End of the Year 2007 Charitable Giving/ Mason's Vet Bill Needs to be Trimmed

Charitable donations are a good thing. They help organizations and can result in increasing your tax refund or reducing taxes you would otherwise owe next April.

December 31, 2007 is the deadline for charitable giving for the year 2007. Woe, Nellie, that is TONIGHT! Mason has a HUGE vet bill and would be so grateful for donations.

Mason's vetting bill was over $8,500! (The current balance is $5975.00. THANK YOU to all who have helped get the bill down. All donations should be sent directly to the vet at: Help For Animals P.O. Box 250, Barboursville, WV 25504 or call (800) 953-7297 to donate via credit card. Please ask them to apply the donation to the outstanding vetting bill for the Mason County Animal Shelter. THANK YOU!!!

Help For Animals is 501c3 non-profit and your donation is tax deductible. Please check out their listing on Guidestar.org to confirm non-profit status. (Search for Help For Animals Inc, you'll need to scroll down to see their listing.)
__._,_.___
The
The

These Cute Faces Are Big Business

Consumerism keeps our economy healthy, so whatever appeals to people will gain the attention of business. Photos and drawings of cats and dogs appeal to people and sell. These cute faces appear on calendars, t-shirts. mugs, greeting cards, posters, and clothing.

I hope the businesses and individuals that use images of cats and dogs in their ads and products donate funds to organizations that help needy animals.


Here is a link to an article about Wegman's dogs taking part in a Honda Civic TV ad.


http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C00E5DA1731F935A35753C1A96F958260&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

Mason Dog Lives the Good Life in Canada

And now some good news about a dog that went to his forever home in Ontario Canada. He originally came from the Mason Shelter. He came in with a group of dogs that were seized because of neglect or abuse. He went to Balog's German Shepard Dog rescue (thank you Becky) and from there got adopted by a family in Ontario, Canada and they dearly love him.

He is a wheaton terrier and was named Benji at the Mason Shelter (bottom picture).

The top picture is Benji in his new home. He is now named Rosco.



More good news!
Kobe from yesterday's post is going to rescue. I am not sure about the other dogs.

If anyone wants to share a happy tails story about a former Mason cat or dog, please feel free to share in the comment section and or let me know you would like to post a picture.

Dogs to be Killed(ALL RESCUED) the Day Before Christmas Unless Rescued

I hate to be so direct but reality is reality. These three dogs at Roane Countyy Animal Shelter in Spencer West Virginia will be euthanized on December 24 unless rescued. I am sure this scenario will take place in numerous shelters across the country that do not have the resources or staff to keep animals indefinitely. How disturbing that on a holy day for many people, innocent animals could and will be killed because no one cared enough to rescue them. Please intervene in the fate of Cindy, Kobe, and Charity and give them a true Christmas gift, the gift of love.

Roane County Animal Shelter
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/WV60.html

The shelter is on Route 14 near Spencer, WV -- 1 hour NE of Charleston WV, 2 hours South of Wheeling WV, 2 hours South of Cambridge OH and 2 1/2 hours SW of Morgantown WV.

Roane County Animal Shelter
2550 Parkersburg Rd
Spencer, WV 25276
Phone: (304)927-2555


"Cindy is about a year old and very happy and active. She loves people and responds well to direction. she way brought in as a stray. Her required hold time is up and she urgently needs to get adopted or rescue.

Please call Sandy at 304-927-4363 if you can adopt or rescue this sweetie.


Kobe is a beautiful Malinois who was turned in as a stray. He's about 5 months old, very friendly and alert. His pictures don't do him justice. His ears do stick up, but like a lot of dogs, he just wouldn't do it for the pictures.

Kobe's time will not be held beyond December 24. Please contact Sandy at 304-927-4363 if you're interested in this gorgeous puppy. If you get the voice recording, please leave a detailed message.


Charity is a very sweet young female who looks like she recently had a littler. She made have been wandering for sometime because she's protective of her food. Other than that she gets along great with other dogs. Please contact Sandy at 304-927-4363 if you're interested in Charity."

Black Is The Color of My True Love's Hair-UPDATE JANUARY 2008

PEGGY ADOPTED!!!! DIXIE RESCUED!!! GEORGETTE AT SHELTER, LOOK AT HER NEW JANUARY 27th 2008 Blog picture



From right to left counterclockwise

Georgette, Dixie, Peggy







Black dogs are the bomb(you know cool- I feel like Randy Jackson when I say that word). Besides the intrinsic wonderful dogginess of dogs, they are black and black is a wonderful color. In the Chinese art of Feng Shui, the art of interior design whose goal is to promote health, opportunity and prosperity in our lives, black is the color associated with career. It is a power color that when placed in the appropriate place(called baguas) in your home or place of business brings good fortune.


"Black is a color of power and strength, and to see all those players, with the captains linking their arms in front-it's a powerful picture."

Hayden Fry

American Coach. b. 1929

So why are black dogs left at shelters? Check out the link. I'm telling you we all have to examine our thoughts and attitudes about black dogs.

http://www.blackpearldogs.com/


These are the three dogs at the shelter who are black and sweet and would like out this week. Their names are Peggy, Dixie, and Georgette. Please consider them.


I see it now, black dog with bright colored ribbon on or reindeer ears( Peggy would look great in reindeer ears) looking at you adoringly.

A BIG HOLIDAY THANK YOU! RURAL SHELTERS CAN BE NO-KILL

A BIG HOLIDAY THANK YOU!

Wed Dec 12, 2007 6:22 pm (PST)

from "Trish" SaveTheDogs@rcn.com themcd1998

Mason County Animal Shelter
A Big Holiday THANK YOU!
Since the transition back to county control, you have
helped us save so many animals!

When the announcement was made this past summer
that the shelter was going from no kill back to kill/county control,
the rescue and adoptive community responded in droves.
Hundreds of dogs and cats were placed in foster care within
weeks, most of whom have since found forever homes.

Best Friends assisted by sending announcements
out to their network, which greatly increased the
exposure these animals were getting to the animal
loving community nationwide.
They also helped us find local volunteer help and sent a
team down to Pt Pleasant to meet with the county, staff,
and volunteers. Additionally, they worked tirelessly
behind the scenes for several weeks after the transition
to ensure the release of dogs that were being held
for a court case...to make sure they would not be euthanized.
THANK YOU!

As a parting gift, the group of volunteers that was running
the shelter as no kill took a bunch of the "leftover" dogs
home on the night prior to transition, to ensure they would
not be put down. THANK YOU! No one knew for sure
what the county's intentions where with regard to the
batch of mostly large black dogs that had not found
homes yet...and rescuers know that big black adult dogs
are less likely to be adopted. They still have
some of those dogs...please visit their website
to see if there is anyone you would like to adopt:
http://www.petfinde r.com/shelters/ WV128.html

The county provided basic shots for dogs upon intake at no
charge to rescues and was kind enough to let an online
volunteer maintain the Petfinder website to ensure
that it would be kept up to date. THANK YOU!

A new volunteer team stepped in to assist the new
shelter director with continuing (and expanding) the
rescue program. THANK YOU! It never ceases to amaze
us how energized you all are, and how willing you are
to step in and help as needed. We are very lucky
to have all of you as volunteers!

A volunteer rescue coordinator spends 6-8 hours online
and on the phone daily to keep in touch with rescues
and answer their inquiries and keep
Betty, the shelter director, informed as to which
animals are confirmed for rescue.
She also keeps our Petfinder person informed
on who needs to be moved to adopted status and
has worked tirelessly to develop/enhance
the southern portion of our transport route by
finding new drivers. THANK YOU CANDICE!

For months after the transition, Betty didn't have
a camera, so Julie (a local volunteer) visited the
shelter weekly to photograph new animals for
Petfinder. THANK YOU!

Another "on the ground" volunteer, Trish P, has been
an invaluable source of help for both Betty and Candice,
stepping in to help out wherever needed. THANK YOU!

Just when Candice decided she couldn't keep up
with the rescue applications, Carolyn joined the
online volunteer team and
stepped up to help process these apps and keep the rescue
program going strong. THANK YOU!

Sponsors continued to help us by covering the cost of
vetting for cats and dogs so they can go to rescue fully
vetted for free. They have also donated
money to help us get treatment covered for
heartworm positive dogs. THANK YOU!

Generous supporters donated Kuranda dog beds so our
dogs could be off the cold, hard concrete floor. THANK YOU!
We still need more beds...please visit our website and click on "Donate
a Kuranda Bed" or visit
http://www.kuranda. com/catalog/ donate_landing. php?intShelterID =3113
if you would like
to ship a bed to our shelter.

Help For Animals, the low-cost spay/neuter clinic,
continued to provide care for the animals despite the fact
that they were left with an outstanding vetting bill of
over $8,500 at the time of the transition. THANK YOU!
(They still need $5,975 to be paid off, please contact
Vanessa at 800-953-7297 to contribute.
Donations made to
HFA are tax deductible. They are a 501c3
non-profit organization. ) THANK YOU to the
donors who have already contributed several
thousand dollars toward this outstanding bill.

Volunteer drivers regularly assisted with transporting
dogs and cats to rescues. THANK YOU! Special thanks go
out to Julie and Nicole who often drive long legs
on transports to get the Mason animals to safety.

Rescues throughout the northeast always managed to find
a space for "just one more" dog or cat whenever the shelter
started to reach capacity. THANK YOU!

Volunteer crossposters tirelessly networked online
to get the word out about animals needing homes
at our shelter. THANK YOU!

Thank you to Betty, our BLOGGER. Please visit her
Mason BLOG at http://itsrainingca tsdogsglixman. blogspot. com/

The end result of all of this hard work has been that since
July 2007, 225 dogs and cats have been rescued or adopted.
And another 9 dogs and cats are awaiting
transport to rescues.

It has been an amazing group effort and we wanted to
take some time out during this busy holiday season to
thank all of you who have supported or helped us in any way.
We look forward to your continued support and
assistance in the future.

To quote Margaret Mead,

"Never doubt that a small group of
thoughtful, committed citizens can change
the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Our dedicated supporters have definitely changed the
world for these animals. YOU are living proof
that rural shelters CAN find homes for
their animals and DO NOT need to be high kill.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU
from the bottoms of our hearts!
We wish all of you a safe, happy, healthy holiday season.
If you have adopted or are fostering a Mason dog or cat,
please give them a hug from us!
To see the dogs and cats that are currently
at our shelter and in need of homes,
please visit
http://masoncounty. petfinder. com

Please give us a foster or forever home
for the holidays!


Action Alert!!!!!

Please take time out from your busy holiday plans to contact the NC Dept of Agriculture and be a voice for the voiceless! Subject: Stop the use of gas chambers in North Carolina The North Carolina Dept. of Agriculture is amending its regulations particularly concerning euthanasia. The Dept. will still allow gas chambers to be used in public shelters. It's time to end this cruel practice. Click here for a look at the proposed regulations and a letter you can send to the Dept. to let them know gas chambers should be banned. Don't wait. The deadline for submitting comments is Dec. 31. http://www.animalla wcoalition. com/gas-chambers /article- 285

A Little Old Man Needs You

Some people couldn't be bothered with senior animals. I look at this old dog who either wandered away from his home or was abandoned or maybe his owner was taken to a nursing home where he was not allowed and think how can anyone not want to help this little guy? You will read in the message below that he is being taken to the vet for an exam. Dogs and cats are often vulnerable and needy as they age. It takes a certain kind of person to care for a dog or cat who can't see and is deaf. Are you that person? Is this your pal who will adore you forever for taking him in? No matter how long this dog has to live, he deserves the kindness and concern of people like all seniors do whether four footed or two footed.

Just got this message from Candice, the volunteer rescue coordinator:

"This poor pathetic soul was dumped in someone's yard yesterday. Betty said he appears to be deaf and blind and in his high teenage years. He was so matted they had to shaved him down and bathe him yesterday. He is going to HFA this morning to be checked out and evaluated to see how his health is and if healthy enough he will be vetted in hopes he can make the transport this weekend. I have asked Betty to keep him in a crate instead of one of the kennels so he doesn't hurt himself.

This dog is not listed on Petfinder, as we want him to get into rescue. Can anyone PLEASE take this dog on Saturday's transport? Seniors don't do well in shelters, especially blind/deaf seniors! This boy needs a warm, soft bed for the holidays! Please contact Candice to inquire: MCASRescues- owner@yahoogroup s.com (yahoogroups. com)."

Can anyone SPONSOR this poor boy's vetting? If so, please contact Candice.


UPDATE 12/12/07 SENIOR SHIH TZU

Well this guy checks out ok but is blind and deaf as far as we can tell. His teeth are in very bad shape, which is why we thought he was a senior turns out the vet thinks he is about 6 or 7. He was neutered already, and received his rabies, HW Test - neg, a fecal test and received Dronal. So he is ready to go.......... There is a transport on December 15. He is more like middle aged. Middle aged men need help too especially if they have owners who don't take care of them.

Here is a link to How To Love an Older Dog from A Kid's Guide to Dog Care

http://www.loveyourdog.com/olddogs.html

Whose At The Shelter & An Interview With Cat Lover & Writer Peggy Johnson

Betty, Billy, Bobby, the cocker spaniels, and Heath have rescues pending. Yeh!!! There is another transport on the 15th. Casey, Kelly, Maxine, Stewie, Trixie, Grey, Dozer,Willow, Georgette, Smokey, Rocky and Peggy have been at the shelter so long. They are all good animals.Please take a look at their pictures on Petfinder and contact mcasrescues-owner@yahoogroups.com
if interested in adopting or rescuing them. There are ball players, lovers of belly rubs, butt wigglers, and kissers in this bunch. I hope they ALL get to go to rescues on the 15th or get adopted.

Caseyand friendsneedoutofhere

UPDATE! 12/12/07 Casey and Smokey ADOPTED! Kelly, Stewie, Maxine, Rocky have rescues. As far as I know everyone else has rescues except Georgette, Willow, Peggy, and Dixie.
UPDATE ! 12/15/07 Dozer rescued.























Peggy Johnson has been writing since she was a little girl. She sold her first piece to Easy Riders mag in the 80's. She lives with lots of kitties, a dog, and a very patient husband.

How many cats live with you?

Well, right now I have 12 cats. I lost a good friend during the cat food thing. So, I'm real careful about any canned food now. When we recently moved from our 22 acres well,they were family so we loaded them up and moved them, lock stock and litter box. I've had 22 or more roaming around at various times. It's hard. Sometimes they choose to adopt a neighbor. I let them go. I'm just a halfway house sometimes.

Do they stay outside in the winter?

They are all in the house. They go out to the cat cage whenever they want to. They have a cat door. I couldn't make my babies stay out. We made a cat door in the garage for any strays so they can get warm too. I've not been here long enough to make friends with the new cats.

What types of cat do you live with?

All of my cats were strays. They range in age from 2-12
I have Calicos and Siamese, black cats, orange cats, black and white cats.

When did you get your first cat?

My husband and I were married a week heading for northern Montana on a special construction job when there on the side of the road was a small white kitten. My husband turned the car around and we picked the kitty up. Of course his name was Snowy. My husband laughed and said that'll teach me to turn around on a busy highway for a cat, he's been doing it for me ever since. Snowy taught me how to love cats. He taught me what a cat owner should do and be.

Is it hard to take care of that many cats?

In a way it is. I go through a 20 lb.bag of food every two weeks and a lot of kitty litter. Thank Goodness for Walmart! I have a huge outside cat cage and in the summer they love it but in the winter, they are creatures of comfort you know. I saved up and found a good vet and slow but sure, neuter and spayed everyone. I've always done that even to my feral friends. It's the best way to stop overpopulation and protect kittens.

When did you start writing about cats?

My first cat story was called Wish Kitty. I wrote it in the early 80's as a bedtime story for my kids. I would read them bits and pieces every night before they went to sleep. After a bunch of revisions, it's now on Amazon.com in the shorts department.

WishKitty

The kitty on the cover is mine, her name is Fancy. I found her in Texas during a flash flood. Since then I have found that cats give me an endless supply of adventures to write about

Tell us about the Christmas Anthology your new story is in and about what inspired the story.

I saw a photo of a soldier petting a cat and then the story just popped into my brain.I fixed it a bit to fit with Christmas theme.


What do you like most about cats?

I think what I like the best is their ability to adjust to their surroundings.They are gentle creatures, even my wild ones become gentle in time. Fancy the kitty from the flood, took her about 6 months before I could pick her up and snuggle her. Each cat has their own personality, no two are the same. But they all have a special look they give you. Unlike dogs which require I walk them and well, run around and bark alot, all the cats I have met are calm peaceful and love me unconditionally. If I am sad, they know it. Why do I like them? Because they like me.


What advice can you give to a first time cat owner?

Be ready for some fun adventures. Kittens turn into adults but always have kitten hiding just below the surface ready to pounce on an unsuspecting toe. But something to think of, if it's going to be your first cat, consider an adult cat. I have adopted quite a few adults, lost kitties, abandoned kitties and rescues. Look in their eyes, do they stay calm when you approach them? Talk to them, someone will come to you, purr at you, blink a smile at you. The adult cat has less of a chance to find a person they can love. So, if you get your first cat or kitten be ready to change litter boxes, get them shots, keep plenty of water down for them but most of all get ready for a really fun life. Words of caution...cats are addictive, one never seems to be enough.

Rescue Me Come On, Baby, and Rescue Me

Rescue me
Take me in your arms
Rescue me
I want your tender charm
'Cause I'm lonely
And I'm blue
I need you
And your love too
Come on and rescue me

Come on, baby, and rescue me
Come on, baby, and rescue me
'Cause I need you by my side
Can't you see that I'm lonely

Rescue me
Come on and take my heart
Take your love and conquer every part
'Cause I'm lonely
And I'm blue
I need you
And your love too
Come on and rescue me

Come on, baby, and rescue me
Come on, baby, and rescue me
'Cause I need you by my side
Can't you see that I'm lonely

Rescue me
Take me in your arms
Rescue me
I want your tender charm
'Cause I'm lonely
And I'm blue
I need you
And your love too
Come on and rescue me


lyric excerpt from
1965 R&B hit lyrics as sung by Fontella Bass



Everybody needs rescue at times.


rescueme

Billy the Cat is a Locksmith

During the day Betty (the shelter manager) lets all the cats out in the cat room to play and they all get along wonderfully! Last night Betty decided to leave Billy out for the night so he could have some free time. Well it seems that Billy was lonely playing all by himself so he let all the other cats out of their cages. Betty came in this morning to find them playing happily in the cat room. retold by Candace

Way to go Billy! What a good natured friendly kitty.

Billy has a sponsor who has offered to donate monthly (for Billy's care until he finds a home) to the group that rescues him. She knows what a wonderful intelligent cat he is.

I wonder what else he can figure out. He has great eyes to paw coordination! I could have used his skills at my house when I couldn't figure out how to open the Have A Heart Mouse Trap.

Bobby, Alex & Homer- Three Adorables - Nov.29 UPDATE

Adorable Number 1

Looking at Bobby the basset hound mix makes me ask myself what it is about basset hounds that makes me smile? The only answer I can come up with is that I like laid back dogs who if they were people might say don't sweat the small stuff. Just find a person to cuddle with and relax.

Bobby is most likely a basset collie mix. Could two breeds be more different? One can be a bit lazy, the other has a history of being a herder. But you can't judge any dog by these types of descriptions. Bobby is one unique dude. He will be a super pet. I mean really, wouldn't you like to hang out with him on the couch or have him as your exercise partner for long walks? He is about one year old, and he loves people.

Here is information about basset hounds
http://www.bassethoundrescue.com/maindefault.htm


November 29, 2007 Update

Bobby has a new picture. Is this the same dog? Yipe. It is. Bobby looks different in different lights. He is like one of the models on American's Next Top Model. He has different looks. One day he looks basset hound and another he looks corgi and basset hound. I think some of this as any good model knows is that angle, light, attitude and pose is everything in the modeling business. Don't get me wrong. I am not saying the models on Tyra Bank's show are dogs. I am talking photography.

We suspect Bobby may be a mix of corgi, basset hound and collie. He is a lovable mutt.



More about Corgis

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/cardigancorgi.htm

Look at this Corgi organization that gives financial aid to needy corgis and corgi mixes.

http://www.corgiaid.org/


Adorable Number 2

Alex is the orange and white calico kitty on your right. He was given up with his sister due to family illness. His sister was adopted. Alex is alone now waiting for his person. He has very soft fur and is very friendly. He is just a baby. Take him home please! One is the loneliest number.



Nov. 29 ALEX WAS ADOPTED!



Adorable Number 3

This is Homer. I am so sad he is growing up at the shelter. The first photograph is him now. The second is Homer when he came to Mason County Animal Shelter. He is such a little love. He is still a baby. Please adopt this beautiful kitty or rescue him. He is purrfect. He has been lucky to remain alive at the shelter, but that could change any moment. HURRY, HE NEEDS YOU.






rescue or adoption inquiries
mcasrescues-owner@yahoogroups.com

Cat Poems & Picture and Gifts For the Animals

I wrote these poems about my cat Sammie who passed away several years ago. One poem is about eating, the other about loss. At holidays many people eat a lot, and many people remember their loved ones who are not around anymore. I am doing both. I am going to add a happy holiday poem later.

If My Cat Could Write A Poem

She's in bed again
With the pillow on her head again.
I need to eat.
Meow. Meow. Meow.
I want her to get up. Again.
Like she did to feed me last night.
Oh more kitty treats

Maybe if I sat on her feet,
She'd get up, again
Meow. Meow. Meow.
There are no crunchy treats
In my dish in the room
Where my water bowl
Is clear and deep.

I'm licking her feet again
She has the pillow on her head.
It doesn't matter that
It is night
I want to eat again. Now.

If a cat could write a poem, imagine a cat painting a picture.

http://www.monpa.com/wcp

For Sammie

1

long and flat in the sunlight stretching
gray belly fur tipped with white
wise whiskers reflecting sun
joyous cat
in the afternoon yellow hues

crystal globe in the window
against venitian blinds summer light
made rainbows on your belly
white like down
warm like blood

blue spaces cover the bed
with spots of dust bunny gray fur
sunlight becomes moonlight
a waning moon follows my eyes
I search the empty window sill
where you watched
crickets in the night.

2

I called you Fur Girl and Kitty Woman
I called you my Snookie Poo
And Sammie Wammie Woo
I called you many names
and you never said a word

In the middle of the night
I called you
You sometimes came
and watched the woman
who fed you speak
If we were to meet again
and I called you in that yearning way
would you stand in the light
then go away?

I call you my angel cat
my tether to the other side
I still call you in the night
Wait for you to appear
This time in a dream or in sound
Your paws on linoleum
the bouncing of your body on my bed
or tuna water gone
I call you like you could appear
Somehow
out of nowhere





Don't forget the animals during this season.

The best gift besides time and affection you can give your pets is the gift of safety during the holidays. Chocolate can be deadly to dogs and watch those little gifts of chicken or turkey from holiday meals that you give to your pets. Make sure the bones are removed.Check out this link to find other hazards to pets during this season and how to protect them.

http://www.azhumane.org/artimgr/publish/article_592.shtml

The best gift you can give a shelter animal or stray cat or dog is a home. Experts suggest to only give a pet to someone who is interested in animals and has shown interest in being a pet owner and to include the recipient in the choice of the pet. An animal is not an impulse purchase that can be returned like a computer game.

Other Ways to Help Needy Animals

If you can, donate to the shelter, rescue, or feral cat association of your choice . You can also donate pet food to your local food pantry.

Mason's dogs would like some more of these. It gets real cold in WV. http://www.kuranda.com/catalog/donate_landing.php?intShelterID=3113

Poems and Picture
copyright E.P. Glixman

IS THERE A DOCTOR DOLITTLE IN THE AUDIENCE? I'D LIKE TO KNOW WHAT BETTY, LOUIE, & CASEY ARE THINKING. UPDATE

Sometimes I wonder what animals are thinking. Once I was so puzzled by the antics of a scared senior cat I was fostering that I called an animal communicator. The cat was "talkative" and somewhat affectionate as long as I was lying down, but as soon as I stood up, he ran in fear. There were other things this traumatized tabby cat did too that made me realize I didn't have a clue how to help him. I have to admit his behavior was slowly driving me crazy. The animal communicator talked to the 14 year old cat and told me he said he wasn't like this with his owner of 13 years who had died. He had been in three trial homes before he came to me. He told the animal communicator that he was always a nervous cat, and he didn't like change. He didn't like it when I moved furniture around in my apartment. I was pretty surprised to hear about his dislike of things moving because that is exactly what I had been doing- rearranging furniture. I stopped moving furniture. He became less skittish. He also said he wasn't around many people in his original home. He didn't want to talk about his former owner who he loved very much. He was such a sad kitty. When I first saw him he would not look at me, he would not move. He kept his back side to me the whole ride to my house. From my experiences with this cat, I saw how animals are in some ways just like people in that they have preferences and go towards what is pleasurable and move away from what is not. They react to stress and trauma. They can respond to abandonment and loss by becoming fearful and depressed. And they show trust and affection when acceptance comes their way. I learned a lot from this senior cat.

I've been thinking about Betty the cat wondering what life is like for her with one eye. She is such a loving cat. I hope someone will give her a chance. I asked cat lovers on a kitten forum I found while googling one eyed cats about one eyed cats and if they owned one or knew someone who did and here is what one person wrote:

A friend of mine had a wonderful one-eyed cat named, of course, Pirate. He'd found Pirate as a 6-month kitten with a bad eye infection. The vet was able to save one eye but not the other. Pirate didn't let his status upset him one bit because he was too busy playing, catching any bug that dared enter his domain, and purring the moment one of his many devoted fans made eye contact, let alone petted him. The only way that you could tell from his behavior that he had that missing eye was that he sometimes jumped a bit if somebody approached him from that side while he was paying attention to something else. It certainly didn't make him more aggressive (except when he was Vanquishing his toys and sometimes calling to his humans to admire his Mad Skills) or less friendly to strange humans. We don't know whether he ever even aware of his missing eye, but if he was, he faced the loss with an "oh, well, life's still wonderful fun!" that any human could envy. He died at 16 from a completely unrelated kidney infection. Nobody could tell whether he knew that he was a special little rescue or not, but given the love he lavished on his owner and anybody else who gave him a treat or a petting, I wouldn't doubt it for a minute.

One other person wrote she has two one-eyed kitties who she loves dearly. She lets them roam her 13 acres but keeps them in at night. We need a cat opthalmologist here to explain about how the loss of an eye can affect a cat's night vision.

It is hard to know if Betty knows she has one eye. I don't know what happened to her, but like Pirate she has adapted.Please give this beauty a chance.

Then there is Louie (a Ragdoll/ Siamese) who lost his home. His owner died. At six years old this beautiful cat is in a shelter. He needs someone to adore him. What is he thinking about this twist of fate? Does he know his owner is dead, or does he think he will be going home again? Or is he just afraid or maybe angry? He doesn't look too happy in his picture.

And Casey, the handsome dog who is crazy for belly rubs, how can he be so cheerful in the shelter where his life might be on the line?

Some people might say I am anthropomorphizing. Animals don't think. Maybe they don't, but I have seen and heard about animals who are much smarter and more sensitive than some people I know.

Here is a link to one animal communicator's website.

http://www.petcommunicator.com/Questions.html

BETTY, HOMER, DOZER, KELLY, BILLY, and CASEY ARE EXTREMELY URGENT!!!! THIS IS A KILL SHELTER.THESE ANIMALS DESERVE LIFE. PLEASE FIND IT IN YOUR HEART TO ADOPT OR RESCUE.

UPDATE NOVEMBER 27

Betty, Casey, Homer, Kelly, and Billy have been at the shelter a long time. Please adopt or rescue them. They are good animals who will bring a lot of love to your life. Give them a great holiday present, a home. Please! And don't forget Louie too.

UPDATE NOV 29 Louie the Himalayan was rescued!

COULD YOU BE KELLY'S LUCKY STAR?

KELLY'S STORY

Kelly and her sister Cassie had a loving home.They didn’t do one wrong thing. They came to the shelter together. What happened? Their owner moved to where pets were not allowed. Their owner offered to pay a deposit to keep her precious cats, but the landlord said no. I don’t know anymore of the story. Perhaps there were other circumstances that required these two beauties to be surrendered to the shelter. What matters is that Kelly is now homeless. Her sister got adopted. Kelly is between 2-3 years old. Please help Kelly find a person who will take care of her and never ever give her up.

Tortoiseshell cat

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

• Interested in contributing to Wikipedia? •

"A tortoiseshell (technically tortoiseshell-and-white) cat.

Tortoiseshell and calico describe a coloring found in cats caused by a combination of specific genetic traits. In female cats, where this trait primarily occurs, it is a result of X-inactivation, in which different patches of fur receive coding for different hair color due to the activation of an X chromosome from either the mother or the father. Calico coloring is a mix of phaeomelanin based colors (red) and eumelanin based colors (black, chocolate and cinnamon). Cats of this coloration are believed to bring good luck in the folklore of many cultures;^[1]
( read more)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tortoiseshell_cat

What Kelly will definitely bring to your life is the company of a smart and sensitive cat. Do you think you could be the person who will bring the light of happiness back into her eyes?

**UPDATE ON BILLY (THE BLACK & WHITE CAT WHOSE PHOTO IS ABOVE KELLY'S PHOTO)**


I wanted to give Kelly her own post, but I got some good news about Billy and had to tell you. He is ready for a loving home too. He is around a year old. Bill was very scared when he first came to the shelter. But now he has turned into a love bug who is ready to sit in anyone's lap who will pet him and say sweet nothings in his kitty ears. Billy has gotten in touch with his inner kitty and now needs someone to love. Billy looks like he has been around. In this picture he has that ROCKY BALBOA caught in a pensive moment look. I wonder what stories he could tell you. The posted picture was taken when he first came to the shelter.


For rescue inquiries contact
mcasrescues-owner@yahoogroups.com

IF YOU LIKE BAGELS, THERE ARE A COUPLE AT THE SHELTER

There are two sweet bagels at the shelter. Did I say bagels? I must be hungry. I mean beagles. Janet and Jenny are two young female tricolored beagles who were brought in as strays. Janet is about one year old and Jenny is two or three. According to Betty, they are both friendly and good with other dogs. Like every other four footed creature who is in a shelter, they want outta here.

Beagles are such great dogs. When I was a child, I had a beagle who stole my heart. His name was Tuffy. He went around sniffing everything. Sniffing was the way he learned about the things around him.Beagles make great family pets or can be trained as hunting dogs.

Look at Janet's floppy ears. Isn't she cute? Jenny reminds me of Tuffy with her little beagle belly. Tuffy's belly was a lot bigger. He enjoyed the finer things in life like getting into the garbage and eating the table scrapes my brother and I fed him when our parents weren't looking.


E-mail for rescue inquiries
mcasrescues-owner@yahoogroups.com

"Our Sweet Boy Dozer" Doesn't Feel So Good. He Needs A Place To Recuperate.

Candice at the shelter wrote:

"Our sweet boy Dozer tested positive for Heartworm. It is just too stressful to start treatment for him in the shelter. Does anyone have room for this sweet guy?

Dozer is a young male Rottie. He was an owner surrender. I am guessing the HW is why they turned him in. Betty, the Shelter Manager, reports that he gets along well with everyone, people, kids and other dogs.

Please email me (Candice Owens) at mcasrescue@cox. net
or at mcasrescues@ yahoogroups. com if you can help Dozer in anyway."

The estimated cost of treatment is between $300.00 -$700.00.Monetary contributions towards Dozer's treatment will be gratefully accepted. I'm sure Dozer would give you a big wet kiss for helping save his life.

This link explains what heartworm is and the treatment plan. There is a picture of what a heart with heartworm looks like on the site. Yee Gads! No wonder Dozer feels so bad. We have to help Dozer!

http://www.placervillevet.com/canine%20heartworm.htm

__._,_.___

BREAKING NEWS AND OTHER TAILS***UPDATE

Heidi is a Boy! ***Heath adopted. Homer needs a home.

Of course Heidi knew she was a boy. She is one smart kitty. But Heidi didn't know what to do when the people at the shetler said, "that one over there is a girl." She had no words to protest and no one understood "cat " like no one at the shelter understood Marsian (what the Martians on Mars speak). When she said "meow meow meowwwwwwwwwww," people thought she was hungry or wanted out of her cage.

Well it took a little time, but Heidi is officially Heath and part of the Homer and Heath duo.
Homer and Heath are playful kitties. They climb on the inside of the cage and reach out through it trying to get attention. Homer and Heath were brought to the shelter by an elderly couple who found them. They are about 3 months old and want OUTTA HERE. Not that the people aren't nice, but they want their own person or persons. Both are sponsored.

Sheba is a new dog in town. What a sweet beauty with two blue eyes. She is a three year old Husky. Her ideal home is one with older children or adults and people who like conversations. She is a talker in search of her human soul mate.

Let's not forget Casey the lab/Norwegian Elkhound from the Smiling Maxine post. He NEEDS OUTTA HERE also. Older dogs who are rescued are so grateful for the chance to have a home and a person that loves them.


for rescue inquiries contact
E-mail for rescue inquiries
mcasrescues-owner@yahoogroups.com

BETTY IS BLOSSOMING /CORRECTION NOV.13.SHE IS IN FULL BLOOM!

Rescues, Betty is waiting for you. She is at Mason County Animal Shelter Pt. Pleasant WV.
UPDATE**UPDATE**UPDATE**UPDATE**UPDATE**

BETTY IS A LAP CAT!!!! YEH BETTY!!! BETTY LOVES TO BE HELD. THE SHELTER MANAGER SAYS BETTY HAS COME A LONG WAY AND WILL MAKE SOMEONE OR A FAMILY VERY HAPPY. BETTY IS IN FULL BLOOM.

Betty is not fond of being held. Can you imagine? She is between 9-12 months.She only has one eye. She recently started playing with some kitty toys and started liking attention. This not being cuddled thing could easily be reversed with the right owner. Is it you? She also maybe scared, and as I say all the time, some animals do a 100% turn in behaviour once that are out of the scary or confining shelter. Betty may turn out to be that kind of kitty.


I read a story written by an adopter of a cat from the MSPCA, Massachusetts Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, in one of their mailings. The adopter adopted an adolescent cat. She had a dog and cat at home who did not get along. When she brought the new kitty home, she showed him, while placing a gate at the top of the stairs, that in this house the second floor was for cats and the first for dogs and no animal ever dared cross that peacekeeping gate. Well this spunky cat would have no part of this arrangement. He went downstairs and hung out. He grabbed the dog by the ankle and hissed. He even slept in the dog's bed. So upstairs the 13 year old cat who never went down stairs since the dog came was watching.Weeks or months later, I forget, he came down stairs, sat on the couch, hissed at the dog and became free never having to stay upstairs again out of fear. It was like the Berlin Wall coming down on a smaller scale(you know what I mean). SO who says you can't teach old dogs or scared cats new tricks?

Betty could become the biggest cuddler on earth in a few minutes in the right environment. We can only hope(what is life without a cuddle now and then?), or if not respect her for who she is. Cats can bring joy to people in many ways. Every cat is not a lap cat.


Betty is at Mason County Animal Shelter WV
E-mail for rescue inquiries
mcasrescues-owner@yahoogroups.com

TWO WEST VIRGINIA DOGS- SMILING MAXINE & SWEET MATURE CASEY** Nov 29 LATEST UPDATE

***UPDATE**UPDATE**UPDATE **CASEY
CASEY is the dog in the top photo dressed for Halloween

" CASEY IS VERY LOVEABLE. WHEN HE SEES ANYONE HE ROLLS OVER TO HAVE HIS TUMMY RUBBED. VERY SWEET AND PLAYFUL. HE'LL MAKE SOME FAMILY A GREAT PET." from the shelter manager




Maxine and Casey are two of the Urgent dogs at Mason County Animal Shelter in Pt. Pleasant West Virginia. Here is what a volunteer at the shelter said about each dog.

"I believe Maxine is a full pit. Who knows for sure though.There is not a mean bone in her body. She just has the prettiest, sweetest eyes, and the prettiest face. She doesn't even really bark that much. I know I have taken smaller dogs around her kennel, and she didn't growl, snarl, or anything negative. She loves attention and would make a great pet. Plus she has a sponsor which means the cost of her basic vetting is covered when she goes to rescue.

Casey is older and to me he has a look of fear or betrayal in his eyes. I can't remember if he was owner surrender; I think he was because they said he was about 8 years old. He is sweet but a little scared. He did have a sore on his front leg too. I think they are treating it. The shelter thinks he's a norwegian elkhound/lab mix.It is often hard to figure out exactly what mixes are. I'm sure he has some years of love left in him if someone would just look into his big brown eyes, open their heart, and give him a chance. Hopefully we can get some sponsor money for him. Then rescue."


NOV 29
Latest Update on Maxine and Casey- Both still available

For information on these dogs, visit the Mason County Animal Shelter site

masoncountyshelter

A rescue has stepped up for Maxine but they do not currently have any open foster space. This girl is URGENT. Can anyone else rescue her? Per county orders, bully breeds can go to rescue only. NO local adoptions. We are rescue-friendly! Rescues, please e-mail to inquire.

MCASRescues-owner@yahoogroups.com