It's our birthday! 

The year of celebration begins today at 12 noon.  

A Four Tissue Heartbreaking Story

 Buddy, by M. H. Herlong, was my St. Patrick's Day snow read.  I had to encourage Merl to get off of my lap twice so I could get more tissues.  This is a powerful story about love, loss, friendship, family, disaster, pain, recovery and so much more.  In 2005 the mighty Hurricane Katrina nearly wiped out the city of "brotherly love."  It wasn't just the initial hit of the storm, but the decay of the infrastructure that lead to the evacuation of approximately 1.5 million people from their homes.  Nearly 2,000 people died in Louisiana as result of the storm, and scores more were killed  in  neighboring states.  Many others were still missing weeks after the waters receded..

Less than a decade later, M.H. Herlong writes a punch-in-your gut story about a boy, Lil'T and  a three-legged dog, Buddy.  Lil'T's ' Buddy.   Needless to say it is a story of lost and found.  Nothing in this book is easy.  Even Lil'T's chance meeting with the dog is painful.   The stray dog is struck by the car Lil'T's dad is driving to church.  The congregation rallies to pay for the dog's medical expenses, and in turn, it is because of Buddy that a congregant is helped by Lil'T.  

Lil'T and his family are poor before the hurricane and  totally wiped out after the disaster.  But they have each other, their faith, and their unwavering determination to persevere.  That resolve is what keeps Lil'T working to get Buddy back, long, long after the levees broke.  

Be forewarned.  It's not exactly a happy ending, but the right ending.  Buddy was the perfect snow read to devour with Merl on my lap, Nigel by my feet and Charlotte being Charlotte -- getting into trouble.

SNOW AGAIN!

Happy Snowy St. Patrick's Day to all.  Wear your green pjs in the house and pet your dog and cuddle your cat.  Three days until the first day of spring and there is a fresh, thick blanket of snow on the ground.  Again!  How many snow days this year?  Will students be in school in July?  Charlotte ran out onto the screened-in porch last night.  She loves watching the huge flakes take hold of the screen and cover  all of the brown.  She even likes to scurry in the dusting that makes it through the screen, onto the porch.  But, she doesn't do that for long. Just a  few minutes and she's back inside, on a chair, under the heat vent.  

A Snow Day Read -- Cover-to-Cover

The two best things about snow days are being home with Nigel, Merl, and Charlotte, and having a good book to read cover-to-cover.   That's what I did Monday, I read Joan Bauer's heartfelt and heartbreaking novel for middle readers, Almost Home.  The dog, Shush,  an important supporting character, is a constant reminder of the power of the human-animal bond.
Good Reads succinctly encapsulates the book, When twelve-year-old Sugar's grandfather dies and her gambling father takes off yet again, Sugar and her mother lose their home in Missouri. They head to Chicago for a fresh start, only to discover that fresh starts aren't so easy to come by for the homeless. Nevertheless, Sugar's mother has taught her to be grateful no matter what, so Sugar does her best. With the help of a rescue dog, Shush; a foster family; a supportive teacher; a love of poetry; and her own grace and good humor, Sugar comes to understand that while she can't control the hand life deals her, she can control how she responds.

It's a good summary, but it doesn't highlight the heart, truths, and emotional roller-coaster that makes Almost Home an ideal snow-day read.   Sugar Mae Cole, the narrator/protagonist acquaints readers with her dead grandfather, King Cole, through his writings -- he left behind an autobiography complete with all sorts of King Cole-isms, email exchanges with her beloved 6th grade teacher Mr. B, and her own poetry,including a poem about her father that was written in response to the prompt, write a stirring paragraph on one way you have seen persuasion misused.... Sugar's poem begins -
There are people in our lives we cannot trust
One of those people in my life is my father.
That poem sets the stage for a sequence of events that spins Sugar's life out of control.   There are many folks who are rooting for Sugar Mae Cole.  But, all of the support, including that from Shush, the little dog who was formerly kicked when he barked and spooked by just about everything, does not offer what is most important to a 12-year-old -- stability.  As the pieces start coming together, Reba, Sugar's mother, tells her, "You go out there, Miss sugar, and show'em what it means to be sweet."   In spite of all that life tosses her way, Sugar is filled with sweetness.  But, she is  also got a tenacious pre-teen who, in the words of Mr. B, is Exceedingly Courageous and Insightful.
I sat in my rocking chair Monday, looked over at Merl snoozing in the sunshine, wrapped my fleece blanket around me and  enjoyed Almost Home -- a nice snow day treat.

Neighboring Students Adopt WARL

Capital City Public Charter School (CCPCS) students care about animals.   And, they want their school community to know that their neighbor, the Washington Animal Rescue League, could  use their help.  Ms. Gillig, Ms. Korinek and Ms. Downer's 5th grade classes have spent the semester learning about why animals end up in shelters .  The students want to make the animals' stay as comfortable as possible, so they are  making toys for the animals and collecting items for the shelter.  Signs are posted throughout the school announcing the collection and Ms. Gillig's class is experimenting with various braids to create the best tug toys ever.  
There is just one problem  -- kids don't go to school much these days.   Another snow day!   And, by looking out the window, I'm guessing that this is going to be another very, very short week.  Ms. Korinek and Ms. Downer's students had a big day planned for today -- they were scheduled to tour the League at lunch time.  We will have to reschedule their visit.  And although the shelter, like schools, is closed today, the very dedicated WARL animal care staff is busy caring for the cats and dogs.
Thank you CCPCS kids and teachers for raising awareness.  And thank you amazing coworkers for being THERE for the animals!!  I bet there are a number of WARL volunteers helping out, too.   Our volunteers are the BEST!!!!

A Good Deed that Grows and Grows.....

"You have to see all of the donations, " a co-worker told me.  The bags of towels, blankets, and items from our wish list, including books for kids and hedge clippers for our garden  came from Bella's birthday celebration. Two  carloads full of donations were unloaded  in front of the shelter on Saturday.  
I asked Bella's mom how they were able to collect so much stuff!  She explained  that  Bella decided to continue a tradition this year that her mom started 4 birthdays ago requesting donations for homeless cats and dogs instead of traditional birthday gifts.  In addition, Bella's mom decided to involve the entire Francis Scott Key Elementary School community in the effort.  She asked the  Community Service Committee to announce a donation drive for the animals. She suggested items and even included a link to WARL's wishlist.    For three weeks families brought much-needed items to the school.   Helping animals is a long-held family value -- Bella's grandmother is a veterinarian.  If Bella doesn't follow in her footsteps, perhaps she will grow up to be a shelter director. Thank you Bella and family and friends, and the entire Key community for helping us to help the animals! 

WARL Animals Benefit from Generous Kids!

Audrey, Elise, & their friend Rebecca

 Presents are a big part of birthday celebrations.  When twins, Audrey and Elise, invited guests to their party they had a present request -- instead of bringing gifts for the girls, friends were asked to bring gifts for the animals at WARL.   On Sunday, they, along with their friend Rebecca, delivered two bulging bags of toys & treats for the cats and dogs.  Providing enrichment for shelter animals is key to keeping them comfortable while they are awaiting their forever homes. 
     This is not the first time that Elise and Audrey thought of the animals.  They, along with neighborhood friends, raised $171 at a summer lemonade stand a couple of years ago.  

Ari & Dori

     Brothers, Ari & Dori, also visited the League on Sunday.  Each boy had a contribution of his own.  The young philanthropists  participate in an on-going savings plan -- each boy saves a portion of  his  weekly allowance  to help others.  Not only did they choose to help the animals at the League, but they were able to double their donations with a matching grant from their parents!  
      Thank you Audrey, Elise, Ari & Dori!

Happy Valentine's Day

My Valentine wrapped up!

My lovable pooch is liking this weather less and less.  This morning he flew off the ice-encrusted steps, did what he needed to, and then did his best to hurry back up the steps and dash inside, where he will remain until I force him to take another potty break.   The salt trucks came through.  No walks for Nigel!  Maybe not until June!  More snow tonight.

SNOW!!!

Ten inches in my front yard this morning.   Nigel is lucky to be a big dog.  A smaller dog would have had a harder time relieving himself.  We tried walking down the street early this morning -- kids were already being pulled on sleds, neighbors constructed an igloo.  I was curious to see the snowmen that had sprouted up.  The roads were totally car-less.  It was a good time to walk.  Nigel, however, was interested in going home.   He lifted his leg once, pooped fast, and made a mad bee-line for home.  Walking in the salt sprinkled road of recent storms was tough, but Nigel used to like to gallop in the  heavily-packed snow from big storms several years ago.  Not this time.  Age is catching up with Nigel.  Snoozing on a purple rug, under a heat vent is his idea of a perfect snow day!
Meanwhile Charlotte, who loves to try to escape out the front door, did just that.   Three seconds into her mad-dash  she made a quick u-turn and bolted into the house.   Freezing wet stuff on her soft pink pads was not to be.  
And, in case you are wondering -- the shelter animals are safe and warm thanks to the incredible dedicated WARL staff and volunteers!!

An Animal Tale and a Young Girl's Journey

Snow days are enjoyed best with a good book  and a cat on your lap. Today, I enjoyed both .  Merl kept me warm as a read Angela Cervantes new novel, Gaby, Lost and Found (Scholastic 2013) from cover to cover.  Merl even moved up a little on my chest as I sniffed and dabbed my eyes at certain parts of the fast-moving novel.   This book, however, is not a tearjerker from cover to cover -- it's insightful, funny, hopeful, and at times, sad.  Gaby Ramirez Howard, the strong Latina protagonist, volunteers as  the adoption advertisement "scribe" for the Furry Friends Animal Shelter. Her involvement starts as just a 6th grade service project, but becomes much more.   The cast-off animals, through no fault of their own, are looking for their forever homes, and before long Gaby realizes that she is too.   At the shelter Gaby meets animals that are abused, neglected and abandoned.  The young cute ones are adopters'  favorites.  Cervantes must have real life animal shelter experience, because she paints an accurate  picture of the common throw-away society that shelter staff see every day.   Her depiction of life as an illegal immigrant is probably right-on-the-mark too.  When the story opens we learn that Gaby's mother was deported 3 months earlier; Gaby is eagerly awaiting her mother's return -- any day now she thinks.   Life is rarely that simple.  The  book's supporting cast, Alma, Marcos, Enrique, Dr. Vilalabos (super-cool, tattooed veterinarian), Mr . and Mrs. Gomez, and the assorted shelter animals, add spirit and life to the  220 page book that hooks the reader from  Gaby's very first encounter with an ornery Siamese cat on page one, to the last page that unites Gaby with an abandoned tabby cat.  Add this book to your library, give it as a gift, read it more than once.  

One Happy Kitty!

Meet Jubilee.   Not only is she adorable and very sweet, but she is SO HAPPY to be living in Kitty City at the Washington Animal Rescue League.  For months, we saw the petite female cat running in the alley behind the shelter.  Guys s in a neighboring garage said that they were feeding her.  They also said that they let her in the garage.  But, on the night that the arctic air gripped  the area, I'm certain that she hunkered down somewhere outside.  She was sitting on top of a car when I got to the League the next morning.  And, although she tended to allude human touch for some time, she let me pet her -- a lot.  And then, she walked right into a cat carrier that Lauren set in front of her.   A can of food was n the bac kof the carrier to lure her in, but she didn't care much about the food on  that very cold morning.   Closing the carrier quickly we brought her inside.  Our assumption was that she was feral.  She not only is not feral, but she as lovable as she can be. Jubilee has been spayed, vaccinated, thoroughly checked out, and is waiting patiently for a forever home.   In  the meantime she is relishing her regular meals and her cozy hiding post inside her very own heated condo! Welcome to WARL, Jubilee

Cat on the Table

According to weather.com it is currently 13 degrees and feels like negative 2.   That's cold.  Like everyone in much of the U.S. this morning, I was freezing while running the short distance from my home to the car, despite wearing lots of layers under my heavy coat.  Nigel, with just his every day black Labrador retriever coat, seemed invigorated by the frigid air.  Even so, we were not about to stay outside for more than a minute.  The drastically low temperatures are not safe for us or our animal companions.   If you see an animal outside in the cold, report it immediately to the local animal control or welfare agency. 

In the District of Columbia (202) 576-6664 

In Montgomery County, Maryland (240) 773-5960

In Prince Georges' County, Maryland  (301) 780-7201

In Fairfax County, Virginia 703-691-2131

If you see a person outside in the cold  needing immediate help, please call the Hypothermia Hotline at 1 (800) 535-7252.  No one should be in these record-breaking arctic temperatures for long.

So, why the picture of Buzz (formerly Billy Elliot) sitting regally on the dining room table in his forever home?  I was combing through recent adoption photos and this picture just leaped out at me.  Nothing better on a cold day than enjoying the company of an animal companion in a warm home. 

Life Cut Short

Hachi, the beloved companion of Javier and Dana died right before Christmas.   I've been thinking a lot about what I could write  to honor the mild-mannered dog who barely survived life in a horribly overcrowded hoarding situation in Ohio.  I could recount how, after his rescue, he was shut down and depressed while  WARL staff and volunteers tried to lure him out of his deep funk.  But why dwell on the horror.  His last two years were spent in total bliss.   He was doted on, loved unconditionally, and freed from his past the minute Javi saw the pretty blond Akita mix, formerly known as Encore. "That's Hachi," Javi told his mom.  And, so he was.  I've  written about Hachi before -- when Javi made Hachi the star of his Old Yeller video book report and when Hachi moved with Dana and Javi to China in August  2012.  While some people use moving as an excuse to get rid of an animal, Dana wrote, "Hachi is off on a new adventure. I'm worried about the stress of the trip, I've gotten us a direct flight from Washington to Beijing, and Hachi will fly on the same flight. After a 7-day mandatory quarantine, he'll be ready to come to his new home."

My heart aches for Javi and Dana. Dana wrote,  Despite a successful fight against the lymphoma, yesterday we discovered a malignant tumor in his mouth that seemed to have affected his bones. As of this morning, he couldn't walk or stand on his own. We had no choice. We spent the day by his side. We were fortunate to find a wonderful doctor who came to our home. He was in his bed and our arms until the end. Only a couple of hours before, he found some energy to play with his toy and smile for us (see attached). Even during his own suffering, he was more worried about us and making us happy. We are grieving and heartbroken, but thankful for the love we shared. Thank you so much WARL for rescuing him. We thought we would have more than two years with him, but are so grateful for what we had.

I am  grateful to Dana and Javi for giving a very deserving dog a wonderful life, albeit much too short.    I am at a loss for words.

Dear Santa.... A Home for the Holidays would be Appreciated -- Greatly!

A cat chowing down in front of you is a very good sign.  That means the cat is super relaxed and does not feel threatened by your presence.  At least that's what I think it means.  Munch, a staff favorite, ate his entire breakfast in front of me.  I was trying to get a photo of his sweet face, but I got tired of waiting for him to finish eating.  He wasn't even bothered by my cajoling and moving his dish from side to side to try to get the shot I wanted.  This patient guy has been waiting for a forever home for sometime.   I never did get the picture I wanted, but Munch did finish his kibble.   It would be great if he could move out and eat all of his meals  in a permanent home,  if not by Christmas...at least by the new year.

The Best Way to Spend a Snow Day -- With a Book & a Cat!

Snow days make excellent reading days. That's how I read Yona Zeldis McDonough's the Cats in the Doll Shop (Puffin 2011) book from cover to cover and recommend it to any third, fourth or fifth grader who cares about animals and is interested in life from long ago.  Maybe that's too narrow.  Anyone who enjoys a good story -- one with suspense, conflict, family and cats -- should love this book.  Especially if they are able to sit with their own cat on their lap (in my case Merl) and read it in one sitting.  Readers will root for Anna, and her immigrant cousin Tania and worry about Ginger Cat and Plucky.  Readers may wonder about Plucky's leg -- while the kitten's leg appears to "fall off" in the story, more than likely the broken leg became lame and the little cat managed fine without being able to use it.  Readers will undoubtedly  want to report the mean mustachioed man to the authorities and testify at his animal cruelty trial.   The story is set in the early 1900s.  Life was much different then for people and animals.   Be sure to read the timeline at the end of the story. An interesting addition to the timeline would have been the establishment of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), on April 10, 1866 in New York City by philanthropist and diplomat Henry Bergh. 

Snow, Sleet and Slush Makes for Messy Paws and a Short Walk!

 

Yesterday's storm closed some schools, delayed openings at others, and created a slushy mess for dogs who enjoy their daily walks.  Nigel loves to romp in piles of the white fluffy stuff.  But what fell yesterday must have felt like cold pins and needles on his bare feet.  After passing just a few houses  Nigel was raising his left front paw and hobbling like he was trying his best to finish a three-legged race!  Once home, we bathed all four feet in warm water and dried him off and spent the majority of the day inside wishing for a real snow, one with lots and lots of measurable inches.   And, we may get just that.  TOMORROW!

Nigel, not exactly thrilled with the
results of the December 8th storm.

No one should be out in the cold or snow for any length of time.    Humane officers work around the clock.  Report any cases of animals left outside to your local animal control or humane agency.  You can also do your part to help keep animal companion safes during winter storms.  Choose to put out "Safe Paws" or kitty litter rather than salt to help melt snow and/or create traction on sidewalks.  And, get in the habit of bopping  on the car hood before getting in and going for a ride.  Car engines make warm sleeping spots for cats left outdoors.  Remember, animals, like us, may enjoy playing in the snow for a short time.   But, for the most part, the best place to be a cold wintery day is inside. 

 

Weathercasters Trump Santa

WARL's holiday open house has been postponed until Sunday, December 15th.    Drink hot chocolate, bake cookies and keep those animal companions warm and safe inside.  Let it snow!!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow -- but Not on Sunday!

 Santa is scheduled to stop by the Washington Animal Rescue League on Sunday, so dogs (maybe a cat or two), kids, and even adults can deliver their Christmas lists in person.   He reports that he will have no problem trekking in, even if the predicted wintery mix makes mush out of our city streets.  After all, Santa resides in the North Pole and, I just happen to know that  he has access to a Subaru!  It may be, however,  that some of the folks who might bring their dogs and kids to the event have a harder time making it across town.  Be sure to check with the League Sunday morning to see if Santa can postpone his visit to another, perhaps dryer day. 

The bitter cold wet weather predicted  for this weekend is a reminder that it is DECEMBER after all -- even if the thermometer read 68 degrees yesterday.  December, and the months that follow are COLD.  Be sure to take cold weather precautions with your animal companions.  Keep cats indoors.  Walk dogs a reasonable amount of time -- don't leave them outside unattended.  Put a coat on your dog if you want,  but the main thing is to be aware of the temperature.  If you are cold, your animal companion probably is, too!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am thankful to work with so many wonderful adults and students who care deeply about animals.  Linda H., from our behavior and training department, introduced visitors from the  Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington's Clubhouse 14 to Casio, a very young pup.  The students were calm and nurturing; and in just seconds, they had this little guy eating out of their hands!  The puppy, the last of a litter of five, loved snuggling with the students.   The fluffy spaniel mix should be in his new home for Thanksgiving.   For those who are left behind, incredibly devoted and nurturing WARL staff and volunteers will be here caring for the cats, dogs, kittens, and puppies.

Pipe Cleaners as Cat Toys and ART!

Cats love pipe cleaner toys.  Trolling on the web this morning I found someone who creates animal art out of pipe cleaners.  If you haven't seem California based artist, Lauren Ryan's, polar bear and other critters,  check them out --
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6j3cY3dPk2U.   I was amazed and inspired.  I picked up a pipe cleaner and made a wiggly worm and tested it in the cat room. Neither Piper nor Mau Mau were particularly interested in playing with the toy or admiring my artistic skills.  They  both, however, are extremely interested in  finding forever homes. 

 

PAWS Provides Assistance in Tacloban

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society PAWS is on the ground in Tacloban providing disaster relief.  Updates on the devastating conditions and the group's efforts to help survivors from the deadly Typhoon Haiyan are reported on www.paws.org.ph/. 

Tis the Season for Everyone to Limit the Junk Food!

This is Enchantment.  He is one big dude!   Enchantment has no self-control, especially when it comes to chowing down on junk food.   And, that's apparently what he did in his previous home.  He ate and ate and ate.  An overweight cat is not a healthy cat.  Our medical staff has this sweetie pie on a diet -- nothing but, bland, low calorie food for him.  And, exercise -- he's suppose to get plenty of it.  For right now he is living in one of my coworkers' office.  That way, he has a little more space to stretch out and move.  Hopefully, someone will adopt him soon.  Preferably, someone with stairs in their home.  Up and down steps several times a day would be great exercise for this portly guy.  Enchantment has a very pretty face and four snow white boots.  He loves to be brushed.  With a little help from his WARL weight loss coaches, we believe  that, before long, he'll be modeling a lean new look that will keep him healthy and happy in his forever home for years to come. 

Altruism for Animals

In  just one week three groups of students showered the League's animals with gifts.   It started when Beth El Synagogue's kindergarten class collected $$, linens, and paraphernalia  for the animals.  They also created bold works of art that brightened staff's day.  A Junior Girl Scout troop toured the shelter later  in the week.  They brought lots of homemade toys for the animals.  And, yesterday, Temple Shalom families made their annual pilgrimage to learn about the League's mission.  They carted in two huge boxes of congregation-made toys and other things for the animals.  Thanks everyone!

Dog Toys!!!!!

Nigel approves of the many toys that were distributed in the kennels yesterday to all of the dogs who love squeakers , squishies and cuddly plush animals.   Don't the toys look like they could have come right out of the stuffed animal aisle at Toys R Us or off of my daughter's bed?  They could have.  They are all "kid" toys that our wonderful volunteer, Kathy, miraculously converted into dog toys.  

She took off the swallowable eyes and accessories, opened them up and added squeakers and cracklers to their stuffed bellies and limbs, before sewing them up and christening them dog-ready .  Some of the totally recycled dog toys have three or four squeakers, others have squeakers and empty water bottles.    The menagerie of bears, bunnies, frogs, and other critters made for hours of fun for shelter dog.  Nigel, on the other hand, preferred a quiet nap on his bed in my office.  Creating dog toys out of discarded stuffed animals would be a GREAT project for scout troops, service clubs, and religious classes looking to help the animals at the League.  Toys with beans don't work, but those toys packed with cotton and batting can be made dog-ready by anyone with a needle and thread!  Thank you Kathy!!

Things I Learned on the Way to Other Things

I don't remember what I was looking up.  I think it was, "when is National Adopt A Shelter Dog Month,."  But during my search I found this headline, Diver’s sea creature find is ‘discovery of a lifetime'. The l18-foot-long oarfish was discovered Sunday afternoon by Jasmine Santana, a marine science instructor at the Catalina Island Marine Institute. The article described  the oarfish was dead but its slender, snake-like body was intact, another reminder that the world is a very big place inhabited by many wonderful and unique creatures.   I don't expect to see an oarfish in real life, but I did see a moose a long time ago. He was a gigantic, magnificent fellow.   The typically, slow-lumbering moose weighs in at more than 1,000 pounds, a few reaching even 1,800-2,000 pounds.   Once a fairly common resident in a number of U.S. states the moose, also known as the largest deer, may not be such a common site in the future.   Another article I stopped at  was a New York Times piece, Moose Die-Off Alarms Scientists, http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/15/science/earth/something-is-killing-off-the-moose.html?_r=0,  The article claims that many factors are contributing to the rapidly declining moose population, including climate change.     The article  reminded me of a book I read when my daughter was little, A Moose for Jessica, the true story of a cow who falls for a moose!    People traveled to Vermont from all over the world to see the cross-species love-struck  couple.  By the way my search did lead me to discover that,  October  IS  National Adopt A Shelter Dog Month and we have lots of great shelter dogs waiting to be adopted. 

Left & Lonely!

It was nearly 90 degrees Sunday afternoon.   I decided to seek refuge from the heat in an air-conditioned movie theatre in downtown Silver Spring.  This poor pup, dressed in his best black-terrier coat,  was not getting a reprieve from the beating sun.  He was tied to a lamp-post while his person, presumably,  as reported by a bystander,  went to have lunch at the corner Panera.  The dog tugged and whimpered.  One passerby brought him a bowl of water, another stroked him for a bit and tried to calm his anxiousness with soothing words. Several people knelt down and gave him a quick pat before continuing on.   I watched as  a small crowd of people asked each other what should they do, and wondered, What if the dog wasn't a cute little Toto-look-alike?  What if he was a big, strapping pit bull lunging to get free? I also questioned why would the dog's person think that, being tied to a lamp-post in summer-like heat, on a busy road, would be an enjoyable outing for a dog?  Regardless, a cute terrier or a stocky pit bull, a tied up dog should not be approached, better still a dog should not be tied up, and especially never left tied up and unattended.



Kitten Energy

Getting Ready....

Attack!

I am not getting much work done today.  That's because I have a temporary office mate.   Little T.R. moved in for a few days.  He might not be a teeny tiny kitten anymore, but he is a long way from adulthood.  This little guy is all about playing.  Tennis balls, pipe cleaners, cat toys, pens, pencils, computers!  Yes, compuuuuuutzzzzzzzzers.   "No, no, T.R., go find something else to do, " I say.     He's happy to play with a pipe cleaner, tennis ball or cat toy for a minute, but .... Oh, no -- he's back.   qqqqqqq111111111111111111111111111111.  "Great typing T.R., how about eating a snack?" I ask.   Working in 30 second intervals is not very productive.  

Contributing to WARL is a Congregation Affair

When students in St John's Episcopal Church's  youth group decided to help the animals they were asked by Music Minister Adam Graham if they wanted to organize a drive to stock the League's Rescuers' Food Bank or  collect linens, treats and toys for the shelter animals --  they decided to do it all.  Church services during the summer included a student appeal requesting donations for The Furry Family Drive.  The congregants complied.  On Saturday, September 21st, Music Minister Adam Graham, student representatives, and parents packed two cars with bags of linens and an assortment of toys, treats and food.  On top of that, they presented the League with a $200 check to help provide animal care.   And, that's not the end of their effort.  The group is exploring additional ways to help the animals, including possibly scheduling an adoption event at the church.  Music Minister Adam Graham is a  good advertisement for adopting a shelter dog; his beloved Bella was a WARL adoptee 4 years ago.  THANK YOU ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH families for helping your furry friends at the Washington Animal Rescue League.