Crazy for Critters

My Last Post (and Steffi STILL needs a home)

 

 

Folks-

Crazy for Critters is saying goodbye. I've enjoyed hosting the blog but there are many other demands on my time at The Miami Herald and, while the blog has a small but devoted following, small is the operative word. To put in bluntly: the Herald isn't getting enough bang for its blog buck.

Thanks to everyone who has enjoyed and participated in the blog. I've made some great friends and connections, and learned a lot. There is much work to be done in South Florida to help animals, and I hope that all the people who care about them can get past their philosophical differences and concentrate on what really matters: Saving lives.

I can still be reached at [email protected], and definitely want to stay in the loop about what's happening with animal-oriented events and rescues. I'll be writing animal stories for the paper as they arise, and will be happy to help get event notices into the calendar section.

Best of luck to one and all.

Ellie Brecher (also Steffi, Shadow, Yoda, Magoo, Shayna, Cowboy and Moose).

305-376-3631. 

About Steffi:

Steffi is probably a Dalmatian mix. Some have suggested she might have Argentine dogo in her (because she has so much pink around the eyes, and has speckles rather than spots). She was rescued about 6 weeks ago from a terrible neglect situation. I've been fostering. She's spayed and vaccinated, about 2 years old, 45 lbs.

She is a true delight, fine with male dogs, and females that won't challenge her Alpha status, and kids. She's perfect on the leash and in the car. She loves to play, snuggle and kiss. 

If you can help find the perfect family, please call.

Blessing of the animals at Broward Humane

Fort Lauderdale, FL -- Join us for a Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, 
October 9th from 3 - 4 P.M. at the Humane Society of Broward County. 
All pet parents are invited to bring their furry, feathered or scaled 
friends for a Blessing of the Animals, in recognition of the Feast of 
St. Francis, the patron saint of animals.  The Franciscan Friars of The 
Parish of Sts. Francis & Clare will perform the Blessing. 

The Blessing will be held on the east lawn at the Humane Society located 
at 2070 Griffin Road, just west of I-95.  Pets of all kinds are welcome, 
but please be sure to have your pet in a secure carrier or on a leash. 

For more information, please call 954-266-6822 or 954-731-8173 (no need to RSVP!) 

The HSBC is a private, non-profit organization supported by friends and 
companies who want to help the homeless animals.  To see who needs a 
home or for more information visit www.humanebroward.com 

Ginger needs a home

What a face!

Interested? Contact [email protected];  305-502-1806.

Here's what the rescuer said: 

A foster/forever home is desperately needed for this dog. She's about a year old and 37 lbs. I found her on the street, no chip or collar, and was able to get help from a rescue to pay for her medical bills. She is currently taking Revolution for the sarcoptic mange she has and she is doing MUCH better. Almost all of her hair has grown back and the Temaril she is taking has helped her with the scratching. The vet told me to keep her away from other pets for 3 weeks (which would end on October 12th) and therefore I have had to take my own dog to a friend's house for the last 2 weeks, but I can't keep her there for the remainder of Ginger's recovery period...She is up to date on all shots and will be spayed in 2 weeks. 

Incredible Dogs Show!

The Incredible Dogs Show is under the Big Top at Bicentennial Park through Oct. 23. 

Watch astounding performances by 45 talented dogs like Frisbee World Championship winners Bella and Grit or Julio the extreme skateboarding English bulldog at The Incredible Dog Show. Tickets $30-$65. Bicentennial Park, 1075 Biscayne Blvd., Miami.

Check out these GREAT photos of the dogs from the Herald.

Abby the Labby Needs a Home

Hi everyone! I'm Abby the Labby, a friendly English gal with a wavy yellow coat. I'm 5 years of age with a happy personality. I have a blocky head and everyone asks if I have appeared in dog shows. I love people and play well with other dogs, plus I snuggle with the kitties.Taking walks is a lot of fun for me and I also enjoy chewing my Nylabone. I pride myself on being a good girl.  If you are interested in meeting or adopting ABBY or one of our other labs contact Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida by visiting our website www.labradorrescue.net  or call 1-866-464-LABS. LRROF has all our Labs microchipped, spayed or neutered, up to date on shots and each adoption comes with a 30 day pre-paid pet health insurance plan. All applicants will have a home inspection and vet reference (if applicable)

 

I don't usually post products, but...........

This is worth posting just for the photo-- tho it's a good idea: a form-fitting pet towel to minimize wet shaking.

Go to the FURminator website-- there's a funny video.

A Sad Farewell

"Twelve days ago my best friend of seven years died peacefully in my lap. Her quick demise was unexpected and I am the sole person responsible for ending her life. Before you go calling me Kevorkian, let me explain.''

So begins my friend Wendy Doscher-Smith's sweet, loving and heartbreaking Ode to Franki-Jo in the September Biscayne Times. I urge you to read the whole thing-- with tissues.

If you've ever loved an animal and had to face the decision no one wants to make, you will not just understand but feel it in your gut. This resonated with me deeply:

"When the news sunk in that Franki was not coming home from the vet, a weird thing happened. I started crying really hard. Somehow this crying was different from my other Franki-related cancer crying. I guess that’s because it wasn’t crying at all; it was wailing. And it was almost comical in its melodrama. Like a scene borrowed from a dusty graveyard, where a mother throws herself upon her son’s coffin. I didn’t think I had it in me.''

A lot of us would feel the same. Thanks, Wendy.

 

Fun for the Horses

 

                                  The South Florida SPCA Horse Rescue

                                                    is pleased to invite you to our

                           4^th Annual “A DAY AT THE RACES!”

                                   Luncheon & Wine Tasting

                                                           Sunday – October 16, 2011 – 11:00 a.m.

   Please join us for a fabulous day at Calder Casino & Race Course including:                             GOURMET LUNCH BUFFET, ”RESCUE VINEYARDS”, WINE TASTING, “Have a sip; save our horses.”

SILENT AUCTION

RAFFLES

FREE VALET PARKING

A FULL DAY OF RACING AND CAMARADERIE FROM THE COMFORT OF THE CLUBHOUSE

The cost is $50 per person in advance; $15 kids 7 – 12, $10 kids under 6.  Go to www.helpthehorses.org to make your reservations on-line or call Julie Gonzalez at 786-261-9020. 

The South Florida SPCA is one of the oldest, largest continuously operating horse rescues in the United States.  Proceeds of the event will help us continue our mission of providing rescue, rehabilitation and adoption of abused, neglected and abandoned horses and other large animals. Your attendance at this event will help us continue to turn misery into miracles for the over 60 horses currently at our rescue ranch.

 

 

Art 4 the Animals Coming Up This Weekend

Anniversary Adoption Event at ASD

HAPPY 6^TH ANNIVERSARY PET ADOPTION PARTY!!!

 (MIAMI, September 19^th, 2011) – Animal Services invites you to celebrate its 6^thAnniversary with a Pet Adoption Party, on Sunday, October 2^nd, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.   This cheerful adoption celebration of pets, life, loyalty and love will be held at the Animal Services Shelter located at 7401 NW 74 Street, in Miami.

 This pet adoption party will give residents the opportunity to adopt dogs and cats who are in need of a loving home and find true unconditional love.  Anyone who adopts a pet at the event will receive a complimentary picture with their new family member. 

 WHAT:      Happy 6^th Anniversary Pet Adoption Party - Animal Services

 WHO:        Miami-Dade Animal Services Department

 WHEN:      Sunday, October 2^nd, 2011 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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

 

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.

 Adoption Gift Certificates are also available.  If you are thinking about giving a pet to someone as a present, you may purchase an Adoption Gift Certificate so they choose the pet best for their lifestyle.  

 

Donation Gift Certificates are ideal presents for any occasion.  It’s the perfect gift for everyone and a gift that will help the shelter animals.

Lost Boxer

Call any of these numbers if you have seen this lovely pup. He's lost somewhere in Miami.  305-367-3211 or 305-301-8360

cell: 305-522-8108