From Mason Shelter to Foster Family, Wilson Is Learning That Hugs Are Forever. And Spot's New Home















The picture of Willow where he was looking down was taken at the shelter. The other photo of him was taken in his new life. Here is an e-mail about Wilson who recently went to rescue.
" Wilson aka Willow is doing fine and is coming along. He is kind of a "Hug Hog" when it comes to his foster mom and dad and he sticks like glue, protecting them from their own dogs :0 . However, he is learning to share attentions,skeptically ;) For an older guy, he has a lot of puppyish tendencies since he is a traveling vacuum cleaner who will inhale anything on the floor, yard or walks. He is animated. His foster mom & dad,said he is coming around. He would probably do best as an only dog, at
this point. He is sweet and loving to them, but tried to nip their blind dog in the butt when Paulina had him up on the couch with her and Wilson decided his time was up! They are working with him. He seems attention starved and just wants any and all that is available. Hopefully soon, he will realize that the Hugs are forever and he will be confident that he will never run out of people who love him."


Spot, a former Mason Dog, sends Merry Christmas Wishes. Spot is very happy with a new owner that loves him very much.

See what some good loving, a good diet, and companionship can do for a dog.




Gaffney Needs Rescues To Step Up and FAST or BABIES ARE GOING TO DIE .THEY TRANSPORT TO RESCUES



Sometimes the amount of animals in need can be overwhelming, especially the animals in kill shelters who get very little time to get rescued or adopted. At some shelters dogs and cats have less than a week before their lives are taken. This blog was created to post dogs and cats at Mason County Animal Shelter and other urgent dogs in West Virginia, but when there is room and time, I will post other kill shelter pleas. Take a look at the Gaffney SC Shelter and the group Saving Gaffney Pets and rescue, rescue, rescue, adopt , adopt , adopt or donate. Even if you can e-mail these pleas to people you know who can help , that would be terrific and encourage people you know to spay and neuter their pets. If they object, show them the pictures of animals who are homeless and next in line to be gassed.


"Saving Gaffney Pets Rescue in located in Gaffney, S.C. We rescue pets from the Cherokee County Consolidated Shelter located at 300 Yale Street in Gaffney, S.C. 29340. We transport our animals to other rescues all over the United States to places such as New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Michigan, Rhode Island and lots of areas in between.
The Cherokee County Consolidated Shelter is a very high kill shelter so it is very important to us to rescue as many as possible. All of our pets are spayed/neutered and given current shots before going to their forever homes

Please DO NOT call the Cherokee County Animal Shelter about animal adoptions. Please call 864 489 9901 or 864 303 7753. The people at the shelter have no idea where the animals are once they leave the shelter.

Rescues, sponsors, volunteers, please join our Yahoo group to keep up on what's happening down here in Gaffney! When you apply for membership, you will receive our rescue application.

We are in desperate need of foster homes, anyone willing to foster one or two pets, please call 864 489 9901 or 864 303 7753."

Where is Gaffney, SC?




This is the Gaffney SC shelter & Saving Gaffney Pets. If anyone can take any puppies (or adults!), please contact Mary at SavingGP-owner@yahoogroups.com ASAP!
Need rescues to step up and FAST or babies are going to die!
Photos coming soon...some are in foster care, some in the shelter, some in boarding...ALL need rescues NOW!!!
Some of the adults are visible on this website:
Yahoo group:

Look Who is at the Shelter Waiting to Warm You Up plus 2 Dog Poems















It is very cold in the Northeast and mid- atlantic states. Animals do a lot for people. They provide friendship protection, entertainment and
animals are little furnaces. Here are some heat generators at the shelter waiting to warm you up. Precious is the Siamese. Dixie the black lab mix, Georgette, the hound shephard mix, and Yellow the lab



Update! Precious adopted!!!!!!
Yellow adopted!!! Dixie going to rescue!!!!





e-mail address for rescue inquries or long distance adoption

mcasrescues-owner@yahoogroups.com

Every dog and cat has his or her own personality. Here are two poems about two different dogs.


Rodger The Dog by Ted Hughes ( the husband of the famous writer Virginia Wolf)



Asleep he wheezes at his ease.
He only wakes to scratch his fleas.

He hogs the fire, he bakes his head
As if it were a loaf of bead.

He's just a sack of snoring dog.
You can lug him like a log.

You can roll him with your foot.
He'll stay snoring where he's put.

I take him out for exercise,
He rolls in cowclap up to his eyes.
He will not race, he will not romp,
He saves his strength for gobble and chomp.

He'll work as hard as you could wish
Emptying his dinner dish,

Then he flops flat, and digs down deep,
Like a miner into sleep.



My Dog's My Boss by Robert William Service

Each day when it's anighing three
Old Dick looks at the clock,
Then proudly brings my stick to me
To mind me of our walk.
And in his doggy rapture he
Does everything but talk.

But since I lack his zip and zest
My old bones often tire;
And so I ventured to suggest
Today we hug the fire.
But with what wailing he expressed
The death of his desire!

He gazed at me with eyes of woe
As if to say: 'Old boy,
You mustn't lose your grip, you know,
Let us with laughing joy,
On heath and hill six miles or so
Our legs and lungs employ.'

And then his bark was stilled to a sigh
He flopped upon the floor;
But such a soft old mug am I
I threw awide the door;
So gaily, though the wind was high
We hiked across the moor.

A Dog Training Tip From The Dog Whisperer

MAXINE & STEWIE IN DANGER . ( UPDATE GOING TO RESCUE)Where Oh Where Are the People or Rescue that Will Love Them?





This is just too terrible. These two sweet dogs have been waiting patiently for the rescue group to foster them. Mason was so certain the dogs were going to be rescued that they have not been listed. Maxine and Stewie are in danger. The rescue is not responding to communication from Mason. I have a couple words for them unless there is a genuine unimaginable reason for the lack of response.

UPDATE Maxine and Stewie going to wonderful rescue on 26th!!!!!! Whew. Finally, It's about time these two got outta here.

Maxine and Stewie MUST GET A RESCUE NOW! Pits and pit mixes cannot be adopted in Mason County.
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=9104038
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=9175606

On the other hand maybe this is a blessing that the rescue backed out. Now these two may find their forever homes. This seemingly bad break might be a good thing. The good break needs to happen ASAP. I'll keep you posted.

Happiness is a Yellow Lab Named Bailey



Bailey the yellow lab from Meig's County Animal Shelter was adopted. This picture is her photo at the shelter.


Here is what her new owner wrote.


"It is with great joy that I announce that I am Bailey's new Mommy!!!! She is the MOST perfect dog in the world, fits in perfectly with my family and is now our princess! She is absolutely stunning..sweet, loving, and everything I could ever have hoped her to be! Something about her picture spoke to my heart. Meig's is euthanizing on the 9th!!! Please help...their volunteers will help accomodate you! They were so wonderful to us and so happy to see Bailey find a home. She arrived in the dropbox wearing a t-shirt that said "My name is Bailey...I'm six years old." Nobody wanted her!Hello!


Smile I can't believe how it seems like she has been with us all along... She is completely housetrained and even knows commands. She is now a spoiled princess and loved by all of us. She is adored by three little boys who hug her all day long! She is a perfect, peaceful dog and, I am so blessed to have her in my life. I don't know what we ever did without our Bailey!
She is a one in a billion girl!"

Pictures of More Dogs At Meigs Shelter . They are Depending Upon the Kindness of Strangers




Tommorrow is not a good day for dogs at Meigs County Shelter. If they are not rescued or adopted or fostered, it could be their last day on earth. People have stepped up to the plate and there are rescues pending. Yeh!!!!However there are wonderful animals who NEED to GET OUT who do not have rescues. The tragedy of our animal shelter system is that we have accepted killing homeless animals as a means to control the pet overpopulation problem. It is a sad and tragic way to deal with lives. If you haven't read Redemption, please do and check out the No Kill Advocacy Website where you can sign up for a free newsletter
http://www.nokilladvocacycenter.org/ The system can change . Our thinking has to change first.

And how will the dogs die tomorrow who aren't helped? Will it be gas or needle, and if it is gas will it be painful and terrifying. No one will tell them they will be okay. The person assigned the task will just hope they die quickly. The stress on shelter workers who euthanize day in and day out is great.There are gas chambers and there are gas chambers. Many animal convulse in gas chambers , urinate, deficate, howl. They all don't just quietly drop dead.



Rocky is the white young pointer mix in the photos. He is a good boy who deserves a loving home.

"Rocky is a beautiful dog who was dumped here. He is incredibly friendly, and loves everyone! He is such a sweet boy! Very playful & gets along great with other dogs & children! Come down & meet rocky & the other great dogs today! "

Do that adopt, foster, rescue.

Best Friends Dog Town on National Geographic Channel / AND Dogs Who are Hoping for Luck


Dogs that have until Jan. 9:
Mon-Sat 8:00am to 12:00pm
Meigs County Dog Shelter
41790 Fairgrounds Lane
Pomeroy, OH 45769
Phone: 740-992-3779
Email: meigscountydogshelt er@yahoo. com




Like people some dogs get really good breaks while other dogs just seem to have bad luck. Fate vs. free will are two of my favorite topics of conversation when it comes to bad things happening to good people and good things happening to bad people. But whom am I to judge anyone or what happens in their life? There are 2 sides to every story. It is interesting to contemplate why things happen as they do. But not too often!

When it comes to fate for dogs, the fate vs. free will just holds no water. I don't know what cosmic fate or great good fortune brought the dogs that were on the National Geographic special to Best Friend's Dog town to be rehabilitated. Read more about the dogs and the Program that aired this week on The National Geographic Channel.http://www.bestfriends.org/



Now for the dogs that are not so lucky (yet). Hope Springs eternal.
MEIGS COUNTY DOG SHELTER IN POMEROY OH, IS FULL AND HAS SCHEDULED EUTH FOR WED JAN 9! Here are pictures of some of the dogs that need foster, rescue or adoption before D day. Check out the shelter website and pet list and see if you can please save a life.

http://www.petfinde r.com/shelters/ OH332.html

Pomeroy Ohio is adjacent to Mason County West Virginia.
"This dog or pup is here through no fault of its own. Dogs with bad temperaments are not put up for adoption. Unfortunately, too few people spay and neuter their dogs. This pup came into this world wishing for warmth, love and care, food, water and exercise -- the things every dog deserves to have. Sadly, for whatever reason, the human in this dog's life was unable to give it those things so it ended up here among the hundreds or thousands who face death just because there are not enough homes for them all. This pound fills up fast and dogs are euthanized on a regular basis so please call 740-992-3779 and leave a message if you are interested in this dog or pup. Also, plan to pick the dog up or have someone pick it up for you ASAP. The hours you are most likely to reach someone are 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM Mon-Sat but you can leave a message if you are interested in a dog. Also, staff is rescue friendly and will try to meet you at other hours if they can." from the website

Contact the pound directly (TOM) or rescue coordinator (JESSICA),
who may be reached at jrosler04@yahoo. com


This shelter needs help to keep the animals healthy and vetted before rescue, so they can be transported.

The shelter workers try to be super
rescue friendly, and are willing to temp foster and do local
transport for serious rescues.

New Arrivals at Mason, Peanut, Bouncer, Yellow , and Precious


There is a momma dog at the shelter who came in from a seizure case. The case is still pending so the momma cannot be adopted or rescued, but since the pups were born at Mason, two Rat Terrier mix pups,they can be adopted or rescued. The pups are Peanut and Bouncer,1 male and 1 female. They just received their first puppy shots. Peanut and Bouncer HAVE A RESCUE!

"There is also a new 20 month old lab mix named Yellow. She is a very friendly girl. Also fully vetted She was found as a stray and the people planned to keep her, so they had her spayed and vaccinated. However she loves to chase the cats, in a good way, she likes to play with them, but the cats don't like to play so they hide from her.She has destroyed several bails of hay at the farm she
was trying to find the cats and the people decided they just can't keep her."

Yellow (adopted!!!!) is just a dog who wants to find a friend.
She is a social girl.

Precious (adopted!!!!!)is an eight month fully vetted Siamese.

Oldies But Goodies

Georgette, Dixie, and Peggy are vetted and ready to go
to a loving home, foster home or rescue. They need out.
It is lonely for these dogs at the shelter. And it's cold in
WV this time of year. See their rescue and adoption
information and the rescue and adoption information
for all these pets at Mason's website.

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/masoncounty.html

Bouncer, Peanut,
Yellow,Georgette, Dixie, and Peggy
want your companionship. Many dogs will
do anything to please their owners.
All they need are people with patience
who understand that a dog needs to be taught with
discipline and kindness how to have manners and
who is the boss. Dogs who have been abused or
traumatized may need more time and understanding.
We are all they have. They can't go out and get a job.
They can't build shelter. They are domesticated
animals and we are their bliss.


Bliss


Let me fetch sticks,
Let me fetch stones,
Throw me your bones,
Teach me your tricks.


When you go ride,
Let me go run,
You in the sun,
Me at your side;


When you go swim,
Let me go too
Both lost in blue
Up to the brim;


Let me do this,
Let me do that-
What you are at,
That is my bliss.


Eleanor Farjeon

Old Timers First to go. Shelter euthanizing for Space





This blog is mainly about Virginia dogs and cats, but when I hear about old timers getting killed due to space and slow adoptions or rescue, I bristle. So here are a few who are urgent. Can you imagine taking the lives of Spud & Elmer?

"Spud & Elmer are an amazing brother duo! They look almost identical, and are sweet as can be. Their owners had them for almost 8 months, but stated that they could no longer keep them. They have only ever been kept indoors, and we will keep them that way. They get along great with other cats, and dog testing can be done. These boys have always been together, and we will only adopt them out as a pair! They are vetted and ready to go home now!! "

Honestly. Someone needs to save these cats.

And what about Mya?

"Mya is a gorgeous girl who is FULL GROWN and has already been spayed and fully vaccinated! She is also quite the camera ham and is known for sitting pretty for her picture! She came to us as a stray, because sher owners were careless and let her roam free. They also never came looking for her. This petite pitty mixed girl is extremely sweet, very eager to please, amazing w/ other dogs and is OUR LONGEST resident @ the shelter right now. She's not too big, not too little, we tell her she's JUST right and we will find that family that is JUST right for her! Mya is stunningly gorgeous, her little nose matches her gorgeous colored coat. She is a true sweet heart who would make an addition to any househould w/out kitty cats, Yes, she does love to chase them."

Warren County Humane Society Bowling Green KY
THIS SHELTER IS DESPARATE FOR RESCUES!!!!!
Deana is the contact there: deanawehr@alltel.net

UPDATE!Take Tootsie Home And See Her Roll.


I heard Tootsie didn't make it out of the shelter. Her babies did.


Tootise Roll, get it? Okay, it was sort of silly. But if she likes you, she may roll over on her back and show you her tummy.

The owner who surrendered these kitties must love candy. She also named the babies sweet names or maybe these cats are soooo sweet, it just seemed the right thing to do. Anyhow the mother cat and her babies (all very friendly tuxedo cats) are at Roane County Animal Shelter. Tootsie, Jelly, and Beanie are all screaming the mantra all animals do in shelters.

Get Us Outta Here.

These cats really need to get out of there.
Jelly is on platform and Beanie is in the tunnel.

Roane County Animal Shelter is a small shelter in Spencer WV. There is an AC officer and the manager. Both love the animals and do their best to help them, but space and supplies are limited.They really need help with placing their animals, especially the cats, so they will not have to euthanize. I was told that about 1% of the cats make it out alive. I imagine like any small rural shelter they welcome donations of all kinds. Perhaps you would like to help them. Perhaps you would like to get your charitable donations going for 2008 and help Roane, Mason, and other shelters in the WV area. For many of these animals who aren't adopted, rescue and foster are their only hope. Tootsie and Jelly and Beanie are waiting at Roane today, but who knows what tomorrow will bring for them, if we don't help.

The contact number is Phone: (304)927-2555
Roane County Animal Shelter
2550 Parkersburg Rd
Spencer, WV 25276
Email: animalhouse@depotltd.com



Website


http://search.petfinder.com/shelterSearch/shelterSearch.cgi?animal=&breed=&age=&size=&specialNeeds=&declawedPets=&children=&status=&id=&internal=&contact=&name=&shelterid=WV60&sort=&preview=

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
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