khou.com | News for Houston, Texas

November 30, 2006

Thinking about a pet for a holiday gift? THINK about it, first!!!!

Nothing says "Christmas" like a puppy bursting out of a gift box with a bow around its neck!

Uh.. please take that vision out of your head; that is, unless you tack on the vision of the same puppy being taken back to the SPCA/Humane Society after it's chewed up every shoe in the house and piddled all over the carpet.

Dogs (and cats, iguanas, birds, any pet for that matter) are not ideal holiday gifts. Why would a huge animal fanatic like me say that? Because animals are not (well, should not be) easily returned to the store in case something is "wrong" with them. Owning a pet is a lifetime commitment that requires advance thought and planning.

I am always happy when someone at work comes to me asking about pet adoption. They have questions about where to adopt, what breeds are good, and behavior issues. These are questions would-be pet owners should ask themselves first. Here are my suggested questions for pet planning:

1. What kind of pet would work with your lifestyle?
2. Do you live in an apartment, or a big house?
3. How much time each day do you have to devote to exercising your pet?
4. Who will be responsible for feeding and walking your pet/cleaning the cage or litterbox?
5. How much money will veterinary costs be each year?
6. How will you ensure my dog has at least some basic obedience training?
7. Are you prepared to care for this living animal for the length of its life?'
8. Are you prepared to have cat/dog hair/dander around the house?
9. Where will the pet sleep while you're at work?

Who can answer these questions? If you're going to a shelter for a dog, the people there can help - you just need to ask. Looking for a purebred dog? Try going to any of the purebred rescues (links here) to find out the information about the breed. Talk with friends who have dogs. Do some internet searching. Check out books and the library. Arm yourself with information before you make a mistake - and your pet ends up paying the price!

November 29, 2006

BARC's Pet of the Week - updated!

Click here to see Cassie, BARC's pet of the week. Head honcho Kent Robertson also wants to pass this on...

"We are doing 2 for 1 adoptions (not half price) through December 31 This can be any combo of dogs or cats and applies at Saving Animals Across Borders Adoption Center at Northwest Mall and Friends of BARC offsites at the Petsmarts."

I've learned the City put the kibosh on that plan, which has a lot of people upset. At least two BARC supporters have asked people to call City Hall about it.

Sigh.

November 21, 2006

"Merlin Magic" offers a fur-friendly holiday gift

Looking for a story to read with your little ones? A Different Kind of Family might be a "must-add" to your Christmas list. This book's author and her family have started up a website called "Merlin Magic" to share their wonderful experiences with adopting homeless animals, hoping to spread the word about the thousands of shelters animals looking for a home:

First off, let me introduce myself. I am Debbi Merlin, HuMom to Maggie, Stripe, Spencer, Katie, & Elie - all rescues. The Merlin Zoo Crew lives in Stafford, TX along with their HuDad and my husband Mike. A few years ago I wrote and illustrated a couple of children's books. After submitting to publishers and being turned down because no one wanted "talking animals" any more, I decided to self-publish the first book entitled, A Different Kind of Family. The story is about our Aussie Rescue Spencer and his search for a family of his own. I started marketing the book a few months ago, and so far, I have sold over 50 copies!

A portion of all proceeds will be donated to animal shelters or organizations that promote animal welfare and protect animal rights. I am currently evaluating and interviewing some local agencies and hope to make a decision and a donation before the end of the year.

I invite you to please take a few minutes of your time to check out the website. And, if you know other animal lovers who might enjoy the site, please feel free to share the link.

For more information on the book, head to the Merlin Magic website here.

November 21, 2006

HSPCA and Neiman Marcus's doggie in the window

From the Houston SPCA:

WHO: The 17th Annual Houston SPCA and Neiman Marcus Holiday Pet Adoption Event

WHAT: Cuddly canines and frolicking felines will delight the entire family as they play in their specially-decorated windows on the first floor of Neiman Marcus, Galleria. This year, The Museum of Fine Arts Houston has designed the windows using pieces from the "Best in Show" exhibit at the museum. Houston SPCA staff and volunteers will be on hand to assist potential adopters. The adoption fee for dogs and cats ranges from $65 to $95 and includes: Your new companion; Spay/neuter surgery; Initial set of shots, Rabies vaccination (three months of age or older), Deworming,
Feline Leukemia testing for cats, Heartworm testing for dogs (six months of age and older), and I.D. tag and Lifetime membership in the HSPCA Lost Pet Identification Program.

WHERE: Neiman Marcus, Galleria

WHEN: Friday, November 24, 2006 through Saturday, December 23. Holiday adoption hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm
and Sundays from noon to 5:00 pm.

I post this with the following caveat: Please DO NOT give an animal as a "surprise" Christmas gift. Adding a pet to your family should be a family decision: which pet woudl be the best for your lifestyle or living conditions? Who will be in charge of feeding and exercise? Can you afford the vet bills?

November 21, 2006

Northwest Mall Adoption Center "Grand Opening"

Courtesy Kim Coffman photography

There's nothing like a bit of dog drool to accent an outfit, and I had more than my share last week at the grand opening of the Northwest Mall Pet Adoption Center. It's actually been open for three months (click "here for pictures of adoptions in action - more than 200 so far!) but I was excited to host a ceremony to thank the many people involved in getting this off the ground:

Saving Animals Across Borders and Max Mixon run the Center when it's open Fridays through Sundays.
BARC provides the adoptable dogs and cats.
Petco Foundation provides funding.
Northwest Mall provides the retail space (near the SRO Sports Bar).
Houston PetTalk magazine provided coverage, as did the City of Houston Municipal Channel.

This is another option for people looking for a new friend! Spread the word or stop by during your holiday shopping!

November 17, 2006

Ornithologist accused of shooting cat talks to 11 News

This is just airing now, and the story isn't posted to the blog yet, but our reporter Brad Woodard interviewed Jim Stevenson, the ornitologist and founder of the Galveston Ornitological Society, about his recent arrest (previous posts here and here) for allegedly shooting a feral cat. I am posting the script from the story here, and hope to post the link to the story later on..

----------------------
With its gentle waves and sunkissed shores, the western tip of Galveston Island lures more than a hundred species of birds on any given day.

Stevenson: "I think this is a white reddish Egret.."

It's the birds that lure prominent ornithologists like Jim Stevenson.

Brad: "The birds are faced with a number of challenges aren't they?
Stevenson: "Correct. The song bird population has dropped by about 40 percent in the last quarter century."

And it's not just songbirds that are on the decline. Here on the island, if you're lucky, you might encounter a Piping Plover, which is on the endangered species list.

Stevenson: "And when you throw a hunter at them that hunts not because its hungry, but because it just hunts, it's just a killer, they really have their backs to the wall.

In the middle of this haven for birds, is the San Luis Pass toll bridge...a sanctuary of sorts for feral cats...

Newland: "I can't talk about it."

Well, mostly feral.

Newland: "I'm afraid to get them too tame because they trust people and people this this morning come out here and shoot them."

Last week we introduced you to John Newland, who says he saw Stevenson's van fleeing the scene after one of his cats was shot to death. Stevenson, founder of the Galveston Orthinological Society and author of four birding books...was charged while a felony count of cruelty to animals.

Brad: "It's a simple question, did you do it or not?"

Stevenson won't confirm or deny that specific event. That said.

Stevenson: "If birds and especially protect endangered species."
Brad: "Does that involve shooting cats?
Stevenson: "If i think it's better for the cat and better for the birds, I'll do anything necessary to protect wild birds."

While Stevenson stops short of admiting he killed the cat in question, he concedes the night before he witnessed the same cat stalking an endangered bird and after failing to catch it tracked it back to the bridge.

Stevenson: "Oh, my god, yes it bothered me."

While explaining that to us under the bridge, we once again encountered John Newland who had spotted his van.

Newland: "I just wanted to make sure he wasn't killing more of my cats. My cats!"
I hope you're proud of it."

Only Jim Stevenson knows whether he's proud of what he did...or did not do. but he freely admits he has no regrets. Brad Woodard, 11 news.

November 17, 2006

"First Ever" Non-profit pet salon opens in Kemah

I got this via email.. sounds like a great idea!

This Nation's first ever Non-Profit Pet Salon - "To The Rescue" - has just opened in Kemah, Texas and the proceeds will benefit homeless animals waiting to be adopted in shelters and rescues local and national. The Bay Area SPCA will be one of the local shelters to receive financial support from the Salon and they too are trying to get the word out that we are now open and here to help. Our motto is "Where A Pet Washed Means A Life Saved". We truly hope all pet groomers, veterinarians, pet shop owners and the like around the U.S. will agree with us that something has to be done to help the less fortunate animals and nothing makes more sense than for the folks who make their living from animal care or sales to step forward and take the lead to solve this heartbreaking problem for once and for all by offering at least 10% of their monthly profits to the rescues and shelters in their areas as well. If we who claim to love and adore animals so much won't, who will? Other "To The Rescue" Pet Salons will be opening throughout the country so that each area will receive as much financial support as possible for the animal shelters & rescues. The Salon also plans to support National Crisis Rescue Groups such as "Noah's Wish" who was one of the first responders during the Katrina Crisis. Our phone number is 281-538-1700.

More information on To The Rescue at the Bay Area SPCA's page here. It's located at 1207 Marina Bay Drive in Kemah (map here).

November 17, 2006

Yes, Virginia... you CAN be Santa Claus (or Paws)

BARC is looking for some patient volunteers to be Santa Claus for its annual holiday pet pictures. Men and women can apply; after all, Santa's beard will cover most of your face, anyway!

Dates needed are December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, and 17. The shifts are 11A-4P, 11A-1:30P, 130P-4P at Friends of Barc's PetSmart adoption sites. For more info, click on the picture to the left or give Mike Kinsella a call at 713-252-3117 or email him at mikek@iapc.net.

November 17, 2006

Missing dog in the Heights

We need to find this dog, Sampson. He was a rescue doggie with Scout's Honor Rescue, and was on a walk with his new owner Thursday evening when he got spooked, got away, and took off. He was last spotted on Harvard by 20th in the Heights. He still has his red leash on. He has tags and is microchipped, too.

Sampson was an abuse case and is still very shy. He's a golden retriever mix, between one and two years old, 50 pounds, healthy with a pretty coat. He knows his name but is very shy and may not come to strangers.

Contact Charlotte, who fostered him, at 713-857-0541 (cell) or 713-209-5844 (work.)

November 16, 2006

Update on the birder accused of killing a feral cat

An update to this story from reporter Brad Woodard:

A prominent birdwatcher accused of killing a cat is speaking out for the first time tonight.

Jim stevenson was arrested last week for allegedly shooting and killing a feral cat under the san luis pass toll bridge.

Stevenson, founder of the galveston ornithological society, tells 11 News he's not denying the allegations...nor is he admitting guilt.

Stevenson says nobody saw anything that happened under the bridge and he adds "It's not about whether it's cruel or not, it's about whether it's illegal to kill a feral cat."

He contends they are not protected by the law because they don't belong to anyone, but workers at the bridge say they've been taking care of the cats for years.

November 16, 2006

I'm late on Pet of the Week... and BARC's big opening tomorrow..

I should have posted BARC's Pet of the Week Tuesday. Here it is; I apologize for being late.

In the meantime, Saving Animals Across Borders is hosting the Grand Opening of its offsite pet adoption center tomorrow at Northwest Mall. This is all in cooperation with BARC with a lot of help from Petco. I'll be there, along with Kent Robertson from BARC, Sean Hawkins with Saving Animals, and folks from Petco and Northwest Mall. It starts at 1PM Friday the 17th. Go to entrance D of Northwest Mall (directions here) off Loop 610 and 290.

November 15, 2006

The Houston Zoo elephant's new name is....

MAC! More than 85 hundred votes were cast in our name the elephant contest on KHOU.com and the name Mac - like the truck - won. You can see video of Mac's "birth certificate" being unveiled here. KHOU.com has a full report, with a slideshow of pictures, more video, and the other name choices for the calf... all here. You can read more about Mac's progress here on the Houston Zoo blog.

November 15, 2006

Cloned Horses

tackstop.com

AUSTIN (AP) -- Champion barrel racer Charmayne James knew scientists could clone mice, sheep and cats.

So six years ago the rider from Athens decided that if any creature deserved to be cloned, it was her gelding, Scamper -- the retired ten-time barrel racing legend.

The result -- Clayton -- has exceeded expectations.

James paid Austin-based ViaGen150 thousand dollars to clone Scamper.

Genetic material was extracted from a cell sample taken from Scamper, then transferred to an egg.

The genetic material in the host egg was removed. An embryo was grown in an incubator before it was transferred to a mare.

After four failed attempts, Clayton was born August eighth.

The birth was announced today.

The foal is almost identical to the older model, except for white markings between Clayton's eyes.

James plans to use Clayton for breeding.

You can read more of this story on KHOU.com here.

November 14, 2006

H-E-B Top Dog of Texas announced

Updating H-E-B's top dog of Texas (previous post here): we have a second place finisher in the large dog category from Houston! This handsome boy is Boomer! His owner won a $250 H-E-B Gift Card and a one-year supply of dog food.

November 14, 2006

Animal Terrorism Act passes the House

From the ASPCA:

Federal: Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act passes in the House!
Bill No.: H.R. 4239
Update, November 13, 2006: We are sorry to report that the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act has passed in the House of Representatives. The bill will now be presented to the President for his signature prior to being passed into law. Thank you to all who have supported our efforts to defeat this bill.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

H.R. 4239, the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA), is a bill that could make it a crime punishable by imprisonment to cause any business classified as an "animal enterprise" to suffer a loss of profit -- even if the company's financial decline is the result of legal activities, such as peaceful protests, consumer boycotts or media campaigns. The term "animal enterprise" would include manufacturers, distributors and sellers of animals or animal products, research facilities, pet stores, breeders, zoos, rodeos, circuses, and animal shelters and the like.

While the ASPCA strongly opposes acts of violence, including vandalism, property damage and trespass, this bill threatens to criminalize as "terrorism" otherwise lawful, constitutionally protected acts often utilized by citizens and organizations to effect change. Lawful and peaceful protests that, for example, urge a consumer boycott of a company that does not use humane procedures, could be the target of this provision if the activity resulted in economic damage to the company.

The bill would also make it illegal to expose cruel conditions at facilities such as puppy mills and research labs, if exposure of such conditions -- even if done lawfully -- would result in economic damage to the animal enterprise. There is no exemption in the bill to exclude "economic damage" that results from the disclosure of information about a company’s treatment of animals, which is disclosed through public information.

More information here.

November 14, 2006

Quilt being raffled for cat rescue

From Edna Taylor of Siamese Cat Rescue:

This beautiful quilt is being donated to Texas Siamese Rescue - Houston Branch by Linda Hibbert, Silver Linings Originals, to be raffled off. Linda is a famous quilt designer (www.silverliningsoriginals.com) who ad two quilts in the Houston International Quilt Festival and is one of only a few quilt makers who is a finalist in the $100,000 Quilting Challenge. We are in the process of having the quilt appraised (should be worth $1,000 - $1,500 ) and raffle tickets printed. Tickets will be $2 each or 6 for $10. Once I have the raffle tickets, I will let you know; however, if you want to put your order in now, please do so and I will keep track of how many everyone wants and get the tickets to you as soon as they are printed.

Linda Hibbert, award winning quilt designer, started her animal designing project when a Boxer Rescue Group from Texas contacted her about designing patterns for their Boxer Rescue Quilt. 153 AKC dogbreeds and four years later, Linda knew she had to design for her feline friends as well. In 2005 Linda published MEOWSY WOWSY, a CD which includes dozens of paper pieced cat patterns. ORIENTAL ELEGANCE was designed to honor the Oriental cats. Her daughter recently rescued a stray part Siamese and Linda herself is owned by Spooky whom she bottle fed from birth.

Contact Edna at Edna.Taylor@haynesboone.com at for raffle ticket information

November 14, 2006

Thanksgiving Bark-a-Thon

Just got this in from a reader Gedewards (gedwards@houston.rr.com). The new Camp Bow Wow is a doggy day care and overnight camp in Houston. They expect to open in early 2007....

We are conducting an event benefiting BARC in its efforts to become a NO-KILL facility. We are also helping HOPE to rescue discarded pets and find them new homes. The event will take place in front of the PETCO store at 5450 Wesleyan (just north of Bissonnet/map here). There will be food and entertainment featuring "Across The Water". I have included a poster as an attachment that I would appreciate if you would put on your web site (here is a link to the poster).

The event is November 18th from 11AM-5PM. Call 713-953-WOOF (9663) for more information.

November 13, 2006

Weatherford Animal Shelter Rabies Scare

The Weatherford Animal Shelter near Dallas is a recall on adopted animals.

It all started when a puppy adopted back in October came down with rabies.

Now there is a fear that about fifty animals who were in the shelter at the same time... may have been exposed.

Families who adopted the animals are now being asked to give them up.

Officials say after a ten day quarantine the animals will have to be put down.

You can find more on this story, as well as telephone numbers for information, here.

November 9, 2006

Mayor's Failure to Act Causes Harm to Animals - guest column

This is from Sean Hawkins with Saving Animals Across Borders. I am always happy to publish well thought out commentaries from animal rescuers. Feel free to email me at lforonda@khou.com.

Dear Houston City Council & Friends of BARC,

Saving Animals Across Borders' commitment and dedication to helping Houston, its homeless animal problem, and supporting Mayor White's administration is well documented. The published articles attached are just a small sampling that demonstrate our efforts to help BARC's animals.

We have raised funds to build and open BARC's first permanent off-site Pet Adoption Center at Northwest Mall. We raised funds to build a modular building for a veterinary medical facility for BARC's animals. We have raised funds to fully equip the modular building with state-of-the art medical equipment. Volunteer architects, engineers, and planners have donated their time.

We have secured a $2.3 million commitment from a private donor as the lead gift toward building a permanent medical facility and new pet adoption center at BARC.

We have raised millions of dollars for the City of Houston, contributed thousands of staff and volunteer hours, and yes, we've even managed to save animal's lives in the process.

Since April, the City Legal Department has been holding agreements in its control to be considered by City Council for the opening of the new spay & neuter clinic at BARC. It is now November; no agreements are in place and animals are suffering daily at BARC due to inadequate and unsanitary medical facilities at the city's animal shelter.

At no point has any official or department head taken charge of a project that should have been completed months ago to help animals and improve BARC. Mayor White and his administration have been handed diamonds on gold platters for this community to help its animals, yet no visible action has been taken to move projects forward.

As embarrassing as it may be, the Mayor's staff can make sure he shows up for photo opportunities portraying help for animals on schedule, as you will see in the current issue of INTOWN MAGAZINE, yet simple ground lease agreements and service contracts are shelved and forgotten for months while animals suffer.

Now, today, when pressed for action and accountability, Marty Stein the Mayor's Agenda Director, can only respond to those helping animals by stating, "I understand why this fellow spends most of his time with creatures who can't talk back."

Not only is this insulting to the highest degree to those who have dedicated their lives to helping animals at BARC, but now any hope to help animals at BARC is but a tiny spark of what was to be a bonfire ignition of change. Donors who have supported these projects demand accountability and want to know what has been done with their money. The Citizens of Houston want to know why help for animals at BARC has not been a priority for Mayor White. The City of Houston has had gifts of millions of dollars, equipment, and buildings at its disposal, yet it is more convenient to let animals suffer than to take action to help. It would appear that a total lack of vision and lack of commitment for change have paralyzed Mayor White and his administration when helping animals is the order of the day. "A civilization is judged by how it treats its animals," said Ghandi. What would be said of Mayor White and Houston today?

What a sad day for Houston's officials, the citizens of our city, and the animals we are all charged with protecting.

Please share this with your colleagues and friends. Call Mayor White PHONE: 713.247.2200. Demand help for Houston's animals NOW by opening Houston's Spay & Neuter Clinic TODAY!!!

November 8, 2006

Galveston birder arrested for allegedly shooting feral cat

a cat at the San Luis Pass
toll bridge

The head of the Galveston Ornithological Society is charged with animal cruelty after police say he shot at a one of the feral cats living at the San Luis Pass toll bridge. You can watch Brad Woodard's report here.

On the toll bridge at San Luis Pass, they take care of much more than just spare change.

Surrounded by a sanctuary for wildlife and birds, the bridge itself is a sanctuary for cats in Galveston County.

"I can’t even talk about it. I'm almost afraid to get them too tame because they trust people and people like this morning come out here and shoot them," said toll bridge operator John Newland.

Newland, 68, said he was manning his post as usual when a van from the local bird watching society pulled under the bridge and opened fire on one of his cats.

One of the cats that finds refuge at the San Luis Pass toll bridge.

"I ran over to the edge and looked over and saw the van parked down there and hollered at the man to stop shooting and he panicked and got in his truck and took off," said Newland.

"I told him, I says 'There he goes John, go get him'," said toll bridge operator Howard Etzel.

A chase ensued and police intercepted 53 year old Jim Stevenson, a prominent ornithologist, now charged on a felony count of cruelty to animals.

"Somebody like that just has to hate animals. How could he be a birdwatcher and then hate cats? I don’t know," said Etzel.

Stevenson has only been charged with killing one cat, Newland said 10 cats had been shot in recent months. They are buried under the bridge.

"They’re just like family. I told my wife that when I die, I want my ashes to be buried here [under the bridge] so I can protect the cats," said Newland.

Police said they weren’t sure what Stevenson's motive was, but his bond was set at $10,000.

November 8, 2006

Dog and puppies killed in freak accident

A German Shepard dog and four of her puppies were killed when a truck crashed through the garage of a northwest harris county home.

Investigators say a brother was teaching his sister how to drive when somehow the truck went right through the wall and hit the house next door.

Sheriff's deputies say the underaged girl got a ticket for not having a license and her brother was cited for allowing her to get behind the wheel.

November 8, 2006

Update on Sugar Ray the street dog, part 2

BEFORE

AFTER

Remember this scraggly boy? Sugar Ray was saved by a rescuer and a foster who have both spent a lot of love, time and money on re-habbing him. Previous posts are here and here. In the meantime, here's the update:

Well, it's been a month since my last update on Sugar Ray. The poor guy is still having some medical issues, but overall he looks really terrific and is very handsome. He was progressing nicely until a few days before I left town, when he started dripping blood after urinating. He was determined to have a urinary infection and was put on antibiotics again. Then he started a rash on his stomach that spread quickly, and he also started losing pigmentation on one side of his nose. The doctor wasn't certain as to his problem but put him on some medication, which seemed to alleviate his rash. THEN.........after he finished his antibiotics, he started dripping blood again. Another trip to the doc, who checked him more extensively this time and found an enlarged prostate and, after further testing, felt it was not suspicious of cancer. He was hopeful neutering would take care of that problem.

So......a friend of mine thankfully covered the cost of his neutering with some of the proceeds of her weekly math tutoring, and he is recovering well from that and has had no further dripping of blood (keep your fingers crossed). Gail called this morning, though, to say that his rash is returning, so she is going to discontinue his Missing Link
supplement and start him on Benedryl before we take him back to the doctor again (I should have been a vet!).

When I went to visit him on Oct. 29, it was the first time I've ever seen him be playful. He's been holed up in his crate for so long and not allowed to have any activity - doctor's orders - and I realized that I had never seen him be anything but quiet! What a joy it was to see him trot about the yard and try to play with me and the other dogs. We took him for a walk and he did very well. This past weekend I wrestled and played with him and took him for several walks and he really enjoyed himself. He is also now using the doggie door and looks really funny, such a big dog hopping in and out of the door, and they do go in and out and in and out! He is sitting for his treats and even sat up on his hind legs (like begging) once - that was really cute. He still thinks the best part of every day is when he gets FOOD!

And here's where I always get to "beg" for help! :-) Sugar Ray's vet bill is back up to around $350 again, mainly because of the testing and x-rays on his prostate. If you can help, please see the phone number and address below where to make a donation. West Alabama Animal Clinic - reference "Cindi Hohle -- Sugar Ray
Leonard" at 2030 West Alabama, Houston, TX 77098 713-528-0818

November 8, 2006

Advice needed for animal rescuer and contract adoption

Ugh. I'm so late in posting this, I hope it's not too late. I received the following email from a woman in Waller County who has been trying to rescue and re-home Rotties. She had an signed adoption contract that, like many other rescues I know, requests the dog be returned to rescue if the owner can no longer keep it. Her name is Lisa Matson, and she's the founder of Lap Dog Rescue in Waller. Here's her story:

My breed of focus is the rottweiler. I adopted a male rottweiler out last October to a lovely young woman who was recently killed in a tragic automobile accident. Her husband contacted me to tell me his life was upside down and he could no longer keep the dog. I told him I would do everything within my power to help him keep the dog if that's what he wanted. I advised him also, that if he decided he truly could not keep the dog, the dog needed to be returned to LaP Dog Rescue, as set forth in my contract.

His correspondence was not on a regular basis. (He eventually said he gave the dog to a friend). I asked him to have his friend fill out an application on my website and submit it to me for my review. This never happened. When I called him again, he told me I would have to take the issue up with the new owner (who refused to fill out an application). The new owner called me after he received a copy of my letter and left a message on my voice mail telling me to get a lawyer.

Does someone had advice for Lisa? She can be reached at 936-372-2765 or 281-330-6159.

November 7, 2006

BARC's pet of week

is a furry, furry bundle of love!!! Taffy the dog was dumped at the front door at BARC, but she's getting her spay surgery today! Head here to see her, and for a review of this past weekend's National Shelter Appreciation week.

November 7, 2006

Sporadic posting -- and, PLEASE! Go vote!

I apologize for the lack of posts; we've been pretty busy here at KHOU with the elections. Hope to get back up and running in the next day or so.

Also, I know the polls close in four hours from the time of this posting, but if you are a registered voter and you have not voted, please go. This country was founded on this simple principal of democracy: a government by the people. Voting during elections is something an astonishingly few Americans accept as their civic responsibility. How can you complain about anything in politics, whether it be Republican/Democratic/Red state/Blue state if YOU DON'T VOTE?

November 3, 2006

Why the BARC/Saving Animals spay-neuter contract is on hold..

Earlier this year, the nonprofit Saving Animals Across Borders had agreed to a temporary contract with the city of Houston to help the city shelter sterlize its animals. That contract has expired, and now the woefully understaffed BARC doesn't have enough vets to do what seems like an endless number of surgeries. Animals can't be adopted out without spay/neuters. On the surface, it sounds like a step back for BARC. I wrote to Sean Hawkins, the head honcho at Saving Animals, and he agreed to allow his response to be posted here:

Saving Animals was operating under a temporary contract with the City of Houston so our staff could work inside BARC to perform spay/neuter surgeries for adoptable animals. Funding for the temporary contract ran out last Thursday, so the temporary contract ended.

It was our hope that the formal veterinary services agreement and ground lease agreement would have been completed by now, allowing Saving Animals to move into and begin operating the Mickey Hagey Center for Animals at BARC. This would have allowed us to not only continue providing high-quality, high-volume sterilization surgeries for BARC's adoption animals, but would have increased the availability of low cost services for animals belonging to the general public.

Saving Animals has been negotiating the formal agreements with the City Attorney's office since April. The basic terms of the contracts that would allow the opening of the Mickey Hagey Center are very straight forward, and were agreed to between Saving Animals, BARC, and the Health Department long ago.

When Savings Animals initiated this project, we had no idea the contracts would become "stuck" in the City Attorney's office for what now has become eight months. Just this week, Saving Animals understood the contracts were complete and would be on City Council's agenda for approval next week. To our surprise the contracts were transferred to another attorney within the City Legal Department.

Now it appears we are starting back at square one. The new attorney in the City Legal Department responsible for the contracts has demanded changes in the agreements that took us months negotiate with the prior attorney. At this point there is no indication from the City Attorney's office that the agreements to open the Mickey Hagey Center will ever be complete.

It is unfortunate that the City's Attorney's office does not share the commitment of Mayor White and Saving Animals to help BARC improve its ability to care for animals. Sadly, it's really the animals who suffer, as high-volume, high-quality sterilization surgeries for animals at BARC have halted.

November 3, 2006

Overseas: Dutch rescue effort saves horses

from the Associated Press:

Marrum, Netherlands - A herd of horses marooned on a lowland knoll for three days by rising floodwaters waded to safety on Friday, led by wranglers following an underwater path marked out by half-submerged stakes.

The horses were neck deep at times and had to swim at some spots, especially the foals. But they began to canter as they neared the edge of the brackish water, and burst into a gallop once they reached solid land, apparently relieved at being able to stretch their legs.

Read the rest of the story here.

November 3, 2006

BIG PET WEEKEND + Foster opportunities

Friends of BARC should be running for governor. I've never seen a group campaign so hard for their cause! They've reminded me.. to remind you... of this weekend's BARC-related events:

Tomorrow, Saturday, November 4th: Meet and Greet in the Heights from 10AM to 3PM. Info here. If you've EVER thought about being a foster, you can also meet with Scout's Honor Rescue to learn about becoming a pet foster! Look for Laura, and tell her Lisa sent you to her!

Sunday, November 5th: National Shelter Appreciation Week open house at BARC from 1PM - 7PM. Information here.

November 3, 2006

Police Dog Dies After Being Left In Officer's Cruiser

This is so, so sad. A police dog died in Florida when the alarm apparently malfunction in his handler's car. The sheriff's deputy in Broward County (map here) who worked with him said he'd left Astro locked in the car with the engine and air conditioning on. It overheated, though - and the backup that was supposed to sound an alarm and drop a window did not work. You can read the rest of the story here.

November 3, 2006

Atlanta baby panda update

That's Atlanta Zoo panda Lun Lun (thanks for the photo, AP) cuddling with her cub on October 31st. Today, though, the cub had another medical exam. You can watch the video here. The 57 year old day old (oops: thanks for spotting the mistake, Ann!) baby seemed pretty laid back during her weekly exam. You can read a blog about her progress here.

November 3, 2006

BARC's pet of the week is a kitty cat!

BARC's pet of the week (click here to see it) is a bit late this week. I'm sorry! But, BARC director Kent Robertson has a great kitty cat named Smudge to show you!

November 3, 2006

What will happen to your pets if you die?

Have you thought about that? Are your pets provided for in the event of your death? These dogs were left orphaned this weekend after their owner passed this weekend. One of his co-workers sent this around to her animal friends:

A co-worker died over the weekend and left three dogs. There was no family and no will (with an executor) so after the policeman got in the house (after tranqualizing the dogs), they were taken to BARC on Monday. The clock began ticking Monday (15 days until they are put to sleep). Several of us believe Jim would not have wanted his dogs taken to BARC and are trying to find a home for them. Someone is working on getting the BARC ID number so each dog can be identified. Another sad story about beloved pets left behind when an owner dies and the pets are turned over to BARC. Please pass around quickly - the dogs
are on very limited time.

Want to help? Contact Marilyn at this email address.

I also received the following from a blog reader and animal rescuer:

Persons should ask their own attorney, but an attorney said a good way to handle the care for pets is to have a hand written memorandum for each animal designating where it should be placed and how much to donate to that organization or person for the future care of the animal. The executor would carry out your wishes.

If a family member is ENTIRELY in agreement with taking an animal, then a person can leave it with them. However, shelters often get animals that a family member accepted, maybe out of guilt, and then a few weeks or months later drop the animal off at a pound where their chances are limited. Always make CERTAIN the family member REALLY wants that responsibility.

If no family member wants the responsibility or a person has no close family and if the dog or cat is purebred, then list 2 or 3 purebred rescues of your breed of pet that are in your city or state. Include their address and phone number and also state the order in which they are to be contacted. You should always provide a large donation to the pure bred rescue group in order that the group will be more likely to accept your animal. Most breed specific rescue groups do careful screening and your animal will probably get a better than average adoption.

If your animal is not a purebred and goes to an animal shelter or pound, even a large donation will NOT ensure their safety. There are no kill animal groups but make sure the animal is not just caged like a prisoner for years.

Here is some information from online sources.
*www.estateplanningforpets.org/
*www.2ndchance4pets.org/help.html
*www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/planning_your_estate_the.html
*www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=estate+planning+%2B+pet&btnG=Search

November 1, 2006

Young friends help SNAP

Alison Bonham with pals
Ron and Lavender

Got this from SNAP, the Spay-Neuter Assistance Program's newsletter:

Two recent gifts to SNAP prove that you're never too young to help solvethe problem of animal overpopulation. The first came from a young lady named Alison Bonham. When Alison's twelfth birthday approached, she pondered the question of what she wanted for a birthday present and decided that what she wanted most was to help animals. She did this by asking everyone who attended her birthday party to make a donation for SNAP instead of buying her a present. That they did, and the resulting
donation was a whopping $120. Alison's generosity has made it possible for SNAP to sterilize dogs and cats that otherwise might have contributed to the animal overpopulation problem by giving birth to unwanted puppies and kittens.

Another gift came to SNAP from the Saving Animals through Volunteer Efforts (S.A.V.E.) club at Langham Creek High School. The club raised an impressive $276.50 for SNAP in May of this year at their Dog Jog & Pet Show fundraiser. They then donated the sum to the Houston Mobile Clinic Campaign, and that means the Houston Rockets matched it for a total donation of $553.00. Club sponsor Suzanne Tipton explains that she hopes to show students the positive actions that can be taken to help minimize animal overpopulation and abuse. She noted that they already understand that a generous heart can do more than house unwanted animals. It can also prevent the need to do that through spaying and neutering.

The selfless concern that Alison Bonham and the S.A.V.E. club at Langham Creek High School show for animals is a commendable example for others. The staff and board of directors of SNAP extend to them their highest praise and most heartfelt thanks for proving that you're never too young to help end animal overpopulation.

November 1, 2006

Burglars break into house and let the dogs out!

Have you seen this big Boxer boy? His owner writes:

Cascious (the brown reverse brindle Boxer) has been missing since last Wednesday evening. His baby brother (the white Boxer) was missing too, but was found this weekend. We were hopeful that Cascious was close by but we have not seen or heard from him since Wednesday. Someone broke into our home and let the dogs out in the process. He was not wearing a collar at the time. . I am so scared that someone has found him and kept him! He is really sweet! Please keep an eye out
for my baby! You can reach me (Sarah) 24/7 at 713-819-6138 or his dad (Chris) at
832-279-8620. Cascious was lost from our home in Timbergrove Manor. Our home backs up to 11th street and is between Ella and TC Jester and between I10 and 610.

November 1, 2006

Dog on wheels needs your help

The Friends of the Galveston County Animal Shelter have a great website set up with their adoptable animals.... I was notified of one particular doggie who was mistakenly run over by her previous owners. Her vet bills were too costly and they left her at the vet's to be euthanized. Fortunately a foster with FGCAS took her in but could use some help! Click here and scroll down a bit to see a picture of little adorable Cici, and for information on how you can help!