tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73694793342575371902024-03-13T07:30:19.999-04:00Critter CommentsThis blog is about animals, animal rescue, and animals needing homes.Aging Gracefully (or not)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12795568946485869163noreply@blogger.comBlogger2591125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369479334257537190.post-6460584893059131592021-07-12T06:29:00.000-04:002021-07-12T06:29:04.638-04:00The disillusionment of the shelter world<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6LZVZq-dTAI/YOwUP60-D5I/AAAAAAAAHTY/ABB_RZETeSEj6B1ohna1Uhxu9Y0a9n72wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1196/birthday%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6LZVZq-dTAI/YOwUP60-D5I/AAAAAAAAHTY/ABB_RZETeSEj6B1ohna1Uhxu9Y0a9n72wCLcBGAsYHQ/w343-h400/birthday%2B5.jpg" width="343" /></a></div><br /> This photo was taken in 2006. I had been volunteering at one of the local shelters for several years when this was taken. I was gainfully employed in a job which paid me a good salary, so I not only donated my time in walking dogs, but also my money to help the shelter thrive. I was on the board of directors, made friends who were as passionate about animals as I was, and worked tirelessly to find the shelter pets a home. I began my animal blog at the newspaper, and I wrote a weekly column on shelter animals. This translated in to several stories, which generated lots of donations for the shelter. <p></p><p>As is true with most nonprofits, decisions are made at a higher level than I am normally at. When these decisions conflict with my internal thoughts and a compromise cannot be found, I simply vacate the organization. I try not to speak badly of them, even if that is the way I feel. The reason is because it is not the humans who suffer when a volunteer leaves; it is the animals. </p><p>For the past 15 years or so, I have been frequenting a different shelter. This one was more along the lines of the no kill philosophy I follow and I spent many happy hours there walking dogs and cleaning. I cannot tell you the number of loads of laundry I have washed or truckloads full of scrap metal taken to the recycle spot to earn as much money as I could to donate. My financial situation changed so cash money was not as plentiful for donations as I would have liked, but hours of time donated were extensive. </p><p>Being that I try to be an active person, when my physical well being told me I could not walk the dogs like I used to, or clean kennels for hours, I had to back off from physically working around the shelter but I continued to donate what I could, share animals on the internet, talk up the organization when I had the chance. Both of my dogs are former residents. </p><p>For the past several years, I have watched decisions being made that I felt did not present the shelter in a positive light, but they were not my decisions to make. I continued to support their mission. Then, last night as I was attempting to view the volunteer page to see what what happening, I found out I had been removed from the page. Like I didn't exist any longer. To say I was quite upset would be an understatement. </p><p>But then I thought about it and realized that all things change. Because my face is not seen around the physical part of the shelter, perhaps someone felt what little I contribute was not worth keeping me in the loop. Perhaps it was done inadvertently by a person who did not know me. (highly unlikely because this is a very controlled organization) perhaps I made someone angry. I have no idea who, but it could happen. </p><p>So, what to do now? I do know there are numerous animal organizations that always need help. I learned from a very involved person that it is the little donations that keep organizations afloat during hard times. So I guess my little donations will be put to another organization who can use my help. It shouldn't bother me but it does. It is part of the disillusionment of the shelter world I had hoped to not experience again. </p><p><br /></p>Aging Gracefully (or not)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12795568946485869163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369479334257537190.post-51854031992206399442021-01-31T06:53:00.005-05:002021-01-31T06:56:34.203-05:00The rescue work you don't see<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-alxTbE9y0/YBaW48FFcZI/AAAAAAAAG1k/C8-yod08SmAH8HwnJfrIGZzma46LGSiSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Sandler-Standing-Right%2B640x579.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="362" data-original-width="400" height="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-alxTbE9y0/YBaW48FFcZI/AAAAAAAAG1k/C8-yod08SmAH8HwnJfrIGZzma46LGSiSQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h580/Sandler-Standing-Right%2B640x579.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> This is a photo of Sandler, taken in 2012 when he was young and full of life. I spent the best part of a year sharing this beautiful boy with everyone and every group I could trying to place him. It was all in vain. We believe he is a black Labrador/Boxer mix and he was so full of life and energy there seemed to be no slowing him down.<p></p><p>It is now 2021 and Sandler is still at Satchel's. He is in a wheelchair now due to the inability to use his back legs. He has the love and attention of several volunteers who continue to try and manipulate his wheelchair to make it more comfortable for him to use. He still goes on walks and is the same dog he was when I was writing about him 9 years ago. </p><p>The main reason Sandler could not find a home was his total hatred of other dogs. He was such a strong dog, he could scale a fence after another dog in seconds flat. We don't know why. I believe he had lived with dogs before he came to us. I had at one time thought about adoption but because there are so many dogs in my neighborhood who are allowed to run loose, I feared he might hurt or even kill another dog if they somehow got in my yard. </p><p>But he loved, loved, loved people. He stayed with us and we kept looking with no success. These are the parts of rescue which the public seldom sees. The animals who are so broken by their experiences, they never succeed in finding a forever home. They are still loved and cared for by the shelter. They are provided food, medical care, and love and live out their lives in a kennel.</p><p>There are some who might say the animals would be better off dead. I would argue that the animals are a product of the humans who owned them. It is not their fault they have trouble adjusting to what humans determine is acceptable. When you support a shelter like <a href="http://satchelslastresort.org">Satchel's Last Resort</a>, you can know that ALL the animals are allowed to live. Please consider donations so we can continue to provide for all of our creatures. Even the ones who may not fit society's mold of what a perfect dog may be. </p>Aging Gracefully (or not)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12795568946485869163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369479334257537190.post-28890960472495398542021-01-31T06:17:00.000-05:002021-01-31T06:17:37.246-05:00And still she waits<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NQZGup3iHNo/YBaOhrpELwI/AAAAAAAAG1Y/-LajcNC_NbEwY3gqTTdMgvAITXO6PTLswCLcBGAsYHQ/s500/brooke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NQZGup3iHNo/YBaOhrpELwI/AAAAAAAAG1Y/-LajcNC_NbEwY3gqTTdMgvAITXO6PTLswCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/brooke.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The first time I met this beautiful dog, she was confined to a very large crate at the front of the kennels at Satchel's. It was a period of extreme growth at the shelter and we had been inundated with unwanted pets. There seems to be periods of time during the year when people dump pets more often than others. </p><p>Brooke is not fond of other dogs and couldn't be doubled up with any of our current dogs, so she had to wait until an open kennel was available before she could have her own. That was about 9 years ago. </p><p>She has mellowed in her older years and is not the wild child she was when she first entered our shelter. She loves toys, walks and people and will give kisses and handshakes. She also like to ride in the car with the volunteers who spend time with her.</p><p>She is estimated to be about 10 years old, in great health, and still waiting. She has spent over 9 of her years at Satchel's. She has become one of the longest residents who is still searching for a home. 9 years equals 108 months, 108 months equals 3,285 days. </p><p>3,000 days with no forever home; no person to call her own. She can stay at <a href="http://satchelslastresort.org">Satchel's :Last Resort</a>. She is a happy girl. She loves the volunteers. </p><p>Wouldn't it be nice if she could find a home and have her own person? Please share her story and mention her to friends. Although she needs to be the only pet, she will make a great one.</p><p><br /></p>Aging Gracefully (or not)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12795568946485869163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369479334257537190.post-11581851057489629982020-10-26T07:32:00.001-04:002020-10-26T07:32:44.736-04:00How long is the wait?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--LipzndPfbA/X5arAaJKf2I/AAAAAAAAGww/lNBq9JqdWBUFlNeirFuK8e-H0PK1V7QkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s750/cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--LipzndPfbA/X5arAaJKf2I/AAAAAAAAGww/lNBq9JqdWBUFlNeirFuK8e-H0PK1V7QkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/cookie.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oNV4LbQaLV0/X5arAY6TpzI/AAAAAAAAGw4/B9ykG8-ps1UJTpDtXPaA5gh4n0aVZff3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s601/Lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oNV4LbQaLV0/X5arAY6TpzI/AAAAAAAAGw4/B9ykG8-ps1UJTpDtXPaA5gh4n0aVZff3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Lady.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wQ8OGVvyjg4/X5asIMuj3yI/AAAAAAAAGxE/kzfQcThJhrc-O4kgQNGq4ZfFrM9ERb4aQCLcBGAsYHQ/Cooper.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="500" height="209" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wQ8OGVvyjg4/X5asIMuj3yI/AAAAAAAAGxE/kzfQcThJhrc-O4kgQNGq4ZfFrM9ERb4aQCLcBGAsYHQ/Cooper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V1NjaHpyhIw/X5auX-vRk5I/AAAAAAAAGxU/2rqQFSJBGNYHTHPFwBigIG9i0LJIznJKgCLcBGAsYHQ/Darlin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V1NjaHpyhIw/X5auX-vRk5I/AAAAAAAAGxU/2rqQFSJBGNYHTHPFwBigIG9i0LJIznJKgCLcBGAsYHQ/Darlin.jpg" width="160" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7VDWp2gyKHQ/X5auUhJd0rI/AAAAAAAAGxQ/_YnyiIL96ZYFY2cORobkBoJA__Sh0qEXQCLcBGAsYHQ/brooke.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="474" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7VDWp2gyKHQ/X5auUhJd0rI/AAAAAAAAGxQ/_YnyiIL96ZYFY2cORobkBoJA__Sh0qEXQCLcBGAsYHQ/brooke.jpg" width="178" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9PfjZbFSB9w/X5auZon1FYI/AAAAAAAAGxY/12UmPPdtlCwqtkQeB7n1pWzcAICKjzxlACLcBGAsYHQ/MickeyMickey72624464_500x666.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="666" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9PfjZbFSB9w/X5auZon1FYI/AAAAAAAAGxY/12UmPPdtlCwqtkQeB7n1pWzcAICKjzxlACLcBGAsYHQ/MickeyMickey72624464_500x666.jpg" title="Mickey" width="180" /></a></div></div> <br /><br /><br />These are the faces of length. These are the long timers at <a href="satchelslastresort.org">Satchel's Last Resort.</a><br />Unfortunately, they have been waiting for years. Years for a home to understand them. Years for someone to work with them so they could overcome whatever issues they may have. Years for a soft bed and a kind human to give them the love and home they all deserve. <div>They are all seniors now and have been at the shelter for years. Some have had interest in that time; some not. Some need to be the only dog in the home and some are scared of loud noises. Some watched their babies be born and find homes and still sit and wait with that look in their eyes. </div><div>Are they easy dogs? Who knows? Do they have quirks? Don't they all have quirks which endear them to us? </div><div>I have two Satchel dogs. Both have quirks. Elsa eats poop and Tega must be tranquilized to have her nails trimmed. Elsa can escape any crate. Tega must be crated during while I am at work or she will escape during a thunderstorm. Elsa must stay on meds for allergies and her thyroid. Tega is medicine free. I would not trade either for anything, despite the quirks. </div><div>November will begin another Adopt a Senior Dog month. When I volunteered for the HSSC, I made it my mission to find all our senior dogs home. We hit that goal. We had photos taken of them and really went all out for our seniors. </div><div>Most shelters do the best they can. The problem is, most shelters have an abundance of dogs, many who are young, or cute, or striking looks, or just what people think they are looking for. Look for the ones who may need you the most. </div><div>Adopt, don't shop. Please consider the seniors at shelters near you. They need you.</div><div><br /><br /><br /><p></p></div>Aging Gracefully (or not)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12795568946485869163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369479334257537190.post-50483361050370280152020-10-25T05:38:00.000-04:002020-10-25T05:38:02.459-04:00He never found a home<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vm2cO-7cHhQ/X5VGXmF5FUI/AAAAAAAAGv4/1K7SUqy_Mz0lEk-VcROviCSEvfulg4ggQCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/toby1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="960" height="368" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vm2cO-7cHhQ/X5VGXmF5FUI/AAAAAAAAGv4/1K7SUqy_Mz0lEk-VcROviCSEvfulg4ggQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h368/toby1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />2020 has not been a stellar year. In fact, it has really been abysmal. I had hoped to not lose any more friends this year. It seems they are dropping like flies.<p></p><p>I lost another one this weekend. One who I had written of several times. Just a shelter dog. A shelter dog who never found a home. One of those that, for whatever reason, was always overlooked for someone else. </p><p>From the pictures you can see the kind of shape Toby was in when he arrived at <a href="satchelslastresort.org">Satchel's</a>. A volunteer had seen him from another post and asked if we could take him in. He had been found in this condition and was taken immediately to the vet. </p><p>He healed but never found a home. His roomie found one a couple of weeks ago after spending years at the shelter. Toby never did.</p><p>Toby had to have emergency surgery and did not make it. Toby never had a home. Toby never had his own people. Toby lived the life of a shelter dog. </p><p>In this time of uncertainty, if you have any stability in your life, please consider giving a dog or cat a home. Visit your local shelters. Find one who no one else notices. They will make the best pet. </p><p>Run free at the Bridge Toby. You always had a piece of my heart. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQ97r4vVpZc/X5VGw-j36DI/AAAAAAAAGwA/DL1Vbf7Yt9wTq3rht3ijHDanYb-tdgdhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s500/toby4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="500" height="454" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQ97r4vVpZc/X5VGw-j36DI/AAAAAAAAGwA/DL1Vbf7Yt9wTq3rht3ijHDanYb-tdgdhwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h454/toby4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Aging Gracefully (or not)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12795568946485869163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369479334257537190.post-59809683705544815202020-05-17T08:17:00.000-04:002020-05-17T08:17:20.825-04:00Senior pets are the best<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IaipEajNUwk/XsEpJq90_2I/AAAAAAAAGqU/r4uuBbw6HIAZncTz1m3B7vcAN4jIuOkKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/olive1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IaipEajNUwk/XsEpJq90_2I/AAAAAAAAGqU/r4uuBbw6HIAZncTz1m3B7vcAN4jIuOkKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/olive1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"><i>This 95 pound love bug is named Olive. She was picked from Sarasota County Animal Services. She is a stray that was found on Constitution Blvd. They believe she is 8 or 9 years old.</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I use this blog to vent a lot of the time. I call people out for doing stupid and cruel things to animals. It is my blog so you can chose to read it or not. That is part the American freedom of expression.<br />
I have 2 senior dogs and have adopted seniors for the past 10 or 12 years. They may come with some baggage, but all in all, fit in with my household and help me show how I feel about people dumping dogs when they get to be a certain age.<br />
Most shelters have several senior dogs who need homes, but many times these are the best of the best, and the others are euthanized due to different reasons.<br />
The dog above caught my eye on Facebook, probably because she looked like such a sweetheart. Once again, I wish I had more money so I could open up my home to more than two.<br />
When I realized where she was, I did not worry so much because she could not have landed in a better place.<br />
<a href="https://www.vintagepaws.org/">Vintage Paws</a> is a senior dog rescue in Sarasota. It was started by a wonderful person, Jennifer Hummel, who I first met when we served on the board of directors of the Humane Society of Sarasota County. She is the owner of a boarding/daycare facility, <a href="https://acepetresort.com/">Ace Pet Resort</a>.<br />
This virus has impacted her business in a negative way. People who are not traveling, don't need boarding. She also does daycare and bathing and several other dog related things, but her business is suffering.<br />
Yet, when a call came for another senior, I bet she didn't hesitate. She supports other rescues to the best of her ability. She offers boarding for them when there is no room at the inn. She courtesy posts senior dogs when her inn is full. She is one of the most caring in the business.<br />
If you have it in your heart to help support small business and you love dogs, please continue to support Jennifer and her business, both paying and non-profit. If we were to lose either one, Sarasota would be poorer for it. Visit both websites at the links attached and see if you might be able to help.<br />
<br />Aging Gracefully (or not)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12795568946485869163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369479334257537190.post-88035108620971796122020-05-13T05:45:00.001-04:002020-05-13T05:45:21.136-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9bnigPy5I0A/Xru-lE7AZ-I/AAAAAAAAGps/hVhnUJ8rULQ2zm7MwcCCsNoty8208z_mwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/alligator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="358" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9bnigPy5I0A/Xru-lE7AZ-I/AAAAAAAAGps/hVhnUJ8rULQ2zm7MwcCCsNoty8208z_mwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/alligator.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I seem to write about this at least once a year. I guess I figure that people will read this once and believe me, but it is not to be. Here I go again.<br />
May is mating month for alligators. Males can and do travel long distances to find females to mate with.<br />
We are also in a very weird season as far as rain and May is a very dry month. This results in alligators traveling to find their own spot of water. When you have as many man made bodies of water as we have in this area, you can bet there is an alligator somewhere close by.<br />
The problem is that people are fascinated with alligators. These prehistoric creatures continue to be one of the most sought after sights from visitors. I, unfortunately, have seen parents actually holding their children over the bridge on the Myakka River so they can get a closer look.<br />
Growing up here, being actually educated on treatment of wildlife, I know to keep my distance. I am not looking to have one snap those jaws at me. I don't antagonize alligators. I do not feed alligators. I do not get close to baby alligators knowing their mamas are around really close and I DO NOT WALK my dog close to any body of water any time of the day.<br />
I remember being on the Silver River at Silver Springs and telling a tourist not to allow her cute, fluffy, white dog wade in the water. How sad when a gator ate it. It did not happen on my watch, but happened a few days later. Why didn't she listen to me?<br />
So please, everyone. Don't do it. Don't think YOUR dog won't get eaten. Don't think that you will escape. Don't take the chance.Aging Gracefully (or not)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12795568946485869163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369479334257537190.post-87470457864776794052020-05-07T07:04:00.000-04:002020-05-07T07:04:51.219-04:00The more we think people have changed...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l5wYxGWdq-c/XrPquJmngTI/AAAAAAAAGpc/Hig2x5t356IZ0maqOtO4IazxB3PoT_MXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/florida_panther.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="409" height="474" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l5wYxGWdq-c/XrPquJmngTI/AAAAAAAAGpc/Hig2x5t356IZ0maqOtO4IazxB3PoT_MXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/florida_panther.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the interesting stories that has come from the pandemic is the one which shows how our wildlife is coming back. Social media is full of stories of animals venturing out because humans have been staying in. The air and water quality is improving and our natural world seems to be repairing itself. What great news.<br />
Then, the stories begin rolling in showing how truly selfish people are. I will drive as fast as I want, on any road that I want and who cares what I hit with my car. Then, the state tries to reopen and after a month of no deaths, <a href="https://miami.cbslocal.com/video/4538775-two-more-florida-panthers-die-after-being-hit-by-vehicles/">in one week two Florida panthers are dead. </a><br />
<a href="https://www.mysuncoast.com/2020/05/06/group-spots-giant-whale-shark-off-cost-sw-florida/">A giant whale shark</a> was spotted of the coast of Siesta Key yesterday. Is our water cleaning itself because those huge cruise ships are not traveling back and forth to central and south America?<br />
<a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-04-13/yosemite-national-park-closed-wildlife-waterfalls-muir">What about those pesky bears, coyotes and bobcats</a> taking over Yosemite?<br />
I find this wonderfully refreshing news and then...wait for it...<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2020-04-08/trump-to-open-more-wildlife-refuge-land-to-hunting-fishing">the news of opening the wildlife refuges</a> to hunting and fishing. 2.3 million acres for humans to tromple on. What happens to the wildlife then? Remember, this is YOUR land, not his to do with what he wants. Your votes and money paid for it to protect it.<br />
Oh, and then we have these <a href="https://www.tampabay.com/florida-politics/buzz/2020/03/02/florida-lawmakers-quietly-pave-way-for-new-toll-roads-this-session/">toll roads in Florida</a> which go nowhere and have no purpose except to put money in to developer pockets.<br />
So as we all discuss seeing better developments with family and friends, more concern about the simpler things in life, the ability to slow down, don't let your guard down. We know who they are and we know what they are doing, we just need to be more vigilant in making sure we hold them accountable. We can't take a break. We can live with wildlife. We just have to call upon the smart, concerned people to form that plan.Aging Gracefully (or not)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12795568946485869163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369479334257537190.post-29419708111968074022020-05-04T18:35:00.001-04:002020-05-04T19:11:12.284-04:00Painting everyone with the same brush<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oXJ089HZtys/XrCYZ9mPZkI/AAAAAAAAGow/RLurf05R8B8FbdsWvMVE11Is1P37Am-BQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200504_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1277" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oXJ089HZtys/XrCYZ9mPZkI/AAAAAAAAGow/RLurf05R8B8FbdsWvMVE11Is1P37Am-BQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200504_0001.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
This column doesn't have a lot about animals, just a little but it does have a lot about something which simply bugs the crap out of me.<br />
I was extremely fortunate in being raised in a military family and having parents who cared about education. I grew up with a vocabulary that would rival most privileged, wealthy kids who are the same as age me. No silver spoon in this mouth. I can talk my way in to or out of most things and my brother and my sister are the same. I have relatives who have doctoral degrees, have made money hand over fist, have raised bright and beautiful children, who all came from the same place.<br />
I am one of the first ones to tell people to let me live my own life. Let me make my own decisions. Let me succeed or fail on my own. I come by this naturally.<br />
My grandparents on my father's side came to central Florida in the mid-thirties from LA, lower Alabama. My grandfather was 16 when he married my grandmother who was 14. He was a dirt farmer until they began build Ft. Rucker. He got a paying job doing construction and once he learned a trade, he loaded up my grandmother and 4 kids and came to Florida.<br />
My grandfather worked union construction the rest of his life. My grandmother got a job in a canning plant, had a treadle sewing machine and could make anything, canned vegetables which she went out in the fields to pick to help feed them all year. They raised 6 children. Those children went on to become ministers, teachers.career mlitary, law enforcement. In other words, become productive members of society and those children had children who are also productive members of society.<br />
Someone I know posted a very negative comment about her neighbor riding a lawnmower with a cigarette hanging from his mouth, wearing an undershirt. All the comments on the post were negative.<br />
So I am going to say this: I am a redneck. I come from a long line of rednecks who wore undershirts, smoking cigarettes while mowing their lawn. My grandfather owned and raised hunting dogs, many who came from animal control agencies and had guns and hunted. His dogs were kept in a pen away from the house and he spent hours sitting out there with his dogs, smoking a cigarette and talking to them. It was our great delight as children when we got to ride on the tailgate of his truck down to the dog pen to feed his hounds. Was he a bad man because he owned guns and had hunting dogs? He voted straight Democratic because he said the Republicans never watched out for the little guy. He was not an educated man in the sense of graduating high school. He could read and write but left school to work on the farm.<br />
He wore undershirts and striped overalls, carried a western paperback in his pocket at all times and would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. Does this make it better?<br />
So my friends who are in rescue or those who disparage people for things they couldn't possibly understand; those who talk bad about others simply because you do not subscribe to how they live; my respect for you just went down several pegs.<br />
<br />Aging Gracefully (or not)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12795568946485869163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369479334257537190.post-80108615406417556432020-05-03T09:27:00.000-04:002020-05-03T10:01:02.786-04:00Reflections from this pandemic<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bDQMa_1WbNY/Xq7FNI2-dLI/AAAAAAAAGok/O_7JsBr3mZkz5gGQErsRmwHlrvTJ2w4AQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ca_palmbeachanimalrescue_041620govt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1440" height="392" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bDQMa_1WbNY/Xq7FNI2-dLI/AAAAAAAAGok/O_7JsBr3mZkz5gGQErsRmwHlrvTJ2w4AQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/ca_palmbeachanimalrescue_041620govt.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #a6a8ab; font-family: "source sans pro" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Friends of Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control/ City of Palm Beach</span></td></tr>
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Staying home with my dogs has not been hard for me to do. I love my dogs. For many people, their pets are their calm in an otherwise stormy period of time.<br />
I realize that when I go back to work in a building away from my home, my dogs are going to wonder what the heck is going on. Considering both suffer or have suffered in the past from separation anxiety, I make sure I leave them, even if it is to drive around for an hour or so before coming back home. Hopefully, this will make going back to a more normal schedule, seem normal.<br />
Before this pandemic, one of the most common excuses for relinquishing a dog or cat to a shelter was time. We don't have enough time for our beloved pet and expect someone else will have more time to give. We know they will find a good home where they won't be alone. We know they will not die, because they are such a good boy/girl. The truth is that many did die. The truth is that most people do not have the luxury of not working. The truth is your pet will adjust to your schedule.<br />
My dogs have done a ton of sleeping since I have been home. With the exception of Tega, who believed she had to follow me everywhere the first few hours of the morning, they both sleep a lot during the day. I would believe that this is their normal schedule when I am not home.<br />
In a great marketing campaign, shelters began touting fostering during the pandemic to get animals out of the shelters and in to a home while humans were being isolated. This would solve the issue of loneliness for people, give families something to care for while they were not working, and animals would have a chance to be away being locked in a kennel 23 hours a day. Several shelters in Florida actually had no animals at one point. None.<br />
The hope in this program is that these families will fall in love with their fostered dog or cat and decide to adopt. What a great idea.<br />
The only issue I see if what happens when everyone goes back to work? Have you ever seen a dog returned after living in a home for several months? Have you ever seen the sadness on their faces when the human they have bonded with returns them to the shelter of their nightmares?<br />
I have. I own two of those dogs. I watched as each was returned (at different times) after being in a home for 1 year (Tega) or 3 years (Elsa). The sadness and confusion in their faces is indescribably sad. They were also returned to a shelter and people they knew and loved. They were still sad.<br />
Luckily, I could bring Elsa home immediately when she was returned. Tega had to wait almost a year.<br />
Let's not kid ourselves. Sometimes the things we do for ourselves, really don't benefit who we say they will. I hope none of these adopted animals during this time are returned. I hope all those fostered pets wind up getting adopted. I hope these empty kennels stay empty. What I fear is the time excuse, rearing its' ugly head again. I hope I am wrong.<br />
<br />Aging Gracefully (or not)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12795568946485869163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369479334257537190.post-47442423501516648432019-12-01T10:01:00.000-05:002019-12-01T10:03:11.287-05:00Thank you but...I have been dealing with animal rescue for 25 or so years. I have tapered off in the past couple, just because of age slowing me down a tad but I am still involved in writing, social media and generating interest in the world of rescue.<br />
On November 25, Trump signed in to law the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act. I am pleased it passed but know it was one of those bills which should have passed years ago and for whatever reason, our politicians overlooked it as unimportant. I find it interesting that everyone is cheering this bill but overlooking what the White House or the Congress has done to protections of our wildlife, our endangered species, our water and our air, but again, that is for another time.<br />
Our local representative, Vern Bu<span style="font-family: inherit;">chanan, </span>was one of the sponsors of the bill but remember, it was bi-partisan and the other co-sponsor, Ted Deutch (D) who represents the other coast of Florida has a strong following on his side.<br />
When looking for support for his upcoming race, I know Buchanan is going to focus on bills such as the one above but we must all look at the big picture. What else has he done for us? He has gotten rich. His income taken from <a href="http://www.ballotpedia.org/">www.ballotpedia.org</a>, shows his net worth at $88,802,066.50. (2012) <span style="font-family: inherit;">"<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 16px;">In June 2007, Buchanan, in his financial disclosure filing, reported having over $100 million in assets, making him among the five wealthiest members of Congress."</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Mr. Buchanan believes Trump has done nothing wrong in investigating Mr. Biden and his son's dealings with the Ukraine. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have issue with this but then I have issue with Mr. Buchanan. He doesn't meet with his </span>constituents<span style="font-family: inherit;"> as he should, he avoids discussion of icky subjects, especially if he is outnumbered in opposition. He answers all emails with canned letters which don't address whatever issue you have written him about and then sends out these dumb little email polls every Sunday to do what? I won't even take the time to answer. The reason is, it doesn't matter what I vote, he will always vote party, regardless of what we want.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">I kind of went off animals this week but you can bet Buchanan will use his part of the aforementioned bill to try and persuade voters what a good guy he is and how he really listens to us. Don't be fooled. Keep your eye on the big picture.</span></span>Aging Gracefully (or not)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12795568946485869163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369479334257537190.post-31511089948886156652019-03-03T10:16:00.000-05:002019-03-03T10:16:53.968-05:00How long must they wait?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UxaV5c3wUlg/XHvrAQY58rI/AAAAAAAAE6s/RgQRRhwdGPs7H1CrrmM-QoI6blWhn-u9QCLcBGAs/s1600/toby1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="960" height="366" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UxaV5c3wUlg/XHvrAQY58rI/AAAAAAAAE6s/RgQRRhwdGPs7H1CrrmM-QoI6blWhn-u9QCLcBGAs/s640/toby1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a photo of Toby when he first arrived at Satchel's and was waiting on the vet. You can see what shape he is in with horrible Demodex mange and skinny to the point of emaciation.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">When you volunteer for a rescue group to see it all and hear every story. The truth is pretty simple, though. We cannot save them all. Then, you save one who you believe stands a great chance of finding a new home and six years later they are still in the same spot and still looking for a home.</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fSbgyJ3dlo0/XHvvIBpsVFI/AAAAAAAAE64/GJ_uip1TFnc6D0jOlVG_JsjeoWYLwxo4gCLcBGAs/s1600/toby3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="501" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fSbgyJ3dlo0/XHvvIBpsVFI/AAAAAAAAE64/GJ_uip1TFnc6D0jOlVG_JsjeoWYLwxo4gCLcBGAs/s200/toby3.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">This is the story of Toby. Toby fits in to the category of: why doesn't this young, wonderful boy have a home yet?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Toby was born somewhere on the other coast of Florida to a not-so-nice life and was discovered by someone tied to a bush close to the National Seashore. They published a plea on social media to try and save him. One of Satchel's volunteers saw the plea, fell in love with the puppy and begged to bring him to Satchel's where he would be safe. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Six years later and he is still safe, but the volunteer has moved on to a whole different city. He saw the vet and through months of therapy for his skin, lots of good food and loving from the staff and donors, he grew in to a beautiful young hound mix, orange and white with soft, soft fur and a love of playing. The years flew by with no home and no interest. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Toby is now a 6 year old with no home. He has never had a home. He is going to be special because of that. He does have a kennel mate and gets along well with most dogs, but we always ask for introductions, just to be safe. He may not know about going potty outside and not in a house because he has never had one. We have found that dogs who go potty outside, tend to be easy to housebreak. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">He will need guidance and training and can be a little shy when he first meets you. A little scared of strangers but gets over that pretty quickly, especially if there are treats involved.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">He, like so many, deserves a real home with a real family. He deserves to go on walks and have toys and his own humans to love. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">If you would be interested in having a meeting with Toby, please contact <a href="http://satchelslastresort.org/">Satchel's Last Resort</a> at info@satchelslastresort.org or call 941-924-5070. Toby would like that.</span></div>
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<br />Aging Gracefully (or not)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12795568946485869163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369479334257537190.post-66219737319654851332019-02-23T14:53:00.002-05:002019-02-23T17:36:14.123-05:00Old man needs a spot to call his own<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HML1Lwdeppc/XHGgu9hm5LI/AAAAAAAAE6Q/8uCHX9Gi_Poix8aIfx7XNtsyGp4k1dWlACLcBGAs/s1600/bentson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HML1Lwdeppc/XHGgu9hm5LI/AAAAAAAAE6Q/8uCHX9Gi_Poix8aIfx7XNtsyGp4k1dWlACLcBGAs/s640/bentson.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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This is Benson. Benson and I are old friends and I love him with every inch of my being. When I am sitting out front at Satchel's and you are walking him, be prepared to have him run across the yard and jump in my lap, regardless of if you want him to or not.<br />
I have known Benson since he was a young, less than a year old puppy, who came to Satchel's because the rescue who had him had no idea how to deal with a pushy, young Rottweiler. We helped transfer him to a Rottweiler rescue and all should have been good.<br />
But of course, even the best laid plans have been known to fail. He was adopted out to a couple and the man absolutely adored him. Benson felt the same but the wife didn't care for Benson and at the first sign of dominance on his part, he came back to us.<br />
Where he has been almost 10 years. Benson is now listed as a special needs dog because he has become very protective of his home and his things. He would do great with a single person who has Rottweiler experience. Benson has great obedience skills but you have to make him mind you with a commanding voice, not a harsh touch. He should be with me but does not do well with other dogs.<br />
What he really needs is a single, calm household, where no one is trying to love on him or grab him. He will come to you if he wants attention, otherwise, give him a nice, comfy bed and leave him alone. He is also very housebroken, loves car rides, walks well on a leash and is a pretty good old man but he is not a cuddlebug.<br />
If you would be interested in giving this old man a nice place to spend his last few years, please contact<a href="http://www.satchelslastresort.org/"> Satchel's Last Resort</a>. You can also call 941-924-5070 or email info@satchelslastresort.org.<br />
Although he considers Satchel's his home he deserves a human of his own and a house of his own to spend his last years with. Are you that human?<br />
Thank you for reading.Aging Gracefully (or not)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12795568946485869163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369479334257537190.post-69554342378144609482019-02-18T19:08:00.000-05:002019-02-18T19:08:09.343-05:00Home needed for special girl<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9CUTzwRyKc0/XGtDcGh1ixI/AAAAAAAAE5o/YKKdvL9OoZgZ2Tmgw6Va6bii0yvYsyzSgCLcBGAs/s1600/destiny%2Bwith%2Bkids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9CUTzwRyKc0/XGtDcGh1ixI/AAAAAAAAE5o/YKKdvL9OoZgZ2Tmgw6Va6bii0yvYsyzSgCLcBGAs/s640/destiny%2Bwith%2Bkids.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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Photo by Iris Eastman</div>
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<a data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=257691490915959&extragetparams=%7B%22__tn__%22%3A%22%2CdK%2AF-R%22%2C%22eid%22%3A%22ARAeca_yh50Kb9iVPUCD2W_tTkYMYvfOlQW0Lz43uIWB5r7gfySUcu36606d9mnT1FeN5K6_WNt_OQ0e%22%2C%22directed_target_id%22%3Anull%2C%22groups_location%22%3Anull%7D" href="http://www.satchelslastresort.org/" style="background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: none;">Satchels Last Resort Animal Shelter/Sanctuary</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"> making friends with young people of The Boys & Girls Club of Sarasota County at Nate Benderson Park Monday afternoon.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">When I was teaching at Desoto Middle School, I developed a great relationship with Desoto County Animal Services. I put them in contact with Satchel's where I volunteered at and Iris Eastman, who was the former Executive Director. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">She called one day while I was at work and asked could I transport a dog to Satchel's on my way home. She told me the dog was a female Catahoula Leopard Hound and she had been badly injured, possibly hit by a car and needed medical care that Desoto could not provide. The only option had I not been able to transport was euthanasia. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Well, if you know me, you know that word is not in my vocabulary for something like a broken leg so I went to pick up the dog.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">What I got was this skinny, rough-coated, neglected little girl with a mangled leg who kept trying to give me kisses and was beating me with her tail as we were trying to get her loaded in to my truck as gently as possible. You knew she was in pain. You knew she had no reason in the world to trust anyone, especially someone who was taking her to another place where she had no idea what would happen. When we arrived at Satchel's, we made her as comfortable as possible until we could get her to the vet. She never stopped wagging her tail or trying to give kisses.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Destiny lost her leg. It was mangled so badly it could not be saved. That's okay. Tripods have no difficulty finding homes. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kkh_a0_MVLQ/XGtIR-BzOvI/AAAAAAAAE50/LmjDHBvTgQYYae4MGTdA0vFmmDW1s5fSwCLcBGAs/s1600/destiny%2Beyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="501" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kkh_a0_MVLQ/XGtIR-BzOvI/AAAAAAAAE50/LmjDHBvTgQYYae4MGTdA0vFmmDW1s5fSwCLcBGAs/s200/destiny%2Beyes.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Destiny likes most dogs but she is an Alpha female. She gets along fine with everyone unless someone growls at her or tries to be the boss but she never starts it. She lives in a house with 5 other dogs. She is crate trained and housebroken. She is estimated to be between 5 and 6 years old and weighs about 60 pounds.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">She is a gorgeous chocolate chip cookie. a soft brown with dark brown splotches as you can see in her photo. She also has one blue eye and one brown eye, like my Elsa. Catahoula's are also extremely smart, just in case you were wondering. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Please contact Satchel's Last Resort </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">941.924.5070 or e-mail info@satchelslastresort.org</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> if you would like to meet her. I have 2 girls right now. I simply cannot take another. </span></div>
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Aging Gracefully (or not)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12795568946485869163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369479334257537190.post-56693679040392447572019-02-18T05:03:00.003-05:002019-02-18T05:03:43.490-05:00What can you rescue today?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Many people only hear about rescuing dogs and cats. We have done a credible job in the past ten or fifteen years in getting the word out about shelters for dogs and cats and how to go about adopting.<br />
I believe we need to work on the other rescues; the ones for little animals, farm animals, birds or horses.<br />
Did you know we have a bird rescue right down the road and it you are interested in it you can contact them on adopting. They have birds from parakeets to Macaws. <a href="https://parrotoutreachsociety.org/">Parrot Outreach Society</a> is located in Punta Gorda and is a 501(c)3. They have lots of guests who are looking for homes and they only adopt in the state.<br />
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Now let's talk large or perhaps small. Horses or maybe minis? Goats? Let's talk <a href="https://www.spca-sofla.org/">South Florida SPCA</a>. Another 501(c)3. They have mainly horses of all shapes and sizes but they also have farm animals. Many of these came from neglect cases or even criminal cases. Need a donkey?<br />
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<a href="https://humanesocietytampa.org/adopt-a-pocket-pet/">The Humane Society of Tampa Bay</a> also excepts pocket pets as do many local rescues. You would need to check with each to see if they had hamsters or rats, rabbits or sugar gliders available.<br />
All these rescues need help with adoptions. Please DO NOT purchase from pet stores. The only way we will ever stop the senseless killing of animals is to stop buying them.<br />
Thanks for reading.Aging Gracefully (or not)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12795568946485869163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369479334257537190.post-26800686307734390842019-02-17T14:26:00.001-05:002019-02-17T14:26:52.547-05:00Six months is nothing, try six years<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I remember when Merry came to us. It was on Christmas Eve and our Executive Director, Iris Eastman had been called to Manatee County Animal Services on an emergency. There was a dog in desperate need and Iris had gone to check it out and see if <a href="http://satchelslastresort.org/">Satchel's Last Resort</a> could help.<br />
As she was waiting to see the emergency dog, she observed an employee walking by with the huge bowl of food. "Who was that going to?", she wondered. She asked and was told there was a starving dog who no one thought they could save so she was going to have a huge last meal before crossing the Rainbow Bridge.<br />
"Let me meet her." That is Iris, always doing whatever is necessary to save one more if possible.<br />
She agreed to take both dogs and we began to nurse Merry, which is what she was named in honor of Christmas Eve, back to health.<br />
Merry is a black Labrador Mix who has now lived at our shelter for 6 years. She is estimated to be close to 8 years old and she is on the smaller side of a Labrador but we don't know what her mix is.<br />
She has a beautiful, glossy black coat, gets along well with most dogs and loves to run and play.<br />
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So why is she still with us and why has no one come forward to adopt this very special girl? She is special needs because she has separation anxiety and will need a new home with a new friend who will stay home with her and train her; one who will allow her to trust again and know that she will not be starved to almost death and left to die in a field; one who will provide the security she needs to feel safe and not threatened if she was left alone. We have never found that special person. </div>
Now, 6 years is a long time but Merry is happy. She has a roommate named Houdini, a very shy, hound mix who has grown up with Merry. She gets to run and play in Satchel's big yards and has plenty of toys, treats and kisses.<br />
But there is nothing like a home. A real home with a bed that is hers and people to call her own. A home where she could go on a walk or a car ride, sleep right next to her human or swim in the pool. Maybe a boat dog, who knows? She is a Labrador mix.<br />
If you think you might be the perfect home for Merry; could give her the time and attention she needs to work through her separation anxiety and would like to meet her, please click on the link above ad contact Satchel's. They would love to hear from you and love for Merry to find her forever home. 6 years is a long time in anyone's life, especially a dog's.<br />
<br />Aging Gracefully (or not)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12795568946485869163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369479334257537190.post-56003305460460265832019-02-03T04:37:00.002-05:002019-02-03T04:37:22.603-05:00Issues versus perfection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you have a pet? Is it perfect? Can we talk about that for a minute? Can I ask you how you found a perfect pet?<br />
The truth comes out. Your pet is not perfect. Your pet is perfect for you. We each have our own ideas of perfection and just because your pet fits in your household perfectly, the story could be different in another household.<br />
The photos at the top of the page are my arms. One is a fresh gouge from a nail when Tega jumped on me with excitement. The other is of all the scars I have on my arms because of rambunctious dogs. Many of those dogs I helped train to not jump, but you can see I am failing miserably with Tega.<br />
Tega might not fit in your household because of her jumping. She might not work because she is psychotic about storms and will try to escape if you leave her alone for too long outside her crate.<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ySnohFkYYqQ/XFa1tIdWX1I/AAAAAAAAE4k/dJkd7_LL9gI9puzUJ9LDBVZ9CQKuYKKHQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ySnohFkYYqQ/XFa1tIdWX1I/AAAAAAAAE4k/dJkd7_LL9gI9puzUJ9LDBVZ9CQKuYKKHQCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_0654.jpg" width="150" /></a>Tega is perfect in my house. She keeps Elsa feeling young. She keeps the squirrels at bay away from the bird feeder. She is adorable when you ask her to play dead or roll over.<br />
Her coloring is like a tiger and she blends well with the decor. (Just kidding. My rescue friends will get it.)<br />
She has issues but she is perfect for my household. Make sure when you adopt you find a pet that is perfect for you, even with an issue or two.Aging Gracefully (or not)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12795568946485869163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369479334257537190.post-40792552556796502112019-02-02T05:44:00.002-05:002019-02-02T05:44:57.785-05:00Why education matters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I began writing this blog, I worked in the news business. I had worked there for over 35 years and believed I would stay. That changed and for my second career, I became a teacher.<br />
In animal rescue as with other volunteer activities, education plays a huge role in how successful an organization is. Are your volunteers given training? Are there rules in place that must be followed for the safety of the people/animals and the continued viability of the organization? Does someone read your press releases for errors or do you just hope everything is grammatically correct. This also matters. If you seem uneducated or ignorant due to a written statement your organization sent out, many others will not contribute to you, whether in time or money.<br />
I became a National Geographic Certified Educator in December. It took several months and several projects with my students to achieve the goal, but I did it.<br />
One of the projects my journalism students did was the production of a four page spread in their student newspaper on the endangered species in Florida. From the Florida Panther to the Anastasia Beach mouse, they researched and wrote. They interviewed people; they visited a National Wildlife Refuge; they talked about development and invasive species and they all came away with a better understanding of Florida, her flora and fauna and how to best protect them. This is education.<br />
Are all those students going to become scientists? Probably not. Artists? Nope. Citizens? Yes. Which is why we need to continue the educational process of teaching in all areas.<br />
Our world includes domestic animals, wild animals, plants and the outdoors. We must continue to educate our students in the ways of things they may have no experience in so they can also develop a love of their environment and community.<br />
Please consider education as a key component in the development and success of your organization. It will pay off in huge dividends.<br />
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<br />Aging Gracefully (or not)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12795568946485869163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369479334257537190.post-84846784405379179412019-02-02T05:19:00.001-05:002019-02-02T05:19:36.280-05:00Rescue challenges<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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Horses at Reins of Life wear jackets to cope with the extreme cold temperatures on Tuesday in South Bend. Most of the animals will be placed in barns on Wednesday and Thursday.</div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"></span><span class="credit" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #999999; display: block; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-top: 5px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: start;"><span class="tnt-byline" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Tribune Photo/ROBERT FRANKLIN</span></span></td></tr>
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Winter always brings out horror stories of freezing animals. Dogs, cats, horses, buffalo; they have all had photos in the news the past week. Even the few alligators in North Carolina had their photos snapped, frozen, with their snouts poking out of the water.<br />
Every year there seems to be more and more photos which results in more and more angry people. I have seen the rants on social media where they are calling for violence against people, name calling, telling people to break the law and other sage pieces of advice to the general public about how to react to the news.<br />
I love animals. I love birds. I love reptiles. I love humans. (most) I do not like what we turn in to when we believe we or our thoughts are the only way to do things; when it is our way or the highway and to hell with you if you do not agree.<br />
You cannot legislate responsibility. You also cannot break the laws because you don't like them. You cannot instill common sense in people that have none and as long as we live in this country with the laws we have, unless a court of law has made something illegal, you cannot help.<br />
You can join a grassroots group to change a law, ie: chaining your dog outside. This resulted in groups who offered owners other ways to contain their animals. Many communities now have laws against tethering for more than 15 minutes. You can make a difference.<br />
I am angry every time I see an animal outside with a doghouse but the reality is, this is a way of life for many animals. Education, education, education.<br />
We need to educate people. We need to stop the screaming, yelling and name calling. It doesn't solve anything and when the objects of your disdain learn of the actions, they are more likely to dig in their heels and change nothing.<br />
When I was a little girl, one of the old pieces of advice I heard and still use is, "You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar." Try using a little honey. It could make all the difference in the world. Aging Gracefully (or not)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12795568946485869163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369479334257537190.post-4299123463402737542019-01-27T10:21:00.000-05:002019-01-27T10:24:44.051-05:00What happened to those commercials?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5mBWc3eNSA">Pedigree dog food advertising</a> used to produce some of the most viable pet adoption ads on television. They pulled at your heart and created more acceptance in adopting from a shelter than from a breeder or pet store, which I hope we are over.<br />
Pedigree Dog Food also contributed and continues to contribute food to shelters, who need money for more expensive medical procedures or medicines. I have heard many dismiss the food as no good for dogs but shelter dogs really don't care. They are being fed on a regular basis and for some, it is the first time in their lives.<br />
I did hear a cute ad for adopting that was on the radio where the dog was doing the talking about the human he adopted. It was cute but it was on the radio at 5:30 a.m. on my drive in to work so I doubt many people hear it or even really pay attention. These are done by <a href="https://theshelterpetproject.org/">The Shelter Pet Project</a>. Please always adopt from shelters and help out if you can. Thank you!<br />
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<br />Aging Gracefully (or not)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12795568946485869163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369479334257537190.post-57184145030215248702019-01-27T09:35:00.000-05:002019-01-27T09:35:39.922-05:00Finding the right one<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nL63_3kLkNU/XE3ALfnNEeI/AAAAAAAAE34/Us2LHD-Ye6MZBSzpYRF9cSkJ0wqAd8fEQCLcBGAs/s1600/houdini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nL63_3kLkNU/XE3ALfnNEeI/AAAAAAAAE34/Us2LHD-Ye6MZBSzpYRF9cSkJ0wqAd8fEQCLcBGAs/s640/houdini.jpg" width="610" /></a><br />
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Any time one of my friends asks me to help them find a dog, I try to dissuade them from asking me. Why? Because a dog who I love or I work with or I promote may be the perfect dog for me, but not for you.<br />
This is one of the reasons adoptions fail. I have watched over and over again as people promote a dog, talk a friend in to adopting the "perfect" pet and then all those little imperfections begin coming to light. All those little things that are never pointed out by adoption counselors but exist once an animal comes in to your home: the possessiveness over a toy but not a bone, the schedule to pee, which cannot vary even 30 minutes or you have wet carpet, the love of soft, fluffy beds of the human kind, which you have never allowed.<br />
These are all reasons some animals are returned to a shelter. These are all little things I have discovered about my new pup, Tega.<br /><br />
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<br />Tega is actually a senior girl, returned several times to the shelter with no real reasons except she panics if you try to constrain her (no cutting of the toenails unless you want an injury), storm and fireworks phobic, and an escape artist if you leave her unattended for over 15 minutes.<br />
These are all workable issues and we have made adjustments for her to live here. She will never go back to the shelter. We will figure it out. If there is a problem or issue I cannot handle myself, I will contact the shelter or a friend and ask advice. I will then follow that advice.<br />
I want Tega to succeed. She has had some disappointments in her life and I owe it to her to help her succeed.<br />
How do you plan on helping your new pet succeed?<br />
<a href="http://www.satchelslastresort.org/">Satchel's Last Resort</a> is the shelter I adopted Tega from and she has added so much life to my home, brought Elsa back to puppy stage and is a joy to have around.<br />
There are many dogs at Satchel's who have been rescued, rehabbed and now just to complete the mission with being rehomed.<br />
The dog at the top of the page is Houdini. He was also an escape artist. He has special needs because he is <b>EXTREMELY </b>shy and will need a human to work with him over a little bit of time before he will warm up. He will also need a quiet home, that doesn't have a lot of motion going on. Had Tega and Elsa not warmed up, he would have come home with me. He loves other dogs, his kennel mate is named Merry. She is a black lab mix. He has the cutest grin when he knows you and is simply a gorgeous hound. I am sure the shelter will be very picky when it comes to placing him. Could you be the one?<br />
Please continue to support the shelter of your choice. The animals have no voice but ours. Thank youAging Gracefully (or not)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12795568946485869163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369479334257537190.post-15987312766588548772019-01-20T11:00:00.002-05:002019-01-20T11:00:22.006-05:00Help is always needed<a href="http://www.petharbor.com/pet.asp?uaid=MNTC.A087254">http://www.petharbor.com/pet.asp?uaid=MNTC.A087254</a><br />
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As I go forward once again with my blog, I am amazed at how much help is still needed by rescues and shelters in this area.<br />
Is spay and neuter working? Are people getting the word out? Are people still buying dogs and cats from pet stores? Ugh! Are YOU doing as much as you can?<br />
I wish there were easy answers to my questions. There are still favorites of mine who are still in a shelter situation simply because the right family/person/situation has not come along.<br />
Imagine my dismay when I saw a beautiful, young male Rottweiler listed in Manatee County who needed an owner with experience. I just adopted my second rescue and knew I could not devote the time to a young, presumable pushy, Rottweiler. I was sad.<br />
Do others worry about such things or just run out and adopt with no thought to what it is going to take to make this work? Should I think about thinning out my two since I am getting older and live on my own when money is always a concern? What would I do if someone was ill?<br />
My babies are home alone as it is for at least 10 hours a day. I try and spend as much time with them as possible and they do sleep a lot since they are older.<br />
There are always concerns when adopting any pet. I have posted a needy rescue dog at the top of my page along with a link. This guy is a senior and is a priority one who needs a home.<br />
Please inquire if you can care for him the way he needs.<br />
Thanks for reading. I will be back next week.Aging Gracefully (or not)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12795568946485869163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369479334257537190.post-27622751939684681032018-05-29T20:00:00.001-04:002018-05-29T20:00:29.474-04:00Why don't people share on social media?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you see these eyes looking at you with love, the first thing you do is want to cuddle with this gorgeous girl. Many people would only see her if they were searching through Petfinder. Her description is as follows: She is a 6 month old Vizsla mix who loves other dogs, toys and being near her human. She is in a foster home learning how to live in a house and would love to find her forever home.<br />
I will share this column on social media and ask that anyone who sees this to share with their friends. One thing that is for sure about sharing is that it results in adoptions. People see a photo and want to know more.<br />
My question is, "Why don't people share?" It only takes one click; they don't have to write anything; all the information is included in the blog but they still don't. Why is that?<br />
So think about it and if you have an answer, please respond to the blog. In the absence of answers, please share Serenity. She needs a good home.<br />
If you would like more information on her, contact <a href="http://satchelslastresort.org/">Satchel's Last Resort</a> and they should be able to tell you anything you want to know.<br />
Thanks, and once again, please share.<br />
<br />Aging Gracefully (or not)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12795568946485869163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369479334257537190.post-74781509431127552232018-05-25T21:21:00.000-04:002018-05-25T21:21:54.897-04:00Here I am again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have given up my site and have decided to begin simply writing a blog again so here I am.<br />
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This was how I began writing about animals so it is only right that I come back to the basics of animal rescue.<br />
As we continue to move further and further in to a higher and higher technical world, one thing has not changed since I began writing a blog many years ago. Rescued animals still need help and no one really writes about them except in special cases.<br />
Close down a backyard puppy mill and people come running. Pull animals from an out of business shelter in another state and people are lining up at the door to adopt. There is nothing wrong with capitalizing on this cases. These animals do need homes but that leaves all the others still waiting in a kennel somewhere, who never get any notice. These are the animals I plan on writing about. These are the ones that need help.<br />
The first critters that will make it on the page are 3 little teeny kittens, about 5 weeks old, who I transported from Desoto County Animal Services to my rescue, <a href="http://www.satchelslastresort.com/">Satchel's Last Resort</a>.<br />
There are two black ones and one grey tabby. From one photo posted on Facebook, one of the kittens has a home. Well, if he survives. He is so tiny and loaded with worms including ringworm, plus a horrific upper respiratory infection that we don't assume in the rescue world. The two black ones are in the same shape. They need extensive healing before they are ready to find homes.<br />
Had I not been available to rescue these kittens from a small, rural animal control, they might not have made it. This is why I write.<br />
So if you are in need of a new companion to complete your home, we still have cats of all shapes and sizes, plus two little, bitty kittens who will hopefully thrive, get better and be adoptable. Check out all the dogs and cats at the link provided above. You might just be surprised at what you find.<br />
Thanks for reading.Aging Gracefully (or not)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12795568946485869163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369479334257537190.post-33767036304543879902012-08-18T18:18:00.003-04:002012-08-18T18:18:56.278-04:00Moving blog: part 2Sorry readers. I now not only have <a href="http://crittercomments.com/">a new website, but my own URL</a> which can be accessed here. It is a lot more simple and easy to access.<br />
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<em>Jean</em>Aging Gracefully (or not)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12795568946485869163noreply@blogger.com0