Adoption Education

 

I received this in an email I got from PETS this week. I think its worth sharing; especially to those who continue to buy from breeders and pet stores.

Please feel free to share this.

Please guys don't copy and paste. By sharing you may allow someone to be educated further by another article I have posted.

Thanks

Di

Why Adopt?

My parents always advised me never to buy a used car, because I would just be buying "somebody else's problems."

Unfortunately, that's how some people view rescue pets - as pets that weren't wanted because they had problems and didn't make good companions.

In the vast majority of cases, that's just not true!

Most dogs who come into rescue are not given up because they were "bad dogs" or have behavioural problems. Unfortunately, many people buy pets without thinking about the time, effort, and expense involved in keeping them. These pets end up in shelters, along the side of the road, or if they're lucky - in rescue.In fact, the most common reasons a pet ends up with a rescue organization include the following:

• The owners don't have time for the pet.

• The owners find that they can't afford either basic vet care or the expense involved in treating an illness or injury.• The owner dies or goes into a nursing home.

• The owners divorce and neither party can keep the pet. (You would be amazed at how many pets end up in rescue as the result of a divorce!)

• A young couple has a child and no longer has time for the pet, or the pet no longer fits into their "lifestyle."

• The owner is moving to an apartment building that doesn't allow pets.

This is not to say that all rescue pets come with perfect manners, perfectly socialized and housebroken. The pets who have been neglected and abandoned need training and gentle discipline - but so do all the puppies & kittens people buy! And a rescue pet usually needs much less training than a baby pet.

Another myth is that rescue pets are, by definition, inferior to pets bought from a breeder or pet store. Pets who are rescued came originally from show breeders, pet stores, and hobby breeders - pretty much everywhere. They are a cross-section of the pet population, and, as such, are no more or less likely to have genetic problems than any other pet.

But I Want a Particular Breed!

Purebred pets - Don't shy away from considering adoption of a pet from a shelter because you have a preference for a specific breed. About 25 percent to 30 percent of shelter populations are purebreds. If you're looking for a specific breed, contact or visit your local animal shelter or breed rescue group and ask them to contact you should a pet of that breed becomes available.

Designer dogs - People spend big money on labradoodles, spoodles and other "designer dogs" when their local shelter is full to the brim with the exact same cross breed dogs. Except the shelter likely calls the labradoodle by its true name - a poodle X!

Reasons to Choose a Rescue Dog or Cat

Those of us who volunteer in rescue all have at least one rescue and we know what terrific pets they can be!

Here are some reasons to consider a rescue if you are ready to add a new pet to your family.

You're not starting from scratch with an older pet - When you buy a puppy, you're essentially bringing an infant into your home... a completely untrained, unsocialised little critter who thinks the crate you bought for him is a jail (and who cries to get out... at 3 AM!), the newspaper you put down for him to squat on is a wonderful toy to be shredded, your new shoes are much tastier than rawhide, and your best carpet is an excellent substitute for grass when nature calls!

Most rescue dogs have been house dogs in the past, come with some basic manners and may have even been living with a foster family to teach them the ropes.

An older cat most likely will be content being alone - a perfect match for someone who has an active lifestyle.

The bond is strong - Contrary to the belief that an adult dog cannot bond with a new family, a dog that has been abandoned once is usually eager to become part of a loving pack, where they feel safe and secure, and are likely to act accordingly.

We find that rescue dogs are generally eager to please their new owners. Animals rescued from puppy mills often want to be in your lap at all times and will follow you from room to room, just to be near you.

Adult cats may sleep at the foot of your bed, in a cozy spot in your bedroom or under your bed. A kitten will most likely run around all night climbing and play attacking anything low enough to jump on - including you.

Fewer vet fees - Rescue pets have had physical examinations, have been desexed and are up to date on shots. When you buy a puppy or kitten, you pay for the pet AND for the vaccinations, desexing and other medical expenses.

What you see is what you get - When you buy a baby pet, you can never really be sure what type of adult you're going to get.

All puppies are cute and playful, but their adult personalities aren't visible until they're about two years old. So you don't know whether you're getting a dog who wants to play all the time (ALL the time!) or a couch potato. When you rescue a dog, you know what the dog's personality is like and whether it fits with what you want in a dog companion. You also know in advance about any problem areas you, as the new owner, will have to address.

A cat's personality has already been developed by the time it's one year old. A lap cat will continue to be a lap cat and it is easy to determine if the new cat will work out in a multi-cat household. With an adult cat, you definitely know what you're getting.

Adult pets are generally better for families - Adult pets generally are better with kids. Pups and kittens can play rough and cause harm to children by biting, nipping or scratching. When excited, large breed pups can knock children over accidentally. Children sometimes handle animals too roughly and can cause harm.

Adult pets are more mellow and more able to get themselves out of harms way and because of this are often more patient with children.

It teaches your kids good values - Face it - we live in an extremely materialistic society, in which TV teaches kids that everything can be bought, that they should get their parents to buy them everything, and that anything worth having costs a lot of money.

Adopting a rescue pet for your family presents a wonderful opportunity to teach your children basic values of compassion and caring, and also about the value of second chances.

Smile Time

 

enjoy the smile…

These are a few funnies I really enjoyed…

 

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however, dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep.

It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years--canine/feline attendance is not required.

The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the butt of that other cat/dog who lives here. I cannot stress this enough. Thank you..

In The News

 

Hi everyone.

It is vital that you read this story and sign the petition that has been created. There is an email version of this petition doing the rounds too – it has been created by the same lady and all the names signed on the email are being taken to the SAPS.

Thank you

Di

Dear animal lovers,

Below is an article that was published in our local newspaper the DistrictMail yesterday about the brutal slaughter of Trish and Mike’s dog Tammy on Sunday afternoon 28 August 2011.

The article below doesn’t even begin to tell the horrible truth of how Tammy was killed.

The state vet has done an autopsy on her remains and one cannot comprehend such cruelty which has been revealed in this report.

To date the alleged perpetrator who is apparently a well respected businessman of Somerset West has not been arrested or charged by the South African Police Service.

By supporting and signing this petition we want this person named and shamed.

He is apparently the owner of two dogs himself and frankly if one is capable of murdering another person’s animal you are not in any position to have animals of your own.

By supporting and signing this petition we as a community can make this case stronger by showing SAPS that they have the community behind them, and by word of mouth more and more evidence will be collected against the person responsible for killing Tammy. We want SAPS to take action against this person and bring him to justice.

Please sign and circulate this petition to as many people as possible.

Should you have information about this case please contact warrant officer Valton Lategaan or Captain Seekoei on (021) 850-1344.

 

A SOMERSET West family are battling to come to terms with the death of their much loved Jack Russel, Tammy, that was found decapitated in their neighbour’s yard.

Tammy’s owner Mike Daneel said she was their baby girl and an important part of the family.

On Sunday afternoon Mike and his wife Trish Daneel went cycling at around 17:00.

While they were away their daughter Alexandra Daneel (19) was at their home in Helderzicht Street studying.Alexandra said she heard a gunshot and ran downstairs to investigate.

As she passed a passage window she saw smoke outside which she suspected was from the gunshot.

When she arrived outside she saw Tammy on the ground with her head stuck through their concrete fence. She called her but Tammy was already dead.

Alexandra burst into tears and became frantic.

Just then Mike and Trish arrived home.

They saw Alexandra in the driveway screaming and pointing to where Tammy was lying.

“I tried to remove her but she was wedged in too tight. As I looked over the wall I noticed that there was blood all around and her head had been taken off and was nowhere in sight,” said Mike.

He immediately went to the police station for help.

Two police officers came to scene to investigate and removed Tammy from the wall.

Mike explained that the dog was so tightly wedged in the wall that some concrete had to be broken away to get her out.“By the marks on the ground it was clear she really fought to get away,” said Mike.

Tammy was taken for an autopsy to determine the cause of her death.

Trish said that the family was informed by the state veterinary that there are clear knife lacerations around the dog’s neck. “We suspect her throat was slit and she was then shot in the head, but we are awaiting the full autopsy results.”Trish described the 15-year-old Jack Russel as one of a kind. “She was an amazing watch dog, always there, always the same, she was my daughter’s best friend and my husband’s rugby companion.”With tears in his eyes

Mike described her to be loyal and a very good judge of character. “She followed you around everywhere and was always happy to see you. The person that has inflicted such a despicable atrocity on a defenceless animal will be punished 10 times over. My prayers are with that person, he needs help.”

Police are investigating a case of malicious damage to property. More charges will be added once an arrest has been made, which is expected soon.

Anyone with information is requested to contact warrant officer Valton Lategan at 021 850 1344.

If you don’t mind going to www.mypetition.co.za and this is petition no 587, or alternatively follow this link http://www.mypetition.co.za/index.php?page=sign_petition&petition_id=587

The Rainbow Bridge

 

This is one of the most awesome stories. Its a must read for each and every pet owner… enjoy…

 

The story tells of a green meadow located "this side of Heaven" (i.e., before one enters into it). Rainbow Bridge is both the name of the meadow and an adjoining bridge connecting it to Heaven.

According to the story, when a pet dies it goes to the meadow, having its body cured of any illnesses, frailties and/or injuries. The pet runs around and plays with other pets, missing only one thing – the love and companionship of its owner, who is still alive on Earth.

Upon the pet owner's death, on his/her journey toward Heaven s/he crosses the meadow. While doing so, the pet (along with any other pets the owner had while on Earth) spots its owner and runs to greet him/her. Reunited, the pet(s) and owner cross the Rainbow Bridge together into Heaven, never again to be parted

Rescuer at the Bridge

Unlike most days at Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and grey, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All the recent arrivals were confused and concerned. They had no idea what to think for they had never experienced a day like this before. But the animals who had spent some time waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was happening and began to gather at the pathway leading to the Bridge to watch. They knew this was something special.

It wasn't too long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung heavy and low with tail dragging along the ground. The other animals on the pathway...the ones who had been at Rainbow Bridge for a while...knew the story of this sad creature immediately. They had seen it happen far too many times.

Although it was obvious the animal's heart was leaden and he was totally overcome with emotional pain and hurt, there was no sign of injury or any illness. Unlike the pets waiting at the Bridge, this dog had not been restored to his prime. He was full of neither health nor vigour. He approached slowly and painfully, watching all the pets who were by now watching him. He knew he was out of place here. This was no resting place for him. He felt instinctively that the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be. But alas, as he came closer to the Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who spoke softly to the old dog and apologized sorrowfully, telling him that he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who were with their special people could pass over the Rainbow Bridge. And he had no special beloved people...not here at the Bridge nor on Earth below.

With no place else to turn, the poor elderly dog looked toward the fields before the Bridge. There, in a separate area nearby, he spotted a group of other sad-eyed animals like himself...elderly and infirm. Unlike the pets waiting for their special people, these animals weren't playing, but simply lying on the green grass, forlornly and miserably staring out at the pathway leading to the Bridge. The recent arrival knew he had no choice but to join them. And so, he took his place among them, just watching the pathway and waiting.

One of the newest arrivals at the Bridge, who was waiting for his special people, could not understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the pets who had been there for some time to explain it to him.

"That poor dog was a rescue, sent to the pound when his owner grew tired of him. The way you see him now, with greying fur and sad, cloudy eyes, was exactly the way he was when he was put into the kennels. He never, ever made it out and passed on only with the love and comfort that the kennel workers could give him as he left his miserable and unloved existence on Earth for good. Because he had no family or special person to give his love, he has nobody to escort him across the Bridge."

The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked, "So what will happen now?"

As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the all-invasive gloom lifted. Coming toward the Bridge could be seen a single figure...a person who, on Earth, had seemed quite ordinary...a person who, just like the elderly dog, had just left Earth forever. This figure turned toward a group of the sad animals and extended outstretched palms. The sweetest sounds they had ever heard echoed gently above them and all were bathed in a pure and golden light. Instantly, each was young and healthy again, just as they had been in the prime of life.

From within the gathering of pets waiting for their special people, a group of animals emerged and moved toward the pathway. As they came close to the passing figure, each bowed low and each received a tender pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. Their eyes grew even brighter as the figure softly murmured each name. Then, the newly-restored pets fell into line behind the figure and quietly followed this person to the Bridge, where they all crossed together.

The recent arrival who had been watching, was amazed. "What happened?"

"That was a rescuer," came the answer. "That person spent a lifetime trying to help pets of all kinds. The ones you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of such unselfish work. They will cross when their families arrive. Those you saw restored were ones who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives, they are permitted to perform one, final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor pets that couldn't be placed on Earth across the Rainbow Bridge. You see, all animals are special to them...just as they are special to all animals."

"I think I like rescuers," said the recent arrival.

"So does God," was the reply.

--Author Unknown--

Second Chance Sanctuary Raffle!!

Hi Everyone!
Happy Tuesday!
Please help Second Chance Sanctuary by buying a raffle ticket…
They really do some awesome work – buying a ticket means that you will be helping the animals!!! Isn’t that awesome! You can win some stunning Jewellery by being kind to the furries!
Read on for pic’s of the prizes and how to enter. Its a country wide competition so lets get buying!!
Competition Time!!


Second Chance Sanctuary is trying to raise funds for vet bills by having a Jewellery Raffle.

Tickets are R10 each and will run until 31 October 2011.

This is a country wide raffle, so everyone can get a chance to win, and we will ship it off via the post to anywhere in the country.
The first prize is a white gold 9ct Tanzanite pendant with two diamonds valued at R1200:


Second Prize – a 9ct Gold Chain with a Cross Pendant:


Third Prize – These beautiful earrings:


How to enter – deposit the raffle fees into the following account:
Second Chance Sanctuary
FNB Bluff Branch Code 250135
Account Number 62239003578Ref:
Raffle and your name
Send the proof of payment to cherecedup@gmail.com along with the amount of tickets you are buying and your contact details –
please note that if you are buying for friends by putting money together, please supply each person’s name, contact details and how many each tickets person is taking.For more information, please contact Cherece at cherecedup@gmail.com
http://www.secondchancecats.org/
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Second-Chance-Sanctuary/128888183851970

Update day

 

It’s Friday and I haven’t updated in a long time…

I have been kept very busy and have been pulled in a million different directions!

This is the one line that has stuck with me this week. Once again I forgot to save who wrote it – so thank you – whoever you were.
“knock – knock, oh I’m here to put you down, ur cats over u… he says you cramping his style.”
This was in reference to the amount of people dumping their pets… there have been way too many cases lately where people don’t take their animals to shelters – the poor souls are left at empty houses, at shopping malls, or even deserted at kennels.

This week Rhino Poaching has been in the news… I followed ABSA’s progress and FB posts and reposted them for those unwilling to join the Aquila Private Game Reserve Page. We have to be aware that things like this are happening even if it saddens us. It’s the only way to educate and know how we can make a difference.
RIP ABSA boy. Your tragic death has brought together more people who are willing to fight to save other Rhino’s and SA wild live that are in danger. Your suffering although horrific was therefore not in vain…

 

 

What has upset me most with humans – and I know I’ve mentioned it before – is how people tend to toss you aside when you do what you want to do with your life… it’s as if they have a plan for your life and they want you to live it accordingly.
I for one can no longer live like this… I have tried to keep everyone happy my entire life, I have been there when everyone else vanished (they were too busy…) I have tried to make everyone proud… - except me…

In the time that I have been putting my heart and soul into animals; long time friends and family that I have always looked up to - have either walked out of my life or made it blatantly clear that they do not support what I do. It’s tough though – this is my life – my existence – and I have to do what makes ME happy.

So don’t expect to see me bowing out of the lives of the precious, voiceless four legged friends; any time soon.

I will however repeat how much I despise how people act and turn a blind eye to cruelty and abuse. You see it’s easier for them to do it. Turn the other cheek and become as much of a coward as the one who abuses.

On the positive side I have to thank the amazing people I have met online who are willing to speak out. Those who I consider to be incredible angels put specially on earth to make a difference…

I have to thank the few friends who have told me they are proud of me… My mom is one of them… to hear this made me smile in an extremely difficult time.

One of my long time friends has made me incredibly happy and proud of her. Through facebook issues and glitches – as well as a difficult period in her life has gone above and beyond the call of duty… Last night I received the most amazing thank you from this angel. It seems that we have been a positive source of energy to each other. Well if you think about it – it’s the animals we have to thank for strengthening our bond. So thank you to all the gorgeous furries.

On to my crazy cats

Miss Mimmo has settled in beautifully. She is a little tornado in the house. Her “dragging” shoe fetish has grown to being shoe protector.
She has learned to open doors too and invited my boy cats into the shower – while I was using it…
She has become everyone’s cat in a way. She follows my daughter, plays with my son sleeps with dad and well; she thinks I’m dirty… She decided that my hair was not clean enough for her liking and gave me a special kitty bath.
She is still getting used to her disability and so are we. She now at least “kitty kisses” Kitt and Stig instead of swatting them when they are on her blind side. Her tail is an issue she hasn’t quite mastered yet. She turned into a cyclone last weekend (at bed time) when it waved past her blind eye – if I wasn’t so exhausted I would have laughed. Silly girl.

Kitt has upgraded from his favourite sleeping places – boxes – and retires to the bedroom at night – on my feet. Although he still likes his boxes during the day… *laughs*

Stig still visits his girlfriend – another cat in our complex – pity that her owners aren’t likable. I say “her” here although “she” could very well be a “he”. We haven’t established that yet. If you know my boy cats – you will know how in love they are with each other… so Stig may in fact be cheating on his boyfriend Kitt…

That is all for now

I hope that you all have a great week end.

xx

Di

Angel Pie

I read a post this morning that said “If your dog doesn’t like someone then you shouldn’t either.”
This took me back to thinking of my darling angel pie child. To me she was and still is the most beautiful four legged creature ever created. I love her as much now as I did when she was alive. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about her. She was the epitome of perfection. I could go on all day about her.

I was 11 when she was born. My first glimpse of her was when she was still in her birthing sack and only half way into meeting the world. It feels like yesterday. Her mother Heidi was stolen, darted by a security company when she was only three weeks old.
I bottle fed her and protected her from the get go. I refused to allow her to be trained – My step father considered training to be a brutally cruel practice and I couldn’t allow that to happen. He thought that her spirit needed to be broken and that if she refused to walk on a lead that her paws should bleed until she did. So Racy was never trained. I would take her for walks on a lead – or should I say she walked me… I trained her with love. She listened to my every word and never went out into the street on her own. Even if the gate was open.
She had the most amazing character, she would talk to you and when you were busy – for example hanging washing – she would nip you on your butt to get attention – or plonk her but on your foot so you couldn’t move.
She would scamper after a tennis ball and then proceeded to chew the thing to bits.
When she ran – it sounded like a galloping horse.
She owned the kennel. Poor old Turbo had to “beg” her to let him into it. You see I found the kennel second hand; sanded it down and painted it. After that she decided that it was hers because her mommy made it for her.
When it rained she would boot me out of my own bed and I would end up sleeping on the “sleeper couch” Whatever was mine was hers.
She loved peppermints and egg shells and would steal them when she could. She had some disgusting habits too but I won’t mention those – although I do laugh when I think about them.
When I started dating – now this is where the quote comes in – she would sit in between me and any guy she didn’t like. Which was most of them – her decision to point out that these guys were wrong for me was completely right!
When I was sad she was always there – she knew my soul – she knew things about me that no one has ever known. She shared a love and bond with me that no human could ever fathom knowing.
My angel lived an entire 11 years. She had grey speckles showing a life lived well and to the full. I wish she could have lived longer… I miss her so very very much. Even though I can still feel her spirit around me I still wish that I could give her a cuddle; or get a big sloppy doggy tongue kiss.
Miss you my darling child.
Till we meet again
On a lighter note…
Miss Mimmo is doing fine – she is a typical female – she loves shoes. She is so good I don’t think she has a bad bone in her body. She darts up and down the passage in the morning and attacks anything and everything – and a shoe that she drags out into the passage to “wear”.
We are all learning how to cope with her disability. She gets very angry if you approach her too fast or stroke her on her blind side. She loves putting her head in your hand. She also purrs now and has started to vocalise at food time. She’s a lovely little girl.
I must love and leave you all now…
I hope you all have a super long weekend…
I hope all ladies have an awesome Women’s Day.
Xxx
Di