Needs TLC

Available at Pima Animal Care: Buckshot # 432781 is up for rescue for eye problems. His eyes were kind of matted. He was an owner turn in. His card said he lived with a couple and 2 kids ages 3 & 9. He lived outdoors, got along with other dogs, was gentle and tolerant, friendly, and good with kids.

Look at Buckshot’s eyes. They look into his soul. He looks like he could use some TLC about now.

Buckshot is available through PACC.

You can follow PACC Pets Need You on Facebook which is a volunteer-run group networking the pets at PACC needing adoption. All the pets are located here in Tucson.

Urgent for Betty

Betty also needs to be rescued by 7 pm tonight (May 10).  She has been at PACC since April 3. Follow PACC Pets Need You on Facebook and read all about her.

100 cats, 100 days

from the press release

Thanks to a grant from The PETCO Foundation, The Hermitage Cat Shelter has set a goal of saving the lives of at least 100 lucky cats in an event called “100 Cats in 100 Days.”  The time frame for this important lifesaving program is April 30 to July 31, typically called “kitten season”.  This is the time of year that more cats are giving birth and shelters are seeing more litters of kittens with and without their mothers.

The Hermitage conducted their first 100 Cats 100 days event from September 13 to December 21, 2011 which was so successful that 121 felines were rescued and adopted out. This year, they hope to achieve the same level of success by rescuing cats and kittens from Pima Animal Care Center (PACC). The program is critical in allowing The Hermitage to rescue cats and kittens that might otherwise be euthanized due to lack of space or minor treatable illnesses.  The rescued cats will then be spayed or neutered, receive initial vaccinations, and be tested for two important cat diseases.  Some of the cats rescued from PACC will have upper respiratory infections as well that will require additional medication and treatment.

During “kitten season,” PACC and other shelters are frequently overwhelmed with kittens that are too young to be adopted. The Hermitage will rely on their feline foster care volunteers who will nurse them back to health so they may be put up for adoption and find a forever home. The current cost of caring for these cats averages about $140 per cat. More foster care volunteers are urgently needed to help not only with this program but also throughout the year.

The Hermitage adopts cats from their shelter from 10 am to 4 pm every day of the week except Wednesdays and also has space for adoptable cats in three PETCO stores seven days a week.

For more information, contact Joe Sprague at 520-344-7288.

shared in kindness

In April, Beading Divas to the Rescue raised money for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona’s Second Chance Fund.

The HSSA won the Bead Drive 2013 random drawing  for the opportunity to be the April recipient for bracelet sales.

Between their efforts and ours – $3,365.50 was raised. (168 bracelets + spare change)

The HSSA shared their Ben’s Bell with us (thank you!) and it’s on display at Silver Sea Jewelry located at 330 N. 4th Avenue.

For the month of May, Beading Divas to the Rescue are raising money for the Greyhound Alliance/Sunburst Project. Tucson Tails will be writing about their worthy efforts next week.

Happy Mother’s Day from the dogs! I have received birthday cards from my dogs and I can say they were very much appreciated. Ha Ha.  If your mom has enough “stuff” and you don’t know what to get her, consider making a donation to her favorite charity – animal or otherwise – in her name.  Or if she died and loved dogs, cats, horses, pigs, birds, wildlife – consider making a donation in her memory.

You can check out a charity’s viability through Guidestar

My mother died a decade ago on the day before Mother’s Day so I hope if your mother is in your life – cherish the moment, seize the day, and the time you have with her.

Beware: pet food ads

This is an interesting article which appeared in the Truth about Pet Food May newsletter (I highly recommend all pet owners subscribe; it’s free and filled with good information):

In the UK, a viewer complained to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) that a commercial for Go Cat cat food by UK Purina was misleading and the ASA agreed. The commercial was removed from TV.

Can you imagine that happening in the United States? Tucson Tails cannot.  One reason is (according to Truth about Pet Food) there is “no advertising authority to protect pet food consumers against misleading/exaggerated pet food advertising. They can (and do) make all types of misleading and exaggerated claims and no authority stops them.”

Scary.

So that got me thinking about Purina’s Beneful – you know the one with the cute and loveable commercials that make you want to reach through the screen to pet and play with the happy dog.

Brace yourself. According to Dog Food Advisor, there are almost 20 ingredients that are controversial. Beneful advertises healthy fruits and vegetables in every bag. You can read the Dog Food Advisor article in its entirety. Wait until you find out what “chicken by-product meal” is. The article is eye opening and the comments are devastating.

If you want your dog to have fruits (never grapes or raisins) and vegetables, grate some raw apple or carrots into their food. My greyhounds go bananas for frozen or mashed bananas and frozen green beans and cooked broccoli.

To file a pet food complaint, go here. Hopefully, someone is listening.

Maggie May: Adopt Me

Here’s a shout out to our furry friends in Phoenix. This sounds like a fun event as well as a fundraising event for Poverty’s Pets, a 501 c3 organization that  rescues abandoned, neglected, and abused companion animals in low-income and under-served communities.

The event called Sweet, Sweet Saturday will be held at the Noble Beast, a locally-owned pet store located at 10th Street @ Camelback from 11 am to 1:30 pm

Here is what’s happening:

Bake Sale!
Delectable homemade goodies for sale. Your donation will help feed the dogs and cats saved by Poverty’s Pets.

Kissing Booth!
Adoptable doggies will be on hand to dole out sweet, sloppy kisses — for a price of course. Who says money can’t buy you love?

Nail Trims!
Veterinary technician David Salcido will be offering nail trims in exchange for a donation to Poverty’s Pets. Salcido owns Veterinary Nursing Care, a new business that provides vet techs to assist owners in taking care of their pets’ medical needs at home.  (Comment: Awesome idea)

Plus…

Free samples from Stella & Chewy’s, Evanger’s and Weruva and vendors will be on hand with samples and coupons.

Check it out for a great cause and a good time…

Click here for adoptable pets.

Beautiful Brooklyn

This is the last in a series of adoptable black dogs in Tucson and Green Valley. Please share parts 1, 2, and 3.  Let’s get these doggies adopted! Black dogs traditionally wait longer for their forever homes. Walk a black dog and you will look 10 pounds thinner!

In the Arms of Angels

Brooklyn is approx. 4 1/2 years old, house-trained, and uses a doggie door. She gets along with everyone (other dogs + kids) but not cats. When found she was severely malnourished but has regained her strength. Brooklyn is part Plott Hound because she greets people with a friendly howl. She is looking for love and will be your loyal companion. Rescue ID: A406980

Nafera needs love too

Tucson Cold Wet Noses

Nafera is a beautiful 6-year-old girl who weighs in at a svelte 45 pounds. PACC identified her as an Australian Shepherd mix , but after getting a haircut, she looks more like a Labrador Retriever with beautiful golden eyes. She knows the doggy door, is housebroken, lives with other dogs in her foster home, walks well on leash. Nafera sometimes limps from arthritis but it doesn’t slow her down. Should be in a home with kids 10+ years old. If interested, please call foster mom, Becky, at 520-271-5821

Spirit Greyhound blossoms

Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption

Spirit is an almost 5 year old greyhound who is adapting to home life. She loves soft beds, quiet rooms, and squeaky toys. She uses a doggie door. She would do best in a home with other dogs (not small dogs). Her status with children is not known at this time but probably the older the better. How do retired racing greyhounds adapt to home life?

Dawn wants you

The Animal League of Green Valley

Dawn is a 5 to 6 year old mahogany Retriever/Chow mix who is friendly, walks pretty well on leash but will get better with more practice. She’s fluffy, weighs 40 pounds, and is pretty sure if she had a yard and some well behaved kids and/or another dog she will be come the loving companion she was meant to be.  One thing is certain — she will be forever grateful for the opportunity.

Embrace diversity — adopt a black dog.

Rosa: Ready to go home

The Animal League of Green Valley

Rosa is a 5-year-old black Lab mix. She is well behaved, very smart, knows many commands, and is a wonderful dog. She loves people but has never been around cats or kids. And during thunderstorms she wants to be near her people.  (That’s what a thundershirt and a storm defender cape is for/no affiliation-works for my dogs’ thunderphobia). You can learn more about Rosa here. TALGV is a no-kill shelter.

Charlee: cute puppy

Tucson Cold Wet Noses

Charlee is an active puppy who loves to play and chase balls. She is very affectionate and greatly enjoys affection. She had no training but is learning leash training and other positive training; she potties outside and is very food motivated so training will be fun. The best home for Charlee would be an active household where she will get lots of play time and exercise; no children under 13, please.

Jeff = puppy love

Southern Arizona Beagle Rescue

Jeff is a really cute 6-week old black beagle mix pup who is available for adoption.  He is altered, microchipped and up to date on all shots.  This organization desperately needs more foster homes so they can rescue more beagles.  ADOPTED!

Jameson rocks!

Humane Society of Southern Arizona

3 year old Jameson looks pretty tough, but he’s really just a big, ol’ softie. This well-adjusted family companion grew up with children, cats and other dogs of various sizes. His favorite activities include visiting the dog park, going for car rides, snuggling with friends and playing with his prized toys. In his previous home, Jameson was fully house trained, familiar with using a doggy door and happy to sleep in his crate at night. Talk about terrific manners! He is simply the perfect gentleman, but is having a difficult time because of his Valley Fever. #749078  – Pit Bull mix

Black dogs – part 1, black dogs – part 2

10 reasons to adopt a black dog!

Here are some tips for photographing black dogs. Black is beautiful.

Excellent way to get the message out to a cross section of people about pet rescue. Great marketing tool.

paw prints to your heart

Who Am I?

A Poem by Scottie McGowan

I’m a dog who comes from a very good home
But now they are busy, and I’m often alone
They feel sorry for me for lack of attention
I need a new family with honorable mention

I’m a stray that somehow escaped from my yard
But no one came looking, so returning is hard
So frightened of what my future may hold
I must pretend that I’m very bold

I’m a dog whose family has met with hard times
Losing their home seems like such a crime
Now they must find another home for me
Oh my goodness, who will that be

I’m a dog who’s been sick and going through hell
But my family can’t afford to make me well
They did the best thing my future to ensure
They surrendered me with broken hearts to endure

I’m a dog in a cage, I know not why
Some people look but then pass me by
I need to get out ere something awful befalls me
My future is dim for as far as I see

I’m a senior dog who has somewhat slowed down
But I’ve a few good years left to play around
Let me show you how gentle and sweet I can be
Just give me some love and I’ll respond with glee

I’m a dog that has some special needs to bear
I’ve lost a leg, or I’m blind, or I sadly can’t hear
I need a special family with time and loving hearts
That won’t care at all if I’m missing some parts

will follow you anywhere

I’m a dog that chases a rabbit round the track
Then lives in a cage till everyone comes back
No loving, no petting, no family; just strife
My dream is for freedom to live a safe, loving life

I live in a place called a puppy mill
I’m so very tired, but there’s another litter still
Please rescue me and have me spayed
So I can be normal, teach me to run and play

I’m a dog that’s neglected or severely abused
They are done with me now, no longer amused
Kicked to the curb to reckon with fate
Please rescue me soon before it’s too late

Rescues all over have heard our pleas
They rallied volunteers like you to help me
Without your kindness many lives would end
But with heroes like you we are on the mend

Fosters have opened their homes and hearts
Not knowing at all what behaviors impart
They repair the damage and training’s the game
Some fall in love, so there we blissfully remain

To many who open their purses at will
To help with our care and huge vetting bills
Our volunteers couldn’t do it all without you
A lick and a play bow to humbly say, “Thank You!”

You generously give of your precious time
Without big concerns for earning a dime
Your reward is knowing that our lives you did save
“Blessings to you!” all we rescues do rave

Some dogs await at the Bridge feeling better
For their special person to greet them whenever
To be reunited and cross over together
To be side by side again, partners forever

There are so many more waiting to be found
That need good homes where love abounds
For available dogs check shelters and web sites
There’s one there for you to rescue tonight.

By Scottie McGowan
Rescue A Golden of Arizona
Southern Director, K9 Operations
February, 2013

Thank you to Scottie for sharing this special poem with Tucson Tails. If you use this poem in any way, please attribute credit to Scottie McGowan and provide a link to Rescue A Golden of AZ. Thank you

We’re par for the course