Lady’s Life Depends on Us…
Do you remember Lady?
The last time we sent a story out about this beautiful girl, a foster parent took her in, and Lady was doing really well. We brought her back into the shelter, and, unfortunately, as soon as she got back, everything went downhill.
Lady is depressed here and needs a home. It is apparent to us that this kitty will not survive in the shelter.
We are looking for anybody who can open their heart and their home.
Please call us at 406.721.4710 if you can help us help Lady ASAP.
IT SHOULDN’T HAPPEN TO A DOG (by Pauline Larsen)
It shouldn’t happen to man’s best friend, but it does…in my community and in yours. I can’t think of a crueler punishment for dogs than isolation! I did some traveling this past week, and sadly, I saw them everywhere—dogs living in “solitary confinement”, trapped at the end of a chain or in small pens. Forcing a companion animal to live outside alone goes against the dog’s two most basic instincts—the needs for a pack and for a safe den. Don’t kid yourself that dogs “get used to” living outside.
Dogs kept chained suffer great psychological damage. Lack of socialization and isolation can turn an otherwise friendly, well mannered animal into a neurotic, anxious, unhappy, and often aggressive dog. They are also easy targets for other animals, humans, and biting insects. Chaining dogs is a safety hazard for both dogs and humans; it is not only detrimental to the well being of your animal, it is also dangerous to the public, especially children.
According to Karen Delise, author of Fatal Dog Attacks, chaining a dog is the single most dangerous condition in which to maintain a dog. She asserts that “statistically, chained dogs are more dangerous than free-roaming packs of dogs.
Chained dogs account for a substantial portion of serious bites.” The United States Department of Agriculture determined that “continuous confinement of dogs by a tether is inhumane. A tether significantly restricts the dog’s movement. A tether can also become tangled around or hooked on some stationary object, further restricting a dog’s movement and potentially causing injury. Chaining dogs also makes them feel vulnerable and increases their aggression.”
Please don’t make your dog live on a chain, because it is no life at all, and if you know of dog living this way, get involved. Your best option is to befriend the dog’s caregivers. Many people are unaware of the loneliness and deprivation that a chained dog feels, and are decent folks who are willing to do the right thing. Using anything other than a polite approach will probably make them angry and lessen your chances of helping the dog, but if you avoid being confrontational, you may be pleasantly surprised at the response you get.
Encourage them to find a place indoors for him. If the dog has housetraining issues, offer training tips and if there are behavior problems, suggest dog obedience classes. Offer to help build a fence, take the dog for walks, or simply visit the dog regularly. Fill a kiddie pool with water for the dog to splash around in during the summer, and give him toys such as stuffed Kongs or Buster Cubes. Don’t just say, “I feel SO SORRY for that poor dog.” Anna Sewell emphasizes, “If we see cruelty or wrong that we have the power to stop, and do nothing, we make ourselves sharers in the guilt.”
I wish someone would tell me what I’ve done wrong
To have to stay chained up and left alone so long?
My humans seemed glad to have me when I was just a pup.
There were so many things we’d do while I was growing up.
But now they complain that they “haven’t time” and that “I shed.”
They don’t want me in the house anymore, not even to be fed.
No one ever walks me; they always say, “Not now.”
I’d love to please them; won’t someone show me how?
I wish they would explain why they ever got me, just to leave me on a chain.
-Pauline at the TLC Canine Center
Larsen can be contacted at Paw Prints, Box 373, Newell, Iowa 50568 or by e-mail at [email protected]
Help Wilma Heal
After arriving at AniMeals, Wilma isolated herself because she was terrified of the high level of activity in the shelter and overwhelmed by all of the new faces that had become a part of her new life. Losing her home proved very traumatic for Wilma. Her fear was so great that she didn’t even venture out to eat, resulting in significant weight loss.
Since being given her own accommodations, Wilma has started eating, but she needs the love and attention that only a family can give.
This three year-old beauty is affectionate, quiet and shy, and she needs a home as soon as possible. Wilma would most likely do well anywhere as long as she had her own space, but ideally, we believe she would thrive in a quiet, single-cat home.
Please call AniMeals at 406.721.4710 if you can help Wilma heal.
Thank you so much.
Life is Better with a Buddy…
A Father’s Day Tribute for Dad by Pauline Larsen
It’s Father’s Day, a day which has become a day to not only honor our fathers, but all men who have acted as father figures…stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and special friends are all honored on this special day. An estimated million dollars are spent each year in the United States for Father’s Day gifts, but the best gift is always personal interaction. ( According to theholidayspot. com , there are more collect calls on Father’s Day than any other day of the year, but most dads don’t care…they are just glad to hear from their kids!)
We share a tribute to dads everywhere, written by James Colasanti Jr.
Dad loved animals. He was always bringing home a needy dog…”How much trouble can one hungry dog be?” He usually discovered that “one hungry dog” could be a lot of trouble. Our back yard sometimes looked like a war zone from digging…and then there was chewing—furniture, drapes, and his favorite shoes. Sometimes it took weeks…once it took several months, but with Dad’s gentle guidance, “one hungry dog” always became a lovable, loyal friend for whom Dad found a forever home…soon there was another needy dog.
He had time for humans too, willing to lend a hand, or offer advice when asked. He knew when to get involved and yet, he knew when to stay away. “Never be afraid to help someone in need, whether a two-legged or a four-legged. And never , ever, be afraid to take a chance. Make choices. Indecision is not a virtue. Instinct and intuition derived from the goodness in your heart will most often provide the right choices in your life.”
Most importantly, through thick and thin, Dad was always there for me. He was, most of all, my friend. I am the luckiest man in the world because he was my dad.
A Dad is loving and kind…always seems to know what you have on your mind.
He listens, suggests, and defends…one of your very best friends!
He’s proud of your triumphs, and when things go wrong, is patient, loving and strong.
He takes time to listen and care, to unselfishly give and always share.
GOD BLESS DADS!
(written by Pauline Larsen – Larsen can be contacted at Paw Prints, Box 373, Newell, Iowa 50568 or by e-mail at [email protected])
AniMeals Today – 6.11.13
AniMeals is full of kitties ready for volunteers to give them some lovin! It is TABBY TUESDAY, and we hope that you visit our residents at the AniMeals shelter!
Pictured above is one of our senior residents, Shoe, getting some lovin from the Shelter Manager, Justine. “He is just looking for a lap and a couch” Justine commented.
He is a senior kitty and is laid back and loves affection so much. He just wants a place to relax and a person to relax with…. Please stop by the shelter or call us at 406.721.4710 if you would like more information on this beauty.
Also, don’t forget about the AniMeals “Seniors for Seniors” program where the adoption fee is waived for senior citizens that adopt a cat 7 years and older! Seniors can adopt their feline companion at no cost with an approved application.
Our hours are TUE – FRI 8am-5pm, SAT 11am-4pm, closed on Sundays and Mondays. Please stop by, and visit the kitties, even if you only have five minutes! Your visit can make a kitty’s day! Thank you all so much for your support.
Visit www.animeals.com for more information on the shelter and our upcoming events. Click HERE to donate online.
Darby Doll, Toy and Teddy Bear Show & Sale Scheduled for June 28th and June 29th!
Do you like dolls, toys and teddy bears? Well, you will LOVE the Darby Doll, Toy and Teddy Bear Show & Sale!!! The show/sale is scheduled for Friday, June 28th from 1pm until 7pm (Friday) and Saturday, June 29th from 9am until 4pm (Saturday) at the Darby Community Clubhouse!
Admission is a pet food item donation for AniMeals! What a great deal and a great way to enjoy your love of dolls, toys and teddies AND help animals in need!
Thank you so much for your support!!
Show Your Pet How Much You Love Them….
How to Greet Dogs (via fearfuldogs.com)
Unfortunately for fearful and aggressive dogs, the manner in which most people introduce themselves to dogs can be threatening to them. While a well socialized dog may tolerate and even enjoy a hand reaching out to them, a face looming over them or eye to eye contact, the scared dog often cannot.
The Dog Gone Safe website has great information for helping anyone learn more about how to greet and interact with dogs.
The Liam J. Perk Foundation was created to help share information about the importance of understanding dog behavior, especially in relation to interactions with children.
It is best not to assume that any dog you encounter is a dog that is comfortable greeting a stranger. Even the most stable dog can be stressed in some situations and prefer to be left alone. Unless you consider yourself an expert on dog body language it’s best to let a dog initiate an interaction with you, rather than you moving toward them. Even a dog that approaches you for a sniff may not be saying, ‘hi! pet me!’ My own scared dog will frequently move toward people to get a sniff but will bolt away should they move or look at him. He is trying to see what he’s dealing with, not trying to deal with it.
I’m sorry to say that the people who consider themselves to ‘good with dogs’ or people who would say that ‘dogs like them’ are often the worst when it comes to dealing with fearful dogs. They just cannot accept or believe that a dog would not warm up to them or enjoy their company. A fearful dog’s behavior should not be taken personally. Sunny is an equal opportunity fearful dog, as are many dogs like him.
Below are a few guidelines to follow when meeting new dogs.
- Do not approach a dog, especially if it is tied up or on leash.
- Ask the owner if it is ok for you to interact with their dog before you do it.
- Stand still if a dog approaches you for a sniff, leave your hands by your side and glance away from the dog.
- Squat down instead of bending over to talk to or pet a dog. Avoid staring at them, putting your face near theirs or hugging them.
- Do not reach over a dog’s head to pet it, instead offer chin scratches or chest rubs.
- Do not touch a dog that has rolled over.
- Ignore a dog that shows any indication of being timid or upset. Baby talk, reaching out with treats, or any attempt to connect with the dog can backfire and cause the dog to react fearfully or aggressively.
- Do not feel like every dog you meet needs to be handled. Watch a dog’s behavior and body language carefully. Learn about calming signals and other ways that dogs communicate their feelings. A dog that is not obviously happy to see you (open mouth, waggy tail and body) is telling you a lot about how they feel. If a dog is not inviting you to handle or interact with them, don’t.
(Original article link by fearfuldogs.com HERE)
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