"400 neglected animals rescued, almost ready for adoption," from KHNL.
Video of the dogs being removed from the property, from HSUS.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
A few of our favorite things
Submitted by Janell Matthies, UAN Emergency Services Manager
Since Happy Sue has gone to the vet for treatment and local volunteers jumped at the chance to foster her, we have redirected our affections to the many other animals in our care.
During lunch today I asked the volunteers to tell me who was their favorite and why. This is a sampling of their answers:
- "Mary, the red pit. She is really shy, but trying so hard to give us another chance." (picture 1 below)
- "Donald Duck, the baby who was separated from his mom and almost left behind on the last day of captures." He went home with local EARS volunteer and bird specialist Phoenix to grow bigger and find a home.
- "Charlie Chan because he is very shy around people, but he marked me!" (picture 2 below)
The Sharpei mix who just became a new mom. She has severe cherry eye in both eyes and can’t see her brand new puppies – but her gentle temperament and total trust in humans is inspiring." And she’s a fabulous mom too!
Steve McQueen, the black-and-white pit with the longest, most gorgeous ears. He let me catch him after he escaped (he’s so smart!) and gave me kisses. He went through so much, but is now happy and safe. He’s even giving us humans a second chance."
- "Our friend Happy Sue. Could there be a sweeter, more affectionate dog??"
- "Dirty Harry, a.k.a. Happy Harry. He is always smiling and greets me at the cage door when I come in. He also loves to dance!" (picture 3 below)
- Houdini! He’s adorable and knows he should stop getting out of his kennel, but it’s just so much fun!" (picture 4 below)
Some of the dogs are starting to go out to foster homes and rescue groups. We will miss them, but we know they are off to much better and happier lives and we are all better people for having gotten to know them.
The happiest, sweetest, goofiest dog we’ve ever met
Submitted by Janell Matthies, UAN Emergency Services Manager
So it has finally happened. We are all in love. Head over heels, dizzy in love. Originally her name was Happy Joe Weimer, but now that we’ve discovered she’s a girl, she’s Happy Sally Sue Weimer. Sally appears to have a painful eye infection in both eyes, making them red and goopy. Her hairless body is covered with scabs and dried blood. I’ve been pulling ticks the size of gumballs off her all day. She has what looks like painful demodex mange on her feet, which makes her prance when she walks.
Even with all of these painful and uncomfortable issues, she is still the happiest, sweetest, goofiest dog we’ve ever seen. If our hand gently brushes past her, she leans into you with all her weight. She absolutely loves to be pet, even though it must be somewhat painful to her. She doesn’t care, she is just starved for attention and thriving in the care she is receiving from the volunteers. She laughs and smiles and jumps around. It’s almost impossible to get pictures of anything other than a close up of her nose or tongue because all she wants to do is give kisses. Or maybe she’s trying to give us a bath; anyone who goes into her kennel comes out sopping wet all over the face, neck and arms.
We are baffled that Sally Sue has so much exuberance and pure joy of life, all while feeling terribly uncomfortable to say the least. She is such a trooper. To have been kept in filthy, confined conditions and still be as happy as she is. We have her in a kennel with a bunch of other happy dogs that we have dubbed “the party kennel." It is impossible to keep their water dish full because they jump around and play so much.
Even the vets involved have fallen for Sally Sue. She was just sent over to the clinic for a spa day: mange dip, bath, de-flea and de-tick treatment. I know she will love every minute of it.
Happy Sally Sue Weimer is the true spirit of a rescued dog. She appreciates every little ounce of kindness she is shown and completely trusts and enjoys people in spite of her turbulent past. I can only imagine what a beautiful and joyous dog she we will be when she gets all fixed up and starts feeling better. I’m thankful I was able to be a part of her journey.
So it has finally happened. We are all in love. Head over heels, dizzy in love. Originally her name was Happy Joe Weimer, but now that we’ve discovered she’s a girl, she’s Happy Sally Sue Weimer. Sally appears to have a painful eye infection in both eyes, making them red and goopy. Her hairless body is covered with scabs and dried blood. I’ve been pulling ticks the size of gumballs off her all day. She has what looks like painful demodex mange on her feet, which makes her prance when she walks.Even with all of these painful and uncomfortable issues, she is still the happiest, sweetest, goofiest dog we’ve ever seen. If our hand gently brushes past her, she leans into you with all her weight. She absolutely loves to be pet, even though it must be somewhat painful to her. She doesn’t care, she is just starved for attention and thriving in the care she is receiving from the volunteers. She laughs and smiles and jumps around. It’s almost impossible to get pictures of anything other than a close up of her nose or tongue because all she wants to do is give kisses. Or maybe she’s trying to give us a bath; anyone who goes into her kennel comes out sopping wet all over the face, neck and arms.
We are baffled that Sally Sue has so much exuberance and pure joy of life, all while feeling terribly uncomfortable to say the least. She is such a trooper. To have been kept in filthy, confined conditions and still be as happy as she is. We have her in a kennel with a bunch of other happy dogs that we have dubbed “the party kennel." It is impossible to keep their water dish full because they jump around and play so much.Even the vets involved have fallen for Sally Sue. She was just sent over to the clinic for a spa day: mange dip, bath, de-flea and de-tick treatment. I know she will love every minute of it.
Happy Sally Sue Weimer is the true spirit of a rescued dog. She appreciates every little ounce of kindness she is shown and completely trusts and enjoys people in spite of her turbulent past. I can only imagine what a beautiful and joyous dog she we will be when she gets all fixed up and starts feeling better. I’m thankful I was able to be a part of her journey.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Caring: What we do best
On Sunday, July 19, a team of UAN's trained Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS) volunteers began caring for more than 400 dogs, cats, ducks, chickens, swans and geese seized from a hoarding situation in Hawaii. EARS volunteers helped set up a temporary shelter for the animals and will care for them until they can be transferred to rescue groups and shelters for adoption.
For more details read our press release or this news article.
Submitted by Janell Matthies, UAN Emergency Services Manager
Yesterday we started doing what UAN's EARS volunteers do best: caring for the animals. Everyone was quickly and efficiently fed and cleaned this morning. With a minimal crew, the dogs and cats remained calm and quiet through it all, especially after Sunday’s business of capture, transport and lots and lots of people coming and going.
Even though the temperatures soared and humidity was extraordinarily high, the volunteers never stopped caring for each individual animal and giving them the attention they so desperately need. The nervous dogs quickly calmed down and the terrified cats seemed to begin to warm up. The one duck in our care seems quite content in her kennel, sitting on her eggs.
We are beginning to learn the personalities of the individual animals and what still scares them. They seem to know we are here to help them and are beginning to show some spirit, whereas two days ago, most were trying to avoid us at all costs. Some dogs are starting to wag their tails when they see us, probably expecting more food or treats. They are very much enjoying their huge bowls of water, especially to jump around in, on, next to and spill.
The cats are being housed in group housing and seem to very much enjoy their multiple cat trees and hiding places. They are beginning to eat a little today and maybe starting to act like cats.
Yesterday was a very long, hot day with more kennel building and strengthening. We have discovered that some of the dogs are so strong they can just push their kennel around wherever they want to go and cruise down the aisle pushing their kennel with their snout. We’re getting more and more creative in finding ways to keep everyone safe and where they should be.
The volunteers' compassion for these animals is truly shining through. They are taking their breaks sitting by their favorites and talking to them, helping them to learn to trust people and accept our care. We will share some of these specific stories tomorrow.
For more details read our press release or this news article.
Submitted by Janell Matthies, UAN Emergency Services Manager
Yesterday we started doing what UAN's EARS volunteers do best: caring for the animals. Everyone was quickly and efficiently fed and cleaned this morning. With a minimal crew, the dogs and cats remained calm and quiet through it all, especially after Sunday’s business of capture, transport and lots and lots of people coming and going.
Even though the temperatures soared and humidity was extraordinarily high, the volunteers never stopped caring for each individual animal and giving them the attention they so desperately need. The nervous dogs quickly calmed down and the terrified cats seemed to begin to warm up. The one duck in our care seems quite content in her kennel, sitting on her eggs.
We are beginning to learn the personalities of the individual animals and what still scares them. They seem to know we are here to help them and are beginning to show some spirit, whereas two days ago, most were trying to avoid us at all costs. Some dogs are starting to wag their tails when they see us, probably expecting more food or treats. They are very much enjoying their huge bowls of water, especially to jump around in, on, next to and spill.The cats are being housed in group housing and seem to very much enjoy their multiple cat trees and hiding places. They are beginning to eat a little today and maybe starting to act like cats.
Yesterday was a very long, hot day with more kennel building and strengthening. We have discovered that some of the dogs are so strong they can just push their kennel around wherever they want to go and cruise down the aisle pushing their kennel with their snout. We’re getting more and more creative in finding ways to keep everyone safe and where they should be.The volunteers' compassion for these animals is truly shining through. They are taking their breaks sitting by their favorites and talking to them, helping them to learn to trust people and accept our care. We will share some of these specific stories tomorrow.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Chain links and zip ties
Submitted by Janell Matthies, UAN Emergency Services Manager
Even though we are here in Hawaii, you would never guess that people were lounging by a pool or having fun in the ocean. About 30 volunteers from EARS and other groups swarmed into the warehouse yesterday to help set up our temporary emergency shelter. The volunteers, some even from the mainland, have been sweating all day creating kennel after kennel out of chain-link fencing and zipties.
The words "Kennel Kit: A Complete Kennel in a Box" will stick in our heads for a very long time. Each box provides a new and interesting challenge to the volunteers. Their perseverance and determination was amazing. By early afternoon we had solid, safe and large kennels ready to take in the 100-plus dogs, many, many cats and whatever else was in store for us.
I have forgotten how spoiled we are by having the PetSmart Charities Emergency Relief Waggin' as a partner on so many deployments. We all commented many times about how we would never complain about “pin crates” (crates that take a bit longer to put up than the “pop up” kind).
Once again, every volunteer stepped right up and started working as a team. To look at them, you would think it was a well rehearsed effort done many times by the same people, not a miscellaneous group of people coming together for the first time, all working for the same cause.
These animals are so lucky to have so many people watching out for them. We’re getting ready for the arrival of the first transport trucks now and will send updates on what we find whey they roll up the doors.
Even though we are here in Hawaii, you would never guess that people were lounging by a pool or having fun in the ocean. About 30 volunteers from EARS and other groups swarmed into the warehouse yesterday to help set up our temporary emergency shelter. The volunteers, some even from the mainland, have been sweating all day creating kennel after kennel out of chain-link fencing and zipties.
The words "Kennel Kit: A Complete Kennel in a Box" will stick in our heads for a very long time. Each box provides a new and interesting challenge to the volunteers. Their perseverance and determination was amazing. By early afternoon we had solid, safe and large kennels ready to take in the 100-plus dogs, many, many cats and whatever else was in store for us.I have forgotten how spoiled we are by having the PetSmart Charities Emergency Relief Waggin' as a partner on so many deployments. We all commented many times about how we would never complain about “pin crates” (crates that take a bit longer to put up than the “pop up” kind).
Once again, every volunteer stepped right up and started working as a team. To look at them, you would think it was a well rehearsed effort done many times by the same people, not a miscellaneous group of people coming together for the first time, all working for the same cause.These animals are so lucky to have so many people watching out for them. We’re getting ready for the arrival of the first transport trucks now and will send updates on what we find whey they roll up the doors.
Happy ending for Texas puppy mill dogs
Submitted by EARS Field Leader Norma Rodriguez of Bellflower, California
As a first-time Field Leader I apologize for not creating a daily blog. My pitiful excuse is that by the time we returned to the hotel, had a shower and some dinner, it was 11 p.m. By then I was too physically and emotionally wrung out to string two words together.
Yesterday, the EARS deployment officially ended, but it will live in our hearts forever. It was my first puppy mill experience and now I am more committed than ever to shutting them down! Last night, while sharing some lovin’ with my own dogs, I noticed that I didn’t feel any bones while petting them. Many, many of the dogs at the emergency shelter were so emaciated that it was heartbreaking. One of our convergent volunteers actually broke down when she began working with a wonderful little Bassett who was painfully thin. I think that she, too, is now committed to helping shut down puppy mills.
Thankfully I can say that the joyous moments far exceeded the sad ones. Seeing lethargic, dehydrated dogs become not just responsive, but attention-seeking love hounds was a true joy. One poor standard poodle, terribly emaciated and dehydrated, did a complete turn-around with the help of EARS volunteer Beverly Brenner. I asked Beverly to take him to a quiet place on the loading dock with a bowl and bottle of water and give him some one-on-one attention. He hadn’t had a drink or relieved himself for two days. It only took a few minutes for him to accept and focus on Beverly’s kindness and compassion. A few minutes later he was eagerly and gratefully drinking. By mid-afternoon he was at the front of his kennel seeking attention!
Something very unusual happened in that some EARS folks ended up taking dogs home. A sad- looking labradoodle claimed Christine’s heart, actually demanded it, and now has a wonderful forever home. I honestly don’t know who claimed who, but it was a match made in Heaven, for sure! My guess is that Chris did cartwheels after I called her to come and get her dog. Connie, a wannabe midwife, went home with a new therapy dog. Connie was in charge of our nursery and quarantine area. She had charge of three beagles who were due any day. Tracy said they were ready to “download.” Unfortunately they hadn’t delivered by Sunday and Connie didn’t get to be a midwife.
Speaking of newbie EARS volunteer Tracy…she kept us entertained with her dog dialogues. Tracy has a way of putting into words what dogs would say if they spoke English rather than barkish. The antics of her own animals also kept us in stitches. Her expertise in large dog handling is so fantastic. I don’t believe there is anything Tracy can’t handle. I think her experience working with 700 military dogs provided her with a great deal of knowledge and insight.
The many, many EARS volunteers and convergent volunteers from the local community were truly fantastic. Everyone worked with a great deal of energy, compassion, dedication and spirit. Some came for a day, a few days, or more than a week, and everyone regretted having to leave. The community support was amazing. Every need, desire, or wish was granted so quickly! One spectacular supporter fed us and fed us and fed us! Suzanne even brought a birthday cake, ice cream and candles to celebrate Sandy Rogers’ birthday. When I spoke with Sandy she said it was the best birthday she’d ever had. (Just don’t tell that extraordinary husband of hers, G-Man Jesse!) If there was such a thing, Jesse would have earned an honorary red shirt for all his hard work and dedication! So many EARS volunteers and convergents showed up while I was there that if I hadn’t kept a daily attendance sheet I wouldn’t believe the numbers. I just hope that I was able to convey to all of them how much I appreciated their contributions to the care and welfare of the nearly 500 dogs and their teammates. They truly were extraordinary!
I also must note that the staff of the Humane Society of North Texas, especially Sandy, were very, very accommodating and great to work with. Chesapeake, instrumental in getting this rescue off the ground, provided so much in the way of support, attention to needs, and care of the volunteers. People like Ricky Ewing who were there every day asking how they could help us were a true blessing. The Hyatt Place Hotel staff was very gracious and accommodating. When we needed to be at the shelter at 6 a.m. they set up a breakfast bar for us at 5 a.m.
I have so many more experiences to share with all of you and hope to do it in the next few days as I decompress from my first Field Leader experience. In the meantime, feel free to share your own experiences and thoughts here in the "comments" section.
To paraphrase a quote I read somewhere: Saving one dog won’t change the world, but it will change the world for that one dog.
As a first-time Field Leader I apologize for not creating a daily blog. My pitiful excuse is that by the time we returned to the hotel, had a shower and some dinner, it was 11 p.m. By then I was too physically and emotionally wrung out to string two words together.
Yesterday, the EARS deployment officially ended, but it will live in our hearts forever. It was my first puppy mill experience and now I am more committed than ever to shutting them down! Last night, while sharing some lovin’ with my own dogs, I noticed that I didn’t feel any bones while petting them. Many, many of the dogs at the emergency shelter were so emaciated that it was heartbreaking. One of our convergent volunteers actually broke down when she began working with a wonderful little Bassett who was painfully thin. I think that she, too, is now committed to helping shut down puppy mills.Thankfully I can say that the joyous moments far exceeded the sad ones. Seeing lethargic, dehydrated dogs become not just responsive, but attention-seeking love hounds was a true joy. One poor standard poodle, terribly emaciated and dehydrated, did a complete turn-around with the help of EARS volunteer Beverly Brenner. I asked Beverly to take him to a quiet place on the loading dock with a bowl and bottle of water and give him some one-on-one attention. He hadn’t had a drink or relieved himself for two days. It only took a few minutes for him to accept and focus on Beverly’s kindness and compassion. A few minutes later he was eagerly and gratefully drinking. By mid-afternoon he was at the front of his kennel seeking attention!
Something very unusual happened in that some EARS folks ended up taking dogs home. A sad- looking labradoodle claimed Christine’s heart, actually demanded it, and now has a wonderful forever home. I honestly don’t know who claimed who, but it was a match made in Heaven, for sure! My guess is that Chris did cartwheels after I called her to come and get her dog. Connie, a wannabe midwife, went home with a new therapy dog. Connie was in charge of our nursery and quarantine area. She had charge of three beagles who were due any day. Tracy said they were ready to “download.” Unfortunately they hadn’t delivered by Sunday and Connie didn’t get to be a midwife.Speaking of newbie EARS volunteer Tracy…she kept us entertained with her dog dialogues. Tracy has a way of putting into words what dogs would say if they spoke English rather than barkish. The antics of her own animals also kept us in stitches. Her expertise in large dog handling is so fantastic. I don’t believe there is anything Tracy can’t handle. I think her experience working with 700 military dogs provided her with a great deal of knowledge and insight.
The many, many EARS volunteers and convergent volunteers from the local community were truly fantastic. Everyone worked with a great deal of energy, compassion, dedication and spirit. Some came for a day, a few days, or more than a week, and everyone regretted having to leave. The community support was amazing. Every need, desire, or wish was granted so quickly! One spectacular supporter fed us and fed us and fed us! Suzanne even brought a birthday cake, ice cream and candles to celebrate Sandy Rogers’ birthday. When I spoke with Sandy she said it was the best birthday she’d ever had. (Just don’t tell that extraordinary husband of hers, G-Man Jesse!) If there was such a thing, Jesse would have earned an honorary red shirt for all his hard work and dedication! So many EARS volunteers and convergents showed up while I was there that if I hadn’t kept a daily attendance sheet I wouldn’t believe the numbers. I just hope that I was able to convey to all of them how much I appreciated their contributions to the care and welfare of the nearly 500 dogs and their teammates. They truly were extraordinary!I also must note that the staff of the Humane Society of North Texas, especially Sandy, were very, very accommodating and great to work with. Chesapeake, instrumental in getting this rescue off the ground, provided so much in the way of support, attention to needs, and care of the volunteers. People like Ricky Ewing who were there every day asking how they could help us were a true blessing. The Hyatt Place Hotel staff was very gracious and accommodating. When we needed to be at the shelter at 6 a.m. they set up a breakfast bar for us at 5 a.m.
I have so many more experiences to share with all of you and hope to do it in the next few days as I decompress from my first Field Leader experience. In the meantime, feel free to share your own experiences and thoughts here in the "comments" section.
To paraphrase a quote I read somewhere: Saving one dog won’t change the world, but it will change the world for that one dog.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Part of the EARS team in Texas
It's hard to get any EARS volunteer to stand still for a minute, let alone to get a group of them to stand still for a minute all at the same time!
EARS volunteer Mike Brodersen managed to do just that, and we're glad he did. He snapped this rare group photo at the end of the day, before anyone had a chance to shower or clean up. Despite their exhaustion and the oppressive heat, the volunteers still feel like saying that they're number one!
This photo was taken a few days into the response, so a (relative) calm and routine had been achieved. That day, the volunteers started caring for the animals at 8 a.m., took a mid-day break so all the volunteers and pups could enjoy a brief siesta, and concluded around 7:30 p.m.
Read more about two EARS volunteers who deployed to this situation in this news article.
EARS volunteer Mike Brodersen managed to do just that, and we're glad he did. He snapped this rare group photo at the end of the day, before anyone had a chance to shower or clean up. Despite their exhaustion and the oppressive heat, the volunteers still feel like saying that they're number one!
This photo was taken a few days into the response, so a (relative) calm and routine had been achieved. That day, the volunteers started caring for the animals at 8 a.m., took a mid-day break so all the volunteers and pups could enjoy a brief siesta, and concluded around 7:30 p.m.
Read more about two EARS volunteers who deployed to this situation in this news article.
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