BFFs

This lovable pair were found abandoned outside of an apartment complex. The good Samaritan who reported their whereabouts noticed that the cats had been hanging around the building and had reason to believe that their former guardian put them out before moving away. The caller fed the cats for a couple of days, but knew that a life outside was not a good option for the boys. The cats are best buds; we suspect that they are brothers -- see the resemblance? It's estimated that they are young adults, maybe a year or two. 

I'm a pushover for orange tabbies -- not sure if there is any scientific research to back my claim, but I am certain that  orange tabbies are more lovable than most cats. Even if it's not proven, some lucky adopter will get double the cuddles with these guys! Just look at the pics!
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Thank you to the kind patron who noticed the cats and reported them to animal control. 

No Snow in Washington, But Bitter Cold and Wind are Cruel Reminders that Not Every Animal is Safe Inside

Doesn't Magda look cozy?  In her curled cat position snuggled up against a warm blanket, hers is a picture of a perfect life.     Mgada's  adopter wrote of her her first couple of days  in her new home, "just wanted to let you know that Magda is doing well at her new home.  She seemed to adjust really well; she ate right away, explored the apartment, used her litter pan immediately,and spent the night snuggling with me on the couch. She is such a sweet and smart girl! Thank you so much for the opportunity to meet and fall in love with Magda."  

What does Magda's perfect report have to do with extreme weather?   Nothing, except to remind us that not all animals are so lucky as to have a person to cuddle with.  Strays are obviously in need of immediate help, even when the weather is not freezing.  But, sometimes animals who appear to have "homes" should be reported to the authorities, too.   In the District of Columbia it is against the law to chain a dog and all dogs outside for an extended period of time in a fenced in area MUST HAVE a proper dog house.  That means, the structure needs to be off of the ground, have a door flap to guard against wind, and have adequate dry bedding inside.  Cats should not be outside. They constantly seek warmth and sometimes they find it under the hood of a recently parked car.  Those temporary shelters can turn into death traps.  Report animals in distress to District Animal Control, 202 576-6664.  To report animals in need outside of D.C.find your local animal control agency through 411 or google search. 

All animals should have a doting guardian who takes photos and writes emails just like Magda's.

Back to School -- Already?

Wow, where did the summer go? Today's the first day of school for many kids. It's my first day back at the League -- I took some time off -- and, when I got back today, I discovered many new faces. While I was away construction on our cat room was finished -- the cats have their own playground (pictures coming later in the week) -- and lots of new arrivals, dogs and cats, are waiting for forever homes. Two teeny-tiny dogs, rescued by someone who found them running around in a busy intersection nearby, have settled into one staff member's office.


Leash laws protect dogs and people. A scared dog may not only run into traffic and get injured or even killed, but a scared dog may react out of fear when someone tries to help, and hurt the helper. Dogs can't use language to say, "Help me, I'm scared out here!" A frightened dog may bite the hand of someone trying to do good. The person who was able to capture and bring the two dogs to the League was an adult who took a BIG chance. Luckily, for the dogs and the person no one was hurt.

On your way to school, I'm sure you obey all traffic rules including cross only in crosswalks and cross with green or walk lights. Dogs (and cats, too) are oblivious to such rules. If on your way to school you see an animal running in the street or without a guardian, get adult help. Don't try to physically rescue the animal -- You could get hurt. Get a parent or teacher or crossing guard. Or, if you have a phone, plug in the number of the animal control agency in your area. In Washington, D.C. Animal Control is the proper agency to call, 202-576-6664. Be sure to give as much information as you can. For instance,

• what color is the dog?
• Do you know the breed?
• Where is it?
• Is it in the intersection of Blair Road and Kansas Avenue, N.W.?
• Or is it sitting in front of the 7-11 store on Kansas Avenue?

The more information you can give to the dispatcher, the better for a fast and safe rescue. Let's make the 2009-2010 school year safe for everyone.