Greyhound Rescue and Adoptions of Tampa Bay Wraps Up the Season

Secret is an example of the beautiful dogs that Greyhound Rescue and Adoptions of Tampa Bay works with. Secret is a brindle and white male, born 3/25/06, and he's ready for a loving home. Secret is a sweet active young man and still has the mindset of a puppy! He's strong on a leash but is learning to walk nicely, and while he's not cat-friendly, he gets along beautifully with other greyhounds and with the Italian greyhound in his current foster home. He's still learning manners, like how to stay off the counter-tops! A fun, energetic boy, Secret is hoping the right family will come his way soon. Wouldn't he look perfect under the Christmas tree with a red ribbon around his neck?

Greyhound Rescue and Adoptions of Tampa Bay or GREAT works with racing trainers and owners who want to place retired dogs, as well as taking in dogs from shelters. They cover a wide territory in Florida including, Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, Polk, and Southern Hernando counties. Foster homes provide temporary care and time to evaluate each dog, along with helping them transition from track life to companion animal. GREAT's objectives, besides finding homes for their rescued dogs, are to educate the public about the breed and heighten awareness about over-breeding of greyhounds for racing, and the mass euthanasia that results from that practice.

GREAT has a very informative website that includes a history of the greyhound breed, adoption information, an events calender, newsletter, photo and video galleries, helpful links, and breed merchandise. Their adoption fee of $200 includes blood work, spay/neuter, vaccines, heartworm test, fecal test, full dental, microchip, collar, leash, muzzle and GREAT tag. GREAT doesn't typically place dogs in homes with children under the age of six, but does make allowances in certain situations. On their website is a page devoted to senior and special needs dogs. They offer a unique program called Care For Life, to encourage people to adopt older dogs and animals with special needs. The program helps adoptor's cover costs for certain medications and procedures that pertain to medical conditions the dog has when it's adopted. Candidates are chosen for this program on a case by case basis.

As with all rescue groups, GREAT relies on volunteer support and donations. Non profit groups need us now, more than ever. GREAT has an extensive adoption event schedule at various locations in the Tampa Bay area. Check out the "Meet and Greet" link on their site for times and dates of adoption events. One of their biggest fund raisers of the year is starting Nov. 28. That weekend and almost every day in December up until Christmas eve, they will have volunteers wrapping packages at the Carrollwood Barnes & Noble Booksellers at 11802 N. Dale Mabry Highway, and at the Brandon Barnes & Nobles at 122 Brandon Town Center Drive. Now, that's what I call great volunteerism! (pun intended) If you are one of those people who hates wrapping gifts, here's your chance to have someone do it for you and help out a good cause at the same time. The best way to determine when GREAT will be available at both locations is to check out their event calendar, at www.localendar.com/public/GREAT.

I'm Thankful

I have so many things to be grateful for; I could write a book. Among them are my canine-loving husband and the two beasties that share our life. I'm constantly humbled by the generosity of individuals who volunteer their time to rescue animals, especially those who are the backbone of rescue groups and shelters. There's a growing army of animal lovers in this country, who are rising to the call of duty. There are even those who do double duty; serving their country as warriors in Iraq, while rescuing dogs and cats from the streets of Baghdad. And now, we have a President-Elect, who has stated to millions of viewers here and abroad, that his wish is to bring home a shelter dog for his daughters. That action alone, should heighten awareness and boost adoptions.

Thursday, I'll overdulge in delicious food and soak up the lively discussions, gentle jesting, and laughter that happens among good friends. That evening, Scott and I will drop sated onto a sofa, bookended by two champion snugglers, in front of a crackling fire. I don't know why I'm so blessed, but I'm thankful for it. I wish my readers a peaceful, bountiful Thanksgiving. I know your pets are well-loved and they are giving that love back, and that's yet another thing to be grateful for!

*Check out the ASPCA's recommendations for safely sharing your Thanksgiving meal with the critters.

All Things Dog - November 24, 2008

According to the Tampa Tribune, thirty of the dogs that were rescued from a breeder last week in Riverview are now ready for adoption. Most of the dogs are small types like Chihuahuas and Yorkshire terriers. Some of them have health problems such as heartworms, heart murmurs and periodontal disease. the dogs range in age from 8 weeks to 14 years. For more information contact Hillsborough County Animal Services at (813) 744-5660 or see HCAS online.

On The Associated Press site last week was an article about Baghdad's street dogs. Under Saddam Hussein's reign, stray dogs were killed. When he was deposed in 2003, the practice stopped. Now, authorities are saying packs of street dogs have become dangerous in Baghdad, attacking people and spreading disease, so they have begun a campaign to kill stray dogs with poisoned meat and rifles. I wonder if there are any animal shelters in Iraq or programs to help homeless animals? I see now why so many puppies are hanging out with American soldiers. The puppies soldiers are caring for will need extra protection now.

The Trib's pet articles yesterday were about lost dogs. They provided good advice and useful contacts for anyone having lost or found an animal. Tagging along was an account of pet columnist, Kristen Levine's personal experience with a found dog. You can read more here.

Fundraiser for Angel

This Sunday, November 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. there will be a fund raiser for Angel, a young pit bull who was found emaciated and barely alive a couple weeks ago in the Sebring area. Angel is now in the care of Pit Positive, a Tampa rescue group devoted to helping pitbulls. The Animal Coalition of Tampa is sponsoring the event and The Village Groomer ( 14442 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa [813] 961-1599), is hosting. For $10 your dog gets a bath, nails trimmed, ears cleaned and anal glands expressed. Now, that's a deal!
The photos of Angel broke my heart. She's going to need lots of care before her world is right. To read more about Angel's story, see the blog set up by Pit Bull Gear.

The Things Hobbit Has Chewed This Week

Look at that face, those big brown eyes and forlorn eyebrows - the picture of vulnerability and innocence. In the mornings this week, Hobbit has snuggled into the chair by the window while I work at the computer. In the evenings, he huddles under a warm throw with Ella and Dad on the sofa. In between...............

He wrecks mayhem and havoc. This week so far, he has chewed a bottle of shampoo from the shower, Ella's collar (while it's on her), his new Kong Wubba, a piece of floor molding with staples, a leash, a business card, my new jacket's zipper, the brush attachment on my vacuum cleaner, and the mister on a drip irrigation hose. And this is despite the fact that there are four new dinosaur chews in reach.

Oh, and there was the battle we had on Sunday over the spider, which was half dead by the time I found him with it. It resembled a brown widow and not wanting to take any chances, I tried to lure him away from it, but it was his prey and he wasn't giving it up. I distracted him by waving the mini banner I had just brought in from the yard at him. He ran in the kitchen, humped up his back, and turned to face me, slowly and on the tip of his toes like a cat. I was pretty sure I was looking at a dog who was defensive enough to bite me, but I couldn't leave it at that. I walked up to
him talking, sat down beside him and slowly
reached over to touch his side. He was shaking
like a leaf. I sat on the floor with him, talking and stroking him until he stopped shaking. I felt bad to have rattled him so and vowed never to wave anything at him again. But here lies a problem; how do you stop a dog from a risky behavior when they don't respond to "Leave it" or "No"? Even yummy treats won't tempt Hobbit away from something he's claimed.

He is such a whirlwind of behaviors and reactions, our little Hobbit. At 20 months, he's still young enough to be channeling puppy hood, and his anxiety issues are far from resolved. Add to that the natural energy and drive of the Jack Russell breed and you have chaos in a canine package. There is progress though. He hasn't eaten a pen in almost two months!

All Things Dog - November 17, 2008

Florida Poodle Rescue will be participating in the 85th Annual St.Petersburg Christmas Parade, Saturday December 6th, 2008 Downtown St Petersburg. If you and your Poodle(s) would like to participate with Florida Poodle Rescue & their Float, call 727-781-5292. There will be a picnic in the park afterward.

The Humane Society University's Animal Cruelty 101 course will be taught at SPCA of Tampa Bay, 9099 130 Av. N, Largo, Wednesday, Nov. 19. The session runs from 9a.m. to 4p.m. and registration starts at 8:30a.m. Fee is $60. To sign up email register@hsus.org.

This is belated, but still worth the mention. Patrick McDonnell does one of my favorite comic strip's, Mutts. He honored Animal Shelter Week (Nov.2-8) with his art. You can see the week of strips on the Humane Society site.

Fall Pet Adoption Expo

The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is sponsoring an adoption event at the Florida State Fairgrounds' Special Events Building, 4800 Hwy. 301, Tampa, Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 30 rescue groups will attend with over 300 adoptable pets. Also on hand will be an "Ask a Vet" booth and an "Ask a Dog Trainer" booth and merchandise vendors. Each pet adopted will leave with a bag full of goodies. For more information call (813) 367-2078

Helen Woodward Animal Center

I discovered the Helen Woodward Animal Center when I was researching an article for the Home 4 The Holidays pet adoption event. Home4 The Holidays is just one the many programs that HWAC is involved with to benefit animals and people. Although the center isn't located in Florida, I felt this unique facility would interest all animal lovers.

Helen Woodward founded HWAC in 1972 with a group of friends. Sitting on 12 acres in Rancho Sante Fe, California, it's a non profit organization that relies entirely on donations. The facility includes a No Kill adoption shelter, an equine hospital, therapeutic riding program, and an education center.

HVAC has a wide range of services tailored to helping creatures and the people who love them. At their adoption facility, they offer free spaying of the mothers of dog and cat litters that are surrendered to the shelter through the Spay, Don't Litter program. Since 1984, Animeals has provided free petfood to the elderly and disabled population of San Diego County with the help of Meals on Wheels and other agencies. HVAC's equine center serves people who face mental and physical challenges through their therapeutic riding program. Pet Encounter Therapy benefits people in hospitals, psychiatric facilities, children's shelters and senior centers through interaction with animals. They travel with dogs, rabbits, birds and guinea pigs to facilities, helping to enrich lives and heal through animal touch.

Education is a major focus at HVAC. They provide classes to children, nurturing the bond between animals and humans and encouraging compassion for all in the next generation. They also offer free 3 day workshops titled Animal Center Education Services. The seminar strives to teach more effective ways to find families for homeless pets and put an end to euthanasia. Animal shelter workers travel to HWAC from places like Singapore, Iran and Ireland to learn how to increase adoptions, improve fund raising, better manage volunteers, and promote through public relations and marketing. In 2007, ACES traveled to Canada to present the "Business of Saving Lives" conference to 250 animal welfare leaders.

Helen Woodward was a woman with a passion for not just helping animals, but for nurturing the relationship between animals and humans. HVAC is a shining example of what can grow from the vision of one person.

All Things Dog - November 10, 2008

A friend sent me this link from Most Emailed Photos. It's a puppy sheltering under a soldier's gun in Iraq. It's easy to see why U.S. military personnel are going to so much trouble to bring these dogs home with them.

According to the Tampa Tribune, last week 77 dogs were rescued by Hillsborough County Animal Services from a Riverview breeder called PM Tinies. The entire house where the dogs were being kenneled was said to be covered in feces and urine. Three people were arrested including business owner Patricia Walters. Walters was charged with 41 counts of confinement of animals without food or water and 41 counts of animal cruelty.

I watched Barney the White House Scottie bite a reporter on the news. Unfortunately for Barney, this moment lives on in a You Tube clip. You can read about it at the Associated Press. I can't say I blame Barney for being snippy. He's being ousted from a very nice home. Who wouldn't miss having the white house chef prepare your meals?

For news about the future First Dog, the Obama family puppy is discussed in an article at Globe Life. It refers to Michelle Obama having stated in an earlier interview that they would like to get a dog from a rescue shelter. Barack Obama repeated that sentiment last week in his first press conference as President Elect.

Hillsborough County Animal Shelter Wish List

HCAS has sent out a call for donations of the following items. The first two starred items are urgently needed.

*Towels
*Dog/Cat food (wet or dry)
Treats (no rawhides please)
Flat Sheets
Dog and Cat Toys
Any grooming items
Rechargeable batteries (AA and AAA)
Photo quality printer paper
Cute material for dog bandanas
Dog and cat cages for off site adoptions
Dog and cat reference books (breed guide, training guide etc.)
Various office supplies (pens, paper, highlighters, little notebooks, scissors, etc)
Peanut Butter (smooth only)
Newspapers
Tennis balls

And, of course…………….VOLUNTEERS AND FOSTER FAMILIES

Hillsborough County Animal Services
440 Falkenburg Road
Tampa, Florida 33619
Ph. (813) 744-5660 Fax (813) 635-7428

Volunteer Information (813) 612-5388
http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/animalservices/

History Happens

As I stood in a not-so-long line yesterday at the polls, I was thankful for many things: early voting, patient poll workers, and a mild overcast day. Others in this country were not so lucky. In Virginia, lines were 5-7 hours long and they were wearing heavy jackets to keep out the cold. In one state, people stood in the rain and dripped water all over their ballots.

I did have some qualms about voting with blurry vision. Hobbit chose yesterday morning to destroy my only pair of glasses. I suspected a Republican conspiracy. I tried to repair the damage. The glasses were bent almost double. He had one lens in his mouth when I found him. A nose pad broke off when I tried to bend it back into place. He had eaten the latex off one earpiece, leaving a thin, sharp wire. I managed to get the lens back in and the glasses twisted back to a resemblance of normal. They sit cockeyed on my nose and one lens is closer to my eye than the other. I wrapped tape around the earpiece. I considered shipping Hobbit to Texas, a staunch Republican state.

I watched NBC's wall to wall election coverage last night with Brian Williams at the helm. Tom Brokaw provided commentary that only a well seasoned journalist could of this historic event. The images of the crowd gathered in Chicago moved me to tears at times. So many hopeful faces, young and old, black and white holding their collective breath. The interviews with older black Americans were poignant. They were people who experienced the civil rights movement, marched with Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. and believed that indeed, they would overcome. Their only regret was that their parents and grandparents hadn't lived to see this day.

I didn't think I would live to see this day either. A person with dark skin and a distinctly foreign name, chosen to lead our nation. I listened to Barack Obama's acceptance speech and when he said "It's been a long time coming, but tonight change has come to America," I wanted to believe him. He brought his family out on stage and mentioned that accompanying them on their move to Washington D.C. would be his daughters' new puppy. No word yet on what that puppy will look like or where it will come from. I had some fun this morning imagining what housebreaking would look like in the White House. Picture several Secret Service types, scurrying to keep up with Mrs. Obama and her daughters as they rush the new pup outside for a wee wee break. I predict that the next four years there will be more laughter in that big house on the hill, than there has been since the Kennedy children ran through the halls.

All Things Dog - November 3, 2008

Sherry Silk, Executive Director for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay will be featured on WMNF radio's Talking Animals show this week, Wednesday Nov. 5 from 11:30 to noon. That's at 88.5 on your FM dial.

November is Adopt A Senior Pet Month sponsored by the ASPCA. For more about this event go to http://www.aspca.org/.

This week is National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States. Help raise awareness by hosting an event for your local shelters. For more info see http://www.animalsheltering.org/.

While you're waiting for all those votes to be tallied on election day, here's an entertaining link to check out at Rover 411. They held a contest for McCain and Obama canine look-a-likes. I think the McCain choice was great, but the Obama winner looked more like his suit, than it did like him. Well, maybe the eyebrows work, but Obama only wishes he had eyes as endearing as the boxer's, and the boxer's expression is missing Obama's big smile. Tuesday, the election of the century will be over and I have a feeling some folks are going to need remedial training on how to play nice, when their candidate doesn't get elected. Think Positive Reinforcement when sore losers get grumpy.