Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays Video

On Sundays we usually feature adoptable dogs here on the Talking Dogs blog.  Today, in a way, we're featuring all dogs currently in animal shelters who are hoping for a forever home.   

If you're planning to add a canine family member, please consider adopting a shelter or rescue dog.  If you can't adopt, please think about fostering a lonely dog for the holidays.

The video, Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays 2012 was produced by Paws New England (PAWs)  PAWs and 13,000 other rescue organizations are participating in PetFinder's "Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays" initiative.  Find a participating shelter or rescue organization near you.

Working together we can empty the nation's shelters this holiday season.
 

Dogs Cats Horses Rescued in Galena Missouri

 The Animal Cruelty Task Force of the Humane Society of Missouri says they'll be recommending animal abuse charges for a Galina, Missouri animal owner.  

On October 16, 2012, they worked in cooperation with the Stone County (MO) Sheriff's Office to rescue 10 horse, 15 dogs, 5 cats, a chicken and a duck from a property west of Galena, Missouri in Stone County.

Humane Society Animal Cruelty Investigators and Stone County Sheriff's Department detectives had been working for several months with the owner of the animals to encourage proper care for the animals.  With little to no improvement made, the sheriff's office determined that a warrant should be obtained to inspect the property with the possibility of removing animals at risk.

At least seven of the horses are severely underweight and have had little access to food, fresh water, adequate pasture or veterinary care.  One horse was more than 600 pounds underweight and so weak he could barely get on and off the trailer.

The cats appear thin and many of the dogs were tethered outside with little to no access to adequate food or clean water.  Two recently deceased horses and a recently deceased dog also were found on the property.  The live animals were removed at the recommendation of a veterinarian for the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

According to Kathy Warnick, President of the Humane Society of Missouri:

Life for Sid, a 4-year-old West Highland Terrier mix, has been anything but easy. Our Animal Cruelty Task Force found him living in filth -- the floors covered with trash, animal waste and grime. Fleas crawled all over him, and so much of his hair was missing that it was difficult to determine his breed. We watched as he paced around the room, scratching his poor body against walls, couches, recliners; whatever was available that might provide a little relief.

Sid was in terrible shape. Neglected. Underfed. Without proper veterinary care. And he wasn't alone.

Walking through the rest of the house, we discovered a Bassett Hound whose nails were so long they had grown into his paw. And it was Sid who alerted us to a third dog, and the biggest heartbreak of the rescue. There in the bathroom lay a Beagle. Sid stood beside his friend and desperately tried to nudge him awake. But it was too late. The Beagle had died from heinous abuse and neglect. It was a heart-wrenching sight, and one we won't soon forget.

Today the rescued dogs are receiving care at the Humane Society of Missouri. Sid is suffering from sarcoptic mange, fleas, a double ear infection and he has a heart murmur. Our expert veterinary and shelter staff are doing everything they can, but his recovery will require weeks upon months of care.

The rescued horses, duck and chicken were transported o the Humane Society of Missouri's Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union, MO.  The rescued dogs and cats were taken to the Humane Society of Missouri Headquarters in St Louis, MO.

A disposition hearing to determine custody of the animals is scheduled for later this month in Galena, MO.  If custody is awarded to the Humane Society of Missouri, as many of the animals as possible will be made available for adoption.

Adopt a Big Beautiful Black Dog from Stray Rescue St Louis

Igneous is a 2 year old male terrier mixed breed dog.  In person he's as solid and handsome as the photo to the left.  He has an amazing head that he loves to have rubbed.  And who could ignore that ear-to-ear grin.

Igneous wants to be a lap dog, even though it would take a big lap to hold his 64 pounds.  He loves people and craves human attention.  He would do best as the only dog in the home.  

A playful guy, he like to release some of that energy through exercise.  If you need a physical fitness buddy, someone who is guaranteed to get you off the couch and into the outdoors, Igneous is your dog.

Igneous is currently living at Stray Rescue of St Louis's Pine Street animal shelter:  2320 Pine Street, St Louis, Missouri.  Call them for more information about Igneous at 314-771-6121.   

Founded by Randy Grim, Stray Rescue's sold purpose is to rescue stray animals in need of medical attention, to restore them to health, and then place them in loving adoptive homes.

View the video below to learn more about Randy Grim and Stray Rescue.  As Randy notes, East St Louis is probably second only to Detroit in being very mean streets for homeless dogs.  50% of the animals rescued have been victims of gunshots.