Reuse, Recycle, Rescue: “What’s in a Name?”

The subject of developing good working relationships between animal shelters and breed rescue groups is close to my heart and what I’m asked to speak or write about most often. The last time I addressed this topic, I was pleased…

Reuse, Recycle, Rescue: Adoption Fees: Rescue Dogs are a Bargain, Not a Gift

No doubt about it, rescue has always been an expensive project. Vet bills, dog food, advertising, gas, supplies, telephone bills, equipment – I don’t know of a single rescue service that doesn’t have trouble making ends meet.…

Ethics in Rescue:  Emotional Panic can Create Problems with Home Screening and Placement

In recent years, thanks mostly to the Internet, rescue has grown into a large army of loosely connected volunteers across the country, volunteers of widely different backgrounds and philosophy. The sheer number of volunteers and…

Support Victims of Hurricane Katrina Now!

We have many friends in the Gulf Coast area who are keeping us informed about the challenges there. Terri Cannon, a dedicated Doberman Pinscher fancier and NAIA, NAIA Trust and FIDO supporter from Baton Rouge, Louisiana is one such…

Protesting the Protesters: HSUS May Feel Wrath of Disillusioned Animal Activists at Genesis Awards.

That’s the question Katrina rescuers may be asking tonight during a planned protest at the Genesis Awards, the annual HSUS fete honoring media personalities who have featured animal welfare issues in their work. The protesters…

HB 5368: Testimony of the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association, February 2011

Mister/Madam Chairman, Members of the CGA Environment Committee,

Thank you for the opportunity to offer testimony regarding HB 5368. I represent the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association, which includes over 95% of Connecticut-licensed…

Hurricane Politics - Part I A Breed Rescuer’s Perspective on Katrina

On September 9, 2005, I was asked to accompany Amy Daigle, President of Gulf Coast Doberman Rescue to the Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales, Louisiana.  While I had financially supported Doberman rescue efforts, I had never…

Hurricane Politics: Part III - The argument for breed specific rescue organizations to partner with

Above and beyond my observations at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center shelter, I also had occasion to visit the shelter operations at the John Parker Agriculture Center on the Louisiana State University (LSU) Campus. This shelter was…

Hurricane politics: Part II - Observations from the Lamar Dixon Expo Center, Gonzales, Louisiana

I began my “hands-on” journey into the wake of Katrina for one specific purpose - the rescue and fostering of Doberman Pinschers.  My breed happens to be one which faces increasing legislation calling for its ban in communities…

Hurricane Politics - Part I

On September 9, 2005, I was asked to accompany Amy Daigle, President of Gulf Coast Doberman Rescue to the Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales, Louisiana.  While I had financially supported Doberman rescue efforts, I had never…

Shifting Dogs ...... And Perspectives

Networking and transportation have always been a critical part of the rescue process, especially in low-population breeds and those without well-distributed foster homes. It’s not unusual for a purebred dog in a Nebraska shelter…

Burnout: The Monster in the Rescue Closet

“I’m so tired and discouraged all the time. I feel like I’m on duty 24/7 and never get a day off. The harder I work, the harder they want me to work. Nothing ever gets better, it seems like it only gets worse.…

Virginia Approves Rescue Licensing Law

Virginia’s governor approved SB 260, a bill that requires registration of rescue organizations and foster homes in the state. The bill, which sets annual fees and report requirements for rescues and their foster homes, goes into…

A PHOTO IS STILL WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS REUSE, RECYCLE, RESCUE

The internet is the most powerful advertising tool that rescue’s ever had! It’s cheap and reaches millions of people in just a few clicks. Thousands of rescues and shelters have websites now. Pets and adopters are coming…

Teamwork Saves More Dogs

Purebred rescue groups and animal shelters have a common goal - to place abandoned pets into responsible, permanent homes. Unfortunately they often have a hard time working together to achieve it. In this month’s column, we’ll…

Behavior problems frequently seen in rescue animals

Rescue animals pose many problems that are not always apparent to those people adopting or rescuing them. Many of these medical problems may not surface for weeks, months, or, in some cases, years.

Basic Rules of Ethical Rescue

It is important to remain in good standing with your community and maintain a good working relationship with your area shelters and your fellow welfare volunteers. A history of negativity, deceit, jumping to conclusions, or inability…