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Spring Issue 2009
Tributes
More Animals Facing Hardships because of the Economy
We are all bombarded daily with news about how dire the state of the economy is in. It shouldn't come as any big surprise, how badly this has impacted the lives of so many companion animals too. It has been a very difficult time for so many people, especially those who are forced to give up their pet. The stories they tell us are heartbreaking, as was the case with Fergie the Great Pyrenees.
It was easy to see that her owners had taken excellent care of her. She looked as if she had just come from the groomers. Her owners told us that they wanted Fergie to look her best, so hopefully she would be adopted quicker and not have to stay at the shelter for too long. We could see their hearts were breaking as they dropped Fergie off, but they didn't have any other choice. The husband had lost his job, and was unable to find work, and making a bad situation worse, their home was in now in foreclosure. Without a clue as to where they would live, they didn't know where to turn. Without a home and with major financial problems, they knew they would not be able to take care of Fergie. With Fergie's best interest in mind they brought her to TLC so that we could find her a good home.
Another victim of the economy was Oliver, a mixed Persian cat. Oliver had been living in the car for several weeks with his human buddy, until the situation became impossible. His mistress was finally forced to take refuge in a homeless shelter, but they would not allow her to bring Oliver with her. She had tried desperately to find good home for him, but was unable to ... that is when she contacted us for help. Her heart ached having to give Oliver up, but she didn't have any other options. The day she brought Oliver in she had tears streaming down her face, and told us leaving Oliver was one of the hardest things she had ever had to do in her life. Through teary eyes she thanked us profusely, and was comforted knowing she had left Oliver in good hands.
There are more and more cases like Fergie's and Oliver's that we are seeing each and every day, and that is why we are so appreciative of your kindness and generosity. We could not help as many animals as we do if it were not for your support. You are an integral part in saving these animals. TLC is not in any way government funded, because of this fact, there are not any time restrictions placed on how long an animal can stay at TLC. Without you, these animals would not have a place to go, no safe haven, and no chance for ever finding a loving home. I know we are in some very difficult and worrisome financial times. As you might imagine contributions to the shelter have been adversely affected by all of this too. Folks have said they were sorry because they weren't able to donate as much as they had in the past or only had a dollar or two that they could spare. We want you to know that whatever you are able to donate, does make a difference, a very important difference.
These animals are just helpless victims of circumstances that they had nothing to do with, looking to us for help. On behalf of each and every one of them we want to say thank you for helping to give them a second chance.
They didn't look any different from other kittens when you first looked at them, and they appeared to be identical twins in just about every way... including both of them missing a part of their hind leg. These two didn't seem to mind nor even notice that they were different than all the other kittens.They romped and played and were able to jump up on things just like all the other kittens. Neither one was hindered by the missing foot and part of the leg. And being like two peas in a pod, they also mirrored each other in play and were constant companions, where you saw one you were sure to see the other. We had hoped for their sake we could
adopt them out together, but we were worried, it would be
hard enough to adopt out one kitten missing part of a limb,
yet placing two kittens in that condition. We watched one by one as the other kittens waiting adoption left with their new families to their new homes. As cute as these special
kitties were, they would pause and then say they decided on another kitten instead. We knew it was going to take a very special family to look beyond what others considered a
handicap, and see that these two kittens were just as normal in every other way.
Eventually we found that family and here is the note they wrote us after having the kittens neutered:
The kittens are doing really well with the family and they can handle our stairs without any problem. They just adored the Christmas tree too! Our dog licks their ears, and just loves them. They love him too and often curl up on him and nap. Thanks so much for finding them for us! They really are the friendliest little cats, even if they are missing those paws.
C. Schroeder
Penny as she was called had come to TLC as a transport pup. She was 4 months old and although very sweet, she was apprehensive of people, as if someone had mistreated her. We knew she would need a special family, a
family that would be patient and
give her lots of love. Thus the beginning of Penny's story.
We had come to TLC in search of an adult dog. I had lost my female golden after 9 short years to an aneurysm. Jack our golden and I were not handling the loss very well. We had already been to 3 different shelters before coming to TLC and were were getting pretty discouraged.
We brought Jack along on our quest since he would have the final say. We had interacted with several dogs, but Jack just sat there looking sad and forlorn. One of the folks at TLC suggested Penny, and I remembered seeing her picture on TLC's website. I explained to them that she was the one dog that I would not consider because her color reminded me too much of my golden that just passed away, and I was still grieving for her. My family and Jack thought differently and wanted to see Penny. She was the only one, after all the dogs we had visited with not only at TLC but at other shelters too, that sparked Jack's interest. Jack seemed to stand guard over her, wagging his tail and drooled over her. Jack played an important part in this decision and it had to be someone he could interact with. As we were waiting to adopt her, someone said she looked just like a fox. Right then and there I knew she would become Jack's Foxy lady.
All the way home and through the night, she ignored us but stayed right by Jack's side. I thought maybe we had made a mistake because she was so timid, but come Sunday morning, we could not keep her still! I guess Jack told her we were pretty nice people. Anyway by morning she was a different dog! Foxy has been playing and getting Jack up and moving again! She is a blessing! It was not even a week and she had fallen into the role of the lady of the house. We just wanted to say thanks, and say everyone at the shelter was great! We will send more updates on our little Lady soon!
Donna, Warren, Kirsten, Jack and Foxy Lady
www.animalsheIter.org
Remember September 12th is the last day you can enter
Postage costs how much? YlKES! With postage rates skyrocketing, just as with everything else, we are trying to cut costs in order to save money needed to help the animals. We hope that you know that we appreciate your donation, but if your canceled check is sufficient please check the box on the return envelope, that says no acknowledgement necessary. Every penny saved is just more money that we can use to help the animals!