sweet and cuddly and really love being with people. They have been around other cats, dogs and children.

Rocky the Rockstar!!!!

2009-09-30T13:46:00.002-04:00

Rocky is a typical wonderful pittie! He is just a complete mushy big love bug. He has the pitbull personality he gets excited very easily and is kind of clumsy which is adorable, but you just have to be careful around small children and small animals. He means no harm to anyone or anything, he's a big goofy boy who just wants to play and to love you! He's beautiful and deserves a great home with a family who really loves him.

New Leash on life video!

2009-07-13T23:20:00.003-04:00

Such a sad video! Hard to watch ..... much easier to turn your head and look the other way and not think about the truth and what really happens!! Don't do this...... Help save an animal... ADOPT.... FOSTER..... DONATE...... VOLUNTEER....... Do something! Every little thing, every little bit helps to those animals.

Look at Max and Molly Now :)

2009-07-13T13:24:00.008-04:00

These two beautiful dogs were rescued from the park in NYC! They were left tied with two little puppies :( They were horribly emmicated and very fearful of people. They puppies are now 12 weeks old and one has been adopted, Im sure the other will be adopted very soon. Max and Molly (AKA JUDY) look wonderful now. They are in foster care and have wonderful foster parents who are working with them. They are working on their fear of strangers and they are doing better. They are beautiful loving dogs and very loved by their foster parents, hopefully a great family will adopt them soon! They do not need to be adopted together, if interested please contact me.

More and more puppies! Can't get enough!

2009-07-12T21:34:00.003-04:00

Honey and her Baby Bee's!! Need Homes!!

2009-07-09T20:56:00.012-04:00

update: Honey and her Baby Bee's have all been adopted :)

Honey the mommy was rescued by our rescued from a life on the streets! She is the most sweet lovable dog you could ever meet. She had 11 puppies that are now almost 7 weeks old, and will be ready for adoption after they have all their vet work done. They are sweet cuddly and so cute...... A few are even already on hold to be adopted and even mommy "Honey" is going to a new forever home :) Woohoo!

Almost Home Animals Needing forever Homes!

2009-06-25T23:28:00.022-04:00

Tigga is an 11 mos old Pittie mix, male, neutered. He was surrendered to us by his owner who couldn't care for him anymore. He is a sweet, snuggly boy that is good with other dogs and probably would do OK with cats but we still have to test him. He is being crate trained and walks great on a leash.
Sunny is a 12 week old Pit mix who was rescued from a local shelter. She is just a doll! She is super sweet and very attentive.
TL George is a five year old, male, Hound that was rescued from a shelter down South. He has TL spray painted on his side, which often the hunters do to identify their dogs. He is not much of a hunter, which is probably why he ended up being dumped. He is excellent with other dogs, cats, housebroken and just a laid back boy!

Max is a 10 month old lab mix. He is super sweet and always smiling!

Max and Judy were found in a park, chained up, with 2 puppies running around free by them. They are in rough shape; they are all emaciated. But through all this they are great dogs.

Judy is a 1 and a half year old lab mix. She is the sweetest dog ever, she just can’t stop wagging her tail.

Max and Judy were found in a park, chained up, with 2 puppies running around free by them. They are in rough shape; they are all emaciated. But through all this they are great dogs.

Jenny and Angie are about 9 weeks old. They are black lab mix pups.
They are good with other dogs and cats.
Jenny and Angie are about 9 weeks old. They are black lab mix pups.
They are good with other dogs and cats.
Lil Man is not the most handsome, but boy is he the sweetest! He is a six year old, neutered male Maltese. He was surrendered to our vet to be euthanized because of a skin disorder. It turns out Lil Man has an autoimmune disease that manifests in the skin. He is on daily medication, and will be for the rest of his life, but doing OK. It is a chronic condition and will require lifelong management. His new family must be willing to take this on. He is worth every penny! He is good with all!

This is sweet little Lily. Lily is a three year old, female, Pittie mix. She has not had an easy life - multiple litters of pups, chained to a doghouse no matter the weather, not much attention from her human family and fed/watered enough to sustain life but that is about all. She came to us after another difficult birth - all the pups found a home but Lily still waits for that loving family she so much deserves. She is a sweet girl, prefers to be the only pet. She is working on her "indoor" skills, loves car rides and long walks! She has waited long enough for that true "family" to love her, as much as she will love them!

Cody is an 8 month old shepard mix. She is currently living with other dogs and cats and she is great with both of them. She is a real sweetheart all around!
Baby is a six year old, female, spayed Lab mix. She is a chunky, happy go lucky girl that is being placed by her owners due to financial and family issues. They are heartbroken about having to give her up!

Honey and her 11 baby Bee's!

Shadow is a four month old, female, spayed Black kitten that is just a doll! She loves other cats, dogs, kids and loves to lay in the dog food bowls!

Hi I am a two year old, male, DSH, Grey/White cat that was rescued from the NYC Animal Control Shelter. I was due to be euthanized due to a "cold" but was spared when my friends from Almost Home stepped in just in time. I am a very sweet little man that is good with other cats and loves to be snuggled. Please give me a loving home. I will make an excellent companion.

Skippy is a seven month old, male, neutered, grey/whit striped DSH. He was saved as a baby kitten from a local shelter and had to have his eye removed due to a severe injury. He is all healed and a sweet, sweet boy. He is great with other cats and loves to snuggle. Would probably do well with a dog too!

All About Ferals!

2009-06-25T19:26:00.008-04:00

Best Friends Caring for Ferals

Human Trapping Instructions Tomahawk Live Trap Company

Holding Overnight before surgery American Cat Project

Managing a colony American cat project

Alley Cat Allies

Neighborhoodcats "The feral cat experts"

Sgt. Stubby and Helen Keller

2009-06-24T06:48:00.007-04:00

Sergeant Stubby died on March 16, 1926, as a hero, yet today, many people do not know who he is. Sergeant Stubby is the most decorated dog in military history, and the only dog to have been promoted during battle. He fought for 18 months in the trenches for France during WW1 for 17 battles. Stubby warned his fellow soldiers of gas attacks, located wounded soldiers in No Man's Land, and listened for oncoming artillery rounds. He was also responsible for the capture of a German spy at Argonne. After his time in the war, Stubby met Woodrow Wilson, Calvin Coolidge, and Warren G. Harding. He was, also, made a life member of the American Legion, the Red Cross, and the YMCA.

Helen Keller and Sir Thomas The name of Helen Adams Keller is known around the world as a symbol of courage in the face of overwhelming odds, yet she was much more than a symbol. She was a woman of luminous intelligence, high ambition and great accomplishment. She devoted her life to helping others. Helen chose a Pit Bull as her family companion. Here is a picture of Helen and her dog.

Pitbulls Are Love!!

2009-06-23T16:00:00.026-04:00

These are just a few of the pitties and pittie mixes that have taught me so much about life! They have been through so much and still have so much love to give. It just amazes me how incredible these dogs are (really all dogs!) Pitties just have a special place in my heart, you just fall in love with them so easily. Once you really know what pitbulls are like, you just can't help but love the breed. They bond so closely with you like some other breeds don't seem to do, in my opinion anyway. I wasn't scared of pitties before I actually knew them, but I didn't know what they were really like either. I met my first at a doggie daycare / training facility years ago and I fell in love with her right away and won't ever forget her and her story.

Add me on Friend feed!

2009-06-23T15:56:00.002-04:00

I just started a new friend feed account for the purpose of saving my links and exchanging with friends who are into animal rescue etc.

If you have an animal related friend feed account please feel free to add me :-)

Friend feed account is at rescuemeplzzz@gmail.com (to find via email)

OR to find by user name rescuemeplz

Links related to Animal Rescue

2009-06-23T15:30:00.007-04:00

This list of links will be updated on an on-going basis!

Wikipedia what is a Pit bull?

Dog Town (TV show about rescue)

Catster all things cat!

Petfinder, search for animals up for adoption

ASPCA Tri-County

We Care (care2)

Pitbull Rescue Center

breed specific legislation

Stop BSL! Punish the deed not the breed!

2009-06-23T14:18:00.006-04:00

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Breed specific legislation is exactly what sounds like...regulation of your right to own or, in many cases, not own a dog based solely on the breed or "type" of dog, not your responsibility as an owner.

Breed Specific Bans

A group of laws that bans particular breeds, usually pit bulls (a type of dog, not a breed) and sometimes Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Akitas, Dobermans, Chow Chows, and a few others. These laws are usually passed after several attacks by a particular breed so that city councils can assure citizens they are “doing something” about a voter concern.

But breed bans don't work. They target all dogs of a breed -- the innocent as well as the guilty; are difficult to enforce; and do not end the use of guardian dogs by criminals. If pit bulls in their various incarnations are banned, drug dealers and other felons switch to another breed or mix. In the meantime, the ill-tempered terrier mix that bites the hand that feeds it and the poorly-bred purebred that attacks the neighborhood children pose a far greater danger to people than the obedience-trained American Staffordshire Terrier that is a registered therapy dog but cannot step foot inside the city.

Far better than breed-specific bans are strict laws to control aggressive dogs of any breed or mix. Known as generic vicious dog laws, they put restrictions on the ownership of dogs that pose a danger to people, restrictions such as confinement in locked, escape-proof kennels while outdoors on the owner's property; muzzles when the dog is off the property; and purchase of a liability insurance policy.

Source: Dogs and The Law

Where are pitbulls currently banned???? The list is always changing..... for up-to-date expanded reference for Breed Laws, visit the CHAKO breed forums!!!

Fighting Breed Specific Legislation...

Every responsible dog owner needs to stand up and fight against BSL! Remember, it could be you next time! If you don't think so, take a look at the BSL that Italy passed last year against 92 breeds of dog! If you choose to walk a Corgi or Border Collie in public they have to be muzzled as they are considered dangerous. In the Bahamas they passed restrictions against many large breed dogs. It doesn't matter what breed of dog you own, you can easily with one incident become a target.

BSL does nothing to address the root of the problem - irresponsible dog ownership. It punishes the responsible dog owners. Bad owners simply gravitate to other breeds when their breed is banned.

We Were Handed The "Real" PitBull........

2009-06-23T01:55:00.006-04:00

We Were Handed The "Real" PitBull.....What Will We Hand To The Next Generation??

The American pit bull was wildly popular between 1880 - 1930's. Through out this period of popularity, the breed was able to retain its essential character.

When the American pit bull became the "fad breed" again from 1983 - ? the breed was not so lucky. Many specimens have lost the physical and mental characteristics of the "real" American pit bull. This is due to one thing: "fad breeders" cashing in on producing dogs for the "fad market".

Serious breeders will steward the breed through this unfortunate time, however, it is shocking to realize that there is a whole generation of young people living now who may never have ever even seen a true American pit bull! And yet these same people may consider themselves "pit bull breeders".

Caring makes you a better person!

2009-06-22T16:09:00.006-04:00

Who are you to judge the life i live? I know im not perfect, and i don't have to be. But before you start pointing fingers, make sure your hands are clean. -Bob Marley

I wonder if it hurts them to live, and whether or not they have to try and if given a choice, it would not be, to die..." -Viginia Wolfe

"I am impressed by no mans religion, whose pets are not obviously the better off because of it." -Abraham Lincoln

"Be the change you want to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi

Great dogs who need forever homes!

2009-06-22T02:31:00.012-04:00

Look at these beautiful puppies!! They are only about 4 weeks now and will be available in about a mth or so for adoption.

Sunny is a 12 week old Pit mix who was rescued from a local shelter. She is just a doll! She gets along great with other dogs,
is super sweet and very attentive.

Tigger is a 10mth old Pittie mix! He was rescued from a very bad situation where he was left chained outside and rarely fed or taken care of in any way. Even though Tigger was not treated well by people, he LOVES people so much. He loves to cuddle, to give lots of kisses and stay right by your side. He is currently recovering from heartworm and malnutrition. It's amazing how a dog treated so horribly, can be so sweet and just give such unconditional love to everyone he meets. He also gets along great with cats and other dogs.

Why did you leave me here? Inside a "kill Shelter"

2009-06-22T01:04:00.014-04:00

It's just so sad seeing animals left by their owners many times for the most ridiculous reasons "excuses" The dog or cat not understanding why, what happened, what's going on and always waiting and looking for their people to return. Even if they weren't the best, that's all they had. Now they have a cold metal cage, sadness and loneliness.

I was working at A "Kill Shelter" for a short period of time and saw enough sadness to last me a lifetime. It was a large and very clean shelter. The dog runs were almost always full and the cat cages also were filled with cats just wanting their people back. Most of these animals were owner turn ins and also strays picked up on the streets. I would say on average 1/2 of all the dogs in this shelter were pit bull or pit bull type dogs. The other half I would say were purebred dogs turned in by owners and the rest were mixed breeds. I was honestly surprised at how many purebred dogs were turned into the shelter. Many of them being dogs like Min Pins, Jack Russel, and black labs. These were the lucky dogs who were quickly adopted, usually within just days. It was just an ongoing cycle of turn ins and adoptions for these luckier little guys. (If you want to call it being luckier)

It was the sad black labs who were always overlooked. People just tend to walk right past the average looking "black dogs" :( The pitties and the rottweilers were the really unlucky ones. The dogs at this shelter are not taken out of their runs to be walked or to get human interaction. Although they did have a volunteer program people would come to walk dogs, it was usually the smaller and easier dogs that were able to come out of their kennel runs and get some socialization. The staff at the shelter would spend their entire 8 hour shift cleaning. Unfortunately they did not spend time with the dogs or trying to get the dogs or cats adopted.

They did not have a specific policy for how long they would keep dogs before they would euthanize them. It all depended on how much space the shelter had. They were very good about giving the dogs a good chance and not euthanizing unless they really had no other choice. The problem with the pitties and big dogs they would have so much pent up energy that when a potential adopter wanted to see them, they would be bouncing off the walls. Taking a dog from the kennel to the viewing / family room would be difficult. Many dogs really had no training and just don't have any clue how to act. They would give a very bad first impression to potential adopters :(

After working in the "front" area of this shelter for a little while, I decided I wanted to work more one on one with the animals. I was working in the back in Isolation with the very sick dogs and cats. These dogs had either physical problems (surgeries, hip problems etc) or Upper respiratory infections etc. I medicated and cared for these dogs and cats but this was very difficult to see.

The management and policies were beginning to change and more and more dogs were being euthanized for behavior and or simple medical issues. This is when I could no longer handle being involved with this organization. I have heard that many shelters are run in a similar manner. I just can't understand how or why things need to be this way. After leaving this organization, I began to volunteer in a no kill shelter I heard about through an online friend. The people at this No kill shelter were incredible and caring people.

Vicious?? That's BULL!

2009-06-19T01:37:00.008-04:00

Did you know that the Little Rascal's Petey was an American Pit Bull Terrier?

Would the parents of the Little Rascals let their children be in such close contact with a Pit Bull day after day if they feared that Petey could suddenly attack them without warning? Of course not. Petey was by far one of the most well trained and intelligent dogs. I urge you to rent some of the Little Rascals' episodes that feature Petey. (Petey was actually 4 different pit bulls... Not one of them ever hurt a child or adult on set) Lassie, the Collie bit her trainer several times. I actually heard over the years with the many "lassies" a few of them had bitten.

Rescues we support and / or volunteer with!

2009-05-10T14:11:00.026-04:00

These are the Rescues That I love and support and have worked with or still do!

Lebanon Dog Pound

Sorry No link/ no site lol! It was a little tiny 5 lane "dog pound" on a scary lonely dirt road. This dog pound made me so sad, I would walk to it after school almost every day bringing the dogs special treats and giving them treats through the chain link fence. They had no heat or air conditioner. I'm unsure about how long they would keep the dogs before they would euthanize them. I think it was 7 days to find the family, but longer they would keep them IF they had space and they usually did. I would help the dog warden who was a women who seemed very cold and uncaring to feed and water the dogs. She would tie each dog outside the pen while she cleaned each cage. I would hold the dog on the leash while she did this and play with the dog. One day I fell in love with this little funny looking terrier mix and asked about adopting, I paid $5 for the dog, she asked is it ok with your parents? I said yes of course, "it wasn't I hadn't asked". My parents got over it, and liked the dog, so I did it again and again and ended up finding good homes for about 5 dogs in about a year I was around 9 I think. This was my first attempt at rescue before I knew what I was doing! (My parents let my adopt another dog from the dog pound a few years later)

CT Humane Society

Since 1881, The Connecticut Humane Society has relied on our volunteers to help us achieve our mission. We offer an array of exciting opportunities for people who love animals to become involved with Connecticut's oldest animal welfare organization. (Taken from website) I started fostering animals in need mostly purebred, sick, or newborn animals while I was high school. This was my 2nd volunteer / foster animal shelter position. This was tough, as it was "Kill Shelter" and although I wasn't at the shelter that often. I did know that sometimes I would go back and a certain dog would be gone and I wouldn't ask because I almost knew that dog was most likely euthanized due to overcrowding, the dog being sickly, not a very friendly dog, and also being "just plain black" as we all know black dogs are the least likely to be adopted :( I mostly was there to pick up fosters to bring home with me and I knew there was only so much I could do and actually I was too young to volunteer to with the big dogs at that time.

The League for Animal Protection of Huntington

A non-profit, all volunteer organization dedicated to the rescue and placement of stray and abandoned animals in the Town of Huntington, New York. Cats are housed in The Grateful Paw Cat Shelter staffed by volunteers. Volunteers from the League also work with dogs housed in the Town of Huntington Animal Control center. I love this organization even though the shelter is still a town "kill" shelter. The town itself still does euthanize dogs and cats but has not done so in a very long time unless a dog or cat is very ill and can not be saved. The team works well together to save as many animals as possible and provides lots of follow needed follow up services I feel are needed in shelters. They are also know they dog and cats pretty well and can answer many questions that the town shelter workers do not know about the dogs. I only wish the town workers would refer the public to the "volunteers" more often. I really enjoy working with the people from this organization, they are people with such a great big heart with such love for my favorite breed breed the pittie's :-) !

Boston Terrier Rescue

The Boston Terrier is a lively, highly intelligent, adorable, farting, snorting, sweet, loving and clownish big dog in a little body. I have found that the main reason most people have given up their dogs to a shelter or rescue group is because they did not realize how active these little guys are. Many people would leave their Boston's in a crate all day and come home from work and expect to just let the dog out to go to the bathroom and then be a couch potato for the rest of the night. When I did rescue with these dogs I thought these guys were the "big dogs in the little bodies" and that's even what they they thought! They seem to be fearless! My Boston would attack my Aussie and not stop until I pried him off. My first placement was to a 13 year old boy with disabilities. He needed a "friend" his doctor thought maybe a small/med dog that was already well trained that could kind of assist him in some ways. We did a little extra training, and he went to his new home and they both fell in love, we keep in touch weekly through email. His mom thanks me at least monthly still and that was 5 years ago and she is very scared of when the time comes that "Pongo" could die. Her son had his 18th Birthday but he won't be able to live on his own for most likely a very long time.

Little Shelter

Little Shelter Animal Adoption Center, one of Long Island's oldest no-kill shelters, is dedicated to saving all companion animals whose lives are in jeopardy. Through rescue from kill facilities, rehabilitation of sick and un-socialized pets, and a 100% spay/neuter program, Little Shelter hopes to end pet overpopulation and place all dogs and cats in loving homes.

Little Shelter Started 82 years ago!!!! It was a time of great opulence. People were dancing the Fox-trot and Charleston, the radio was invented, and Rin-Tin-Tin went from rags to riches and became the most famous movie dog in history. Unfortunately, life wasn’t so wonderful for the homeless dogs and cats that roamed the streets in Huntington. Rounded up by the town dog-catcher, these animals were kept in a tiny shed in deplorable conditions until claimed by their owners, or they met their unfortunate end.
The 1920’s also gave birth to one woman’s dream. Anna Hunninghouse dreamt of opening a refuge where homeless animals could live and safety and comfort until a new home was found. Her dream came true in April 1927 when the doors of Little Shelter were unlocked for the very first time.
Since that fateful Sunday, thousands of animals have passed through the doors of Little Shelter. Our outreach has grown from community-based to nationwide, and Little Shelter continues to set the benchmark for other shelters to follow. Our mission is now, as it was then, to serve as a refuge for abandoned and homeless animals, by providing food, quality medical care, and shelter, until loving, permanent homes can be found – in essence, to ‘Rescue, Nurture & Adopt’.
Anna’s dream lives on and we know that she would be very proud of what Little Shelter has become today.
Happy 82nd Anniversary Little Shelter!

LS Has a wonderful group of volunteers that really care about the animals!!! I really learned a lot working in the medical facility in the cattery.

Almost Home Animal Rescue and Adoption, Inc

Almost Home Animal Rescue and Adoption, Inc. is a non-profit organization that was formed by a group of dedicated and compassionate volunteers with many years of shelter experience. Almost Home maintains a no-kill policy towards animals and treats families that come to us with respect. Our goal is to find each family a dog or cat that makes their home complete. We also help families to keep the pets they currently have. Our mission at Almost Home is to rescue and re-home unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats from private homes and municipal shelters, and to place them into responsible homes. www.almosthomeli.org (from official facebook page)
These are some of the most caring people I have seriously ever met in my life! They really care about the animals, and they will fight and do anything they need to do to help any animal in need! The animals are so lucky to have these guys on there side! You guys are truly the best! Keep up the good work, the animals truly love you and so do we :)

Are you looking to adopt an animal??? I'm SURE I can help you....... Just send me an email and let me know what your looking for I have many contacts. I have friends and contacts from many shelters, myspace, facebook, and many online groups and organizations.

Are you trying to place an animal? I will do my best to try and help..... Send me an email with all the details and I'll do all I can to help. Please remember, It may take a while and no guarantee's. Most shelters are full too the max and I'm full with fosters right now.

Please feel free to email me at butterfly0033@yahoo.com or find me on twitter @rescuemeplz or @butterflyz0033

Available for adoption (Kittens)

2009-05-09T07:37:00.002-04:00

Two beautiful kittens need forever homes. One orange and white tabby (male) and one brown and black tabby (female). They have been bottle fed since birth and are super friendly and super sweet. Love dogs, other cats, kids and anyone who gives them attention :-) They both have all shots, have been altered, Vet checked and I will micro chip them before they go home with you.

For more information send me an email here or at butterflyz0033@yahoo.com or a message on twitter. You must live locally in Long Island, CT or NY.

UPDATE: My sweet babies were adopted into a loving home! :) I'm so happy!

Casper rescued from house full of sick cats!

2009-04-24T21:49:00.000-04:00

We have a volunteer and a staff member that trap cats and neuter and return. They were told about a house where a woman had many many sick and dead cats in and around her house. They trapped the adult feral cats and brought them straight to the vets office. They had to euthanize many very sick cats some testing positive for leukemia. They found many tiny kittens with some sort of skin infection that the vets could not figure out. They were treated with antibiotics and most of them recovered well. Casper was one of the tiny kittens and we started to notice he was also the boldest and bravest of them all. He would always be the center of attention and a great escape artist. He was also one of the biggest pains in the butt!! We just had to keep him, we got very attached and couldn't let him go. He gets along great with everyone and bosses around our pit bulls, if they piss him off he just wacks them lol. He still has some health issues, he bascially has problems with his eyes watering all the time and we have tried many different medications and nothing seems to help. He's a big boy and really cute..... he has pretty blue eyes but it's very hard to see in pictures. He loves anyone who comes to the house and everyone loves him! The other kittens in that house were adopted out into good homes.

Hannah's Story!

2009-04-24T14:02:00.000-04:00

Hannah was brought into one of the shelters that I volunteer at. She was only about 2 days old, she was found wet, cold and hungry at a car dealership. The guy who found her thought that the dog may have found her because she was all wet and the dog was sniffing her on the ground. She was so funny looking but adorable at the same time. Her paws were so huge for her tiny body!!
I took her home and bottle fed her, she did great! I had no intentions on keeping her, just wanted to get her big enough and healthy enough to be adopted.
I took her everywhere I went of course, including to work with me as she had to eat every few hours. One night when driving home from work.... We witnessed a horrible accident. It was a hit and run and the man was killed right in front of us. We saw the entire accident happen so we had to stay at the accident scene for hours. For a good part of that time I had to sit alone in the car (alone except for having little Hannah with me) I was scared to death and just couldn't stop shaking, but something about having this little kitten with me really comforted me. When I took her out of her carrier and held and fed her, she just purred and needed me. Since then I have just have had this bond with her. I always think about how much she helped me to feel better and that everything is going to be ok. (The entire accident was just horrific all the details of how it happened, what we saw, how the family lived right nearby and came running out and first thought we had killed him. It was all just so sad, scary and nothing like this had ever happened to me)
So then we know we are keeping this little girl, she grows and grows and grows. She gets attached to the dogs and my other kitten I was fostering at the time.
She got so attached to the little neurological kitten seen here with Hannah hugging. She loves her little sissy.
Then she becomes a teen and is still sweet as ever, just getting into a little more trouble like climbing on counters and knocking things over lol.

Hannah grew into her Mittens and got to meet many more foster babies that came home with us until they were big enough for forever homes. She always shows everyone lots of love!! She hugs, she kisses, she licks and cleans them. She always accepts everyone new and always seems to know when I'm not feeling good. Oh ya and she's kinda a lazy girl, eats a little too much and could lose a few pounds hehe.

Big Hugs!

2009-04-24T12:35:00.000-04:00

We love each other :)

Kitten needs forever home!

2009-04-24T12:07:00.001-04:00

This is our Pittie Girl with Billy the kitten who is available for adoption. He obviously loves dogs and other cats. He was rescued and bottle fed so he is super sweet and friendly. He loves to play in the water. He also likes to carry his toys around, his favorite is a soft green ball that he brings everywhere he goes. He also has a sister she is a black and brown tabby and is also super sweet. Email me if you have any questions or would like to meet these kittens!

UPDATE: Bille now lives in his new forever home :)

A beautiful Day!

2009-04-24T11:44:00.000-04:00

Looks like today is going to be a beautiful day! :-)

These are 4 cats that were rescued and bottle fed at only a couple days old.