HoundsGood: Chronicles of a Virtual Volunteer

Molly is a hurricane Katrina survivor who really illustrates what I believe. Just because a horse has a bad leg…or no leg…does not mean they automatically should be euthanized. Dear Molly’s leg was gnawed, and her new guardian took her to Louisiana State University, where they almost rejected her case

“But after surgeon Rusty Moore met Molly, he changed his mind. He saw how the pony was careful to lie down on different sides so she didn’t seem to get sores, and how she allowed people to handle her. She protected her injured leg. She constantly shifted her weight and didn’t overload her good leg. She was a smart pony with a serious survival ethic.”

Molly’s new job is going to hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers to give hope to others who are overcoming illness and adversity.

Wherever Molly walks, she leaves a smile behind:

Now, she even has her own website so you can keep up to date with her.
http://www.mollythepony.com/

We have been following the progress of Shadow, the little 10 week old Lab Pup that, when out of “prison” at animal control turned out to be a 5 month old spaniel mix pup.  He looks so sad with his Elizabethan collar.

I thought you would all like to see an updated photo, as many of you were worried about him or had donated to Saving Shelter Pets for his medical care. Shadow is feeling fine now. The drain has been removed from his infected foot and he is ready to be transferred to rescue and then find a loving home!  Can you imagine that a friendly little guy like him was just cast aside?

Not too long ago, Megan Casto of HomeZookeeper and Casto Creations, asked the blogosphere for advice on a situation.   Her coworkers neighbor had a dog that she witnessed being abused.  Read more about it HERE.  The poor dog was beaten with a rake, shot with a BB gun, and other unthinkable things.    It was hard to know what to do.  Megan was hoping that the coworker reported the abuse, but at the same time, there was frustration both over Animal Control doing NOTHING, and then I was worried as well as others over what would happen to a mixed breed, large dog once there.

Many people just “wish something would do something,” but Megan did something amazing!   The abuse was reported, and fearful that the dog would be a statistic at the shelter, she showed up bright and early when the dog was available.

Meet Rambo, now named Timber, newest member of the “Home Zoo!” 

He doesn’t know what dog food is, and probably isn’t housebroken because he lived an outdoor life but he’ll learn! Read more about Timber’s first adventures in his new home HERE. Let’s give her all the support she needs adopting a sweet guy that needs to learn how great life can be.

Megan, you deserve more than a gold star!! Thanks for caring and giving a great home to this guy.

A Saving Shelter Pets volunteer went to Dekalb County Animal Control a couple days ago. She finds it very hard to walk past the pit bulls knowing that it is very hard to find rescues for them. We can only save who we can find a place to go.

A small voice caught her attention. It was coming from the prettiest and wiggliest pit bull she had ever seen. She made little noises seeming to say, “Please come Pet Me!” And so she did.

And this Pit Bull girl, just 6-8 months old was so kissy, the volunteer let her son hang out in the cage with her. The Pittie girl gave her son a face wash. She was so happy to have a visitor. She took this beauty outside to get some good pictures.

She knew it was a long shot, but she just had to ask if there was any way we could help this beauty. You see, what is extra tragic is that the Animal Control is not allowed to adopt Pit Bulls out to local residents. We truly are this girl’s only chance. There is no chance of adoption. That being so, she would be euthanized. We convinced them to give us a chance to take her away from the shelter and give her a chance to live.

The call for help went out, and donors contributed the $250 needed for her spay, other vetting, quarantine, and transportation within an hour or two.  Her angels were definitely watching over her that day for the volunteer to hear her cries among all the other dogs, for the shelter to agree, and for those that cared to make her rescue possible.

Her new name is “Blue”  and her second chance is about to begin.

For more information on Saving Shelter Pets, please visit http://savingshelterpets.com

Earlie I reported on Rosie, the sweet black dog that was overlooked at the pound.  Black dogs, expecially if there big, often get overlooked.    Saving Shelter Pets, Inc., has raised all funds needed to fully vet this beauty and transporter up to rescue.   She is one lucky dog!   If you were thinking about donating but did not, there are still opportunities to help others.  Your donation will go to the next dog in need that is waiting in the wings for a chance.

Saving Shelter Pets, Inc., is a 501(3)c charitable organization. To donate, please click the banner below. To learn more about SSP, cruise around their site after you click the banner or click on the HERE to check out previous blog posts from HoundsGood.

Today’s story is a guest post by Debbie Winchell, of New York, who adopted a sweet kitten across the miles.  Read my previous post about the matter HERE.  Congratulations all around!  Have a great life, little girl!  Inspired?  Click Here to find another life that needs saving.

Shortly after 7 pm, I picked up Miss Molly Kaylene, formerly of Heard County, Georgia. She is much prettier than in the photo and very small. She is very scrawny and seems to be mostly ears at the moment. Matt said she didn’t say anything during the trip, but she started talking to me almost right away. No, southern cats don’t seem to have an accent.

Emily has surprised me by being very curious about the kitten, but maybe a little jealous. Midnight isn’t very impressed right now. She’s probably worried Molly will be another hyperactive dynamo like Emily was. I don’t think so. When I held Molly in the car in the rest area, she settled down nicely under my chin and watched the traffic. Emily never would’ve done that at that age. Molly is very uncertain about the big cats. She arched her back, raised her fur and hissed and growled at them. She retreated to the carrier for a while. She does like being held and petted and likes to rub her little cheek against me. I’ve missed that! She sort of looks like Emily’s little sister. Hopefully someday that’s how they’ll both act.

Pretty soon, I will be posting another list of animals in need, but I thought you could all use a bit of good news.  Previously, I reported about a little calico kitten in need that was posted on the Holy Cuteness blog.   After the post went to press, I found out that another little kitten was also adopted!

The other calico kitten was adopted by Debbie.  The blurry photo, I am positive, doesn’t do this little one justice.  Her pattern is gorgeous. It was really a leap of faith, as she lives a number of states away in New York.    There are a couple leads on getting this pretty kitty a ride, but I also thought I would toss it out to my blog readers as you are all a very helpful bunch.

Are you a cat lover who is taking a flight or a drive to visit your relatives in the NorthEast?   Did you know that you can fly with a small dog or cat in a carrier under the seat in front of you and you can provide an escort for a little one who is waiting to meet their new family?  Most airlines offer that service for a fee.  If that sounds like you, pipe up and let us know, please!

Congratulations, Debbie, on your new family member, and thank you!