Giving Thanks

Many of our wonderful volunteers visited the dogs and cats in our care on Thanksgiving.  We are very grateful to them for coming in on the holiday and spending time with the animals.  



Lou modeling her stylish bandanna

We are grateful, too, for the people who adopt shelter animals and provide them with loving forever-homes. We got an update from one of those homes yesterday.  

Lou snoozing on her piggy bed



"A little over two years ago, we adopted a black and white coonhound mix named Blitzen (now Lou). In that time, Lou has become an irreplaceable member of our family. She's the perfect companion, whether going for a hike or relaxing on the couch. Her sunny outlook and goofy charm win over everyone she meets."



I Can See You Just Fine

Uno

Meet Uno and Mister. 
Totally unrelated.
Both missing their right eyes.  
AND, both ready to go home!  


Mister
(photo taken soon after surgery. 
Mister's eye wound  has healed.)



Mister has been described by staff as "the sweetest kitten ever." 



The older, yet ever-playful Uno possesses the true orange-tabby personality -- delightful.

Uno and Mister  will be spending Thanksgiving at the League, waiting for their forever homes. 

Tigers May be Saved from Extinction

An article in yesterday's Washington Post, 13 Nations Sign Declaration Meant to Save Tigers,  was encouraging and heartbreaking at the same time.  

Heartbreaking --

Tigers once roamed most of Eurasia from the Tigris River to Siberia and Indonesia. But in the past century, the number of countries that are home to tigers has dropped to 13 from 25, while three of the nine tiger subspecies have become extinct. Experts say there are now only about 3,200 tigers left in the wild.

Encouraging --

Officials from the 13 countries where tigers live in the wild have signed a declaration Tuesday aimed at saving the iconic big cats from extinction.  The new accord stipulates that the nations will strive to double the tiger population by 2022, crack down on poaching and illicit trade in tiger pelts and body parts.

Read Associated Press reporter Irina Titova's article  in it entirety at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/23/AR2010112303245.html.  



Two in a Row -- Another Happy Ending

You would think that when a dog goes home, the last thing on the adopter's mind is reporting back to the League.  Not so with Toucan's new person.  She sent an update, complete with pictures, 24 hours after "Touk's"   homecoming.   The photos  definitely show forever-home, especially this one with Toucan's bed front and center.

What a great dog this is. Your team has done a fantastic job at training her. She's got such a nice personality.  She seems very comfortable already... She is happy to play, but is also relaxed. It is surprising to me, how quickly she has taken to all of us.  She acts like "finally, guys! you finally showed up to get me! now let's get this thing going!!"

Happy Adoption Story!

Right after adoption

Reagan in her new home

What a pleasure to see this picture of Reagan, formerly known as Fig Newton, on the sofa -- in a real-honest-to-goodness home. Reagan was one of more than 80 dogs who was rescued from a HORRIBLE hoarding situation. Dogs were everywhere. They were timid and terrified; many of them, including Reagan, had terrible skin problems due to gross neglect. Reagan's  new guardian reports, "She was one of the dogs from the Mississippi hoarder and had a lot of skin problems. I can't tell you how much we love her. She is such a good dog. She just started doggy school last week. We are so proud."

It might be cold and raining outside but, when we get updates like this, the sun shines at the League!

What Does it Feel Like to Be Returned?



Malia -- Back Again!

 We are not Macy's or Nordstrom's or Target.   Yet, we get our share of returns!   Cats and dogs are returned, not just to the League, but to shelters everywhere.  Well-meaning people think they want to add an animal to their household, and then something happens.  Of course, we will take the animal back -- we would much rather that the cat or dog be returned than given away, let go, ignored ,or hurt.   But, even still, when you watch an animal go home, you want to believe that it is forever.

13 common reasons

why animals are returned to shelters

1. The dog gets too big
2. The dog chews the furniture, the wall, the cabinets
3. The dog poops on the floor
4. The dog bites
5. The dog barks
6. The dog doesn't bark
7. Someone in the house developed an allergy
8. The cat scratches the furniture
9. The cat doesn't use the litter box
10. The family has a baby and has no time for the cat/dog
11. It's too expensive to care for the dog or cat
12. The guardian doesn't have enough time
13. The children are not responsible  (Really, parents tell shelter staff that they return or give up the cat or dog) because their kids are irresponsible.)

How do you think Malia feels being returned to the League for a second time?