Animal Shelters, Crossposters and Rescue Groups

by Elisa Black-Taylor
(USA)

R.I.P-Too Late (Photo by Mia Anelli)

R.I.P-Too Late (Photo by Mia Anelli)

R.I.P-Too Late (Photo by Mia Anelli) Athena, Camille, Jemma saved from Ruby by Mia-needs home ASAP Debra by Mia Anelli

In case a few of my readers haven't noticed, I've become involved with a lot of new projects concerning pets. I'd like to explain my goals regarding animal shelters, rescue groups and crossposters. Times are changing and everyone is now working together to save the animals.

My goal is to educate. I salute all three of these groups because they are using the internet to save cats and dogs. I love to see the internet being used for a good cause and this is one of the best I've found.

First of all let me say I use a lot of Furby's mama's photos on my articles. She has the look I need to illustrate my stories. I was looking thru a new batch the other night and came across this new photographer Furby has on his site. Please check this page out - link broken.

THIS is the new look of the animal shelter pet. I commend Mia for portraying them as beautiful animals instead of some poor soul being stuck in a cell like a prison inmate. Sadly, most of the animals in these shelters are wonderful pets, well behaved and extremely friendly.

A lot of pet owners have just hit upon hard times. The economy affects our pets in ways we may not realize it. Take the BP oil spill. Many animals whose owners are in the tourism business have had to turn in their pets because they no longer have a way to support them. This is a story that hasn't been discussed much in the news. As usual, pets are put on the back burner and ignored. I assure you this is true.

My goal is to portray the many shelter pets as they are: confused, lonely and reluctantly abandoned because people don't know any other way to care for them. Or lost forever because no one bothered to spend the $25 to microchip them.

So now along with the irresponsible pet owner who allows out of control breeding, we have the economically challenged animals in the shelters. This has got to change. A lot of people can't afford the spay/neuter, but a lot of people can and don't.

This has to change with this generation. People (children included because they ARE the next generation) need to understand they cannot simply turn in a pet when they tire of it. Most animals are NOT adopted and animals surrendered are eligible for immediate euthanasia. Your pets "pretty face" is not enough to save its life. It's likely there are 100 more beautiful pets just like it at the facility.

The unemployment numbers in the U.S. are a lie. They only show the number of people receiving benefits. The long term unemployed who have exhausted benefits aren't included. People are losing their homes, their way of life and their pets. To those I would suggest running a freebie ad with vet references required and checked. Do everything possible to keep the pets out of shelters.

I've come across a site on Facebook that offers ways to help with vet bills. This page offers a lot of good options. Please check this page out.

Now on to the crossposters. Up until a few weeks ago I'd never heard of crossposters. Facebook has several of them. It's like a giant gossip column and the subject is pets on death row.

Cross posters are individuals who share their page space on social websites with photos, history and kill notices for some of the most beautiful animals you've ever seen. These animals are only days (sometimes hours) away from euthanasia. The crossposters list where the animal is sheltered and provide a photo. Then the search begins for someone to save the pet from execution. Many shelter workers are involved in the crossposting and I can tell you it kills them when they have to destroy a beautiful loving animal who would have made someone a devoted companion. I've watched the conversation responses going back and forth. Sometimes a home is found or a rescue group will step in. Many times there is no one. There is no "governor's call" at the last minute.

Rescue groups help as many of these animals as they can. There are rescue groups for particular breeds and there are groups that cover a certain geographical area. One of the most difficult breeds for the rescuers is the pit bull. These dogs have developed such a bad reputation they've been banned from private adoption in many parts of the U.S. Much of this is because of how they are "fought" for entertainment. I hope hell has a special place for the people involved in dog fighting. Perhaps in the same part of hell with the animal abusers.

People need to understand it's not the breed of dog that is bad. It's the owner and how the dogs are trained. Dogs seized from these fighting situations stand very little chance of a normal life unless a rescue group or someone trained to deal with rehabilitating fighting dogs steps in. A lot of these dogs must live in a dog sanctuary for life but that's better than living at the end of a six foot chain.

Rescue groups also help shelter cats and dogs find foster homes and forever homes. They take in abandoned, abused, stray and unwanted animals. Many rescue groups are run entirely by volunteers who take the animals into their own homes until a good home is found. Please help these groups as much as possible. I'm sure money, food and cleaning supplies are always needed.

I'd like to close this article with an apology. I'm sorry if I've made you cry. This story needed to be told. If you want to help, do like I did and allow the crossposters to use your site to spread the word. Email this article to everyone you know who loves dogs and cats. Support your local shelters and fight for no kill shelters.

And most important-SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR PET!!

Elisa

P.S. Mia pulled Ruby from the shelter. She lives in the Los Angeles, California area and needs a permanent home for Ruby.

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Animal Shelters, Crossposters and Rescue Groups

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Aug 02, 2010
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Thank you
by: Ruth

Thank you Elisa, I've kept this link because often questions come up from people who need help this way.
Although my main concern at present is to educate about declawing and save cats claws,I care about all other animal welfare too, worldwide.

Kattaddorra signature Ruth


Aug 01, 2010
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Animsl shelters and pet maintenance.
by: Rudolph.A.Furtado

People should should realise that maintaining a pet is not cheap maintenance, since pets require human companionship besides veterinary care if sick.The positive aspect of "Pet Ownership" is the absence of loneliness, especially for single people like me, a source of non-judgemental companionship.Most pets look cute when young, hence purchased by parents for their children but are sometimes abandoned as they age due to either "Behavioural problems" or the fact that they have outgrown their cuteness.


Aug 01, 2010
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Good For Elisa!
by: letitia

I am on disability and need more affordable vet coverage! Her story is right on target


Aug 01, 2010
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Excellent
by: Debra

Again you have brought the problem to life, not one condescending word in it and it is all true..
Thank you ,Eliza


Aug 01, 2010
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Animal Shelters, Crossposters and Rescue Groups
by: BJ

Eliza, you have done a wonderful job, as you always do when it comes to animals. Recently there is a good start in saving animals, and I hope it catches on.

If you want a cat or dog, you can go to your local animal shelter and find whatever you are looking for in an anima. They are already spayed or nertored, and the price is much less than anywhere elese you obtain a pet.

The biggest problem facing cats and dogs is that people want animals, they don't have them fixed,so more cats and dogs will be everywhere.

Keep up your fight for animals, slowly people are beginning to listen and maybe one day in the future it will be bett for animals;and, to know that you have helped accomplish a start. Thank You for the wonderful stories you write, happy and sad as well.


Aug 01, 2010
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Photo
by: Elisa Black-Taylor

The photo of the two doggies Athena and Jemma and a kitty named Camille should read saved from death row. They were all within hours of euthanasia when they were rescued by kind humans. Look at Jemma! That's one happy dog! Athena looks pretty happytoo. I love to see dogs smiling.


Aug 01, 2010
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I'm in a rage
by: Elisa Black-Taylor

Not about this story. About abuse in general. Just read about a dog dragged to death behind a truck and the culprit got off with a slap on the wrist. Then there's a story about 2 kids sitting fire to a dog and burning it to death. I really don't see why the devil doesn't just come on up out of hell and get these people and save society the trouble. I'll never run out of things to write about. And that's sad.Think I'll get off the computer before I get the urge to go bite someone.


Aug 01, 2010
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saving animals!!
by: PAULA AMOS

IF PEOPLE WOULD ADOPT A ANIMAL INSTEAD OF WANTING A STATUS ANIMAL SOMETHING TO BRAG ABOUT THEN MAYBE THAT WOULD BE A START AT SAVING ANIMALS THANK ELISA FOR YOUR WORK LOOK FORWARD TO MORE STORIES!!!


Aug 01, 2010
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i agree about hell
by: Lana

i agree about the special place in hell for dog fighters. id like to add cock fighters to that. good article. love,lana


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