+news+
+pics+
+news archives+
+links+
+the
rock dirt+ +reviews/features+
+contact+
+pet project+ +bio+ +wzlx+
+rising
tide series+
+musings+
+on
the town radio show+ +tales of a misspent
youth+ +gussy
and pudgie willis+
+rock
and roll social+ +anngelle
on myspace+
updates 3/07
Many of you know that I'm an animal rescue advocate. Info provided herein is to promote animal adoption, foster care, prevent abuse and promote the greatly needed practice of spaying and neutering our pets. Thousands of animals are sent to shelters each year, many of which are put down due to overpopulation, behavior issues and overall lack of concern on the part of human beings.
Animal behavior - or should I say misbehavior - is a growing problem. This is why many pets get passed off to shelters, that and misinformed, lazy owners. Having a pet is a privilege not a right and owners have a responsibility to that animal - care and kindness. Basic training can do wonders and in some cases professionals need to be sought out. Your veterinarian can offer help and point you in the right direction.
Pet shops keep puppy mills in business. One of the problems (one of many) is that backdoor breeders force females of any age to deliver litters far too often, putting their health in jeopardy. Pups are often sick, poorly cared for, and closely bred. These people breed for profit and don't care about the health or well-being of animals. These type of people pass on traits that can and will create health and behavior problems. If you feel you must purchase a puppy rather than adopting, PLEASE research and find a reputable breeder. One way you can do this is by searching for breed information online. What you will find is breed history, information, care, that breed's rescue organization as well as reputable breeders in your area.
Countless animals are abandoned or surrendered to shelters and rescues every year. Please consider pet adoption. PetFinder.com is a site that enables you to search a national adoption database by breed, age, size, gender, location, etc.Please do not give pets as gifts for holidays or birthdays. Getting a pet is a big decision that should be made by someone on their own. Being "gifted" into it leads to neglect and abandonment.
Pet shops and backdoor breeder don't care what happens to the animal once it leaves. They only want your money.
The Truth about Euthanasia
This is something I've had difficulty with. No one likes to think about what happens to an "unwanted, unadoptable" animal. The fact of the matter is that not all animals go on to new, happy homes. Sadly, we are then faced with the reality of euthanasia. There are guidelines in which it is done humanely. When I was very little, our family dog was taken out back and shot it the head. Though I was too young to know it at the time, that story has stayed with me. What a horrible thing to have done to a harmless animal.
also visit: SPAYUSA.ORG
Help support
Massachusetts' spay
and neuter programs
and help the decrease pet overpopulation.
Click the plate image above for information.
Pet shops, breeders, even your neighbor could be abusing animals. In case you think it's not happening, this will show you otherwise -- Animal Abuse Crime Database (caution: some contents of a graphic nature)
Animals are being mistreated, tortured, and killed. Please report suspected animal cruelty at home, by a breeder, if you see it in a pet shop or anywhere else.
In Massachusetts, call: (617) 522-6008 or 1-800-628-5808
ALL CALLS ARE STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
Outside Massachusetts contact your local police department, animal control, or animal protection organization.
The MSPCA Law Enforcement Department encourages individuals to contact them to request an investigation of animal abuse. In fact, without the assistance of the public, MSPCA's mission to prevent cruelty to animals, help those animals in need, and prosecute offenders would be nearly impossible.The Law Enforcement Department Administration is staffed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. When calling after hours, please leave a brief message along with your name, and the area code and phone number where you may be reached during normal business hours.
On weekends and holidays, phone messages are monitored every hour between 9 am and 5 pm by an on-call officer.
More resources:
Pet-Abuse.com
Helping Animals.com
*if you witness cruelty
Nearly every breed has a rescue. Do a search. Educate yourself on any breed you are interested in adopting. Each dog has specific needs that you should educate yourself and your family on before acquiring that dog. Whether it be health, temperament, behavior issues and training needs, be smart about what type of dog you get! Also, seek out a vet that has experience with your breed. Not all vets know the particulars to each. I have a soft spot for larger breed dogs. Be warned, they are a lot of work! Puppies grow fast. Be prepared to train immediately. Before you know it a 25 lb pup becomes a 150 lb dog and is telling you what to do. Shelters and Rescues are in need of foster families. Read on to see how it works and whether you can be involved.
Bulldogs - adopted or gotten as a puppy - require a lot of attention, on-going care and training! Those available for adoption have minor to major health issues, treatable skin problems and some minor to major behavior issues. You won't likely find a puppy for adoption unless its been rescued from a cruel backdoor breeder or very careless owner (remember greedy breeders get upwards of $2300 per puppy!). They are a breed "in fashion" at the moment. Many will buy puppies at high prices and lose interest when they realize what time, energy and expense they can entail. Bulldogs are know for their tenacious nature; bad breeding can result in serious health and behavior problems. My boy is worth every trip to the vet and training class but I didn't know what I was in for when I started out.
Be informed! You'll thank me later. (This is how I adopted Malcolm)
Pug Rescue of New England
Pug Rescue of New England's mission is simple. They find homes for pugs in need in the Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine areas. They also accept pugs of any age, condition, or situation. Every PRoNE pug is vet checked, updated on all shots, and/or treated for any current medical needs, before being placed in its new home.<<that's my pudge, he's not available!
French Bulldog Rescue
See the work NBR is doing to help ease the suffering of abandoned/neglected/surrendered dogs. The stories are incredible. NBR takes in many dogs from kill shelters. They are also in need of foster homes! Can you help?
American Bullmastiff Association Rescue Program
Rehabilitating, socializing and re-homing purebred Bullmastiffs since the 1970's
TRC was formed in 2002 as a collaborative effort between concerned rottweiler owners and enthusiasts in New England and New Jersey in an effort to rehome Rottweilers to deserving homes. While TRC has several rottweilers in its foster homes, it operates also as a referral network between potential adopters and shelters. Rottweilers placed through TRC are temperament tested, and appropriate homes are recommended. Please feel free to contact them about your particular needs, and we will do our best to assist you in finding the right dog.
North East Rottweiler Rescue and Referral Inc.
Extends its services to animal shelters, veterinary hospitals and the general public in an effort to raise public awareness of responsible Rottweiler ownership. NERR&R rescues unwanted and abandoned Rottweiler dogs and places them into appropriate, permanent homes. NERR&R promotes responsible ownership by providing free educational services. Rottweilers placed by NERR&R have been fully temperament tested and have lived in family situations for a minimum of two weeks. NERR&R Rottweilers have been spayed or neutered, heartworm tested and vaccinated before placement. Many have been treated for other serious afflictions and full disclosure and health records will be provided to the adopter before they enter into a contract. Due to a shortage of foster homes, NERR&R has a wait list of dogs presently in shelters."
More adoption & fostering resources
Petfinder.com is an excellent online resource. It's an adoption data base that allows you to search by type of pet, breed, age, size, regional location, and more. It's also how we found Gussy and Pudgie!Pet Finder's Massachusetts Rescue Roster
Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals cared for
over 35,000 homeless animals last year alone through its locations
Other valuable resources:
animal neglect and cruelty exists
copyright © 2003-2007 anngelle wood productions. all rights reserved.
