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: , ,  

	

		


				
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
    • 

  • adoption fees waived
    • 

  • purchase two cats for price of one
    • 

  • fostering a cat
    • 



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: , , , , , ,  

	

		


				
“Letters for Pets” campaign underway

		
		
April 30, 2010  by  · Leave a Comment 
		

			




With “Stamps to the Rescue” being officially available today, April 30th another campaign is following on its heels, “Letters for Pets”. The effort is to continue momentum regarding the ongoing need for awareness of shelter pets and “to encourage the adoption of shelter animals across the country”. 


“Our goal is to send 1 million messages to the White House asking for a presidential proclamation to declare April 30th National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day”.




Kudos to the national pet magazine Tails, Jane Goodall Institute’s youth organization Roots and Shoots which is promoting the letter writing in elementary schools. And Halo which is continuing the rallying cry from “Stamps to the Rescue” by donating 5 meals to shelter pets for each picture uploaded to the Tails’ Facebook fan page featuring your stamped letter.


Sample letters to President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, presidential daughters Sasha and Malia Obama, and White House dog Bo Obama, asking them to create a special day for shelter animals can be addressed to:


The White House

Attn: National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day

1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW

Washington, DC 20500


Extra letters can also be printed for friends and family.


		

		
Filed Under: Animal Rescue, Animal Shelter, Animals, Cats, Dogs, Pet Adoption, Pet News, Pet Shelters, Rescue Groups  · Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,  

	

		


				
“Recycled” Pug gets around….

		
		
April 21, 2010  by  · Leave a Comment 
		

			


How can the plight of a pug, named Puglet help make a difference in the lives of other pugs and pets that are homeless?  Easy…..Puglet inspired his mom to share him with the world via post. The project helps bring awareness to people that “recycled” pets are just as good as “non-recycled” pets.


According to his mom, and fellow recycled K9, Dutch (the Dalmation) “Flat Puglet started out as just something to write about on the blog (Daily Puglet). Thought it would be cool to visit some of Puglet’s “followers” in other parts of the country”. As “the Flattie prototype” gained traction in public the light dawned that the “Flat Puglet might be able to do some good”. To date there are now 65 flat Puglets “getting around”.


I know I posted yesterday about Earth Day (April 22, 2010), but how can one resist a most engaging and adorable pug? Here’s to “recycled” pets and recycling….




There are so many ways to “GO GREEN”:


  • Spay and neuter.
    • 

  • Rescue and adopt.
    • 

  • Shop locally for pet supplies and research products.
    • 

  • Buy pet items made from natural or recycled materials.
    • 

  • Look for pet foods with “FDA Certified Food Grade” stamp of approval for the long term health and well being of your pet.
    • 

  • Purchase non-clay based cat litter.
    • 

  • Buy biodegradable poop bags for your pooch’s poop.
    • 

  • Remember EPA findings regarding spot-on flea and tick control products and purchase natural treatments.
    • 

    Resources:
    

    American Animal Hospital Association
    

    Have a Green Pet
    

    Petside.com 
    

    		
    
		
    Filed Under: Animal Rescue, Animal Shelter, Animals, Cats, Dogs, Humane Societies, Pet Adoption, Pet News, Pet Shelters, Petfinder, Rescue Groups, Video  · Tagged With: , , , , , , ,  
    
	
    
		
    

				
    Animal Advocacy: “Be the Change”
    
		
		
    April 15, 2010  by  · 33 Comments 
    		
    
			
    

    

    After watching this video of Edie before she was rescued, memories came flooding back of the time I was going to the YMCA to exercise before going to work.  There was a dog cowering at the top of the stairs.  When I got to the top of the stairs his owner appeared and told me to “mind my own business” and I did.  To this day that memory haunts me for not having reported the incident to Marblehead Animal Shelter.
    

    Fast forward to this past weekend in Columbus, Ohio where the first annual pet bloggers conference “BlogPaws” was held.  Unfortunately I was unable to attend. But, I was glued to my computer last Saturday pining for any information attendees would share. Out of that conference emerged a movement, a mission: “Be the Change”.
    

    A friend of mine and dog owner mentioned to me recently in conversation that anyone who does not like animals is not worth knowing. What I do know and believe is that there are many loving pet owners and animal lovers.
    

    Shelter and rescue groups are overrun with homeless dogs and cats. Space is becoming more limited.  And as a result animals are being euthanized at a record rate. “Be the Change” is a simple cause to action by fellow pet owners and animal lovers to help shelter and rescue groups save the lives of these many homeless dogs and cats.
    

      

    • Volunteer
      • 

    • Donate: Time, Pet Toys, Medical Supplies, Gift Cards from Pet Supply Stores or Supermarkets, Kennel Supplies, Office Supplies
      • 

    • Foster a Pet
      • 

    

    Giveaway:
    

    How to enter: Leave a comment on this post (one per person and comments on this post only count toward the drawing) by noon EST on Friday, April 16.
    

    Enter to win an Eco-Tech Dog Bed from pet-super-store.com. The contest was inspired by the “Be the Change” session, so add a link and comment (if you would like) to your favorite shelter or rescue (SEO) on THIS POST to be entered to win!
    

    PS Don’t you just love happy endings I do?! Following is video of Edie’s adoption.  There is some duplication the first minute so you can fast forward. I think Edie has a lot of MOXIE: “energy, nerve, courage and spirit”.  Remember you too can help “Be the Change”.
    

    

    		
    
		
    Filed Under: Animal Rescue, Animal Shelter, Animals, Cats, Dogs, Pet Adoption, Pet Fostering, Pet News, pets, Rescue Groups  · Tagged With: , , , ,  
    
	
    
	
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