This is a guest post generously written by Danae Matthews, a writer for the online women’s health resource, Women’s Health Base. Where I felt necessary, I have inserted my own thoughts in purple text.

A year ago while staying with my parents in the suburbs, I noticed that our next-door neighbors had gotten a puppy for their youngest daughter. In the ensuing months, it became quite obvious that the little girl’s affection had started to wane for the dog. This happened around the same time that a “For Rent” sign cropped up on the house’s lawn…

(It’s well-known in the world of rescue and adoption that puppies are given as gifts and oftentimes either “returned” or surrendered soon thereafter when they are fully grown and, “not cute anymore.” Nothing is more infuriating when you work at a rescue center if you ask me. Nonetheless, this is quite common…)

One day when I was going out to my car I noticed my neighbors carrying out a dog kennel and various accessories. I asked them what had happened to the puppy and they told me they had left her. Slightly shocked I asked where they had “left her.” I assumed they were talking about dropping her off at a shelter or a friend’s house for safe-keeping.

In fact, they had driven the dog to an abandoned parking lot and left him there.

I was stunned.  (And pissed off??!)

I had always heard stories like that, but never suspected that I would see it firsthand. How could someone be so cruel?

Since 2009, the amount of abandoned animals has skyrocketed. The American Humane Association estimated that in 2009 alone there were 8,000 foreclosures every day and with those – there were 15,000 to 26,000 animals in danger of losing their homes daily. (The ASPCA also issued several statements – one here in February 2009. The harm to animals because of the economy and foreclosure crisis problems started affecting household pets as early as the summer of 2008.)

The numbers are astonishing, more so when you consider that there are also a percentage of people who aren’t surrendering their animals, but simply leaving them in abandoned foreclosed homes.

(There was a story about this on the blog when the housing bubble busted…)

But, surrendering is almost no better. Pets willingly given up by owners are almost always immediately euthanized. Situations like the one I witnessed are becoming all too familiar. People make the decision to get pets, and when the bottom drops out, those sweet, innocent, loving and loyal animals are simply left to fend for themselves.

It’s disgusting when people do this.

The American Pet Products Association estimated that the average cost of owning a dog is $1400, and $1000 for a cat. When simply taking only this information into account, it probably makes it easy for families to make the (BAD) decision to give up their pets, especially when eviction, foreclosure or downsize is on the near horizon.

The numbers don’t lie.

And what they are saying is that we need to be more conscious of our decisions to buy and keep pets. Of course sudden economic hardship cannot be overlooked, but we need to be more cognizant of the risks involved with pet ownership. This means, if you are barely making ends meet, don’t go out and get a high-maintenance animal that you aren’t going to be completely dedicated to. If you can barely take care of yourself and/or your family, you have absolutely NO BUSINESS rescuing or buying a house pet.

The truth is – my neighbors should have never rescued/bought a house pet in the first place. Their economic situation at the time obviously wasn’t so unclear to them, ie, they must have had some clues that they couldn’t afford a dog. (So is it their fault or is it the puppy breeder/broker’s fault for letting them have the dog and not properly ‘vetting’ them?? Something to chew on… no pun intended.)

It is important that people look at the facts of owning a pet before making the decision to have a pet.

1. Can you afford healthcare for your pet?
2. Are you aware of proper housing and food needs?
3. Do you have someone who can watch your pet while you’re away, or in a personal crisis?
4. Are you prepared for the long haul? Are you ready to devote a good 10 years (at least) to caring for this animal and meeting all their needs?

Lastly, although making the decision to surrender your pet to a shelter is hard, the answer is never abandonment. Leaving a beloved, innocent animal to starve to death in an unfamiliar place is cruel, heartless, callous and needless.

Animals are our responsibility and to betray that responsibility is irresponsible, reprehensible and just flat-out unthinkable.

Several Locations Accepting Donations for Homeless Animals…

Be “Santa” to a Homeless or Needy Pet

This is a press release I received this morning that actually disturbed me. **** It’s NOT about brutality or animal cruelty – it’s about animals needing food and supplies… desperately. This is an East Side (Cleveland, OH) organization, and although I’m a “West Sider,” I’m still going to help.

If you live in northeastern Ohio, or if you could be so kind as to mail something in, please read the information below to see how you can help homeless animals this holiday season (aside from the IAMS Home for the Holidays way to help that I discussed…)

A Balancing Touch Wellness Studio, lnc. in Willowick, Best Friend Self-Serve Dog Wash in Euclid, Herchick’sTire Service, Inc. in Macedonia and Pet People in Woodmere are working with Ohio Advocates for Companion Animals (OA4CA) to help homeless pets and families in need.

The goal of OA4CA’s Project Santa Paws is to collect unopened, unexpired dog, cat, bird, reptile, rabbit (etc.) food for families in need. Pet food donations will be delivered to the Emergency Assistance Center food pantry in Northfield, Ohio, which relies on donations from the public in order to offer pet food to those in need, on December 19 at 1:00 p.m.

Many families are forced to give up their beloved pets during this difficult economic time. Your donation can help keep these families and their pets together, and limit the strain that Ohio’s already over-full shelters are experiencing… (this is just one example of the problem in Ohio).

"Santa Paws"

Pet supplies, blankets, towels, cleaning supplies, treats and toys will be donated to a local animal shelter.

*** Santa himself will be making a special delivery to all the homeless pets at the City of Cleveland Kennel on December 22 at 1:00 p.m! ♥ ♥ ♥

Check out this organization’s Facebook page please – and please do anything you can to help. Ohio has been hit REALLY hard by this economic crisis and I have seen first-hand through my volunteering and donating what’s going on…

Your donation of any pet-related gifts will help make these homeless animals’ holiday wishes come true.

Donations can be dropped off through December 17, 2011 at:

A Balancing Touch Wellness Studio, lnc

32417 Vine Street

Willowick, OH 44095

Hours: Tues – Sat: 10am – 3pm, Sun- Mon Closed

Located inside Pat’s Hair World

Best Friend Self-Serve Dog Wash

640 E 185 St

Euclid, Ohio

Hours: Sun-Mon Closed, Tues-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat 10am-5pm

Herchick’s Tire Service, Inc.

854 East Aurora Rd.

Macedonia, OH 44056

Hours: Mon – Fri: 8am – 6pm Sat: 8am – 2pm Sun: Closed

Pet People

(Chagrin location only)

27299 Chagrin Blvd.

Woodmere, Ohio 44122

Donations accepted November 27 through December 10

Hours: Mon -Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 10am-6pm

If you cannot drop off your donations at one of these locations, contact Ohio Advocates for Companion Animals for other arrangements. Email oa4ca@yahoo.com or call (440) 382-8983 for more information.

Contact:  Cindy Berman — (216) 952-7510                                                                                  

OhioA4CA@gmail.com

Ohio Advocates for Companion Animals

Guided by the philosophy that all animals should be treated with compassion and respect, Ohio Advocates for Companion Animals (OA4CA) is dedicated to making a positive impact on the welfare of Ohio’s companion animals through research, advocacy, outreach, education, and legislation.

Iams Home 4 the Holidays, one of the world’s largest pet adoption programs, kicked off its annual adoption drive earlier this fall in partnership with the renowned and well-respected Helen Woodward Animal Center, with the goal of finding homes for 1.5 million orphaned pets.

Now in its 13th year, the program, which runs from October 1, 2011 through January 3, 2012, has helped 5.8 million pets find loving homes across the globe.  This year, Iams and Helen Woodward Animal Center (HWAC) will again team up with more than 3,500 animal organizations worldwide to encourage pet adoption.

In addition, Iams is donating 5 million meals to animals in need at adoption and rescue centers through the “Bags 4 Bowls” program. Iams is aiming to give 5 million meals to homeless animals.

“Each year, as many as four million orphaned dogs and cats are euthanized due to shelter overcrowding – that is approximately one pet every eight seconds,” said Mike Arms, founder of the adoption drive and president of Helen Woodward Animal Center. “Since partnering with Iams on the adoption drive 13 years ago, we have really seen the benefit of what this program can do for orphaned animals, and the families who adopt.” (Arms, according to my personal interview with him, started the IAMS and HWAC partnership over a decade ago: in an effort to encourage families to adopt from a shelter or a rescue organization, he began an HWAC adoption drive, quickly bringing Iams on board to help raise awareness.)

***One way you – as a reader — can donate a meal to a pet is to visit Facebook.com/Iams and “LIKE” photos, videos and posts. For every like Iams gets, they’re donating a meal to a homeless animal.

Also new this year, are easy ways to get involved when you’re online socializing! You can customize adoption announcement cards to share with friends and family! To help an animal in need, simply select a template (from the Facebook page), upload a picture and information about your pet and then share! For every card shared, Iams will donate a meal to participating animal organizations!

As a participating blogger for the last few years, I have seen the benefit that Mike Arms described above. TONS and TONS of food has been given to animals in need, and millions of animals who would have otherwise gone unnoticed or perhaps ended up six feet under are now in loving homes. According to Arms, “the alternative (to adoption) is pet overpopulation in the shelters, not to mention the economic impact pet overpopulation is having during already tough financial times.”

While finding loving homes for orphaned pets is critical, the campaign is also designed to provide shelters and rescue centers with much needed food donations. Consumers can lend a hand by:

·         Visiting the Iams Facebook page and clicking to “Like” the page or various messages, photos, videos, etc. For each “Like” comment, photo posted, etc., Iams will donate meals.

·         Becoming a fan of the Iams Facebook page and creating a custom adoption announcement or holiday card to share the news of their new four legged family member or just send a season’s greeting to their family and friends. For each card created and shared, Iams will donate meals.

·         Purchasing specially-marked packages of Iams dog or cat food during the duration of the campaign. For every specially marked package sold, Iams will donate one bowl of food to a participating Home 4 the Holidays organization.

***Arms also told me during my interview with him that the easiest way for you, as readers, to get involved is to “Like” the Iams Facebook page (Facebook.com/Iams) to stay up on the latest adoption numbers, to learn other suggested easy ways to get involved, to get {and hence spread!!} details about pets available for adoption, learn about fun ways to donate meals to pets in need and for quick access to informative content and tips! So be sure PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE to check out IAMS on Facebook!

New to the program this year are campaign ambassadors, NASCAR driver, Ryan Newman, and his wife, Krissie. The Newmans, who founded the Ryan Newman Foundation to educate and encourage people to spay or neuter their pets and to adopt animals from shelters and rescue centers, have joined Iams in their mission to help animals in need this holiday season.

Iams Home 4 the Holidays strives to educate about the importance of adoption so that every pet adopted goes to a permanent, loving home. Those who adopt through the program receive an Iams adoption kit loaded with goodies, including important info about nutrition, training & proper care to ensure their relationship with the new animal starts off on the right paw!

Since its inception, this amazing program has seen almost six million pets find loving, forever homes… !

And on a side note, just to give you a taste of the kind of place HWAC is, Mike Arms told me this:

“I consider HWAC to be the facility of the future, where we do more than just rescue and save pets. We have a therapeutic horseback riding program for the physically & mentally challenged, we have two hospitals: a small animal practice & a large equine hospital, we have a very large education center, where almost 1,500 children go to day camp and the theme is sharing the earth with animals, we have a boarding facility, Pet Encounter Therapy, and an AniMeals program, so we are here for all animals’ needs and to help our community. I do feel that the center is like family. We are all on the same page, doing what we can to enhance the well-being of animals and people.”

♥♥♥ It’s not often that you hear of an organization like this… maybe North Shore Animal League, ASPCA and two or three others have similar facilities, programs and goals… but also, more importantly, the LOVE, compassion, kindness, understanding and general good-warmheartedness…

♥♥ To learn more about how to get involved, including details about pets available for adoption, fun ways to donate meals and quick access to informative content and tips, visit http://www.facebook.com/Iams.

UPDATE: As of November 19th, IAMS DID IN FACT REACH IT’S GOAL of 6 MILLION! The badge on the right is our way of strutting our stuff! CONGRATS TO ALL INVOLVED IN REACHING THIS MILESTONE!

About Iams Home 4 the Holidays (IH4TH)

As one of the most successful pet adoption programs in the world, IH4TH partners with thousands of animal organizations dedicated to finding forever homes for orphaned pets. Founded by Helen Woodward Animal Center and supported by Iams, IH4TH began in 1999 with just 14 participating animal shelters in San Diego County. Since it began 13 years ago, IH4TH – along with more than 3,500 pet adoption centers – has helped 5.8 million families experience the joy of pet adoption, including nearly 1.1 million pet adoptions from 2010. For more information, please visitwww.facebook.com/iams.

About Helen Woodward Animal Center

Helen Woodward Animal Center is a private, non-profit organization where “people help animals and animals help people.” Founded in 1972 in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., the Center provides services for more than 57,000 people and thousands of animals annually through adoptions, educational and therapeutic programs both onsite and throughout the community.. Helen Woodward Animal Center is also the creator of the international Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive and the Animal Center Education Services program, teaching the business of saving lives to animal welfare leaders from around the world.

About P&G Pet Care

For more than 60 years, P&G Pet Care (NYSE:PG), the maker of Iams and Eukanuba, has enhanced the well-being of dogs and cats by providing world-class quality foods and pet care products. To learn more about Eukanuba® and Iams® Dog & Cat Foods or general pet care and nutrition information, call the Consumer Care Center at (800) 446-3075. You can also visit them online at www.iams.com or www.eukanuba.com.

When a local animal shelter rescues an animal from an abusive or neglectful living situation, there is often a large movement from the public to get it adopted into a loving home. It is not uncommon to see shelters setting up adoption clinics in malls and pet stores, and it’s hard to pass by without stopping to pet an adorable cat or dog in need. While many people want to take these animals in and shower them with love, the new owners of a formerly abused pet must be prepared to care for their pet’s lingering, and potentially permanent, psychological damage.

Your first reaction when hearing about a case of animal neglect or cruelty may be to adopt the pet to give it the life it deserves, but AnimalSheltering.org reports that potential adopters must ask themselves whether they truly want a pet, or are simply acting out of sympathy. If you don’t actually want a pet, but do want the best for the abused animals, it may be best to make a donation to the animal shelter or write to legislators in support of anti-cruelty bills.

Some people are fit to be pet parents to a formerly abused animal. If you’re ready to handle the responsibility, there are health and behavioral issues that you should be on the lookout for. Whether intentionally physically harmed by its previous owner or severely neglected, your new dog or cat may suffer numerous medical problems that may require special veterinary attention. Specialty pet meds such as digestive aids or cures for respiratory medications, may be necessary to treat common ailments experienced by animals left in abusive situations. Owners should be prepared for these costs and the potential need to administer certain veterinary care themselves when needed.

Many rescue cats and dogs have been deprived of food and water for a long time, which can lead to the development of eating disorders. They may gulp down their food quickly and throw it up, or refuse to eat in front of anyone. Check with your vet to make sure there are no underlying diseases affecting your new pet’s appetite. You may need to give small portions of food over an extended period of time to help your pet eat at a normal pace.

The psychological effects of abuse are some of the worst, and can cause a dog or cat to be forever timid, so it probably will not be possible to conduct normal activities such as walks in crowded areas. Animals in abusive situations are usually deprived of proper socializing opportunities with other animals, so special care must be taken to restrain unsocialized dogs since they may run away and act in fear. Reassure your new pet that its new home is a happy and safe one by rewarding positive behavior with treats.

Ensure that you’re prepared to take the proper steps to care for a special needs pet before you find yourself in a situation where you feel overwhelmed by the responsibility. With time and patience, you’ll find that these pets can make a great addition to your household.

Pet Community Joins Together To Raise Awareness About Pet Adoption:  Organizer Petside.com To Feature Event Hub at www.Petside.com/PetNet2011

Today, Wednesday, November 16, Petside.com, the A-list online destination for pet owners & pet enthusiasts, is dedicating its 4th Annual Pet ‘Net Event to pet adoption awareness. To drive awareness of adoption and its positive effects, the day-long 2011 Pet ‘Net Adoption Event will feature a hub page of related content from a consortium of the web’s top pet-focused bloggers and a social media donation campaign in partnership with Iams^© that will make it easier than ever to support local shelters and pets in need.

“Adoption is a cause near and dear to Petside’s heart,” said Wendy Toth, Editor of Petside.com. “We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to revisit our inaugural topic and dedicate this year’s event to pet adoption, giving it the attention it so desperately deserves.” Since 2008, Petside.com has gathered over 50 pet-centric bloggers to highlight important issues like safety and family with its annual Pet ‘Net Event. Today’s event will draw awareness to pet adoption with the following features:

♦Hub Page – READ AND LEARN about shelter adoption on Petside.com’s comprehensive one-page hub (www.Petside.com/PetNet2011). With links to the web’s top pet blogs/websites, visitors can easily navigate from site to site & read articles on topics ranging from the benefits of adopting a senior pet to personal stories of strength.

♦Blogger Competition – VOTE for your favorite Pet ‘Net article with a new voting tool on the hub page.  The blogger who garners the most votes will receive a $500 donation from Petside to the shelter of their choice!

♦Social Media Campaign – SHARE AND DONATE with Pet ‘Net’s interactive social media campaign.  To show pet lovers that there are many ways to support local shelters, Iams^© Home 4 The Holidays and their Bags 4 Bowls initiative will donate 25 bowls of food to local shelters for every mention of the Pet ‘Net hashtag (#iheartshelterpets) and @IAMS handle on Twitter.  Users can also “Like” Petside’s Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/Petside) for an additional donation of 25 bowls and share a personal adoption experience on Petside’s wall for a chance to be featured on Petfinder.com as a Happy Tail story!

Want to help? Want to donate? DO IT FOR THE  HOMELESS PETS THAT NEED IT MOST!

————————————————–

I’m honored to again be a part of Petside.com’s Annual Pet Net Event – a day in which we pet bloggers come together to call attention to those fur-kids we all so adore, admire and appreciate.

Pet adoption is a highly under reported “tail” in today’s tech-savvy world of “pet purchase” or “obtainment…” So many people turn to the Internet to look for a breeder instead of turning to the Internet to look at Petfinder.com or a breed rescue. So many people are STILL so uneducated about the woes of homeless pets, the outstanding and heartbreaking euthanasia rates, and other classic tales of the homeless pet “trade…”

♥Anyways, the story I’m going to tell you is about adoption of a puppy mill dog and his rescue. I believe adoption and rescue go hand-in-hand; you simply cannot have one without the other. And you may just have heard tidbits about this tale in years past on ThoughtsFurPaws – it’s about Franklin – the rescue Basset Hound. And I’m going to warn you right now that this is a lengthy post because I want you to hear every single detail of one puppy mill dog’s struggle from an abusive, hellish environment to rescue, redemption and rehabilitation.♥

My sister decided back in 2009 she and her boyfriend were going to foster Bassets, as she has always loved the breed – ever since the day an old boyfriend gifted her with a baby Basset in 2000 – his name is Henry. (I have nicknamed him Henry the Horrible because he is always getting into trouble and NEVER listens – typical stubborn Hound!)

I, as a pet blogger and rescue advocate (plus as a writer and frequent donor/volunteer to/for animal welfare organizations) made the drive to Columbus with her and Matt – the boyfriend (at the time!). We first met Franklin at Ohio Basset Rescue – Ohio’s biggest and only breed rescue for these precious, droopy-eared darlings.

Franklin unwillingly came around the corner with his tail between his legs, nose down to the ground, uncertain look in his deep brown eyes. He was pretty much attached to the side of Amy Barnes, the wonderful woman who helps run OBR. Frank was scared to leave her side or look up. We brought Henry along for moral support, figuring Frank might respond better to another dog than to an unfamiliar human. He slowly came around and sniffed us. We stayed in that OBR housing building for an hour before making it outside; we let Frank keep sniffing us and Henry, who was being very gentle the whole time. After HOURS of this, it was time to go, and after getting as much info as possible about Frank, Amy released Frank into Ashly’s foster care.

Amy told us OBR obtained Frank because “a family turned him over.” An Amish family. Most puppy mill owners have their own heartless reasons for getting rid of the studs or females that I won’t get into; regardless, it’s apparent to us now that it was fate that Frank survived and that Ashly decided to start fostering when she did.

Amy and the vets that treated him were able to figure that Frank was born at and lived for his first four or so years at a puppy mill in Amish Country, in Holmes County, Ohio. He was a stud dog. That means he was the “go-to” male; he was used and abused repeatedly to churn out litter after unhealthy litter of Basset Hounds. He was forced – sometimes physically, sometimes even with substances – as well as were the females who carried his litters – to produce puppies. That’s all he was good for. He was forced into mating as many times as possible.

Frank spent this time having no human contact except to be thrown, pushed, forced or otherwise pressed into mating. He lived behind a wire cage that he could barely move in. He was given only enough food and water to eke by most weeks. No one ever pet him, talked to him, scratched his ears, housebroke him, gave him a bone or a treat, or did anything remotely close to an act resembling love. It’s immediately apparent to any rescuer that he was repeatedly bred as his “man parts” were so abused and over-used that they, to this day, hang to the ground, missing it by about two centimeters… (not to be graphic, but it’s true)

Thank God we got to OBR when we did. We took him as soon as Amy gave the okay.

A Demure Franklin at First...

Frank sat on Ashly’s lap in the backseat of the SUV the ENTIRE drive home from Columbus to Cleveland, a 3-hour drive. It took forever to get him in the car. He shook like a leaf. He jerked every time one of us moved or turned or did anything.

When we got home, he wouldn’t walk up the driveway, much less go in the front door. I don’t think he knew what a house was. (OBR had a bigger facility where he was kept.) It was a horrible struggle. We didn’t want to scare him, but he would not budge from the edge of the driveway. He sniffed all around, still with his tail between his legs. After an hours-long struggle in the snow in 22-degree temps, we finally ushered him inside.

That was a whole new experience. He followed Ashly everywhere she went.

When he realized what the doggie door was and that he could go outside, we couldn’t get him to stay in. Ashly and Matt would sit outside for hours while he hid himself behind a picnic table or the shrubs.

After months of coaxing and gentle confrontation, Frank started to come around. We had to hand-feed him every morning and night. If you made even the smallest move during feeding time, he ran and hid, tail between legs. And he wouldn’t come back for more. The first time I gave him a bone – he ran outside and hoarded it until he was done — six hours later!! He refused to have a treat, cookie or anything special in front of his adopted brother. He was afraid it would get taken or that he was being teased with it. It was heart-breaking…:(

Famous Franklin on Halloween 2010 as Elmo

It would be a year before he acted like a regular dog, but despite that, he still has his moments. No one can yell or raise their voice around him, and you definitely cannot make unpredictable or fast-paced movements around him.

Franklin, despite his horrible beginnings, has become a champion rescue model. He is the most popular dog in the neighborhood along with his Basset brother, Henry. They take walks together and every child on the street wants to stop and pet them. Frank loves children. He wags his entire body while getting stroked from ear to end.

Franklin transformed over a period of two years from a fragile, afraid, abused and confused animal into a loving, giving, LOUD and hilarious gift that is cherished every day by all who know him.

We don’t know if he remembers the abuse and neglect he suffered at the hands and heartless beings at that God-forsaken puppy mill. I personally think he does, and that’s what has made him into the friendly, giving, kissy-face, “barrugala,” dog that he is today.

That reminds me, the first time he barked — he scared the crap out of himself. He didn’t do it again for 6 months! But now, thanks to help from his squawking brother Henry the Horrible, Frank has realized that using his howl and Basset-typical “bark-baruuugala” sound, which is a belly-howl that lasts for minutes and can pierce ears, can get him all the attention he wants!

Franklin is the most loving dog I have met. He will unconditionally give and give, follow you and follow you, and absolutely insists on sitting ON TOP of you on the couch or bed… not NEXT to you — ON TOP of you. It’s adorable and you can never push him away.

I have said before that animals that come from hard beginnings have a special way about them.

They have seen humans at their worst. They have seen and felt the worst fear, the most horrible sense of abandonment, the worst type of loneliness.

And then they are saved. Something — or someone — intervenes.

That’s why we all need to support groups and organizations that rescue animals. It’s groups like Ohio Basset Rescue, the Helen Woodward Animal Center, BODA, and the smaller, local groups who take in these animals.

Franklin lives a blissful life these days. But he still has challenges. You cannot make a quick move around him; you cannot suddenly stand up after you put his kibble down — you must sit down on the floor until he finishes. And he requires a bit of extra attention – but of course, NO ONE in the family has ANY problem with that!

♥This Year’s Event to Shine a Light on Pet Adoption!

♥ On November 16, 2011, Petside.com, the premier site for pet owners and pet enthusiasts, will host its 4^th Annual Pet ‘Net Event to

raise awareness of pet adoption.

Check out my 2010 Pet Net post here, my 2009 0ne here, and the first one in 2008 here... to read ALL past blog posts for Petside.com Pet ‘Net Events, click here!

I’ve been a part of this esteemed group since the first year! I have great respect and admiration for not only the folks over at Petside.com, but also for my fellow Pet Net bloggers. I’ve been lucky enough to write beside and in partnership with such beloved and leading bloggers as Caroline G. of Romeo the Cat. We’ve written about pet safety, pet rescue and more. This year we’re going back to our roots and posting about pet adoption… we all know this is a topic that cannot be publicized, featured on TV, written about, talked about, or blogged about enough:)

But this year’s event is bigger than ever, and features:

- a comprehensive hub page of adoption-related articles from the web’s very best pet-bloggers

- a social media donation campaign to engage the pet community at large

- a blogger competition with the winner receiving a $500 donation from Petside to the shelter of their choice

♥ Petside.com’s Pet ‘Net Event maintains its commitment to educate people and honor the pets who love them. While revisiting its inaugural topic from 2008, The 2011 Pet ‘Net Adoption Event marks the first in a partnership with IAMS on a social media donation campaign.

♥♥♥ Calls to action on Twitter this year will yield food donations as part of Iams Home 4 the Holidays Bags 4 Bowls initiative. For all information related to the social media donation campaign, please visit www.Petside.com/PetNetDonations. IAMS has been holding Home for the Holidays for decades and has made such a huge imprint on the issues of homeless animal populations, shelter donations, food donations and more. The program is championed by Helen Woodward Animal Center President, Mike Arms, my personal hero.

♥ Petside.com is ranked among the top 5 Pet Websites & offers unique editorial features, expert Q&A’s, tools and how-to videos. And, they are a great resource for all types of information on all types of animals. Petside.com carefully and personally (or corporate-ly??? lol) chooses the bloggers who represent their quest to inform the animal-loving public about related issues, and thus, participate in each yearly event, so please be sure to stop by and check it out next Wednesday

Don’t forget:

Franklin Smith, from Ohio Basset Rescue, survived appalling conditions at a puppy mill before his rescue.

WHEN:       Wednesday, November 16, 2011                    

WHERE:      http://ThoughtsFurPaws.com and www.Petside.com/PetNet2011

Next Wednesday when I post, I will give you a list of the other bloggers involved! 

And…. just as a little teaser, on my blog, you will be hearing a very special adoption story — and an adoption angle not often taken. I will be telling, at length, the story of Franklin Smith, the rescue Basset Hound who is a former puppy mill stud. My sister and I (and her man at the time) drove three hours to go visit him & ended up taking him home after he got along with our other Basset, Henry the Horrible.(You gotta’ click on that link and read about Henry– he is a devil dog, counter-surfer, howler, squawker dog!)

Franklin went from surviving day to day in a hellish cage not even big enough for him to stand in — to living in my sister’s free, fun and fabulous, no-rules home environment where he is wholly loved and absolutely cherished…for the first year-and-a-half I was the dog-sitter, coming about twice a week spending about 5 hours a night.

Franklin, though so happy that you would think he actually forgot his atrocious beginnings (!!), still faces a long road, and big bumps (for sure) and debilitating detours may still remain…

STAY TUNED…

You guys know that I tell it like it is, right? So I checked out these videos on YouTube, which is rare for me because I’m not really a video type of girl.. But I was lulled in as soon as they all started!

The kitty video is so cute! (Check out this one and this one too!)

These videos are funny and send a great message to the world… that getting a pet, and owning a pet just makes life great! The benefits of pet ownership are hard to explain to those who’ve never experienced it. You get unconditional love, support, companionship, and so much more.

My Rescue Sasha, From a Neglectful Owner...

Pets Add Life is pretty much just awesome. They promote responsible pet ownership and adoption. This is my type of organization!! I can’t even count the cats I’ve rescued and adopted or fostered in my lifetime, but I guarantee it’s a large number. Having an animal that gets to know your routine and your personality is a situation that is always rewarding. Its like having a person who loves you no matter what you do or don’t do…it’s like cuddling at bedtime for however long you want and however you want… it’s like having a best friend.

I have a habit of talking to my animals. I’ve found that they respond often to my tone… and they are certainly tuned into my emotions. When I am sad, our rescue Golden Retriever, Benson knows it — he will come and lay on top of me. Sasha will follow me around until I pick her up and cuddle her for awhile. They try to cheer me up… they do all they can to make the tears go away or, on the other hand, dramatically increase the “happiness level” in the household. They add glee, bliss and joy to all who come through (except the bad ones — Sasha knows the bad people and will avoid them:))

Franklin the Puppy Mill Rescue and Gracie the Rescue

Animals have a 6th sense you know — they can SMELL fear, sadness, happiness, etc. Humans emit pheromones that the animals smell with their amazing little noses and powerful sense of smell!

So I want you guys to go and check out PAL, Pets Add Life. I absolutely back this organization and think you guys will too. I hope you can check out the videos and the PAL website to learn more. They have AWESOME stuff going on all the time and a great blog, too!

** PAL includes three YouTube videos, a Facebook fan page, a Twitter page, a blog, regular pet news segments, a brochure, an ad, web links, a poster, and other promotions. The organization is just fabulous. They are totally on the way to increasing pet adoptions and rescues. This means less homeless pets! Yay! **

This post is sponsored by the Pets Add Life campaign and the American Pet Products Association.
I am being compensated for helping spread the word about the benefits and joys of pet ownership. 

Ohio has no laws preventing dog auctions. Ohio, according to multiple reports, one from us here, has the third weakest protections for animal welfare of any type in the entire nation…

This HAS to stop. Between dog auctions, puppy mills, and other animal cruelty issues like abuse (i.e. Nitro’s Law), Ohio has been hesitant, to put it mildly, in the Senate at least, to pass any type of animal welfare legislation that stiffens penalties for animal abusers or similar offenders.

Why? No one is quite sure. But what is known is that your help is needed to move along an imperative piece of legislation that could be the starting point of a new outlook by legislators toward animal welfare in Ohio.

Many concerned, fed-up and caring Ohio citizens – from breeders to rescuers to shelter volunteers – firmly believe that dog auctions, which have historic roots in Holmes County, Ohio as well as the central and southcentral parts of the state, serve not reputable breeders but the other kind… those large commercial facilities where dogs are bred to produce as many puppies as possible in conditions ranging from unsanitary to inhumane. In other words, dog auctions are where puppy millers sell and buy their “wares.”

The Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions (BODA) is spearheading a citizen-backed ballot initiative – “The Ohio Dog Auctions Act.”

Click here to download a copy of the Ohio Dog Auctions Act.

The measure (similar in language to Pennsylvania’s Statute 459-603) will establish a statute to the Ohio Dog Law making it illegal for anyone to auction or raffle a dog in Ohio. It also would prohibit bringing dogs into the state for sale or trade that were acquired by auction or raffle elsewhere.

Voters from all over The Buckeye State are communicating with fellow citizens and are well on the way to completing a goal to gain 120,700 (minimum) signatures by Thursday, December 1, 2011 to place a crucial measure on the November 2012 ballot.

WE HAVE ONLY 30 DAYS REMAINING UNTIL DECEMBER 1!

BODA and its supporters need your help to end a major distribution channel that serves puppy mill breeders from 15 states, many of whom have repeated, long standing violations of the Animal Welfare Act (the Federal Law passed in 1966 {and amended several times since}, that provides regulations for research facilities, state and private run shelters and pounds, transportation of animals, and stolen animals) and/or have been convicted of animal cruelty!

Please help the organization, which is the only of its kind in Ohio, reach a critical ‘STRETCH’ GOAL of 140,000 signatures by Dec. 1! (As of October 23, there are over 130,000 signatures from registered voters across 88 counties!) The stretch goal will ensure that any signatures collected that cannot be used for some reason (improper voter registration, etc.) will have “back-ups” that can be counted.

BODA asks that you take a pledge to collect 41 signatures from registered voters (they must be registered voters) – which is ONE completed PETITION. Then, ask three friends to do the same!

Below are the eight (8) counties in which signatures are desperately needed for the 2012 ballot initiative (Ohio Dog Auctions Act) in November.  If you can help, please contact the volunteer team leader listed (below) next to the county!

Wayne (Barbara McK. – barbaramckelvey@roadrunner.com)

Darke (Garri G. – gguecking@yahoo.com

Harrison (Barbara McK. – barbaramckelvey@roadrunner.com)

Delaware (Mary O’C-S. – mshaver_0462@columbustopdogs.com)

Logan (Laurie C-W. – SCraigLWright@netzero.com)

Sandusky (Barbara McK. – barbaramckelvey@roadrunner.com)

Hardin ((Laurie C-W. – SCraigLWright@netzero.com)

Franklin (Mary O’C-S. – mshaver_0462@columbustopdogs.com)

** Volunteer petitioners are needed to make the ballot initiative (Ohio Dog Auctions Act) a reality in Ohio. Remember —the deadline is December 1, 2011! BODA needs participation from as many as possible to make this vital effort a success! **

Click here to download a copy of the Ohio Dog Auctions Act.

♥To receive “Instructions for Collecting Signatures” in support of the Ohio Dog Auctions Act, please email me at thoughtsfurpaws@gmail.com.

♥To receive the AWESOME Campaign Flyer for our ballot initiative (Ohio Dog Auctions Act), please email me at thoughtsfurpaws@gmail.com.

Please send any completed petitions you have to:

Mary O’Connor-Shaver

347 Meadow Ash Dr.

Lewis Center, OH 43035

Amish-Run Mill in Holmes County

Here are some other ways that you can help; these are events in which BODA has petition tables set-up:

1. SIGNATURE GATHERING at GENERAL ELECTION DAY (NOVEMBER 8)!

General Election Day is November 8 – this is a fantastic opportunity to meet and collect signatures from Ohio voters!  Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Volunteer petitioners are permitted to set-up booths 150 feet from precinct polling places as measured from all parts of the building containing the voting place. ** If you are interested in collecting signatures at a nearby precinct on General Election Day, please contact Mary at info@banohiodogauctions.com **

2. OHIO VOTERS AGAINST PUPPY MILLS AND DOG AUCTIONS!

We invite you to join the over 2,000 voices who have become members of our Facebook group, Ohio Voters against Puppy Mills and Dog Auctions. Membership is FREE, and this portal serves as a great vehicle where you can receive timely updates on issues and campaigns addressing Ohio dog auctions, puppy mills and the entities that support and keep them in business.

ACTION NEEDED! For more information on how you can become a member, please click here.

To find your state legislators, click here.

Below, please read to see what has happened over the last month to move this campaign forward:

1. CIRCLEVILLE PUMPKIN SHOW (OCTOBER 19-22) 

BODA would like to offer a HUGE thanks to an incredible team of 14 volunteers (Susan D., Barbara McK., Jody B., Diane K., Sandy S., Signe S., Jeanie McD., Zaron V., Linda S., Marilyn T., Jon G., Helene G., Barbara S. and Jack McM.) who did an amazing job collecting signatures from registered voters in 32 different counties! No doubt, your efforts are imperative to the success of this campaign and words cannot convey enough gratitude…

A SPECIAL thanks to members of the Pickaway County Farm Bureau and Pickaway County Visitor’s Bureau, who also did an amazing job helping to promote the 2012 ballot initiative during the Show!

2. PEACEFUL RALLY!

HUGE thanks to the 17 supporters from six counties who served as a strong voice for the dogs during the October 8 “Peaceful Rally against Ohio Dog Auctions and Puppy Mills” in Millersburg, OH!

A special thanks to Rachel Lauren of Rachel Lauren Photography who did a fantastic job capturing the essence of our event!  For a look at Rachel’s portfolio, please click here.

Finally, BODA’s founder and, to many, a walking miracle and angel to animals, Mary O’Connor Shaver, is pleased to announce that both the Ohio Secretary of State’s minimum required signature goal and the ‘stretch’ goal for Holmes County!  This is an incredible milestone in the campaign, given that Holmes County, as referenced above, serves as ‘ground zero’ for puppy mill breeding in Ohio!

Mary would also like to thank everyone who serves as a strong voice for the animals!

For more information, please visit:

http://www.ColumbusTopDogs.com or http://www.BanOhioDogAuctions.com

Do college students and pets mix?

Students venturing off to college are beginning the transition to adulthood. One of the responsibilities adults often take on is pet ownership. As students move into their own apartments off-campus, adopting a pet can seem like a great idea. Many students enjoy the companionship that pets offer. However, between cramming sessions, working toward courses online, and the usual college socializing, students often don’t realize that they really don’t have the time to properly care for an animal.

One of the biggest issues regarding pet ownership among college students is abandonment. Pets adopted at the beginning of the semester are often abandoned at the end of the school year when the reality of pet ownership responsibilities becomes apparent.

Pet writer Steve Dales points out that, “some animal shelters near college campuses will not adopt to undergrad students because they’ve learned by experience, the pets are returned, later found as strays or even ‘abused.’”

The fact that college students abandon pets is unfortunately well-documented. Animal shelters notice an increase in the number of pets abandoned at the end of each school year. Julie Smith, officer manager at the Muncie Animal Shelter in Muncie, IN notes that those pets belonging to students leaving for summer break are abandoned either directly at the shelter or even left on the street.

Even college students themselves admit abandoned pets are a problem. One student studying at the University of Texas – San Antonio noted that near the end of the Fall and Spring semesters, the number of stray cats roaming about campus increased significantly.

And students’ concerns aren’t limited to abandonment at the end of the semester, however. Sean Cunniff, a college student arguing against pet ownership, says he’s seen students stay out for days, seemingly unconcerned that their pets are at home without food or water. Sean’s story is tame, however, when compared to the recent case of animal abuse involving three college students at Kao Fong College of Technology in China. The students recorded themselves abusing a Basset Hound by blowing smoke in the dog’s eyes and forcing it to spin around until it passed out. One of the boys also laid down on top of the dog with all of his body weight after it had passed out. Clearly, these students are not ready for the responsibilities of pet ownership.

Not all students are animal abusers, however. Sometimes they simply lack the time and/or resources necessary to properly care for animals while also being full-time college students. Cheryl Rosenthal, the communication and education coordinator for the Oshkosh Area Humane Society argues not all students are aware of the time involved in taking care of a pet. She says, “You wouldn’t leave your children at home all day. Don’t think you can do that for your pets.” Rosenthal believes that for college students, there are other options. While students may not have the time and resources to own a pet, they are very welcome as volunteers.

Many students underestimate the time needed to properly take care of pets, especially dogs. Dogs generally need to be walked every four to six hours, or get exercised for 90 minutes a day. Finding time to properly look after a dog between classes, the library, work, and parties can be almost impossible.

Sarah Peacock, a former college student and volunteer at an animal shelter sums up the problem nicely: “most college kids want the companionship of a pet but don’t want the responsibility of vet bills, walking the dog, or cleaning the litter box… Most college kids live in the moment and don’t think about the long-term needs of the animal.”

While many students would enjoy the companionship of a pet, it’s clear the benefits of pet ownership among college students don’t outweigh the issues of neglect, abandonment, and abuse these animals face.

Bottom line? The time and money necessary to properly care for a pet is generally not available to college students. When they avoid the responsibility that goes along with owning a pet, the results can be deadly.

*Thanks to guest writer Marina Salsbury for this post

Quickly, I would, as the blog administrator, like to weigh in on this. My sophomore year in college, as soon as I moved out of the dorm, I rescued a cat. I had been raised with animals since birth (literally) and knew and understood the responsibilities associated with adopting a kitten, in particular. Marisa makes many great points, and I believe college towns across the country are tuning into the irresponsibility on the part of many students… Gee, I was practically put under a spotlight and interrogated before the Larimer County Humane Society in Fort Collins, CO let me take home Theodore as a kitten! AND it was only after they spoke with the landlord, my roommate, my employer and another reference to prove that I had a home, the funds and the time or help needed to care for him!

On the same token, I had a handful of friends who successfully adopted and raised dogs while in college, too. But only a few. The dogs became part of our social circles as Colorado college students do everything outdoors, so whether it was Frisbee-golf, hiking or having a party – the dogs came with us!

Anyhow, I think it can go both ways… I’ve seen it go both ways… unfortunately as a later intern and volunteer at the same shelter that gave me Theodore, I saw many dogs and cats surrendered back at the end of a year, particularly those adopted young who “grew up,” and/or “weren’t as cute anymore.” (I cursed those people silently but then took it back because at least they had the decency and forethought to bring the animals back and not just set them loose…)

My bottom line? I think it’s up to the shelter/rescue to properly vet the college-aged applicant, use their instincts and, even if it means keeping an animal longer, not allowing just any student wanting a pet to walk out with one.

On Friday, October 21st, after much prodding from not only animal welfare/animal rights groups, but from his own constituents, supporters and non-supporters, Ohio’s much contested Governor John Kasich signed an Exotic Pets Bill into law.

This was only days after the Zanesville, Ohio massacre (which made national news) of almost 60 wild animals, including rare big cats, bears, monkeys, and more.

Is it too late?

I say yes.

** Previous Governor Ted Strickland noted in an article that he had created legislation for the ban, but was quick to note that the new Governor had let it slide — not uncommon in Ohio, which ranks near last in the US for animal protection/animal welfare laws and legislation. **

Want to see the REAL track record of ALL of Ohio’s lawmakers in helping animals?

Check out this video from the amazing folks at Nitro’s Law… (grab a BOX of Kleenex first)

Parts of the new law are explained here:

ALL EXISTING NATIVE WILD ANIMAL PERMITS WILL BE REVIEWED: The Ohio Department of Natural Resources regulates ownership of dangerous wild animals native to Ohio. ODNR will review existing permits to ensure proper compliance and perform onsite inspections to the fullest extent possible with existing resources, and additional resource needs will be identified for future enforcement efforts.

WILD ANIMAL AUCTIONS WILL BE RESTRICTED AND ANY UNLICENSED AUCTIONS WILL BE SHUT DOWN: The Ohio Department of Agriculture will use its existing authority to regulate auctions to pursue agreements with auction houses that trade in dangerous wild animals to impose a temporary moratorium on their sale. Additionally, the Department will work with the US Department of Agriculture, local law enforcement, veterinarians and humane societies to enforce existing laws and to identify and shut down unlicensed auctions.

OHIO WILL WORK WITH ZOOS TO IDENTIFY SAFE PLACES TO KEEP CONFISCATED OR IMPOUNDED DANGEROUS WILD ANIMALS: A safe and appropriate location to house confiscated or impounded dangerous wild animals is essential to enforcing existing animal cruelty and public health laws, as well as future Ohio laws regulating these animals. Ohio will work with zoos to identify their ability to accept animals that are confiscated or impounded and help meet their needs.

NEW LEGAL POWERS WILL BE PROPOSED BY NOVEMBER 30: A task force including representatives of the Humane Society of the United States, county prosecutors, and veterinarians—led by the Department of Natural Resources—has been crafting a new legal framework for the General Assembly’s consideration that would give Ohio the authority to regulate dangerous wild animals. That task force will complete its work and submit its report by November 30.

OHIO WILL WORK WITH LOCAL AUTHORITIES TO IDENTIFY THE LOCATION OF POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Ohio will establish toll-free hotline and website and work with local law enforcement agencies, veterinarians, county humane societies, and other stakeholders to identify potential problem locations where dangerous wild animals are kept so that the appropriate authorities can ensure all existing laws and regulations are being followed and enforced.

A COPY OF THE EXECUTIVE ORDER CAN BE VIEWED HERE: http://governor.ohio.gov/Portals/0/pdf/executiveOrders/EO%202011-24K.pdf

I personally called the Governor’s office to voice my opinion (Ohio’s legislators are on my speed-dial I swear…) last Thursday and was told a solution was being “worked up.”

But while I had a secretary or office drone on the line, I did pose the question: “will this make the Governor more aware and hence, more apt to voice his support to law-makers on OTHER CRUCIAL pieces of animal welfare legislation for Ohio, i.e. Nitro’s Law (HB 108)?”

The worker bee replied with, “with who’s Law?”

THESE PEOPLE ARE UN- f-in-BELIEVABLE.

It took EVERY SINGLE OUNCE OF SANITY AND GRACE I have to not jump through the phone and strangle this person. Instead, I politely explained Nitro’s Law and was told that the Governor does support the passage of important laws to protect animals, but needs to “focus on unemployment and bringing jobs to Ohio right now.” Also, he “does not have the power necessary to PASS the actual law.” Is this guy a first-year intern or what??

This guy is so fired.

I quickly wrote up and fired off a personal letter — NOT an email — to the Governor. Please email me if you would like to follow suit. I will email you the Word document.

So what do you think? Are Ohio’s politicians playing ostrich when it comes to passing important animal welfare legistation?

Not only on Nitro’s Law, but a Puppy Mill Bill, Ban on Dog Auctions, etc?

I mean, Nitro’s has been around for three years, and a puppy mill bill has been in the works for even longer…

Why can’t they get it done? Is it laziness? Do they not care? Do they not have time? Do not enough Ohioans care? Do we need to throw money at the problem via a lobbyist or something?

Or do they simply not hear from US – their supporters – enough?