Indiana Labrador Retriever Rescue
Love of Labs, IN
Making A Difference, One Lab At A Time!

 
 

Why Adopt a Rescue Dog?

Please remember, we are a volunteer NON-Profit Public Charity 501(c)3, tax deductible organization.

I looked at the caged animals in the shelter...the cast-offs of human society. I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread, sadness and betrayal. And I was angry. "God," I said, "this is terrible! Why don't you do something?" God was silent for a moment and then He spoke softly. "I have done something," he replied, "I created you." ~Jim Willis 1999

  "Just a Dog"

    From time to time, people tell me," lighten up, it's just a dog,"
    or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog."
    They don't understand the distance traveled,
    the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."
    Some of my proudest moments have come about with
    "just a dog."

    Many hours have passed and my only company was
    "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted.
    Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog,"
    and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog"
    gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

    If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phases
    like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise." 

    "Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.
    "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and
    patience that make me a better person.
    Because of "just a dog" I will rise early,
    take long walks and look longingly to the future.

    So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog"
    but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams
    of the future, the fond memories of the past,
    and the pure joy of the moment.
    "Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and
    diverts my thoughts away from myself and the
    worries of the day.

    I hope that someday they can understand that
    it's not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps
    me from being "just a person."
    So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog."
    just smile, because they "just don't understand." 

    ~author unknown 

    LABS ARE LIKE POTATO CHIPS, YOU CAN'T HAVE JUST ONE

 

Personal Pet Tributes - Celebrating Your Companion - Crystal Kent - The Journey

The Journey

By Crystal Ward Kent
Copyright 1998, All Rights Reserved

When you bring a pet into your life, you begin a journey — a journey that will bring you more love and devotion than you have ever known, yet also test your strength and courage.

If you allow, the journey will teach you many things, about life, about yourself, and most of all, about love. You will come away changed forever, for one soul cannot touch another without leaving its mark.

Along the way, you will learn much about savoring life’s simple pleasures — jumping in leaves, snoozing in the sun, the joy of puddles, and even the satisfaction of a good scratch behind the ears.

If you spend much time outside, you will be taught how to truly experience every element, for no rock, leaf or log will go unexamined, no rustling bush will be overlooked, and even the very air will be inhaled, pondered, and noted as being full of valuable information. Your pace may be slower — except when heading home to the food dish — but you will become a better naturalist, having been taught by an expert in the field.

Too many times we hike on automatic pilot, our goal being to complete the trail rather than enjoy the journey. We miss the details — the colorful mushrooms on the rotting log, the honeycomb in the old maple snag, the hawk feather caught on a twig. Once we walk as a dog does, we discover a whole new world. We stop; we browse the landscape; we kick over leaves, peek in tree holes, look up, down, all around. And we learn what any dog knows: that nature has created a marvelously complex world that is full of surprises, that each cycle of the seasons brings ever-changing wonders, each day an essence all its own.

Even from indoors you will find yourself more attuned to the world around you. You will find yourself watching summer insects collecting on a screen (How bizarre they are! How many kinds there are!), or noting the flicker and flash of fireflies through the dark. You will stop to observe the swirling dance of windblown leaves, or sniff the air after a rain. It does not matter that there is no objective in this; the point is in the doing, in not letting life’s most important details slip by.

You will find yourself doing silly things that your pet-less friends might not understand: spending thirty minutes in the grocery aisle looking for the cat food brand your feline must have, buying dog birthday treats, or driving around the block an extra time because your pet enjoys the ride. You will roll in the snow, wrestle with chewie toys, bounce little rubber balls till your eyes cross, and even run around the house trailing your bathrobe tie — with a cat in hot pursuit — all in the name of love.

Your house will become muddier and hairier. You will wear less dark clothing and buy more lint rollers. You may find dog biscuits in your pocket or purse, and feel the need to explain that an old plastic shopping bag adorns your living room rug because your cat loves the crinkly sound.

You will learn the true measure of love — the steadfast, undying kind that says, “It doesn’t matter where we are or what we do, or how life treats us as long as we are together.” Respect this always. It is the most precious gift any living soul can give another. You will not find it often among the human race.

And you will learn humility. The look in my dog’s eyes often made me feel ashamed. Such joy and love at my presence. She saw not some flawed human who could be cross and stubborn, moody or rude, but only her wonderful companion. Or maybe she saw those things and dismissed them as mere human foibles, not worth considering, and so chose to love me anyway.

If you pay attention and learn well, when the journey is done, you will not be just a better person, but the person your pet always knew you to be — the one they were proud to call beloved friend.

I must caution you that this journey is not without pain. Like all paths of true love, the pain is part of loving. For as surely as the sun sets, one day your dear animal companion will follow a path you cannot yet go down. And you will have to find the strength and love to let them go. A pet’s time on earth is far too short — especially for those that love them. We borrow them, really, just for awhile, and during those brief years they are generous enough to give us all of their love — every inch of their spirit and heart, until one day there is nothing left.

The cat that only yesterday was a kitten is all too soon old and frail and sleeping in the sun. The young pup of boundless energy wakes up stiff and lame, the muzzle now gray. Deep down we somehow always knew this journey would end. We knew that if we gave our hearts they would be broken. But give them we must for it is all they ask in return. When the time comes, and the road curves ahead to a place we cannot see, we give one final gift and let them run on ahead — young and whole once more.

“Godspeed, good friend,” we say, until our journey comes full circle and our paths cross again.

________________


 
 

The Crisis of Pet Overpopulation

Every day in the United States, thousands upon thousands of puppies and kittens are born because of the uncontrolled breeding of pets. Add to that number the offspring of stray and abandoned companion animals, and the total becomes even more staggering. Every year, between six and eight million dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters; some three to four million of these animals are euthanized because there are not enough homes for them.

Too many companion animals competing for too few good homes is the most obvious consequence of uncontrolled breeding. However, there are other equally tragic problems that result from pet overpopulation: the transformation of some animal shelters into "warehouses," the acceptance of cruelty to animals as a way of life in our society, and the stress that caring shelter workers suffer when they are forced to euthanize one animal after another. Living creatures have become throwaway items to be cuddled when cute and abandoned when inconvenient. Such disregard for animal life pervades and erodes our culture.

Abandoned and stray companion animals who survive in the streets and alleys of cities and suburbs pose a health threat to humans and other animals. Homeless companion animals get into trash containers, defecate in public areas or on private lawns, and anger citizens who have no understanding of their misery or their needs. Some of these animals scare away or prey upon wildlife—such as birds—or frighten small children.

The public health epidemic of dog bites—which number more than 4.5 million each year—is due in part to uncontrolled breeding of pets. Bites by so-called dangerous dogs have drawn an enormous amount of media attention, and fatalities caused by dangerous dogs are a serious concern. Often, the vicious tendencies found in some dog breeds can be attributed to irresponsible breeding without regard for temperament. Neutering can help reduce this aggressive behavior.

Clearly, pet overpopulation is not just a problem for the animals or for the shelters involved. Each year communities are forced to spend millions of taxpayer dollars trying to cope with the consequences of this surplus of pets. These public costs include services such as investigating animal cruelty, humanely capturing stray animals, and sheltering lost and homeless animals.

________________

Education people, EDUCATION!! Let's pray that 2009 spares more lives than the 11 million killed this year...
 
A Letter from a Shelter Manager:
 
I think our society needs a huge " Wake-up" call.
 
As a shelter manager, I am going to share a little insight with you all. ..a view from the inside if you will.
 
First off, all of you breeders/sellers should be made to work in the "back" of an animal shelter for just one day.
 
Maybe if you saw the life drain from a few sad, lost, confused eyes, you would change your mind about breeding and selling to people you don't even know. That puppy you just sold will most likely end up in my shelter when it's not a cute little puppy anymore.
 
So how would you feel if you knew that there's about a 90% chance that dog will never walk out of the shelter it is going to be dumped at? Purebred or not! About 50% of all of the dogs that are "owner surrenders" or "strays" that come into my shelter are purebred dogs.

The most common excuses I hear are;
 
"We are moving and we can't take our dog (or cat)." Really? Where are you moving to that doesn't allow pets and why did you choose that place instead of a pet friendly home?
 
Or they say "The dog got bigger than we thought it would". How big did you think a German Shepherd would get?
 
"We don't have time for her". Really? I work a 10- 12 hour day and still have time for my 6 dogs!
 
"She' s tearing up our yard". How about making her a part of your family?
 
They always tell me: "We just don't want to have to stress about finding a place for her we know she'll get adopted, she's a good dog."
 
Odds are your pet won't get adopted & how stressful do you think being in a shelter is? Well, let me tell you, your pet has 72 hours to find a new family from the moment you drop it off. Sometimes a little longer if the shelter isn't full and your dog manages to stay completely healthy. If it sniffles, it dies.
 
Your pet will be confined to a small run/kennel in a room with about 25 other barking or crying animals. It will have to relieve itself where it eats and sleeps.
 
It will be depressed and it will cry constantly for the family that abandoned it.
 
If your pet is lucky, I will have enough volunteers in that day to take him/her for a walk. If I don't, your pet won't get any attention besides having a bowl of food slid under the kennel door and the waste sprayed out of its pen with a high-powered hose.
 
If your dog is big, black or any of the "Bully" breeds (pit bull, rottie, mastiff, etc) it was pretty much dead when you walked it through the front door. Those dogs just don't get adopted.
 
It doesn't matter how 'sweet' or 'well behaved' they are. If your dog doesn't get adopted within its 72 hours and the shelter is full, it will be destroyed.
 
If the shelter isn't full and your dog is good enough, and of a desirable enough breed it may get a stay of execution, but not for long.
 
Most dogs get very kennel protective after about a week and are destroyed for showing aggression. Even the sweetest dogs will turn in this environment.
 
If your pet makes it over all of those hurdles chances are it will get kennel cough or an upper respiratory infection and will be destroyed because shelters just don't have the funds to pay for even a $100 treatment.
 
 
Here's a little euthanasia 101 for those of you that have never witnessed a perfectly healthy, scared animal being "put-down"....

First, your pet will be taken from its kennel on a leash. They always look like they think they are going for a walk - happy, wagging their tails.
 
Until, they get to "The Room", every one of them freak out and put the brakes on when we get to the door. It must smell like death or they can feel the sad souls that are left in there, it's strange, but it happens with every one of them.
 
Your dog or cat will be restrained, held down by 1 or 2 vet techs depending on the size and how freaked out they are.
 
Then a euthanasia tech or a vet will start the process. They will find a vein in the front leg and inject a lethal dose of the "pink stuff".
 
Hopefully your pet doesn't panic from being restrained and jerk. I've seen the needles tear out of a leg and been covered with the resulting blood and been deafened by the yelps and screams.
 
They all don't just "go to sleep", sometimes they spasm for a while, gasp for air and defecate on themselves.
 
When it all ends, your pet's corpse will be stacked like firewood in a large freezer in the back with all of the other animals that were killed waiting to be picked up like garbage.
 
What happens next? Cremated? Taken to the dump? Rendered into pet food? You'll never know and it probably won't even cross your mind. It was just an animal and you can always buy another one, right?
 
I hope that those of you that have read this are bawling your eyes out and can't get the pictures out of your head I deal with everyday on the way home from work.
 
I hate my job, I hate that it exists & I hate that it will always be there unless you people make some changes and realize that the lives you are affecting go much further than the pets you dump at a shelter.
 
Between 9 and 11 MILLION animals die every year in shelters and only you can stop it. I do my best to save every life I can but rescues are always full, and there are more animals coming in everyday than there are homes.
 
My point to all of this: DON'T BREED OR BUY WHILE SHELTER PETS DIE!
 
Hate me if you want to. The truth hurts and reality is what it is.
 
I just hope I maybe changed one person's mind about breeding their dog, taking their loving pet to a shelter, or buying a dog.
 
I hope that someone will walk into my shelter and say "I saw this and it made me want to adopt." THAT WOULD MAKE IT WORTH IT!
 
PLEASE FORWARD, CROSS POST, CIRCULATE TO YOUR CONTACTS!!!!

________________

How Could You? ~ Jim Willis

When I was a puppy I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" -- but then you'd relent and roll me over for a belly rub.

My housetraining took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed, listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs," you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.

Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.

She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" -- still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love."

As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch -- because your touch was now so infrequent -- and I would have defended them with my life if need be.

I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams. Together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.

Now you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family. I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness.

You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog or cat, even one with "papers." You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a goodbye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too. After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked, "How could you?"

They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you -- that you had changed your mind -- that this was all a bad dream... or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited.

I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table, rubbed my ears and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood.

. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured, "How could you?"

Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said, "I'm so sorry." She hugged me and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself -- a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. With my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not meant for her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever.

May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.

________________

    EXTREMELY SAD National Figures:

12 million animals are euthanized each year in the United States
 
That is 1 million a month
 
1,388 animals an hour
 
70,000 - The number of kittens and puppies born in the US each day
 
10,000 - The number of people born in the US each day 
 
__________________
 

I RESCUED A HUMAN TODAY....

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels.

I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.

I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage.

I didn't want  her to know that I hadn't been walked today.

Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past.

I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me.

I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her.

Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.

A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms.

I would promise to keep her safe.

I would promise to always be by her side.

I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.

I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor.

So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors.

So many more to be saved.

At least I could save one.

 I rescued a human today.

~Author unknown~

______________

How & Why Do Labs Go to Shelters?

Labs are the most popular breed in America and have been for the past few years. They have an excellent reputation for being an all around great family dog. However, some people purchase a Lab without learning about the time, training and lifetime commitment the dog requires.

The following important statistics complied by the Animal Welfare Association illustrate why & how Labs come into our rescue program.
 

22% Owner lack of commitment/dog's behavior due to lack of training or adequate exercise

20% Owner lack of commitment/no time for dog

19% Human's health (including allergies)

16% Humans moving

10% Owner lack of commitment/unclaimed stray, no permanent identification on dog

6% Divorce

5% Dog's health

1% Owner cannot afford to keep dog/lost home/misc. financial reasons

1% other

______________________

It's JUST A DOG

From time to time, people tell me," lighten up, it's just a dog,"
or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog."
They don't understand the distance traveled,
the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."
Some of my proudest moments have come about with
"just a dog."

Many hours have passed and my only company was
"just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted.
Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog,"
and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog"
gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phases
like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise."
          "Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.
"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and
patience that make me a better person.
Because of "just a dog" I will rise early,
take long walks and look longingly to the future.

So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog"
but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams
of the future, the fond memories of the past,
and the pure joy of the moment.
"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and
diverts my thoughts away from myself and the
worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that
it's not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps
me from being "just a man."
So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog."
just smile, because they "just don't understand." 

author unknown 

 

Stray's Prayer

    Dear God, please send me somebody who'll care!
    I'm tired of running, I'm sick with despair.
    My body is aching, it's so racked with pain,
    and dear God I pray, as I run in the rain.
    That someone will love me and give me a home,
    a warm cozy bed and a big juicy bone.

    My last owner tied me all day in the yard
    Sometimes with no water, and god that was hard.
    So I chewed my leash, and God I ran away.
    To rummage in garbage and live as a stray.
    But now God, I'm tired and hungry and cold,
    and I'm so afraid that I'll never grow old.

    They've chased me with sticks and hit me with stones,
    while I run the streets just looking for bones!
    I'm not really bad, God, please help if you can,
    or I have become just a "Victim of Man!"
    I'm wormy dear God and I'm ridden with fleas,
    and all that I want is an Owner to please!

    If you find one for me God, I'll try to be good,
    and I won't chew their shoes, and I'll do as I should.
    I'll love them, protect them and try to obey....
    when they tell me to sit, to lie down or to stay!
    I don't think I'll make it too long on my own,
    cause I'm getting so weak and I'm so all alone.

    Each night as I sleep in the bushes I cry,
    cause I'm so afraid God, that I'm gonna die.
    And I've got so much love and devotion to give,
    that I should be given a new chance to Live!
    So dear God, please answer my prayer,
    and send me someone who will REALLY care..

    Unknown


Black Dog Syndrome


Did You Know:

Statistics show black dogs, in general, regardless of their size or disposition are euthanized far more frequently than lighter colored dogs?

Is it because they look meaner? or that they do not photograph as easily? or simply because of superstitions or prejudices that black dogs are not as loving & wonderful as lighter colored dogs?

We are not sure of the true reasons for this horrifying statistic but many in canine rescue are working to overcome the Black Dog Syndrome. Thanks to www.blackpearldogs.com for the:

Top Ten Reasons to Adopt a Black Dog

Reason Number Ten: We cannot clash with your furniture or clothing (and some of you actually worry about that).

Reason Number Nine: We cannot clash with any collar you might choose either! Ditto for the bandannas. Accessorize us!

Reason Number Eight: Ease of vacuuming! You can quickly spot the areas of most urgent need.

Reason Number Seven: We hide the dirt well (doesn't mean we don't need that bath after a messy play but your guests won't be able to see it so quickly).

Reason Number Six: We make an excellent "backdrop" for a second lighter colored dog (if you choose to have one).

Reason Number Five: Availability!!! We are available now at every shelter or rescue you can imagine, in every age bracket with no long waiting lists or difficult search.

Reason Number Four: No annoying queries of "exactly what kind of dog is that anyhow?" People are content with "big black dog" and don't ask anymore questions.

Reason Number Three: EXCELLENT night walk protection. The "bad guy" won't see us till its too late!

Reason Number Two: Status symbol potential. Black pearls are the most costly you know......

Reason Number One: WE NEED YOU! 

"If Not For You"
Author Unknown

I would've died that day if not for you.
I would've given up on life if not for your kind eyes.
I would've used my teeth in fear if not for your gentle hands.
I would have left this life believing that all humans don't care,
Believing there is no such thing as fur that isn't matted,
skin that isn't flea bitten, good food and enough of it,
beds to sleep on, someone to love me, to show me
I deserve love just because I exist.
Your kind eyes, your loving smile, your gentle hands
Your big heart saved me...
You saved me from the terror of the pound,
soothing away the memories of my old life.
You have taught me what it means to be loved.
I have seen you do the same for other dogs like me.
I have heard you ask yourself in times of despair why you do it
when there is no more money, no more room, no more homes.
You open your heart a little bigger, stretch the money a little
tighter, make just a little more room...to save one more like me.
I tell you with the gratitude and love that shines in my eyes
In the best way I know how
Reminding you why you go on trying.
I am the reason.
The dogs before me are the reason, as are the ones who come after.
Our lives would've been wasted, our love never given.
We would die if not for you.

We received this in the email, and felt we should share it with the public. This is a daily reality, not something to make you sad or angry, it's about REAL animals EVERY DAY! 

A Letter from a Shelter Manager:
 
I think our society needs a huge " Wake-up" call.
 
As a shelter manager, I am going to share a little insight with you all. ..a view from the inside if you will.
 
First off, all of you breeders/sellers should be made to work in the "back" of an animal shelter for just one day.
 
Maybe if you saw the life drain from a few sad, lost, confused eyes, you would change your mind about breeding and selling to people you don't even know. That puppy you just sold will most likely end up in my shelter when it's not a cute little puppy anymore.
 
So how would you feel if you knew that there's about a 90% chance that dog will never walk out of the shelter it is going to be dumped at? Purebred or not! About 50% of all of the dogs that are "owner surrenders" or "strays" that come into my shelter are purebred dogs.

The most common excuses I hear are;
 
"We are moving and we can't take our dog (or cat)." Really? Where are you moving to that doesn't allow pets and WHY did you choose that place instead of a pet friendly home?
 
Or they say "The dog got bigger than we thought it would". How big did you think a German Shepherd would get?
 
"We don't have time for her". Really? I work a 10- 12 hour day and still have time for my 6 dogs!
 
"She' s tearing up our yard". How about making her a part of your family INSIDE?
 
They always tell me: "We just don't want to have to stress about finding a place for her we know she'll get adopted, she's a good dog."
 
Odds are your pet won't get adopted & how stressful do you think being in a shelter is? Well, let me tell you, your pet has 72 hours to find a new family from the moment you drop it off. Sometimes a little longer if the shelter isn't full and your dog manages to stay completely healthy. If it sniffles, it dies.
 
Your pet will be confined to a small run/kennel in a room with about 25 other barking or crying animals. It will have to relieve itself where it eats and sleeps.
 
It will be depressed and it will cry constantly for the family that abandoned it.
 
If your pet is lucky, I will have enough volunteers in that day to take him/her for a walk. If I don't, your pet won't get any attention besides having a bowl of food slid under the kennel door and the waste sprayed out of its pen with a high-powered hose.
 
If your dog is big, black or any of the "Bully" breeds (pit bull, RETRIEVER, mastiff, etc) it was pretty much dead when you walked it through the front door. Those dogs just don't get adopted.
 
It doesn't matter how 'sweet' or 'well behaved' they are. If your dog doesn't get adopted within its 72 hours and the shelter is full, it will be destroyed.
 
If the shelter isn't full and your dog is good enough, and of a desirable enough breed it may get a stay of execution, but not for long.
 
Most dogs get very kennel protective after about a week and are destroyed for showing aggression. Even the sweetest dogs will turn in this environment.
 
If your pet makes it over all of those hurdles chances are it will get kennel cough or an upper respiratory infection and will be destroyed because shelters just don't have the funds to pay for even a $100 treatment.
 
 
Here's a little euthanasia 101 for those of you that have never witnessed a perfectly healthy, scared animal being "put-down"....

First, your pet will be taken from its kennel on a leash. They always look like they think they are going for a walk - happy, wagging their tails.
 
Until, they get to "The Room", every one of them freak out and put the brakes on when we get to the door. It must smell like death or they can feel the sad souls that are left in there, it's strange, but it happens with every one of them.
 
Your dog or cat will be restrained, held down by 1 or 2 vet techs depending on the size and how freaked out they are.
 
Then a euthanasia tech or a vet will start the process. They will find a vein in the front leg and inject a lethal dose of the "pink stuff".
 
Hopefully your pet doesn't panic from being restrained and jerk. I've seen the needles tear out of a leg and been covered with the resulting blood and been deafened by the yelps and screams.
 
They all don't just "go to sleep", sometimes they spasm for a while, gasp for air and defecate on themselves.
 
When it all ends, your pet's corpse will be stacked like firewood in a large freezer in the back with all of the other animals that were killed waiting to be picked up like garbage.
 
What happens next? Cremated? Taken to the dump? Rendered into pet food? You'll never know and it probably won't even cross your mind. It was just an animal and you can always buy another one, right?
 
I hope that those of you that have read this are bawling your eyes out and can't get the pictures out of your head I deal with everyday on the way home from work.
 
I hate my job, I hate that it exists & I hate that it will always be there unless you people make some changes and realize that the lives you are affecting go much further than the pets you dump at a shelter.
 
Between 9 and 11 MILLION animals die every year in shelters and only you can stop it. I do my best to save every life I can but rescues are always full, and there are more animals coming in everyday than there are homes.
 
My point to all of this: DON'T BREED OR BUY WHILE SHELTER PETS DIE!
 
Hate me if you want to. The truth hurts and reality is what it is.
 
I just hope I maybe changed one person's mind about breeding their dog, taking their loving pet to a shelter, or buying a dog.
 
I hope that someone will walk into my shelter and say "I saw this and it made me want to adopt." THAT WOULD MAKE IT WORTH IT!
 
PLEASE FORWARD, CROSS POST, CIRCULATE TO YOUR CONTACTS!!!!

Education people, EDUCATION!! Let's pray that 2009 spares more lives than the 11 million killed this year...

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
 ~ Edmund Burke

 

PET SHOP PUPPY

I'm a little puppy, so cuddly, sweet and small
I live inside a cage, you see at a Pet Store in the mall.
I'm not an only puppy, my sisters are all here.
My brothers, too, except for Ralph who died coz he was scared.
It's lonely here at nighttime when all the lights go dark,
We tremble in our cages and we whimper and we bark.
But no one comes to hold us or pet our fears away.
We sit all night in terror til the store opens next day.
We don't remember mama, left so far behind.
she did the best she could for us til Man said "It is time."
He crammed us all in cages too small for us you see.
We rode for hours; we could not help but lay in poop and pee.
And now we sit in a Pet Store where kids come taunt and squeeze.
They do not hear our whimpers or understand our pleas.
We're miserable and it's scary here we all would rather die.
But since we don't we do our best to run away and hide.
I know you think my story too sad to leave me be.
You want to take me home with you, a happy little puppy.
But please, though it is fearful to live here against our will.
If you take me that leaves a spot another pup will fill.
You can stop our suffering but not by taking us home.
You must be strong and leave us here, unsold and all alone.
For if you do not take me, then another pup won't come.
And maybe he will not be shipped so far away from home.
Tho some of us may not survive the cycle 'ere it falls.
If we don't sell they will not need more puppies in these halls.
And if they need no puppies then the Man will not bring more.
Eventually it can all stop! You CAN close the door.
So when you see a puppy face so sad and sweet and small.
In a cage at a Pet Store at your neighborhood shopping mall.
The best thing you can do for him is leave him sitting there.
That is the best way you can tell all dogs how much you care.

 

Why should I adopt?

If you have room in your home and in your heart for a new dog or cat, adopting makes sense for lots of reasons. Here are just four of them:

1. You will be saving a life. Even if you adopt from an organization that has a no-kill policy, you will be helping to rescue an­other animal by making space available at the shelter.

2. You will be saving money because adop­tion costs less than buying an animal from a pet shop or a breeder.

3. By adopting rather than buying a new companion animal, you will reduce the de­mand that drives the commercial breeding of puppies and kittens. Each year, millions of healthy and well-behaved animals are destroyed in shelters simply because there are not enough homes for all of them.

4. If you adopt a young adult or older pet, you can avoid many of the domestic hassles related to house-training and teething. Pup­pies and kittens are cute, but they require lots of attention, training, patience … and newspapers!

An older dog might fit in better with your loyal old Labrador than a rambunctious tor­pedo of a puppy. Kittens are easier than pup­pies, but you may also want to consider the benefits of an adult kitty, who has already gone through the precocious kitten stage.

So, there are plenty of good reasons to adopt your next pet, but probably the best reason to adopt a dog or cat is that you just might meet your best friend.

Where can I adopt?

You may already know of several shelters and rescue organizations near where you live. If not, here are a few suggestions:

1. The municipal animal control shelter or local humane society is a good place to start. If you don’t know where it is, call your local police and ask for the name and location of the facility or organization that handles stray animal problems in your community.

2. Many animal rescue organizations hold regular adoption days at pet supply outlets. Most of the larger and more enlightened pet supply stores don’t sell dogs and cats at all. Instead, they partner with the humane com­munity in promoting pet adoptions. Check your Yellow Pages for pet supply stores or feed stores near you.

3. Some rescue groups specialize in specific breeds of dogs and cats. So if you have your heart set on a Jack Russell, a German shep­herd, or a fluffy Persian cat, you can adopt one through a breed rescue organization.

What else do I need to know?

Health ~

If you already have a dog or cat at home, make sure that your new pet has a clean bill of health from a vet before ex­posing your oth­er animals to any risk. This is par­ticularly impor­tant if you adopt from a municipal shelter, where veterinary care is usually minimal.

Most private rescue organizations will guar­antee the health of your new pet and will see to it that the animal has been tested for any contagious diseases, received the necessary shots, and been spayed or neutered before you take him or her home.

Spay/Neuter ~

If your new pet is not already fixed, you’ll want to make sure to arrange for spay/neuter as soon as possible. Information about low-cost spay/neuter services in your area is available by dialing 1-800-248-SPAY or visiting www.spayusa.org.

Children ~

A new pet in the house is an ex­citing event for youngsters, but don’t let their enthusiasm turn into a nightmare for you or the new animal. Being pulled from under the bed by eager little hands or being flopped on by a child is very distressing to most animals, and especially for those in unfamiliar surroundings. Their only recourse is to scratch, snap, or run. Two out of three of these natural responses are likely to land them back in the shelter, which is hardly fair. Teach your children to respect animals as they would any other playmate. If their new pet doesn’t want to play for now, teach your children to leave him or her alone.

Behavior ~

While your new pet may turn out to be the perfect lady or gentleman from day one, it is more likely that he/she will take a little while to adjust to new surroundings and routines. Be patient. Be positive.

Where can I get more information?

For more informa­tion on basic pet care, training and behavior, visit the “You and Your Pets” section of the Best Friends web­site at www.best­friends.org. The following books can also be helpful to you:

• Second-Hand Dog: How to Turn Yours into a First-Rate Pet by Carol Lea Benjamin

• The Chosen Puppy: How to Select and Raise a Great Puppy from an Animal Shelter by Carol Lea Benjamin

• Child-Proofing Your Dog: A Complete Guide to Preparing Your Dog for the Chil­dren in Your Life by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson

• How to Get Your Cat to Do What You Want by Warren and Fay Eckstein

• Cat Love: Understanding the Needs and Nature of Your Cat by Pam Johnson

• Twisted Whiskers: Solving Your Cat’s Be­havior Problems by Pam Johnson

If you need additional advice, you can try a behavior helpline, a professional trainer or a behaviorist. Check out the resource called “Behavior Helplines” in the “You and Your Pets” section of the Best Friends website.

Behaviors like chewing, digging, and separa­tion anxiety are just as common in dogs who come with a fine pedigree from a pet store or breeder as they are in mutts who have been rescued. Most behavior problems can be straightened out with patient and con­sistent application of a few simple training techniques.

 

Disposable?

I was born in the summer a few years ago;
Quite why I was born I never will know.
Some folks owned my mother; decided to breed
No reason I know of except for their greed.
I know I was hungry, I know I was cold
And they sold me quite early, at just five weeks old.
Owner number one seemed friendly at first,
And life was quite good, until my bubble burst.
They started to argue; their marriage split up,
And in went the ad, for sale 4 month pup.
Some more folks arrived, the next ones in line.
They treated me kindly, and life was just fine.
But the master dropped dead, and she couldn't cope,
So they sold me again as I began to lose hope.
I now had a new home up in the sky.
We went up the lift, fourteen floors high.
The new folks were kind, but they left me all day.
I was busting to pee, and had no where to play.
It was boredom, I think, when I chewed up that chair.
They agreed I should go, but it just wasn't fair.
The next home was good, and I thought this was it.
They started to show, and I won, well, a bit.
Then somebody told them that I had "no bone,"
And in went the ad, for sale to good home.
The next lot were dreadful. They wanted a guard,
But I didn't know that, although I tried hard.
One night they got burglarized and I didn't bark,
Tied up in that shed, alone in the dark.
For four months I lay in that cold dark shed
With only an old paper sack for a bed.
A small dish of water all slimy and green,
The state I was in, well, it had to be seen.
I longed for some help, for an end to the pain,
Then some new people came, and I went off again.
So now I'm with rescue, and this home is good!
There are walks in the country and lots of good food.
There are kisses and cuddles to greet me each day,
And I dread the time that they send me away.
But for now here I stand, skin and bone, on all fours.
PLEASE!!! Don't let this happen to any of yours.

I AM FAMOUS

I was born today One of 10. My daddy was very famous. I have lots of half brothers and sisters. My mother is very famous. Since she got famous, she has only had puppies. No more loving hands, no more fun trips just puppies. She is always sad when they leave her.

I left home today. I didn't want to go, so I hid behind my mama and my three littermates that were left. I didn't like you. But one day they said I would be famous. I wonder; is famous the same as fun and good times? So you picked me up and carried me away, even though you were concerned about me hiding from you. I don't think you liked me.

My new home is far away. I am scared and afraid. My heart says BE BRAVE. My ancestors were. Did they go to good homes like mine? I'm hungry because I can't eat too much because it will be bad for my bones. I can't bite or snap when the children are mean to me. I just run and play and pretend I am in a big green field with butterflies and robins and frogs.

I can't understand why they kick me. I am quiet, but the man hits and says loud things. The lady doesn't feed me good things like I had with my mother. She just throws dry food on the ground, then goes away before I can get too close for touching and petting. Sometimes my food smells Bad but I eat it anyway.

Today I had 10 puppies. They are so wonderful and warm. Am I famous now? I wish I could play with them, but they are so tiny. I am so young and playful that it is hard to lay here in this hole under the house nursing my puppies. They are crying now. I am so hungry. I scratch and worry my fur. I wish someone would throw me some food. I am also very thirsty. I now have eight. Two got cold during the night and I couldn't make them warm again. They are gone. We are all very weak. Maybe if I take them out on the porch, we can get some food.

Today they took us away. It was too much trouble to feed us and someone came to take us away. Someone grabbed my puppies, they were crying and whimpering. We were put in a truck with boxes in it. Are my babies famous now? I hope so, because I miss them. They are gone.

The place smelled of urine, fear and sickness. Why was I here? I was beautiful, like my ancestors. Now I am hungry, dirty, in pain and unwanted. Maybe the worst is unwanted. No one came though I tried to be good. Today someone came. They put a rope on my neck and led me to a room that was very clean and had a shiny table. They put me on the table. Someone held me and hugged me. It felt so good!!! Then I felt tired and laid over the last one who cared.

I AM FAMOUS NOW. Today someone cared.

 

Love of Labs

LOLIN, INC.

If you're looking for a Lab to love, look for Love of Labs, we are making a difference one Lab at a time!

a 501(c)3 Public Charity Organization

Please don't breed or buy, while shelter animals die.