Happy Ending Thanks to a Young Hero

Just before the Arctic cold gripped our area a 
hungry, dirty teeny kitten surely would have died had it not been for the heroic action of Daven, a teen who, not only picked up the kitten and fed her, but brought her to the League so she could be adopted into a forever home.  Daven wrote on the intake form, "I am surrendering this animal because I found her not fed, dirty, running in the street, and I felt I needed to do it."  Many people -- teens and adults -- would have walked right by the kitten figuring rescuing a six-week-old kitten was not their responsibility.  Not Daven.  Thank you Daven for doing the right thing!   The kitten, named Peppermint by shelter staff, has been adopted and will be home in time for Christmas!

Who Needs Cable?



Nigel in the office figures
he will need to share his bed with
Charlotte

I never thought I'd adopt a kitten.   After all there are many wonderful adult cats at the League -- all waiting patiently for their forever homes.   And, every time I walk through our cat room, I imagine taking one of them home.  Since my best cat, Bruce, died in August I've thought about how Merl might like Harley, Antoinette or Tom.   But it didn't seem quite right to throw an adult cat into the chaos of my home -- busy schedules, two older male cats who don't like each other, and Nigel, a gentle, but still 75 lb dog.  Max, on the other hand -- ever the optimist, thought a kitten was just what Merl needed.  Merl was yowling all night and sedentary all day.   No doubt he should have a buddy, but a kitten -- I didn't think so. 
Things have a way of working out.  I brought home an adorable Siamese mix around Halloween.  Merl acted like the teeny kitten, Nugget (AKA Bo) was just another hairball waiting to be vacuumed.   The kitten went back to the League and was adopted with his sibling (More on Nugget later).   I started thinking that Merl would eventually adjust to living without a best friend.  And then came Charlotte -- the cutest kitten ever.   As Max said, she was what I was looking for -- a female with a round face.  Well, I had other criteria, but that face definitely got me.  I brought her home shortly before Thanksgiving.  And, for whatever reason, Merl decided that he could be friends with Charlotte.  After a few days he pounced back when Charlotte got in his face.  And, a week into her residency he took to chasing her up and down the stairs and pinning her in the center of the living room rug.  



Charlotte settled in
the minute she moved in.



We don't have cable TV.  Definitely no need now.  When we aren't watching Merl and Charlotte wrestling, we are playing with Charlotte, throwing toys toward her, dragging, a cat dancer for her to chase, or saving her from precarious places like the center of a huge house plant.  Sometimes we just watch her sleep.  She is very cute when she sleeps.   Charlotte is more entertaining that 120 television channels and she snuggles!

One Picture is Truly Worth a Million Words!

Every dog needs a couch and person to call his/her own.  Cammie's new guardian reports "I've really enjoyed our first month together". 

More updates coming -- this is truly a joyous holiday season for many of our canine and feline alumni!

A Very, Very Heartwarming Update

In September, the League took in 30 of the more than 200 dogs and cats surrendered to officials after the USDA began an investigation into allegations of neglectful living conditions and cruel abuse of the animals at Professional Laboratory and Research Services, Inc. in Gates County, North Carolina.   While people may disagree on whether or not there is a need for animals to be used in research, no one can justify the way the North Carolina lab animals were treated.  An undercover investigation by PETA documented horrible incidents of blatant cruelty.  The dogs and cats were were force-fed some substances and subjected to having others smeared on their skin—one such smear test caused seizures, blindness, and bleeding from the nose in 57 cats—but they were also allegedly routinely abused by their caretakers who screamed at them, sprayed them with water and chemicals, dragged them through the facility, and threw them into cages.  Thankfully, all of the horror is now past history.  

Muffin and Cookie lounge comfortably
on the sofa in their forever home

The update from Cookie and Muffin's person proves that animals are extremely resilient and forgiving. Why would a once tortured animal trust a human being?

From their new home --

"....Cookie is such a loving little thing, she is my dream cat and Muffin is not far behind. Cookie likes to sleep on my neck with her little face right next to mine. Her whiskers tickle my nose. Muffin also comes around and wants loving but she is my explorer and my guard. They both follow me around. They play together and are so funny and I enjoy playing with them. Muffin jumps on top of Cookie and "grooms" her followed by rough and tumbling play...."

All of the lab cats were placed in homes and most of the dogs have been adopted, too.  A couple rat terriers are still waiting at the League for their forever homes.

Oh Cyrus -- the Great Recycler

Two updates in one day -- more good news to be thankful for. 

There is a book in this one, maybe a series.   This update is in fact excerpted from a much longer tale called "Oh Cyrus!".  

I have began to refer to Cyrus as the "Great Recycler". Clearly, he gets just as upset as I do about the constant junk mail arriving at the house everyday. In fact, he dislikes it so much that he has developed a very firm position on it.


Each day the mail comes after I get home from work. As I hear the sliding door on the mail truck I feel a cold chill down my spine. Cyrus-who is normally watching me (watching him) lolls his tongue to dare me to get the the mail slot first. We wait each other out...

Tension is building....

I bolt for the door and he bolts first-EVERYDAY. Personally, I think 4 feet vs 2 is an unfair contest. I should at least get a head start! As Cyrus runs for the door, the other animals panic and try to get out of the way. I have seen one of the cats actually try and climb drywall to keep from being mowed down.

Once Cyrus gets to the mail slot he takes it all in his big mouth (slobber and all) and starts to shake it back and forth. At this point, I have to take it-and he knows it. My only goal is to get the important mail (usually bills so I should really just skip it), but Cyrus likes to keep it and demolish it. Minutes pass as we are locked in this daily tussle. Eventually (being the good dog that he is) he relents and gives me the mail. In return, I give him the junk mail to tear up. Once it is torn into tiny little pieces, it breaks down into garden compost easier. Even while Cyrus is having a good time he is respecting the environment-that's great recycling!

Prescott Update

Remember Prescott, my office buddy?  Well,  he is still keeping up-to-date with the latest technology.  This picture, sent by his forever person, shows Prescott, the computer geek, cat-napping on the job. 

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?

Another Happy Homecoming

Cyrus -- WARL alum --tells Maggie that he is thrilled to be part of the family!

"He's so big," was a frequent comment heard when people looked in the den and saw Cyrus (formerly known as Thor and Big Foot).   Lucky for this big-hearted shepherd, there are people who are looking for BIG, goofy dogs.   Staff love getting updates from adoptees.  I was going to excerpt the report from Cyrus' new person, but could not decide which  paragraph or sentence to leave out.  It's all so good.  So here is nearly the entire text. 
Cyrus' doggie brother (Toby-"the boss"-pug) and sister (Maggie-"the playmate"-labradoodle)keep him very busy, his dad does a great job with his exercise, and our afternoon dog walking team wear him out (for awhile anyway). He spends his evenings stalking me around the house, licking the dishes in the dishwasher clean (gross) and carrying his stuffed moose who now (sadly) has one antler left.


 He enjoys a simmering energy with the cats who he would love to chase (unfairly of course-mom and dad say "no"), so he settles on glaring at them with a twinkle in his eyes every chance he gets. He enjoys invading the bathroom when it is occupied, stealing any shoe not put away in the closets (I love this because we all seem to be putting our shoes away more often now), learning to unscrew the top of a peanut butter jar (we still don't know how he did it), laying in the sun and dozing, sprawling on "his" couch, tucking his nose under his tail when he sleeps, and gently laying his nose against your knee in a really sweet "I'm here with you partner" kind of gesture.

He LOVES children and will try and make himself smaller and less threatening to every child he meets so they will come pet him. In fact, while hiking in a creek he rolled over for four small children to pet his belly and ended up putting his nose underwater and practically drowned as a result. He didn't seem to care though as the children now felt sorry for him and gave him even more attention (I think it was staged).  He apparently also enjoys coffee as he stole mine today and got completely amped on caffeine (note to self-no coffee for the dogs).


 He is an all around comical, soulful, playful, generous, spirited, gentle and kind family member that we will cherish and love (and laugh at-often).
Can't wait to hear more about the adventures of Cyrus, Maggie & Toby!

Name That Cat Toy

 Cat toys can be very expensive. BUT, cat toys are also easy to make. See Klaus playing with my yet to be named cat toy. All it is a pom pom and a bell covered in a scrap of material. I bunched the material together and tied it with a long piece of sewing ribbon. I tied a second bell onto the dangling piece of ribbon. AND, I curled an orange pipe cleaner and wrapped that into the ribbon. Presto -- a cat toy! The entire thing was made with craft supplies and scraps on hand. Maybe it cost $.20 in materials. That's it.   By the way, Klaus would like to play with this and other toys in a new home

Flying with Four-Footed Friends -- Forget It!

An article in the Washington Post's Sunday travel section profiled Pet Airways, an airline dedicated solely to the safe travel of animals.  But, the more newsworthy statistic printed, in my opinion,  was this -- "Since May 2005, the Department of Transportation has collected monthly data  from airlines on pet incidents.  Through August 2010, the total was 154 pets who died, 63 injured and 38 lost."  Animals traveling are stowed in their carriers in the cargo hold -- imagine traveling in a dark, loud cargo area, without anyone to oversee your trip.   That's what the founders of Pet Airways did, and then they created an airline that transports just animals -- two-footed passengers have to find their own means of transportation! 

Years ago, I flew with my cat, Sidney, from Tallahassee, Florida to Miami.  Sid was in a carrier tucked securely under my seat.    The man behind me sneezed the entire trip.   After a several hour delay, due to fog, Sidney and I, along with the sneezing passenger, arrived safely at our destination.  What if she had been cooped up in the cargo area for, not only the duration of the 90 minute trip, but the extra ground-hold as well?

Joe Yonan's article brought back memories of a very interesting trip, and made me realize how lucky my my animals have been -- none of them, after that flight with Sidney, have ever had to travel by air.     In fact, if it were up to Nigel ,he'd travel by car 24 hours a day.

Prescott Has a Computer, a Real Bed and His Very Own Person in His Forever Home!

It's always wonderful to get an update, especially when the update is from an office buddy. 
Things are going very well so far. Prescott is the star of the house. Everyone loves him and the feeling seems to be mutual. He likes his new toys and sleeping on my bed with me. He's actually cuddling with me right now. He also seems to have a strange fondness for my laptop. He likes to lick the base right beneath the keyboard. I think he will love living here and we will all love to have him here! I've also attached a few pictures that I've taken of him so far. Thanks so much giving me a chance to bond with this wonderful animal!



Maybe someone should call WAMU-88.5's Animal House and ask Dr. Gary why Prescott licks the computer.



Cool Book for Want To Be Veterinarians and Others Who Care About Animals

Did you know that a dog's normal heart rate is 80-120 beats per minute?  Does a cat's heart beat faster or slower?  What about a small bird's?   Those answers are in a wonderful resource, ER Vets -- Life in an Animal Emergency Room by Donna M. Jackson.  The book is filled with many critical-care cases coupled with graphic pictures, including one of a cat who had a piercing arrow in her abdomen.  The cats, dogs, birds, bunnies, SNAKES, and other animals were all treated at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University.   You'll learn Emergency room codes like -- FB (foreign body -- something odd showing up on an x-ray like a needle, cell phone or rubber duck); BDLC (Big dog, little cat: a big dog attacked a little cat); and CHF (Congestive Heart Failure).  Wat do you think HBC stands for?  There's information on toxic treats -- many of us know that chocolate is bad for dogs and cats, but did you know that onions are harmful, too.  The book suggests items for an animal first aid kit, addresses the history of veterinary medicine, and offers resources for where to go for more information.   A school , classroom and personal library must have!

Tsu Tsu -- A Quiet Kitty Looking for Just the Right Forever Home

Prescott relocated to his forever home over the weekend.  I'm certain that he is busy organizing his five human roommates and making himself right at home -- googling and answering the phone.     My office is cat-less for the time being -- it gives Nigel a chance to come to work with me.  However, I did have a temporary border over the weekend.  Tsu Tsu spent some quality time chilling and enjoying her time as an only office cat.  However, I told her that I could not offer her an office placement at this time.  She needs to work her charms on visitors to the cat room.    She is one of those under-the-radar cats.  At first glance a visitor might just walk right by her condo, but spend some time with Tsu-Tsu and you will be charmed by this sweet, mellow beauty.

I'm incredibly busy today, so Prescott has volunteered to take all messages. He's a very resourceful cat and would make someone a wonderful companion!!! Prescott definitely prefers two-legged friends to four.

Prescott is Keeping Busy

Prescott is a very curious cat.  What he doesn't know he'll find out. He's on my desk right now rearranging my rubber band collection -- I think he may have done that all weekend, things looked a little out of place this morning.   

He's extremely bright too.   I just got the book, Why Do Cat Have Whiskers, and as soon as I put it down, Prescott delved  into it.   I think he's looking for an answer to the question, "Why haven't I been adopted?" 

Prescott the Personal Assistant

Have you ever thought what it would be like to have a personal assistant who could do your homework, answer emails or keep you company during the work day?  Well, Prescott has assumed that role in my office.  He's now in charge of screening calls, deleting spam and making sure that I stay on task.

Meet Prescott

Meet purring Prescott, my newest office pal.  He wasn't having such a good time in the cattery.  Too many top cats running around.  Prescott can get overwhelmed by playful kittens and persnickety adult cats.  So when adoptions staff said Prescott would thrive in a quieter space, my office was the logical spot.  And, does he ever thrive!  He's upside down next to the key pad right now.   It's hard for me to concentrate over the loud vibrating motor sound that is coming from Prescott's purr box.   He's happy to see me when I come in, but he's also happy to see anyone who comes in.  He doesn't play favorites -- Prescott is truly a people cat, what he needs now is his very own person.  

Welcome Home Charlie!

Ahhh, Finally a really comfy spot!



I suggest we share!



Charlie, the cat formally known as Bruno, has settled nicely into his new home.   It didn't take him long to decide that he would KEEP the people who adopted him.   He has graciously allowed one of his new people to photograph him in his new surroundings as a way of assuring us at the League, that after nearly nine months of living at the shelter, he has really and truly moved on and is HOME.  



Go ahead, take another picture!

Jubilee Adopted Too!

It was a great week at the League.  Little Jubilee, the kitten with the misshapen leg, was adopted.   She has never given a second thought to her leg -- she romps,climbs and jumps at full speed.  She loves to play AND she went home with another kitten.  I hope her forever home sends progress reports!

ADOPTED!!!

Bruno spent nine months in the cattery and just one week in my office. 
I came in this morning and the sign on my door announcing Bruno's residency said ADOPTED!  His new people are very lucky, they are now sharing their home with one super terrific cat.  Have a GREAT life Bruno buddy.

Bruno, My Office Buddy -- For Now

Shelters are great.  They house animals temporarily until  permanent homes can be found.   Cats tend to stay in shelters longer than dogs.  Even so, why no one has adopted Bruno is beyond me.   He is a big, handsome boy who believes that the human lap was created for his benefit.  Trouble is, Bruno has not had a consistent human lap in a long time.   He's been at the League for 9 months with no new home prospects in sight.  He was getting really tired of watching other cats and all of the cute, little kittens packing up and moving on, while he's been waiting patiently for his forever home since before the snow storms of 2010.   Last week he made an inner-shelter mover, to my office -- as a foster cat.   I discovered that he has a natural talent for typing. sgdfhgheu7604=kkh,,l -- See, Bruno just typed something in "cat".   If you read it closely, I think it says, Great cat, still seeking the right forever home.  Until great, forever  that home is located, Bruno is welcome to hang out here.   What do you think, Bruno?  xixioxokdjhewlld 11kjoeuirtyonjdf;a.

Back on the Bus!

 Yes, apparently, the dog days of summer are really coming to an end.   The AP Photo by J. Pat Carter shows a couple of happy passengers sitting nicely on the bus heading to Totally Dog Day Center in Miami.  It was just one of those pictures too cute to pass up.  I wonder what bus rules are in place -- No changing seats while the bus is moving, no howling and no paws out the window!?

Check Out the Dogs at the League Via PetFinders Videos

Click on the links to the right, beneath the Friendship challenge -- Watch Joy, Thor, Lilani and Sade!  Not only is it really, really important to  find wonderful homes for the animals who are at the League, but it is really, really important that we give the cats and dog great care while they are staying with us.  And, we do.   You can see some of the dogs enjoying their quality time with staff members.  And, not only do our animals get terrific care, but they, and our staff,  are getting into great shape.  Watch Ryan run with the dogs!