Tucson Tails – 500th blog post

Woof! Woof! Tucson Tails has 500 blog posts. Compared to some of my fellow bloggers here in the hallowed halls of Tucson Citizen.com, I’m greatly lagging behind a few sports guys and Carolyn Classen. However, since I’m not the competitive type…I’m thrilled with my own enthusiasm, perseverance and accomplishments.

I began Tucson Tails on 2-2-11 (Ground Hog’s Day). Although I am an accomplished writer/breadwinner — here at the TC, I’m considered a citizen journalist which might sound like a cool title but it means I don’t get paid except pennies per page view which doesn’t even keep my two rescued greyhounds in premium dog food.

Never the less I started Tucson Tails blog for a few reasons: 1. I wanted to educate readers about the plight of racing greyhounds especially here in Tucson. 2. I wanted to be a voice for our community’s animals and the many groups who work so hard to save them by promoting adoption, fundraisers and activities. 3. In doing 2. I have since gotten to know more animal lovers as friends and acquaintances and learned a great deal about the problems plaguing rescue. 4. The feel-good stories feel really good. I hope Tucson Tails has made a difference.

The top 10 most popular blog posts are (drum roll, please)

1.Happy Ground Hog Day: Did Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow?- 2/2/11
–16,728 page views (first post/beginner’s luck)

2.Dog Food Recall: Milo’s Chicken Jerky, Purina Waggin’ Train  – 1/16/13
–5,715 page views

3.Absolut Greyhound Vodka Promotes Animal Cruelty  – 3/20/12
–5,559 page views

4.10 Worst Foods for Dogs -   11/23/11
–4,461 page views

5.Tucson: Can you save this dog’s life?  – 4/1/12
–3,962 page views

6. Kentucky Derby and Horse Racing Injuries   – 5/7/11
–3,556 page views

7. Preakness 2011, horse racing injuries, Barbaro – 5/21/11
–3,161 page views

8. Tucson: Cystic Fibrosis Boy Saves Dog from PACC Kill Line - 4/13/12
–2,093 page views

9. Update: chicken jerky made in China, sign petition to ban – 3/13/12
–1,923 page views

10. Phoenix: Protest Animal Cruelty at MCACC (Animal Control) – 11/29/12
–1,805 page views

This leads me to believe that Tucson and beyond cares about ground hogs, greyhounds, dog food safety, horse racing injuries, saving pets from the kill line.

I blog about the animals because it’s my passion. Do what you love and everything else falls into place or so I believe. Thanks for reading and commenting. It’s always a joy to meet people who read Tucson Tails. Stay tuned for the next 500 blog posts…

‘Take sides.  Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.
Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.’
~ Elie Wiesel

Photo courtesy of Humane Society, So. Ariz.

from the press release by the Humane Society of So. Az.

In anticipation of another busy litter season, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) will host a puppy and kitten baby shower Sat. March 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at HSSA’s Companions for Life Center, located at 3465 N. Kleindale Road.

As temperatures climb higher, they bring a barrage of unwanted, orphaned, and abandoned animals. “It happens every spring and summer and the sheer number of incoming animals can be overwhelming,” explains Foster Care Administrator, Liz Johnson. “Luckily, foster parents are there to save the day!” Foster parents are greatly needed, since puppies and kittens must reach eight weeks of age before being spayed or neutered and placed for adoption. Foster parents allow otherwise vulnerable youngsters to grow in loving, nurturing homes before returning to the shelter where they can be happily united with a permanent family.

Last year, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona received over 2,700 animals who required foster care – over 25% of the animals HSSA received! This litter season will likely be just as busy and the HSSA wants to start preparing now with new foster homes, supplies, and heightened community awareness of the importance of spaying and neutering.

To commence litter season on a prepared and positive note, the HSSA will host a fun-filled shower, complete with games, entertainment, food, refreshments and, of course – cute and cuddly guests! Bring all of your human family members, learn more about fostering opportunities, and help pitch in by donating some much-needed supplies.

In addition to monetary donations, the HSSA foster care program always welcomes canned puppy and kitten food, pet beds, X pens, bedding, formula, pet bottles, clay cat litter, puppy pads, toys, cleaning supplies, crates, and new or used blankets and towels. For easy shopping, the HSSA has a baby gift registry at both Target and Walmart under “Humane Society.” So please consider picking up a few supplies the next time you’re running errands to help out the homeless puppies and kittens who will find their way to the Humane Society this summer.

Enjoy a fun, free, family-friendly event and help the HSSA collect supplies to gear up for litter season!