ADOPTED!

Chambourcin, the terrific cat who visited my office a couple of weeks ago, who desperately needed a new name, was adopted!   For sure he will be given a name among lots of other new stuff -- a new bed, new bowls, and new people to love!   Our adoptions team is AWESOME.  

The League is hosting a special ADOPT-A-THON August 6th & 7th.  We will be placing lots of terrific cats, like Chambourcin, and wonderful dogs in permanent, loving homes around the clock.  If you've ever wondered what it is like to be in an animal shelter at midnight, next Saturday will be the time to find out!

From Devestation to Devotion

I just happened to walk by the medical center yesterday and saw a staff favorite in the waiting area with her forever home family.  Known as Cocuzzi at the League, she was one of the dogs who travelled from tornado stricken Alabama to D.C. in our brand new rescue truck.  I interrupted Dr. Shillito so I could ask for permission to post Jade's heartwarming update.  She said yes, so here it is.

Hey this is Jade from the Smith family, the people that adopted Kakoozie (we changed the spelling) and just want to give an update and keep in-touch! I would like to thank all of you so much! She is so happy and so are we! I sleep next to her every night and she loves her toys so much!  It seems like she was meant to be here! Thank you so much and I can`t even express those words enough. You are all so kind and really are so amazing! Kakoozie (Koozie) sorry but we tried to change it but we couldn't agree on a name so we kept it lol! She is such a smart girl and stays with us every second of the day!! Thank you so much Dr. Gary Weitzman and Mandy and everyone else there for everything!

Best Friends

Delia and Luna -- a post adoption hug!

Caring Kids Camp - Animals & Art was lots of fun.  Not only did the 17 campers produce exquisite arts and crafts (pictures on our website, www.warl.org), but I learned that one of my favorite dogs was adopted by a camper.   The dog, known as Naomi at the League, bares a striking resemblance to Nigel.   I visited her often in her den.   I heard that she was adopted by a lovely family, but did not meet them, nor did I see Naomi leave the shelter.  On the first day of camp, the incredibly artistic Delia told me that her recent adoptee, lovely Luna, was named Naomi at the shelter.   I was thrilled to learn that these two wonderful spirits are enjoying life together.   Thanks Delia and family for giving a beautiful black dog a loving home!

First Session of Caring Kids Camp Concludes

Masterpieces, that's what were created by our 17 campers during Caring Kids Camp Session 1 -- Animals and Art.   The compassionate campers designed busy boxes for the cats, adoption posters promoting cats and dogs, and created the most awesome paper mache' like animals ever seen in the Washington Animal Rscue League!  Pictures of the entire menagerie will be posted soon, but in the meantime, go to www.warl.org and click on flicker pictures to view photos from the first days of camp.

What's in a Name?

An office is an intersting place!

Meet a tabby cat without a name.  Well, that's not completely true.   It's hard naming every cat and dog who comes into the shelter; many of our animals end up with awesome names like Daisy Ann or Bradley while others are a bit of a stretch, like when we name animals after stuff.  Recently a whole slew of cats were named after wines --  not all wines lend themselves to good names.  Like Chambourcin -- what a mouth full.  He's the cat who is visiting my office.  He's a spectacular cat -- gorgeous, curious, affectionate.  Why has he not been adopted?  I think it's the name.   How do your pronounce Chambourcin?  I'm not even sure if I spelled it correctly.   It definitely does not lend itself well to high-pitched baby talk.   Since he's been investigating my office for the past hour, I've come up with several more fitting choices.  What about Stanley, Louis, Nat, Rutherford,  or Irving? 

Back Home from Missouri

When I pulled into the parking lot this morning I was surprised to see Lisa, one of the League's loyal volunteers, playing with a young beagle in the dog park.  It's not unusual to see a volunteer in the dog park with one of the dogs, but what surprised me was that the volunteer was Lisa.  She, along with three League staff members, had just spent more than a week in Joplin, Missouri.  The ASPCA was called in by the Joplin Humane Society to lead the emergency animal sheltering operation after the May 22 tornado decimated the community;  in turn, the ASPCA asked  the League and other organizations to come help with the care of the animals.  Lisa told me that the destruction in Joplin was beyond any possible description.  I really can't imagine what she saw and the nightmare that people continue living weeks after the twister hit.   She, however, was quick to point out  that there were  many emotional highs, especially when she was able to reunite an animal with a searching guardian.   Imagine losing everything you own and wondering if you would ever see your beloved animal companion again?   And, then, after days of searching, there he is at the makeshift shelter in the arms of a caring volunteer like Lisa!

Ice Cubes

I dropped a couple of ice cubes in Nigel's big water bowl this morning and next thing I knew Charlotte was trying her hardest to dig them out!!    They won't last.  It's so hot, even in the house -- with the air-conditioner set to 76 degrees -- it's like the Amazon.  Officially there are still s a couple of weeks until the beginning of summer.  The rising thermometer says AUGUST!   Keep animals in indoors.  Provide lots of cool fresh water -- with or without ice cubes! 

June is ADOPT a cat Month

 
 
 
True, June is National Adopt a Cat month.  BUT, every month, every week and every day are great times to adopt cats from the League.  Wish I could say that if every reader adopted one, or two cats, today, we'd be empty tomorrow.  If I said that, I'd be lying.   We would fill up again  immediately.   There are way too many WONDERFUL cats, and not nearly enough homes.   Lefty, one of my favorite cats, has been here for a very long time.  So has his nearly mirror image Chambourcin.   I'm partial to tabbies, but for some reason gray cats have really been vying for my attention lately.   Check out the pictures of Gumbo and Badgley.  And, the cat, who is a real heart-stealer, but a little shy is beaugtiful black and white, fluffy Yuri -- he's been here for a very, very long time.  It would be great if he was adopted today.  Trouble with lots of these guys is that they are not kittens.   Many folks want kittens.  And, we have lots of those, too.  And, those same cute little kittens will be full grown cats like Lefty, Chanbourcin, Gumbo, Badgley and Yuri in just a few months.   Check out all of the great cats on our website, warl.org.  Or better still, come visit.  Our airconditioning is working!

Happy Tabbies Remind Us that There are Real Life Happy Endings!

Nigel and I were visiting a fourth grade class this morning and met the guardian of two WARL adoptees.   Our terrific visit was made even better when I learned from the students' teacher that two of our former wards were happy and healthy in their forever home!  I asked for pictures of the content tabbies,  and no sooner had I gotten back to my desk, there they were -- Fannie and JoJ looking like extremely comfortable and content Siamese twins!

Here is a picture of our two cats from WARL. Fannie is older and as a kitten lived with the WARL cat director (I forget his name) and she loved to sleep under the ear of his dachshund; she has grown up to be very vocal and is the alpha kitty. Jojo is younger and came from New Orleans after Katrina (actually the group that was displaced from the FEMA trailers. She is pure New ‘Awlins and loves to eat and is very relaxed. I used to live in New Orleans, so she is special to us. They are great companions to each other and to us.

JoJo is a reminder of how an incredible tragedy can turn into nothing short of a miracle.  It was a miracle that so many animals survived Katrina, and it is truly a miracle that so many of the dogs and cats living in flood areas and communities recently destroyed by tornadoes are alive and well, albeit scared.  Several League staff members spent time in Missouri after the floods, then worked around the clock in Tuscaloosa setting up  a temporary shelter just days after the tornado devestation.  And, now, our dedicated staff are preparing to travel to Joplin, Missouri where they will help care for the animal survivors of the largest tornado ever recorded, attempt to reunite those animals with their guardians, and if need be bring them back to the League where they will find new forever homes.  

We have the most INCREDIBLE, WONDERFUL AND THOUGHTFUL STAFF.   And, we have some pretty special adopters too!

A Perfect Home for Papaya!

Papaya is doing very well. She is the perfect cat for us. She is so friendly.  Thank you for giving us Papaya.

We received this cute picture and happy update.  What a great home for a cat --  two girls of her own, toys galore, and a picture on this blog!   Looking forward to hearing more from Papaya in the future. 

Is Fantasy in Your Future

This is Fantasy.  The reason why her profile is so close to the camera lens is because she was standing on my lap when I took the picture.   I tried to have her stand several feet away from me, but she refused.    If there are typos in this posting, it is because Fantasy is on my lap and insisting on helping me write about her.   x7& htymmmk.mvewohjoooo.   That was her contribution.  She wants readers to know that xgkkue she is a teenage mother, a very good one at that.  She has been caring for her four daughters since their birth, nearly 8 weeks ago, and she is preparing for them to be adopted into loving permanent homes, AND she, too, is eager to have a real home, one where she can have her own computer cnodaiyre8ay y;-3.  If I could have gotten a full body picture you could see how skinny she is.  that's because she has been such a good mom, letting her kittens nurse around the clock -- no timed feedings for those babies. 

Stay-tuned for a Fantasy update.  Or better yet, come visit Fantasy and her family.

Happy Home Dispels Pit Bull Myth

If, as the saying goes, a picture is worth a 1,000 words, then this photo needs no narration.  However, I can't pass up the opportunity to include the touching email that accompanied this, and other photos, of Gryffiin, formerly Cherrios.

Gryffin (formerly Cheerios) is a phenomenal addition to our family! She is adjusting better than we could have ever expected and is the star of the neighborhood. She loves all dogs and all people, rolling around in the grass and sleeping in her beloved bean bag chair (especially on her person's lap). Her calm and gentle demeanor makes her a fantastic ambassador for her breed and has even inspired a few neighbors and friends to think about adopting a pit bull in the future. Thank you to WARL for blessing us with such an amazing dog!

How's that for terrific advertising!?

Best Friends



Chimi and Mr. Lewis dining together!

 What better way to conclude the Be Kind To Animals Week celebration than by sharing an adorable picture of an adoptee in his new home with his BFF-FOREVER! 

His new human BFF-FOREVER sent along this lovely note.

Thank you so much for bringing Chimi into our lives!!!!  He has been the best addition to our household. He is adjusting remarkably well and even gets along wonderfully with his brother, Mr. Louis. We are so glad that we were able to provide him with a loving home that he truly deserves.  Thank you for all that you do for the many animals like our beloved Chimi.

Amanda's heartfelt words are what makes celebrating animals and friendship and every day occurrence at the Washington Animal Rescue League.  Thanks Amanda and Mr. Louis for welcoming Chimi into your lives.

Be Kind to Animals Week Celebration -- with Poetry!

National Poetry Month 2011 may be over, but writing and reading poetry should be an every day activity.  Especially, when the poems celebrate Be Kind to Animals Week.
I missed seeing Takoma Education Campus 4th graders in April; we caught up today, the middle of BKTW, by visiting and writing Haiku poems.  Wish I had room to share them all!  Enjoy!!

Take Me Home
by Precious
The shelter has dogs.
The dogs are big and jumpy.
I love those small ones.


Nigel is Sad Because it's Raining
by Leslie
Please, rain go away.
Let Nigel visit this day.
Nigel don't be sad.

Nigel in School Because it Stopped Raining
by Lesilie
Cheer! the rain is gone.
Now Nigel can visit us.
Let's play with Nigel.

My Cat Ops
by Crescent
I have a good cat.
He fights the couch and shoe strings.
Ops wins the battle.

Lily
by Dania
Lily likes to play.
she is a really fun dog.
She is black anad white.

Dogs and Cats
by Gelila
Dogs and cats are nice.
They are so cute and friendly
They love you so much.

Nigel
by Vanessa
Loves dog treats and pats
Likes to go to school, see kids
Visit the classrooms

4th Graders Celebrate National Poetry Month and Animals with Haikus & Acrostics

Fourth graders in Ms. Sherk's class at West Education Center regularly enjoy visits from Nigel.  In celebration of National Poetry Month they wrote Haiku and Acrostic poems about Nigel, their animal friends, and animal care. Here are a sample of those poems.  Enjoy!!! 

P-up, he's ready for action.
U-p and down he goes around
M-onkey business
P-imity pum, he crashes
K-iddin' around, he's just a joke
I-n his mini house
N-obody loves him live me
    by Kobe

A-fast runner
L-ots of energy
F-ools around
E-ats his treats
S-weet as can be
S-uper loving
  by Julissa
 
My Dog
Faithy loves to eat
She jumps, plays, runs, eats, and sneaks
As cute as can be
  by Damia

Cruelty
Cruelty is bad
Stop hurting animals -- now
Love animals now
  by Gaby

Skyler
Smart, kind, yummy, fun
Likes to eat pears and apples
Run fast and play fair.
  by Amaya

Thunderstorms!

I used to love thunderstorms.  The bright lightening bolts illuminating the night sky followed by booming claps of thunder created natural entertainment -- that was until I lived with a dog who was deathly afraid of summer storms.  Ruth panicked so badly that, if no one was home, she'd actually break out of our house and race wildly in any direction trying to escape the storm.  Even years after Ruthie died, I have never been able to enjoy a summer storm like I did prior to living with a storm-phobic dog.  Ruth was a natural weather-caster.   Her internal Doppler radar system could predict a storm long before the first rain drop.  Blue skies did not fool Ruth -- if rain was on the way, she'd start shaking and hiding hours before the first rain drop fell. 

Many dogs are scared to death of storms.  And, unfortunately, according to a  2006 study conducted by Penn State veterinarians,  there is very little that guardians can do to comfort their anxious friends.  Holding a dog, contrary to popular belief, during a storm does very little, if anything at all, to lower the dog's level of anxiety.  The study concluded, that the only intervention, other than drugs, that might comfort a storm phobic dog, is the company of other dogs. Thunderstorm phobic dogs  living in multiple dog households were  not as anxious as storm phobic dogs who were living in only-dog households.   And, the dogs in multiple dog households seemed to recover from their heightened anxiety faster than those storm phobic only dogs.

With summer storm season approaching, people with fearful dogs may want to venture over to the League to visit with the many happy-go-lucky dogs who are anxioulsy waiting to help their potential fearful friends.

Beloved Author Writes Dog Poems With Her Daughter

I just got a copy of Patrica MacLachlan (Sarah Plain and Tall and lots of other wonderful books) and Emily MacLachlan's sweet dog poetry book, Once I Ate a Pie, 13 dogs tell-all-poems and according to the sticker on the book, Dog Approved -- very high praise.  Print date is 2006 -- sorry I've missed this charming collection for five years.

Only 12 more days in National Poetry Month.  Here's the title poem.  Mr. Beefy writes the title poem.  Enjoy!
I am not thin, but I am beautiful
When no one is looking,
I steal tubs of butter off the table.
I take them to the basement to eat in private
ONCE I ATE a PIE.

Don't be shy -- is there a dog or cat that you can write a poem about?  How about writing a poem from that animal's perspective? 

Wonderful Willie!

Max & Willie

Nearly 14-years-ago, my friend Kathy decided to adopt a dog.   Not just any dog, but a special dog.  The dog had to get along with Rebecca, Kathy's four-year old daughter.  When Willie moved in there was no question who he would get along with -- Rebecca, and just about everyone else.  

Willie died tonight.  I know Rebecca, nearly 18, is sad, very sad.  I know, too, that her mom, Kathy, is hurting.  Willie was there through good times and bad.  He was the ultimate cheerleader.  If dogs could smile, Willie's grin would have been plastered across his face 24/7.  

Willie was a little under a year old when Kathy met him at the D.C. animal control facility.  I can't remember how he got there.  He was one of those dogs that made you wonder out loud how could anyone give up such a sweet little guy.   He loved Kathy and Rebecca with every bone in his body.  They loved him at least as much, if not more.  Willie was a little dog with a big, generous heart that, sadly gave out today.   We'll miss you Willie.

A Responsible Animal Care Poem for YOU!

Jingles
by Peggy Archer


Wobbles new people have surely
put tags on that collar by now.
In fact, Wobbles has probably
outgrown that collar
 and has a new one with tags.

 from the book Name that Dog -- Puppy Poems from A to Z

Tags for  his house number.
Tags for his phone.
Shot tags
shaped like a bone.
Tags for his dog license
one every year.
Jingle! Jingle!
Dog tags
tell you when he's near.

Vote for Vixen!

Vixen lounging near her favorite
window in her forever home!

Only four more days to vote for the League in the ASPCA's Challenge to Save Lives grant opportunity.  Money awarded to the League will go directly to our adoptions program.  Help us place more wonderful animals in permanent loving homes.   If you viewed our adoptable dogs a few months ago you would have run across Vixen, a cute, fluffy Chow mix up.  Here's an update from her forever home!

[Here's] a photo of Vixen in front of her favorite window. It looks down on the street so she can watch the neighbors and their dogs pass by. Vixen prefers to be outside meeting them in person,
but watching them is the next best thing.

Thanks to Juanishia and all the other staff who took care of Vixen and helped my family adopt her. Vixen adds so much love to our lives, our happiness meters have all jumped up since she arrived.

Help the League jump start more happiness meters, please votes.  Post the link on facebook pages, email the link to friends and family, spread the word.  Click here http://challenge.aspcapro.org/vote-your-shelter

VOTE --ASPCA CHALLENGE! Read the Inspirational Update Below

Joia before she had a bed to store her toys!

I've been meaning to share this sweet story for some time now.  And, since we are deep into the ASPCA Challenge to Save Lives with just five days of voting left, I thought that today would be perfect to post a very happy story.  Enjoy! 

Two Month Update!   I adopted "Carmela" ... and I have come to learn that I did not rescue her but she rescued me. She truly is my best little buddy and it has been such a joy watching her personality develop and she has really come into her own. Matter of fact, her name is now Joia... Italian for Joy because not only does she have the cutest little way of jumping for Joy but she has brought me tons of it!

Joia has been such a blessing. We go to the small dog park and she has tons of fun playing with her new friends. She also has met a bunch of other dogs and has become quite the hostess in having puppy play dates at her new home. She is also in her second week of doggy school and is a star pupil- she picks up everything so fast- she is so smart and eager to please! She is fierce at tug of war and is very proud every time she "kills" one of her stuffed animals :) Her favorite toy is her tug of war rope and she likes to sleep with her pinky bear in the human's bed- she has a dog bed that is now just used to store all of her toys because she finds the memory foam people bed much more suited to her liking :)

I just want to thank you all for the wonderful work you do and let you know about TWO more lives that you have made better!

MAKE A DIFFERENCE -- Help Save Lives and Vote for the Washington Animal Rescue League!

Everyone at the League is working hard to qualify for a chance to win the ASPCA’s $100K Challenge, and we need your help. All you have to do is vote for the League online once a day, every day, until Friday, April 15. It only takes a second, and thousands of animal lives can be saved and improved. Just click here http://challenge.aspcapro.org/vote-your-shelter to be connected to the ASPCA's site.  If we are one of the top 50 organizations, we will be eligible to compete for $100,000 and place more animals in loving, forever homes. 

There's just one week left to vote.  Please ask your friends and family to vote, too.  Every vote counts!

 

Thanks so much for helping! Your daily click will help animals like Apple, Yogi and Achilles pictured here! 

Micky & Merl Getting Checked Out

Merl peeks around the desk in my office. 
He's not very happy to be here.

Micky likes being in the office.  He has
no problem cat-napping before his
appointment in the medical center.

Enough rambling about rambunctious little Charlotte. The older guys in the house need attention, too. And, not just cuddle-time; they need more veterinary care than Charlotte. Micky and Merl are hanging in my office today since both are going to be examined by Dr. Rosen later today. Nothing is wrong, just slowing down, getting older. And, neither Mick nor Merl can tell me what, if anything, ails them. So, Dr. Rosen will poke, prod and ask me lots of questions. "Are they eating?" Yes. "Are the throwing up?" Yes. "Which one?" Not sure, probably Merl. And, since I'm not as observant as I could be, Dr. Rosen will have to use other tools of the veterinary profession to investigate further. Both cats will have blood drawn. And both cats will probably have their urine checked. Neither cat will cooperate, both will have to be held down.  But, when it's over, I'll know if they need anything extra to keep them healthy so they feel up to keeping Charlotte in line.

Spring Kittens Grow Into Winter Cats

Chickory is a good mom

Shelters know spring has sprung a few weeks before the first crocus has bloomed.  Kittens -- a telltale sign of spring, summer and fall.  Our three lobby windows are filled kittens, including this litter and their mom.  Our cat room is just as packed -- with cats.  Kittens grow up to be cats.  Quickly.  In less than a year.  And, some of the cats in our cat room were here as kittens and then returned to us as full grown cats.  Sure, we would much rather have people return animals to us than discard them some other way.  But, I'd like to remind every potential adopter, every person who oogles at a kitten and implusively takes one --  or two -- home, that cats are not goldfish.  An indoor cat lives to to be 15 or more.   Potential adopters who are smitten with kittens may want to consider providing a MOM cat a forever home, or think about adopting a couple of our full-grown returned cats.  I'm reminded regularly, when Charlotte bites my ear at 2:00 a.m., that kittens may be entertaining, but they also like to be entertained at odd hours.

Caring Kids Create Crafts for Cats!

Atessa and Neeknaz test their fancy cat dancers with one playful kitty.

Say that five times fast -- Caring Kids Create Crafts for Cats! -- five times .   Neeknaz and Atessa are spending a week helping the animals at the League.   Through their school's minimester the friends have spent the week helping staff with administrative duties, learning about dog training, and socializing cats and dogs.  They also spend their mornings before their volunteer hours and their afternoons hours after their League time baking dog biscuits, designing and constructing cat dancers and catnip toys, and holding a bake sale to benefit the animals!   Their dedication and strong work ethic has made their week whiz by; staff -- and animals -- will miss them when they go back to a regular school day after spring break!  Thanks Neeknaz and Atessa.

A Busy Monday -- Pit Bull Spay/Neuter Day



Shawn and his buddy, Cocoa,

wait to check into the

free spay/neuter pit bull day

hosted on the second Monday

of every month.  Look at the smile

on that dog!







King, a kissy-face 8-month-old pit bull pup, plants a wet one on Sean's face as they wait to check into the clinic.  King is a lucky dog.  His guardian really cares!



Today is Albert Einstein's birthday.  It's also the League's monthly FREE pit bull spay-neuter day.  What does the League's pit bull spay-neuter day have in common with Albert Einstein?  They are both really, really smart -- Albert Einstein was a smart man with great ideas and spaying or neutering your animal companion is a smart idea.   Spaying or neutering your dog or cat is not only the right thing to do, but it shows that you know how much healthier your cat or dog will be post surgery.  That makes you really smart -- just like Einstein.  Spaying or neutering reduces or eliminates the possibility of reproductive system diseases.  It also reduces an animal's urge to roam, making him less likely to get lost, injured or become a victim of abuse.  And, it shows that your Einstein-like action is helping to end animal suffering.    It is estimated that there are 6-8 million homeless animals entering animal shelters every year.  That exorbitant number doesn't even begin to reflect all of the stray, feral and cast-off animals who never make it to a shelter.  Twenty-one pit bulls were spayed or neutered today at the League's FREE spay/neuter day.   None of those dogs will be contributing to the animal overpopulation crisis.  I'm sure that Albert Einstein would agree that those are some pretty smart people who took advantage of a pretty smart idea.  The next FREE spay/neuter day is set for Monday, April 11th. 

The Cruelest Show on Earth -- Coming Soon, but for a Very Limited Stay

I began attending circus protests more than 25 years ago.  One circus after another rolled into D.C. and stayed, for what seemed like, forever.  Each  exploited wild animals all in the name of "entertainment."  In 1995 Newt Gingrich,  then speaker of the House, and other members of Congress celebrated the 175th anniversary of the Ringling Brothers Circus on the lawn of the Capitol.   I was there nearby along with a bus load of DCPS students.  We peacefully protested the mistreatment of circus animals.  Students wore shirts with SAVE -- Students Against Violent Entertainment -- emblazoned across their chests, waved posters depicting chained elephants and bears in tutus, and chanted "Ho Ho, Stop the Abuse, Ringling Brothers has got to GO". 

They went, but  after their run.  And, they came back.     Ringling Brothers comes to the area at the same time year after year.  They know, however, that they are definitely wearing out their welcome.  Ringling Brothers, with their Greatest Show On Earth signed traveling trailers filled with chained elephants and caged lions, tigers, and bears, and an assortment of  exotic animals pulls into town.  But, I know that their business has dropped off.  It used to be that that circus took up residence at  the D.C. Armory for two or more weeks.  This year they are advertising just nine performances over four days at the Verizon Center.  AND sales of those show tickets are heavily discounted through ticket brokers.  

People are getting it.  Young people especially.  The Birney Elementary School students who, in 1997, helped the Humane Society of the United States create the video, Behind the Big Top, The Real Life of Circus Animals, are now adults.  Those students who took their campaign against cruelty it to the streets for lawmakers, passersby and news crews to see are now adults.  Kids who have grown up watching Discovery and Nature videos are now adults, too.  And, these young adults know the truth,  and will NOT pay to watch animal abuse.  They are going to end it.   And, they may even be the ones passing  out leaflets depicting the truth about circus animals in front of the Verizon Center March 24 27.



Home! 

I am always amazed at how resilient animals are.  Why would a cat, who was confined and horribly mistreated in a laboratory, walk right out of the carrier and explore the exam room in a veterinary hospital?  Eyot, one of the cats rescued from the Professional Laboratory and Research Services, Inc. (PLRS) in Gates County, North Carolina in September and brought to the League, did just that.    On a recent trip to Friendship Hospital for Animals, Eyot walked in and out of her cage curiously exploring the exam room.  Most cats, including mine, try to blend in with the carrier rather than venture out of their safe enclosure.  Could Eyot's self confidence have anything to do with her former life?  Is it possible that she knew that her recent trip to the vet was all good, and that her kind caregiver would, of course, take her back home?    After all, Eyot, reports her adopter is the "queen of the house and into everything."

Less than 6 months ago more than  200 animals, including this stunning black and white beauty, were relinquished from the facility after the release of undercover videos and testimony documenting neglect and cruel conditions of the animals in their care.  (Read the Washington Examiner article about the rescue -- http://www.examiner.com/animal-welfare-in-washington-dc/from-research-labs-to-dogfighting-rings-warl-welcomes-abused-animals).