Faith’s Happy Home

FAITH BEFORE

FAITH NOW:

From her new parents:

Hi guys! Just wanted to give you an update on Faith. She is doing wonderfully. Full as energy as ever. She gets along with our dogs great, and also gets to play with a few other local dogs, and we have no problem. On the down side of the socialization part, our cat is still living upstairs because Faith sometimes thinks she is a furry treat. They have come to the point now where they will kind of look at each other and leave it at that. Faith still jumps at her once in awhile, but that is only when Meka (cat) darts off real quick.

There is not a day go by when Faith does not make us laugh. She has such a personality. And she thinks she is a mountain goat. You’ll see in the attached photos. Everyday is a new experience. Jumping, pouncing, licking; almost cat-like. And the jumping, we should put her in some sort of event. I bet she can jump about 5 feet no problem from a stand still. I’m 5′11”, and she can reach my face easily.

The one day she got a hold of an M&M that Lori dropped. Instant addiction. Anytime we have any out, she is in your face relentlessly, to the point where we have to go to another room to have a couple. (They are a favorite snack of my son). And then there is the ice cubes. That’s the answer to a cheap dog treat. If I put a treat and an ice cube on the ground, she will go for the ice cube first. Not sure why, but she loves them. It’s like Pavlov’s dog. She hears the ice machine on the fridge, and she’ll come running from nowhere.

The sleeping is sooo funny. She is almost in a coma when she sleeps. Nothing will wake her up. She’ll sleep upside down, head hanging off the couch, on your lap, on top of other dogs, where ever she feels. She definitely has no etiquette when it comes to laying where she pleases. One time she was sleeping on the couch and slid off and landed on the other dogs. They didn’t move and she didn’t either. She didn’t even wake up. We laughed and let them be.

Overall, she is a great addition to our family. She loves Caleb our son, and has never been a ‘regret’. There are times when we have to remind ourselves she is a puppy - one with a shoe and chewing fetish. Nothing is safe in her presence. Have to have it on a table or be supervised, or she will have a nice leather treat!

Thank you both for helping in finding her. We really do love her. In fact, we are thinking of trying to start some sort of awareness program or something, because we really think this breed is misunderstood. I have never seen a dog so eager to please its owner. And they crack me up! Such personality, and fun to play with.

- David & Lori Hesse

Why We Do What We Do

One of the most dedicated rescue workers I know received an irate email from a woman complaining about her posts saying, “Your postings are absolutely disgusting!!! Instead of killing your dogs why dont you bring them to no kill animal shelters!!! Seems a lil more fair dont you think!”

Hmmmm.

There is a chain of people who help out Anissa and Anne in Central Illinois by posting the animals that come into the local 5-day-then-euthanize pounds. They go in and temperament test, vet, and rescue all of the adoptable dogs (and sometimes cats!) they can place, and rescues from all over the area take them in. A lot of the animals I post here are theirs. There are other volunteers who pitch in and do transports from there to wherever the dogs need to go. ADOPT has regularly taken in their dogs and they have all been wonderful.

One of the volunteers who helps post wrote back to the woman. I will let his words do the talking now:

I understand you regard Anissa Sadeghi’s ads as being disgusting.

A. I post a lot of ads for her and need to get attention for them in order to save lives. People need to know that the animal(s) is in a desperate life or death situation. She also sends out URGENT! emails that are networked/cross-posted in an effort to save these animals.

B. Anissa Sadeghi is a volunteer who is dedicated to saving animals. She was named the 2006 Pedigree Volunteer of the year for her work in saving animals at Hancock County Pound in Carthage, Illinois. Anissa does not set policy for that shelter. She is trying to save as many lives as possible.

C. Anissa’s group of volunteers drive animals to safety once an approved shelter/rescue or foster has agreed to accept them. To do so, they have to use their own money for what is not covered by donations.

D. County Animal Control shelters are required to admit every animal brought to them. This leads to overcrowding which leads to euthanizations. They receive limited government funding which leaves these shelters in a position of limited space & supplies. No-kill shelters receive no government funding but have limited admissions. When they are full they will not admit animals. Some No-kill shelters make restrictions such as age, breed, etc.

E. The animal overcrowding in this country is massive. Seven million dogs & cats are killed each year in this country due to shelter overcrowding. That’s an average of800 per hour! A great many more dogs/cats than humans are born in the United States. The main problem is lack of spaying/neutering.

F. There are people that are associated with shelters that will no longer advertise for their animals in Craigslist due to the abuse they receive. They are being verbally attacked by well-meaning persons who don’t understand the situation. Instead of going after those that will not spay/neuter or the puppy mills or the government, they attempt to shame heroes such as Anissa Sadeghi and the others who are trying to inform the public that these poor shelter animals need help!

Top Ten New Species of 2007 Named

From National Geographic.com

The list, released in May 2008, draws attention to the need to flesh out biodiversity data, according to Quentin Wheeler, an entomologist and director of International Institute for Species Exploration (IISE) at Arizona State University.

“We only know 10 percent of the species out there, and therefore are powerless to recognize potential pests and vectors of disease,” Wheeler said.

The IISE will release the ranking every year to draw attention to the importance of taxonomy and species exploration.

The winners—chosen from a pool of thousands—were based on peculiar names and unique and surprising attributes, among other criteria.

In real life, nearly 15,000 to 20,000 new species are discovered each year.

1. Ornate Sleeper Ray

With powerful suction capabilities, Electrolux addisoni—a species of electric ray—lives up to its scientific name. Commonly called the ornate sleeper ray, Electrolux crowns the inaugural list.

2. Giant Duck-Billed Dinosaur

Discovered by high school students in southern Utah in 2002, the above fossil dates back 75 million years and is one of the largest duck-billed dinosaurs ever found.

3. Shocking Pink Dragon Millipede

The millipede’s bright color helps to warn predators that it is not candy-coated, but is instead spiny and toxic. It was discovered in Thailand. The millipede’s unusual habit of sitting in plain sight during the day probably also tells predators that it’s inedible, researchers believe.

4. Sri Lankan Shrub Frog

A newly named frog species had been bottled up for nearly 150 years. Scientists declared it a new species when the specimen was rediscovered last year. But the frog and a number of related species are likely now extinct, experts say.

Since the science of taxonomy was refined in the 18th century, scientists have recorded about 1.8 billion species on Earth. Most experts estimate that there are close to ten million species on our planet.

5. Central Ranges Taipan

Discovered in an isolated and arid region of Australia in 2007, the Central Ranges Taipan is one of the most venomous snakes in the world. The snake slithered onto the list in part because accurate identification of species can help with proper treatment of bites.

6. Mindoro Stripe-Faced Fruit Bat (my personal fav)

The large and charismatic Mindoro stripe-faced fruit bat is found only on the Philippine island of Mindoro. The only other species in this genus was discovered by Alfred Russell Wallace, a colleague of Charles Darwin, on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.

7. New Mushroom

A new fungus species, above, was discovered on the campus of Imperial College, London in 2007—growing right under the noses of some of the world’s leading academics.

8. Lethal Jellyfish

This jellyfish species, Malo kingi, was named after American tourist Robert King, who died after apparently being stung by the species off northern Queensland in Australia.

News of the 2002 event helped raise awareness about this new potentially lethal species.

9. Rhinoceros Beetle

A new rhinoceros beetle found in Peru has a hornlike structure on its head that had never been seen before—except in Dim, a character in the Disney/Pixar animated film A Bug’s Life.

10. Michelin Man Plant

This bubbly plant found in western Australia made the list because it resembles the Michelin Man. The species was found during an environmental impact survey for a mining company, and is one of 298 new plant species named last year in western Australia alone.

Lost Dog

Reward offered for information leading to the safe return of this dog. Beagle lost in the Pullman area of Chicago on May 26. Last seen in the industrial area near 111th and I-90/94.

Name:  Guiness

Gender:  Female

Age:  3 to 4 years

She is wearing a collar that says “Scooter” and has her address and phone number, she also has a microchip.

If found or spotted (she is very shy), please call :

773/415-8692 or 773/330-9192 or 630/697-6028 or 614/638-8714

Today’s Cats

These kitties are at the Young at Heart Pet Rescue in Palatine. For more information, or to see more pets, click here >>

If you adopt these two together, you get a 2-for-1 deal!

Harley

Hi! I’m Harley, a very sweet and personable 7 year old Persian. I loooove people, and am the first to greet you when you walk into the adoption center. Me and my pal, Jordan, found ourselves at a local pound when our owners moved, but now we’re here at Young At Heart waiting for our forever home. I really like low-key, cat-friendly dogs, and love to be in your lap. I’m very healthy and friendly, and can’t wait to find a home with my buddy, Jordan.

Jordan

Hi! I’m Jordan, a very squishy faced 10 year old Persian who is dainty and full of love. I’m a very good boy, and found myself homeless, along with my friend Harley, when our owners moved and dropped us off at the pound. Can you imagine? Anyway, we found ourselves at this great rescue, and we’re having a blast. I love to eat, and quite often will tell you when I’m hungry or need a little lovin’. I’d love a home where I can take Harley with me, as we’ve been together for 7 years. I’m a very healthy boy, but do need a home where someone will wipe my eyes each day (a silly squishy face Persian thing).

_____________________________________

The next two are at the West Suburban Humane Society in Downer’s Grove. Click here for more. >>

Prince Charles II

I’m Prince Charles II or P-Chuck as some call me. I’m exceedingly friendly and a joy to be around. I am very talkative and personable and will even hold a conversation with you. I was once adopted from this shelter as a young kitten but sadly I was returned when I got older. If I do say so myself, I am a wonderful boy who does well with other cats and children and seems to tolerate dogs. I’d fit in great in your home if you’re looking for a bit more love in your life.

Barton

I am so special that I get to live in an office here at the shelter. I share it with feline royalty, going by the name of Prince Charles, and my favorite person as well. I am so good looking that everyone just has to put their hands of my luxurious fur. I crave attention so much that I have been known to lay across the desk of my favorite person, on her papers and even in front of the keyboard so she will have to pet me. I have a scar around my neck from an embedded collar, and although that is a time of my life I would rather forget, you can’t even tell by looking at me. That’s because of my magnetic personality. I don’t mind it too much here, but I can’t help but think a real home will be so much more fun and relaxing.

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Dogs from the Floods

I was going to title this “flood of dogs” but resisted the urge.

Due to the flooding, the pounds in the Hancock County, IL., area are overfull. Here are some of the dogs in need. More dogs are coming in everyday as several towns there are evacuating. Transport to Chicago is available.

Spade

Spade is currently at the Quincy Humane Society, but they are crowded with flood dogs. He has passed their temperament evaluation and was on schedule to go to rescue with the Wisconsin Rescue Waggin, but because of flooding they cannot get to Quincy. Spade is approx 3 yrs, intact male, current vaccinations, partially house-trained, ok with cats, loves people, and ok with all dogs! Spade spent some time inside, but mostly outside. He is a great dog, just needs training! Please contact Anne at ausiersq@dstream.net, or Jane at holtfam@adams.net.

Coonhound

This boy was dumped at the Hancock county, IL dog pound. He is a super sweet boy! He is about 60 pounds, good with other dogs, quiet, mellow, 2 years old. If you can help sponsor (donate towards his vetting) or rescue him please contact Anissa at westhancockk9@mchsi.com. Transport to Chicago is available.

Yellow Lab Mix

This handsome boy was a stray and brought in by animal control. He is a LOVE, it’s a little sad because he drops and crawls quite a bit. He is calm, sweet, gentle, and quiet. He is fine with other dogs, 1-2 years old, about 50 pounds. This pound is overfull and if you can help sponsor or rescue him please email Anissa at westhancockk9@mchsi.com. Transport to Chicago is available.

Shepherd mix brothers

Just rescued from the flood! These two shepherd mix brothers Tom and Huck are very scared, but are lovers and give hugs. These dogs have been raised out in a pen and now uprooted and brought to the shelter. These dogs will need TLC - no aggression - just scared. Please contact Anne at ausiersq@dstream.net or 217-257-1322 if you can help!

Mountain Cur

This boy was in the pound before the flooding. Now with the influx, he will be one of the first to go. He is good with other dogs, extremely sweet, and about 50 pounds. A wonderful sponsor has come forward to get him completely vetted if a rescue will come forward and save him. We have had to double up at the pound and he is now roommates with another dog and they get along great! So PLEASE if you can help save him contact Anissa at westhancockk9@mchsi.com ASAP. His time is running out! Transport to Chicago is available.

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Gibson is Happy Now!

Gibson is a 6 - 8 month old male Golden Retriever that was the victim of obvious neglect. He only weighed 24 lbs when he was picked up by a good samaritan off the street and his teeth were all tartered like an old dog. Thanks to being rescued by Cause 4 Paws and living in a loving foster home, he’s gained 20 pounds and now has an adoption pending! YAY!

BEFORE:

NOW:

Trap-Neuter-Return

TNR News

Tree House Feral Friends TNR Program

Tree House’s Feral Friends TNR Program is continuing to grow and expand as TNR becomes more widely accepted and more people choose to take action in their communities.  Staff and volunteers are busy counseling the public on TNR-related issues, assisting colony caretakers in the organization of their trapping projects and hosting TNR seminars throughout Chicago.

Occasionally, special circumstances require Tree House to lead a TNR project, which involves traveling to colonies, trapping cats, transporting them to Tree House for their surgeries, boarding the cats until they recover from surgery, then transporting them back to their colonies.  These projects are not only time-consuming, they can also be costly as many of the colony caretakers we assist are low-income and cannot afford to pay for the projects themselves.

Currently, we are working on the King TNR project on the Southside of Chicago.  In February, we trapped 5 cats from the colony, and are planning to finish the project this week by trapping the remaining 20 cats.  These cats will be spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped before being returned to their colony where they will be fed and provided shelter by their colony caregiver.

We have an immediate need for funding for the King TNR project!  To date, we have raised $120 of the $520 needed to cover the costs of the project.  If you would like to read more about this project and donate to this worthwhile cause, please click here.

For more information on TNR or the Feral Friends TNR Program’s current projects, please visit our blog.

Thank you for helping to make Chicago a no-kill city!

Dogs in Need!

Mountain Cur

He is so sweet abut 50 pounds, large size, good with other dogs, maybe 2 years old. Dumped last weekend and will be euthanized! Contact Anissa at westhancockk9@mchsi.com.

Australian Shepherd Mix

They told me he is part Australian Shepherd. Very nice well behaved dog, sits nicely, very friendly and has pale blue eyes. Please if you can help save this boy, contact Anissa at westhancockk9@mchsi.com.  Transport to the Chicago area is available.

Black Lab

This awesome boy is located at the Hancock county dog pound in Carthage, IL.  He was dumped out there with another male mix breed over the weekend.  He is young, maybe a year old, huge feet, maybe about 70 pounds or so, he is good with other dogs.…please let me know if you can sponsor (donate towards his vetting) or you can rescue him. Please email me at westhancockk9@mchsi.com Thanks!  Anissa

Thursday’s Cats

WYOMING

Wyoming is an 11 year old DSH black kitty. She was returned to Treehouse after being adopted out as a kitten 11 years ago. Her adopter’s wife developed allergies. Wyoming is very scared and sad at this change. Wyoming is a reserved girl who would be happiest in a quiet, calm household. Wyoming is currently not very happy at this change and is hoping someone will give her a much needed second chance. Wyoming is at Tree House in Chicago, 1212 W. Carmen Ave. - Phone (773) 784-5488.

TRIXIE

Trixie is a sweet and beautiful brown and white tabby. She is about 3 years of age as of March 2008. She is friendly, gentle, affectionate, and always available for petting! She blends in well with the other shelter cats. Trixie is at Heartland Animal Shelter, 2975 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook - Phone: 847-296-6400

CHARLES

Remember the television show Charles in Charge? Well this Charles is definitely in charge of the cat room. He makes sure he meets all of the new people and cats who come through the door. Charles gets along with everyone. He absolutely loves to be held. This handsome orange tabby is 4 years old as of April 2008. If you are looking for a snuggle buddy be sure to stop by Heartland and meet Charles. Heartland Animal Shelter, 2975 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook - Phone: 847-296-6400