Caring People Rescue Dogs From Mistreatment And Abuse

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart on Monday introduced the latest hero of his department, a 1 1/2-year-old bloodhound who located and rescued a suicidal man submerged in a south suburban river last Sunday.

The river rescue was carried out by Melanie, a bloodhound, and her partner, Sheriff’s police Officer Jim Pacetti, on Jan. 18, Dart said at a press conference Monday.

Sheriff’s police got a call about 5 p.m. regarding a despondent man who had told his parents he was going to kill himself. Police traced his cell phone to a forest preserve near 87th Street and LaGrange Road in unincorporated Lyons Township, but were unable to locate the 36-year-old man.

Melanie was called in around 8 p.m., according to a release from Dart’s office. The dog sniffed a pillowcase, then led officers into the woods.

She followed a trail for a quarter-mile before venturing west for 300 yards, north 250 yards and 50 more yards to the east, where, about 9:30 p.m., she found the man semi-conscious and half-submerged in water. Temperatures were around 5 degrees and the man was not wearing shoes and could not move, the release said.

Melanie became a member of the Sheriff’s Department last year, thanks to a donation by 832 K9’s Deputy Dogs, a not-for-profit group based in Florida. Of the 17 dogs in the Sheriff’s K9 Unit, she is the only one specifically trained to search for missing people.

Dart said the man might have frozen to death without Melanie.

At the same press conference, Dart introduced the newest member of the K9 unit, a pit bull rescued from a southwest suburban shelter. Elliott Ness, a 4-year-old pit bull rescued from a Burr Ridge shelter last year, is the county’s first dog trained to locate cadavers.

The Sheriff’s Department was linked to Elliott Ness thanks to the efforts of Burr Ridge-based Angel 4 Cause Rescue, the release said. The dog was rescued from an abusive environment and still shows signs of hesitancy, according to the sheriff’s office, but has quickly taken to cadaver work.

Partnered with Sheriff’s Police Officer Debbie Thedos, Elliott was certified as a cadaver dog by the North American and Illinois Police Work Dog Associations after just three months of training.

Dog behavior expert and nationally syndicated newspaper columnist/radio host Steve Dale said pit bulls and other “bully breeds” can be saved and rehabilitated.

“So many people have misconceptions about pit bulls and similar dogs, and because of that, many never get adopted from shelters,” Dart said. “Many of these dogs, like Elliott, can be saved and worked with to lead happy, healthy, productive lives.”

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Across the country, animal shelters are filling up, looking for ways to find homes for more dogs and, in some cases, closing their doors amid an influx of abandoned pets caused primarily by the flagging economy.

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Around the country, pet adoptions are up. Experts say the holiday season and the hit movie might be why. "It’s such a nice warm and fuzzy feeling when you see a pet and when you see how sweet the pet is and how perfect it is on screen but what people don’t realize is that behind the scenes this is a dog, a regular dog doing doggie things.," says Trisha St. George of the Helen Woodward Animal Center.

History indicates we’ve seen this trend before. When the live action "101 Dalmatians" film was released, film goers purchased dalmatian puppies in herds.

That’s why St. George wants people adopting this season to be adopting for the right reasons so that pets don’t end up back in shelters after families realize they can’t keep them. St. George also mentions she hopes people go to shelters first, before pet stores.

“When you adopt from a shelter or a rescue group it has one goal and one goal in mind and that is to match the needs of the pet with the needs of a family,” says St. George.

22 labs portray Marley in "Marley and Me" at various ages throughout the movie, but the one lab that plays Marley the majority of the time, is a rescued dog.

"Marley & Me" 12/22/08 Jennifer Aniston & Owen Wilson talk with Kelli Gillespie about their new film.

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DENVER, Dec. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ – The upcoming feature film for animal lovers, 20th Century Fox’s Marley & Me, hits theaters on Christmas Day. Recent history indicates the popularity of "Marley" will lead to an increase in Labrador retrievers being acquired. Unfortunately, many of them might soon be surrendered to shelters and breed-rescue groups nationwide as families find out this particular breed just wasn’t the right fit for their lifestyle. Similar upticks in animal acquisitions happened after films such as Beethoven, 101 Dalmatians and even the more recent Beverly Hills Chihuahua.

The American Humane Association and 20th Century Fox have launched a public-awareness campaign about the increased relinquishment of specific breeds of animals after they have been featured in blockbuster movies. Too many dogs are given up after reality sets in about how much responsibility or care they require, or that their needs are diametrically different than the person or families who acquired them.

American Humane and 20th Century Fox want people to know that when it comes to getting a pet, they should consider adopting from the millions of animals that end up in shelters each year.

"American Humane is working collaboratively with 20th Century Fox on vital animal issues and we’re particularly excited about our combined efforts to raise national awareness about the importance of adopting animals from shelters and breed-rescue groups," said Marie Belew Wheatley, president and CEO of American Humane.

The main dog that plays "Marley" in the film is, himself, a dog from a rescue – proving that great dogs can be found at our nation’s shelters. In the movie, "Marley" chews, shreds and wreaks havoc, but his unconditional love inspires.

American Humane points out that the antics in the movie Marley & Me are not far from the truth for most puppies and young adult dogs.

"In the case of the dog in Marley & Me, what you see is what you might get," said Wheatley. "It’s important for potential pet owners to keep this in mind when deciding whether to adopt a dog."

When adopting an animal, American Humane suggests people research specific dog breeds to ensure the new pet will fit their lifestyle. Before adopting a Labrador, American Humane encourages people to determine whether a Lab is right for them.

Just the Lab Facts:

• Labs are the most popular breed in the U.S.
• They can develop slowly and continue puppy-like behavior even past age two.
• Labs can be wonderful companion dogs for active families.
• Many animal shelters and rescues have a large variety of Lab mixes available for adoption.
• Black Labs and Lab mixes tend to be adopted less often than other dogs.
• Labs are multi-talented and can excel in animal-assisted therapy, swimming, retrieving and much more.

American Humane is designated by the Screen Actors Guild as the only animal welfare organization with on-set jurisdiction. Throughout the filming of Marley & Me, an American Humane Certified Animal Safety Representative(TM) monitored the animal action. The movie’s safe use of animals has earned it American Humane’s "Monitored: Outstanding" rating and the "No Animals Were Harmed"(R) end-credit disclaimer.

Marley & Me stars Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston, Eric Dane and Alan Arkin. It was directed by David Frankel, from the screenplay by Scoot Frank and Don Roos, based upon the best-selling book by John Grogan. The producers are Karen Rosenfelt and Gil Netter.

About American Humane

Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit membership organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link(R) between violence to people and violence to animals, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane’s regional office in Los Angeles is the exclusive authority behind the "No Animals Were Harmed"(R) end-credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane’s office in Washington, D.C., is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. The American Humane Certified(TM) farm animal program is the nation’s original independent certification and labeling program for humanely raised food. (www.thehumanetouch.org) American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, has been awarded the Independent Charities of America’s "Best in America" Seal of Approval, and has met the stringent standards for financial efficiency and accountability required by the American Institute of Philanthropy to qualify as a Top-Rated Charity. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.

    Contact: Kelley Weir     (303) 925-9418     kelleyw@americanhumane.org

SOURCE American Humane Association

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EDMOND — When Melissa Rawlings moved from an apartment to a house last year, she checked the Edmond Animal Welfare Web site for the large dog she had always wanted. Two days later, she adopted a Siberian husky mix that had been at the shelter for two months.

“I strongly believe in adopting shelter dogs instead of going to a breeder,” Rawlings said. “When I went to the shelter to meet Kyla, her eyes told me she needed a home.” Together in the get-acquainted room, the beautiful dog rolled over for a tummy rub. “I told her, ‘OK, you’re my girl,’” Rawlings said.

The husky mix became both her new companion and photography subject. As a photographer, Rawlings had displayed her fine art and nature photography at art festivals long before adopting and photographing her dog. When people saw photographs of the husky mix, though, news of Rawlings’ exceptional ability to photograph dogs spread by word of mouth.

“A new career blossomed,” Rawlings said. “I now take photographs of other people’s dogs in their homes or in parks, wherever they feel comfortable. I don’t pose dogs. People tell me I have an unusual eye for photograph composition.” Her clients all want custom-designed photography books about their dogs, said Rawlings, and that gave her an idea.

Once a volunteer dog-walker at the shelter, Rawlings had to give up that activity to work full time, attend veterinary technology school and photograph dogs. With her change in lifestyle, Rawlings had a new idea to volunteer her dog photography skills to publish a book, “The Rescued.” She offered to donate the profits to Paws for Life, a charitable organization that provides special-needs funding for the shelter.

“The response from rescued dog owners wanting to participate was overwhelming,” Rawlings said.

Everyone had the same goal in mind, she said.

“We wanted people to look at the book, see how amazing these dogs are, and realize what adoption had meant to them.” Rawlings chose eight families, most with more than one dog, to be featured in the book. The dogs came from the Edmond Animal Shelter or other shelters.

Rawlings scheduled photograph sessions every weekend for two to three months. Before photographing the dogs, Rawlings said she often “had to run back and forth to tire them out. Young, active dogs are my biggest challenge.” After tiring the dogs, Rawlings still had to be both patient and quick to get the right shots. “The dogs provided my weekend workout,” she said. “I was sore after every session.”

Despite the intrinsic challenges in photographing a dog that has more energy than Rawlings, she said, “Dogs are where my heart is, especially shelter dogs. I hope this book will encourage adoptions.”

TO ORDER A COPY of the four-color photo book, “The Rescued,” and support Paws for Life, go to www.melissarawlings.com. To adopt your own dog or cat, visit the shelter at 2424 Old Timbers Drive, on the southeast corner of Interstate 35 and Covell Road, or call Edmond Animal Welfare, 216-7615. The shelter is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays beginning Jan. 10. The shelter has reduced the usual $70 adoption fee to $35 for cats and $40 for dogs through Jan. 2.

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By MARGERY A. GIBBS – 8 hours ago

A growing number of Americans are giving up their dogs and cats to animal shelters as the emotional bonds between people and pets get tested by economic ones.

From the Malvern, Pa., man who turned his two dogs over in order to help pay for his mother’s cancer treatments, to the New York woman who euthanized her cat rather than keeping it alive with expensive medications, rising economic anxieties make it increasingly difficult for some pet owners to justify spending $1,000 a year or more on pet food, veterinary services and other costs.

The population growth at animal shelters in Connecticut, Nebraska, Texas, Utah and other states shows how the weak economy is also shrinking the pool of potential adopters. And it coincides with a drop-off in government funding and charitable donations.

The effect has been cramped quarters for dogs and cats, a faster rate of shelters euthanizing animals and some shelters turning away people looking to surrender pets, according to interviews with several shelters and animal advocates. Of the estimated 6 million to 8 million dogs and cats sent to animal shelters every year, half are euthanized and the rest adopted, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

"It’s definitely discouraging for us," said Adam Goldfarb, a Humane Society spokesman. "One of our major goals is to develop and celebrate the bond between people and animals. It’s so tragic when families reach a point when they can’t afford to care for their pets."

With two children, a husband on disability and a difficult job search of her own, 23-year-old Mel Bail of Worcester, Mass., had begun feeding leftovers from family meals to her three cats — Rory, Ozzy and Mudpie — before recently deciding to give them up.

"When I couldn’t pay my gas bill, I knew I had to find another home for the cats," Bail said.

But it wasn’t easy to find a shelter that would accept them. "They’re completely full," said Bail, who ultimately turned to online classified ads to find homes for Rory, Ozzy and Mudpie.

There is no nationwide data being collected on the reasons dogs and cats are being abandoned by their owners, but shelter managers and advocates for animals say the trend is undeniable — and probably a bigger phenomenon than they are aware of.

"People are embarrassed to admit that’s why they’re giving up their pets," said Betsy McFarland, the Humane Society’s director of communications for companion animals.

An Associated Press-Petside.com poll found that one in seven owners nationwide reported reduced spending on their pets during the past year’s recession. Of those cutting back, more than a quarter said they have seriously considered giving up their pet.

The average annual cost of owning a dog is about $1,400, while the average annual cost of a cat is about $1,000, according to a survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association. The survey suggests there are some 231 million pets — excluding fish — in more than 71 million homes in America.

In Omaha, Neb., the Nebraska Humane Society’s shelter began tracking for the first time this year those pets given up because of financial constraints. Through mid-November, more than 275 pets were given up because their owners said they couldn’t afford to keep them.

Among them are two 9-year-old miniature schnauzers, dropped off anonymously with a note that said their owners could no longer afford to keep them.

Humane Society spokeswoman Pam Wiese said the obedience-trained purebreds came into the shelter up-to-date on vaccinations and dental care and were well-groomed.

"It is really sad, because for these people, it is not an excuse. They are absolutely stuck, and they need to downsize and there is no one to take the pets," she said. "You can tell these have been much-loved pets."

In New York, Erin Farrell-Talbot recently made the decision to euthanize her 15-year-old cat, Buki, when she was told within days of losing her job that he would need thousands of dollars in treatment and medications costing $65 a month to live.

"When it came down to whether I was going to charge food for the month of September or give medicine to my cat, that was a clear decision for me," Farrell-Talbot said. "It was horrible. It killed us."

The Animal Humane Association in Albuquerque, N.M., saw 69 dogs and cats turned over through September because the owners couldn’t afford to keep them. That compares with 48 in the same period in 2007 — a 44 percent increase, said executive director Peggy Weigle.

In response, Weigle’s shelter began a program to open its emergency pet shelter — normally reserved for battered women needing a place to keep their pets for a while — to those suffering financially. So far this year 45 pets have been taken in through the emergency program, compared with eight the previous year.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Virginia Beach, Va., recently began a program called Help Out Pets Everywhere (HOPE) to provide food, medical care and temporary homes for pets belonging to families with financial difficulties. Eighteen applications were received within the first week.

The program received 18 applications within its first week. Some of those people have never experienced hardship until now, and therefore, neither have their pets, McNally said.

"It’s been devastating," said Amy McNally, a spokeswoman for the program. "For somebody to say, ‘I can’t afford to feed my dog’ — it’s a humbling time."

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Sunday, December 21st 2008, 4:00 AM

This year’s cute-dog epic "Marley & Me" could make you crave your own Christmas puppy. But before you sniff out the pick of the litter, consider the message of another canine caper about to hit screens.

Starting Jan. 23, "Hotel for Dogs" spins the tale of two kids (Jake T. Austin and Emma Roberts) with a scheme to create the ultimate animal shelter. When asked to give up their own beloved pooch, named Friday, they transform an abandoned hotel into a high-tech permanent home for him and his motley menagerie of friends.

The film’s tag line states the kids’ business plan: "No stray turned away." The pooches are both young and old, fluffy and frumpy, one has only three legs. And off-screen, pet food brand Pedigree is donating $250,000 help shelter dogs. The message comes at a time when animal adoption faces a crisis: Dogs and cats need homes this holiday, and the cute puppies aren’t the animals most in need.

The ASPCA estimates that the foreclosure crisis has put 3 million to 4 million pets at risk of abandonment nationwide. While New York City real estate hasn’t been hit quite as hard, the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, a coalition of more than 140 local animal-rescue groups and shelters, reports that municipal Animal Care and Control has seen an increase in pets in need of adoption.

"And then you have other private shelters and many rescue groups that take in animals and work to get animals out of animal control," says Alliance spokesman Steve Gruber. "They’re being inundated."

Most of the animals arriving in shelters are not puppies – they are older pets whose owners could no longer support them. Puppies and kittens, says Gruber, "typically don’t have much trouble finding homes." Older, injured or disabled pets do.

So if you’re game for a new addition to your household, consider following the message of "Hotel" rather than "Marley." As cute as a roly-poly pup is, Gruber points out, many young animals end up back in shelters a year later when they’ve grown into adolescents and surprised their owners with new responsibilities.

Plus, a more mature animal may actually have an easier time integrating into their new household. One of the organizations under the Mayor’s Alliance umbrella, Kitty Kind, runs a "Seniors for Seniors" program that pairs senior, more relaxed cats with senior owners.

Meanwhile, the Picasso Veterinary Fund, a Mayor’s Alliance program, helps pay for life-saving treatment and therapy for sick and injured animals, and facilitates their adoption through Alliance member shelters.

A glance at the organization’s Web site introduces Brady, a 3-year-old German shepherd rehabilitated after he was diagnosed with a ruptured spinal disk that had crippled his hind legs. On Picasso’s Web site, the pooch poses for a snapshot with a set of wheels harnessed to his hind quarters – part of his therapy with specialists upstate – but he is expected to walk on all fours again with continued treatment.

"We call them ‘very special animals,’" says Gruber, using the PC (pet correct) term. "It can mean a cat who’s been hit by a car and had a leg taken off, a diabetic cat, blind dog – anything a little out of the ordinary, because there is a special attention the adopter or family would give to the animals."

For more information about the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC Animals and the Picasso Veterinary Fund, visit www.animalalliancenyc.org

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