Dog Rescuer: “I can’t help myself!”

March 12, 2012 by · Leave a Comment

Those were the first words Sheila Duncan said to me when I asked her why she became a dog rescuer.

How did you become a dog rescuer?

I help the SPCA of TN rescue dogs and bring them here to the Northeast.  In TN they don’t spay/neuter their dogs and unfortunately there are abandoned dogs and puppies everywhere you look.  Often people will move and simply leave their dogs chained in the backyard … it is mind numbing how many dogs wind up in high kill shelters every day.
I became involved with Celina Weissenborn, the President of the SPCA of TN through my Trouble journey and together we do the best we can to save as many dogs as possible; she is naturally doing it every possible minute she can.  She is right in the middle of this awful situation.

 

What has been your most rewarding rescue?
To date, I’ve rescued over 50 dogs … and each story is so rewarding it encourages me to continue this work.  Maybe one of the most heartwarming was the first puppy I became involved with … we named him Blue!  He was 7 weeks old and rescued from the middle of a busy highway with literally no hope of survival.  Thanks to Celina’s efforts and my networking he is — according to his grateful owner — the best thing that ever happened to him … and he weighs a healthy, happy 102 pounds!
The most recent rescue is also heartwarming.  We saved a little abandoned Aussie mix pup and named her Pearl.  A business contact of mine had recently lost her elderly Golden; and was just devastated.  I told her when her new “best friend” came along she’d know it.  Within a few weeks, she fell in love with Pearl … who has not only discovered Trouble … but insists on having him by her side most of the time…as you can see.

What is Trouble's mission?

Trouble The Dog's mission is to help children and dogs in need.  He is designed to not only be of comfort during tough times; but also to help "pick yourself up and dust yourself off" ... he represents hope and resilience.  Dogs and kids can feel that Trouble has an energy of his own going on ... and are drawn to him like a magnet ... it's amazing ...even to me!  He is Divinely Inspired ... that's for sure!

We are really proud of what Trouble has been able to accomplish so far.

Where is Trouble's next appearance?

This spring we are organizing community events, starting in Portsmouth, NH, where our Trouble film will be shown. We first showed the film at the New Hampshire Film Festival.   Our goal is to raise awareness ... kids today are more stressed than any generation before them so we want to get people talking.

How does your dog, Skye handle this influx of rescue dogs?

Skye always helps our rescue pups feel safe.  I don't foster as much as I did previously, but Skye has always been a "gracious host" whenever I do!  He usually winds up sleeping next to the rescue pups and all is well.

Skye, "dog foster host"

Sheila and Trouble
This is the first in a series of "For Paws Profiles".


		

		
Filed Under: Animal Rescue, Animal Shelter, Dogs, Pet Adoption, Pet News  · Tagged With: , ,  

	

		


				
Pet Adoptions Assisted by Technology

		
		
October 26, 2010  by  · 2 Comments 
		

			


I met with a friend this past Friday night for dinner. During our conversation she mentioned that our local shelter, Marblehead Animal Shelter is over run with kitties. Her daughter volunteers there cleaning the cages and petting the kitties. This seems to be an issue with most if not all animal shelters across the country.  Having said that there might be a technological solution that assists kittens, cats, dogs, and puppies in finding forever homes.




Photo: Idaho Humane Society


iPet Companion, a new technology created by Apriori Control in Boise, ID enables people to interact via the internet with kittens at Humane Shelters via robotic control. The first site was launched live at the Idaho Humane Society and most recently at the Oregon Humane Society.  People from as far away as Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, England, New Zealand and Switzerland have interacted with kittens at these shelters.


The primary goal of iPet Companion is to entice people living near a local shelter to visit and adopt a kitten after having played with the kittens online. The Idaho and Oregon Humane Societies have realized increased traffic to their websites, as well as increased sponsorships, donations and adoptions. Real time interaction from users in the immediate community and worldwide have developed an emotional connection; including those who are allergic to animals. Apriori has received requests from Humane Societies in PA, WA, AZ, IL, OR, Canada and the City of Long Beach to name a few.


To play with kitties, click your way over to the Idaho Humane Society iPet Companion page or the Oregon Humane Society iPet Companion page and click the “Let’s Play” paw button. The page will prompt you for a download, and then you will be placed in a queue. Each person gets two minutes of kitty playtime. You can control various toys by clicking the “control” buttons or by hitting the corresponding number keys. You can also move the camera around.


My friend’s daughter wanted her to adopt another kitten, but they already have three. And my friend would not fancy being known as the “cat lady” of Marblehead. I am hoping the shelter might be able to install the iPet Companion. Perhaps your local shelter could benefit from it as well.


Contact: Scott Harris sharris@aprioricontrol.com


 




		

		
Filed Under: Animal Rescue, Animal Shelter, Cats, Dogs, Kittens  · Tagged With: , , , , , ,  

	

		


				
Payback by Sylvester the Cat

		
		
August 27, 2010  by  · 2 Comments 
		

			


By now most if not all animal lovers know about the infamous Mary Bale, dubbed the “Cat Woman”.  She tossed a sweet tabby cat named Lola into a trash bin. Apparently she has now lost her job at a bank where she has worked for many years. The video below has gone viral on the internet over the incident. Leave it up to the Brits to inject some humor. There even is a fake Twitter account, @CatBinLady which has been created. And yes there is a Facebook page as well, Cat Lady should do time in a bin.


The most important message in all of this is that animal cruelty of any form is wrong and inappropriate behavior. So please be vigilant in observing such acts and immediately report it to your local rescue or shelter. PLEASE NOTE that the @CatBinLady Twitter account’s web address is the RSPCA. They along with the SPCA do incredible work to support and protect animals…..MANY THANKS!








		

		
Filed Under: Animal Rescue, Animal Safety, Cats, Dogs, Pet News, Petfinder, Rescue Groups  · Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,  

	

		


				
Kittens & Cats Still in Need

		
		
July 1, 2010  by  · 1 Comment 
		

			




Aren’t these kittens adorable?! With it being the 1st of July the annual Adopt a Cat month of June for this year has now passed. But unfortunately that has not ended the urgent need for cat adoptions.


The weather is heating up across the country and kitten season is well underway.  Adult cats come out from hiding and reproduce. On average, female cats that haven’t been spayed have two or three litters per year, with one to eight kittens per litter.


Shelters have limited space and are overwhelmed.  This is compounded with communities suffering from natural disasters. And with the economic downturn people are unable financially to keep their pets.


Creativity is the operative word for how shelters are trying to reduce number of cats/pets waiting to be adopted:


    

  • low cost spay and neutering to reduce number of kittens
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  • adoption fees waived
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  • purchase two cats for price of one
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  • fostering a cat
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Resources:


adoptapet.com


ASPCA


Local Feral Cat Groups


Petfinder.com


SpayUSA






		

		
Filed Under: Animal Rescue, Cats, Kittens, Pet Adoption, Pet Fostering, Rescue Groups  · Tagged With: , , , , , ,  

	

		


				
Preparing Ahead for Pets

		
		
June 22, 2010  by  · 5 Comments 
		

			


There has been much focus and deservedly so on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. But there are other communities that are being impacted by weather with hurricanes, tornados, wildfires and floods. Most recently the flooding in Nashville, Tennessee. Countless animals have been displaced being found wandering the streets, and in desperate need of homes. A spate of urgent requests for pet adoptions have been the end result.


To lessen the trauma of losing a pet and likelihood of pets seeking new homes BEFORE a DISASTER:


    

  • Prepare. Get a pet emergency supply kit, including food, water, medicines and medical records, first aid kit, collar with ID tag, leash or harness, crate or pet carrier and sanitation items.
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  • Microchip: Make sure your pet is micro-chipped so that it may be easily identified. Keep registration up to date, and include emergency number of friend or relative that does not live in the immediate area.
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  • Plan: What will you do in an emergency? Create a plan to get away and develop a buddy system.
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  • Stay informed: Know about the types of emergencies.
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DURING a DISASTER:


    

  • Make sure your pet is inside well before storm begins. And do not leave a pet chained outside.
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  • Keep pet by your side to reassure them.
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  • Never tranquilize a pet. It will be inhibited from using it’s natural survival instincts.
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  • If you are instructed to evacuate do not leave pets behind.
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  • Have pet emergency kit ready to take with you.
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AFTER a DISASTER:


    

  • Re-orient dog to home by walking it on a leash. For both cats and dogs familiar scents may no longer exist.
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  • Be aware of downed power lines, debris and reptiles.
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  • Contact your local animal control office if a pet is missing to find out where lost animals can be recovered. Bring a recent picture of your pet, tattoo number or microchip number.
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  • Do not let your pet eat food or drink water that might have been contaminated.
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  • Pet behavior might change after the trauma of a disaster. Report any changes in behavior to your veterinarian.
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DISASTER AFTERMATH:


    

  • After a natural disaster, displaced people and companion animals face many dangers. There are many hazardous, life-threatening situations for helpless strays and displaced pets.
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  • Disorientation, panic and stress, and leads dogs and cats seeking refuge into hazardous situations when there are no longer familiar landmarks or scents.
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  • Floodwaters contaminated with waste and bacteria can cause intestinal parasites and gastroenteritis.
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  • Animals trying to swim in floodwaters can quickly become exhausted and drown.
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  • Displaced dogs and cats are frightened, lost, thirsty and very hungry and do not understand that they should steer clear of standing water and any food they may find.
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Some of you folks might remember the good fortune of this dog being rescued from river earlier in the year. He was certainly fortunate but there are so many animals around the country struggling to survive after being displaced from their families. Please do take preventative measures and plan in advance for not only your safety and well being but your pets as well.


Resources:


Animal disaster plans and resources by state


American Kennel Club


ASPCA


FEMA for Kids


Humane Society 


Red Cross


		

		
Filed Under: Animal Rescue, Animal Safety, Animal Shelter, Cats, Dogs, Pet Health, Pet News, Pet Safety, veterinarians, Video  · Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,  

	

	
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