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The Georgia Humane Society Needs Your Help With Fighting Cruelty In Georgia

December 2nd, 2011 | Author: Valerie

I plucked this blog post right off of Georgia Humane’s blog. They do so much in Georgia to help fight animal cruelty and they rescue hundreds of animals every year. Like most 501c (3) charities, they operate soley on donations and donations are way down. Please read this article and help, foster and volunteer if you can! Please help spread the word about this magnificent charity!

THE GEORGIA HUMANE SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR

HELP WITH FIGHTING CRUELTY IN GEORGIA

Each year in Georgia hundreds of animal cruelty/abuse cases go ignored simply because many counties in Georgia do not have the resources to to see that these cases are prosecuted. The Georgia Humane Society has been instrumental in assisting areas that need help with cruelty cases and seeing to it that those that abuse, mistreat and neglect animals are brought to justice and punished for their crimes. Too many dogs, cats and horses are abused and neglected in GA and although there are laws that prohibit these cruel acts, many areas need help. You can help us help those without a voice by supporting Georgia Humane Society with our mission to put and end to the abuse.
Left: Georgia Humane Society rescuers assists with dog-fighting raid in a rural GA county that has no animal control agency to deal with this issue.
Dogs living in inhumane conditions in Georgia puppy mills is one of the complaints that the Georgia Humane Society receives on a regular basis. Most of these type operations are mainly located in rural counties where animal control facilities are extremely limited, or there is no animal control agency available at all to address this issue.
Left: “Noodle” (and babies) and “CiCI” were living in cramped, unsanitary conditions and being over bred at a puppy mill in North Georgia where over 300 dogs were seized, rescued, received medical attention and were adopted into loving homes thanks to the assistance of the Georgia Humane Society.
The number of equine cruelty and neglect cases have increased in recent years and the Georgia Humane Society has been able to assist with these cases as well. With a reliable network of equine rescuers, our organization has helped place neglected horses into foster care where they are cared for and received needed medical attention until they can be placed in permanent loving homes.
Below: “Pedro’s” story ended sadly, unfortunately, and his abuser almost walkedaway unpunished because the animal control agency in this rural GA county wasnot familiar with how to prosecute abusers. Georgia Humane Society was able to assist in this case and Pedro’s abuser is now in jail serving time for this horrific crime.

Often times, the cruelty and neglect cases that the Georgia Humane Society is notified about to assist with have been reported to local enforcement; however, in most Georgia counties, there are no animal cruelty officers trained to deal with these situations so the suffering continues until the Georgia Humane Society takes on an active role in resolving the problem. Roughly 75% of the cruelty and neglect complaints that our organization receives are from concerned citizens whose requests for looking into these situations go ignored. In many cases, the Georgia Humane Society will be the only agency in GA that will step in and see to it that these cases are properly investigated and abusers are prosecuted.
Above: “Snowball” and “Reba” were with a group of 28 dogs that a breeder in GA penned up and left to starve in a remote area on the property and was the breeder’s method of “doing away with breed stock that no longer served a purpose”. This abuse case had been reported more than 3 times to authorities that ignored the situation until the Georgia Humane Society became involved. These two dogs were eventually treated medically, spayed and neutered and adopted into loving homes.

Georgia’s pets deserve better and the Georgia Humane Society has found loving homes for thousands of abandoned, neglected and abused pets and has been the driving force behind seeking  justice for many pets that have fallen victim to abuse and neglect crimes.

With your support, the Georgia Humane Society can continue to be the voice for so many pets that need and deserve our help. By supporting our mission to fight animal cruelty, you can help give these wonderful animals a chance at a better life.
Their lives literally depend on your support. So many others have already let them down. You can help make Georgia a better place for so many abused, neglected and abandoned pets by making your tax deductible contribution to the Georgia Humane Society today.
Just click on the Georgia Humane Society’s link here:
Donate To Help The Georgia Humane Society Fight Pet Abuse and then click on the “Donation” button on the Georgia Humane Society’s website to make your contribution and help make Georgia a safe place for the dogs, cats and horses that deserve a life without abuse and neglect.

All donors will be updated quarterly with the cruelty and neglect cases that the Georgia Humane Society has assisted with around the state so you can see how your donations have helped to save lives. The Georgia Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) registered charity and relies strictly on donations from the public and grants from charitable foundations and does not receive any funding from state or federal agencies.

 

“True benevolence or compassion, extends itself through the whole of existence and sympathizes with the distress of every creature capable of sensation.”
– Joseph Addison

Posted in Animal Cruelty, Dog Fighting, Pet Rescue, Pet Resources, Pet Safety | Tags: , , , , | No Comments »

Lili and Her Puppies

March 28th, 2011 | Author: Valerie

Those of you who know me, know that I am a professional pet sitter here in Gwinnett County, specifically Lawrenceville and that I am a stray dog magnet. When you find a stray dog, proceed with caution. You never know if a dog may have rabies, aggression, or could be hurt. Legally, you should call Animal Control when you find a stray dog. Being a volunteer with an animal rescue organization, when I find a stray, I do have to take the dog to animal control to report them as found, but I let them know that I will foster the found stray and they will snap a picture and get the dog in the system.

That being said, last Saturday, 3/19/11, I was walking my client’s dog Maggie and noticed a very sad looking dog who had obviously had puppies sitting on the front porch of a house. She was looking as if she was waiting for someone. There was a little girl outside and I asked her if she knew who’s dog she was, but she wasn’t sure.

Lili on her abandoned home's front stoop

This was the first picture I took of mama dog, who we are now calling Lili. I was walking another dog and didn't want to get close, but had to snap a picture to see if she was a missing dog online.

I walked Maggie back to her house and gave her some love, playtime, treats, dinner and fresh water and then went back to the house where I saw mama dog. I keep dog food in my trunk, so I pulled some out and started walking toward her. Poor girl was pretty freaked out, so I approached very slowly, walking with my side to her, being silent so she could use her nose instead of her ears, and just being very conscious of my body language. I put the food down for her and I got her some water as well and decided to peek around the side of the house to see if I could hear or see puppies. Bad idea on my part, I guess I wasn’t thinking clearly…she came in an arc at me and never came close enough to bite me, but let me know that she didn’t want me over there. I bowed my eyes and moved away respectfully. I knew I had to find the puppies, but I also knew that I would be gaining her trust first.

I called my friends Penny Cogdill from Huffs Flowers and Carolyn Stewart from CS Baskets the next day, both huge animal lovers and rescuers that I knew would help this mom and babies. I also called Tom Wargo from Daffy’s Pet Soup Kitchen and Michelle Humphries from Georgia Humane Society and they immediately sprang into action in helping to spread the word about the situation. Tom filled my trunk with puppy food for mom to eat, and boy did she. We were feeding her 4 cans in the morning and a few cups of dry food, and 2-3 cans in the evening. She wouldn’t let me pet her the first night, but she would take a treat.

Please don't touch me yet! I don't know you.

Lili did a lot of submissive licking of her mouth at first, but didn't want me to pet her yet.

 

No petting, but I'll take a treat

I was pretty sure she would warm up fast because this picture was from the first evening, the second visit with her and she took a treat out of my hand. She wagged her tail a little between her legs, too.

In the meantime, we are worrying about the puppies. None of the neighbors have seen the puppies, or even heard the puppies. They said she had shown up around a month and half before. I was pretty shocked that no one had reached out to this dog. She’s only 25 pounds and adorable. That’s for another blog post, I guess.

After a few days of going over and feeding mama dog, she had really warmed up to me. Really. She was in my lap before I knew it, kissing me, and her entire body would wiggle when she saw my car pull up. I HAD to get her out of there. It’s not the best of neighborhoods; one man told us that the reason the Lawrenceville Police kept driving by was because there had been so much crime there lately.

On Friday morning, 03/25/11, I pulled up and Lili was very happy to see me. I grabbed her canned food and started to feed her, but she wouldn’t eat. That’s a first, because she had been chowing down for the past almost week. I started my usual hunt for puppies, as she followed me around with a “What are we looking for” look on her happy little face and and I noticed a hole in the fence to the house’s backyard, so I went across the creek and under the hole and started looking around. No puppies, yet again. I saw that she was pooping, and gross enough I knew I should look to see if she had worms or what not. There was blood in her poop, and I was worried, so I decided to take her to my vet, Woods Animal Hospital.

Well, this would be a new venture, seeing if I could get her in the car. Or, better yet, get her to want to be in the car. I had to go to my midday pet sitting and dog walking visits before I went to the vet. I also stopped off at home for some extra delicious treats to try to lure Lili into the car.

I got back to her around 3pm and started to give her the chicken outside the car. Then I sat inside the car and gave her chicken. Then, I put the chicken on the floor of the car. Then the seat and she was in. I sat in the backseat with her for a few minutes to make sure she was ok with this, all the while giving her little pieces of chicken. I climbed into the front seat, and off we went to Norcross to the vet.

 

Lili in the car

Lili wasn't too sure about the car at first, but by the end, she was looking out the window and sniffing the air

At the vet’s office, they looked her over, gave her the vaccines that she could get as a nursing mother and checked her out to see if they could tell if she had been nursing. The doctor told me that yes, she had definitely been nursing. I called Denny and let him know that there are definitely puppies to be found, and we were determined to find them. We decided that we would do a stake out all night if we had to.

I swung by our house on my way back from the vet, picked Denny up and we went back to the empty house that Lili was hanging around. Mind you, Penny Cogdill, Carolyn Stewart, Denny and I had looked for many hours and days for these pups, to no avail.

When we got back to the empty house, I went ahead and fed Lili since she apparently wasn’t going to leave our sides. I went to my car to put the garbage in a bag in my trunk and got a tennis ball out. I tossed the tennis ball to Lili to see what she would do and she ran happily over to it, grabbed it in her mouth, and ran over to a big tree that was between her house and a neighbor’s….and disappeared. Denny followed her and found a hole in the base of the tree and called out to me, “We have puppies!”

I couldn’t believe it. I walked over and there was Lili in a tree. You could barely even see her; the tree was hollow on the inside and they were way down inside it, nursing. I called Penny, who promptly brought a crate over. I put Lili on a leash and led her to the other side of the house, so not to upset her with Penny and Denny around her babies. Denny is a tall guy (6’5) and had to lie on his back and put his arm all the way in the hole to get the four puppies out.

 

Denny saves the day

Here's Denny reaching into the tree hole to pull out the four very healthy puppies

We put the puppies in Penny’s crate and brought them back with Lili to our house.

 

Four healthy puppies

And, here they are!

The puppies and Lili are now Georgia Humane Society foster dogs. They and their sweet mama will be available for adoption in about 4 weeks. If you are interested in applying to adopt or foster, please go to www.georgiahumane.com and fill out either an adoption application or foster application.

 

Adorable

This guy has a stubby tail.

There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.  ~Ben Williams

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Dogs, Pet Adoption, Pet Rescue, Spay and Neuter | Tags: , , , , | 5 Comments »

Pet Rescue and Adoption Groups, Humane Societies, Animal Controls, and Shelters in Georgia By County, O-Z

September 20th, 2010 | Author: Valerie

Pet Rescue and Adoption Groups, Humane Societies, Animal Controls, and Shelters in Georgia By County, O-Z

Oconee County

Oglethorpe County

Paulding County

Pickens County

Pike County

Polk County

Putnam County

Quitman County

Rabun County

Rockdale County

Screven County

Spalding Counding

Stephens County

Sumter County

Talbot County

Taylor County

Terrell County

Thomas County

Tift County

Toombs County

Treutlen County

Troup County

Union City

Upson County

Walker County

Walton County

Ware County

Wayne County

Wheeler County

White County

Whitfield County

Wilkes County

Worth County

If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.  ~St. Francis of Assisi

Posted in Bird Rescue, Cat Rescue, Dog Adoption, Dog Rescue, Pet Adoption, Pet Rescue, Reptiles, Small Mammals | Tags: , , , , , | No Comments »

Pet Rescue Groups, Humane Societies, and Shelters in Georgia, Counties F-N

September 2nd, 2010 | Author: Valerie

Pet Rescue and Adoption Groups, Humane Societies, Animal Controls, and Shelters in Georgia By County, F-N

Fannin County

Fayette County

Floyd County

Forsyth County

Franklin County

Fulton County

Gilmer County

Glynn County

Gordon County

Grady County

Greene County

Gwinnett County

Habersham County

Hall County

Haralson County

Harris County

Hart County

Heard County

Henry County

Houston County

Jackson County

Jasper County

Jeff Davis County

Jenkins County

  • City Of Millen Animal Control- 912-982-4211

Jones County

Lamar County

Laurens County

Lee County

Liberty County

Lincoln County

Lowndes County

Lumpkin County

Macon County

Madison County

Marion County

McDuffie County

McIntosh County

Meriwether County

Miller County

Mitchell County

Monroe County

Montgomery County

Morgan County

Murray County

Muscogee County

Newton County

If we cut up beasts simply because they cannot prevent us and because we are backing our own side in the struggle for existence, it is only logical to cut up imbeciles, criminals, enemies, or capitalists for the same reasons.  ~C.S. Lewis

Posted in Bird Rescue, Cat Rescue, Dog Adoption, Dog Rescue, Pet Adoption, Pet Rescue, Reptiles, Small Mammals | Tags: , , , , , | No Comments »

Pet Rescue and Adoption Groups, Humane Societies and Shelters in Georgia, Counties A-E

August 26th, 2010 | Author: Valerie

Pet Rescue and Adoption Groups, Humane Societies, Animal Controls, and Shelters in Georgia By County, A-E

Athens-Clarke County

Augusta-Richmond County

Baldwin County

Barrow County

Bartow County

Berrien County

Bibb County

Bleckley County

Brantley County

Brooks County

  • City of Quitman Animal Shelter-(229) 605-9810

Bryan County

Bulloch County

Burke County

Butts County

Camden County

Candler County

Carroll County

Catoosa County

Chatham County

Chattooga County

Cherokee County

Clayton County

Cobb County

Coffee County

Columbia County

Columbus-Muscogee County

Coweta County

Crisp County

  • Cordele Animal Shelter- (229) 276-2547

Dade County

Dawson County

Decatur County

Dekalb County

Dodge County

Dougherty County

Douglas County

Early County

  • City of Blakely Animal Shelter- (229) 724-7474

Effingham County

Elbert County

Emanuel County

  • City of Swainsboro Animal Shelter- (478) 237-4040

Evans County

Adopt me through Georgia Humane Society!

Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight.  ~Albert Schweitzer

Posted in Bird Rescue, Cat Rescue, Dog Adoption, Dog Rescue, Pet Adoption, Pet Rescue, Reptiles, Small Mammals | Tags: , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Adopt A Dog- Memphis, the Catahoula Leopard Dog

August 17th, 2010 | Author: Valerie

My husband, Denny and I decided to volunteer with Georgia Humane Society after having an awesome adoption experience with them. We adopted our dog, Josie, through them and they are the nicest rescue group that I’ve ever come across. My sister, Laura Fields, was already a foster home with them and she lives near the Paulding County Animal Control and had her eye on Memphis. Denny named him Memphis because he went to college there.

Memphis is any where from 6 months to a year old and weighs about 50 pounds. He still acts like a puppy, kinda clumsy and loves to chew on things. We keep deer antlers and Nylabones around for him and that keeps him out of trouble. We’ve only had one accident in the house, pee, and it was right by the back door. We must not have been paying enough attention. He is a very good boy, loves the other dogs, is fine with the cats and adores kids. My sister has 2 little girls, aged 4 and 6, and they cuddled and cuddled with him and he loved it.

Memphis is neutered and up to date on vaccinations. He needs a home willing to work with him on some training, particularly leash training and listening to his name when you call him. Besides that, this fur baby is absolutely perfect. He is crate trained, but we let him sleep with us.  If you’re interested in adopting or meeting Memphis, you can fill out an application on the Georgia Humane Society’s website, www.georgiahumane.com and you can come meet him on Saturdays at PetsMart on Howell Mill Road in Atlanta. Call me first to make sure he’ll be there- 770-363-0827. Below are some pictures of him.

Don't you just love this face?

I like walking with a harness much better than a regular collar

Memphis give Grace a big hug

Memphis and Maddie= LOVE!

Loves the fenced backyard!

“Better to light a candle for one lost dog than to curse the darkness of man’s indifference. Saving just one dog won’t change the world, but it surely will change the world for that one dog.” – Richard C. Call

 

UPDATE:

Sept. 29, 2011

Memphis was adopted and returned by one man who decided he didn’t have the time for him, and that was nearly a year ago. He became such a part of our growing furry family that we couldn’t stand to part with him, so August 15th, about a year after becoming our foster dog, we adopted him. He is now Memphis Pegg :)

Posted in Dog Adoption, Pet Rescue | Tags: , , , , | 3 Comments »

AJC Story: Counties Killing Dogs, Cats by the Thousands

May 3rd, 2010 | Author: Valerie

The story below was found on AJC.com and it really wrings my heart. Each and every one of our seven pets that we enjoy our lives with have their own stories of being homeless and not altered. Now they are living in the lap of luxury, being showered with affection and attention, are spayed and neutered, and only leave the house on a leash. It’s hard to imagine that they could have become one of the statistics, and be euthanized just because some person let his unaltered dog run free. It’s puppy season right now and any unaltered dog has a large chance of running off if they catch a whiff of the opposite sex. If you don’t have your dog spayed or neutered, please ask yourself why and then why not. There are MANY low cost spay and neuter clinics around Georgia. Here is a list of about 30 of them: Low Cost Spay/Neuter, Vaccinations and Veterinarians in Georgia

Here’s the AJC story:

Counties killing dogs, cats by the thousands

By Patrick Fox

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Troubled times are dooming more dogs and cats in metro Atlanta, and the same poor economy that puts animals in the pound ensures that many won’t get out.

Counties are cutting budgets at a time when animal shelters are putting down a growing number of animals. In the past two years, the number of cats and dogs destroyed at animal shelters in the five core metro counties has risen 24 percent. Last year, the counties killed almost 30,000 cats and dogs in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett.

Gwinnett County led 2009 with 7,588 cats and dogs put down, almost half of them because the shelter could not house them.

Elissa Eubanks, eeubanks@ajc.com (From left) Kenya Grace, Khristrie Smith and Ronnell Bass visit with a pit bull they are considering adopting at the Gwinnett County Animal Control and Welfare facility in Lawrenceville.

“We are trying to help citizens who are having financial trouble and can’t feed their animals by giving them food donated to the shelter by local merchants,” said Gwinnett police Lt. Mary Lou Respess, who is director of the county’s animal shelter. “The shelter also helps sponsor events at local pet supply stores to promote adoptions and is planning a free spay and neuter clinic this spring for pit and pit mixes, the most common breed at the shelter.”

All the adoption promotions in the world will never solve the problem, said Virginia Keller, president of the Spay Neuter Action Coalition of Georgia.

“These people just don’t get it,” she said. “There will never be enough homes for all the animals that are produced at today’s rate. Never. The answer to this problem is strictly spay and neuter.”

Madison Bragg, 8, of Lawrenceville looks in on the dogs that are up for adoption while she waits with her family for their spayed cat at Gwinnett County Animal Control and Welfare.

Keller said she has seen people repeatedly drop off puppies or kittens at the shelter with no thought that they could end the cycle with a simple operation on their dogs. Others, she said, get a $1,000 pure-bred puppy and think they’re going to get their money back by breeding it. But instead, it wanders down the street and produces some mixed-breed pups that the owner has to try to give away, she said.

“They think animal control is an adoption center,” Keller said. “No way. I don’t know how you get this idea across to people, unless they want to come and watch it happen.”

Another tack many animal rights groups take is offering to volunteer at shelters. Several groups in Gwinnett have said they would drum up volunteers, but Respess has said there are liability issues to consider when working inside the kennels.

There are some things volunteers can do. Gwinnett’s shelter has begun a program to get volunteers to walk the dogs. Gail La Berge, who heads the county animal advisory council, said the staff has found the dog-walking program improves the animals’ disposition and makes them more adoptable. She also said volunteers can sign up online and commit to times of their choice.

The Gwinnett shelter has also explored expanding hours into evenings to allow working families more time to visit and shop for a pet. Statistics show a noticeable increase in adoptions when the shelter remains open late, La Berge said, but budget cuts won’t allow for overtime, so the shelter is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

Luis Burgos rescues his runaway boxer Drago at Gwinnett County Animal Control and Welfare. All of the animals are at risk of euthanasia, as troubled times are dooming more cats and dogs.

The lean budget prompted the advisory council in mid-March to recommend increasing fees. The council, which recommends policy changes to the county commission, voted to double the charge for daily boarding to $10 and for quarantine to $200. But members balked at a suggestion to more than double the owner surrender fee from $20 to $50, fearing owners would abandon their animals on the streets. The fee was increased to $25.

Respess said the shelter offers reduced rates of $60 for spaying and neutering for animals that are being reclaimed, in lieu of the reclaim fee and subsequent boarding fees. The service includes rabies, DHLPP shots and microchip.

Other animal assistance groups operate on fewer dollars but with as much devotion.

“I think the increase is due to people losing their jobs,” said Samantha Shelton, founder and president of Furkids, the largest no-kill shelter in Georgia. “Yet there are so many resources out there that are available to people.”

Furkids operates a 5,000 square-foot facility for cats near Doraville. It also runs seven full-time adoption centers and has 20 active foster homes for dogs and kittens.

Over the past two years, the organization has seen donations plummet, yet it still offers free food and medical care to help owners keep their pets during tough times.

“I wish we could keep more of these pets in their homes, rather than people turning them over to animal control,” Shelton said.

Euthanasia counts at metro county shelters

2007 2008 2009
Clayton
Cats 1,867 2,095 2,258
Dogs 3,095 3,715 4,099
Cobb
Cats 3,394 4,058 4,000
Dogs 3,095 3,715 4,099
DeKalb
Cats 1,077 1,895 1,843
Dogs 2,751 3,390 3,619
Fulton
Cats 464 400 565
Dogs 2,664 2,573 1,958
Gwinnett
Cats

Dogs

 3,169

2,763

 4,025

2,966

 4,588

3,020
Totals 23,874 28,091 29,612

The everyday kindness of the back roads more than makes up for the acts of greed in the headlines.                – Charles Kuralt

Posted in Cat Rescue, Dog Rescue, Gwinnett County, Lost and Found Pets, Pet Adoption, Pet facts, Pet Rescue, Pet Safety, Spay and Neuter | Tags: , , , , | No Comments »

Cars are Furnaces, Even In the Spring

April 30th, 2010 | Author: Valerie

This article was written by The Sunbear Squad and is very important for everyone to know. I learned in my Pet Tech First Aid Class how quickly a car gets hot. Please read this and pass along.

It’s already happening: dog deaths due to heat stroke in hot cars

I had another tip prepared for this week, but after reading four news articles this week about dogs dying of heat stroke, I changed my plans. It’s only April but spring is early this year. And as I learned, even the most dedicated animal rescue volunteers can lose track of time with deadly results.

Nine rescue dogs were waiting in the back of a closed truck without air conditioning while two animal rescue volunteers readied their adoption setup in a Georgia Petsmart on April 2, 2010. It was an unseasonably warm sunny day. When the volunteers returned to the truck to bring the dogs inside, they found unimaginable hell.

They found four dead puppies, one dead adult dog, one adult dog in extreme distress from heatstroke, and the three dogs suffering and deteriorating. They attempted to revive the dogs and then went the vet clinic, where the adult dog in extreme distress was euthanized. Three dogs lived. The volunteers and the rescue operator (who was not present) were devastated and suspended their rescue operations. The two volunteers are each charged with nine counts of animal cruelty. (Staged photo—no animal was harmed.)


Be prepared to take action to help save a dog from dying of heat stroke

What can you do if you see or hear an animal stuck in a hot vehicle? First, observe the situation carefully but quickly. Walk all around the vehicle, looking at all window openings, and notice if the motor is running with air conditioning on. Is there some shade? Is the dog or cat panting heavily and continuously? Or is the panting intermittent and related to the stress of your approach? Look for signs of drool or spittle around the mouth that might indicate prolonged panting.
If the animal doesn’t appear to be panting heavily and the air conditioning is running, leave, taking note of the time. Return in 15 minutes to check to ensure that the air is still running.
If the animal isn’t panting heavily, and the windows are generously open or the vehicle is in shade, leave, taking note of the time. Return every so often to check that the panting has not increased.
If the animal is already laying down, panting heavily and unable to rise, you must spring into action immediately. Act like a rescuer would, because heat stroke will kill this beloved pet in a few minutes. Enlist a passersby to witness your actions and quickly break a window with your elbow or a heavy object. Ask the witness to dial 911, and ask another one to RUN to the store service desk to insist on an immediate public address to the owner (describe the car and animal). Remove the suffering animal from the vehicle to a shady spot on nearby grass if you can do it safely, and fan the air overhead with anything handy. Ask if anyone has a water bottle; if so, dribble water into the animal’s mouth, and wet his ears and neck to speed cooling. Wait for the authorities and owners to arrive. Ignore any theft alarm; you are not a thief. You are a rescuer saving the life of someone’s pet.
If the animal is standing or sitting upright and panting heavily, you have more time. Write down the vehicle make and model, color, and license plates. Enlist a passerby to go to the service desk to request a public address to the owner. Stay with the dog or cat until the owner returns. If the owner doesn’t return in 10 minutes, and the animal is panting more heavily, call 911.

Why is heat so deadly to dogs?

They can’t perspire to exhaust body heat like we humans can. The only way they can rid their bodies of excess heat is through panting and limited perspiration through their paw pads. Heat stroke is quick to kill, and very young or old, obese, or unhealthy animals are more susceptible. What are the symptoms outside of heavy panting and drooling? Look for signs of restlessness (laying down and rising again and again), lethargy, dark tongue, lack of coordination, and even vomiting.
If you see dogs playing sports or running with their owners on hot days, be sure to say something! Veterinarians will tell stories of how quickly a happy dog can become overcome with heat stroke and die on a hot day. They will play or run until they drop. Vet clinics see them rushed into care by distraught owners, but only some can be saved.



Please forward to animal lovers you know, and reproduce freely. Please credit Sunbear Squad.

Posted in Dog Health, Dog Rescue, Pet First Aid, Pet Health, Pet Rescue, Pet Safety | Tags: , , , , | No Comments »

When Neighbors Are Cruel or Neglectful To Their Pets

April 23rd, 2010 | Author: Valerie

I read the story below today and it got me thinking. This case of absolute cruelty and neglect took place right here in our backyard in Gwinnett County; Suwanee to be exact.  I believe it’s our responsibility to not even think twice before reporting neglect and cruelty to animals, but not everyone feels the same. Some people would rather not think about the dog chained to a tree next door, not even knowing whether or not the dog has food or water- the basic needs of all living creatures. I suppose this is because they don’t want to cause rifts with their neighbors.

There are many places that a person in this situation can contact for help. At the end of the story, which I found on CBS Atlanta, I’ll list a few places that can help if you know an animal in need of rescue from their humans.

Gwinnett County Man Arrested On Animal Cruelty Charges

Two Dogs Were Found Nearly Starved To Death

By Jennifer Mayerle, CBS Atlanta Reporter

SUWANEE, Ga. — Police are investigating a severe case of animal abuse in Gwinnett County. Two dogs were found so skinny they were near death. Police have arrested their owner, Jimmy Mixon, on charges of animal cruelty.The dogs were found in the backyard of a home on Cherokee Trail in Suwanee. Billy Hooper was working in a yard next door. The dogs were in the backyard. He had seen the dogs before, but not like this.“I knew the dog was in trouble ’cause it was laying on the ground. It didn’t respond, when I talked to it, it just laid there and it was jerking,” said Hooper.There was a Shepherd-mix named Beau, and a Boxer named Titan.“They were real skinny, the bones were showing real bad in the stomach area,” said Hooper.Hooper called police. Mixon didn’t answer when reporter Jennifer Mayerle showed up to ask the tough questions about his dogs. He did offer an excuse, according to police reports, “He and his wife just had a baby and it had been difficult. He was sorry but he was doing the best he could.”Animal Control Officer Joey Brooks says there’s no excuse. The dogs didn’t get that way overnight and Mixon had to know the dogs were suffering.“Both of them were severely emaciated, when we walk up and find a dog laying there almost unconscious, then that’s very severe,” said Brooks.Titan was so fragile, he didn’t make it. Beau is putting on weight, but he may have suffered brain damage because of the lack of food and water.“If you can’t take care of them, don’t get them,” said Hooper.Beau is being treated by a vet until he’s healthier, which may take a few weeks. He’ll then be put up for adoption at Gwinnett County Animal Control.

What You Can Do About Animal Cruelty

The Humane Society of the United States

If you witness or suspect animal abuse or neglect, please take the following steps:

  • Document: Take note of the date, time, exact location and the type of animal(s) involved. Video and photographic documentation (even a cell phone photo) can help bolster your case.
  • Contact Law Enforcement: Contact your local animal control agency or county sheriff’s office and present your complaint and evidence. You may wish to remain anonymous, but doing so may make successful prosecution of the case more difficult.
  • Follow Up: Be the squeaky wheel. If it seems like your complaint is not being taken seriously, keep calling back. Scheduling an in-person meeting with the law enforcement agency may have a greater impact. If all else fails, getting local media interested in the story is a sure-fire way of grabbing the attention of law enforcement.

    How are complaints investigated?

    An officer will look into the complaint to see if animal cruelty statutes have been violated. Some agencies have the power to obtain and serve warrants; other agencies work closely with local police who execute the search warrant on their behalf.

    If a violation has occurred, the officer may speak with the owner and issue a citation and give the owner a chance to correct the violation. This is more likely in cases of animal neglect.

    In other cases, animal neglect or abuse may be extreme and require the animals to be removed by a humane agency to protect them. The agency will present the case to the prosecutor’s office for further evaluation and possible prosecution.

    What role does The HSUS play in local animal abuse and neglect cases?

    The Humane Society of the United States works with the public on individual cases of animal cruelty by providing rewards to citizens who provide information on animal cruelty and animal fighting leading to a conviction.

    The HSUS also provides assistance and resources to animal shelters, animal control professionals, investigators and prosecutors around the country on issues involving illegal animal cruelty and animal fighting. We provide educational materials, training opportunities, recommended operations guidelines and other expertise.

    We also lobby at state and national levels to strengthen laws protecting animals, increasing the likelihood that animal cruelty will be taken seriously by the legal system. For more information on animal abuse and what you can do to strengthen animal cruelty laws in your state, please visit The HSUS’ Animal Cruelty Campaign.


    Who Do I Call to Report an Alleged Animal Cruelty Incident?

    For Companion Animals (e.g., dogs, cats, exotic birds, pet rabbits, pot–bellied pigs)

    • Report those persons holding an Animal Protection License issued by the Georgia Department of Agriculture (or those that should be licensed) to the Animal Protection Section at 1-800-282-5852, ext. 4914 or 404-656-4914, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Animal shelters, rescue groups and humane societies that house animals, pet breeders, pet dealers, pet shops, pet groomers, kennels, aviaries all require an Animal Protection License which must be prominently displayed at each licensed place of business.
    • Report all other persons to the local law enforcement agency and the animal control office, if one exists in the area.  Report to the municipal or county police department or county sheriff’s department using the non-emergency number, unless the alleged perpetrator is actively involved in an act that threatens an animal’s life. If you suspect that other crimes (e.g., illegal drug activity or gambling) are involved, be sure to report this as a part of the call.

    For Equine (e.g., horses, mules, donkeys, zebras)

    • Report to the Georgia Department of Agriculture Equine Health Section at 1-800-282-5852, ext. 3713 or 404-656-3713, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. or to the local law enforcement agency and the animal control office, if one exists in the area.

    For Other Livestock (e.g., cattle, swine, goats, sheep, poultry, llamas)

    • Report to your local municipal or county police department or county sheriff’s department.

    For Captive Wildlife or Exotic Animals (e.g., whitetail deer, raptors, large cats)

    • Report to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division at 770-761-3044,Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

    For Circus or Zoo Animals (e.g., elephants, primates, circus dogs)

    • Report to the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Animal Care, Regional Office, Raleigh, N.C. at 919-716-5532, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
    • Posted in Animal Cruelty, Dog Fighting, Dog Rescue, Pet Rescue | Tags: , , | No Comments »

    Happy Endings for 3 Dogs Yesterday!

    April 16th, 2010 | Author: Valerie

    If you’re like me, you get email after email of dogs and other pets in need of rescue…some are in high kill county shelters and only have hours to live. My Facebook wall fills up with pets in need every day. It’s great to hear a happy ending, but yesterday I was blessed to hear TWO happy endings for three different dogs. No picture available of the second dog.

    The first story, I got from Facebook and was passed from this person to that and I ended up with it and shared it on my wall. The second story was emailed to me. I will paste the original story of the dogs, and then an update. I hope you enjoy them!

    Pedro and Otto, abandoned best friends in Athens GA: A story of devotion:

    These two amazing dogs are available for adoption or rescue at Athens-Clarke County Animal Control in Athens, GA. Call 706-613-3540 between 10 am and 4 pm (open every day except Wednesday). Detailed contact info and links to read more, and to download adoption/rescue apps, are at the bottom of this Note.

    Pedro #30127 and his best friend Otto #31028 were found at a truck stop in Clarke County, northeast Georgia, abandoned. Poor Otto was penned inside a rusty cage. Though running loose and free to go find food and shelter, Pedro would not leave his best friend. He stuck by Otto’s side and made sure he was safe until Animal Control officers picked them up. See their individual details following comments. Though abandoned, they will be given the mandatory 5-day hold period.
    ***“Safe” time will be up at closing time on Friday, 4/16***—Please put in your adoption or rescue app now, before they become URGENT. Also please note that these guys are not rescue-only—they are adoptable, good-natured, social dogs. Sadly they are the two types most adopters pass by in a shelter: a “Pit Bull” and a senior, large-breed “Black Dog.” They need our help.
    •—•—•—•—•—•—•—•
    On Sunday April 11, I got to spend a bit of time petting, treating, and watching interactions between Otto and Pedro, who are sharing a run since they came in together.

    Pedro, #30127Otto, #30128These two have the most amazing bond. After observing them together, it appears that Pedro the Lab believes he is Otto the Pibble’s “mom.” Pedro would’ve already been an older guy when his humans brought Otto home as a puppy. It looks like Pedro “raised” Otto. Otto may be the only friend Pedro has ever had, and Pedro is fully dedicated to his buddy. Otto is a great, mellow, affectionate boy who still has some pup in his behavior because Pedro has mothered him so much. Otto is a naturally outgoing guy, and Pedro is naturally submissive, gentle and amiable. There is absolutely no friction between the two, but it looks like Pedro has always protected and deferred to Otto—including making sure Otto had the lion’s share of their food. Otto is in good body weight, but Pedro is very thin. When I fed the two treats, Otto was more eager to take them. Pedro would take a treat, but then would literally drop it in front of Otto, though it’s evident that he’s very hungry himself. I managed to get the two at opposite ends of their run, so I could encourage Pedro to eat some treats himself. Pedro seems afraid to eat in case Otto doesn’t have enough. There is NO food-aggression between the two. It’s just like a parent sacrificing for the sake of a child.

    When visitors came by walking other dogs, both these boys were friendly and interested in meeting both dogs and humans. Otto was again more forthcoming, but Pedro would step in and insert his nose next to Otto’s at the fence, just in case he needed to “protect” him. No aggression or even defensiveness, just, “Otto, I’m here if you need me”—the behavior of a gentle parent with a pup.

    I’ve never seen a relationship like this between two intact male dogs. Otto has really benefited from Pedro’s care, and has learned good social skills and a degree of mellowness you don’t always see in Pits. Pedro has been so self-effacing and sacrificing that his own health and well-being have suffered. Otto, being a dog, can’t realize that Pedro’s given everything he has to protect and nurture him. Otto doesn’t bully his submissive guardian at all, just accepts that this is the way their relationship is. Though Otto’s now perfectly capable of looking after himself, Pedro can’t realize this, and still views Otto as his baby.

    When I first wrote this Note, I speculated that it might be a good thing to get these two dogs adopted or rescued separately, thinking their codependent relationship might be impeding each from reaching his full potential. This morning, a volunteer who takes many of the terrific photos of our AC’s dogs wrote that even the brief time apart needed for her to take each dog’s picture caused Pedro great anxiety. Mia’s comment is below. Separation anxiety is terribly hard on a senior dog. Pedro doesn’t have too many years left to enjoy his life, and doesn’t deserve to lose his canine “security blanket.” So my plea is that an extraordinary family, individual, or rescue group step up and make sure these friends stay together. That said, Pedro needs to get enough food, care and love to be healthy. Otto needs a little bit of time one-on-one with humans so he can play and learn basic obedience skills—the intelligent, athletic bully dogs need such structure to thrive. An empathetic family could manage gradually separating them for feeding time, and teach them slowly to spend a little time apart each day, just so each could be an individual for a while.
    Both are real loves, and deserve better than life has given them thus far. If you have a big heart and an understanding of the bond and sacrifice these two boys share, won’t you please be their angel and give them a safe and loving home?

    This from Mia, who took Pedro and Otto’s photos: “When I separated them for their photo shoots Pedro was whimpering and crying as soon as Otto left his run. I felt so bad for him … When I took him out, he missed is brother again, but I agree that they need to spend some time apart so Pedro will eat more! The pound [Athens-Clarke AC] is full right now, so I don’t see this happening any time soon. Hopefully once all the [adopted dogs] leave to go to the vet and to their new homes, there will be more runs available.
    •—•—•—•—•—•—•—•

    Pedro is very thin and could use some good groceries, a fish oil supplement, and a cozy bed…close to his buddy Otto, of course.PEDRO #30127 (please refer to this number when calling about Pedro)
    * Age: 10 years
    * Breed: Lab/hound mix
    * Gender: Male
    * Weight: 51 pounds
    * Impound Date: 04/9/10 [mandatory hold is up 4/16]
    * Ledger #: 30127

    Shelter bio: “Pedro is a dog of incredible devotion. Though he could have gone off in search of food and shelter when his people dumped the two dogs, he never left Otto’s side. He made sure to keep his caged best friend company during the scary times. Pedro is underweight and needs to pack on the pounds again. His coat is sparse and dry, indicating lack of proper nutrition. Don’t let his gray muzzle and spectacles keep you from recognizing just how awesome this dog is! He is so sweet and has the most adoring eyes. Though he’s quiet, he still has energy and stamina to take walks and keep you good company. Pedro shouldn’t spend his last days stuck in the pound full of scary noises. Please consider noble Pedro as your new best friend soon.”

    Otto is in good body weight but has chunks of hair missing, as if he’s been trough some sort of hard times. His sunny nature hasn’t suffered, though.OTTO, #30128 (please refer to this number when calling about Otto)
    * Age: 3 Years
    * Breed: Pitbull Terrier
    * Gender: Male
    * Weight: 51 pounds
    * Impound Date: 04/9/10 [mandatory hold is up 4/16]
    * Ledger #: 30128

    Shelter bio: “Otto has an amazing disposition…he is really calm once outside of his run and just loves hugs and kisses. He was a very gentle and sweet dog…I scared him a little with my big scary camera, but he always came back for more treats. Otto has little pocks of fur missing all over his body…it’s not big patches of fur missing, but just little spots. Just like any dog, Otto needs a proper diet and regular vetting to make sure you have a happy healthy pup. He would make a great therapy dog or loving friend for any home. Come meet Otto soon!”

    UPDATE:

    Otto and Pedro have been rescued by a Michigan pet rescue group and are going into foster care together!

    Found lab mix – Gates Mill Subdivision at Sugarloaf and Hwy 20

    This is a very sweet older dog that we found in my subdivision last week (Gates Mill Subdivision at Sugarloaf and Hwy 20 in Gwinnett).  He did not have any collar or tags, but he is very well trained and immaculately groomed, so we know he must have a home somewhere nearby.  We have posted over 200 flyers in my subdivision and our neighboring subdivision, with no luck.

    Can you please take 1-2 minutes and forward and cross post this email to any/all of your friends and family who live in Gwinnett County and may be able to help us locate his owner?

    If we take him to Gwinnett Animal control, they will euthanize him within 24 hrs, because he is a slightly older dog (estimated to be about 10-11 yrs old).  This breaks my heart, because he has so much love to give and many more yrs left.  He is in excellent health.

    He is a mixed breed, but looks like he has a lot of golden lab in him.  He is great with children and other animals (he played with my 2 yr old grand daughter for 3 days!)  He is very sweet and gentle and has a great personality.  He understands and obeys all basic commands.  He really is a very sweet and a well behaved dog.  He is about 3 ft tall and mostly golden brown color, with white on his face and paws.

    If we cannot find the owner, do you know of anyone who may adopt or foster him?

    Thanks so much for taking a minute or 2 to forward this info to help this guy!!

    Update:

    This dog’s owner was found yesterday. They had been looking for him since April 5th!

    Don’t you just love a happy ending? Do you have any happy rescue stories that you can share?

    The wild, cruel animal is not
    behind the bars of a cage.
    He is in front of it.
    -Axel Munthe


    Posted in Dog Rescue, Dogs, Pet Adoption, Pet Rescue | Tags: , | No Comments »
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