Pitted against emotion.
When is it providing sanctuary and when is it hoarding?
Three legged cat? No problem. Old dog with mange? Safe.
While other shelters said, “no way”, Friends for Life stepped in and not only said, “We’ll try”, but they came through with forever homes for the worse cases.
Life is an option.
Each considered unadoptable – but now in Forever Home. (Image: wall mural of Friends for Life)
Determined to do more, the group started raising money to help more animals and owners in distress. Big donors appeared.
On June 2, this group opened the Don Sanders Adoption Center, a LEED certified No Kill Animal Shelter in Houston, Texas.
It’s state of the art in design and equipment. (What? Boulder, CO? Yes, a firm there was involved in the design)
Take a tour and be amazed by clicking here.
They offer options – and life.
The ultimate success story.
Lucky kitty playing in hide-and-seek box. (Image: Forever Friends – nokill1.org)
But not everyone has such drive and money.
Another group works on a much smaller scale.
Camille Bogel and a group of friends and neighbors decided to do something about feral cat colonies rather than just complaining to the city.
Business professionals by day, they take time after work to call and feed ferals – lulling them into being sociable – then snatch them up. The rounded-up cats are neutered; ears notched. Sick ones are cared for as appropriate.
Then many of the captives find forever homes, while the tough unadoptable ones are released back into their colony.
It’s working:
The colony sizes are shrinking. (One’s almost gone as the population ages.)
The males no longer fight, yowl all the time, or wander much.
Click to see more about Montrose Bar Cats and their mission.
Oh, and send some encouraging thoughts Camille Bogel’s way – she’s been fighting breast cancer for some time.
She plans to live forever -
and the cats would be happy for that to happen.
Minnie the feral cat sunning after a rain
(Image: http://www.montrosebarcats.com)
Still need something less intense?
Here’s a desperate need – and little effort required.
Pets offer homebound and senior citizens companionship and entertainment. But times have gotten very hard – especially for the elderly.
Six years ago the Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston started delivering pet food along with their Meals on Wheel lunches. Now the aniMeals on Wheels program feeds more than 1,ooo pets a month.
Patricia Mercer, Houston SPCA President says,”Limited income and mobility often force elderly pet owners to make the difficult choice of feeding themselves or feeding their pets. AniMeals on Wheels ensures that seniors can keep and provide the very best for their beloved friends.”
Hey people – isn’t there a can or two of food on the shelf that your pet won’t touch?
Win – Win. Clean out clutter – and a senior’s pet/best friend gets to eat!
Click here for how to donate food or money: aniMeals on Wheels.
Why all these save-the-pet plugs?
To get you ready for this next story.
This week a Willis dog refuge was raided:
Spindletop in Montgomery County.
Spindletop rescue. (Image: Montgomery CO. Police Reporter)
298 dogs, Pits
A two-story house and five buildings of dogs – plus a few other animals.
Authorities were notified by volunteers and neighbors that the conditions were deplorable.
The owner well know as a pit bull authority.
Someone called to testify in cases concerning the breed such as the Michael Vick case.
A person respected (since 1985) and trusted to board pit bulls whose owners had to relocate them.
A haven for abandoned, neglected, or abused pit bulls.
A place where dogs were sent for temperament evaluation and obedience training to prepare them for adoption.
A place overwhelmed.
The Humane Society of America was called in to help authorities from multiple counties working with vets from Texas A & M Vet. school along with volunteer vets from everywhere.
Katie Jarl, Texas state director for HSUS gave this statement: “We were shocked at how overcrowded this facility was. It’s clearly a hoarding case. Sometimes these people start out with good intentions and it spins out of control.”
It took over 24 hours to physically load each dog into a crate and move them to a clean safe location for evaluation and care.
Despite their deplorable conditions, one Constable said while the dogs were frightened, most seemed friendly and social.
Quite unexpected considering the pit bulls’ desperate situation.
Testament to their temperament.
Over half the dogs were not neutered.
There were signs some dogs had given birth recently – which is troubling as no puppies were found.
And there’s the question of whether the dogs were being bred.
Click for a 30 minute video of the rescue and several other video updates from authorities.“Officials seize hundreds of dogs”
Here’s another news article: “Dog Rescuers Worried and Shocked After Spindletop Refuge Raid”
Rescue me! Pick me! (Image: Montgomery CO. Police Reporter)
Oh, the road up to the place looks nice, so how bad can it be?
There were 80 or so dogs in the two-story home.
The ammonia smell was so strong that vets gagged and had trouble going into the rooms.
Dogs were in cages/crates 23-24 hours a day
Some cages so small dogs could not stand or turn around.
No access to food or water.
Standing in urine and feces.
Some of the dogs’ feet were swollen and scalded from standing in urine and waste.
One poor dog’s paws hurt so much it preferred laying on it’s back in the slop with feet in the air.
There was a pit – a mass grave of dogs.
Now take note:
Friday morning a hearing will be held to determine the dog’s fate.
There are no plans to kill them because they are pit bulls.
Some of these dogs belong to people who paid to have them boarded. ($750. for 3 months)
If you sent a dog to Spindletop, contact:
- Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable Tim Holifield:
- CORRECTED EMAIL:
Tim.Holifield@mctx.org - Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 JUDGE G. TREY SPIKES
2241 North 1st Street Conroe, Texas 77301
Phone: 936-538-3788 Fax: 936-538-7732 - Owners will need proof of ownership / photos / vet records / micro chip info.
Stressed dogs need toys…and a home (Image: Montgomery CO. Police Reporter)
If anyone wants to help – this is a huge rescue –
Contact the Humane Society of the US to donate.
Montgomery County does not request volunteers at this time, but do say they need dog toys like Kongs and jars of peanut butter to use with those.
Please thank all Pet Smart stores for stepping up to help with toys, food, and crates.
Attention Pit Rescue groups, a lot of dogs will need good forever homes.
Sweet little doggie and kitty faces
So appealing.
Forever trusting, loyal, and faithful.
It’s only human to want to save them all.
Big difference between companionship and an overloaded miserable crowd.
Just barking along,
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
Excellent post!
Thanks for wandering over!
Some great stories and some really sad ones.
I wasn’t going to write this – but this rescue is the second large one in the past few months in the area – really stretches capacity to help – and all those rescue dogs were just so earnest and hopeful on TV. Breaks my heart. Some of them belong to people who were boarding them – and they need to rush to reclaim their dogs. Can’t save the world, but maybe if one or two get home safely. THanks for checking in
Great post! I’ve been supporting Austin Pets Alive! for awhile. They are largely responsible for making Austin a no-kill city. Your post inspires me to continue to support these groups and their mission. Plus, you’ve introduced me to aniMeals on Wheels, a group I’ve never heard of – how great are they?! That’s awesome! I’ll also be wishing the best for Camille so she can get better and continue to do her good work with the feral cat population. And will be wishing the best for those pits – poor babies.
Thanks for checking in. Austin has a stellar reputation for animal rescues. No doubt their people already on the WIllis story. All those hopeful little doggy faces – at least they are in AC and well fed and watered now.Thanks for trotting over
I hope they can reunite those poor dogs with their owners. And the work of the other groups is wonderful. My mother’s 16-year-old cat was born to a feral mother, but a friend got hold of the kittens before they became too wild and found them good homes.
Can you imagine thinking you dog was safe and well cared for and then suddenly the “shelter” is empty?
Our old Tiger had a feral mother who let a neighbor take her kittens. Tiger lived a really long time – and had strong survival instincts. He hated being indoors until he was pretty old. Hardy stock.
Thanks for wandering over
Our last two border collies have been rescues and we’re keeping our eyes open for another in need of a home. (Their keen intelligence is precisely what makes them vulnerable to becoming neurotic–like a person–when they are chronically mistreated.)
Have no doubt there’s a border collie orphan headed your way (smart dog!). There are so many fine dogs – even pure breeds – ending up at risk simply because they got too big, are wild and are controlling their owners instead of the other way around, or for financial reasons. You last statement is so true. Many get into trouble because of their intelligence – and once abandoned or abused it takes a steady kind hand to reassure them. Thanks for doing more than your share.
One of my favorite felines ever was my feral kitten, Queso. I wrote about him when he died at age 17. Great kitty.
Bravo, Boulder! They love their pets so much there that pet owners are legally “pet guardians.” I’m glad they could help with your big rescue.
aniMeals on Wheels. What a great idea! It breaks my heart to think of any senior having to give up a beloved animal companion because of finances, or sacrifice their own health to keep it. Thank goodness society is beginning to recognize how important pets are to their people.
The Boulder firm seems to design all the top quality shelters now. (and I’m guessing there are dogs at work in that office)
I know there are efforts in Florida like aniMeals on Wheels. Pets improve quality of life for seniors who are often isolated. This is one program that is easily done, costs little, and offers great rewards. Locally it’s a chance to start small: have a kid/scout “adopt” one senior’s pet in the neighborhood. Many things learned this way.
If everyone did one little thing in their own neighborhood, a great change might be seen?
Appreciate your hiking over to visit
aniMeals on Wheels sounds great – so encouraging to read good news animal stories in the midst of cruel ones (I don’t mean yours I mean the burning, hit and runs, man hitting woman with dead dog stories etc etc).
Feral cats in gib are spayed and notched too. They all look extremely healthy as there are lots of people who feed them – which incidentally the government does not recommend. Feeding ferals can cause problems (we have feral goats and feral something else too – we pack a lot into a small place).
The pit bull story is odd. Odd because a respected authority providing an ostensibly good place for lots of pbs in varying situations suddenly ends up running an inhumane hoarding centre. Strange.
Perhaps Michael Vick will rehome one of them. I see he wants another dog………..
One nice thing about feral cats – they usually keep the mice down. Here all animals are supposed to be leased or kept indoors (and most are) as it is a bird sanctuary area. As a result the field mice are quite bold. We welcome the migrating hawks during the winter – and we have resident redtail hawks.
The owner of the shelter must have just gotten in overload: cared too much. I know that shelter had trouble years ago after floods from Tropical storm Alicia. We’ve had those 100 degree days ( just normal in reality…it’s always been that way) plus 8 days of heavy rain in that area. Her horses, burros, and several other animals are said to be in good shape. Maybe just overwhelmed and bad luck?
Michael Vick- Yep in the news again: new clothing line 9 some profits to charity, new book/autobiography, and wants a dog for kids. ASPCA not impressed.
(http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82ab02cc/article/eagles-michael-vick-not-fit-to-own-a-dog-says-aspca)
What do you think Pippa?
Thanks for sharing about for ferals in Gib.
I say you don’t need feral cats to keep mice down, I am a top mice and rat hunter. Even huge vicious rats are no match for a gentle Pippadog.
Who can tell what happened? Shelters are good for dogs, but myself I find it better to go looking for a new owner and checking them out yourself. I would not want to live with Michael Vick, thankyou very much.
Haroooo and ruffs.
Good dog Pippa! Actually the German showed signs of mice hunting – she snatched one off the fence one night and flipped it over to the deck. (A large paw apparently then finished it off). We were surprised. Happy hunting Pippa!
Fast paws are everything
Sad to say nothing this weekend though 
It’s just a paws – things are always slow in the summer! Thanks for barking along, Pippa..the German sends a waggle tail. (She’s had some adventures…more later)
This is very sad to hear. What alarms me is that the more I learn about animal welfare issues, the more I learn about this kinda thing is happening. I’m gonna post your blog entry and hopefully generate some interest… and some peanut butter.
It is concerning. Usually you are totally unaware then something happens. Once the door is cracked open, you are stunned at what’s looming inside.
People don’t have to go whole dog animal rights (few of us have the time or endurance) but if everyone did one thing in their own neighborhood, it would make a difference.
Thanks for spreading the word, awareness counts.
AND EVERYONE VOTE FOR RUMPY. (a “one small thing” -little time and no cost to you – big results!)
Read here: http://rumpydog.com/
VOTE Daily here: http://petties.dogtime.com/
So many good things in this post that I hope find their way further out into the wider world – aniMeals on Wheels, community responsibility & guardianship of feral/homeless cats, no kill shelters and awareness. It’s doesn’t matter if the government & community don’t want cat/dog issues – they have them and currently inadequate laws are a contribution factor. Rumpydog has had a few posts on similar and makes a good point, if we are donating $$$ we should be making sure the funds are going to effective, responsible carers. I can’t tell you how horrified & sad the description of the rescued dogs made me feel, but horrified & sad is ok, that’s what makes us pursue better solutions.
Seeing the reality is the first step.
Everyone has the ability to do one small thing in their own neighborhood.
The easiest?
VOTE FOR RUMPY!
Read here: http://rumpydog.com/
VOTE Daily here: http://petties.dogtime.com/
Thanks for barking along. We are so grateful for your comments
I’ve been voting for Rumpy!
I’ve been voting for Rumpy!
What a great post. I’ve known animal hoarders. It’s sad how much they really care and how overwhelmed they become. I think they may be as helpless as the animals they are trying to help.
Here maybe not so much a hoarder as too kind hearted. Sad all the way around. Will be interested in updates. Really concerned about those people who boarded their dogs there. Hoping all the dogs find forever safe homes. Thanks for trotting over
I am forever disheartened by stories about human beings who hoard animals. I think that jmlindy422 makes a good point. There are many layers of sad involved in this story.
And on a brighter note, my first cat had a domesticated mother/feral father. This cat was a hoot. She’d go from “I wanna be your BFF” to “ninja kitty destroying drapes” in a heartbeat. To say she kept us alert is an understatement. Loved her lots.
Nothing like a cat with a personality! Pets always add a comic note to an otherwise dull/calm existence. (And you know jokesters, performers, and comedians frequently need shelter and protection from the world.) Thanks for climbing over to chat
There are so many sad animal stories, and they all break my heart. The only part that makes me remotely hopeful is the amazing people who try to make a difference.
It’s not a perfect world, but we can try – even if it’s just raising awareness…or voting for for Rumpy dog’s blog in the contest so one shelter will get some money.
Read here: http://rumpydog.com/
VOTE Daily here: http://petties.dogtime.com/
Thanks for barking along…(and I promise, this is not a dog rescue blog….)
I would totally read a dog rescue blog. It would make me sad… but I would read it.
Voting…
Thanks for voting!
Thanks for voting – every little step makes it a better world (and turns the mind away from the deranged incidents…focus on something else)
Have a great day! And thanks for checking in
I just want to know, how can these offenders live with themselves…
This refuge is an especially disturbing situation because of the owner’s reputation. Must have been too kindhearted – then overwhelmed. Thank goodness for the whistleblowers – it could have been even worse as the excessive heat is returning after all the rain.
Thanks for wandering over
It makes me sad when any animal is mistreated. However, I also feel bad for the people who take in animals when their heart is in the right place. I also hope the animals find loving homes.
It will probably be a difficult task finding so many appropriate homes. Definitely and SOS situation. (which is probably how this whole thing happened.) Thanks for trotting over to chat.
Your post made the Animal Rescue News – http://paper.li/HeartprintsPets/1324231251 =)
Thanks so much for the heads up. Raising awareness is always good – the more people that know, the better. Thanks for barking along.
I could only read this because I’d read your other post first and knew there was a happy ending for the sweet, sweet pups. My two shelter kitties were very pleased to hear the happy ending, too.
We all love happy endings (and cute kitties!) Thanks for checking in!
Ah, here is the first half of the rescue dog story. Yikes! What a story! Is this dog hoarder a triple Pisces taking compassion too far?
Oh, you found it. (explained on your last comment)
Sometimes soft hearted well meaning people get overwhelmed.
Unfortunately she probably now faces some charges involving fraud among other things
You are probably right in your analysis.
Thanks for taking time to catch up!
We have seen stories like this in the news in Washington State too. A few years ago, 100+ Chihuahuas and Boston terriers were found in a household in Mount Vernon, and another rural town. The law busted the woman running the puppy mill, but many of the dogs were put down because they were in horrid shape, emotionally and physically. Then there were fund raising efforts for the humane society and for foster homes for the healthier dogs. That woman wasn’t a hoarder, just greedy.
Unfortunately too many people think breeding dogs is a great way to make easy money. Sad stories. Thanks for checking by
Posted you using this blog post on my Pnterest Blog Hop Board. Hope it gets you more followings and support for all the good you do.
http://pinterest.com/pin/create/bookmarklet/
Staying strong, know you are too.
Appreciate your interest and your encouragement. One little thing makes a difference. Thanks for barking along!
Beautiful, beautiful….and one of the things I am most thankful for on FB and the blogosphere is that good souls like you are trying to shed light on the “least” among us…with the least voice, and the least choice. All our animals over all these years have been strays, found, “landed” on our doorstep, or sprung from the pound. I see an increase in people who are starting to care for, foster, and try to place animals. Have been through this several times this year already. Keep doing and shining your bright light for the animals. May your blessings and blog hits multiply exponentially!
There’s an old phrase that was in the Mutts’ cartoon strip this week – something like “moving one grain of sand changes the world.” That’s a something to think about. Glad you stopped by!