Pages

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Meet Wall-e, a gentle soul


This handsome boy is Wall-e, currently living at Animal Welfare Society (AWS) in New Milford, CT. He is one of my favorite dogs to spend time with because he is so gentle. When I asked how he ended up at AWS, I learned that he was neglected by his owner. It seems highly likely that he was mistreated as well since he is very shy and often cowers if I move too quickly when I am in his kennel with him. It breaks my heart to see the fear in an animal's eyes that is the result of abuse inflicted by humans. I see that so often with the dogs in Puerto Rico.

When I go to AWS, I typically spend my time sitting in the kennels with the dogs. Some, like Wall-e, need to learn that most people will be kind to them despite what has happened in their past. Others, like fellow AWS residents Jacob and Butters, love people and are so happy to get some extra attention.

As a Pit Bull mix, Wall-e will have to wait for one of those special people who can look past the breed and see his sweet soul. Most people that I have seen come in looking for a dog walk right past him when they see that he is a Bully breed. I do understand why someone with small children would be hesitant to have a Pit Bull, but I wish others would at least stop to meet him the way they do the other dogs.

One day Wall-e's special person will come to AWS and recognize him for the treasure that he is. Until then, I will continue to stand in for them and give him the love that he so deserves.

Friday, November 21, 2014

It was love at first rescue

This is part of an article that ran in the Danbury News-Times. The age of my children really illustrates how much time has passed; the oldest will be graduating from college in May!

"You may choose to look the other way, but you can never say again that you did not know." -- William Wilberforce

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Two #Satos Find Their Forever Homes

Two great days in a row for this dog rescuer! Yesterday Aby (now Jemma) went to her forever home and I still can't wipe the smile off my face. Jemma has an acre of land to play on, a Yorkshire terrier brother, a human brother and sister, and a mom and dad. This is a family of genuine dog lovers so Jemma really hit the jackpot. I was lucky enough to be at the shelter when Jemma walked out the door to the beginning of her happily ever after. She is a very loving dog so her family hit the jackpot too!


Jemma bonding with her new brother and sister


Today another of the #satos was adopted. Formerly "Isis" (named after the godess, not the terrorist organization), this yet-to-be-renamed sata (female sato) has a new home with an elderly gentleman who will enjoy her companionship. When deciding which dogs to bring over from Save a Sato, I was told that Isis could probably be a therapy dog. She loves to play with toys and is quite the character, but she is also a real cuddler who is quick to flop over for a belly rub. As with Jemma, I was there when Isis walked out the door to go home. I am looking forward to emailing Save a Sato (www.saveasato.org) to share the happy news of these adoptions.


Isis before going home


Monday, November 10, 2014

Visiting the satos at AWS

We brought in the satos two days ago and I went to AWS both yesterday and today to spend time with the dogs. It gives me such a sense of peace and satisfaction knowing that I am playing a part in changing these dogs' lives from very sad to what I am confident will be very happy lives for each of them. When I go to visit them I just sit in their kennels with them and give lots of love. I am so grateful to Save A Sato for their tireless work to help the dogs of Puerto Rico and to AWS and DAWS for helping us find them loving homes. I can't end this post without sharing a few more photos of these little angels.



Friday, November 7, 2014

Rescue Day!

It's getting late, I'm exhausted, and I feel GREAT! My friend and fellow rescuer Therese Servas and I spent a long day driving to New York City and JFK Airport, picking up nine dogs being flown in from Puerto Rico, and taking them to their temporary homes in Connecticut at Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS) and Animal Welfare Society (AWS) in New Milford.

If you have read my past blogs, you already know that I am a stateside volunteer with Save A Sato, a wonderful dog rescue organization in Puerto Rico. We have been working with them for several weeks to get some of the satos (street dogs) shipped here but the temperatures have been too high. Finally we got a break!

Before I post some photos, I want to say thanks to the big-hearted, hard working people who were part of this rescue. At Save A Sato: Gloria, Penelope, Lucy, Leilani, Ana, and everyone who works so hard to give these dogs the chance at a good life. Thank you to Veronica from DAWS and Renee from AWS for working with Save A Sato and welcoming these wonderful dogs with open arms, and to Therese, my rescue partner. Tonight I will fall asleep with a big smile on my face. Life is good.





Thursday, November 6, 2014

Using Our Voices

I, like many of you, often take time to sign petitions I want to support that are circulated by Change.org, Avaaz.org, and other similar groups. As consumers we can use our voices to influence the policies of companies that want our business. This is one quick and simple way we can help create change. Will petitions alone end animal cruelty? Unfortunately, no. I stand by my assertion that we need to communicate with our local, state, and federal representatives to let them know that we want them to support the humane treatment of animals. This involves another important step, though; you need to know how your representatives vote on the issues you care about and then vote accordingly.

You can make this easier by checking online to see if your state has a group that works to influence animal welfare legislation. In Connecticut we have a GREAT organization called Connecticut Votes For Animals (ctvotesforanimals.org). The organization sends those on their mailing list updates on pending bills that we should keep an eye on, encourages us to call specific leaders of influence to ask them to vote pro-animal when an important vote is coming up, and informs us of the outcome of these votes. They keep us informed about our state's laws pertaining to the treatment of animals. This group has been very influential in making Connecticut one of the more animal-friendly states in the country.

Find out if your state has a similar group by checking with the Humane Society of the United States' (HSUS) director for your state, who would be able to direct you to a group such as this if one exists. Change will come when the thousands of us who believe that animals have a right to humane treatment stand together and make our voices heard.

This is Lexy at Save a Sato in Puerto Rico. She continues her wait for a forever home.