Through the end of February, animal organizations are hosting low-cost spay/neuter events in an effort to sterilize a total of 60,000 pets, feral cats and street dogs around the world. Find a low-cost spay/neuter event near you.
You can help spread the word! Here are some easy ways to raise awareness:
Find a low-cost spay/neuter event happening in your area and share it on Facebook, Twitter and your other social networks.
Add a World Spay Day 2014 Spay/Neuter Counter Widget to your website. Simply embed this code: <iframe width=”241″ height=”385″ src=”https://worldspayday.org/widget/widget.asp” frameborder=”0″ scrolling=”no” allowfullscreen></iframe> (Learn more about how the counter works here.)
Volunteer at a spay/neuter event! Organizations near you may need volunteers to check in clients, monitor recovering animals, staff information tables, or help spread the word. Learn more about volunteering at spay/neuter events.
After dogs and cats, rabbits are the companion-animal species most likely to end up in U.S. shelters.
After I saw a story on Good Morning America about therapy dogs, I knew that I had to have a dog. I started looking at the local shelters and on Petfinder, but there were mostly large dogs. I needed a smaller dog to fit in my condo. My parents “just happened to be driving past” the Passaic Animal Shelter and my mother saw a beautiful adult medium-sized terrier mix that was very friendly to her. She was dubbed “Terry the Terrier” or “Noel” because she was found wandering the frigid streets in December 2001. My mother urged me to go to the shelter, but the hours were limited and I didn’t see the dog on Petfinder, so I delayed looking.
On the last working day before Christmas 2001, I finally saw the dog on the website. I skipped out of work early and drove to the shelter to see “Terry” for myself. The Passaic Animal Shelter was a very modest facility, with cats, very large dogs, and one medium-size dog. She had long white fur with black ears, a black patch on her back, brown eyes, and a loud bark. I was able to take the dog for a walk outside. I couldn’t believe that small, scrawny dog could practically pull my arm off. As soon as the dog saw my boyfriend, she started dancing around on her hind legs, giving her paw to shake and doing other “cutie dog” moves. He was sold. He finished the paperwork and paid the $15. The dog had to be spayed and was available to come home on Dec. 25, 2001, renamed Lobo. She was the best present I ever got. Lobo always brought smiles to our faces. It was a smooth adjustment having a dog around the house.
Even though she was about 15 years old, her loss was a sudden shock. After more than 12 years together and the addition of a second dog, now Lobo is gone, to be reunited with my mother. Through our walks, I got to meet my neighbors. I found local parks that I never knew existed. I never laughed harder than trying to get Lobo to wear booties in the snow and watching her shaking them off. She spoke without words, offering friendship with an outstretched paw or nudge, sharing our lives. There is no way to summarize the shared companionship. Lobo will always be in our hearts.–Roberta R.
Since National Hugging Day is Jan. 21, we asked our friends from shelters and rescues across the country for pictures of their adoptable pets being hugged! Our favorite photos, below, come from groups that received photography equipment grants and training through the One Picture Saves a Life program.
1. Walking shelter dogs during the winter in East Hanover, N.J., can be frigid, but Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter volunteer Kathy Wieczorek warms it up by fitting in snuggle time with Sky. The shelter saved this 2-year-old Chihuahua, who was born with one “baby eye” that’s smaller than the other, from an overcrowded shelter in the South, and now all she wants is to be in her own home. (Learn more about adopting Sky.)
2. Chicago Cat Rescue saved Edelweiss and her brother around Christmas, when the young kittens were wandering outside an abandoned apartment building in freezing temperatures. Foster mom and Chicago Cat Rescue founder Julie Adams says little Edelweiss loves playing with her sparkly pink toy, chasing her brother and getting as many cuddles as she can. (Learn more about adopting Edelweiss.)
Edelweiss, snuggling with his foster mom Julie Adams, is up for adoption at Chicago Cat Rescue.
3. After dutifully nursing her litter of puppies in foster care, Bella, a 3-year-old Beagle, is back with The Animal Foundation of Las Vegas and Henderson, Nev. Since she has finished the work of raising little ones, this small, sweet and now-spayed girl would love to relax in a home of her own. (Learn more about adopting Bella by contacting The Animal Foundation.)
Bella, an adoptable Beagle, poses with her friends from The Animal Foundation in Henderson, Nev.
4. Having only three legs doesn’t slow down Huggie Bear, who’s waiting for his forever home at Victoria Trap Neuter Return in Victoria, Tex. He came to the organization with a badly mangled leg that had been caught in a car’s fan belt. Now he’s healed and is ready to begin his life with a family! (Learn about adopting Huggie Bear.)
Huggie Bear (above with Athena) is waiting to be adopted at Victoria Trap Neuter Return in Victoria, Tex.
5. A strikingly handsome Dalmatian and Australian Cattle Dog Mix, 1-year-old Jude loves to give hugs, “hold hands” and dance! Jude’s caretakers at In the Arms of Angels in Tucson, Ariz., say this social boy adores playing with people and other dogs. Watch out come bath time — he’ll jump into the shower with you if you give him the chance! (Learn about adopting Jude.)
Jude, who is waiting at In the Arms of Angels in Tucson, Ariz., hugs his foster mom, Jen.
Roman gets plenty of loving while he waits at Lifeline for Pets in Monrovia, Calif.
7. Seven-year-old Olive endured a rough past, and she has the scars to prove it. One of eight dogs who were transferred to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona in Tucson from a Missouri dog-fighting raid, only Olive was suspected of being used for fighting. Olive is sweet as can be with people, but she needs to be an only dog. Olive is searching for the chance to enjoy her senior years on the couch and prove to everyone that she’s a lover — not a fighter. (Learn more about adopting Olive by contacting the Humane Society of Southern Arizona.)
Olive snuggles with Tyler, a staff member at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona in Tucson.
Rescued from homelessness in 2011 after their previous owner passed away, an exceptionally sweet brother-sister pair of cats who we named Tartufo and Tiramisu brought us great joy for 2½ years before they both suddenly succumbed to cancer this fall at age 9. Although they are gone from our arms, they will forever remain in our hearts.
We first discovered them on Petfinder when they were put up for adoption by Animal Rescue Force in East Brunswick, NJ. Although they were both shy at the adoption site, they almost instantly transformed into gregarious cuddle bugs within minutes of arriving at our house. We were honored to have inherited these wonderful little beings.
Beautiful inside and out, Tartufo routinely and cheerfully came up to the front door to greet all visitors to the house — from toddlers to senior citizens — and made a point of always following us from room to room, never letting us out of his sight.
Tiramisu’s thunderous purrs earned her the moniker of “Earthquaker.” Her seemingly limitless capacity to give and receive love and make extensive conversation — even throughout her illness — made her a veritable supernova of joy.
We are so grateful to Animal Rescue Force for rescuing and caring for Tartufo and Tiramisu prior to their finding their way to us, as we are to Petfinder for helping us find our way to them.–Claire Sterling
1. You helped us rush aid to All About Animals Rescue in Macon, Ga., to help dogs like Mic and others injured during a shelter break-in in which three dogs were killed. (Read more about our grant and learn about adopting Mic.)
Mic bears scars from the crime at All About Animals Rescue in Macon, Ga.
2. You helped us grant $10,000 to fund a mobile adoption unit for Wright-Way Rescue in Niles, Ill., after the shelter’s facility was destroyed by a schoolbus. (Learn more.)
No children were on board the bus at the time of the crash on Oct. 2, and miraculously, no people or animals were injured.
3. You helped us teach shelter staff and volunteers to take great pet photos, helping hard-to-place dogs like Shelby find families. (Learn more.)
Shelby (Photo: Humane Society of Southern Arizona)
4. You helped us give $26,000 to aid abused and neglected farm animals, including horses like Page. (Learn more about Page’s transformation.)
5. You helped us give shelters vaccines so they can focus their limited time and resources on finding homes for pets like Thor. (Read more about Thor’s adoption.)
You helped Thor find a home. (Photo: Cleburne Animal Shelter)
6. You helped us rush $9,000 to shelters working to save pets like Melody from the deadly Colorado floods. (Learn more about our grant and learn about adopting Melody.)
Melody (Photo: Longmont Humane Society)
7. You helped us give thousands to protect pets like Joey from the California Rim Fire. (Learn more.)
10. With your help, we gave Summer Cooling Grants that not only kept pets (including donkeys!) comfortable during the summer months, but also increased adoptions by making potential adopters more comfortable at shelters. (Learn more.)
To celebrate our tenth year of helping homeless pets, all week we’ve been sharing our favorite Success Stories from 2013. Thank you for helping us save lives since 2003!
1. Charlotte, a puppy mill breeder until she was taken in by Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue Inc. in Reinholds, Pa., is all smiles now. (Read Charlotte’s story.)
Charlotte (Photo: Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue)
2. After a Wheatland, N.D., puppy mill was raided, Howie — who was dreadlocked, frightened and completely unsocialized — hid from his rescuers for 29 days. 4 Luv of Dog Rescue in Fargo was finally able to take him in, and now he is adopted and enjoying the pampered life every Bichon deserves. (Read Howie’s story.)
3. Mocha came to Boston Terrier Rescue Canada in Arnprior, Ont., in desperate need of surgery to correct her luxating patella. After extensive vetting and surgery to fix her ailing knees, she found her perfect family. (Read Mocha’s story.)
Mocha (Photo: Boston Terrier Rescue Canada)
4. It seemed like 3-lb., 3-year-old Thor might never be able to walk on his own when he came to Maple Hill Farm Toy Breed Rescue in Butler, Ohio, after living his whole life behind puppy mill bars. He defied the odds by building up his leg muscles, and he is now walking on his own! (Read Thor’s story and learn about adopting him.)
Thor (Photo: Maple Hill Farm Toy Breed Rescue)
5. When Zoe came to Safehaven Small Breed Rescue of Tionesta, Pa., her filthy coat was painfully matted. After she was groomed, spayed and had her teeth cleaned, she was adopted within three days. Now all this former puppy mill breeder has to do is relax! (Get Zoe’s whole story.)
Zoe (Photo: Safehaven Small Breed Rescue)
6. Veronica Miller was surrendered with 27 other breeding dogs to HELP the Animals, Inc. of Richmond, Ind., when a puppy mill closed. She was frightened, filthy, and — like the other dogs — had probably never received any medical treatment. Finally, Veronica is living the good life she deserves. (Read Veronica’s story.)
7. After Kayla spent her entire six years as a puppy mill breeder, her teeth were broken or worn down to nubs from chewing on her cage bars. When she was surrendered to Animal Rescue, Inc. of Maryland Line, Md., she was so frightened that she could only sit on her bed and shake uncontrollably. With lots of love, patience and help from these lovely adopters, the Labrador Retriever is finally living the good life! (Read Kayla’s whole story.)
Kayla (Photo: Animal Rescue, Inc.)
8. The volunteers at Maple Hill Farm Toy Breed Rescue in Butler, Ohio, say Angel was “a hairy mess” when she came to them from a rural Ohio puppy mill. They had to shave her so she could see, and then they had to bathe her several times to get the puppy mill stench off of her. All Angel needs now is a home of her own for the holidays. (Read Angel’s story and learn about adopting her.)
Angel (Photo: Maple Hill Farm Toy Breed Rescue)
9. Lyza was a frightened girl with multiple abscesses in her mouth when she came to Coulee Region Humane Society in Onalaska, Wis. After receiving a teeth cleaning, multiple extractions and her spay surgery, she found a quiet home with wonderful people who’ve taught her that the world is not a scary place. (Read Lyza’s story.)
10. Leroy came to National Mill Dog Rescue in Colorado Springs from a Missouri mill where he had been exposed to parasites and was covered in fleas and ticks, with a bad ear infection and an eye needing surgery because of past ulcerations. Leroy was given medical care and placed with a foster family that taught him that people are worth trusting. (Read Leroy’s story.)
Leroy (Photo: National Mill Dog Rescue)
To celebrate our tenth year of helping homeless pets, all week we’ll be sharing our favorite Success Stories from 2013. Check back tomorrow for another Top 10, and thank you for helping us save lives since 2003!
Here are some of our favorite kittens of 2013. All of them have found their forever homes!
1. Blinky (pictured) and her siblings Inky, Stinky, Winky, Pinky and Dinky were brought to Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter, Inc. by a kind woman who found them under her porch. One foster parent bottle fed the whole group so they could stay together, and they have all been adopted! (Read their story.)
Blinky (Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter, Inc.)
2. Marcus and Mandy were just 1 week old when someone found them, their brothers and their mother trying to survive in an old shed near Duluth, Minn. At Warm Fuzzies Animal Rescue Inc., volunteer foster families cared for the tiny kittens until they were ready for adoption. (Read the kittens’ story.)
Marcus (left) and Mandy (Photo: Warm Fuzzies Animal Rescue Inc.)
3. Shortly after Cowboy and his siblings were born, they and their mother were dumped in a Baton Rouge, La., neighborhood and ended up at animal control. Not long after Cat Haven took them all in, handsome Cowboy found his own home! (Read their story.)
4. After Cornbread’s owners surrendered her to Iredell County Animal Services in Statesville, N.C., her soulful gaze helped her find a new home. She now lives with a family where a 2-year-old child cherishes her! (Read Cornbread’s story.)
5. Kitty City Kansas Rescue in Lenexa, Kan., says that Faith is very playful and a normal Siamese kitten in every way — with the exception of her deformed front legs, a result of inbreeding. They makes her look like a baby T-Rex when she walks, but Faith doesn’t let that slow her down — and she was adopted by a family that loves her for it! (Read Faith’s story.)
6. Could Thaddeus be any more excited to meet you? He and his seven siblings were born right after Animal Care Society in Louisville, Ky., took in his very pregnant mother. (Read his story.)
Thaddeus (Photo: Animal Care Society)
7. Paws South Florida Rescue, Inc. in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., was able to save stray kittens including Peter, Punkin and Paul with help from a homeless man who cares for the cats living in a local park. (Read their story.)
Clockwise from left: Peter, Punkin and Paul (Photo: Paws South Florida Rescue, Inc.)
8. Last summer, Adina, who was named after a song by the punk rock band Rancid, met the members of the band backstage. The buzzed-about meet-and-greet helped Motley Zoo Animal Rescue of Redmond, Wash., find a terrific home for her. (Read Adina’s story.)
Matt Freeman of Rancid and Adina (Photo: Motley Zoo Animal Rescue)
9. When Jojo and his six siblings were abandoned behind a hardware store in Colorado Springs, an employee contacted local organization Wild Blue Animal Rescue and Sanctuary. One of Jojo’s siblings did not survive, but he and the rest of his brothers and sisters flourished, and Wild Blue found them all homes! (Read their story.)
10. Georgie, Levi, Ace and Dutch were tossed out in a wooded area of Salem County, N.J. Maddie & Friends of Salem took the kittens in, treated them for parasites and let them hone their perfectly coordinated “Adopt Me” stares. (Read their whole story.)
To celebrate our tenth year of helping homeless pets, all week we’ll be sharing our favorite Success Stories from 2013. Check back tomorrow for another Top 10, and thank you for helping us save lives since 2003!
1. Vincent lost his ears when he was attacked by a pack of dogs while tethered to a tree. Rehabilitated by Triple R Equine Rescue Ranch in Greensburg, Ind., this gentle boy is now one of the stars of the group’s Unbridled Potential program, which pairs horses with at-risk youth. (Read Vincent’s story.)
Vincent (Photo: Triple R Equine Rescue Ranch)
2. Petey came to New England Equine Rescue North in West Newbury, Mass., emaciated and in need of shots, deworming and dental care. He has since become a barn favorite and field champion! (Read Petey’s story.)
Petey (Photo: New England Equine Rescue North)
3. Found wandering alone, severely malnourished, Lucky was taken in by Local Equine Assistance Network (L.E.A.N.) in Las Vegas. When he had returned to a healthy weight, he began to show symptoms of arthritis. Supplements have greatly helped with his pain and he’s finally ready for his own home. (Read Lucky’s story and learn more about adopting him.)
Lucky (Photo: L.E.A.N.)
4. Echo was a Reserve Champion last summer, and then dumped at an auction in the fall. He caught a bug at the auction house and his health did a downward spiral. He came dangerously close to being put down, but then the miniature horse was taken in by Pipsqueak Paddocks Miniature Horse Haven Society of Chilliwack, B.C. The group treated Echo’s sinus infection, and this brave little horse was valiant throughout the process. (Read Echo’s story.)
5. Saffyre Sanctuary, Inc. of Sylmar, Calif., took in Lakota after he had been severely abused and neglected. The group brought him back to health, but he still has a lameness issue they are working to improve. With his special diet and holistic veterinary care, Lakota has made remarkable progress and should be ready to find a permanent home within a year or two. (Read Lakota’s story.)
6. Page, a 25-year-old thoroughbred, gained 20 much-needed pounds in the first 24 hours after she was rescued by Center Valley Animal Rescue in Quilcene, Wash. Her health and weight have only continued to improve! (Read Page’s story.)
7. Windsong was 25 years old and in poor condition when she was taken in by Doxy’s Horse Recovery in Afton, N.Y. Through improved nutrition, dentist visits and good daily care, she blossomed into a handsome senior and was adopted to a loving home! (Read Windsong’s story.)
Windsong (Photo: Doxy’s Horse Recovery)
8. This starving horse’s owners had never even given him a name when they decided it was time to shoot him. Thankfully, he was rescued by Amazing Grace Equine Sanctuary in Elkhart Lake, Wis., where he was named Rudy. He was so weak that he collapsed several times as he struggled to walk into the barn, but his health has since improved significantly. (Read Rudy’s story.)
9. Twenty-year-old Branch was a skinny stallion when he was dumped at animal control. He was rescued by L.E.A.N. in Las Vegas and has since been gelded and brought up to a healthy weight. He is looking for a relaxed retirement home. (Read Branch’s story and learn about adopting him.)
Branch (Photo: L.E.A.N.)
10. Storm was 2 years old, wild and untrained when she was surrendered to Dream Equine Therapy Center in York, S.C. She’s since been transformed into this 13-year-old girl’s well-behaved riding partner and best friend! (Read Storm’s story.)
Storm (Photo: Dream Equine Therapy Center)
To celebrate our tenth year of helping homeless pets, all week we’ll be sharing our favorite Success Stories from 2013. Check back tomorrow for another Top 10, and thank you for helping us save lives since 2003!
Here are some of our favorite puppies of 2013. All of them have found their forever homes!
1. Bella was rescued when one of our staff members found her and her siblings wandering in the desert. She was fostered in our office through In the Arms of Angels Rescue of Tucson, Ariz., and this face won over the first potential adopter who crossed her path! (Read Bella’s story.)
Bella
2. Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter of East Hanover, N.J., rescued Frenchie, the very pregnant mother of these Pit Bull mix puppies, right before she was going to be euthanized. Now these puppies are making too many “Adopt Me” faces for us to handle. (Read the story of Frenchie and her puppies.)
3. Wyndall was just 8 weeks old when he was abandoned with a deep puncture wound and a broken jaw. The Last Resort rescue in West Millford, N.J., rushed him to the animal hospital, where he made a full recovery — with a slight grinding noise when he eats the only reminder of his past mistreatment. (Read all about Wyndall.)
4. These puppies were rescued from a South Carolina drainpipe, where they’d been surviving by eating animal carcasses. They were taken in by Stokes County Humane Society in Danbury, S.C., where they charmed everyone with their adorable faces and dispositions. (Read the puppies’ rescue story.)
(Photo: Stokes County Humane Society)
5. Capital Area Humane Society in Lansing, Mich., took in Bailey (below) and her sister Shirley from a shelter in Arkansas. With a face like this, it’s no wonder she found a home just days after she was spayed and vaccinated. (Read Bailey’s story.)
6. Blue Mountain Humane Society of Walla Walla, Wash., took in eight Pit Bull mix puppies and their mom from a town where the breed is banned. Their “Adopt Me” faces were so effective, they found homes before they even left foster care. (Read their story.)
7. A bath at Pocatello Animal Shelter in Pocatello, Idaho, made this pup even more lovable and huggable — and with that face, this puppy didn’t have to wait long to go home. (Read this puppy’s story.)
8. Golden Retriever-mix puppies Wren, Gia, Cinnamon, Drake, Romeo, Bella, Ace, Nutmeg and Dozer were born in Kentucky and then transported to Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota in Minnetonka, Minn. Just try to resist them! (Read their rescue story.)
Wren, Gia, Cinnamon, Drake, Romeo, Bella, Ace, Nutmeg and Dozer (Photo: Retrieve a Golden of Minnesota)
9. Adorable (below left) and her brother Imp charmed us instantly, and we weren’t the only ones. Soon after they were surrendered to the Humane Society of Elmore County in Wetumpka, Ala., they were scooped up by loving adopters who were thrilled with these sweet and healthy puppies. (Read Adorable and Imp’s story.)
Adorable (left) and Imp (Photo: Humane Society of Elmore County)
10. Zeus was 10 weeks old when he came to Start Over Rover in Hastings, Neb., wearing a T-shirt and a diaper. His back legs were deformed and he had constant diarrhea. His family had gotten him for free from a breeder, and realized they could not care for his special needs. Zeus was quickly adopted and had one leg amputated the following week. He likely has more surgeries ahead of him, as his gastrointestinal tract is not quite right, but he remains a happy, playful boy. (Read Zeus’ whole story.)
To celebrate our tenth year of helping homeless pets, all week we’ll be sharing our favorite Success Stories from 2013. Check back tomorrow for another Top 10, and thank you for helping us save lives since 2003!
1. “Fatty Patty” was an overweight 9-year-old Puggle who was heartworm positive and had a tumor the size of a baseball hanging from her back leg. The Humane Society of Clarksville-Montgomery County in Clarksville, Tenn., got her medical care and renamed her Patty Cakes and took her to the groomer’s — where she so charmed the staff, they adopted her! (Read Patty’s full story.)
Patty (Photo: Humane Society of Clarksville-Montgomery County)
2. A kind couple found Pee Wee, an 8-year-old Yorkie who was emaciated and sick, alone and scared on the side of a busy Baltimore interstate. Save A Yorkie Rescue of Sinking Spring, Pa., took Pee Wee in, cut away his painfully matted fur and got him much-needed medical and dental care. Pee Wee is now an obedience-school grad and the pride of his new family! (Read Pee Wee’s whole story.)
Pee Wee (Photo: Save A Yorkie Rescue)
3. When Skye was rescued from a junkyard, she had just given birth, and two of her puppies had died inside of her. Her skin was so filthy she looked gray, her home-cropped ears were badly infected and she was hours from death. Ghetto Rescue FFoundation in Long Beach, Calif., provided her multiple needed surgeries and a “spa treatment” to help her become the healthy and shining white beauty she is today. (Read Skye’s story and learn about adopting her.)
4. Fabio was 10 months old when Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center in Huntington, N.Y., rescued him. He had never been groomed or bathed in his life and was matted and smelled awful. After being groomed and bathed, Fabio was a new dog, and best of all, he found his perfect home! (Read Fabio’s whole story.)
Fabio (Photo: Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center)
5. When Khleo came to The A.N.N.A. Shelter of Erie, Pa., as a stray, her tiny feet were balls of matted fur that disguised terrible, long, toenails that were also causing her pain. With her fur shaved and her nails trimmed, she is now is a happy, healthy — and adopted — girl. (Read Khleo’s whole story.)
Khleo (Photo: The A.N.N.A. Shelter)
6. When Oscar was transferred from a crowded shelter to Home for Good Dog Rescue in Summit, N.J., he was starving because he’d been kenneled with food-aggressive dogs. Home for Good helped Oscar gain the weight and confidence he needed to go home with an awesome family. (Learn more about Oscar.)
Oscar (Photo: Home for Good Dog Rescue)
7. Marin Humane Society of Novato, Calif., took in Pierre, whose behavior assessment indicated he was smart and cooperative and would benefit from a stable, comfortable home and a caring guardian. Just two weeks after Pierre received medical attention and a full grooming treatment, he found that home! (Read Pierre’s story.)
8. Sarah’s owners surrendered her when she was 8 years old, overweight and suffering from cherry eye in both eyes. The Pet Rescue Center of Mission Viejo, Calif., rescued her the day she was scheduled to be euthanized. They gave her the eye surgeries, teeth extractions and full-service grooming she needed to find a home with these outstanding folks. (Read Sarah’s story.)
Sarah (Photo: The Pet Rescue Center)
9. When Spankie was found wandering on the side of a country road, his matted fur was full of fleas and ticks, his skin was red and he was obviously miserable. Kim Acres Animal Sanctuary of Von Ormy, Tex., took him in, treated his fleas and ticks and gave him a soothing bath and haircut. He was transformed into this handsome, sweater-sporting boy, and he will be neutered and ready for adoption on Dec. 27. (Learn more about Spankie.)
Spankie (Photo: Kim Acres Animal Sanctuary)
10. When Texas Gulf Coast Bull Terrier Rescue of Katy, Tex., rescued Bingo, he looked very sad and smelled awful (bull terriers are prone to skin conditions in general). After a few days of TLC, Bingo was feeling “like a new man” and ready to start looking for his new family. (Read more about Bingo and learn about adopting him.)
To celebrate our tenth year of helping homeless pets, all week we’ll be sharing our favorite Success Stories from 2013. Check back tomorrow for another Top 10, and thank you for helping us save lives since 2003!
Mic still has scars from the deadly break-in at All About Animals Rescue in Macon, Ga.
Thanks to your help, we’ve sent a $2,000 emergency grant to All About Animals Rescue in Macon, Ga., to help cover medical expenses for the dogs who were injured during a deadly break-in on Oct. 16. That night, an intruder let 40 dogs out of their kennels; three dogs were killed, more than a dozen were severely injured, and all the survivors are traumatized.
“[The grant] really will help,” says AAAR founder and director Mary Crawford.
Mic, a “smart and fun boy,” before the Oct. 16 break-in (left) and immediately after
The two staffers who arrived at the shelter the morning of Oct. 17 were met with a chaotic and frightening scene, volunteer Kathy Brantley tells us: “All these dogs were bleeding to death; they were in shock, their faces were swollen.”
Fred (left) and Wilma are a bonded pair.
The staffers called for help and scrambled to put the loose dogs back in their kennels. Working with shelter volunteers, they took the badly injured dogs to veterinarians across the city and scoured the neighborhood to find the four dogs who had been released onto the street. All the lost dogs were found, including Fred and Wilma (pictured), former strays who returned to the shelter on their own.
The three dogs – Butler, Flapjack and Jack — who died as a result of injuries they sustained during the break-in were all gentle dogs not known for fighting, Crawford and Brantley tell us. Butler only had three legs and didn’t stand a chance when the frenzied scene erupted, Brantley says.
Last month, police arrested a woman in connection with the incident. Crystal Gale Fessler has been charged with 13 counts of cruelty to animals, probation violation and criminal trespass, but her motives, and whether she acted alone or with a partner, remain unknown, Crawford says.
AAAR typically houses about 70 dogs, most of them pulled from nearby Macon Animal Control. Although the property is surrounded by a 10-ft. fence topped with barbed wire, the person or people who broke in likely slipped through a small gap between the fence and barbed wire, Crawford says. The shelter’s perimeter has since been secured, and security cameras have been installed.
Crawford and Brantley say they are still looking for homes for several of the surviving dogs, including Fred, Wilma, Mic and Lionel, who suffered a large wound on his neck during the break-in.
Lionel, who nearly starved to death before AAAR rescued him, is recovering from his new injuries and ready for a home.
Meanwhile, the shelter is working to cover the dogs’ vet bills. Your support of the Petfinder Foundation is helping AAAR pay for this lifesaving care.
Purchase a MONOPOLY game with the new Cat token from HasbroToyShop.com by Nov. 30 and $1 will go to the Petfinder Foundation to help pets in need.
Just in time for your holiday shopping, Hasbro has announced the newest MONOPOLY token – the Cat! And for every MONOPOLY game purchased from HasbroToyShop.com through Nov. 30, the company will donate $1 to the Petfinder Foundation — up to $10,000 — so we can help shelters and rescue groups save more homeless pets.
The Cat was chosen to be MONOPOLY’s newest token after a public online vote in which the feline beat out a helicopter, diamond ring, robot and guitar. The Cat joins the game’s other beloved pet token, the Dog, and in honor of the Cat token joining the MONOPOLY family, Petfinder.com is launching a scavenger hunt with amazing prizes!
The Cat joins the Dog token.
To play, simply search Petfinder.com to find the adoptable-pet profiles for the Cat and Dog tokens, where you’ll also find your entry for a chance to win. The grand prize for the Adopt a Token sweepstakes is a life-size replica of the Cat token, a $250 gift card for you and a $250 gift card for the Petfinder.com adoption group of your choice. (Learn more about the scavenger hunt here.)
And if you want to get your holiday shopping done early AND help homeless pets, you can purchase a MONOPOLY game from HasbroToyShop.com and know that $1 will help us help pets in need.
Our SNAP-X grant helped Hannah, a puppy mill survivor, find a loving home.
We’ve received another update from Maple Hill Farm Toy Breed Rescue in Butler, Ohio, about how our SNAP-X grant helped save Hannah, a 5-year-old Chihuahua, from a puppy mill where she had lived without attention, love and vet care.
President Dawn Porter told us back in May that she was having Hannah spayed and fully vetted with the grant funds. Now Porter says:
“Here is another dog adopted on Sunday thanks to the grant allowing her adoption fee to be lower.
“Hannah found the perfect home with a senior gentleman who needed another dog to love. She was a very fearful one that needed just the right home!”
Our SNAP-X grant helped pay for Hannah’s spay surgery and find her a home.
Learn more about Maple Hill Farm Toy Breed Rescue’s work with puppy mill survivors.
During that time only, Animal Planet’s R.O.A.R. is matching donations to the Petfinder Foundation dollar-for-dollar (learn more about the campaign here). That means your gift will help save more homeless pets like Bonnie, whom the Humane Society of McCormick County in McCormick, S.C., recently took in.
Volunteer Judy Haywood tells us how our grant helped the group pay for exams and vaccinations for 29 dogs and cats. It also fully funded the cost of health exams, spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations for Bonnie and her siblings Tucker, Hooch, Bootsie and Bart:
“In March, we trapped a litter of five dogs. They were all shy of people and other dogs and were about 4 months old. Two were taken into foster homes to help socialize them with people and dogs. The remaining three eventually overcame some of their shyness with the help of another friendly dog at the pens and some very patient volunteers. Two of the three puppies at the pens went through six weeks of training at PetSmart that dramatically helped their social skills and confidence. They are still waiting to be adopted but they are now spayed/neutered, up-to-date on their shots, and healthy.”
Bart (left) and Hooch
Judy continues: “We are an all-volunteer group that does not receive any public money, so we constantly have to fundraise in order to keep picking up and adopting out dogs and cats in our county. This money was very appreciated.”
When you donate to us through Global Giving through Nov. 12, you’ll help vaccinate twice as many mother cats and kittens like Tina, Theodore and Talia (pictured) so they can stay healthy while they wait to be adopted.
Through Nov. 12, Animal Planet’s R.O.A.R. is matching donations to the Petfinder Foundation dollar-for-dollar (learn more about the campaign here). That means your gift will have double the impact for homeless pets like Tina, who was pregnant when the Animal Care Society of Louisville, Ky., took her in.
Fundraising and Events Coordinator Virginia Hottinger tells how our vaccination grant helped:
Thaddeus
“Since receiving this generous grant, we have adopted out 24 cats and kittens. We also brought in a very pregnant cat whom we named Tina. The same day that Tina came in to the shelter, she went home with one of our wonderful fosters. Two days later, Tina gave birth to a large litter of eight kittens. There are four boys and four girls, named: Tulip, Telulah, Talia, Tilly, Theodore, Thaddeus, Thatcher and Thayer.
“Because we had your grant of FVRCP vaccinations, Tina has received both of her FVRCP shots, has been spayed, and is now living comfortably at the shelter until she goes to her furever home. She actually has an approved application on her, but because we don’t adopt out black cats in October (because of Halloween), she will go home on Nov. 1.
“Tina’s kittens have received all three FVRCP shots and are at the shelter ready for adoption. They are happy, playful, healthy kittens ready to find their furever homes. Thatcher has an application on him and he will hopefully be going home soon.
“We genuinely appreciate the gift of this grant and for everything the Petfinder Foundation does for the animal community. Thank you.”
Through Nov. 12, Animal Planet’s R.O.A.R. is matching donations to the Petfinder Foundation dollar-for-dollar (learn more about the campaign here). That means your gift will help make happy endings for twice as many dogs like Leda. Co-founder Karen Cadis tells us how our vaccination grant helped 46 puppies and dogs being cared for by the organization, including Leda:
“Leda was rescued from a park after over a year of feeding her and befriending her. She had likely not been vaccinated ever or in a long time. We were able to save her life and find her a forever home! See her forever family in the picture…she is smiling from ear to ear.
“Thank you Petfinder Foundation for helping us save more lives! WE LOVE PETFINDER!”
Dr. Jennifer Petrovich tells us how our $1,000 cash grant is helping ensure the safety of all of the cats in the group’s care:
Benji
“I am microchipping every single cat we take in and also chipping all of the 260 current cats in our program. The pet will permanently be registered to us in the event that the owner were to lose, abandon, relinquish custody of (hopefully not any of these!) so that we would be notified and be able to retrieve our cat!”
The grant, Petrovich adds, is helping foster the long-term security and safety of the pets the group serves.
Through Nov. 12, Animal Planet’s R.O.A.R. is matching donations to the Petfinder Foundation dollar-for-dollar (learn more about the campaign here). That means your gift will help shelters save more pets after they are struck by disasters like Hurricane Isaac, which decimated the vaccine and medication supply at St. John the Baptist Parish Animal Shelter in LaPlace, La.
Shelter Manager Racheal Sance tells us how our disaster grant helped the organization after the August 2012 hurricane hit:
“It was upsetting to say the least that we lost supplies necessary to treat animals with minor illnesses and injuries. To be able to treat certain animals gives us the ability to place them for adoption rather than having to euthanize due to a lack of funds.”
Because of the grant, Sance says, “We were able to order medications through MWI Vet Supply to replace a portion of what was lost. We were also able to alter 27 dogs and 10 cats to send to local rescue groups and to send on a transport offered by LASPCA. This allowed us to free cages for incoming animals and send adoptable animals out of our shelter alive at a time when we were at capacity with animals coming in daily.
“Recovery lasted several months so it wasn’t until the beginning of 2013 that we were able to start playing catch up and use the funds that were awarded to us. We purchased Nobivac canine vaccines, for parvo/distemper prevention, antibiotics to treat infections from wounds or URI, pain medication for animals recovering from spay/neuter as well as those injured, tapeworm tablets to treat tapeworm in canines and felines, lyme sulfur dip to treat skin infections/ringworm, and syringes to administer the vaccines.”
Among the more than 50 animals our grant helped the group save after Hurricane Isaac were Jace (above) and Brutus (below).
Our disaster grant helped St. John Parish Animal Shelter save and transform Brutus.
“We took in two Akitas from a local backyard breeder. They were both severely underweight and riddled with heart and intestinal worms,” Sance says. “We posted their pictures and sent out emails requesting assistance from anyone with an Akita rescue. Their story spread far and wide and because we were able to vet the dogs for the two rescue groups they were able to afford the transport and heartworm treatment which allowed them to pull the dogs and get them to safety. The smaller male was 11 months old and weighed only 30 pounds. Akitas are normally in the 70- to 110-pound range and sometimes even larger. The are now thriving and waiting for their forever homes.”
Through Nov. 12, Animal Planet’s R.O.A.R. is matching donations to the Petfinder Foundation dollar-for-dollar (learn more about the campaign here). That means your donation will help twice as many adoptable cats and kittens find forever homes. Director of Development Jennifer Gibson tells us how our vaccination grant made a difference for 150 cats at the organization, including Pebbles:
“Pebbles found a wonderful new home with Michelle, and has a new human brother Sammy! Little Pebbles was actually born here at the shelter to a kitty who had been found as a stray. Thanks in part to this generous grant, mom was vaccinated against feline distemper and her kittens were born healthy. Pebbles spent some time in foster care growing up, but she recently returned to the shelter, ready to find a home.
Our grant helped Moose find a home with Kelly.
“When Sammy and Michelle came to the shelter today, it was love at first sight when they saw Pebbles. They could not wait to get their newest family member home, and thanks to the care Pebbles received while at Lollypop Farm, including FVRCP vaccines from the Shot At Life grant, they were confident that they were taking home a healthy kitten.”
Shelter Manager Erin Sandle adds: “We are so grateful for the Shot at Life vaccination grant given to us by the Petfinder Foundation. With the FVRCP vaccinations that we received, we were able to confidently adopt healthy cats into wonderful new homes, knowing that they were protected against viruses such as feline distemper.”
For those 30 days, Animal Planet’s R.O.A.R. is matching donations to the Petfinder Foundation dollar-for-dollar (learn more about the campaign here). That means we can help ensure more donkeys like Nala, who is being cared for by Lusco Farms Rescue in Malvern, Iowa, have a safe refuge from the elements.
Treasurer Scott Shehan tells us how our Summer Cooling Grant helped the group build a multipurpose pasture shelter for the donkeys, mules and miniature horses in its care:
“The grant not only allowed us to make a cooling station but we designed it to be used as a shelter in the winter as well. So the donkeys will now be nice and dry even when it rains or snows,” Shehan says.
Donkeys enjoying their new multipurpose shelter at Lusco Farms Rescue
“Please pass along our gratitude to everyone who makes these grants possible,” he adds. “We truly couldn’t provide this type of care without the support.”
For those 30 days, Animal Planet’s R.O.A.R. is matching donations to the Petfinder Foundation dollar-for-dollar (learn more about the campaign here). That means we can help twice the number of cats like Candy Cane, who was taken in by Richardson Rescue in York, S.C., stay healthy and find homes.
President Janet Richardson tells us how our vaccination grant has helped the group care for 48 cats:
Our grant helped Chino.
“We have cats that stay here (very slow to adopt) that have their very own area, in our barn, to play in. They are all sweet and are mostly left over mommies that we spayed and just have a good life while they wait.
“The grant also helped with cats that went out a little easier. Every time we save money on anything, it means we are able to save more and provide more. The Petfinder Foundation is always there to make life just that much easier for us.”
