Imagine this. You are driving down a desolate stretch of North Dakota highway when you notice two dogs running down the side of the highway towards you. You pass them. When you look in your rear view mirror, you see that they have turned around and are running in your direction.

What do you do?

If you are a rescuer or an animal lover, your knee jerk reaction is to pull over and help them. And this is exactly what one of our members did. She stopped. There were no houses in sight and no cars on the road. The dogs were thin, matted, filthy and covered with sores and ticks. She and her friend put the dogs in the back of her car.

They stopped at the nearest farm house and, through a phone call, the dogs’ story came out. Buster and Patches belonged to Jerry.

To him, they were the world. He took them everywhere he went; his companions; his closest friends. But Jerry passed away the week before. His funeral service was that day, an hour from the time they were found.

Jerry’s family did not want Buster and Patches. They planned to destroy them. They had locked the dogs in the barn, but they escaped.

When they were found running down the highway that Thursday morning, they were already 25 miles away from home and still running. It’s as if they knew what fate awaited them if they stayed.

So with everyone’s okay, Buster and Patches went home with Robin to lower Saskatchewan.

It’s been three weeks now. Though they still show signs that they miss Jerry and their old life, they are adjusting. They have been groomed and de-ticked, and their sores are mostly healed. They are vaccinated and fixed.

And now they are searching for a loving family.

Buster (above) is a Brittany mix, about 4 yrs old. Patches (right) is a lab/collie mix, a bit older but not much. Their foster mom says they are well-behaved, good boys. (Click photos to see larger image. Or click here to see more photos.)

Are you the family for them?

Let’s Adopt! conditions for adoption:

1. Family MUST have an existing animal.
2. Animal MUST live inside the home, not on the garden.
3. Animal MUST be fed raw (http://rawlearning.com).

We do not apply an adoption fee. One can’t buy any Let’s Adopt! dog or cat.

Contact: viktor@myletsadopt.com

If you are not the family for Buster and Patches, please SHARE their story with your friends and family… and help us find them their new home.

And please join us on Facebook!

Ciao, Holly

This kind face belongs to a dog we have dubbed Brave Boy. He was spotted in the forest of Istanbul searching for something to eat. He was also injured. When we tried to approach him, he ran away.

After five hours, we found him in an abandoned building. This building was all he knew as “home” and he was likely to die there… except we were looking for him. We were not going to let that happen.

We rescued him and took him to the vet. He is now on the road to his recovery… and a whole new life!

There are many such animals like Brave Boy living homelessly and helplessly on their own. Except for the smart, strong, lucky ones who know how and where to find food, water and shelter, and understand the mentality of the pack, they stand little chance of survival. The average life span for these animals is 2-5 years.

Let’s Adopt! is working to help these cats and dogs by rescuing them, getting them the medical attention they need and finding the right forever homes for them… whether it is in their neighborhood, their country or across the world.

Because the right home is just that… the RIGHT home.

On the 29th of May, three of our rescues will fly from Turkey to the US: Star, Long John, and Lisa. This won’t be cheap. We are going to need as much funds as we can gather. Those who have rescued internationally in the past know how expensive this gets.

This is what we do. I hope you will share our story with your friends and join us.

Ciao, Holly
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Update: Brave Boy will be going to a new home in Austria!

For the past few days, I have been watching a rescue effort via Facebook of a pit/mix in a Tennessee shelter. Her name is Sasha. She and her four puppies were brought to the shelter in March. Her puppies were adopted, but she remained sheltered.

One faithful trooper kept posting her info on Facebook. He started posting her in March when she arrived at the shelter. Recently a new campaign was started for Sasha and this time, it crossed the right paths at the right time and a fire was ignited. The rescue effort took many twists and turns and often felt like a roller coaster ride. My own fingernails grew weary from hanging by them as I watched.

One note yesterday said, “I will call [rescuer] again after 12:30…” The reply that came back said, “Won’t the dog be PTS at noon?” It was time stamped 11:55 am.

Several quick notes later came word that she has been put on “hold” from being killed and would be pulled out of the shelter on Saturday, heading to a rescue. A bit ago came a message that someone was on their way to pull Sasha today! Forgive me, but I continue to hold my breath and cross my fingers until I see photos of her “on the outside.”

While my heart relishes the victory of this save, my mind goes to the dog that took Sasha’s place yesterday on the death list. We did not see a photo of him or her. Or did we, but we did not respond? That dog was just as undeserving of death as Sasha.

Perusing the posts on my Facebook wall, I saw the news that Robeson County has changed their laws regarding the killing of animals in their shelter. They will not longer empty a needle full of barbituates into the chest cavity of an animal hoping to strike their heart and end their lives. The heart is difficult to find and if missed, the drugs cause great pain to the animal before they finally die. Instead, Robeson County will use a more humane method… intravenous euthanasia.

I am struck by the sad reality that we even discuss “humane killing.” What is humane about killing voiceless, innocent creatures?

Another post protested the use of gas chambers to kill cats and dogs. I should have not watched the video because certain images will be forever seared in my mind. They bring me to tears even now as I write this. The dogs already lifted into the metal gassing box are wagging their tails completely trusting the people who have placed them there. And their trust was violated; they were betrayed.

We have to stop the killing!

While we make statements about how spay/neuter will reduce the many cats and dogs brought to shelters, that idea is for the future, the next generation of animals. Spay/neuter does not address the pets in urgent need at this very moment. And sadly, “at this very moment” applies whether you read this post as soon as I publish it or if you read it tomorrow… or even next week. There is a huge need to adopt right now.

The Three Brothers are available for adoption. Contact v.larkhill@googlemail.com.

If you have a cat or dog, consider adopting a companion for them. Dogs are pack animals and operate very well within a group. Cats love company, too. In my household, the cats all pair up and are always found napping with their “best friend.”

If you already have two, consider a third… or maybe even a fourth one, too.

Please adopt a rescue or shelter pet.

If you aren’t ready to adopt, consider fostering a cat or dog. Call your local rescue groups and shelters. There is always a need for foster homes.

Save a life today! And help us empty all the shelters and all the rescues.

Ciao, Holly

Update: Sasha is safely out of the shelter.

It Is Cold Out There!!!

Photo by Kirsten Bole

I saw her sitting at the corner holding a cardboard sign that read “Hungry and broke. Please help.” Her dog sits patiently and loyally by her side. You could see the strongest bond that could be found between the two souls who have nothing but love to give and share. Two outcasts living together in a complete harmony. I approached her and handed her some change. She nodded, pointed out my water bottle and asked: Could you please fill out my dog`s water bowl? Without hesitation I filled the water bowl and asked her if she needed anything else. She said she was hungry. After getting her to something to eat, I tried talking to her (she was not very much of a talker). Just because I live on the streets it does not mean that I do not take care of my dog properly, or I do not love her she said. We share everything, and unlike people like you I don`t leave my dog eight hours alone at home or at the backyard, she is with me all day, all night. If it`s cold I’ll put my coat over her before I put it over me. She`s my baby, she continued. I asked her where she was going to spend the night, in return she said I was asking too many questions “Have a good day”. I petted the gentle shepherd mix, I left, thinking what I could have done more. After that day I never saw her on that corner again, but the images would not leave my heart for days. Probably, you see homeless people like her on the streets every day.

It can be difficult for those of us who have always had a bed to sleep in and a roof over our head to understand how someone can become homeless. When we think about the homeless, we tend to picture someone scruffy panhandling on the street. It is important to remember that each homeless person is someone’s son or daughter, brother or sister, husband or wife, or father or mother. And how do you feel when you see a pup curled up next to someone who appears to be homeless? I worry about them both. I worry that the dog, just like the person, may not be getting enough food, water or medical attention.

In Canada, over 12,000 people are homeless on any given night. It is estimated by the National Coalition for the Homeless that 3.5 million people are homeless in the United States. Between 5% to 10% of homeless people have dogs and/or cats. In some areas of the country the rate is as high as 24%. For those with pets, finding pet food, shelter and other assistance is more difficult. According to Genevieve Frederick, founder of the nonprofit organization Feeding Pets of the Homeless, “the dogs provide the homeless with a connection with reality, they are loyal and provide the homeless with unconditional love and warmth as well as protection. The human pet bond is very real.” In a world of uncertainty and despair, a pet may be the only source of comfort for someone who faces night after night without real shelter or adequate food and clothing. Many of the homeless (up to 24%) are trying to take care of the discarded animals on the streets. For some, it is the only family they have. Very few shelters allow pets. Steve Goody, director of companion animal welfare at The Blue Cross, said: For many homeless people a pet is their only companion. Asking them to give up their dog to stay the night in a hostel or a shelter is like asking them to abandon their partner or best friend. “If they have to tie their dog up outside a hostel overnight most homeless people will not go in. Unfortunately, the vast majority of homeless shelters do not allow pets, forcing many homeless to choose between shelter and providing for their animals.

Photo by Tim Hulsizer

Feeding the Pets of the Homeless collects food through volunteer collection sites and delivers it to food pantries and soup kitchens that agree to distribute it to those in need. At these locations a person in need can receive a hot meal and a small bag of pet food for their pet. They have information on their site about getting involved with this program as a volunteer or veterinarian. Their Mission Statement is:

• Promoting to veterinarians and pet related businesses the importance of joining the program
• Speaking out on the issue of pets of homeless and the disadvantaged
• Campaigning to food distributing organizations the importance of distributing pet food to the less fortunate
• Providing grants to licensed veterinarians and other nonprofit organizations that meet our objectives to administer medical care to pets of the homeless.(For guidelines and application, please email info@petsofhomeless.org)

You could become a volunteer collection location and really make a contribution to this worthwhile cause.

Find a list of pet food collection sites in your community. http://www.petsofhomeless.com/members.htm#CAN If there isn’t a collection site near you, contact Feeding Pets of the Homeless to learn how to start one.

Never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.~

Love,

Pia

We can be angry, and we can be hurt, but we must not turn away…Before we can change something, we must be willing to look at it!

Diane Leigh & Marilee Geyer

It`s a dangerous world out there, and everyday, in cities across the nation, dogs and cats by the thousands end up on the streets…

The book I`m gonna talk about today, ONE At a Time- A Week in an American Shelter starts with these words…I personally was in tears by the end of the introduction… I had to stop multiple times because I was crying so hard. Best and worst part of the book are the photos. Seeing their faces and looking into their eyes made it personal, and it makes you feel helpless. So you are gonna ask me… why are you suggesting us this book? To make us Sad? Are not we surrounded by enough sadness already? Some of my friends on facebook tell me the same thing all the time…Pia, we can not even watch/read the the things you post till the end… Cause it makes us sad… But we can not runaway from the facts or the horror that`s surrounding us… You can be hurt but you can not turn your head away. You have to make a decision… So ARE YOU IN???

Authors Diane Leigh and Marilee Geyer spend a week in a shelter in Northern California in order to document the lives of animals. The book tells the 75 stories of individual dogs and cats that come to the animal shelter during the week. All of these cats and dogs are here to find a home. Some will be reunited with their family, some will move to a new and hopefully permanent and loving home, and some will be euthanized. They are to be commended for telling a very difficult story in an honest and non-biased way. It’s heartbreaking to know that some dogs and cats have no chance of adoption and are euthanized simply because of their unpopular breed or age or health condition. Some happy adoptable animals succumb to kennel stress and the personality problems it causes. I found myself looking at the end of each story to see the outcome before I even started reading about the animals. Is he/she adopted or euthanized??? There is not enough money to care for sick animals or time or staff to socialize animals with behavioural problems. It is often a losing battle. The authors make it clear that much of the blame lies on irresponsible people who don’t spay or neuter their animals. You begin to realize how hopeless the odds are even at the most well-run animal shelter. Many more animals arrive than can be adopted. You need to be strong to read this book. You’ll fall in love with some of the animals and learn they did not survive the kennel but there is joy in knowing many do find new homes. The book selects several animals to feature and there is a picture or two. All are beautiful animals who deserved a chance that many never got.

And there was Kelly who broke my heart into million pieces… A beautiful, eight years old golden Husky mix who was found by the control officer in the shelter`s play yard, probably left by her guardian because the shelter was not open at that time. Her guardian came few hours later for signing her to the shelter adding that she is such a great, loving dog, who gets very well children. The staff was dumbfounded. If Kelly was such a great dog, why her guardian gave her up? Apparently in her current home she was primarily a yard dog, sleeping in the dog house and being fed outside in the mornings. Back in the kennels, she was devastated. Her grief was unmistakable. She did not eat, would not look up at anyone who stood in front of her kennel, did not lift her head as her photo was taken. After three days, it was clear that she was not going to bounce back from the trauma of being abandoned; puppies, even street dogs, do better in the shelter, having never known a home. It is the ones who had a home-the ones who have lost the most- who suffer the worst. Her suffering sealed her fate=EUTHANASIA…

Here are some general statistics from the book:

• 6 to 8 million lost and unwanted animals entered animal shelters nationwide last year. 3 to 4 million animals were euthanized in animal shelters last year. This means one animal is put down every nine seconds.

• Euthanasia in shelters is the leading cause of death of healthy dogs and cats.

• 1 in 3 animals will have a home that lasts their entire lifetime.

• 20% of animals currently in homes are adopted from shelters.

• 25% of dogs in shelters are purebred.

• A companion animal is lost every 30 seconds.

• Only 2% of lost cats who enter shelters are ever reunited with their families. Only 16% of dogs are reunited with their families.

• The length of time that most surrendered animals have been in the home before being surrendered is less than one year.

Leigh and Geyer ask this question “ How do we End this TRAGEDY?”

Here are the answers they come up with.

What You could do:

• Keeping current ID on animals and ensuring that they are kept safe, do not become lost

• Spaying and neutering to help overpopulation

• Getting an animal when you are absolutely ready

• Adopting a homeless animal from a shelter/rescue group

What Shelters could do:

• Identification and microchipping programs, (An ID tag and microchip could save countless lost animals)

• Low cost spay and neuter

• Pet parenting classes and animal behaviour help

But most importantly we need to create communicate communities that killing is not an acceptable answer, animals have value and beauty as beings with a sacred spark of life and spirit.

When describing it to several people, I was asked why I would want to torture myself by reading such tragic stories. The answer is that every pet owner (past and present) in the country NEEDS to read this book. It should be required. Too many people just don’t know what happens when they don’t spay/neuter their dogs and cats, or when they drop off their pets at a shelter because they are moving, or “tired of the animal,” or some other unacceptable reason for giving up a pet. Euthanasia (even gas chambers) does happen to millions of animals each year. Turning away from this reality is a betrayal of the animals. If they must go through it, we can be strong enough to know about it and face it.

I would like to dedicate this post and this song Coldplay-Fix You to all the Rainbow angels. Sorry, we could not Save you!

www.novoiceunheard.org

Love,

Pia