March 28 - Detroit Dog Rescue

Many of you who are reading this may have heard this story before, it has garnered national media attention, but if you live in the Detroit Metropolitan area the problem really hits home.   The Discovery Channel was putting together a documentary series titled, "A Dog's Life" focusing on the HUGE stray dog problem in the city of Detroit. 

There are 50,000 stray dogs running loose in the streets of Detroit, and only 23 animal care workers to rescue them. Over 90% of dogs picked up in Detroit are euthanized.  There are simply not enough resources, funding, rescue workers, or people who are willing to adopt.

Detroit Dog Rescue was born after the City of Detroit refused to allow access to television cameras which would document the stray dog situation. There is a stray dog epidemic in the city, just as there is in many cities across the United States which have had to deal with economic decline, dwindling populations and abandoned buildings.

Detroit Dog Rescue specializes in the rescue and placement of abused, unwanted and abandoned companion dogs. By involving and educating the community, Detroit Dog Rescue works to raise the public's awareness of the plight of stray dogs.

Monica Martino is an  Emmy-nominated Executive Producer began following the stray dogs in Detroit in 2010, and created the Discovery Channel series “A Dog’s Life.” When the project was shut down by the city, she and Hush, A Rapper who was born and raised in Detroit, founded Detroit Dog Rescue. 

Ms. Martino had this to say on why she decided to get involved,  "Pretending a problem doesn’t exist is not the way to solve that problem.  I was really affected by what I saw and I could not in good conscience walk away from those animals that needed help. I’m hoping to work with the city and Mayor Bing to combine forces and bring about positive change. I’ve produced a lot of shows that have brought about incredible, long-term positive change (“Whale Wars,” “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” “Oprah’s Big Give”) so I know first-hand that pretending a problem doesn’t exist is not the way to solve that problem. I was really affected by what I saw and I could not in good conscience walk away from those animals that needed help. I know that if the rest of the country could see what I’ve seen after a year of intensively researching the stray dog issue in Detroit that they would respond."

Bless You Monica Martino and HUSH for all your work on behalf of Detroit's stray dog population! 


Take a look at this video created by DDR.   Be forewarned, it is graphic.





Get Involved:

Detroit Dog Rescue is trying to raise $50,000 to set up the City's First NO-KILL Animal Shelter.  You can make a donation by clicking on the Donate button on their homepage. 

Pass on this information to all of your family and friends!

Share

Find One Way Every Day on Facebook.
Help me spread the word about One Way Every Day.
LIKE me on Facebook!  Follow me on Twitter! 






Source:  Detroit Dog Rescue 

March 3 - Animal Rescue - A Sanctuary for Life

Take a look at another great group out there making a difference in the lives of companion animals.  I love rescue groups and those who are dedicated to helping animals!  Please help if you are able! 


Animal Rescue, Inc.  was founded in 1976, by Grace Froelich as a result of being given the alternative to either give up her beloved cat or face eviction. Grace's philosophy is that an animal is a companion pet that is a member of the family, and deserves the same respect and considerations.

So, faced with that decision, Grace went to look for a new home, one where she would not have to make a choice to give up her pet. She bought a place, now affectionately nicknamed the "farm". After she bought her new home, the strays started showing up. A dog here, a cat there. She would feed them and let them stay. She felt strongly that they should never be homeless again. She eventually moved to adopting out some of them if she knew a good home looking for a new pet. And that is how it started. Animal Rescue, Inc is set up to a forever home for the homeless. Grace stands by her initial mission that they will never be homeless again. There will always be a home at the farm for them. Hopefully, they will find a conventional home to be a part of a loving family but if they never find a home, they can live as part of the Animal Rescue family.  Animal Rescue is dedicated to these animals that are waiting for a home or never find a home.

Animal Rescue, Inc. consists of two locations: A cattery in the Putty Hill area of Baltimore MD, and a 33 acre farm located in PA.  At any one time they have approximately one hundred dogs and several hundred cats between their locations; most of which are available for adoption. Animal Rescue services the greater Baltimore MD - York PA area. Animal Rescue is a "shelter for life" for stray and abandoned animals. One of the major objectives of Animal Rescue is to find loving, responsible homes for its residents.

Animal Rescue also promotes spay/neuter programs (they also run our own low cost program for those in need), and operates a Crisis Intervention Program which keeps the human/animal bond intact by providing assistance to the elderly, sick, and the infirm.



Get Involved:

Donate to Animal Rescue, Inc. 
(Click on the Donate button to make a donation through Paypal)

Animal Rescue, Inc.'s Wish list.

Become a sponsor for one of ARI's permenant residents. For a sponsorship pledge of $10.00 a month, you will receive a picture and background (if known) of your pet.  For most pets, their history starts at Animal Rescue, Inc.

Donate a Kuranda Dog Bed. The dogs love to sleep on Kuranda Dog beds, but we do not have enough for everyone.  If you would like to donate a bed at a special wholesale price and allow another dog to sleep in comfort , please click here.   

Share

Find One Way Every Day on Facebook.
Help me spread the word about One Way Every Day.
LIKE me on Facebook!  Follow me on Twitter! 






Source:  http://www.animalrescueinc.org

January 21 - Last Chance Rescue Needs Some Heroes!

I had no intention of posting today's post at this time... I intended to post something else, but every so often I come across some information that I feel is important share with you.  I know there are those of you out there who help out when and where you can...a HUGE THANK YOU to you! 

I was taking a look at the website for Last Chance Animal Rescue and I was immediately drawn to the following posting:

We are in desperate need of Food donations and treats for the dogs.  We are completely out right now and need your help!

Wow!  That saddens me!  Over the past year I have been learning more about animal overpopulation and animal rescue organizations.  I am beginning to learn just what a caring devoted group of people are involved in animal rescue work.  In many cases these groups were started and are run by individuals or groups or volunteers who devote their time and energy to saving animals.


When there is an animal to be saved and there is no money, it comes from the rescuer's pocket.  Or it is charged to the rescuers charge card!  There is always work to be done and not enough time or money to do it!   So, how about it... my challenge to you is to help Last Chance Animal Rescue feed it's animals.


All animals deserve the right to a happy, healthy environment. Last Chance Animal Rescue is a non-profit organization committed to saving the lives of animals that otherwise would be destroyed.


Last Chance Animal Rescue is a licensed 501(c)3 non-profit organization.  For over 17 years, they have rescued over 27 thousand animals. Most from kill shelters or from research lists. They are diversified in taking in all types of dogs/cats/birds/rabbits - including providing medical, spay/neuter and giving them a chance at life and love.

Last Chance Animal Rescue is in desperate need of Food donations and treats for the dogs.  They are completely out right now and need your help!  If you are in the Brighton, Mi area- donations can be dropped at any of our showing locations on the weekend.   Donate Now!



Get Involved:

Donate to Last Chance Rescue.

Donate items from the Last Chance Rescue Wish List.

Send Last Chance Rescue an Online Gift Certificate good for food, shelter supplies or toys from PETCO.com

Share

Find One Way Every Day on Facebook.
Help me spread the word about One Way Every Day. LIKE me on Facebook!



Source: http://www.lastchancerescue.org/

November 4 - Six out of Ten

5 out of 10 dogs and 7 out of 10 cats entering shelters are euthanized (killed) - for no other reason than they have no to care for them.  No one to adopt them.  Many of those destroyed are young animals...  Most are perfectly healthy... All of them need our help! 


Below is a letter that appeared on Craigslist in December of 2008. Since that time it has become a rallying cry for those who rescue animals.  It was written by a shelter manager and let me tell you... it is powerful.  It is disturbing... but hopefully it teaches and motivates us to make a difference.  Pet overpopulation is a very real problem and education is part of the solution. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


A Letter from a Shelter Manager
 I think our society needs a huge "Wake-up" call. As a shelter manager, I am going to share a little insight with you all...a view from the inside if you will.


First off, all of you breeders/sellers should be made to work in the "back" of an animal shelter for just one day. Maybe if you saw the life drain from a few sad, lost, confused eyes, you would change your mind about breeding and selling to people you don't even know.


That puppy you just sold will most likely end up in my shelter when it's not a cute little puppy anymore. So how would you feel if you knew that there's about a 90% chance that dog will never walk out of the shelter it is going to be dumped at? Purebred or not! About 50% of all of the dogs that are "owner surrenders" or "strays", that come into my shelter are purebred dogs.


The most common excuses I hear are; "We are moving and we can't take our dog (or cat)." Really? Where are you moving too that doesn't allow pets? Or they say "The dog got bigger than we thought it would". How big did you think a German Shepherd would get? "We don't have time for her". Really? I work a 10-12 hour day and still have time for my 6 dogs! "She's tearing up our yard". How about making her a part of your family? They always tell me "We just don't want to have to stress about finding a place for her we know she'll get adopted, she's a good dog".


Odds are your pet won't get adopted & how stressful do you think being in a shelter is? Well, let me tell you, your pet has 72 hours to find a new family from the moment you drop it off. Sometimes a little longer if the shelter isn't full and your dog manages to stay completely healthy. If it sniffles, it dies. Your pet will be confined to a small run/kennel in a room with about 25 other barking or crying animals. It will have to relieve itself where it eats and sleeps. It will be depressed and it will cry constantly for the family that abandoned it. If your pet is lucky, I will have enough volunteers in that day to take him/her for a walk. If I don't, your pet won't get any attention besides having a bowl of food slid under the kennel door and the waste sprayed out of its pen with a high-powered hose. If your dog is big, black or any of the "Bully" breeds (pit bull, rottie, mastiff, etc) it was pretty much dead when you walked it through the front door.


Those dogs just don't get adopted. It doesn't matter how 'sweet' or 'well behaved' they are.


If your dog doesn't get adopted within its 72 hours and the shelter is full, it will be destroyed. If the shelter isn't full and your dog is good enough, and of a desirable enough breed it may get a stay of execution, but not for long . Most dogs get very kennel protective after about a week and are destroyed for showing aggression. Even the sweetest dogs will turn in this environment. If your pet makes it over all of those hurdles chances are it will get kennel cough or an upper respiratory infection and will be destroyed because shelters just don't have the funds to pay for even a $100 treatment.


Here's a little euthanasia 101 for those of you that have never witnessed a perfectly healthy, scared animal being "put-down".

First, your pet will be taken from its kennel on a leash. They always look like they think they are going for a walk happy, wagging their tails. Until they get to "The Room", every one of them freaks out and puts on the brakes when we get to the door. It must smell like death or they can feel the sad souls that are left in there, it's strange, but it happens with every one of them. Your dog or cat will be restrained, held down by 1 or 2 vet techs depending on the size and how freaked out they are. Then a euthanasia tech or a vet will start the process. They will find a vein in the front leg and inject a lethal dose of the "pink stuff". Hopefully your pet doesn't panic from being restrained and jerk. I've seen the needles tear out of a leg and been covered with the resulting blood and been deafened by the yelps and screams. They all don't just "go to sleep", sometimes they spasm for a while, gasp for air and defecate on themselves.


When it all ends, your pets corpse will be stacked like firewood in a large freezer in the back with all of the other animals that were killed waiting to be picked up like garbage. What happens next? Cremated? Taken to the dump? Rendered into pet food? You'll never know and it probably won't even cross your mind. It was just an animal and you can always buy another one, right?


I hope that those of you that have read this are bawling your eyes out and can't get the pictures out of your head I deal with everyday on the way home from work.


I hate my job, I hate that it exists & I hate that it will always be there unless you people make some changes and realize that the lives you are affecting go much farther than the pets you dump at a shelter.


Between 9 and 11 MILLION animals die every year in shelters and only you can stop it. I do my best to save every life I can but rescues are always full, and there are more animals coming in everyday than there are homes.  My point to all of this DON'T BREED OR BUY WHILE SHELTER PETS DIE!


Hate me if you want to. The truth hurts and reality is what it is. I just hope I maybe changed one person's mind about breeding their dog, taking their loving pet to a shelter, or buying a dog. I hope that someone will walk into my shelter and say "I saw this and it made me want to adopt". THAT WOULD MAKE IT WORTH IT

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Get Involved:

PLEASE Send this article to everyone you know!  Education is one way to help fight this epidemic. 

Find a shelter or rescue in your area.  Adopt or foster an animal if at all possible.  Find out what their needs are and help provide those needs.

100 Ways to help an animal rescue.

Share

Find One Way Every Day on Facebook.
Help me spread the word about One Way Every Day. LIKE me on Facebook!




Source:  ASPCA

September 22 (Day 205) The Gentle Barn

The Mission:   To rescue, rehabilitate and give sanctuary to abused animals. Through the interaction with our animals children learn reverence for all life.

The Gentle Barn Foundation is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1999 as a safe haven and place of recovery for abused farm animals and children. We are home to over 120 rescued animals and we are host to at-risk, inner-city and special needs kids.


Our unique treatment philosophy rehabilitates animals and connects their stories of survival and healing to the personal experiences of at-risk and special needs children who have suffered physical, mental or emotional trauma.  The Gentle Barn is host to abused children, kids recovering from substance abuse, kids on probation, foster kids, and children and adults with mental, emotional, and physical challenges.


Through the interaction with animals, the children learn forgiveness, courage, strength, leadership skills, trust, empathy, and kindness. The healing that takes place when the kids get together with the animals is miraculous.


The Gentle Barn  is run by Ellie Laks and her partner, Jay Weiner.  Ellie and Jay had similar childhoods where they both felt alone, unseen and misunderstood. For both of them it was from animals that they received their attention, friendship, and unconditional love. Having been saved by animals it was their dream to have a place that allows children to be supported and healed by animals like they had been.


Ellie and Jay see their 120 rescued farm animals as teachers, healers, friends and hero's. Every animal at their place has been rescued from horrible abuse, neglect, and loneliness, and yet they have all survived using forgiveness, trust, love, and courage. These are the qualities that Ellie and Jay strive for on a daily basis, and that they teach the children that visit The Gentle Barn.


Our at-risk program works by bringing inner city kids and at-risk youth to our facility to build self-esteem, learn positive values, heal their pasts, discover their inner selves, and reach out for bright futures. We do this by uniting the children with our 100 rescued animals. Since children naturally identify with animals, and because animals are living beings like us, we can use our interactions with them to teach children how to behave towards other people.


Incorporating the simple concepts of kindness and respect into their lives, and teaching the children to respect and protect even the smallest and weakest among us, will help them value themselves and one another.


We believe that our animals are particularly healing with these children. First of all, the animals have all been abused before coming to The Gentle Barn. Relaying their stories to the children allows them to identify and relate to the pain of the animals. Often times the children share similar pasts. Secondly, as they see that the animals are safe here with us, the children begin to open up, as they too feel safe. Finally, we believe that animals, with their unconditional love and non-judgmental attitude, can often times reach kids more deeply and effectively than people can. As the children learn to love the animals, they simultaneously learn to love a part of themselves. As they learn to understand the animals, they learn to understand a part of themselves.


Identifying with the animals at The Gentle Barn helps the children feel safe. When we explore how our abused animals have learned to forgive and overcome their pasts, the animals become role models helping the children reach their goals of surpassing their pain and reaching for their bright futures. Often times when children are abused they turn their hurt around to abuse others, smaller than themselves. By teaching empathy and uniting kids with all life, we turn them into protectors instead of abusers.



About the animals...

Bonsai lived with an alcoholic woman for the first 6 years of his life. When she was sober all was good, but when she was drunk Bonsai would get punched in the face. At 6 years old, he decided he would never trust humans again. It took us two and half years to get him to change his mind. He now works with autistic kids and gives them all the gentleness and kindness he wishes he could have had when he was a baby.



The Virtual Barn:  Read the stories of the Animals rescued by Gentle Barn.
 
 
Get Involved:
 
Donate to The Gentle Barn.
 
Share the message of The Gentle Barn.
 
Other ways to get involved.

Share

Find One Way Every Day on Facebook.
Help me spread the word about One Way Every Day. LIKE me on Facebook!


Source:  http://www.gentlebarn.com/

September 14 (Day 198) Hearts United for Animals

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”           -  Mahatma Ghandi

Hearts United for Animals is a no-kill shelter, sanctuary and animal welfare organization dedicated to the relief of suffering. We take the creatures who are lost, afraid, hungry or ill and comfort them, give them a warm soft bed, good food, medical care and most of all, love. In many ways this is a very easy thing to do because these are lovely grateful animals who give a world of love in return. In other ways, it is very difficult because the number of animals in need is so large.


Hearts United for Animals not a typical shelter. The dogs share large yards where they romp and play with friends. We know and love every one of our dogs. Every dog at Hearts United for Animals has been altered and is current on heathcare. We can tell you in detail about their personalities, likes and dislikes.


Hearts United for Animals is located on a 65-acre farm of trees and grass. We care for over 300 dogs at any time. All of the dogs at the Shelter are well loved and happy. If you have the opportunity to come to Nebraska, we hope that you can stop in and visit the dogs.


Hearts United for Animals is a place of happiness, joy and love. Everything we do is in the best interest of the dogs. Our primary concern is what will make them happy. We take dogs who have been abused, and we heal their bodies and their hearts. Hearts United is a place to celebrate the joy of life.


We operate many special programs that have a track record of success. Hearts United for Animals is the innovator of long-distance adoptions. Beginning in 1993, we have placed dogs in 45 states and Canada. HUA has even been honored by the Smithsonian Institute for our oustanding use of technology in the placement of dogs though our Jet Set Dogs program.


Hearts United for Animals rescues special needs dogs across the nation. These are dogs that can be helped but tax the resources of their rescuers. They receive specialized care and go on to live happy lives.  Those dogs that cannot be adopted stay with us as Sanctuary Sweethearts. They will enjoy loving care for the rest of their lives at the Shelter.


Hearts United for Animals operates an extensive anti-puppy mill effort nationally. We supply expertise, organization, and multitudes of printed media materials for groups and individuals operating in many states to educate the public regarding the mills.

Hearts United for Animals has operated a very low-cost spay/neuter clinic since October of 2003. The Spay/Neuter Program serves a 4-state area and is so extremely popular that a waiting list exists at all times. Over 5,000 cats and dogs have been altered by mid 2009 preventing untold numbers of suffering little ones from being born.


Hearts United for Animals assists families of the Midwest region with vet care for their animals when the families are unable to pay. This very often means responding to an emergency call for a suffering pet that can have the care it needs because HUA is going to pay.


Tia was a shepherd mix who knew what it meant to be beaten in her own home. The person who was supposed to care for her beat her in the head with a baseball bat. Her head was smashed and her teeth destroyed. It's a miracle that she survived. After several surgeries to provide some relief from her injuries, she lived at HUA for three years until she died of cancer. In honor of her spirit we created Tia's Place which is a refuge for pets fleeing domestic violence.

Hearts United for Animals emphasizes animal welfare education for young people. Many youth groups tour the shelter, enjoy the rural setting, play with the dogs, and receive information on animal care and overpopulation. Our curriculum for schools is available to the public at no charge.


We have a dream for the future - a future where all dogs and cats are spayed or neutered so there is never an unwanted litter, a future where the horror of euthanasia is ended finally and forever, a future where all dogs and cats have homes with people who love and care for them. This is our dream. We will work for the rest of our lives to accomplish it.


Our gratitude to the thousands and thousands of people across the world who support our efforts and goals is heartfelt. Together we are a powerful symbol of kindness, love and mercy.
 
 
 
Get Involved:
 
 
Donate to Hearts United for Animals.
 
Be a Buddy!  Sign up for the Buddy Program and make a difference.
 
Shop to benefit HUA.
 
Read the HUA blog.

Share

Find One Way Every Day on Facebook.
Help me spread the word about One Way Every Day. LIKE me on Facebook!


Source:  www.hua.org

August 3 (Day 156) Adopt-a-Pet.com

Adopt-a-Pet.com is a non-profit pet adoption charity that helps shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies advertise their homeless pets to adopters for free. We are like an ad agency for shelters and shelter pets. We're all about getting homeless pets into homes. We use the power of TV, the Internet and a toll-free phone number to connect adopters with shelter pets and help pets go from alone to adopted.


Sadly there are 4 million healthy adoptable companion animals killed in shelters each year due to overcrowding. Killed for no reason other than there is no room!  We do our best to relieve that problem and put pets from shelters in the homes of pet seekers all over the country. It's a big job, and we're just a small group of pet lovers who believe every pet has a right to live a full life in a loving home.


 

Our website makes it easy for anyone with an internet connection to find descriptions and pictures of adoptable animals by location, breed, gender, age, size, and color. Over 9,000 shelters posts pets on our website displaying over 130,000 pets available for adoption at any given time. We also help volunteers connect with shelters, and currently host over 14,000 people listed in our volunteer database for shelters. Pet Adoption is the loving option!


So, you want to adopt a pet, huh? Great idea!
Here are a few reasons why pet adoption is the loving option:

Whether you adopt a pet from a local animal shelter or a rescue organization, humane society or SPCA, you're saving lives. That's right: lives, as in more than one. I know, I know…you only want to adopt one dog or cat, right? Adoption saves more than just the life of the pet you adopt. If you adopt from an animal shelter, you're making room for another dog or cat, or you're allowing other dogs or cats at the shelter to be kept for a longer period of time, giving them a better shot at being adopted. If you adopt from a humane society, an SPCA or a rescue organization, you're allowing that organization to rescue another dog or cat for adoption at a public shelter, which, of course, saves the life of that little guy plus the lives of others at that shelter by creating space so new pets can be kept longer. As you can see, adoption is truly a continuous cycle of saving lives and it's the right thing to do!
Although there are millions of pets in shelters needing homes each year, many pet-owners-to-be don’t think about pet adoption when they’re looking for their new four-legged friend. Possibly because many people who want to get a pet just are not aware of how many great pets are available at shelters. They might also have the misconception that pets in shelters might be there because there was a problem with the animal. In fact, most pets end up in shelters not because of any problem with pet behavior, but because an owner died, moved, or simply didn't have the time or money to care for the animal. In some cases animals are lost and never found by their owners. These animals are healthy and very eager to please. Rescued pets are wonderful- just ask anyone who has one.

Through Adopt-a-Pet.com and without even leaving their home, people can search all their local shelters and see pictures and descriptions of the pets available for adoption. This way, they can find the exact pet they want, call the animal shelter or rescue group, and get information on how to adopt that specific animal.



Get Involved:

Spread the Word! Do Social PETworking and Twitter Critter! You can run a search on Adopt-a-Pet.com, find a pet you want to help get exposure for, and use the share tools on our site to post the pet link on their Facebook, Twitter, MySpace or other social network page. Or, you can email the link of a pet in need from our site to your friends.

Place a link/graphic or even a search widget for Adopt-a-Pet.com on your personal website to encourage  readers to see pets in need at local shelters.
Add their info to our volunteer database so shelters who need volunteers can find you.

Search Adopt-a-Pet.com to find a local shelter, and make a cash donation to that shelter to help them with the costs of housing, feeding and medical care of shelter animals.

Encourage other pet owners to spay or neuter their pet to help prevent unwanted births.

Donate to Adopt-a-Pet to help animals find their forever home.



Source:  www.adoptapet.com

June 28 (Day 120) Dogs On Death Row

At first glance, today's post looks a little innocuous.  A cute cartoon dog with a prisoners cap on!  But read on and you will discover this charity is working to bring about an end to animal cruelty while helping place animals who otherwise would be euthenised into good, loving homes.    

Driven by a deep passion for animals, Jodie Richers founded Dogs on Death Row in 2007. Having worked in the nonprofit arena for many years as a director for One Child At A Time, an international aid and adoption organization, and also as a board member for Children's Charities of America, Jodie posesses a skill set ideal for leveraging dollars into the most efficient action possible to save the greatest number of dogs.

Jodie is tireless in her efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and find homes for unwanted dogs everywhere. She is also committed to educating the public about the inhumane nature of gassing and heart prick as a means of killing animals. 

We would never lock human beings into a room, fill it with carbon dioxide and let them suffocate to death. It is inhumane. But, this kind of death is the fate of thousands of dogs and cats every year. It is a terrifying and brutal way to die and it needs to be outlawed.  Please sign up to receive our legislative action alerts and learn about how you can help abolish this barbaric practice in your state.

Click here to read about Amazing Grace, the dog who miraculously survived the gas chamber. Be forewarned, This article gives a graphic description of the practice.

How You Can Help:

Spay and neuter your pets.

An unspayed female dog, her mate and all of their puppies, if none are ever neutered or spayed, add up to:

• 
  
  1 year: 16
• 
  
  2 years: 128
• 
  
  3 years: 512
• 
  
  4 years: 2,048
• 
  
  5 years: 12,288
• 
  
  6 years: 67,000 dogs !!!

There aren't enough good homes for all of these dogs.

Make a donation.

Thousands of dogs are euthanized each year because of lack of funds to support them. These dogs deserve to live out their natural lives. A small contribution can make a BIG difference.

Take action.

If you have ever heard an accurate description of what happens to an animal when it is gassed to death or killed by heart prick, you know just how inhumane this practice is. Help us to outlaw these methods of killing dogs by contacting your state's legislature.

Educate others.

Tell your friends and family that you support Dogs on Death Row and tell them why it's important to get involved.

Source:  Dogs on Death Row

April 12 (Day 43) - Go Orange for Animals

 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

The ASPCA -The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was the first humane organization in the Western Hemisphere. Our mission, as stated by our founder, Henry Bergh, in 1866, is “to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.” The ASPCA works to rescue animals from abuse, pass humane laws and share resources with shelters nationwide. 

Note:  This video is very hard to watch... I hesitated in my decision to include it, but if it causes one or two people out there to get involved and take action, it is worth it.

One of our most important annual events is the celebration of April as Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. Each year, the ASPCA urges supporters across the country to support our efforts and “Go Orange for Animals” in honor of the signing of the ASPCA’s charter in 1866. We officially launch Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month on April 1, and throughout the month, iconic buildings and landmarks across the country will support our life-saving work by lighting up in our signature color and “Going Orange for Animals.”  Please consider helping ASPCA in their fight to end animal cruelty.  Click here to donate to ASPCA

Click here to check out the many programs and initiatives of the ASPCA.

Check out the ASPCA blog, "Talk Action, Take Action" and see how to get involved in what's going on at ASPCA.

Source: ASPCA
.

April 11 (Day 42) Pets For Vets

Today's Cause is awesome because it helps two groups at once!  It rescues shelter animals and provides help to Military Veterans!   Check it Out....

The Pets for Vets program is dedicated to providing a second chance for shelter pets by rescuing, training and pairing them with America’s veterans who want a companion animal. This is a win-win way to give back to our troops who have given so much to us. They fought hard for our country and made us proud. Pets for Vets is a concrete way to say thank you and to benefit our returning veterans.

Many of our Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans suffer from physical and emotional injuries making it difficult to transition back to civilian life. Pets for Vets can help! Our goal is to heal their wounds by bringing together man’s best friend and our returning soldiers while showing them both that we have not forgotten. Any veteran with a condition that could benefit from having a companion animal and is able to care for an animal is eligible to receive a Pets for Vets companion animal.

The Pets for Vets program is dedicated to providing a second chance for shelter pets by rescuing, training and pairing them with America’s veterans who want a companion animal. 3 to 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year. These dogs can make excellent companion animals but never have that chance. Our dedicated animal trainer will evaluate and rescue the shelter animals and provide additional training to ensure that they are able to assimilate into a home, which is quite different from a shelter environment.

Sadly, there are alarming statistics of suicide, family abuse and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder facing veterans returning to civilian life after military duty. This can cause a downward spiral of apathy, unemployment, broken relationships, addiction and depression. It is our belief that companion animals can be the life saving therapy or friend that many returning service men and women need.

Medical studies have shown that companion animals significantly improve mental and physical health, including reducing stress, depression and anxiety, symptoms experienced by many serving in the military.

The Pets for Vets goal is to match rescued companion dogs (or pets) with American veteran owners providing a second chance for both the veteran and the dog (or pet).

Your support helps us match a rescued companion dog (or pet) with an American veteran who would benefit from having a companion. In accomplishing this mission, we do not want to create an additional burden on the veteran; with each dog/veteran match we provide all of the necessary equipment for them to start their new life together. In addition, the pet will be healthy and up to date on all vaccinations. Your donation helps to ensure they have everything they need.

If this inspires you, click here to find out the ways you can help Pets for Vets. 

Source: Pets For Vets

March 7 (Day 7) - A Fun Way to Feed Dogs & Cats

What a colorful fun webpage!  Just viewing this page makes you smile.  This charity was started in April 2008 by 12 year old Mimi Ausland of Bend, Oregon and since it's inception has donated over 190 tons of dog and cat kibble to many shelters across the country! 

How it works:

Visit the webpage at www.freekibble.com and there is a trivia question with 4 possible answers.  Click on the answer you feel is correct.  It doesn't matter if you are right or wrong,  every day you click on an answer, sponsors will provide 10 pcs of kibble.  The more people who visit the site and play, the more kibble is donated.   Again, let me remind you... since April of 2008 over 190 tons of kibble have been donated!  The power of multiplying one small act by many people.   While you are there, click on the link to feed cats.

Another fun way to help feed hungry dogs... play Kibble Katch on your iPhone to feed REAL food to REAL shelter dogs, sponsored by Halo, Purely for Pets!  Watch a demo and download the app at http://www.freekibble.com/katch/

Wow -  an amazing site and great work being done, all because a 12 year old girl wanted to "do what she could, where she was, with what she had!"  Way to go Mimi!  You inspire us all!



Source:  www.freekibble.com

March 4 (Day 4) - Shelter Animals Need Your Help

Because of the economy many shelters have seen the number of surrendered animals increase beyond their capacity. Sadly, because of foreclosures and job losses many family pets have been surrendered as families are unable to afford to care for them.  Many shelters are full and struggling with caring for the increased number of animals.  Most shelters are seeking volunteers to help them in a variety of ways.  Click on the petfinder link www.petfinder.com/shelters.html and you can search for shelters in your area.  Check out the shelter's webpage and see what opportunities are available to assist - most shelters will list the areas in which they need help.  

WAYS TO HELP:

Wish List:  Does the shelter have a wishlist posted?  Can you provide them with some of the items on their wishlist? 

Volunteer:  Many shelters are looking for volunteers to assist in many ways... administrative work, cuddling with kittens, walking dogs, cleaning up.  There are many ways you can help! 

Foster an Animal:  Maybe you are unable to commit to adopting an animal but consider fostering an animal... you can provide a loving home for an animal until it is adopted by it's forever family. 

Adopt a Shelter Animal:  Can you provide a loving forever home to an animal in need?  Please consider adopting a shelter animal.  What's in it for you?  Besides knowing that you will be saving a life, you will enjoy the love and happiness of the animal you saved.

The ways to help and the needs are as varied as the shelters and animals they serve, but the reward is the same!   Lots of purrs and tail wags and the love and adoration of your new forever family member.