Thursday, September 3, 2009

Abandoned pets

It is the dog days of summer and the cat rescuers are weary. Every pound and shelter and rescue is full of cats. These are friendly cats, so we know they had a home and someone abandoned them. There are cats waiting for homes wherever you live. If you can give one a home, think about doing it now.

I received a note yesterday about the cats pictured here. They are still alive because they are fortunate enough to be at a kind pound. Workers there want to give them every chance to find a home because they are so nice and adoptable, but they’ve been at the pound too long. More cats are coming in and euthanasia is next.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Impounds
Date: Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:38:30 -0500
From: mollywood4.0408@yahoo.com

We are an impound facility in princeton mn who have a number of cats they
have been here approx month or so. we arent having the best luck finding
homes, and our facility is getting full. If you can help at all let us no
763-389-2440

Fe dsh calico approx 1-2 yrs very friendly and easy going

dsh grey m/i friendly and likes other cats


We were contacted about four cats and I am taking in one of them. Can you take another?

U of M med. school to stop using live animals

DENISE SAYS: Too bad we lagged behind 95% of the med schools in the country in doing so...

Updated: 9/3/2009 10:38:25 AM

MINNEAPOLIS -- The University of Minnesota plans to stop using live animals to teach emergency medicine to doctors in training. The Medical School will instead switch to high-tech simulations.

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine alleged the university was violating the federal Animal Welfare Act.

A letter from the head of emergency medicine, Dr. Joseph Clinton, says the university significantly reduced the use of live animals on July 1, and will eliminate their use by the end of the year.

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine says more than 95 percent of U.S. medical schools now use human simulations instead of live animals.




(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
All Material Copyright 2009 KARE-11. All Rights Reserved.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Secondhand Cats

Once upon a time, not long ago, there were two cats named Apollo and Bagheera. Apollo and Bagheera were brothers and they had been raised together since they were kittens. Now they are ten years old and somehow circumstances changed for their human family and they weren't wanted any more.

They were fortunate that their family contacted a rescue group that would even give them a chance -- most organizations that would have taken them in would have euthanized them due to their age without any evaluation as to adoptability. That is a sad part of the story because indoor cats can easily live until they are 15 or 20 years old and these boys had no health or behavior problems. The family locked the boys in the basement while they waited for them to be adopted.

APOLLOA very nice family was looking for a cat (or maybe a pair of cats) because their 17-year-old cat had recently died. They searched on Petfinder.com and came across Apollo & Bagheera. The boys were older than they had planned, but they seemed like a good match and they needed a new home as soon as possible. Apollo was described as "an outgoing, affectionate cat who purrs when their two year old daughter "wrestles" with him. He craves companionship: when he finds himself alone in the house, he cries out until someone calls his name." Bagheera "is the caretaker of the family: if his human family members are sick or sad, he immediately knows it and stays close by, preferring to be in their lap. He is also very tolerant of small children."

The family visited the cats and were very sad to see them living alone in the basement, so they brought them home as soon as possible.

BAGHEERAAs is often the case with a pair of cats, one is more outgoing and the other is more shy. Apollo is the bolder and braver of these two brothers and Bagheera is shy, but doesn't let himself get left behind. The former family and rescue organization had been prepared to split up these boys. That would have been so traumatic for them, especially Bagheera, after living together for their whole lives.

Two cats are better than one anyway. They keep each other entertained and comforted. It is always a good idea to start out with a pair because sometimes adding a cat to your household later can be difficult.

EVAN AND THE BOYSApollo and Bagheera have a new best friend. His name is Evan and he is a very small boy. Cats who aren't used to children are often frightened of their quick movements and louder, higher-pitched noises. Apollo and Bagheera were already experienced with children. The family reports that "Apollo adores Evan. Follows him and plops down at his feet-- even when Ev is being a noisy little boy. Bagheera is a little less sure, but he is devoted to Apollo and so follows along." As you can see, they all sleep together in Evan's little bed.

Think of all the happy endings out there just waiting to happen if we can work a little harder to put the right people and pets together. A purebred pet is no guarantee of the good health, good behavior and love you expect from your pet.

When you are thinking about getting a pet, always consider fostering to see if you are ready to make the commitment. And, you just might get a free trial on your perfect pet!

Friday, July 31, 2009

New State-Wide Phone Directory for Spay/Neuter Services

An exciting new service is going to be available to Minnesota residents very soon. A Minnesota state-wide directory of spay/neuter services, this directory will be a valuable service for residents of Minnesota, as well as animal welfare advocates looking to promote spay/neuter services.

This service will be broken down into two primary categories: TNR programs for feral cats and Low-cost/no-cost spay/neuter services for companion pets.

Programs in these categories will then be broken down into different areas of the state, and different service types.

Even more importantly, this new directory will be able to accept toll-free calls from anywhere in the state, and to connect callers to the programs in their area that best fit their needs. Think of it as a centralized, "411" for spay/neuter services.

Currently, there are about a dozen programs around the state that are to be included. Your assistance is requested to help ensure that no program is left out. There is no cost for being listed.

To ensure a program is listed, simply send me an email titled "Spay/Neuter Directory"

In the body of the email, include the phone number used to accept calls from the public regarding spay/neuter services.

Include the name of the organization. Also include a general description of the program including relevant information, geographic area served and other relevant information as you deem appropriate for example, is there an income requirement and, if so, what is it. The information you provide will be used to help ensure that callers directed to your program are somewhat pre-screened for compatibility.

Please share this email with others in the Minnesota animal welfare community to help ensure the directory does not leave anyone out!

--
Mike Fry
Executive Director of Animal Ark

Friday, July 24, 2009

Monday, July 6, 2009

Bev Kauth's memorial service is Tuesday, July 7

Bev Kauth was dedicated to rescuing animals in Minnesota.

Beverly Ann Kauth of Richfield, MN, died suddenly Sat., June 27, 2009.

Preceded by father, Charles; brother, Bruce. Survived by mother, Jeanne; brother, Gary (René); nieces, Nicole & Pamela; loving extended family & many friends.

Her memorial service is Tues., July 7th at St. Joan of Arc Church, 4500 Clinton Ave S., Mpls. 55409, visitation at 11 AM, service at 12 Noon.

Memorials if desired to donor's choice or Midwest Animal Rescue & Services, 4112 83rd Ave North, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443.


Link to her Minneapolis StarTribune obituary and guestbook.