K9 Cuisine: What is your story-how did you get into saving animals?
Anlina: As a child, the only pets we had were goldfish, which were pretty to look at but pretty boring and hard to get passionate about. Then, our neighbour across the lane passed away. Her cat, Kitty wandered over to our house and just never left, and my passion for cats was born. Over the years we adopted a lot of stray cats and I developed a real affinity for cats with socialization issues or other problems that makes them poor candidates for adoption.
For several years after I moved away from home I didn’t have any cats, as my husband was allergic. When we finally decided to adopt I started looking into our local Humane Society. I spent a lot of time at the shelter getting to know the cats and picking out one to adopt. From there it was an easy decision to start volunteering.
K9 Cuisine: What is the secret to your success with the your organization-how have you gotten to where you are today?
Anlina: When I decided to adopt from the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society, I also filled out an application form to volunteer. I made volunteering with the cats a regular weekly activity and took on tasks that weren’t getting enough attention from other volunteers, such as brushing, dematting, claw clipping and working with the shy or poorly socialized cats. I also volunteered my professional services and offered to create a new website for the Humane Society.
Being a regular volunteer with additional useful skills, one of the current board members suggested that I join, which I did. I’m now in my second year on the board. There’s no secret to it – I’ve gotten where I am by being committed and dedicated, by making my time and skills available, and by being willing to do tasks that needed to be done. Charitable animal organizations need good people that they can rely on, so if you can be that person, it’s not hard to get recognized for it.
K9 Cuisine: What makes you different?
Anlina: My other passion (and my day job) is marketing, advertising and design, so I’ve been able to bring those skills to the table to help the Humane Society. Having a passion for animals is essential, but being able to bring diverse skills and interests to the organization is extremely helpful, as there is so much that needs to be done beyond just caring for the animals.
K9 Cuisine: What is it about cats that you love?
Anlina: I love pretty much everything about cats. They’re great companions and extremely fun and entertaining to have around the house. Each cat has a unique and endearing personality, and I really enjoy getting to know them (even the cranky or shy ones.) I love that cats are independent, curious and fast learners. I love that they’re extremely clean, their fur is soft, they’re beautiful and they smell nice – I couldn’t imagine a more aesthetically pleasing animal.
I love that cats are like little people, but without all the failings of humanity. Cats are never malicious, mean or dishonest. They’re loving and loyal and forgiving and they’re sensitive to your moods.
Whenever I’m feeling lousy, I know I can count on my cats to give me comfort. And cats don’t waste time feeling sorry for themselves. I have one cat with a missing eye and one cat with only three paws – they don’t let their disabilities hamper their lives and they don’t mope about or wallow in self pity. They adapt and continue to make the most of life. There are a great many lessons we can learn from cats.
K9 Cuisine: What is the neatest part about your work?
Anlina: The neatest part of my work is socializing cats that are really timid or have really bad fear aggression and seeing the progress that they make.
I worked with one cat who was removed from a house during an investigation. When I came to him, he was hunched up in the corner of his cage with his ears flat back and he’d stopped grooming and so was covered with a thick layer of loose fur. If anyone approached the cage to clean it or feed him, he would turn into a little ball of fury and launch himself at the bars, spitting and clawing. He was genuinely scary and was just not doing well being around humans.
Once he trusted me enough to come right up to the side of the cage to get his treat, we moved on to touch. Rather than approach him with my big, scary hand and risk undoing the progress we’d made (and getting clawed up), I’d touch him on the back of the paw with the spoon. It was very non-threatening and we built a strong positive association with touch. The spoon would touch his paw and it’d leave behind a treat for him to lick off.
From there, we made slow but steady progress, feeding him with the cage door open, leaning in to touch him, petting him with my hand and eventually coaxing him out of the cage.
It took several weeks of almost daily visits, but by the time he left the shelter to go to his new home, he would sit in my lap, cuddle and let me brush him & pick him up. That kind of success feels so good.
You can’t ask for a better pay off than taking a fearful, aggressive cat and turning him into a loving, cuddly kitty.
K9 Cuisine: Where do you see the humane industry going?
Anlina: Current attitudes, in the humane industry and the general public, are undergoing a shift right now, both with regards to pets in general and homeless pets. There’s a very positive shift toward viewing animals’ lives as valuable and viewing animals as unique individuals, even members of the family.
We can see already that shifting attitudes have influenced the humane industry. The no-kill movement has made huge strides and I think it will continue to make progress. More and more shelters are going no-kill with great success.
More gentle and humane euthanasia methods are replacing things like gas chambers, which used to be considered by many to be just fine for strays and animals that no one wanted. Animals with injuries, diseases or behavioural issues that would have guaranteed euthanasia in the past are now being treated and rehabilitated.
Shelters are working to improve their image and environments, with more comfortable, harmonious spaces for both humans and animals. We’re recognizing more that the mental and emotional health of animals is just as important as a bowl of food and a roof over their heads.
People in the humane industry are taking a more positive outlook, too.
Rather than seeing pet over population as an impossible problem and the public as the irresponsible enemy that is compounding the problem, we’re seeing greater recognition that there are enough potential homes for all the homeless pets out there, and it’s a problem that can be solved if we work with the community. More humane workers realize that the general public may be uninformed but they are generally not malicious or deliberately negligent – people want to do what is right for animals in their community, but they don’t know what needs to be done, they don’t understand the scope of the problem or the services needed to enable people to be responsible pet owners just don’t exist (such as low cost spay/neuter clinics). No one thinks solving these problems will be easy, but it’s no longer written off by everyone as “impossible”.
I think we’re going to continue to see a move toward treating animals lives with more care and respect and will continue to see the problem of homeless pets approached with more optimism, creative problem solving and community cooperation.
K9 Cuisine: How do you fit into that-what are your future plans?
Anlina: I plan to continue working with humane organizations, whether on the board, as a regular volunteer, as an activist or running my own. I’m very interested in getting into rescue, specifically of cats who are “unadoptable” because of physical disability or behavioural problems.
I believe that every cat deserves a chance and inside every problem cat, there’s a good loving cat that needs to be coaxed out. All too often these cats aren’t given a chance, which is really unfortunate.
Many of the cats I’ve had over the years started out as problem cats and with time and the right kind of attention, became extremely loving companions.
K9 Cuisine: How can people find out more about you and the your organization?
Anlina: You can visit the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society’s website. It’s still a work in progress, but there’s lots of information about the organization, our animals and how you can get involved.
You can find me on LinkedIn, or view my CV on my website, or find out more about me and my thoughts on animals at my blog.
K9 Cuisine: Tell us a little about you!
Anlina: I currently live in Thunder Bay, Ontario. At my day job, I work as the creative director at a small marketing agency, doing everything from branding to print design to web design to TV production. I also do freelance illustration on the side, for stock image sites, books and online communities. Cats are my great passion, and in addition to working with the Humane Society, I also have a blog where I discuss various cat related topics. I currently have three cats – Violet, Clover and Cajun, and will be adding to the family very soon. I love good books, good food and new experiences. In the near future, I plan to move to a small farm where I can grow my own vegetables, raise my own farm animals and live humanely and sustainably.
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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog and cat food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
Last year, two fishermen were fishing a mile off the coast of England in the North Sea, when they saw something furry in the water. Naturally, they thought it was an otter and were later surprise to find a small terrier paddling for his life. They lifted the poor, wet dog into their boat, and ordered a lifeboat to carry him back to shore.
The 14-year-old dog, Freddie, belonged to a 73-year-old woman named Jean Brigstock. Jean had taken Freddie out for a walk on the beach. Apparently poor Freddie became confused by the fog, and he wandered into the water. Jean had been frantically searching for him. When Freddie attempted to swim back to shore, he apparently was swimming the wrong direction and traveling farther and farther out to sea.
“He looked like a drowned rat when they found him,” Brigstock told the Daily Mail. “I’m so grateful to the two fishermen, the Coastguard and the inshore lifeboat men who took so much trouble to find him and take him to safety.”
Although Freddie was shaken by his adventure at sea, he was in perfect health. After recovering from the cold water, he was up the next morning, bright-eyed and busy tailed…ready for his breakfast!
K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
During a severe ice storm in the southern US, a pack of 3 adult Beagles and 5 puppies were sighted in a rural forest in Arkansas. The people that spotted them were fortunately animal lovers, and sought out animal rescues who could help the dogs. Thankfully, Carol and Desiree, two compassionate women, rose to the challenge.
These wonderful ladies gathered their gear and drove 45 miles to the woods where the dogs were sighted. They found the dogs waiting near a plastic tarp tent with some food that a caring Good Samaritan had fixed up for them (at right; photo by Carol). Found next to the puppies were shells littering the ground near the dogs which were evidence of hunters who were shooting at the abandoned dogs.
Carol and Desiree managed to load all eight Beagles into their vehicle and drive them back to town. There they were cared for at Little Rock Animal Village and Care for Animals, two animal rescue shelters who immediately took them into their adoption programs. Thanks to these kind people, the Beagles had warm shelter, food, and affection that cold, stormy night.
Abandoned hunting dogs perish daily of exposure and starvation all across America. Please help them whenever you can. You’ll be in good company. Thank you Desiree and Carol!
K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
K9 Cuisine was honored to interview Marta Aldriedge of HealeyGrisham Studio – a well-known pet photography studio.
K9 Cuisine: What is your story-how did you get into pet photography and pet rescue?
Marta: I’ve been heavily involved in commercial photography for 5 years. One of the things that attracted me to HealeyGrisham Studio is their reputation for helping the community – specifically in animal rescue for companion animals. My husband and my daughter are both passionate about working with animals, of all kinds. (We’ve also rescued and rehabilitated opossums, birds, turtles, reptiles.) It has always been a part of our lives. My first rescue was a poodle that found me in 2nd grade – at school.
Hooray for the Underdog! was created by the owners of HealeyGrisham Studio. Janet Healey and Joe Grisham have been lifelong animal lovers and rescue advocates. About 10 years ago, the couple began creating portraits of rescue animals to motivate others to open their eyes and their hearts to animal rescue. In 2006, they took their efforts one step further and created a stationery/gift line, aptly named Hooray For The Underdog!. 10% percent of all proceeds from “Hooray For The Underdog!” sales is given to a national charity that distributes funds to provide spay/neuter, adoption and emergency relief services to animals across the country. Last year alone, the charity contributed 24 million dollars to more than 3400 grassroots animal welfare agencies.
Janet and Joe’s animal rescue efforts have been recognized locally on Good Morning Texas, Channel 5 news, Larry Powell.com, the Daily Candy and in The Dallas Business Journal, as well as nationally on Oprah.com and CNN.com, The Haystack Needle and in Redbook magazine.
K9 Cuisine: What is the secret to your success with the organization-how have you gotten to where you are today?
Marta: Hooray for the Underdog! is successful and growing because of the genuine desire to help grassroots rescue organizations. Along the way, there has been much support from friends and strangers who believe in the cause. When you combine something that you are good at (photography in this case) with something you care deeply about (giving rescue animals the homes they deserve), the only way you can fail is to do nothing with it. Janet Healey and Joe Grisham put a tremendous amount of time, energy, money, and belief in their idea. When they didn’t know what to do next, or how to take the next step, they did extensive research, sought out professionals, and they did it to the best of their ability. Doing their personal best – that’s really the secret.
K9 Cuisine: What makes you different?
Marta: There are several things:
1) Janet and Joe don’t just rescue pets that they get to enjoy, (these days, they have 2 rescues that come to the studio every day), they also use their talents to make a difference for hundreds, maybe thousands, of companion animals across the country.
2) In raising awareness, rather than focusing on the abuse and neglect these animals suffer, their products showcase the beauty and charm of underdogs (and cats). The backs of these clever cards spotlight the animals’ personalities with each pet’s rescue story and their unique traits, their “special power.” In addition to greeting cards, there are also journals, notepads, folders, buttons, and pet id tags. You can purchase these items at the following websites: HoorayfortheUnderdog.com and Cardstore.com, at The Petropolitan in Dallas as well as in pet boutiques across the country.
K9 Cuisine: What is it about dogs that you love?
Marta: It sounds cliche, but dogs love unconditionally. They are always happy to see you no matter how hard their day has been!
K9 Cuisine: What is the neatest part about your work?
Marta: Wow – you know, it doesn’t really seem like “work” at all… I think knowing that I am working with other people who have the same philosophies about the day to day – that our work and our personal lives really do have to blend in order to be truly successful on all fronts. I love what I do and so do the owners of the studio, so it is not like a typical “job”. Janet Healey and Joe Grisham found a way to integrate their passion for animal rescue and commercial photography into a business model, one that also gives back. I’m fortunate to be a part of it.
K9 Cuisine: Where do you see the pet photography industry going?
Marta: Up! There are several directions pet photography will grow. We are seeing in our portrait area that because pets are part of the family, and the emphasis on family has risen because of the economy, owners want professional, fine art portraits of their animals. A couple of candid shots at the holidays isn’t enough. In advertising, I’ve seen an increase in including pets in shots, not just for pet products, but across several consumer product lines. As consumers today, we are more emotional about the purchases we make, and whether consciously or not, we want to buy from companies that we feel a connection to. Animals, especially dogs and cats, provide a common ground for everyone. I’d venture to guess that almost every American today can tell you what type of dog, and probably his name, that President Obama has. Not because he/she voted for him, but because they relate on an emotional level. I don’t think that can be said of the past administrations pets. I believe this is due to the fact that literally everyone has been affected by the financial crisis and is more sensitive, more appreciative, of relationships – even with our pets.
K9 Cuisine: How do you fit into that-what are your future plans?
Marta: We are gearing up for growth. Our stationery business has increased 200% over this time last year. Because the demand for pet photography has risen, we are brain-storming ideas that will facilitate efficiencies in locating the animals we want to shoot, both commercially and for our stationery line. As a result of attending the NY stationery show in May, we now have 30 reps across the US for Hooray for the Underdog! We expect big things in the years to come. Joe made a comment recently that he would like to see our cards become a household brand name – not unlike Hallmark. Imagine the difference it would make to the 5 million animals that are euthanized every year.
K9 Cuisine: How can people find out more about you and your organization?
Marta: My job title is Artist Representative – I represent HealeyGrisham – a successful commercial photography studio in Dallas, Texas. I’ve been working for over 20 years in commercial advertising services: design, photography, high end retouching and pre-media support. My strength and passion is in building teams and cultures – putting the right people with the right projects, and in providing over the top customer service. I have an adorable Yorkie, Sophie, who models professionally, so I get to see that side of the business as well. She is represented by an animal talent agency in Dallas, AgentBeast. They are also very involved in animal rescue. Every day I’m surrounded by people and companies who champion rescue animals. It doesn’t get any better than that!
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K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
C.A.R.E. (Castaway Animal Rescue Effort) rescues neglected and abused animals. A great success story of theirs is about a sweet dog named Cody. Cody lived with a family where he received very little, if any, attention or care. For over a year, he was changed in the same spot. He was seldom fed or given water. Most nights Cody fell asleep at night hungry. Had this continued, Cody would have been destined to certain death. Lucky for Cody, a C.A.R.E. volunteer was informed of his situation.
Volunteer Heather spoke with the owner about Cody’s living conditions. Somehow, the owner thought Cody’s conditions were fine and claimed she was taking proper care of him. Heather explained that Cody was being neglected and if she was not able to provide a healthy, happy environment for an animal, she shouldn’t have one. Luckily, The woman agreed to turn Cody over to Heather.
After a thorough examination at a local clinic, it was determined that other than malnourishment and dehydration, Cody was healthy and only needed some love and good food. Sadly, many people, like Cody’s owner, grow up thinking this is an acceptable way to keep a dog. That is why it is up to us to teach them that this environment and way of life is not acceptable for any animal. As you can see in the after photo, Cody is doing great at the shelter. He has regained his self-confidence now and is starting to put on weight. He is eager to please and thanks his helpers each day with lots of kisses. He is up for adoption right now. If you would like to meet Cody, please call the shelter at (417) 875-6565. They are located in Aurora, MO.
This story is from the C.A.R.E. website, at www.carerescue.org.
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The day I made the call to FOCAS regarding a sweet dog (named Little Joe) they had advertised, is a day I will forever be thankful. This dog was found laying on the side of the road by a highway patrolman last Valentine’s Day. The story drove me to tears. Little Joe had been viciously attacked by coyotes. He suffered multiple wounds on his legs and neck, and he was unable to walk. His foster mom assured me that he had bounced back from his ordeal and was now ready for a forever home.
I couldn’t wait to meet him. He seemed to possess all the characteristics I was looking for in a new pet…good with cats and liked playing with other dogs. We arranged a meeting with myself and my 10 year old dog, Sylvie. We had to make sure they got along…and Sylvie would have final veto power. When this little bundle of energy popped out of the car, Sylvie and I instantly fell in love. He had great social skills, and he and Sylvie started playing together immediately! Foster mom, Cyndi and I brought both Sylvia and Little Joe to a big grassy area so we could watch them and see how they got along. We both felt great joy at how well they were playing together and knew this was a match made in heaven. I adopted Little Joe that day and to this day, couldn’t be happier!
Sylvie and Sailor (formerly Little Joe) are the best of friends. Sailor is a great playmate and has also restored Sylvie’s confidence in other dogs. Sylvie was attacked over a year ago by another dog and was generally afraid of other dogs. Sailor has an amazing spirit. He’s full of confidence, smart as a whip, and charms every person and dog that crosses his path. I was told about all of the things to expect with this new dog: he needed to be housetrained, he may be leery of men, and the potential that he may chew…but I felt well-prepared to take him on. What I was not prepared for, however, was how much I would love him from the very beginning, and how he would brighten up every single day of my existence. Thank you to FOCAS for all the hard work they do in helping to give animals a second chance. There are so many incredible personalities just waiting to blossom as they wait to be placed in a safe, secure, and loving home. If you don’t believe me, just ask Sailor.
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This story was provided by Katie Bauer, Programs Coordinator of FOCAS, Friends of County Animal Shelters at http://www.focas-sandiego.org.
K9 Cuisine is a provider of premium dog food. We’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.
K9 Cuisine: What is your story-how did you get into pet rescue?
Susan: I returned to Washington, DC from NYC with my first ever pets, who rescued me more than I really rescued them! The first was a laid-back Maine Coon kitty named Macaroon, who convinced me that cats were so cool I also adopted Ray. Originally Sugar Ray because he was such a fighter having survived surgery to remove his eye since he was born with herpes, he is a chandelier-hanging black cat who is Mr. Personality. A former colleague saw their pictures in my office and asked me to do a fundraiser for the Washington Animal Rescue League. I was so impressed with what they were doing, I started volunteering and soon after joined the Board of Directors.
K9 Cuisine: What is the secret to your success with the organization-how have you gotten to where you are today?
Susan: Our organization started back in 1914 as the first animal shelter in the city, primarily to rescue horses that were discarded after working as part of a horse and buggy team and later expanding to dogs and cats. What started as a grassroots organization is still very much the same way today, with hundreds of volunteers and a staff who do what they do because they care. And we grew as the animals’ needs grew.
For example, we recently expanded what started as a program around the holidays to provide food, bedding and toys for the pets of low-income residents. As the economic crisis worsened, we started seeing more and more pets abandoned because people couldn’t afford them, so we created a full-fledged food bank to help provide for those animals. Or goal is to set a new global standard for the humane care of homeless and abused animals and that’s what drives us today.
K9 Cuisine: What makes you different?
Susan: Our organization is unique, which is part of the reason why I got so involved. We have a full-service medical facility that is dedicated to serving the pets of our low-income community. This is a huge need as veterinary care goes up in price just as healthcare costs do. We also take care of the shelter animals in the clinic. But this means we can treat the doggies with heartworm, cure the kitties of upper respiratory infections and ringworm or worse, and take care of the puppies with parvo or offer surgery to those who need it. These animals don’t deserve to die from these treatable ailments, which is almost certainly their fate in other places.
We can give them another chance at life with a loving family.
A few years ago, we also renovated the shelter extensively. Every detail was designed from the animals’ point of view to promote healing and maximally enhance the animals’ physical and emotional wellbeing as they recover from past traumas and await adoption. Steel-bar and concrete cages were thrown out and replaced with glass enclosed dog dens, cat condos, and puppy pads-a more humane, efficient, and responsible way to shelter homeless animals and set them up for a successful transition into their new homes. We now comfortably house up to 350 animals and we’re one of the largest shelters on the East Coast. The renovation also expanded the capacity of the clinic to help us fulfill our mission.
As a result, we are a very happy place. People like to come and visit the animals. And we get visitors from around the world who want to study what we’ve done so that they can replicate it in their own community.
K9 Cuisine: What is it about dogs that you love?
Susan: I love dogs AND cats because of their ability to forgive and love again. Too many animals are abused, both physically and emotionally. Despite this, all they want is a loving touch, a kind voice and a lap to sit in once in awhile. They don’t care what you look like or what you do for a living. They just want to be with you.
K9 Cuisine: What is the neatest part about your work?
Susan: I think the neatest part of this work is the ability to give an animal a second chance. These animals come to us from a variety of situations, some of which are very sad. They don’t know what they did wrong, or why someone stopped loving them. But they are scared. And then we go to work, doing everything we can to find them that forever home they deserve. Fixing them up if they need medical attention or training. Every day is a success story at the League because every day those animals receive love.
K9 Cuisine: Where do you see pet rescue going?
Susan: I think the animal rescue field still faces many challenges, despite all the progress we’ve made. Too many people still don’t spay and neuter their pets, which contributes to the overpopulation crisis. Too many people still de-claw cats, a horrific surgery that removes the digits, not just the nails. Too many people still don’t understand the responsibilities that come with adopting a pet. Too many people would rather just kill off the feral cat colonies or cull the homeless dogs that roam the street rather than adopt a more humane and proven method such as trap, neuter and return, to reduce their numbers. It can be disheartening but also galvanizing, because there is still so much work to do.
K9 Cuisine: How do you fit into that-what are your future plans?
Susan: These are issues we think about every day and we’re developing programs using the latest research and techniques to help create a more humane society. For example, we have a terrific humane education program that goes into the schools to teach children how to respect all animals, but we want and need to do more. We offer spay and neuter clinics, microchipping clinics, behavioral training and other initiatives aimed at saving more animals. We also work with federal and state lawmakers to pass and strengthen laws to improve the animals’ lives. And the power of the press is important to help people understand what is going on around them.
But sadly, it’s not enough. We have to keep busting up the puppy mills and shut down the stores that sell them. We have to keep educating people about the importance of spaying and neutering and how it improves the animal’s health. The list goes on, but so will we.
K9 Cuisine: How can people find out more about you and the your organization?
Susan: That’s easy – you can visit us online at www.warl.org. Or, next time you’re in Washington, come visit us at 71 Oglethorpe Street, NW. We’re open every day but Monday.
K9 Cuisine: Tell us a little about you!
Susan: My friends are a bit surprised at how passionate I am about animal welfare issues because I did not grow up with animals. I didn’t even know anyone with cats, just dogs. And here I am a “mom” to six beautiful kitties! Not to mention that I am okay with the crazy cat lady title since I like to break silly stereotypes – I am married and have a successful career!
I also like to adopt animals that others tend to overlook, such as a kitty with one eye, or a heart murmur or neurological disorders. They include Ray, Ned, Ben, Sarah, Lucy and Norm. They are all beautiful creatures who are simply “perfect” to me. Every day they teach me how to love, and for that I will always be grateful.
Recently, after we received more than 100 dogs from a puppy mill bust in Pennsylvania, I grabbed two friends and we bathed the dogs because they were so smelly. Most of them had rarely, if ever, been touched by humans. The fact that they allowed us to bathe them was the first gift. The second - and most rewarding – was the look in their eyes. And that’s why I do what I do.
Grady was brought to a San Diego County Animal Shelter by a Good Samaritan who found him wandering the streets all by himself. Severely malnourished and suffering from over 200 foxtails lodged in his mouth and nose, this poor dog looked as though he was not going to make it. Worse still, it soon became apparent that Grady had also sustained a gunshot wound in his hip some time ago, which was rendering his leg almost useless.
The shelter staff was amazed at Grady’s exceptional demeanor given all of the pain he was in. They were even able to pull out all of the foxtails without Grady making a fuss. To everyone’s surprise, Grady wagged his tail during medical treatment and even tried to throw in a few kisses to anyone who came near.
The FOCAS adoption counselor at the animal shelter was aware of Grady’s plight and, soon, a rescue plan was in the hatched. Thanks to the generosity of the Lauren Foundation, FOCAS was able to provide Grady with the medical care that he needed including surgery to repair his injured hip in an effort to save his leg. Grady was then placed in the capable and loving hands of a foster mother at Boxer Rescue, where he was able to get the care and rest he needed while waiting patiently to for his new forever home.
Because of the caring, collaborative efforts of these people and organizations, Grady’s life was saved and he has been adopted by a family who truly appreciates him for the sweet dog that he is. His new family reports that his physical therapy sessions have done him a world of good; he now almost has full use of his leg, and that he has gained those ten much-needed pounds.
You can contact FOCAS (Friends of County Animal Shelters) at http://www.focas-sandiego.org, or call at 619-788-7880.
Almost too often, a special animal comes along and captures the hearts of all those who meet her. That is Olivia and here is her story.
Brave little Olivia was found caught in a wire fence and in her desperate struggle to get free, her front leg was injured beyond repair. Fortunately, someone found this little girl and brought her to a shelter, however, the San Diego Department of Animal Services was unable to provide Olivia with the care she needed, which is when FOCAS stepped in.
A veterinarian determined that Olivia needed to have her injured leg amputated, so FOCAS took her into our program and worked to find the resources necessary to save her life. FOCAS found her a foster home in which she could be cared for before and after her surgery, and we are happy to report that Olivia was able to have her severely injured leg amputated and she has fully recovered. Olivia is now 100% and is as active as any young kitten her age. She can run, jump, leap (and sometimes fly) around her foster’s home. She also loves to play with the other cats in the home too.
This undaunted little girl has not given up her fight even for a moment, so why should FOCAS? The generosity of FOCAS supporters helped Olivia to get her surgery, and continues to help the countless other animals just like her in need of a helping hand.
Olivia is now ready to be adopted, and here’s what her foster has to say about her:
If you are looking for a fun, energetic and loving kitten – then you might want to take a closer look at Olivia. Tragically at 6 weeks old Olivia’s leg was severely injured and she had to have her leg amputated. Within days of her surgery Olivia was running and playing as if nothing had happened. A true testimonial to her spirit and her desire to live a grand life! Olivia would love to go to a home where another kitten or young cat lives – she LOVES to play. (Her foster home has 4 cats.) Olivia is adventurous and a partner to explore the house with would be on the top on her list. Because of her playful nature Olivia would do best in a home where children are 10 years or older.
To see a video of Olivia recovering in her foster home, please visit her on the FOCAS Web site here.
FOCAS
Friends of County Animal Shelters
PO Box 8375
La Jolla, CA 92038
volunteer@focas-sandiego.org
(619) 788-7880
K9 Cuisine: What is your story-how did you get into helping animals?
Signe: I’ve always had, valued, and respected animals since I was a child. At one point had considered becoming a veterinarian. When I moved to New Mexico, I read about a cat with a serious heart condition that needed surgery. I contacted Barbara Bayer, president of CARMA (Companion Animal Rescue and Medical Assistance) in Corrales, to see if I could help. Even though, fortunately, someone else had already stepped in to help the cat, I inquired about other animals that had special needs. In the interim, I volunteered to socialize cats to be ready for adoption to loving homes. While doing so, I met and worked with cats who were less likely to be adopted because of disability, age, or temperament. One by one I adopted them.
Tony, for example, was a large orange long-haired cat with a lion face and huge soft green eyes who had been hit by a car. CARMA located him at the pound where he was covered in feces and dragged his hind quarters. With assistance he regained some unsteady walking ability. With his spinal cord injury he was also semi-incontinent, losing control any time he became aroused. Once in my two-story home we played up- and down stairs racing games As a result, he had to learn to negotiate the stairs and also hop onto my bed to sleep with me. In what seemed like no time, he was tearing around the house, as if he had no disability at all.
Just a few of the other cats that I adopted were an old, scarred cat with broken teeth from chewing on rocks; a blind cat who had impaired kidneys from a severe infection in her youth; a kitten missing part of its brain, due to its mother having had distemper, who could only hop awkwardly and died several weeks later of seizures; an old skeletal cat with 8 rotten teeth that had to be removed; two-legged Maine Coon, with functional legs on the right side and short stubs on left who could run when he whirled his tail like a propeller; kitten with hydrocephaly and movement problems, not expected to live; and a kitten who lost one eye to a razor-sharp foxtail seed pod and lost sight in the other due to raging infections.
K9 Cuisine: What is the secret to your success-how have you gotten to where you are today?
Signe: My success as an animal socializer and adopter has mostly to do with my understanding, empathy, and valuing of animals and my considerable patience with them. I’m a Social Psychologist and cognitive-behaviorist by training so I tend to see animals in their environmental and historical context. I know that whatever started a behavioral or emotional problem is not necessarily what is maintaining it today. I also know that you don’t get cooperation by trying to make an animal bend to your will. You have to understand what will provide the animal with what it wants and needs at the same time providing you what you want and need. It’s a sensitive dance. I have one large palomino-colored long-haired cat who was abused and abandoned. He was wary, unsure whom to trust, and never let down his guard. Yet after several years, he has come to look forward to jumping on my lap and cuddling up on my chest for petting. He’s still a bit wary but has come a long way toward feeling kitty security.
K9 Cuisine: What makes you different?
Signe: What makes me different is that I can put myself in the place of the animal and sense wherein the problems lie and how best to address them. Being a psychologist helps. Also in my life I’ve had to care for elderly parents that required sometimes extraordinary tolerance and patience. I can step back from a problem to assess it objectively, so I’m not immobilized or stuck in the quicksand of emotion. I also don’t panic in emergencies, act impulsively, or respond in anger. This type of temperament helps to maintain a secure and unconditional love environment for the animals. Cats are especially sensitive to the emotional cues of humans.
K9 Cuisine: What is it about animals that you love?
Signe: While I’ve had many dogs and cats and love them both, I care for cats now because of where I live and that cats don’t absolutely need to go outside, whereas dogs do. All my 18 cats are house cats because there are many dangers for them here, from snakes, coyotes, raccoons, bears, hawks, owls, fleas, ticks, poisonous insects and insecticides to ferals who may be ill or infected with FeLV or FIP. I love the individual personalities of my animals, their quirks, antics, likes, and dislikes. They are infinitely fascinating if you regard them are companions rather than objects you “own.” I’ve found that dogs and cats can be your very best friend. They will listen when others don’t. They don’t judge you when you do something stupid or embarrassing. They’re always there for you and provide the most basic of human contact: touch. If you provide the necessities of life and affection, they will provide unconditional love in return. They’re the gift that keeps on giving.
K9 Cuisine: What is the neatest part about your work?
Signe: The neatest part about my work with cats is when they understand what I’ve been trying to communicate to them and respond appropriately, because they choose to, not because they have to. Also there’s nothing quite like having a dog or cat show that it’s glad to see you when you appear and then want to share its attention and affection with you.
K9 Cuisine: Where do you see pet rescue going?
Signe: No-kill rescue groups are likely to continue and expand as people who care about animals see the increasing need. They will also want to be a replacement for animal control and shelters that kill unadopted or unclaimed animals after a short stay (and that may have reputations for abuse or lack of appropriate care). In difficult economic times people who care about animals are even more passionate about striving to do their best to help as many as is possible of the every-increasing horde. I believe that because of the programs and work of many larger animal protection organizations that their education efforts are slowly shifting the country’s feelings about animals in a more positive direction. The biggest problem for smaller no-kill rescue groups is finding funding and having a large group of volunteers to act as foster parents. Recruiting enough people to foster is a huge understaking.
K9 Cuisine: How do you fit into that-what are your future plans?
Signe: CARMA, which is an all-volunteer, no-kill, 501(c)(3) non-profit rescue group will continue to look for more ways to educate the public, provide medical assistance and foster housing to animals waiting for adoption, have adoption clinics every week, and continue to create events by which to raise funds and awareness to get more volunteers. Currently CARMA has arrangements with local veterinarians and with local merchants to supply them with damaged pet food and litter packages. CARMA has been recognized by the state of NM, has received grants from large corporations as well as supplies of building materials from local franchises. They are also setting up a vehicle-donation program. When I have the time, I send out press releases and stories to the print and electronic media to help keep CARMA in the spotlight. CARMA works with other rescue groups throughout the country and has had many “waggin’ trains” to transport dogs and cats to rescue groups or no-kill shelters in other states, such as those that help FeLV or FIP cats. CARMA will keep doing what it has been, try to expand it reach and influence, and help as many homeless animals as possible.
K9 Cuisine: How can people find out more about you and your work?
Signe: CARMA (Companion Animal Rescue and Medical Assistance) is located in Corrales, New Mexico, and has been a 501 (c) (3) non-profit for many years. It rescues animals that are abused, abandoned, neglected, or at risk of being euthanized. Adoption clinics are every Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 4 p.m. CARMA has a fee of $85-$100 for cats and dogs. The fee pays for the spay/neuter and age-appropriate vaccinations. The application process involves filling out a paper application and then going through a verbal screening with one of their members. They also do a home visit before adopting out the animal. Animals who are currently looking for loving homes can be found at http://tinyurl.com/m5n5ht
One of CARMA’s principal goals is to work with local Animal Control organizations to intercept animals before they are euthanized. CARMA is working closely with Corrales Animal Control to facilitate the transfer of animals into foster care or adoptive homes. CARMA stresses local involvement, but will reach out to all communities to assist animals in need and to identify safe and appropriate placement. And it is always looking for foster homes for its dogs and cats. You can contact CARMA at P.O. Box 1233, Corrales, NM 87048, (505) 342-8070 or at barbaracarma@msn.com.
K9 Cuisine: Tell us a little about you!
Signe: As a Social Psychologist, I emphasize the need for socially effective interpersonal skills and personal marketing strategies and tactics. I teach individuals how to confidently and successfully present and promote themselves. My latest book of five, “Diagonally-Parked in a Parallel Universe: Working Through Social Anxiety,” is going into its 2nd. Edition. I also have a home-study program on mastering Small Talk. Currently I work with self-conscious professional service providers to help them confidently toot their own horns, be known, liked, and trusted, make money with integrity, and forget about “selling.” It’s through a trust-based relationship marketing program. www.ConfidentSelfPromotion.com. As long as I can do so, I will continue to foster and adopt special needs cats, like the two three-legged kittens that should be available to me soon to foster.
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