The Vigil Continues

Dear God, Our Lady, Angels, Spirit, St. Jude, and Anyone Else To Whom It May Concern:

This is Day 34 of this novena, and Candles 19, 20, and 21 are now burning for Ranger, Bonnie, and Christy. There have been some recent shows of interest in Ranger, so that's excellent news! We don't know yet if this will result in his forever home, but it's so encouraging to have people checking him out. It's a positive indication that some dynamic energy is underway.

I need to call Phyllis this week to get a Bonnie update. Bonnie will most likely be at Sunflower Hill Rescue for awhile until her heartworm treatment is complete, but You know how I love to talk with Phyllis. And I'd also love to get the latest on our girl Bonnie.

Christy got through her oral surgery Friday before last; her CT scan and her myelograms last week; and further procedures this past Friday (on which I haven't gotten reports yet). I know that she spent a significant part of this week supposedly resting (although I would see signs on email and Facebook that she was networking like crazy on behalf of shelter animals at high risk of being euthanized) and knocked out with painkillers. She is such an intrepid; and accomplishing all she does with such physical challenges, it inspires me to want to do more—particularly considering that I have excellent health.

God & Co., please bless Ranger and get him his perfect forever home soon. Thank you that Bonnie's miracle with St. Phyllis continues and her healing is in place. And bring a special blessing of healing to Christy and a 10-fold return to her for all the good she does for so many.

As always,  I am much obliged.

xo
Liz

The Face and Voice of Reason

Yesterday's post, The Face of the Executioner, was based on Rep. Don Pridemore's proposed measure before the Wisconsin legislature to increase the number of dogs to 100 that "hobby breeders" can sell (or offer to sell) without a license. It would negate the 2009 legislation that had reduced that number to 25, and it seemed like a clear-cut case of pandering to the worst of puppy mill special interests.

When I posted the link to my blog piece on Facebook, our friend and family veterinarian Dr. Carla Christman commented: 

Actually Liz, the new law [2009 legislation] does require shelters and rescue groups to be licensed too. It's a little bit of a PITA for some of our rescue groups that were doing a great job anyways. The new law may help some, but I think the jerk breeders will find ways around the new regulations much easier than the rescue groups will. It's a start to eliminating puppy mills, but EDUCATION campaigns to not have dumb ass people buy those dogs would be better.

At that point I had to question the 100% righteousness of my original knee-jerk reaction, but still had questions. I asked Dr. Carla:

Do you think Pridemore actually has the welfare of rescue groups at heart, or is that just a bi-product? So you think it's better to keep it at 100 dogs for licensing rather than fewer? It seems to me that even if the rescue groups have to be licensed as breeders (which makes absolutely NO sense to me), the lower number would be better for some baseline of enforcement. But then, I'm a dumbass in my own ways and perhaps don't understand any of the dynamics here.

I loved her response. 

I think he is probably sill a douche - just look at that picture of him! I too think the number needs to go lower (1!) and have all breeders licensed and available for inspection if we are to have any kind of control of favorable animal living conditions. It's actually called the "dog seller's permit" and that is why the rescue groups fall into the category. Then again, we've had quite a few "rescue groups and humane societies" be busted in the last few years for deplorable conditions too.

I still hold to my abhorrence of what Pridemore is trying to do. But I am grateful to Dr. Carla for pointing out some other aspects of this issue, and not allowing me to maintain a one-dimensional view. It's a great reminder to rotate the universal disco ball and look at the other facets of a situation that may not be immediately apparent.

The Face of the Executioner

This morning as I was leaving for work, Scott handed me an article he'd clipped from the Wisconsin State Journal. The headline announced, Lawmaker aims to ease rules for 'hobby breeders'*. In essence, Don Pridemore, R-Hartford, is introducing a proposal that means certain death for more shelter dogs, and an increased risk for the misery created by puppy mills by raising the number of dogs fourfold a breeder can offer for sale without a state license.

An effort in 2009 by then-Governor Jim Doyle to eliminate puppy mills resulted in legislation that limited the number of dogs a non-licensed breeder could sell or offer to sell to 25 dogs per year. The measure Pridemore (a seemingly appropriate Dickensian name) is proposing says that unless a dog breeder sells or offers to sell 100 or more dogs per year, a license would be unnecessary. I sent him the following email:

Dear Representative Pridemore,

I respectfully request that you reconsider your proposal to expand the breeding limits for breeders without a license. While animal shelters nationwide are over-populated, and an estimated 2 million dogs are euthanized annually, perpetuating this trend of over-population seems ill-advised at best and inhumane at worst. I sincerely ask that you re-evaluate your stance. Thank you for your time and consideration.

With kindest regards,

It took incredible restraint to resist using strings of profanity and ending sentences with "idiot" and "you moron". Let us hope that common sense, common decency, and compassion will prevail to stop this measure from passing.

For another perspective on this issue see The Face and Voice of Reason.
_________________________
*Scott made the comment, "Hobby breeders? That's like casual rapists.")

The (Big, Grinning) Face of Volunteerism

Years ago I did some hospital volunteer work for which I was not well-instructed, was never quite sure what I was supposed to be doing, and I was miserable doing it. From that experience I surmised that volunteering was like doing penance—the right thing to do but completely unenjoyable.

Fast-forward 20 years. I'm surrounded by a carnival atmosphere in my Fairy Dogmother costume, beer in one hand, fairy wand and leash to my beloved coonhound in the other, dancing to a live band with another volunteer who is in a dog costume. I was doing service as a volunteer for the Dane County Humane Society Dog Days Afternoon and having a blast.  It is possible to do good and have fun. In fact, if you're not enjoying what you're doing, you're doing the wrong thing.

I've just had another opportunity open up that will be extremely gratifying—a local nursing home wants the Fairy Dogmother (i.e., me) to bring Jazz to visit residents on alternate Sundays. What a win for all of us!

If you want to volunteer (also known as "help", "make a difference", and/or "participate") with animal rescue, there are as many opportunities and choices as there are personalities. Maybe you like being behind the scenes, working directly with the animals—cleaning cages and kitty litter boxes, walking dogs, coddling cats. A set weekly schedule might be your preference. Or perhaps you would rather take part in the occasional event planning, office work, fund-raising, or school visitation/demonstration occasion. Find the time, place, and activity that works for you. Do good. Have fun. That's volunteerism in a nutshell and at its best.

Halfway There

Dear God, Our Lady, Angels, Spirit, St. Jude, and Anyone Else To Whom It May Concern:

Today is Day 31 of this 60-day novena. Bonnie is doing great at Sunflower Hill Rescue with Phyllis Allison. Ranger is hanging in there at P.A.L. with Butch Cappel, still waiting and hoping for his forever home. Christy did well with her myelograms and CT scans yesterday, although she has a "spine headache" today. Thank You for Bonnie's miracle that is Phyllis, that Ranger is safe, and that Christy got through some difficult procedures.

When I exchanged emails with Christy this morning, she said she hadn't heard any more from the two people who had expressed interest in Ranger last week. Sigh...

Your faithful novena petitioner, candle lighter, and general supplicant for the constant, instant gratification of more miracles is at low ebb today. Minimal sleep, stress, and life's demands are taking their toll at the moment. I apologize that this isn't my best work and that my positive energy seems to be on a break right now—in fact, I'm downright cranky.

I ask for the personal miracle of regeneration of body, mind, and spirit—if for no other reason than that I can be more effective at pestering.... er.... petitioning You on behalf of Bonnie, Ranger, and Christy. God bless us all.

Much obliged.
xo
Liz

30 Days, 18 Candles

Dear God, Our Lady, Angels, Spirit, St. Jude, and Anyone Else To Whom It May Concern:

Today is Day 30 of this novena. When I got up this morning, Candles 13, 14, and 15 (the number of candles used so far in this novena) had given up their light. I lit three new ones: 16 for Christy, 17 for Ranger, and 18 for Bonnie.

Today Christy is going in for a double myelogram on her neck and back and CT scan of the mass on her leg. I hope it went well for her.

The last I heard from Christy about Ranger was Saturday. She had been emailing one woman who does rescue who was asking about Ranger, and another who lives in Lawton, OK and rescues pit bulls and works with truckers  to get the dogs transported from kill shelters to various rescues.  The woman in Lawton had reportedly "fallen for Ranger and wants him for herself to go with her female". But no more news on either possibility.

God & Co., I await with 'bated breath for the miracles to unfold. No doubt so do Christy and Ranger.

As always, I am much obliged.

xo
Liz

What can I do right now to rescue companion animals?

Sometimes the unending, overwhelming nature of animal rescue has a paralyzing effect. There can be the sense of "It's too much. It's too heart-breaking. There's nothing I can do to make a difference." See  Q:  How Do I Save 3-4 Million? (A:  One at a Time.)

The most deeply effective transformations of a situation or even a culture occur over time with small, cumulative efforts. Here are some things you can do right now, but don't try to do everything. Pace yourself and start by picking one thing that appeals to you, and go from there.

Low or no cost:
1) Call your local rescue shelter and learn about their volunteer programs. Usually there are many opportunities requiring diverse talents and personalities. Choose and follow through on one that fits your schedule and that you can enjoy doing.

2) Advocate for no-kill legislation and policies among shelters. This is something you can do from your phone or computer. Not sure where to start? Contact the No Kill Advocacy Center at (510) 530-5124 or send them a message from their website. Sign up to get news from them.

3) Network animals in need on Facebook. Examples for FB animal information sites (telling about animals in need of rescue) in Texas include Joe's Animal House and Pawsitively Texas. You can find at least one (often many) for every state and province, as well as countries on other continents.


4) Be informed. The No Kill Advocacy Center website is has great information. The book by Sheila Webster Boneham, Rescue Matters: How to Find, Foster, and Rehome Companion Animals: A Guide for Volunteers and Organizers is an excellent resource. (I was able to find a copy at my local library, as well as on Amazon.com.) These are only two of many.

If you're willing to spend some money:
5) Money facilitates rescue. Donate. Be sure it is to an organization that truly supports your goals. Some are not what they initially appear to be.

6) If you want to donate but don't have available funds, do your own fund-raising. a) Get other people to donate by holding a party as a fund-raiser. Might as well have fun with your friends while you're rescuing. b) Sell your used books, CDs, and DVDs online. (I use Amazon as an easy place to do so, but there are many other outlets such as eBay, half.com, Abebooks, etc.) c) Have a garage sale. d) Be creative and have fun with other ideas! Then donate the proceeds from these fund-raising activities to your favorite rescue operation or to sponsor a particular animal in need.

These are just a few ideas with which you can help animal rescue in little and big ways. Do it now.

What about the cat?

The other day as our cat Oreo was luxuriating on the counter (where he knows he's not supposed to be), my husband said, "What about the cat? Your blog is about dogs. Even rescues that have both dogs and cats seem to focus on the dogs. What about the cat?"

He has a point. Maybe it's because dogs seem needier. Or cuddlier. (Our cat is far more cuddly than our dog, but that doesn't seem to be the norm.) The perception is probably best described by Mary Bly's quote, "Dogs come when they're called. Cats take a message and get back to you later." Just as with people, a certain reserve does not mean they're not in need.

Current available shelter statistics indicate that 56% of the dogs in shelters are euthanized and 71% of cats. Only 15% of dogs are reunited with their owners and a mere 2% of cats. A smaller percentage of cats than dogs are adopted.

Country Cats of Andover, KS say on their Petfinder page, "Because in the past dogs have received more attention than cats, more shelters and rescues are dedicated to protecting them and placing them in good homes. At Country Cats, Inc. we recognize that cats are in as much need as, if not more than dogs. Although we focus our resources on cats and their needs, our desire is to see no more homeless companion animals."

I like that concluding sentence. May that be the overriding goal for all of us, without prejudice.

Adding Another Candle, Seeking Another Miracle

Dear God, Our Lady, Angels, Spirit, St. Jude, and Anyone Else To Whom It May Concern:

Today is Day 26 of this novena. Candles 11 and 12 expired in the night, and this morning I lit their replacements—with the addition of a third. This latest addition is for Christy Masoner Spence, the woman who rescued Ranger from certain death and who has continued to be financially (and perhaps even moreso, emotionally) responsible for him as he has been boarded at P.A.L.

Christy is a champion of the literal underdog and is tireless in her animal rescue work. When she rescued Ranger, she had recently rescued two other dogs (the reason she had to board Ranger, rather than taking him herself); and she had just put her father into hospice. Even as she has been grieving the loss of her father, her campaign to save homeless animals has not diminished.

I had an email from Christy Thursday night that described such personal issues as "spine surgeon/spinal procedures", "pain management", and "tumor". Christy had a spine fusion in 1996 along with many other surgeries and procedures. She has arthritis, degenerative disc disease, and scoliosis in addition to Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, similar to MS with excruciating pain all day every day. A mass on Christy's thigh is creating concern about possible cancer. She is now looking at two additional spine surgeries, followed by surgery on her thigh. To add to salt to the proverbial wound, yesterday she had oral surgery.

Thursday night I posted the following on FB on the Pawsitively Texas and Joe's Animal House pages: 
PLEASE HELP! If you believe an animal is not truly rescued until it finds its forever home, please read this. Ranger was rescued from certain death by Christy Masoner Spence in April. Her only option at the time was to board him... [for which she] has been paying $270/month never thinking that he would not be adopted after 3-1/2 months. Christy is now dealing with serious health issues, and MUST get Ranger to a non-boarding situation, where he can get more exercise and be vetted, and where he will have more adoption exposure. PLEASE, PLEASE HELP--both Christy AND Ranger. christyspence@rr.tx.com Christy needs to be out from under this emotional and financial burden, and Ranger needs his forever home. Please STEP UP and help in any way you can with this.

A couple people made supportive statements, but I was surprised when one person commented to that post with:

christy let me know when i can bring jazz over and let you crate train him...

I guess this is more opportunity for me to learn compassion and that learning curve, huh? At this moment, I am not enlightened enough to get it.

Anyway, God & Co., please give Christy strength, health, and freedom from pain; get Ranger his forever home; and help me learn more patience and tolerance. Thank you so much that Bonnie's miracle seems to be going quite nicely.

Much obliged.
xo
Liz

Ranger: Still Waggin' & Waitin'

This morning Butch Cappel of Pets Are for Life (P.A.L) kindly returned my call to give me the latest on Ranger. In my last Ranger update, our boy was frustrated with pent-up energy from not being allowed to run free in the yard due to his newly discovered fence-jumping talents. In our conversation this morning, Butch said he had been taking Ranger for walks last week until he (Butch) sustained a dog bite (not from Ranger). Butch has curtailed his activities, so Ranger's workouts are once again minimal.

After seeing several posts on Facebook (FB) about P.A.L. having a broken fan and seeking donations to replace it, I had been concerned about the heat Ranger might be enduring. Butch assured me that they have three large fans running at any given time, and neither Ranger nor the other dogs in the kennels are cooking despite the Texas heat.

Butch said that Ranger loves giving kisses, and his temperament remains friendly and happy. Ranger is still wagging his tail and waiting for his forever home.

More from Phyllis Allison about Bonnie and things in Terrell, TX

It has been 10 days since I called Phyllis Allison for the last Bonnie update. (For newcomers, Bonnie is the heartworm-positive dog who was rescued by St. Phyllis at Sunflower Hill Animal Rescue in Terrell, Texas—and a major focus of this blog and novena.) I feel like I'm pestering Phyllis. The woman is doing important work and never seems to rest. Yes, my inquiries are well intended and not entirely selfish, but it's for my blog for heaven's sake, which seems just a bit trivial.

The minute Phyllis says hello and I identify myself, she makes me feel like I'm doing her a big favor to call.  This is the kind of person she is—the epitome of feel-good kindness. I confess: This blog is so becoming a Phyllis Allison fan site. If apologies are in order, I offer them. Yet I can't think of a role model more deserving of adulation. I want to be like her when I grow up. 

Phyllis tells me that she just spent some time with our girl. "Bonnie's doing fine. She's full of kisses and such a good size. [34 lb.] She likes to get close, but she's not jumpy." Didn't we just know all along that Bonnie was the perfect dog? Someone will be so lucky to get her as their "forever dog".

I ask about the heartworm treatment, and Phyllis says that she is delaying it until their weather cools a bit. Terrell, like most of Texas, has had three weeks of consecutive 100+ degree days. The heartworm treatment is hard on a dog's cardiovascular system and requires a calm, low-activity, no-stress environment for a month. The heat would be an additional stressor that would be good to avoid. In the meantime, Phyllis says that she's keeping all the donations aside to apply to Bonnie's treatment when the time comes, and she's giving Bonnie heartworm preventative. This will kill several stages of the heartworm and cleanse the system to a certain degree, while preventing further advance of the heartworm infestation. It could actually make the final treatment easier for Bonnie.

Since I'm not familiar with the particulars of heartworm treatment, I ask a lot of questions. Phyllis is so knowledgeable and even tracks the latest research. She gives me in-depth information about the alternative treatments and their effects. I find it fascinating but will spare you the excruciating details.

The bottom line is this:  Bonnie is in good and loving hands and is doing great. Her health is being carefully tracked—as she is being loved and spoiled with treats—and she will be receiving the full heartworm treatment when conditions are optimal. And if you want to have an experience that gives you the sense you've been to a spa and spent time in loving and sacred space, talk to Phyllis—who will end the call by sincerely thanking you for calling.

The Learning Curve of Compassion

Dear God, Our Lady, Angels, Spirit, and Anyone Else To Whom It May Concern:

When I get angry at people who don't demonstrate love and care of their companion animals, I have to remind myself that it's a behavior and a skill we are not born with. Like parenting, how we learn to treat animals is largely a product of what is modeled for us in our formative years.

From the time I was 3 years old until I graduated from high school, our family had a series of cats for pets. They were treated with the same love and affection as, hmmm... well, come to think of it, with about the same attitude as my sisters and I were regarded. Except if we had an "accident", our father didn't rub our faces in it and then throw us outside into a snow drift.

Compassion - Schulstifung 

With that type of modeling, it's not a big surprise that when I became a mother, I was not very good at it; and the same was true of my initial pet caretaking. I was never overtly cruel, but both as a mother and a pet owner, I was passively neglectful and insensitive to some basic needs. God & Co., when I look back at those times I cringe and feel such shame. But how was I supposed to know better? Thank you for the divine intervention that showed me areas where I was so lacking, the great desire to be a better parent and compassionate pet owner, and the mentoring of caring people who were so much better at it than I. It was being on the receiving end of compassion that taught me the most about extending it to others.

It seems that as we're working on rescues in the short-term, the best contribution we can make to the long-term well being of animals is to raise awareness and model compassion and sensitivity, particularly for our children. Help me to be ever mindful of this, and to offer compassion instead of judgment to those still working on that learning curve--including myself.

Much obliged,
xo
Liz

The Slightly Disgruntled St. Jude

Dear St. Jude,

Today is Day 22 of this novena. Sometime overnight Candles 9 and 10 gave their final light, so this morning I lit 11 and 12. I have a wide selection to choose from now:  12 Sacred Heart of Jesus, 12 Our Lady of Guadalupe, and 24 that show your name and likeness. This morning I chose you for both candles.

Two reasons motivated my choice, and I can't say you'll be happy about either. First you were more accessible. Jesus and Our Lady were upstairs on high shelves, and you were right there in the kitchen under the sink. I was running late to work, so I picked you out of convenience. That's not very flattering, is it? (Please note, however, that I got TWO (2) cases of your candles and only one each of the others, so I hope you know that I hold you in high esteem. I guess I shouldn't be playing favorites where any of you are concerned, though. If y'all are truly saintly, I hope you're not overly touchy about these things and "who's on first". It just wouldn't seem right.)

My second reason was that I feel really discouraged, particularly about Ranger; and you are the patron saint of lost causes. Every night I have trouble sleeping because Ranger is in #%*&^ (forgive my language) Burleson, Texas, in some kennel where they hold the attitude that they'd better damned (sorry) well get their money or he'll get sent back to a kill shelter, and I feel really helpless in helping him. Why the hell (sorry) hasn't he been vetted with even basic vaccinations? Have they even bothered to test him for heartworms and get him on preventative if he's HW negative? Or is he getting heartworms or being consumed by them as I type? WTF is going on there? When P.A.L. pulled him from the shelter, they were supposed to have him neutered within 30 days or be subject to a fine; but apparently that hasn't happened either.

And now I see on Facebook that P.A.L. where Ranger is being boarded (for over 3 months now without any serious adopters checking him out) is asking people to donate funds to buy a big fan to keep the dogs cool because theirs broke. So they want it both ways--pay to board the dogs and pay to provide P.A.L. the tools to run their kennel. And what is Ranger enduring? First Mr. Uber-High-Energy Ranger can't get enough exercise because he's in a kennel; so he's going a little stir-crazy. Now, in addition, the fan's broken, and the temperature is over 100 degrees, or basically akin to the bowels of hell. Our boy must be having a little difficulty feelin' the love about now.

St. Jude, if this doesn't give all appearances of a lost cause, I don't know what does.

The picture of you on those novena candles looks like you've been working really hard and are maybe just a little grumpy. I can sure understand that. Just dealing with thousands, if not millions, of these lost-cause kind of situations would be enough to set the teeth of even the saintly on edge. However, as my own sainted daddy used to say, "You hired out to be tough, didn't you?" It is your job, and I would be most appreciative if you would pay some special attention to this one petition along with all your others. Please get Ranger to a better place where he gets the proper vetting, attention, love, and room to run off that energy.

Much obliged.
xo
Liz

When the Economy Sucks: Saving Loved Pets (and their People)

Last week I talked to Phyllis Allison of Sunflower Hill Rescue to get information for the Bonnie Update. From what I can tell, Phyllis is an unassuming woman who, without a lot of to-do, does a great deal to rescue both animals and people, and helps them get to good places.

She's also really funny. I'm not sure you can get the full effect of Phyllis without talking to her yourself; but to give you an example of the delight she is, her conversation is peppered with observations like, "That's why God made us all different--so we don't have all electricians and no toilets."

An issue that has come to Phyllis' doorstep on more than one occasion is people who have lost their jobs, sometimes their homes, and can no longer provide a home for their beloved pets. One mother and her young adult daughter came to Phyllis and Sunflower Hill Animal Rescue when they could no longer keep their cat and dog. Phyllis agreed to keep them. The mother and daughter come to visit their pets as often as they can--they play with and groom them, and as possible when they visit, they bring Phyllis dog or cat food. Those fur babies have been at Sunflower Hill for about a year now; and there is no threat of "Pay up or they're going to the shelter." Phyllis is confident the owners are close to getting a place where they will be able to take their pets home. In the meantime, the lives of two women have not been driven into further despair during a difficult time; and pets that are truly cared for did not become tragic statistics.

In a similar the-economy-sucks-and-wants-to-take-your-pet-with-it situation, a young man who was an Iraq veteran left California when he could not find a job, and drove to Texas where the economy was only slightly less awful. His traveling companions were his two cocker spaniels. Once he arrived at his destination, he was faced with dwindling funds, extreme heat, and the need for a safe place for the cockers when he interviewed for jobs. Time passed, and his desperation was growing. After fruitless attempts to find that haven, someone gave the young vet Phyllis' name and contact information. Predictably, Phyllis is not one to say there's no room at the inn. The cockers found their safe place at Sunflower Hill.

The "other side of this story" is one of such lovely reciprocation. The young man got his job and has been getting on his feet. In the meantime another gentleman who helps Phyllis with the animals and maintenance at Sunflower Hill was in a motorcycle accident; and the resulting broken ribs will sideline him from assisting her for awhile. The Iraq vet who owns the cocker spaniels is now filling in for Phyllis' other helper.

How do we follow St. Phyllis' example and help others help themselves? How do we help them keep their dignity, their love, and their pets when their resources are scarce? I don't have the answer, but I'm going to start seeking it.

Think Globally, Donate Locally

In a continuation of yesterday's post, Animal Rescue:  Whom Do You Trust?, I return to the question of which humane/rescue organizations are doing what we want them to do with the money we are donating.

This subject had been lurking under the covers of my thoughts for awhile; but it was brought squarely to the fore by the Facebook post by Ryan Clinton about PETA's desire to destroy all pit-bull type dogs. I don't know Ryan; but his words hold much wisdom, and his credentials appear to be stellar. He is an appellate attorney in Austin, TX with Hankinson Levinger, an advocate for no-kill animal rescue/shelters (winning the Henry Bergh Leadership Award in 2009 for leading a campaign to pass Austin's first ever No Kill Equation ordinance), and a blogger on "O Is for Onward", as well as the author of No Kill Advocacy Center's recent publication on personal steps to achieving community animal reform. (See 20 Easy-to-Read Pages that Could Save Thousands of Lives.)

In the comments in the aforementioned FB post, someone asked him, "Are there any more groups we should be leary of? Support?" His response was, "My belief is that everyone should fully investigate any non-profit organization, and be sure that organization shares your beliefs, before giving them money. Ultimately, for me, that means mostly giving locally to charities I can keep an eye on. I also give to the No Kill Advocacy Center because I know exactly what they do."

For an extremely well-written and eye-opening account of how some of the national "big names" are falling short of what we should not only expect, but demand of them, see Ryan's blog piece, Choose Your Charity Wisely.

It convinced me that I will not be providing any future support to PETA, HSUS, or ASPCA and will be giving those funds to the Dane County Humane Society, where I have personally witnessed their effective efforts in rescuing domesticated animals of every imaginable stripe--as well as a significant spectrum of wildlife--as they get closer to their goal of becoming a no-kill shelter.

Animal Rescue: Whom Do You Trust?

Those of us committed to humane treatment of animals, animal rescue, and the end of the killing of healthy, lovable companion animals all want the same thing. Right? Apparently not.

Yesterday on Facebook's Pawsitively Texas, Ryan Clinton, No Kill Advocate posted the link: PETA: All Pit-Bull Type Dogs Entering Shelters Should be Killed with his comment: "It's bad enough that PETA kills over 90% of the dogs & cats entering its Virginia Beach animal shelter. PETA also lobbies, for example, in this editorial, for other shelters to kill ALL of their impounded pit-bull-type dogs, regardless of age or temperament, because 'nice families' don't adopt pit bulls. This organization is not what Americans think it is."

 What ensued pursuant to this post was a flurry of vehement back-and-forth comments that fell barely short of name-calling, with statements questioning not only PETA's operation, but also calling into question other organizations previously billed as bulwarks of humane rescue. Some commenters posed that the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) was the spawn of Satan vs. others rebutting that no, they do wonderful work in saving animals. Some contended that certain organizations posing as rescue operations are just pawns of the puppy mill and industrial animal farming operations. Others said that these organizations are all we've every hoped and believed they were in the most positive sense.

Although I am not a vegetarian, let alone vegan as PETA advocates, I have sent donations to them in the past believing that they were doing good work. Similarly, I have viewed HSUS as a valuable presence in the animal rescue arena, particularly during disasters such as hurricanes and floods; and I have supported them with donations.

 On an even more personal basis, I just learned two days ago that Ranger, a primary focus of this blog, has not received veterinary attention (neutering and vaccinations--not sure about heartworm prevention, but I have my doubts) in the three months he's been boarded at P.A.L. Monthly payments for Ranger's upkeep have been religiously submitted, with the assumption that this included his boarding and full vetting. Keep in mind that P.A.L. is owned by Butch Cappel about whom I've done over-the-top positive posts on this blog.


My husband Scott maintains the mantra, "Seek first to understand." I trust easily. I want to keep believing. And I am also the Queen of the Knee-jerk Reaction when I hear what seems to be bad news. I need to research all of these organizations and issues in more depth with the mindset of seeking first to understand. I don't want to do any of this. I want to be able to take people and organizations at their word. I don't want to be disappointed by my heroes.

But that is apparently no longer an option.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To follow further discussion and information on this topic, see Think Globally, Donate Locally.

Novenus, Novem, Novena

Dear God, Our Lady, Angels, Spirits, and Anyone Else To Whom It May Concern:

Today is Day 18 of this novena, and candles 7 and 8 are burning  low. I ordered four cases of novena candles (12/case), and I'll pick them up tomorrow morning. I'm in this for the long haul.

I know that novena is closely associated with the number 9; and I was trying to remember where that connection comes in. When I looked it up, I learned that novena derives from the classical Latin novenus, which means "ninefold"—thus, a novena is a prayerful devotion typically carried out for nine hours or nine days.

So do You think it's odd that I chose to do what is typically a nine-day ritual for 60 days? I am a student of the odd, but my decision to make this undertaking for 60 days was also based on wanting a timeframe that was finite and achievable, while still demanding a level of focus and effort that would demonstrate true commitment.

Sometimes I get discouraged that Ranger hasn't just immediately gone flying out of his kennel into the open arms of the perfect family who is ready to adopt him, with one of those family members being a runner who's already lacing up his/her shoes to get Ranger on the road. (Camera shot fades as they run into the sunset.)

Many times over the past 18 days as I've questioned if this novena is having any impact, I've thought of Søren Kierkegaard's statement:  Prayer does not change God, but it changes him [or her] who prays. Maybe Bonnie and Ranger "don't need no stinkin' novena" (with apologies to Treasure of the Sierra Madre). Maybe it's all about one woman in Madison, Wisconsin with hopes of changing the world (or small niches of it) who needs the miracle of changing herself.

God & Co., sometimes I just don't know about You; but the mystery of Your ways is something on which much higher-level philosophers than myself have remarked over the centuries. All I can say is that Y'all can be delightfully sneaky.

But please, if this is Your clever back-door way of working on me, would you just humor me please and get Ranger and Bonnie to their wonderful forever homes while you're at it?
Much obliged.
xo
Liz

Ranger: Fourth Down and Long Yardage

Dear God, Our Lady, Angels, Spirit, and Anyone Else To Whom It May Concern:

What is going on with Ranger? He has been out of shelter but in paid boarding (i.e., safe from being killed, but not in his forever home—plus the meter's running and it's expensive) since April.

There was one man Christy talked to earlier this week who expressed an interest in Ranger. Even though he knew what Ranger looked like from the beginning, he eventually decided he wasn't interested because he wanted a pitbull that was primarily white. (Dear Lord.... We're holding out for decorator colors now? And why couldn't the guy just state that upfront?)

Dear God & Co., it's not even football season yet; but this poor dog seems to be experiencing the ultimate in "busted plays", Lucy pulling the football out from under Charlie Brown's optimistic kick, and fourth down situations with long yardage.

With Ranger's high energy and love of running (see If Timmy Were a Track Star), this weekend I will try to make contact with some Dallas/Ft. Worth area running clubs to see if someone is looking to adopt (wo)man's best friend and a running partner as a bonus.

God, could we please get something to go right for Ranger and help him take all that energy to run across the goal line for a big score? Thank You. As always, I'm much obliged.

xo
Liz

Patience and tolerance not being my strong suits....

Dear God, Our Lady, Angels, Spirit, and Anyone Else To Whom It May Concern:

This evening I was at an outdoor concert with friends when a woman with a Yorkshire Terrier approached and was talking about it with the friend of a friend (FOAF). With my single-minded focus I excitedly inquired of the dog owner, "Oh, is it a rescue?"

The woman peered down her perfect nose with a look I would have expected if I'd asked her if she'd bathed at the local sewage treatment plant. She coldly replied, "No, I bought it from a breeder." The FOAF eagerly continued getting the breeder information. After Yorkie Gal departed, I asked FOAF why she didn't check with one of the Yorkie rescue organizations. FOAF kept telling me, "I want a teacup. I want a teacup. I want a teacup." Oh for chissake. I get it.

Our mutual friend whom, ironically, I know from doing volunteer work together at the Humane Society asked her friend, "What if it's a puppy mill?" FOAF blithely responded, "Oh that wouldn't happen. Those are illegal." Nothing would convince her that puppy mills were not a phenomenon of the distant past.

I felt sick. I felt angry. It was all I could do to keep from yelling, "You stupid bitch. You're part of the problem." I had to get away from her. But I can't get away from the problem.

Day after day we deal with so many animals in desperate need of rescue, foster, and forever homes. There are so many of us committed to rescue. Pleading. Scraping together funds. Networking. Please, can you save this one? Can you foster that one? Can you donate for their vetting? Please? Even as we are investing our hearts and souls, we know that with all our good works, fervent prayers, and passionate efforts we're only successful in saving a percentage. And the others die.


All the while people like this ignorant woman continue to be patrons to profitable breeding machines whether it's a puppy mill or even a reputable breeder. Why? Status. Vanity.

God & Co., forgive me for my impatience, intolerance, and utter fury. How do I reconcile this? How do I learn acceptance without condoning what feels like an act against all that is right? How can I make this sick feeling in my stomach go away?

Thank You for listening. (You are listening, aren't You?)

Liz

The Truth About Inconvenience

Yesterday when I was talking with Phyllis Allison of Sunflower Hill Rescue, we were discussing people who relinquish, surrender, or abandon their pets using poor excuses  (note the definition of excuse:  The skin of a reason stuffed with lies) such as "we're moving", "they're old", and anything else that is a far cry from, "It's a choice between feeding our children and feeding our cat."

St. Phyllis observed, "People do not want to be inconvenienced. But the things that bring us the greatest rewards in life are not convenient."

It's hard to elaborate on that wisdom, but I will mention:

• Your funny, charming, pride-producing child is not one bit convenient.
• Cleaning the kitty litter box of the purring creature that keeps your feet and lap warm in winter is not convenient.
• Your True Love (if you have been lucky enough to find him/her) makes you tingle, makes you laugh, makes your heart sing, makes life worthwhile. He or she is, nevertheless, NOT convenient.
• As a personal example, my MWF swim class has built character, brought me immense personal gratification, and at the age of 58 given me muscle definition in formerly shapeless arms and shoulders. But it is not even close to convenient to get up at dark-thirty and be at the pool to put in 2500+ yards from 5:45-7:00 am three days/week.

Really, I defy you to think of anything that has been hugely meaningful in your entire life that came with no cost--that, in a word, was "convenient".

 Let me repeat Phyllis' words:   "The things that bring us the greatest rewards in life are not convenient."

Step up to the plate, folks, and take care of your pets--like marriage vows--in good times and bad, in sickness and in health. Then open your arms to the vast rewards.

Bonnie Update!

Yea! Yeaa!! YEAAAA!!!
First let me be clear that I loathe the overuse of exclamation points. But I am so utterly jazzed after a conversation with Phyllis Allison of Sunflower Hill Animal Rescue today, it's the closest I can come to wild tail-wagging in a blog post.

 I had mentioned in previous posts that I'd been unsuccessful in contacting Phyllis. (I know, I should be all polite and formal here and refer to her as "Ms. Allison"; but she is the nicest, funniest person and said I could call her "Phyllis". So I'm goin' with it.) She is the director of Sunflower Hill Animal Rescue, the group in Terrell, TX, that rescued beautiful Bonnie, the heartworm positive dog with the blue eyes and Dumbo ears.

 When Phyllis  called me this morning, she was so apologetic about not calling back sooner, saying she'd just gotten a new cell phone; and had been struggling with figuring out how to use it (Hello? Is there anyone out there over the age of 30 who can't identify with the utter desolation of learning new technology?), and had been running hither and yon retrieving donated supplies in areas that had no phone service at all. But here she was, her golden voice ringing over the wires to my desk phone at last.

 First and most important, Bonnie is doing great! She is getting acclimated to Sunflower Hill (SFH), she loves attention, and "she is as cute as she can be." Bonnie has not yet started her heartworm treatment, but will be soon. Phyllis has been weighing some options about which veterinarian to use. A low-cost spay/neuter clinic in the area would do the heart worm treatment for $250; but it would be just the treatment and nothing else. A more full-service veterinarian in the area would do it for $353, which would include follow-up visits, more return visits if there are any future problems, a 6-month supply of Heartgard, and generally more continuity of care. My vote was for the latter. Full-tilt boogie, belt and suspenders, only the best for our girl. Phyllis said she was leaning in that direction as well.

Phyllis hasn't set up a PayPal account (she swears that will be coming around soon--SFH has been growing, she has just filed papers to incorporate as a 503(c), and PayPal won't be far behind), and several of us on FB had wondered if we'd still remember how to find stamps and write paper checks to contribute to Bonnie's fund. I asked if enough donations had come in to cover Bonnie's vetting. Her reply, "People are so precious. A lot of folks must have fallen in love with that blue-eyed girl. We even had a donation from Massachusetts and one from North Carolina." SFH hasn't received quite enough to cover the full amount yet, but it's close.

Phyllis didn't ask for additional donations, but I will. If you have a few dollars to spare, please send them to:

Sunflower Hill Animal Rescue
P. O. Box 1953
Terrell, TX 75160


Phyllis shared so many wonderful stories. I'll put them in future posts, but I have to tell you now about Bonnie's voice. She doesn't bark--she squeaks. Bonnie loves her treats, and when one of the caretakers comes around with treats in her pockets, Bonnie sets up a steady barrage of squeaking. "Will squeak for treats."

Dear God, Our Lady, Angels, Spirit, and Anyone Else To Whom It May Concern:

Thank you not only that Bonnie was rescued, but that she is in such loving and good-humored hands. I am so grateful for this first step. I ask that when the time is right you find her perfect forever home.

Two candles continue burning in this 60-day novena.

As always, I am much obliged.
xo
Liz

Limited Resources: Choosing Whom to Save and How Many

Facts:

• Cold hard cash saves neglected, abused, and abandoned animals.
• There are never enough funds to save them all or even to save the majority. (HSUS estimates that 60% of animals entering a shelter are not rescued or adopted--which means, they die.)

Rescues and shelters perform creative and amazing fund-raising feats; but there are always more animals to be rescued, vetted, and boarded than there are funds to do so. How should funds be allocated, and who gets to choose?

For example, 1) A wonderful cat or dog is found stray with serious injuries but still has a chance for quality of life with proper vetting that will cost $3000 just for the injury remediation. This does not include any other costs of the rescue. 2) Ten to fifteen generally healthy companion animals might be rescued, vetted (spay/neuter and vaccinations), and boarded for that same $3000.

How do you choose? Do you save one, knowing that ten others will die because of that choice? The logical choice is apparent. On the other hand, I can't tell you how many times I have contributed with my heart and checkbook to an animal like in the first example.

Again I ask:  how do you choose?

How do I know what I'm getting?

One of the prevailing concerns among those reluctant to adopt a companion animal from a shelter or rescue organization is that the health and temperament of the pet will be an unknown quantity. This is a legitimate concern; but just as a reputable breeder will be aware of and share such information, so will a reputable shelter.


I have had experience on both sides of that coin. The first dog I ever adopted was from a rescue organization in San Francisco. My ignorance about dogs meant I didn't know what to ask, what to expect--I didn't know what I didn't know--and the results were a painful lesson. The dog turned out to be a fear biter, and I later learned that the woman in charge of the rescue organization made a practice of rescuing biters without rehabilitating them. Nor did she apprise adopters of this, which should be considered criminal.


With experience comes wisdom. A little luck helps too. When I adopted from the Sacramento SPCA, their policy was to perform rigorous testing for temperament and health issues. They let me know that the  senior dog I was interested in adopting was good with dogs and children, not so much with cats. He had a hernia, but they would repair that at the same time he was neutered. Bill was all they said he was, and he was a great dog that I happily shared my life and home with until he passed away in my arms at age 15.


My experience has been the same with the Dane County Humane Society (DCHS) in Madison, WI. They are scrupulous in testing for health and temperament issues and providing full disclosure.


The first rule is to adopt from a principled organization. Every animal should come with detailed information that lets you know if it is good with children, other dogs, other cats, and even with men and/or women (some companion animals have gender biases); if it has any temperament issues; and if it has any health issues.


If a shelter or rescue (okay, I don't even want to use the "B" word, but in the name of due diligence--or even a breeder) does not volunteer such information, ASK. But the fact that it is not presented up front could be a red flag about whom you are dealing with.


This is your precious life and home into which you are bringing another (also precious) living being. You owe it to all concerned to make sure it's a good fit. Adopting from a shelter or rescue that does its homework makes it far easier to do yours and to have the best experience of a lifetime.

Ranger Update

I just talked to Butch Cappel to get an update on Ranger. The news is not encouraging, which just means the miracle is taking a little longer than we had all hoped.

Ranger is high energy, so he gets wound up being in a kennel. When he was allowed to roam in an open fenced area to work off some of that pent-up energy, it was right about the time people started setting off fireworks. Ranger freaked and jumped the 6-foot fence. Now that he knows he is capable of such athletic feats, he can't be left alone because he wants to set new high-jumping records at every opportunity. So he has to stay in his kennel, which means he gets over-hyped, and then doesn't show well when potential adopters visit.

Sigh... Oh, Ranger.

Although I left messages for Phyllis Allison of Sunflower Hill Rescue trying to get an update on Bonnie, she has not returned my calls yet. Still waiting. Still hoping. For so much.

Hello? Hello? Is anyone there?

The first two novena candles expired, so I lit two new candles today. Blessings to Bonnie and Ranger with the hope that you'll both soon be in your forever homes.

It seems that miracles aren't always instantaneous. I hate that. I am all about constant, instant gratification; and I had hoped that Ranger would be romping with his family by now. They haven't shown up to adopt him yet. Sigh...


Hello, God? Hello? Hello? Can you hear me now? I understand that it's not uncommon to find it difficult to connect with the Almighty—even Mother Teresa had doubts that she was heard; and I sure ain't no Mother Teresa. If she didn't think she had a direct line, I suppose I shouldn't be so surprised that my connection is not the clearest.

I've been trying to reach Phyllis Allison, the director of 

Sunflower Hill Rescue in Terrell, TX—the rescue that took Bonnie in—so I can get an update. So far I've left two messages. I'm afraid she'll think I'm a crazy person, but I tried to be as lucid as possible in explaining why I wanted an update on Bonnie and also said I would furnish her (Phyllis) with any information about me she wanted. Fingers crossed that I'll hear something. I'd really like to know how Bonnie is doing, and I'm sure you would too.

Here is to making connections and being heard. More to be revealed....