Save a Life!

There are lots of great organizations out there working to save animals. If you're looking for a new furry companion, please, PLEASE, PLEASE!!! check some of them out--you CAN do something to end the senseless euthanizing of millions of pets every year! (And of course, always spay or neuter your pets.)

My latest project is to start Augie's Fund, a non-profit foundation to raise money to build a new animal shelter and support an intensive education campaign in Carter County, TN. This is one of the poorest counties in Tennesse, and it is overflowing with animals that are not properly cared for, are mistreated, or are simply abandoned. The tiny local shelter took in nearly 2500 animals in 2007, and 2000 of them were euthanized, because they just don't have the space in their dilapidated building to keep them all. Yet most animals here are not spayed or neutered, many run loose or are kept in tiny kennels, and the general attitude is that animals are disposable and easily replaced. Reports of serious abuse are up, as are the number of animals who receive no veterinary care, even for the simplest of ailments. The local government cannot or will not provide funds to adequately maintain and staff the facility. My goal is raise money to do this, and to change these attitudes through education, promoted in a peaceful, harmonizing way. I'm looking for help in time, talent, materials, and money. If you would like to participate, please contact me!

If you are looking for a new addition to your family, you can check out the chapter in my book devoted to finding the right dog for you--please do your research first to make sure that your lifestyle matches well with the breed you pick. Remember that each animal is a distinct personality--there are breed traits, but each dog will exhibit his or her own style! Of course, this applies to all species. Do your homework so your pet won't pay the price later and end up at a shelter or worse! 

All of my pets have been rescues--they were either abandoned, feral, or found through a local shelter or Petfinder.com. Every one has been a blessing to my life! 

Also, please consider adopting an older pet--many of them are wonderful animals who have found themselves homeless through no fault of their own, through divorce, moving, death in the family, etc. Most are calmer, already housebroken, and have received some training. If you're not ready to devote the time needed to raise a puppy or kitten, an older pet may fit the bill. My dog, Sofia (pictured above), was 8 years old when I adopted her, and she is THE BEST dog on the planet!

If you have children who will be sharing responsibility for caring for your dog, check out this award-winning website: How To Love Your Dog. Also check out the Pedigree site for breed info, or Google the name of a particular breed for a national rescue organization associated with it. (Same goes for any other species.)

When you're ready to bring home a new friend, there are many avenues to try:

• Check your local phone book for the SPCA or animal shelter
  near you. I found some of my best feline friends at these!
  
• Go online to Petfinder.com --this is a fantastic site that lists thousands of pets of all species that are available through humane societies and rescue organizations, and you can select by breed, age, gender, etc., and find all the available animals in your local area. This is how I found my beautiful Sofia and lovable Rajiv. www.Pets911.com is another great site.
  
• Search online for rescue organizations--there are tons of groups out there who are fostering animals who desperately need homes. Most rescue groups do some rehabilitating of homeless pets before they're placed, and they will screen you beforehand to assure a good match. 

And while you're online, go to The Animal Rescue Site and click to donate food for hungry animals. Put it in your Favorites and click every day when you check your email--it's free for you, and it's an easy way to help the animals!