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.)

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!

My latest project is East Tennessee Spay & Neuter, a 501(c)3 non-profit that provides vouchers and transport for low-cost spay-neuter surgeries and education about proper pet care and the need for spay-neuter. We also hope to open a low-cost vet clinic to help low-income families get basic veterinary care for their pets.

The goal of East Tennessee Spay and Neuter is to end euthanasia at the local shelters by stopping the flow of animals into them. This can only be done through low and no-cost spay/neuters, education to change attitudes, and low-cost alternatives to pet surrender. We strive to do everything 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!

Two no-cost ways to help:

1. Save empty inkjet cartridges and cell phones, then send them (prepaid) to Planet Green. Go to this website for details and a prepaid mailing sticker. wwwe.planetgreenrecycle.com/etnspayneuter

2. Save weight circles from any brand of Purina dog or cat food (NOT the bar codes) and send them to me at P.O. Box 2171, Elizabethton, TN 37644. This includes any brand sold by Purina. (such as ProPlan, etc.)