The Senior Dogs Project

The Senior Dogs Project
..........."Looking Out for Older Dogs" ...........

"Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog."
- Sydney Jeanne Seward

Issues & Announcements

Breeding, Even by Friends, Is Not Acceptable

We Are Their "Guardians"

Spam Hurts All of Us, and the Dogs, Too

Between five and six hundred pieces of spam are directed to the Senior Dogs Project daily. Even though we have placed various filters on our mail, it still keeps getting through. Spammers are notorious for their tenacity and creativity in getting around obstacles. Aside from the pornographic messages (with graphic images included), offers for Viagra without a prescription, and the ads for enlarging various body parts, there are messages about mortgages and insurance that we don't need or want, dating services in which we have no interest, and myriad other products, both offensive and irrelevant. The time we spend each day deleting spam is time that could be spent helping homeless dogs. But, what can anyone do? One of the answers is: Never respond to a spam message! Even if you think it's an offer you can't refuse ('though there is probably nothing worth having that is introduced to you by means of spam). It's reported that if a spamming service receives just one or two responses to the messages they've deployed, they make money. Until there is some effective legislation against spam, as individuals we can discourage it by not responding to spam and not enabling the spammers to make money.

Help with Veterinary Expenses for Good Samaritans and Needy Individuals

Can You Post a Senior Dogs Project Flyer?

In Defense of Animals Praises
Legally Blonde 2

Focus on Dogs Focuses on Seniors

Estate Planning for Your Animal Companions

Senior Dog Health

In the past two months, we've received one positive report from a consumer whose dog has benefited from taking Rimadyl; the rest of the reports were negative. Here are some exerpts and summaries:

On a positive note, an e-mail message from Val T.: "We have a 16-year-old American Eskimo Dog named Frosty. He has been on Rimadyl for almost three years for arthritic hips and spine. We give him the pill with a small piece of cheese to help him get it down. He receives 1/2 pill in the morning and 1/2 pill in the evening, totaling 25mg a day. Frosty weighs 15 lbs. and was as healthy as a horse until the arthritis. Our vet does a blood chemistry on him every six months. He is just now starting to show high urea levels in his blood. The most important thing is to keep up the blood work, since Rimadyl can damage the kidneys. At this time he still has a wonderful quality of life...thanks to Rimadyl. Without Rimadyl, we would have lost him."

Negative reports: A 5 1/2-year-old Bichon Frisee named Molly underwent surgery for bladder stones on June 12, 2003. The night after surgery, when she exhibited pain, her guardian called the vet; he prescribed Rimadyl. The veterinarian did not advise the client of the potential side effects, thus, the client did not recognize them when they appeared (after the initial dose) and she continued to administer Rimadyl. After the third dose, she withdrew Rimadyl, but, by then, it was apparently too late. She writes: "On June 17, I woke to find Molly's little belly bulging. It was apparent she was in acute renal failure. She had not urinated since the morning of June 14. I kept asking the vet if this was all right, but I never was given an answer. I brought her into the vet that morning; he catheterized her and did a blood test. He said the numbers were extremely high and that, if she came out of this, she would have 25% kidney function. ... Molly had always been a healthy dog other than the bladder stones. The only answer I was given when I asked the vet if it could be the Rimadyl was, 'I didn't send her home with it; you called and asked for it.' I was shocked and could not believe what I was hearing. I took Molly home and she grew larger and her heart beat was becoming more intense. On June 19, shortly after midnight, Molly passed away in my daughter's arms while having a violent seizure. It was the most heart-wrenching experience either one of us has ever endured." -- Reported by Candy S.

Duchess, a 7-year-old Great Dane with slight lameness was given Rimadyl for about a week, during which she collapsed with a GI hemorrhage. After a week of intensive care, she was euthanized. Since she was in good health up to this time, Rimadyl is suspected as the cause of her death. The same person reports that her 2-year-old Great Dane was also given Rimadyl for lameness, but that it became worse, not better while on the drug. The veterinarian then increased the dosage, and she became worse still. When she was unable to get up or stand, blood work was done, but showed no problem. The vet suggested it was a brain tumor. After withdrawing the Rimadyl, the dog was able to stand and walk and improved significantly. -- Reported by Ann V.L.

Food & Drug Administration/Center for Veterinary Medicine reports of deaths associated with Rimadyl (Carprofen) -- cumulative:

May 1, 2003 - 2,133 dogs have died
June 4, 2003 - 2,153 dogs have died
July 8, 2003 - 2,182 dogs have died

Previous annual reports of deaths associated with Rimadyl (Carprofen):

Year 1997: 195 dogs
Year 1998: 456 dogs
Year 1999: 371 dogs
Year 2000: 470 dogs
Year 2001: 537 dogs

A Case History of the Benefits of Anipryl for Dogs with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome

Our thanks to Susan Hickman, who generously contributed the following article to the Senior Dogs Project website.

Chelsea and Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome
by Susan Hickman
sehdor@aol.com

Chelsea was diagnosed with canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) in October 2000, just before her 11th birthday. Chelsea's behavior changed in two primary ways. First, she began to wake us up at night with increasing frequency, panting, trembling, and appearing inconsolably terrified. This behavior was not completely new -- she had always reacted strongly to thunderstorms and loud noises from apartments above us. However, she started to act terrified several times a week and we were unable to identify any stimuli in the environment that explained her behavior. She would also pace for hours at night, her nails clicking on our hardwoods, and burrow into our closets in an attempt to hide. (One night I found in her in a guest room closet burrowing inside the bag that contained my wedding dress!) Second, she started to urinate on our bed (always on my husband's side), the guest bed, and the bathmat. This was not completely new, either. In the past, she peed on our bed once or twice a year. We called these 'revenge pees' because her behavior was always clearly tied to an event (e.g., bringing her home after boarding several days at the kennel). However, she started to pee on both beds as well as on our bathmat several times a month until it escalated to a minimum of once a week. Often the blanket or rug she peed on would be balled up as if she had dug and clawed at them before peeing (a behavior we often saw when she was frightened). Tests revealed no urinary tract infection or other plausible explanation. There had been no changes in our household. Her routine was stable. All of this left us feeling not just frustrated, but completely inept. Our vet was sympathetic but could only suggest that we crate her during the day and that we call Dr. Jacqueline Neilson for an evaluation.

The crating was helpful, as were the baby gates we purchased to keep her from peeing on the guest bed. However, it was too little, too late. By the time we a vet with advance training in animal behavioral problems, we were at our wit's end. After reviewing Chelsea's medical records (including requested labs)and interviewing us extensively about Chelsea, the vet (Dr. Jacqui Nielson of Portland, Oregon) agreed that her behavior seemed to make little sense--on the surface. However, she concluded that the symptoms we described were consistent with the diagnosis of canine cognitive dysfunction disorder syndrome. Dr. Neilson recommended Anipryl and we agreed to a trial after a few days of debating the expense.

She started off on 10 mg per day. We also were given sedatives for the nighttime episodes. Over the next month, we used less and less sedative until we stopped needing to give it to Chelsea all together, approximately five weeks after we started the Anipryl. The frequency of her nighttime fearfulness decreased, as did her inappropriate urination, pacing, digging, and other aggravating behaviors, until these behaviors virtually disappeared. We continued to crate her during the day, a new routine she adapted to surprisingly quickly. On three occasions, her medication has been bumped up following sustained changes in her behavior (as measured by how often we needed to give her sedatives) and she is now at 25mg per day. We now purchase the generic seledgeline through an on-line pharmacy at a cheaper price than we could find elsewhere. Although this treatment has not been inexpensive, it has been well worth it. The changes we have seen since starting the medication have been nothing short of amazing and everyone's quality of life has improved markedly. It has now been over six months since we have needed to give Chelsea a sedative at night (and five months since her third medication increase). She has not peed on our bed for at least a year (though she now goes on the floor). Chelsea rarely suffers from terrifying nighttime fearfulness (which had to be awful for her) and the people she depends on now respond to her with the compassion and kindness she deserves, instead of frustration.

It should be said that while the medication has effectively controlled symptoms, it has not stopped the underlying disease or advancing age. Chelsea's dementia is clearly progressing, even with the medication and the addition of a new food from Hill's Science Diet designed to slow the disease (started in the Summer of 2001). We frequently catch her staring at us as if she has no idea who were are, relaxing only after we offer our hand for her to sniff. A recent move has left her confused about which side of the door opens and new routines, such as where to turn on our walk, have been almost impossible to teach her. She is impulsive and will grab things from our hands and stick her head in the cat box in front of us. Chelsea sleeps approximately 20 hours a day. Recently, she has forgotten to pee and poop when outside and has gone on the carpet. Her weight has dropped from 35lbs to 28lbs, likely in part because she sometimes forgets to eat. She is now a frail 13 years -- her legs are weaker, she is going deaf, and she is peppered with gray. But we love her dearly and there is no question in our minds that the Anipryl enabled us to keep her in our family over the past two and a half years.

Rescue and Adoption News

Ian's Story -- You Cannot Measure Love in Years
by Alison Doyle

Regarding the Humane Society of Clarksville-Montgomery County, TN ....

Want to read the ....... June/July 2003 Newsletter?

News.... August/September 2003
*In this edition:* Issues & Announcements....Senior Dog Health.....Rescue and Adoption News....Correction re the Humane Society of Clarksville-Montgomery County, TN
Issues & Announcements
Breeding, Even by Friends, Is Not Acceptable
A few days ago we received an E-mail message from a good friend. The photo attached to the message was of eight Golden Retriever puppies in two laundry baskets. The note was cheery -- "Thought you would enjoy this cute photo of the puppies my cousin's sister-in-law's dog just had! Boys in one basket, girls in the other!" We were not cheered. In fact, we were rather depressed. We found it hard to believe that our friend didn't have a clue! Seeing more puppies coming into the world (no matter how cute) is not our idea of cheeriness when over five million companion animals (equally as cute, in our eyes) are euthanized in shelters every year. In replying to our friend, we agreed that the puppies were cute and hoped that good homes would be found for all of them. We also advised that the cousin and sister-in-law each take eight dogs out of their local shelters and find homes for them, as well. We're now on a campaign to make sure all our friends know our position on breeding companion animals. We hope you'll do the same. September 10, 2003 -- Editor's note: One of the responses we received to this editorial was absolutely wonderful. We hope you'll take the time to read it.
We Are Their "Guardians"
In a previous newsletter we posted an item about the Guardian Campaign currently being waged by the organization *In Defense of Animals (IDA).* IDA reports that the legislative bodies of seven cities (most recently San Francisco) and the state of Rhode Island have adopted use of the term "guardian" with reference to a person's relationship to animals. IDA has just announced the forming of "The Guardian Network," which you may join to help wage the campaign. Among the work you can do is to attach the following Guardian Campaign signature to your e-mail messages: I no longer use language that accepts the current concept of animals as property, commodities and/or things. Rather than referring to myself or others as "owners" of animals we share our lives with, I now refer to myself and others as "guardians" of our animal friends and to animals as "he" or "she" rather than "it." Guardians do not buy or sell animals; istead they rescue and adopt. I urge you to do the same. To find out more about how you can help the campaign, visit the IDA website.
Spam Hurts All of Us, and the Dogs, Too
Between five and six hundred pieces of spam are directed to the Senior Dogs Project daily. Even though we have placed various filters on our mail, it still keeps getting through. Spammers are notorious for their tenacity and creativity in getting around obstacles. Aside from the pornographic messages (with graphic images included), offers for Viagra without a prescription, and the ads for enlarging various body parts, there are messages about mortgages and insurance that we don't need or want, dating services in which we have no interest, and myriad other products, both offensive and irrelevant. The time we spend each day deleting spam is time that could be spent helping homeless dogs. But, what can anyone do? One of the answers is: Never respond to a spam message! Even if you think it's an offer you can't refuse ('though there is probably nothing worth having that is introduced to you by means of spam). It's reported that if a spamming service receives just one or two responses to the messages they've deployed, they make money. Until there is some effective legislation against spam, as individuals we can discourage it by not responding to spam and not enabling the spammers to make money.
Help with Veterinary Expenses for Good Samaritans and Needy Individuals
Here's a description of United Animal Nation's new LifeLine Rescue program from their website: "United Animal Nation's new LifeLine Rescue program, established in 2000, steps in to fill the gap when a grassroots rescue group or individual has saved an animal in need and now needs financial assistance to obtain emergency veterinary care for the animal. These are the "Good Samaritans" who will stop to pick up an injured animal on the road and take the animal in for emergency medical care, regardless of whether the animal has a family who will come to pay the bill.	Sasha is one of the hundreds of animals who have received emergency veterinary care with the help of a LifeLine* grant.*
"What about the senior citizen, living alone on a small social security check -- what does she do when her beloved companion cat becomes seriously ill and needs life-saving emergency surgery? Or the person who loses his job and then faces the tragedy of his dog being hit by a car? "United Animal Nations established the LifeLine fund in 1997 to aid companion animals in times of life-threatening emergencies when their caregivers, with low or no incomes, are unable to afford the entire cost of treatment. Thanks to generous donations from UAN members and other caring individuals, LifeLine has aided more than 1,500 animals and their caregivers since that time with a no-strings attached grant for emergency veterinary care. For more information, visit the website.
*Can You Post a Senior Dogs Project* Flyer?**
Can you help us get the word out about the Senior Dogs Project, and, in particular, the benefits to be derived from adopting an older dog? So many good dogs who are over the age of five are euthanized simply because of their age and the bias most people have toward adopting puppies. If you'd like us to e-mail a copy of the flyer to you (it's in *Word* format, and you can print it out from your computer), just send an e-mail to: srdogs@srdogs.com with the word "Flyer" in the subject line or the message body. We've heard from supporters that they've posted the flyer in supermarkets, shelters, churches, veterinary offices, doggie daycare centers, dog trainers' offices, parks where people walk their dogs, and community bulletin boards. So, if you have time and opportunity, we'd appreciate your printing out a copy and posting it. Thank you!
In Defense of Animals Praises *Legally Blonde 2*
	*In Defense of Animals* writes: "Looking for a good summer movie? *Legally Blonde 2* promotes the importance of animal protection. In the newly-released movie, the main character, Elle Woods, played by Reese Witherspoon, goes to Washington, DC, to introduce a bill to ban cosmetic testing on animals. Elle is successful in the movie; however; no such ban exists in the United States. Cosmetics and household product companies kill millions of animals every year in pursuit of profit.
"Product tests are performed on items from shampoo to laundry detergents. Since cosmetic and household products and ingredients are not required to be tested on animals and since non-animal alternatives exist, it is difficult to understand why companies continue to conduct these cruel tests. Institutional inertia seems to be at work, caused in part by technicians, researchers, and industry legal departments who blindly cling to the outdated methods of the past.
"Thanks to the movie, now is an excellent time to write a letter to the editor of the paper of your choice about product testing. The European Union recently voted to phase out the use of product testing, and the United States should do the same. Visit http://www.idausa.org/facts/costesting.html to learn more about cosmetic testing.
Focus on Dogs Focuses on Seniors
Gary Higginson, founder of *Focus on Dogs* recently completed a heart-rending article -- a "case history" -- about Buddy, an older dog at a shelter. Entitled "Older Pals Often Overlooked....Consider Making a Senior Dog Your Next Best Friend," the article incorporates the Senior Dogs Project's "Top 10 Reasons to Adopt a Senior Dog." We hope it will inspire readers not to pass by the kennels housing the older dogs at the shelter. You can read the article at the *Focus on Dogs* site.
Estate Planning for Your Animal Companions
We all need to think about a will, but it is especially important to do so if we have companion animals. Recently we heard about a book that covers this topic. Here's an excerpt from the press release:
"The first comprehensive book ever published on the subject of estate planning for pets has received a 2002 Muse Medallion award from the Cat Writers' Association, Inc., (CWA.) "When Your Pet Outlives You: Protecting Animal Companions After You Die" (NewSage Press 2002), by David Congalton and Charlotte Alexander, was singled out as the recipient of one of the organization's highest communication honors for its combination of compelling personal stories and practical advice on how to protect pets after an owner's death." For more information, you can visit the website.
Senior Dog Health
Rimadyl
In the past two months, we've received one positive report from a consumer whose dog has benefited from taking Rimadyl; the rest of the reports were negative. Here are some exerpts and summaries: On a positive note, an e-mail message from Val T.: "We have a 16-year-old American Eskimo Dog named Frosty. He has been on Rimadyl for almost three years for arthritic hips and spine. We give him the pill with a small piece of cheese to help him get it down. He receives 1/2 pill in the morning and 1/2 pill in the evening, totaling 25mg a day. Frosty weighs 15 lbs. and was as healthy as a horse until the arthritis. Our vet does a blood chemistry on him every six months. He is just now starting to show high urea levels in his blood. The most important thing is to keep up the blood work, since Rimadyl can damage the kidneys. At this time he still has a wonderful quality of life...thanks to Rimadyl. Without Rimadyl, we would have lost him." Negative reports: A 5 1/2-year-old Bichon Frisee named Molly underwent surgery for bladder stones on June 12, 2003. The night after surgery, when she exhibited pain, her guardian called the vet; he prescribed Rimadyl. The veterinarian did not advise the client of the potential side effects, thus, the client did not recognize them when they appeared (after the initial dose) and she continued to administer Rimadyl. After the third dose, she withdrew Rimadyl, but, by then, it was apparently too late. She writes: "On June 17, I woke to find Molly's little belly bulging. It was apparent she was in acute renal failure. She had not urinated since the morning of June 14. I kept asking the vet if this was all right, but I never was given an answer. I brought her into the vet that morning; he catheterized her and did a blood test. He said the numbers were extremely high and that, if she came out of this, she would have 25% kidney function. ... Molly had always been a healthy dog other than the bladder stones. The only answer I was given when I asked the vet if it could be the Rimadyl was, 'I didn't send her home with it; you called and asked for it.' I was shocked and could not believe what I was hearing. I took Molly home and she grew larger and her heart beat was becoming more intense. On June 19, shortly after midnight, Molly passed away in my daughter's arms while having a violent seizure. It was the most heart-wrenching experience either one of us has ever endured." -- Reported by Candy S. Duchess, a 7-year-old Great Dane with slight lameness was given Rimadyl for about a week, during which she collapsed with a GI hemorrhage. After a week of intensive care, she was euthanized. Since she was in good health up to this time, Rimadyl is suspected as the cause of her death. The same person reports that her 2-year-old Great Dane was also given Rimadyl for lameness, but that it became worse, not better while on the drug. The veterinarian then increased the dosage, and she became worse still. When she was unable to get up or stand, blood work was done, but showed no problem. The vet suggested it was a brain tumor. After withdrawing the Rimadyl, the dog was able to stand and walk and improved significantly. -- Reported by Ann V.L. Food & Drug Administration/Center for Veterinary Medicine reports of deaths associated with Rimadyl (Carprofen) -- cumulative: May 1, 2003 - 2,133 dogs have died June 4, 2003 - 2,153 dogs have died July 8, 2003 - 2,182 dogs have died Previous annual reports of deaths associated with Rimadyl (Carprofen): Year 1997: 195 dogs Year 1998: 456 dogs Year 1999: 371 dogs Year 2000: 470 dogs Year 2001: 537 dogs
A Case History of the Benefits of Anipryl for Dogs with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome
Our thanks to Susan Hickman, who generously contributed the following article to the Senior Dogs Project website. Chelsea and Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome by Susan Hickman sehdor@aol.com Chelsea was diagnosed with canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) in October 2000, just before her 11th birthday. Chelsea's behavior changed in two primary ways. First, she began to wake us up at night with increasing frequency, panting, trembling, and appearing inconsolably terrified. This behavior was not completely new -- she had always reacted strongly to thunderstorms and loud noises from apartments above us. However, she started to act terrified several times a week and we were unable to identify any stimuli in the environment that explained her behavior. She would also pace for hours at night, her nails clicking on our hardwoods, and burrow into our closets in an attempt to hide. (One night I found in her in a guest room closet burrowing inside the bag that contained my wedding dress!) Second, she started to urinate on our bed (always on my husband's side), the guest bed, and the bathmat. This was not completely new, either. In the past, she peed on our bed once or twice a year. We called these 'revenge pees' because her behavior was always clearly tied to an event (e.g., bringing her home after boarding several days at the kennel). However, she started to pee on both beds as well as on our bathmat several times a month until it escalated to a minimum of once a week. Often the blanket or rug she peed on would be balled up as if she had dug and clawed at them before peeing (a behavior we often saw when she was frightened). Tests revealed no urinary tract infection or other plausible explanation. There had been no changes in our household. Her routine was stable. All of this left us feeling not just frustrated, but completely inept. Our vet was sympathetic but could only suggest that we crate her during the day and that we call Dr. Jacqueline Neilson for an evaluation. The crating was helpful, as were the baby gates we purchased to keep her from peeing on the guest bed. However, it was too little, too late. By the time we a vet with advance training in animal behavioral problems, we were at our wit's end. After reviewing Chelsea's medical records (including requested labs)and interviewing us extensively about Chelsea, the vet (Dr. Jacqui Nielson of Portland, Oregon) agreed that her behavior seemed to make little sense--on the surface. However, she concluded that the symptoms we described were consistent with the diagnosis of canine cognitive dysfunction disorder syndrome. Dr. Neilson recommended Anipryl and we agreed to a trial after a few days of debating the expense. She started off on 10 mg per day. We also were given sedatives for the nighttime episodes. Over the next month, we used less and less sedative until we stopped needing to give it to Chelsea all together, approximately five weeks after we started the Anipryl. The frequency of her nighttime fearfulness decreased, as did her inappropriate urination, pacing, digging, and other aggravating behaviors, until these behaviors virtually disappeared. We continued to crate her during the day, a new routine she adapted to surprisingly quickly. On three occasions, her medication has been bumped up following sustained changes in her behavior (as measured by how often we needed to give her sedatives) and she is now at 25mg per day. We now purchase the generic seledgeline through an on-line pharmacy at a cheaper price than we could find elsewhere. Although this treatment has not been inexpensive, it has been well worth it. The changes we have seen since starting the medication have been nothing short of amazing and everyone's quality of life has improved markedly. It has now been over six months since we have needed to give Chelsea a sedative at night (and five months since her third medication increase). She has not peed on our bed for at least a year (though she now goes on the floor). Chelsea rarely suffers from terrifying nighttime fearfulness (which had to be awful for her) and the people she depends on now respond to her with the compassion and kindness she deserves, instead of frustration. It should be said that while the medication has effectively controlled symptoms, it has not stopped the underlying disease or advancing age. Chelsea's dementia is clearly progressing, even with the medication and the addition of a new food from Hill's Science Diet designed to slow the disease (started in the Summer of 2001). We frequently catch her staring at us as if she has no idea who were are, relaxing only after we offer our hand for her to sniff. A recent move has left her confused about which side of the door opens and new routines, such as where to turn on our walk, have been almost impossible to teach her. She is impulsive and will grab things from our hands and stick her head in the cat box in front of us. Chelsea sleeps approximately 20 hours a day. Recently, she has forgotten to pee and poop when outside and has gone on the carpet. Her weight has dropped from 35lbs to 28lbs, likely in part because she sometimes forgets to eat. She is now a frail 13 years -- her legs are weaker, she is going deaf, and she is peppered with gray. But we love her dearly and there is no question in our minds that the Anipryl enabled us to keep her in our family over the past two and a half years.
Rescue and Adoption News
Shortly after the Senior Dogs Project lost Stynson, a Golden Retriever with cancer whom we adopted at the age of 12, we were sent the following story written by Alison Doyle. We were struck by the similarities in the cases of Ian and Stynson. Like Ian, Stynson was dumped at a city shelter and came into rescue with a huge tumor, and, like Ian, he died of his cancer about a year and a half after we adopted him. We've posted an excerpt from Ian's story. You may read it in its entirely on the Peppertree website. Our thanks to Alison Doyle, who really "says it all" in Ian's Story.
Ian's Story -- You Cannot Measure Love in Years by Alison Doyle
Goldens take your heart, and cherish it... they walk with it, and sleep with it, and they will never let it out of their sight... and when it's their time, they will take a little piece of it with them to remember you by.... And leave a piece for you to remember them by.... Author Unknown
. . . Ian is a poster boy for dog rescue and is symbolic of the best rescue can be. As Jim Willis, author of Pieces of My Heart told me: 'That's what it is all about - not "sense," not "logic," not "economics" - but the precious beings who somebody else threw away and still have the power to change lives.' Ian's rescue didn't make a whole lot of sense from a logical or economical point of view. He was old, he was going to have massive vet bills and probably wasn't going to be that easy to place. He sure did change lives though -- most of all mine. This is also a story of love and of hope and of the good that the tireless, unpaid, unsung heroes of dog rescue do, day in and day out, with a never-ending stream of dogs that someone has decided they can't keep, don't want, have to get rid of, and typically need to have that happen right now. It is, too, a story of grief, sadness and letting go. To read Ian's story in its entirely go to the Peppertree website.
Correction....
Regarding the Humane Society of Clarksville-Montgomery County, TN ....
When we received a news release about the closing of the Humane Society of Clarksville-Montgomery County shelter and the auction to sell off the contents of the building, we were deeply saddened. In our editorial comment on the news release, we speculated that the animals in the guardianship of the society might not find homes in time to be saved. We are relieved to find out that our speculation *was wrong!! Our thanks to website visitors who were able to point us in the direction of the complete facts about the closing of the shelter. We realize that, in these times of personal and governmental belt-tightening, inaccurate information can seriously hurt the interests of humane organizations, and we apologize for not checking the facts before publication of the item in our newsletter. Here are the facts: Due to lack of funding, the Humane Society of Clarksville-Montgomery County shelter was forced to close its doors, but it did so only after finding homes or foster care for the animals in its guardianship at that time. The Society continues to function and has not lost focus of its mission: " . . . to prevent the suffering of animals by promoting spaying and neutering and . . . supporting the efforts of local and regional rescues and shelters." Although operating without a shelter building, the society continues its compassionate programs and services, among them: Spay Neuter Assistance Clarksville (SNAC)* - Low cost spay neuter program *Animal Welfare Assistance Services (AWAS)* - Providing financial aid to families in need of assistance for animal care. *Anti-Tethering and Chaining Program (ATCP)* - Humane education for improving the quality of life for chained or tethered animals. *Shelter and Rescue Support Program (SRSP)* - Financial Aid for the medical expenses of homeless pets. *24-Hour phone line for information and referrals* For additional information on these programs and services and to find out how you can help by volunteering or making a much-needed donation, please see the society website.
Want to read the ....... June/July 2003 Newsletter?