Crazy for Critters

A Good Idea for Doing a Good Deed for the Holidays (even if it promotes a commercial product)

From the press release:

On November 29, Petfinder.com is kicking off the first-of-its-kind “Foster A Lonely Pet For the Holidays” program in partnership with the Hallmark Hall of Fame Movie, A Dog Named Christmas, based on Greg Kincaid’s popular novel.  Airing Sunday, November 29 on CBS, the movie tells the tale of a developmentally challenged young man with a penchant for caring for animals in need, who sets out to convince his family — and their whole rural community — to participate in a local shelter's inaugural "Adopt a Dog for Christmas Program."

Inspired by the book and movie, Petfinder.com is working with its network of 13,000 shelters and rescue groups across North America to give families the opportunity to welcome an adoptable pet into their home for the holiday season, ideally from Christmas Eve until New Year’s Day. Interested foster-parents-to-be can visit http://www.petfinder.com/blog/2009/11/17/foster-a-lonely-pet-for-the-holidays to find the participating shelters near them. Not only will they be providing homeless animals with a loving home during the holidays, but they will also be giving shelter volunteers and staff a well-deserved break

Pet Stores Under Scrutiny

BRONSON TO DEPLOY INSPECTORS TO PET STORES DURING HOLIDAY SEASON

TALLAHASSEE -- Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson today announced that his department is conducting a sweep of pet stores during the next five weeks to ensure that such establishments are complying with regulations that protect consumers in the purchase of pets.

"Pets bring a great deal of joy to families and are often a considerable investment," Bronson said. "So it's important to do business with a reputable pet store or dealer who knows and follows the law to avoid problems from occurring after a purchase of an animal."

Toward that end, inspectors are visiting numerous pet stores and pet dealers between now and January 1 to make sure that a store or dealer is complying with Florida Statute 828.29, a law that imposes certain obligations on sellers and offers recourse to consumers in the event that problems arise.

Under the law, dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks of age when sold or offered for sale, and each animal must be accompanied by a Florida health certificate signed by a licensed and accredited veterinarian within the past 30 days documenting required vaccinations, tests and treatments for internal or external parasites.

In addition, the law requires a dealer to provide a purchaser with information on the buyer's rights under the law, which includes the right to return, exchange or receive reimbursement for veterinary expenses if an animal is deemed unfit by a licensed veterinarian within 14 days of purchase.

Aside from making sure that a dealer is complying with the law, consumers should also consider suitability when purchasing an animal, Bronson said.  For example, some breeds of dogs may be less appropriate if there are infants or young children in a home.  Likewise, consumers may want to think twice before purchasing a large animal if they live in a small dwelling.

Bronson offered the following tips to consumers who are considering or planning to purchase a dog or cat:

-- Don't buy on impulse.  Research the size and breed of the animal for suitability with your lifestyle and circumstance.

-- Examine the health certificate that is required to be presented upon sale for completeness and compliance with the law.

-- If there is a problem with your pet after purchase, contact the seller immediately.

The department's Division of Animal Industry assists consumers, veterinarians and pet dealers in educating them about the pet law and making sure that its provisions are followed.  For additional information or to file a complaint, consumers can call 1-800-HELPFLA (1-800-435-7352) or (850) 410-0900.  During the last four years, consumers who have filed complaints or sought assistance from Bronson's office for alleged violations of the law have received restitution totaling about $80,000.

Massive Cat Rescue Needs Volunteers

A "sanctuary'' in Clewiston called 10th Life has been taking in cats - and hefty placement fees - for years on the pretext of letting them live out their lives in safety and comfort. Turns out that pretty much the opposite was true - which many rescuers believed - and finally, and investigation is closing him down.

Hundreds of cats will be relocated, and volunteers are needed. There's the info:

I am coordinating the volunteer efforts for the 10th Life Cat Sanctuary Rescue.  We are in desperate need of qualified help starting Monday - November 23rd at 8 am until Wednesday Nov. 25th PM.

We need volunteers to fill the following positions EACH day (volunteers do
not have to volunteer for all 3 days).

Vet Techs
Scribes (must have knowledge of medical terminology and legible handwriting)
Animal Handlers
Sheltering - feeding and cleaning (no advance training needed just need to
be able to follow directions)

If you or if you know of anyone that would be able to assist with this,
please have them email me at pamburnsdart@gmail.com with their contact
information and availability.

PAM BURNS, Bay Area DART

Save this Lab!

Poor old girl is at Animal Services, due "out'' on the 22nd-- and we all know what ''out'' means. Lab Rescue is on overload. Can someone help? It's my understanding that she's elderly and has a skin condition. Her ID# is  A1210201. The shelter number is 305-884-1101.

Great Story About a Dog of War

The book is Nubs the Dog: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine and a Miracle. The title pretty much says it all.

Tips for Taking Rover on the Road

Holiday Travel With Pets:
Tips From the American Humane Association

 

DENVER, Nov. 17, 2009 – Some pets love traveling — while others find it extremely stressful. However, with increased awareness of the risks inherent in traveling with animals, owners can prepare and minimize undue stress on their pets. These travel tips from the American Humane Association can help ensure that holiday trips, and travels year-round, are safe and enjoyable for people and their pets.

1.     Properly identify pets with ID tags and microchips -- Make sure your pets have ID and current rabies tags and are microchipped. To be extra cautious, give your pets an additional tag with the address and phone number of where you will be staying for the duration of the trip, in case they get lost after you arrive.

2.     Train pets to travel in their crates -- Whether you’re heading to your holiday destination by plane, train or automobile, getting your pets used to their crates will make the entire traveling experience less stressful. Even when away from home, pets still view their crates as a safe haven from stressful situations.

3.     With a crate, size does matter -- Crates should be large enough for pets to stand and turn around in comfortably. Remember to keep water inside the crate or allow for breaks every three hours so that your pets can drink and stretch.

4.     Never leave your pets unattended -- Just as you would never leave a child unattended, never leave your pets alone in a car.

5.     Be prepared -- Take your pets’ health records with you, just in case they need to see a veterinarian during your trip. Be sure to ask your veterinarian if she recommends heartworm prevention or treatment for fleas or ticks for the area in which you are traveling. Keep pet dishes in your car, as well as extra water and pet food, in case of car trouble or bad weather.

6.     To fly or not to fly -- As a rule, puppies and kittens, sick animals, animals in heat, and frail or pregnant animals should not travel by air. If a pet is too large to fly in the cabin with you, perhaps a stay at a boarding kennel would be a safer choice. You should also plan ahead because many airlines have restrictions regarding pets, and your pets may need a health certificate to fly.

7.     Visit your veterinarian -- Your vet may prescribe a sedative to help reduce your pet’s stress level while traveling. However, sedatives are not always safe for pets so be sure to give your vet the details of how your pet will be traveling and how long the trip will take.  

8.     Boarding is an option -- If your pets are too large to fly in the cabin with you, or if a long car ride might be too stressful for them, boarding your pets at a kennel may be a safer choice. Or you could hire a licensed pet sitter to take care of your pets in the comfort of your own home.

9.     Try to keep pets on the same "schedule" -- Stop when you would normally let your pets out at home and at feeding times.

10.  Plan lodging ahead -- Research your route, make reservations and carry a list of pet-friendly lodging along the way. Also, ask for a room on the ground floor so it is easier to walk your pets. Don’t let your pets stay in the car.

 

The American Humane Association wishes everybody safe and happy travels this holiday season and throughout the year. For more information on about American Humane, go to americanhumane.org.

 

 

Have Yourself a Merry Critter Christmas!

ANIMAL SERVICES CELEBRATES HOME FOR EVERY HOLIDAY

PET ADOPTION EVENT

(MIAMI, NOVEMBER 19^TH, 2009) – Animal Services invites you to celebrate Home for Every Holiday, Pet Adoption Event on December 6^th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.   The adoption celebration will be held at the Animal Services Shelter located at 7401 NW 74 Street, Miami, FL 33166.

 This Holiday Pet Adoption Party will give residents the opportunity to adopt dogs and cats who are in need of a loving home.  Anyone who adopts a pet at the event will receive a complimentary picture with their new family member. 

 WHAT:      Home for Every Holiday!

 WHO:        Miami-Dade Animal Services

 WHEN:      Sunday, December 6^th, 2009 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 WHERE:    Miami-Dade Animal Services Shelter - 7401 NW 74 ST - Miami, FL 33166 

 Adoption Requirements:  Interested adopters must be at least 18 years old.  Adoption fees apply, including a $50 refundable deposit if pet is not yet spayed or neutered.  Only Miami-Dade County residents may adopt pets under the spay/neuter agreement.

 Attendance is free and open to the public. Donations of dog and/or cat toys are appreciated.  It is the policy of Miami-Dade County to comply with all of the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  The facility is accessible.  For sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices or materials in accessible format, please call 305 884-1102, ext 255, at least five days in advance.

 Miami-Dade Animal Services is responsible for enforcing Chapter V, as well as Florida Statutes 828, which deals primarily with animal cruelty issues.  Unlike private shelters that have limitations on the number of pets they accept, Animal Services accepts all dogs and cats. Each year, the shelter impounds more than 34,000 pets.  The goal at Animal Services is to reunite lost pets with their families or find life-long homes for as many animals as possible.  Related links: miamidade.gov/animals  or call 311.

 

Oh, Behave!

CALM DOWN DOGGIE! Why dogs growl, lunge and bark on leash and what you can do about it.

Does your dog react aggressively toward other dogs, humans, bicycles, rollerblades and the world around her? Come find out how to overcome this behavior December 9 at 6:30 p.m. when the Humane Society of Broward County presents Board-certified Veterinary Behaviorist Lisa Radosta.

 Dr. Radosta has been helping pet parents understand and modify their behavior for more than a decade as a dog trainer, a veterinarian and as a behaviorist. She has lectured in the United States and internationally, written many articles for national publications and published research papers.

 The lecture is $25 ($20 if you pay before Dec. 3) and light refreshments will be provided. Space is limited and registration is required. Please call Heather at 954-266-6875 or email her at hdeeley@hsbroward.com.

Ginger Needs a Home

This is Ginger!

Approx. 1 and a half years old

Female/Spayed

Up to date on all her shots 

LOVES OTHER DOGS!!!!! Great with everybody and Looking for Love!

Sometimes a little shy

EASY GOING

Please come and meet her today

 Call Tracey

(305) 539-8400 ext.207 daily between 9-5

The Humane Society/Pet Rescue Merger, explained

READERS:

 

There remains a good deal of confusion, anger and misinformation about the Pet Rescue/Humane Society merger. So I recently asked Emily Marquez Dulin to address specifics that I’ve seen in various emails. I forwarded passages to her exactly as they came to me, and she responded in red.

 

I will tell you that some of the questions came in a Letter to the Editor and passed on to me. The person who sent it may or may not exist, and claimed not to have a phone number. She used an address that I couldn’t find in any of the Herald’s many public-records databases. Her comments are nasty and accusatory – and based in ignorance.

 

Especially odious is the assertion that Humane Society donors get their dogs from puppy mills. I know many of the people to whom she refers, and every one of them got their dogs from the Humane Society, Adopt-a-Pet, Animal Services, or off the street. Some have indeed purchased purebreds, and reasonable people can disagree on whether breeders of any kind should be permitted to sell dogs, but choosing a purebred hardly marks one as unfeeling to the plight of unwanted animals.

 

So, to whoever you really are: If you’re going to aim low blows, at least have the decency to do it as your real self. There’s nothing more cowardly than hiding behind anonymity to take shots at people.

 

I’m hoping that this will lay to rest a controversy that  has wasted a lot of time and psychic energy and doesn’t do anything positive for the critters. (OK- call me a dreamer, but that’s what I hope).

 

1. “For 27 years Pet Rescue has not only accepted thousands of animals in need into the sanctuary to receive shelter, food and vet care, hundreds of animals a year have been found tied to the gate and tossed over the fence of Pet Rescue. Every one of these animals received a second chance. What will happen to these animals... now?’’

 

1. According to the Board of Directors of Pet Rescue, the organization never described itself as a sanctuary. The mission of Pet Rescue, which is almost identical to that of the Humane Society of Greater Miami, is/was to save the lives of homeless and abandoned pets, and to finding these animals loving homes since 1982. Pet Rescue, Inc. is/was a no-kill animal shelter, providing care to unwanted cats and dogs, attending to their needs until a suitable home is found, offering a second chance at life.

 

2. Over the last seven years, when the Humane Society of Greater Miami Adopt-A-Pet embraced a no-kill philosophy, hundreds of animals have been tossed over the fence, tied to a bench or left at our front door, too. They all have been given a second chance with medical treatment, food and shelter, and the undivided attention of the staff.

 

3. Animals that are tied to the Pet Rescue gate or are thrown over the fence will be transported to the Soffer and Fine Adoption Center for care, and will be placed for adoption. At present, staff members are at the location sorting and cleaning so they will be able to transport animals with the frequency required.

 

2. “What will be the hope of these future Pet Rescue animals?’’

 

1.    All Pet Rescue animals (65 cats and 9 dogs) that were at Pet Rescue now live at the Soffer and Fine Adoption Center where their chances of adoption will increase dramatically due to the amount of people who visit the shelter on any given day.

 

2.    At present, all cats and dogs are in quarantine where they are being monitored. They have all had their vaccines updated and will be microchipped in the next few days. The dogs are in excellent condition yet the cats came with one or more of the following ailments: ringworm, coccidia, upper respiratory infections, or urinary-tract infections. They are all being treated.

 

3.    It is important to recognize that Pet Rescue was no longer taking in dogs, as the organization’s financial situation did not permit it.

 

3. “It will be a tragedy if [Pet Rescue’s] land is used for anything else but a refuge for homeless animals. Please, we hope that the new Humane Society/Pet Rescue Miami organization will not abandon this haven for animals or change its use, but continue to use this 4 acres of land to rescue and house homeless animals regardless of their age or special needs, as Pet Rescue has done for 27 years.’’

 

1.                At present, the Humane Society of Greater Miami has not decided what it will do with the land. The priority has been to service the needs of the animals and relocate them to the Soffer and Fine Adoption Center, where they are under the care of a veterinarian and a team of veterinary technicians.

2.                Surely the issue of the land will be discussed at upcoming Board meetings. The decision will be based on what the organization will be able to sustain in the long run.

 

4. “The Humane Society solely is for the care and well being of animals, why relocate them to your shelter when they already have 4 acres of land to live on? There are so many people in Miami-Dade County who are against this. There is no reason why they can't stay where they are. I am sure the Humane Society can still reap profits from the land by building a clinic, but having a sanctuary is what is needed most.’’

 

1.      The animals were moved so that they could be quarantined, evaluated and treated, and later placed for adoption. This has proven to be the right thing to do as all the cats were exposed to a multitude of diseases that could hinder their quality of life.

 

5/6. “Will animals be euthanized because of lack of space?’’

 "It's also not fair for these animals to live in a cage for majority of their life."

 

1. The Humane Society of Greater Miami Adopt-A-Pet is an adoption-guarantee or limited-admit shelter (or “no-kill” shelter). This means that no animal is euthanized for space and that once he/she is admitted into the shelter, he/she is admitted into a safe-haven, free from the threat of euthanasia. 98% of the animals enjoy a cageless lifestyle.

 

7. "I feel we deserve a response and furthermore I would really like it if the Humane Society could really think about what animals need most and hopefully we can come to an agreement that what they need most is a sanctuary, not another shelter where they are caged and "hoped" to find a home. Animals have a right to live. They should not have to die just because of the poor decisions people have made.’’

 

1.                Again, Pet Rescue was never founded as a sanctuary; it was a no-kill shelter, a safe-haven for animals pending adoption. Three-legged dogs, one-eyed cats, scarred puppies, seniors, and black cats are all considered adoptable at the Humane Society of Greater Miami. 

 

2.                Animals are not caged at the Humane Society of Greater Miami, they free roam in rooms where they are kept safe from the harshness of the environment, they are fed and walked at least twice a day, and get fresh linens (bedding) and toys every day.

 

3.                Animals have a right to live a healthy life, and the Humane Society of Greater Miami takes great pride in ensuring that the animals in its care receive the best preventive medicine and if need be, be treated for any disease

 

8. “Did Lisa DiPriest or anyone else in the Pet Rescue administration make the financial problems widely know? Did Robbie Coy with Sabbath Memorial Rescue offer to take PR over and bring $100,000 in new money?’’

 

1.                We’re not privy to any information they sent out or received from outside sources regarding their financial situation. We had been helping Pet Rescue for many years and were aware that the organization was declining steadily.

 

9. “What they did at Pet Rescue was a travesty. What merger? There was no merger. They took the land, which they will sell off, and a couple of animals to their shelter. Usually a merger means both sides get something out of the deal.’’

 

1.                This was absolutely a merger, with the Humane Society of Greater Miami assuming responsibility for all the animals and securing the jobs of all [Pet Rescue] employees.

2.                This is a legal merger with both Boards of Directors signing the contract. The contract and articles of merger have been registered with the State of Florida and are public record.

 

10. “Rescue groups from around the state worked hard to place many…animals that the Humane Society ordered off the property by the merger date of Nov. 1st.’’

 

1.      There was NEVER an order to take the animals off the property by any date. November 1 was simply the date the merger came into effect. In fact, the Humane Society of Greater Miami asked that animals not be moved from the property so that staff could ensure the microchipping of all the animals, which has proven to be the best way to ensure the return of an animal to its owner or to its shelter. Dogs and cats were not being microchipped by Pet Rescue.

 

11. “Ask Ms. Marquez what happened with Adopt-A-Pet merger. Same thing - they took the land and sold it and sent all the animals to other sanctuaries around the country. Sure, no animals were euthanized by them; they just shipped them to other places.’’

 

1.    Although Ms. Marquez was NOT an employee of the Humane Society of Greater Miami at the time of the Adopt-A-Pet merger, it is well known that animals at that property were evaluated and treated. Most of them were incorporated into the shelter’s population while others were sent (and their care paid for) to sanctuaries across the U.S. None of these sanctuaries euthanized any of the animals.

 

2.    The Humane Society of Greater Miami still owns the [Adopt-a-Pet] property. As part of that merger, the Humane Society took in over 100 animals not including those sent to sanctuary. In addition, the Humane Society of Greater Miami also inherited the liabilities – fines - that came with this property, a huge expense for any organization.

 

12. “What does the Humane Society of Greater Miami actually do? They host sci sci (sic) cocktail parties where half the donors don't know what a rescue dog is. All of their dogs came from breeders or puppy mills.’’

 

 

1.                The Humane Society of Greater Miami is caring for more than 350 animals on a daily basis, finds homes for more than 1,200 animals a year, provides medical care for animals in its shelter, sterilizes 12,000 animals a year (not including those in the shelter) of which more than 3,000 are free for those who cannot afford it, educates more than 8,000 children and adults on responsible pet ownership, and provides pet therapy to those in need.

2.                The Humane Society of Greater Miami is the beneficiary of many caring supporters who either host events to raise funds or participate in many fundraisers organized by the Humane Society of Greater Miami to raise such funds. The monies raised directly benefit the care of the animals in the shelter.

3.                As determined by the last audit of the Humane Society of Greater Miami, 82% of all funds raised directly benefit the animals at the Humane Society of Greater Miami.

4.                 It is irrelevant where the dogs and/or cats of our donors come from. They are committed to our mission and cause. It is only through the donors’ care and concern for homeless animals that we can sustain what we do.

 

12. “All dollars raised go to pay the high level salaries of Ms. Marquez and Ms. [Laurie] Hoffman. Last year when the [air conditioning] crisis hit and they begged the community for assistance - what happened to all the money raised? Who got bonuses? Ask Ms. Hoffman and Ms. Marquez why the front counter staff received no raises and no added help.

 

1.                All funds raised for the AC crisis where used for only that, and we continue to use the funds for the repair and maintenance of the AC units that service our cats and dogs. This is a restricted fund and cannot be touched for anything else.

2.                Neither Ms. Marquez nor Ms. Hoffman received bonuses last year nor did any member of the senior staff.

3.                The only bonuses presented were the Holiday gifts to all staff, which are the same for everyone, depending on years serving the organization. They vary from $25 to $100.

 

13. “They run it like a business with no care for the animals in their charge. It should be renamed the Saks Fifth Avenue Humane Society.’’

 

1.                The brand Saks Fifth Avenue stands for quality, customer service and excellence, so this is a fair comparison to the Humane Society of Greater Miami. The organization takes great pride in offering the highest standards of medical care to its residents and ensuring that they are placed with great families.

2.                It costs close to $400 to care for each animal in the shelter on a monthly basis yet an average adoption fee is $100. Only through fundraising can the Humane Society of Greater Miami ensure that animals are healthy before they are placed. It is thanks to our donors that we are able to make-up the difference.

 

14. “Their top donors should look more closely at their finances and their mission statement. No one can quite figure out what they do or how they promote the pets in their care for adoption. The upper management and board of directors should be ashamed of themselves.’’

 

 

1.                The Board of Directors of the Humane Society carefully reviews the financials on a monthly basis. The organization is audited every year and financials are public documents.

2.                The mission of the Humane Society of Greater Miami is to place every dog and cat in our care into a loving home and to promote responsible pet ownership and spay/neuter programs.

3.                The Humane Society of Greater Miami adopts more than 120 dogs and cats into loving homes on a monthly basis, and takes in the same amount each month.

4.                Adoptable animals are promoted via the Internet, on television, at community outreaches and special events. Shelter statistics are available on the website, under Maddie’s Fund.

5.                The Humane Society of Greater Miami is the lead agency in Miami-Dade County for Maddie’s Fund Starter Grants. Pet Rescue was a participant in this project too. Guided by its mission to revolutionize the status and wellbeing of companion animals, Maddie's Fund^® has devoted its resources to help build a no-kill nation. Towards that end, Maddie's Fund supports local coalitions that combine the talents and resources of adoption guarantee organizations, animal control agencies, and traditional shelters to end the killing of healthy and treatable shelter dogs and cats in their communities within 10 years.