The year 2008 was slow for our rescue. We took few animals in so we could give due attention to our long term residents, some of which remain in their foster homes still. Few intakes = few adoptions = few donations and lowered interest in general in our group.
In 2008 we almost broke even on costs to income. Our star adoption (no pun intended) was Lacy, who has been homeless since November of 2006 and holds the record for the longest an animal has been with our rescue, at over 13 months. When other organizations couldn't see past her age, her color, her breed, her flaws, we saw the beautiful girl inside and longed to share her with a special family- and now she lives like a queen with a family of four to cherish her forever.
January has been a crazy month. On January 2nd my only personal STAR adoptee, a foster-turned-family dog, Buddy, was euthanized due to the horrible anxiety and aggression he suffered with every day. Just a few weeks later, one of our first year adoptions, Brutus, had to be helped to the Rainbow Bridge by his new family due to some health issues that could not be treated. We had several failed applications this month, which is rare, but fortune was with us as Poe and Ozzy and Ollie found their way to their new homes, and the month ended much brighter than it had begun.
When I founded STAR, I didn't know where I wanted it to go or how big I wanted it to be. I certainly wasn't expecting that just a few years later, we'd have helped over a hundred animals, most of which have lived in my home at one point or another! It's been a humbling experience, but an exciting one. As we move forward, my goals involve reaching out more, fostering less, and standing out in the crowd.
At this time, I just want to thank each adopter, volunteer, donor, and friend of the rescue for your support, your compassion, and for being a part of this girl's dream.
You all are so amazing. :)
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Friday, November 7, 2008
Pit bull saves woman and child from attacker!
In a time where breeds of dog are discriminated against because of their looks or the things that selfish humans make them do, it is heartwarming to see a story that shows the wonderful things pit bulls are capable of. Just think, if this town enforced a pit bull ban, this woman and child might not have made it. Of course, I preach responsible dog ownership and if this dog had been contained or had an ID on it, he might not have been there at the right time...
Enjoy the story!
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November 5, 2008
A dog came out of nowhere and stopped a knife-wielding robber from accosting a mother and her young son on Monday afternoon. (Pet Pulse Illustration by Tim Mattson)
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- The wandering 65-pound Pit Bull mix might have seemed menacing to some passerby, but one woman will always remember him as her "guardian angel."
The dog, which authorities think is lost and not a stray, successfully thwarted a robbery attack on a mother and her 2-year-old son, who were held at knifepoint Monday afternoon.
The Florida woman, who has been identified by authorities simply as "Angela," was leaving a playground with her toddler son in Port Charlotte when a man approached her in the parking lot with a knife and told her not to make any noise or sudden movements.
Angela didn't have to do either to protect herself and her child -- a dog mysteriously ran to the scene and charged the man, who quickly fled.
"I don't think the dog physically attacked the man, but he went at him and was showing signs of aggression, just baring his teeth and growling and barking. It was clear he was trying to defend this woman," Animal Control Lt. Brian Jones told Pet Pulse.
"I don't know what this man's intentions were, but it is very possible this dog saved her life."
The exceptional part of the story, Jones said, is that the dog had never met or even seen the people it quickly jumped to defend.
"You hear about family dogs protecting their owners, but this dog had nothing to do with this woman or her kid," Jones said. "He was like her guardian angel."
After the alleged thief ran away, Angela quickly placed her son, Jordan, in the car and tried to drive off. Before she could, though, the dog jumped into her backseat, waiting with her for the police and animal control officers to arrive at the scene.
The dog was transported to a local shelter and if his owners don't step forward within five days, Jones said, Angela and her family plan to adopt the savior she named "Angel."
Animal control officers and shelter workers believe Angel is lost, and not a stray, because of his good health, sturdy weight and mild temperament.
"It's funny, that someone's irresponsibility could have saved someone's life," Jones said of Angel's possible owners.
For Angela, it doesn't matter where the dog came from, just that he was there when she needed him most.
"I don't know what his [the thief's] intentions were -- I don't know why he did it, but I'm glad that -- we call him Angel -- I'm glad that Angel showed up because I don't know what would have happened," Angela told NBC2 News.
Officers from the responding county sheriff's office canvased the area and were unable to locate the suspect described as being in his 20s, tall and dark haired.
Tell us what you think about "Stray Dog Saves Woman, Child Held at Knifepoint" below. Share your favorite videos by clicking on the ZootooTV tab. Send us your story ideas by e-mailing us at news@zootoo.com or by calling us at 877-777-4204.
Pet Pulse reporter Amy Lieberman and NBC-2.com contributed to this article
Enjoy the story!
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November 5, 2008
A dog came out of nowhere and stopped a knife-wielding robber from accosting a mother and her young son on Monday afternoon. (Pet Pulse Illustration by Tim Mattson)
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- The wandering 65-pound Pit Bull mix might have seemed menacing to some passerby, but one woman will always remember him as her "guardian angel."
The dog, which authorities think is lost and not a stray, successfully thwarted a robbery attack on a mother and her 2-year-old son, who were held at knifepoint Monday afternoon.
The Florida woman, who has been identified by authorities simply as "Angela," was leaving a playground with her toddler son in Port Charlotte when a man approached her in the parking lot with a knife and told her not to make any noise or sudden movements.
Angela didn't have to do either to protect herself and her child -- a dog mysteriously ran to the scene and charged the man, who quickly fled.
"I don't think the dog physically attacked the man, but he went at him and was showing signs of aggression, just baring his teeth and growling and barking. It was clear he was trying to defend this woman," Animal Control Lt. Brian Jones told Pet Pulse.
"I don't know what this man's intentions were, but it is very possible this dog saved her life."
The exceptional part of the story, Jones said, is that the dog had never met or even seen the people it quickly jumped to defend.
"You hear about family dogs protecting their owners, but this dog had nothing to do with this woman or her kid," Jones said. "He was like her guardian angel."
After the alleged thief ran away, Angela quickly placed her son, Jordan, in the car and tried to drive off. Before she could, though, the dog jumped into her backseat, waiting with her for the police and animal control officers to arrive at the scene.
The dog was transported to a local shelter and if his owners don't step forward within five days, Jones said, Angela and her family plan to adopt the savior she named "Angel."
Animal control officers and shelter workers believe Angel is lost, and not a stray, because of his good health, sturdy weight and mild temperament.
"It's funny, that someone's irresponsibility could have saved someone's life," Jones said of Angel's possible owners.
For Angela, it doesn't matter where the dog came from, just that he was there when she needed him most.
"I don't know what his [the thief's] intentions were -- I don't know why he did it, but I'm glad that -- we call him Angel -- I'm glad that Angel showed up because I don't know what would have happened," Angela told NBC2 News.
Officers from the responding county sheriff's office canvased the area and were unable to locate the suspect described as being in his 20s, tall and dark haired.
Tell us what you think about "Stray Dog Saves Woman, Child Held at Knifepoint" below. Share your favorite videos by clicking on the ZootooTV tab. Send us your story ideas by e-mailing us at news@zootoo.com or by calling us at 877-777-4204.
Pet Pulse reporter Amy Lieberman and NBC-2.com contributed to this article
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Turn the Page
In July of this year, we were brought into the life of a special dog who needed our help. Chloe was in need of a safe place to go quickly, and had been underestimated immensely in the past. Her insecurity belied her true nature and in situations that were not appropriate for her, she failed to adjust properly.
On the day that I had arranged to meet this dog for the first time, I didn't know what to expect. The focus had been on her bad qualities, and the dog I met was withdrawn and insecure, barking at everything and everyone that moved. After spending over half an hour just getting to know her, I loaded her into my vehicle and by the time I moved around to the driver's side, she was afraid of me again and barked intimidatingly when I tried to open the door.
When Chloe arrived at our home, her foster home, she wasn't sure what to think. Every sound- a footstep in gravel, a broom falling, a voice out of silence- made her startle. Until she met the pack. Our personal dogs know no fears and love other dogs, and met Chloe with proverbial open arms. Within minutes of their introduction, Chloe let down her guard and lifted her head and tail. Finally, she found a new "leash" on life and was ready to take it.
Through a lot of training and positive reinforcement, we were able to work with Chloe in many situations in public, at my in-laws' house, and on walks both on and off-lead (in controlled situations.) She blossomed and grew more and more relaxed in new situations, and everyone she met fell in love with her sweet charm and desire to please and make friends. Within just a few weeks, we knew that Chloe would make a great addition to someone's home and knew how much we'd miss her when she left.
A week ago, on October 11th, Chloe was adopted. Our house feels emptier, quieter, and changed. I miss Chloe like I've never missed a foster... but I've never felt better about an adoption. Chloe's new mom is everything we had been hoping for. We hope to have many stories to add to our Successes part of the website for years to come as these two explore their new life together!
On the day that I had arranged to meet this dog for the first time, I didn't know what to expect. The focus had been on her bad qualities, and the dog I met was withdrawn and insecure, barking at everything and everyone that moved. After spending over half an hour just getting to know her, I loaded her into my vehicle and by the time I moved around to the driver's side, she was afraid of me again and barked intimidatingly when I tried to open the door.
When Chloe arrived at our home, her foster home, she wasn't sure what to think. Every sound- a footstep in gravel, a broom falling, a voice out of silence- made her startle. Until she met the pack. Our personal dogs know no fears and love other dogs, and met Chloe with proverbial open arms. Within minutes of their introduction, Chloe let down her guard and lifted her head and tail. Finally, she found a new "leash" on life and was ready to take it.
Through a lot of training and positive reinforcement, we were able to work with Chloe in many situations in public, at my in-laws' house, and on walks both on and off-lead (in controlled situations.) She blossomed and grew more and more relaxed in new situations, and everyone she met fell in love with her sweet charm and desire to please and make friends. Within just a few weeks, we knew that Chloe would make a great addition to someone's home and knew how much we'd miss her when she left.
A week ago, on October 11th, Chloe was adopted. Our house feels emptier, quieter, and changed. I miss Chloe like I've never missed a foster... but I've never felt better about an adoption. Chloe's new mom is everything we had been hoping for. We hope to have many stories to add to our Successes part of the website for years to come as these two explore their new life together!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Thank you!!
A HUGE thank you to Cary, Kathy, and Marjorie for your gracious donations, which helped subsidize our vetting this week.
An update from Zora's new mommy is that the kitty- now "Fancy"- is settling in just fine and happy to have all the attention to herself! It sounds like a perfect fit. Thanks Sherri! :) We love hearing the good news.
An update from Zora's new mommy is that the kitty- now "Fancy"- is settling in just fine and happy to have all the attention to herself! It sounds like a perfect fit. Thanks Sherri! :) We love hearing the good news.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Things are looking up!
We've got some great things going on. I'll get into details a little more over this weekend but Honey has found her forever family! She won't be moving in with them until after she graduates from the HOPE program but she'll be moving in once she's paroled! ;)
Keep your eyes open for our newest little adoptable- a gorgeous pet bunny who is sure to make anyone's life better!
Two feral cats as well as Poe were spayed today. Poe is now anxiously awaiting her dream home...
Keep your eyes open for our newest little adoptable- a gorgeous pet bunny who is sure to make anyone's life better!
Two feral cats as well as Poe were spayed today. Poe is now anxiously awaiting her dream home...
Sunday, September 21, 2008
A huge thank you
Thank you so much to those who have donated following my plea the other day.
Julie, Terri, Debbie, Linda, and Cary, you have helped greatly. We still need donations but your generosity means so much to everyone!
Julie, Terri, Debbie, Linda, and Cary, you have helped greatly. We still need donations but your generosity means so much to everyone!
Adoption day
Our foster kitty, Zora, went to her new home today. I must say that I have not been so happy to find a cat adopter in some time. Zora's brother, Link, and sister, Poe, are left behind without any applicants but I know something will come for them. I really miss Zora- she brought something special not only to her foster home but our rescue as a whole. We were lucky to have her here for the time we did and now she's got a loving owner to give her the life she deserves.
It's always hard to see a foster go. But I know that some day, we'll be able to help more cats because we were able to say goodbye to this one. To me, a little sadness and selfish human longing is a price duly paid in order to keep rescuing.
It's always hard to see a foster go. But I know that some day, we'll be able to help more cats because we were able to say goodbye to this one. To me, a little sadness and selfish human longing is a price duly paid in order to keep rescuing.
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