ANIMAL CONNECTION

Archive for the ‘Resources’ Category

The West Hollywood City Council passed landmark legislation banning the sale of cats and dogs in pet stores unless from rescues and shelters. This law will prevent the sale of cats and dogs in West Hollywood from cruel puppy and kitten mills. The ordinance was passed unanimously by the City Council. According to coverage by NBC Los Angeles, the ordinance stems from an investigation of a West Hollywood pet store, Elite Animals, by the Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS) which uncovered evidence that the shop allegedly misled consumers by selling puppy mill dogs and broke federal law by importing animals for resale. Social Compassion in Legislation reports that the West Hollywood City Council not only received emails from local and state supporters on its proposed legislation but also from groups and individuals across the country and even as far away as the United Kingdom. The legislation “could be the beginning of the end of puppy mills and it’s happening in West Hollywood, one of the most progressive cities on animal welfare issues,” Ed Buck, Director of Social Compassion in Legislation. In passing the legislation, West Hollywood continues its leadership in passing progressive animal welfare legislation. The city was the first in the U.S. to ban cat de-clawing. Many other California cities followed suit last year with their own de-claw bans. Speakers at the council meeting included Dr. Allan Drusys of Social Compassion in Legislation, Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, Dawn Armstrong, executive director of the Lake Tahoe Humane Society, Chris DeRose, founder and president of Last Chance for Animals, and Carole Raphael Davis of the Companion Animal Protection Society. A statement read by Norma Sandler for Bill Dyer of In Defense of Animals, who was unable to attend stated that “This unprecedented, historic action, in this Guardian city where the de-clawing of cats is also banned, will send a signal throughout our country for others to follow. West Hollywood will always be remembered as the city that had the foresight and compassion to first end the horrible commerce of puppy mills in our society.”

I want Friday’s to be fun and bring awareness to other organizations that are doing wonderful things for animals.  If you have information you want to share, send me a paragraph on the topic with a link to the website, by 11am on Thursday.  I will do this each Friday.  Information about animals in need will be posted at the bottom.  This week……. ferrets need transportation help.

1. Have you heard of these sites that give away free kibble to dogs and cats?

http://www.freekibble.com/

http://www.freekibblekat.com/

Not only do they give away free kibble, but it’s fun.  Each day the sites have trivia questions regarding dogs and cats.  It’s interesting to see how much you really know about these animals.

As of today they have donated over 2.2 million meals to homeless dogs and cats in shelters across the country!   There is a very neat event happening today, Friday.  It’s call the “Free kibble kat Hi-5”

The “Free kibble Hi-5 “event for dogs was a huge success and they raised 20,000 meals for homeless dogs in one day! Now, on February 5th, they are going to be having the first ever FreekibbleKat Hi-5 event for homeless cats!

Please go to  www.freekibblekat.com TODAY.  They will be donating 5x’s the kibble when you play Meow Trivia! Their goal is to generate 5 million pieces of kibble in one day!   Halo Pets is sponsoring the event with no limit on the kibble!

2. Cat Depot, is one of the largest nonprofit no kill feline adoption, rescue, education and resource centers in the nation.  This might sound crazy, but they have a working dog that works with the cats.  Her name is Beignet.  She takes her job seriously. Rising before dawn every day, she heads to Cat Depot in Sarasota, Florida, where she socializes with more than 100 cats and kittens. Some dogs might think her job is a bit silly, but not Beignet. She knows that when she works with the kittens, she is acclimating them to live with a family dog. And that might makes their chances of getting adopted a little bit better.

Some adult cats are larger than her, but that doesn’t stop her from saying “hello.” In fact, their reaction lets cat caregivers know if a cat is dog-friendly. Heck, every once in a while a cat will get downright mushy and kiss her all over.

They can tell Beignet has an affinity for animals in need. A survivor of Hurricane Katrina, Beignet understands being alone, hurt and confused. Not finding her family, she too was once in an adoption center. Rescued with a broken jaw and broken teeth, an eye injury and missing fur, she can relate to misfortune. But Beignet also knows about hope, and every day she spreads the word to Sarasota’s cats and kittens that find themselves temporarily placed at Cat Depot. Beignet may not be the cutest or the youngest girl in town, but she knows she has an important job and that makes her feel good about herself. She welcomes all visitors, too, and demonstrates daily that you don’t have to be perfect to give love

Vote for Beignet!  It only takes a few seconds at http://www.sarasotamagazine.com/Misc/Best-Pet-Finalists-2010.asp.  Cat Depot and all the homeless cats and kittens appreciate your support!

3. Many health problems in pets can be traced back to the foods they are being fed. There is a huge debate in the pet industry about the quality of foods we feed our dogs. One thing that is often discussed is the need to change your dog’s diet – both to give them variety and to ensure they get quality and nutritionally balanced food to maintain optimum health. This article gives some really easy recipes to make at home that are quick, affordable, nutritionally balanced and that your dogs will love. There should be certain proportions of carbohydrates, proteins, vegetables and fruits in a healthy canine diet.  Go to this website to get specific recipes that you can make in 3 minutes or less. http://www.squidoo.com/dogfoodrecipies

This was sent to me by CampingDog.  They deal with dogs exclusively.

4. Ferrets Need Transportation Help in Florida. A woman named Sheri has 3 ferrets she needs to give up.  She lives in Casselberry, Florida.  A wonderful ferret rescue in Broward County, Florida will take them if they can be driven down to that area.  The name of the woman who runs it is Dona.  If you are able to assist please contact Sheri at may_8th_2006@hotmail.com or Dona at fuzzyrescues@aol.com

5. My Name is Brogan Horton, I am an investigator for Animal Recovery Mission ( A.R.M) We are facing an enormous crisis here in Miami, Florida concerning the illegal back yard slaughter. Hundreds of horses are bought straight from the track and transported to these “facilities” which are car ports and razor wire fencing. They are forced to drink rancid water, and stand in 1-2 ft of mud in the backing sun.  Mares, foals, geldings, stallions are all mixed together in dog pens. Once an order is placed for a horse, they are lead to the “kill pen” where they are axed, hit with hammers, or stabbed with knives. Almost all of them are butchered alive to “ keep the blood flowing”. And its not just the horses. There are pigs, sheep, goats, chickens and geese . They also have puppy mill’s set up.   There are currently 150 of these farms around Miami. The conditions are horrid and the treatment is beyond inhuman.  Miami date animal services and the SPCA are over whelmed and unable to  take in a house these animals.  They also don’t have the man power or means to prove the help and investigations it takes to shut these places down.
We at ARM work exclusively in investigating and shutting down these facilities. Please, check out our website to follow along with what we are working on. CNN, ABC, NBC, have all aired stories featuring ARM and directly concerning the backyard slaughter.
We are about to raid and seize the animals on about 25 farms.  This will include, horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, pigs, lots of chickens and geese. Were talking over 500 chickens and geese.  The Media will be very much involved and will spotlight any rescue involved unless you wish to remain unnamed.
We are in desperate need of rescues to take in what ever you can take. We have horses of every type including some high name thoroughbreds, donkeys, sheep, pigs of every type and breed, goats, chickens and geese, as well as some puppies.
Please- if you can help contact me ASAP so we can start working out the details. Even if you know someone who might be able to, please forward this to anyone you know.  We need homes and transportation.

Thank you very much for your time,

Brogan Horton
Investigator
Animal Recovery Mission
207-939-7852
www.animalrecoverym ission.org

Click Here to See Horse Videos

6. The Road Ahead in Port Au Prince

Devastated by a recent earthquake and its aftershocks, the people in Port Au Prince were left with little ability to care for the animals there, including more than 150,000 community dogs.

After a thorough assessment of animal welfare issues, the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH), which includes Best Friends, sprang into action, setting up veterinary services in and around the city.

Right now team members from ARCH – including Best Friends Rapid Response Manager, Rich Crook – are on the ground, working with a regional partner from neighboring Dominican Republic. Rich had this to report from the field:

“The team is now on the ground in Port au Prince and I can tell you firsthand that this is the greatest devastation I have ever seen … The scope and scale is overwhelming as you enter the city. After being here only a few hours, we saw several dogs that are in need of our help.“

In the coming weeks, ARCH also plans to open several veterinary clinics. Not only will these clinics help animals right now, but part of their goal will be to put longer-term strategies in place for the care of both family pets and stray animals. These strategies will include lifesaving spay and neuter for Haiti’s dogs and cats.

That means your support will be saving animals for years to come!

The Haitian government and people have been very welcoming of this news, too. They have been providing lots of support and even security.

But not only will animals be touched by your kindness. ARCH is hoping to staff several of these mobile clinics with local, young veterinarians with mentoring from international veterinarians from ARCH.

So your support will benefit animals and humans alike!

That’s the miracle Best Friends members make possible every day! On behalf of the entire Best Friends family and all of the animal lovers from Port Au Prince, thank you for all that you do.

P.S. And there’s more good news! All of your donations for Haiti are tax deductible on your 2009 taxes! See HR Bill 4462www.mGive.org/receipt. and consult your tax advisor for more information.

Donna Paige and Rescued Horse

There are lots of horse issues rearing their heads.  From horses being bred then discarded for not performing, to horses being roundup in the wild, captured and kept in corrals.

This past weekend I asked my local TV station go with me to our local polo fields.  I wanted to do an interview with a local Restaurateur, Jaymie Klauber, who is a polo player but also rescues horses that need a home.  If she did not adopt them, they would be sent to the slaughter house. She takes them then trains them to play polo.  They have a wonderful home and a productive life playing polo.  The day I was with her she got a call that other horses needed to be rescued.  If she can’t take them she does find them homes.  She will not let them go to the slaughter house.  If you are looking for horses, let us know.  We can get you in touch with Jaymie.

Jaymie Klauber & Her Horse

I also met with Larry Robinson, NHL Hall of Fame, Stanley Cup winner and on the board of Animal Connection.  Larry is a polo player and also rescues animals that need a good home.  He was raised on a farm and has always had a special place in his heart for animals.

Donna Paige, Larry & Jeannette Robinson

Click Here to see the interview with Larry Robinson and Jaymie Klauber.

Not all horses are cared for as well as these polo ponies. There is an issue going on in the Wild West…..there has been a big roundup going on in Nevada.  There have been over 2,500 wild horses captured.  They use helicopters and horseback riders to herd them into corrals.  These corrals are in the Black Rock Range, a chain of mountains 100 miles North of Reno.  The local Land Management estimates there are nearly 37,000 wild mustangs. About half of them live in Nevada, with others concentrated in Arizona, California, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming. The Land Management feels if this is not controlled now, the horse population will double in 4 years.  They also say that many of these horses are ill.  The challenge, where will these horses end up?  The plan is to have the horses adopted or sent to holding facilities in the Midwest since the space near Reno is full.

The roundup has upset a lot of people for many reasons.  Using helicopters frightens the horses which can cause injuries like broken legs, and is inhumane.  If a horse breaks its leg it has to be put down.  There is also the risk of respiratory illness to these horses.  Foals also can’t keep up and get separated from their mothers.

There are a number of celebrities who do not approve of this roundup.  Two of these include Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow.  Willie Nelson has said he feels these animals will become extinct if this continues.

Please give us your feedback and thoughts in the “Comment” section below.

Your typical dog may not be so typical.  There are a number of dogs that have been flown to Haiti to help in the search and rescue of missing people.  These dogs are the last chance for most of these people.  This is a serious situation but to the dog, it’s a game, like hide and seek.  If they find the hidden treasure they get a prize.

I’ve been luck enough to see a number of dogs get adopted from shelters and rescues specifically for the purpose of using them in situations like this.  They have a certain personality and quality that is noticed.  Once they are adopted, then trained, they go to work and are very happy animals.   See, you never know what you will find at your local animal shelter or rescue.

Here is a video clip on some of these dogs.

There are ways you can help the people of Haiti.  Please review the list below.

The U.S. State Department says Americans seeking information about family members in Haiti should call 1-888-407-4747 or or 202-647-5225.

Due to heavy volume, some callers may receive a recording. “Our embassy is still in the early stages of contacting American citizens through our Warden Network,” the U.S. State Department said in a statement. “Communications are very difficult within Haiti at this time.”

The FBI is cautioning Americans who want to donate to Haiti relief funds to be careful. If past tragedies are any indication, not all of them are legitimate.

Text Donations
To make an automatic $10 donation to the Red Cross, text “HAITI” to 90999; the money will be charged directly to your cell phone bill.

To donate $5 via your cellphone to Wyclef Jean’s grassroots organization: text “Yele” to 501501.

What’s Needed
Experts say whatever you do, don’t donate anything but money. Under no circumstances should you mail care packages, toys, food or clothes. Read more on this from GlobalPost.

Special Report: Haiti Earthquake

Charitable organizations that offer aid to Haiti:
• American Red Cross: Since its founding in 1881 by visionary leader Clara Barton, the American Red Cross has been the nation’s premier emergency response organization.

• Habitat for Humanity: A nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry.

• Salvation Army: an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

• Action Against Hunger: Named for the original member of the International Network, Action contre la Faim, or ACF, the ACF International Network shares an overall vision of a world without hunger, collaborating closely and sharing human resources, logistics, and technical capacity.

• AmeriCares: a nonprofit disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization which provides immediate response to emergency medical needs – and supports long-term humanitarian assistance programs – for all people around the world, irrespective of race, creed or political persuasion.

• American Jewish World Service: American Jewish World Service (AJWS) is an international development organization motivated by Judaism’s imperative to pursue justice. AJWS is dedicated to alleviating poverty, hunger and disease among the people of the developing world regardless of race, religion or nationality. AJWS fosters civil society, sustainable development and human rights for all people, while promoting the values and responsibilities of global citizenship within the Jewish community.

• Beyond Borders: Beyond Borders is a registered tax-exempt (501c3) non-profit organization. All contributions are tax-deductible. We are certified by the state of Pennsylvania as a charitable organization.

• CARE: CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty.

• Catholic Relief Services: Help CRS rush humanitarian relief to survivors within hours of man-made and natural disasters around the world.

• ConcernUSA.org: a non-governmental, international, humanitarian organization dedicated to the reduction of suffering and working towards the ultimate elimination of extreme poverty in the world’s poorest countries.

• Childcare Worldwide: At Childcare Worldwide, our unique programs not only help feed hungry children and their families, they also help children receive an education that leads to employment. Our goal is to help children survive and succeed.

• Direct Relief International: Since 1948, Direct Relief International has worked to help people who confront enormous hardship to improve the quality of their lives.

• Doctors Without Borders: Doctors Without Borders provides aid in nearly 60 countries to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe, primarily due to armed conflict, epidemics, malnutrition, exclusion from health care, or natural disasters.

• Episcopal Relief & Development : In the aftermath of a 7.0-magnitude earthquake, Episcopal Relief & Development is providing critical emergency funds to Haiti.

• Food for the Poor: Food For The Poor ministers to spiritually renew impoverished people throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Food For The Poor raises funds and provides direct relief assistance to the poor, usually by purchasing specifically requested materials and distributing them through the churches and charity organizations already operating in areas of need.

• Feed My Starving Children: Feed My Starving Children is a non-profit Christian organization committed to feeding God’s starving children hungry in body and spirit.

• Friends of WFP : Friends of WFP is a U.S.-based, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that focuses on building support in the United States for the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) and other hunger relief operations.

• Haitian Health Foundation: The Haitian Health Foundation provides health care, development, relief, and the hope of a future to more than 225,000 of the poorest people in over 100 rural mountain villages in southwestern Haiti.

• Hope for Haiti: Hope for Haiti has held the vision from the very beginning that the people of Haiti are the ones who take control of their future and we are here to lend a needed hand along the difficult path.

• International Medical Corps: International Medical Corps is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs.

• International Relief Teams: International Relief Teams is a nonprofit, international relief organization dedicated to organizing volunteer teams to provide medical and non-medical assistance to the victims of disaster and profound poverty worldwide.

• The Jewish Federations of North America : The Jewish Federations of North America represents 157 Jewish Federations and 400 Network communities, which raise and distribute more than $3 billion annually for social welfare, social services and educational needs.

• Lutheran World Relief : Lutheran World Relief is responding to the affected communities through its partners on the ground in Haiti. LWR anticipates a large response. Every dollar donated to this life-saving effort is critical to providing the necessary emergency support to the people of Haiti.

• Medical Teams International: Since 1979, Medical Teams International has shipped more than $1.3 billion in antibiotics, surgical kits and
lifesaving medicines to care for 35 million people in 100 countries around the world. More than 2000 volunteers meet the needs of people worldwide each year.

• Meds and Food for Kids: Meds & Food for Kids is dedicated to saving the lives of Haiti’s malnourished children and other nutritionally vulnerable people.

• Mercy Corps: Mercy Corps is a team of 3,700 professionals helping turn crisis into opportunity for millions around the world. By trade, we are engineers, financial analysts, drivers, community organizers, project managers, public health experts, administrators, social entrepreneurs and logisticians. In spirit, we are activists, optimists, innovators and proud partners of the people we serve.

• Operation Blessing International: Operation Blessing International Relief and Development Corporation (OBI) is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) humanitarian organization based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA.

• Oxfam: Oxfam International is a confederation of 14 like-minded organizations working together and with partners and allies around the world to bring about lasting change.

• Operation USA: Operation USA helps communities alleviate the effects of disasters, disease and endemic poverty throughout the world by providing privately-funded relief, reconstruction and development aid.

• Partners in Health: Our mission is to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care.

• Samaritan’s Purse: Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world.

• Save the Children: Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the United States and around the world.

• UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) : Humanitarian fund established by the United Nations to enable more timely and reliable humanitarian assistance to areas affected by natural disasters. CERF will assure that the funds for the relief effort in Haiti will go where they are most needed in the network of international aid organizations.

• UNICEF: UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential.

• World Concern: World Concern works in 24 of the poorest countries on Earth, giving hope and opportunities to vulnerable people in great need.

• World Vision: World Vision helps transform the lives of the world’s poorest children and families in nearly 100 countries, including the United States. Our non-profit work extends assistance to all people, regardless of their religious beliefs, gender, race, or ethnic background.

• Yele Haiti: Yéle Haiti is a Wyclef Jean’s grassroots movement that builds global awareness for Haiti while helping to transform the country through programs in education, sports, the arts and environment.

I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season.  I spent a couple of days helping the Audubon Society with their Christmas bird count.  I spent one day with the Sarasota Audubon Society and the other with the Manatee Audubon Society.  They are dedicated to the protection, conservation and enjoyment of birds, wildlife and the environment.

When I was asked to help I said, count birds?  How do you count the birds when they are flying all over?  How do you know if you are counting the same bird twice?  My biggest challenge, knowing which bird I saw.  They all look like sparrows, hawks or vultures to me, especially when they fly so fast and high.  We counted about 50 different species of bird in my area of Florida.  The people who have been doing this for years can tell what kind of bird it is based on their sounds, the way they move their tail, flap their wings, etc.  I have a new appreciation for the people who bird watch.  It’s not easy!

I wanted to know why this count is important?  This count has been going on since 1982.  When you look at the numbers over the years you begin to see birds in an area that were never there.  You also notice birds that used to be here, are no longer here.  That data is important for birds but also for humans and other animals.  There can be a lot of reasons for the change in numbers.

They also have a number of Field Trips that you can attend through out the year.  If you have never been aware of birds, join one of these fun events.  You will become aware of your surroundings in a new and different way.

One important thing that did have an impact on me involved feeding of animals.  I love animals so much that I always want to feed them when I can.  These are wild animals and need to stay that way.  When we feed them we are not giving them the type of food they really need AND they become dependant on us.  We are hurting them, not helping them.  I had some squirrels come up to me and stand on my shoes.  They looked right into my eyes asking for food.  They were very overweight and I’m sure not healthy.  It was cute but really affected me.  I have a tendency of feeding birds bread, which is not good for them.

Someone also took me to visit an organization that I was not aware of.  It’s called Save our Seabirds, Inc.  It is located by the Mote Marine in Sarasota Florida.  It is open from 10am-5pm seven days a week.

They rescue and rehabilitate hundreds of native and migratory birds each year.  When the Tampa Bay channel experienced a devastating 365-barrel oil spill. Lee Fox, the founder, managed more than 3,000 volunteers over a three-month period to minimize the impact of this tragedy on the local seabirds. An unprecedented 85% of the birds affected – a total of 371 were saved! In recognition of her efforts, Lee received eleven separate awards from the U.S. Coast Guard and other environment groups.  Education and outreach has always been a major focus of SOS.  They are run by volunteers and can use more.  If you have interest in volunteering your time, providing materials needed to help the birds or want to donate, contact them.

These days we hear about more and more people leaving their pets behind as they leave their homes.  It’s even harder to think about during the holiday season.  Some people will find reasons to leave an animal behind; relocation, financial issues, divorce, more responsibility for an older animal….and the list goes on.  For some, that is not an option.  They will lose everything but they will never leave their beloved pet behind.  The animal is the only thing that keeps them going in this crazy, unpredictable world.  It is called unconditional love and it’s an emotional bond of loyalty.  We all search for it when most of the time it is right in front of us, our pet.  The tragic part is that these pets don’t choose their owners.

It is estimated, by the National Coalition for the Homeless, that 3.5 million people are homeless.  Between 5% to 10% of homeless people have dogs and/or cats. In some areas of the country the rate is as high as 24%.  Most people who experience homelessness are homeless for a short period of time, and usually need help finding housing or a rent subsidy.   Unfortunately for those with pets it becomes more difficult.  Many are forced to choose between their pet or a roof over their head.

Picture this, a well dressed woman walks up to a homeless man and gives him a bag of fast food on her way to work.  The man has been sitting on the sidewalk in the same spot for weeks, he looks up and says “God bless you.”  The woman nods and walks away but not before she turns to see him open the bag and remove a burger, take a bite and give the rest to his dog.   This scene is probably something that goes on more often than we would like to think.

There is an organization I found out about called “Feeding Pets of the Homeless”.   They provide medical care and food for pets that belong to the homeless and the disadvantaged.  They do this by teaming up with Veterinarians and pet related businesses in different areas of the country.  They’ll do talks in communities about this issue and work with food distributing organizations about the importance of including pet food.  They also have collection sites across the U.S. and Canada.  These sites are clinics, hospitals, businesses, storefronts and nonprofits that understand the human/animal bond. They work hand in hand with the food pantries and food kitchens, so the animals can be fed as well as the homeless.  They also provide grants to licensed Veterinarians and other nonprofit organizations.  You can email them at: info@petsofhomeless.org for more information and an application.

Please, go to their website and see if there is a collection site in your area.  If not, please think about starting one for the animals and people in need.  Feeding Pets of the Homeless is available to help.  This is a hard time for everyone, animal and human.  It takes a lot of courage, and love, for these people in need to stand by their pet, literally.

The Asian elephant is an endangered species.  I have always heard that they are very sensitive, loving and emotional animals.  When babies are separated from their moms they become extremely depressed.  I have always been told they have feelings that match the feelings that humans have.  My friend, Hanna,  is in Asia doing a documentary about them called “Elephant Nature Park“.

One elephant she told me about is Menaka.  She was rescued by the Forest Department.  Menaka was emaciated and had a bad case of gangrene when she was picked up.  She could no longer dance or even stand on her feet.  She had been housed in appalling conditions in a garage in a Gayatri Temple in Yeshwantpur.  The only water was she had access to was from a small spicket.  The 17 year old elephant had been exploited. She is in such bad shape it is assumed she will not make it.  She receives medical services at Bannerghatta, Biological Park, and animal shelter.  Unfortunately, there are 9 other elephants that are being treated as well.  They were all rescued from Temples in the area.  It is so costly to care for these animals (RS 15 K a month for food alone) that they can only stabilize the animals before sending them on.

Menaka had been born with 22 other elephants in an elephant camp.  At 3 years old she got separated from the herd and was sold to Gayatri Temple, where she has been earning revenue for the temple.  She was made to walk on tarred roads in the scorching sun damaging her health and psyche.  The captive elephants suffer from untrained and unaffectionate mahouts and lack of water resources, which is essential for bathing.  The animal can turn violent if it is subjected to unlivable living conditions.

Lek, which means “little” in Thai, is a very special lady.  The name might mean little but she has a lot of courage!  She is now touring and filming a documentary, Elephant Nature Park”.  The Indian elephant is the symbol of the Asiatic elephant.  There is an urgent need to protect the wild elephant, as well as the ones suffering in human captivity.  Lek was successful in creating an artificial forest close to a village for rescued elephants.  Today 33 elephants live a hassle-free life on the 50 acres.  The Maytag River cuts across so the elephants have a lot of water.  Currently elephants have no support from the Government in Bangkok.   Lek says there are ways to help end the conflict between humans and animals.

Currently, elephants that are captured are brought to submission so the can do hard physical work, paint for the public, give rides, etc.  Many don’t survive the process of “breaking” them.  If they do it can be a very hard life.  Elephants bring in a lot of revenue for the Asian people.

I will be posting more information once I get updates from Hanna.  Here is a link to a photo gallery.

Here is a statement Hanna sent to me:

“When you meet one in life and look into their eyes, it is so painful to think of how they are treated. They are such intelligent animals with compassion (they do weep!) and incredible memories. At Lek’s sanctuary- all of them come from a morbid past, and  though they have suffered for years at the hands of humans, they can forgive and are extremely gentle with all people who surround them. Probably because they can feel the love and a safe environment. It’s the closest to paradise they’ll get!”

Here are some facts about Asian elephants:

1. Giant herbivores, Asian elephants can tear down huge tree limbs or pick up small objects with their muscular trunks.

2. Physical Description: Asian elephants are huge gray animals inhabiting Asian tropical forests. Their gray coloration conceals them in their shady habitat. Elephants’ trunks, unique among living mammals, are versatile, enabling them to reach the ground, manipulate tiny objects or tear down huge tree limbs, squirt water over their backs or into their mouths, or blow dirt onto their backs during dust baths. Female Asian elephants usually lack visible tusks as do males in some populations, such as those in northeast India. Wide, padded feet enable them to walk quietly. Large, flappable ears help these huge animals cool off, although elephants often must retreat to the shade or water during the hottest part of the day.

3. Size: Asian elephants grow up to 21 feet long, stand up to 10 feet tall, and weigh up to 11,000 pounds. Females reach around eight and a half feet tall and weigh less than males. Despite their size, elephants are able to walk silently.

4. Geographic Distribution: Asian elephants live in large blocks of forest near water sources and grasslands, habitat that has been greatly reduced in the last half century. They inhabit India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Bangladesh, and southern China.

5. Status: The Asian elephant is listed as endangered on the World Conservation Union’s (IUCN’s) Red List of Threatened Animals.

6. Habitat: Asian elephants inhabit a variety of tropical forest habitats from moist, evergreen lowland forest to dry semi-deciduous teak forests to cooler mountain forests up to 10,000 feet. They also frequent adjacent grasslands and farm areas. Their varied diet enables them to live in disturbed forests as long as they have plenty of space to move around and exploit different foods without coming into conflict with people.

7. Natural Diet: A dexterous trunk and large, rasping molars allow Asian elephants to gather and process a wide variety of vegetation, including grasses and herbs, leaves, fruit, farm crops, and bark.

8. Reproduction: Older and larger males—especially those in musth (condition of heightened testosterone levels) dominate the breeding, winning the acceptance of females in heat. Gestation takes 20 to 22 months, and usually only one calf is born. Female Asian elephants can usually breed by age 14 and usually give birth to one young every four years.

9. Life Span: In the wild, Asian elephants may live up to about 60 years but most do not live that long.

10. Behavior: Female and young male Asian elephants live in cohesive herds of related adults and their offspring. The matriarch, usually the oldest and largest female, sets the pace of the group’s activities. Herds often join with others to form large groups called clans. Males leave herds at puberty, around their 13th year, and travel alone or in bachelor groups. Elephants wander widely in search of food. Movements vary widely depending upon food availability. Asian elephants communicate via rumbles, growls, bellows, and moans. Some of these varied, low-frequency sounds may travel a mile or more.

Past/Present/Future: Asian elephants once ranged from Iraq east through Asia south of the Himalayas, into southern China and possibly south to Java. However, centuries of hunting and habitat destruction caused dramatic declines. Males are still killed for their tusks, although this happens less often today thanks to a global ivory ban, in place since 1989. Today, Asian elephants thrive mostly in large remote reserves as well as in and among human habitation. Where elephants and people inhabit the same area, conflicts often occur.

Elephants can cause great damage to crops, and they occasionally kill people. Males in musth are responsible for the majority of attacks. Elephants play important roles in the cultures and religions of countries in most of their range, which inspires support for habitat protection measures, continued studies about elephants and their conservation needs, and efforts to mitigate conflicts between elephants and people.

Information found here.

Judy Landers, who is on my board of advisers, her two daughters (Lindsey and Kristy), as well as Judy’s husband, Tom Niedenfuer (retired, American Major League Baseball Pitcher) are all animal lovers.  Judy’s sister, Audrey Landers, and her mom, Ruth Landers, also love animals.  All of them have saved many animals over the years.  This is what they had to say when I asked them about their animals…..

They have one dog named Champ.  He is an 8 year old Collie who has been a loving Landers-Niederfuer family member for 71/2 years.  The most amazing thing about Champ is his sweet, gentle personality and sense of humor (along with his amazing looks).

Teddy is a 3 year old mixed breed who was adopted from the Sarasota Humane Society.  When they first saw him, he was so shy and stressed, he wouldn’t even come out to socialize.  If you raised your hand to pet him lovingly, he would cower to the ground in tear.  It was very clear that he had been as abused dog, but they knew that with all the love they could give him, they would turn his life around.  Now, Teddy has become the most loving, loyal dog they could ever imagine, and lives to snuggle and get hugs.

Sage is a baby Cockatoo (one of five birds that they have) who travels with them wherever they go.  At only 6 months, Sage is a seasoned traveler, having been to Hollywood over 10 times and New York City as well.

All the animals in the Lander-Niederfuer family are fed holistic pet food along with an organic, healthful, vegetarian concoction (that Judy prepares herself) of brown rice, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, peas, garlic, olive oil and parmesan cheese.

Incidentally, other pets they have are: Princess Iggy, a 16 year old, 5 foot long Iguana.  Birds: Zorro, Mary-Kate and Ashley and Baby Spice.

They like the message of this show, helping animals all over the world, and are very supportive, in many ways.

How many people have gotten a puppy, kitten or rabbit as a gift?  Animals, especially babies, are cute and cuddly.  Most people love the feeling they get when they give an animal as a present.  They feel really good inside.  That feeling only lasts a short time, and then reality sets in.

The person realizes the new owner now has a responsibility, lasting long after the holiday, or special occasion, is over.  There are issues that have be dealt with as well.  Does the person know how to care for the animal properly?   Many pet owners are not aware of the kind of food their animal should eat.  I see countless ferret owners feeding their ferret cat food.  That is very unhealthy for ferrets.  Ferrets are carnivores.  Their food should have at least 3 out of the first 5 ingredients be meat products.  Not soy, grain or oats.  Same goes for other animals.  You should do research to be sure your animal is eating the proper diet.

There are also illnesses and disease that different animals have.  Do you know what to look for?  Do you have a veterinarian who has had extensive training for your type of pet?   Many veterinarians say they treat your type of animal, until a major illness arises.  Then you find out they don’t have the proper experience or training.  By then your animal could be seriously ill.

If you do decide to give an animal as a gift, where do you get it?  There are millions of animals that are in need of a home.  You can find these animals at rescues and shelters.  25% of these animals are pure bred.  If the organization near you doesn’t have the kind of animal you are looking for ask them to refer you to an organization that does have that kind of animal.  There are small, home based rescues all over the country.  I’m sure there is one near you.

Another thing that should be taken into consideration is personality, size and color.  You find an animal you think is sweet, beautiful color and small (at least right now).  You give it as a present and find that the animal cowers with its new owner.  Maybe the new pet was abused by someone that resembles that person.  Animals have personalities just like we do.  They don’t forget the bad times.  BUT, with time, patience and love they can learn to trust again.  Is the new owner willing to do what it takes to transition the pet into the new surroundings?  The puppy you got is a large breed dog.  It was really small at 8 weeks old, so you were not thinking how big it would get.  At 4 months it’s getting to be very large.  What if the new owner is not allowed to have an animal over 35 pounds in their home?  Will the animal be given up again?

If the animal develops an illness, does the new owner have the financial ability to pay for the bills and make sure the animal has a good, long life?

Are there other animals in the home already?  Many animals don’t get along.  The best thing to do, before bringing an animal home, is introduce them to each other.  You don’t want to get them home then there is the danger of one getting hurt because they don’t like each other.  If you have a hunting breed of dog, don’t get the family a new ferret or rabbit.   Do you have a small child?  Consider the size, strength and personality of the animal.

Another important issue is spay and neuter.   Is the animal fixed so there aren’t any other “surprises” that might come along?  Even if you have a fenced yard your animal could get out.  Look what happened during Hurricane Katrina.  A lot of animals that were in secure homes, and yards, got out.  They multiplied in a very short period of time.

There are a lot of considerations when giving a pet as a present.  If you have your heart set on giving one, think about a gift card.  In the card say “your present is the pet of their choice”.  Let them pick it out to be sure it’s one they really want.  I also recommend you get your pet from a rescue or shelter.

I look forward to any feedback, comments or recommendations you have.

The story about Mr. Bojangles was sent to me by a friend in Atlanta.  He is a super sweet and cuddly blind Chihuahua/Dachshund mix looking for a loving forever home.

He is approximately 1-1/2 years old and weighs about 12 lbs.

Mr. Bojangles is a special case, however, and will need a very special person to take care of him. He has been diagnosed with hydrocephaly, an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles of the brain. While medically there is little to nothing that can be done, we feel that so long as he is enjoying life, we will do everything we can to keep him comfortable and happy. He is severely underweight and needs more than a little love to even have a shot.

All Mr. Bojangles really wants to do is curl up in your lap and sleep. If you think you have the lap and the love to make a big difference in the life of a little dog, please apply today at Lifeline www.atlantapets.org or call them at 404-292-8800

Or, call Devajoy at 404-892-1476 Or email devajoy@comcast.net