True Activist

https://m.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=386139214824498&id=129370207168068&set=a.162734817164940.27911.129370207168068&__user=1267377338

Good Thoughts...

Humans are capable of unspeakable cruelty and also inspiring compassion!

Dying Man's Final Wish to be Reunited With Dog

http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/Dying-Mans-Final-Wish-to-be-Reunited-With-Dog-124040304.html

Cat and Dolphins playing together

Abandoned Deaf Puppy Adopted by Deaf Couple, Learns Sign Language

http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2011/03/abandoned-deaf-puppy-adopted-by-deaf-couple-learns-sign-language/

From the news we love department comes this beautiful tale of redemption for a deaf puppy from Ireland.

8-week-old springer spaniel Alice was taken in by an animal rescue center after she was abandoned. Shelter staff were soon aware that the dog they cared for could be difficult to re-home due to the fact that she was completely deaf.

In a fortuitous turn of events, a deaf couple happend to be looking for a dog and visited the Blue Cross Animal Adoption center where Alice was being held. After a brief meeting, Marie Williams and Mark Morgan agreed that Alice needed to come home with them.

Now that she’s settled into her new home, Mark and Marie are taking turns teaching Alice sign language.

Shelter manager Julie Stone said, “Alice is such a loving and responsive dog and she proves that with a bit of time and effort, a deaf dog can be trained and become a wonderful pet. It was amazing to see how Marie, Mark and their children immediately bonded with Alice and how they knew just how to get her attention. They are a brilliant match and Alice has found the perfect home where I know she will get the love she deserves.”

Dog in Japan watches over ailing friend

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/what-is-buzzing/dog-japan-watches-over-ailing-friend-20110317-042033-011.html

UPDATE: CNN and the UK Telegraph have both reported that the dogs have been rescued since the footage aired, and are both receiving veterinary care; the more seriously wounded dog is at a clinic in the city of Mito, while the protective spaniel-type dog is receiving care at a shelter in the same town.

Here is an English translation of the voiceover exchange between the two reporters in the clip (translation courtesy of Toshiyuki Kitamura):

We are in Arahama area. Looks like there is a dog. There is a dog. He looks tired and dirty. He must have been caught in the tsunami. He looks very dirty.

He has a collar. He must be someone's pet. He has a silver collar. He is shaking. He seems very afraid.

Oh, there is another dog. I wonder if he is dead.

Where?

Right there. There is another dog right next to the one sitting down. He is not moving. I wonder. I wonder if he is alright.

The dog is protecting him.

Yes. He is protecting the dog. That is why he did not want us to approach them. He was trying to keep us at bay.

I can't watch this. This is a very difficult to watch.

Oh. Look. He is moving. He is alive. I am so happy to see that he is alive.

Yes! Yes! He is alive.

He looks to be weakened. We need to them to be rescued soon. We really want them rescued soon.

Oh good. He's getting up.

It is amazing how they survived the tremendous earthquake and tsunami. It's just amazing that they survived through this all.

A mountain to climb.....but reached the peak we did.

A mountain to climb.....but reached the peak we did.
by Cheng Tiong on Monday, 07 March 2011 at 19:40

Last night was really siong man! A caregiver came to me for help. Said a cat just gave birth but she couldn't eat the last 4 days cos each time she bites something she will run away screaming. I guessed a fish bone could have been stuck in her throat and he guessed she could be having toothache. How is she gonna nurse her kittens if she can't eat? She need to see the vet so we spent 2 nights trying to trap her. She n her kittens were in a drainage hole and the end that opened onto the road was sealed shut with thick hard mud. Had to dig out the mud but can only do it late at night when there is less traffic. We had to stop digging each time a car passes by but finally dug through and used a mop to poke her out and she ran straight into the trap on the other end. Somebody had to hold the trap in mid air exactly where the drainage opening is and someone else had to shut the trap door and the trap was damn heavy. Anyway, what matters is that we acheived our objective. This must have been one of the most difficult cat to trap. The professional cat trappers will never do all this, I bet you!

Cats bring neighbours together

Latifah, "A year today history repeats itself; Jingga gets to know the neighbour with the 2 boys checking the goodies they give:)"

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Billy still maintains his charm

by Latifah Jellanie
on Thursday, 19 August 2010 at 20:24

Billy as usual will wait at the gate for the neighbours to come home from work between 6.30 till 8pm,he is like an alarm clock who knows who and who will be walking by the gate.When I am home I keep the door open till about 9pm for him to sit and watch and look out.Afterall he was all alone from 8am till I get home at 6.45pm most days except for the days when I am not working.

This evening when I saw him comfortably waiting I took my camera out to snap a picture of him and who knows at the same aunty came back from work and said hello to him.His first reaction to greet her was to stand up in respect to the elders and meow at her and aunty spoke to him in response to his acts.It was such a beautiful scene that I just had to snap a picture of the two of them.

I am glad I adopted him last year and have enjoyed his company since he is my everything now.He now sleeps with me and he knows which corner of the queen size bed belongs to him.He will wake me up like an automated alarm clock and first word he greets will always be 'ma..a' and he knows my answer will always be yes darling good morning.There are times when he will sleep in his own circle of arms and times he will expose indecently and also times when I will be waken by his tail sweeping my face.

Billy is full of love and he knows how to butter me too coming snuggling at my leg when he wants his dinner and kiss my hand and fingers when I am seated at the dining table with my note book and thats when he will just flop on my hand wanting to be sayang and be pat.

He's young and full of energy still and his favourite before we said good night is to hide somewhere waiting for me walk by and jumpa at me initially I was shocked but then I realised all he wants is to play.

Billy will always be my first love and I hope we will have a long way more to be with each other.

Billy greeting aunty at the gate
(promotes neighbourliness)

The smallest Shelter in the World, Bangkok, Thailand

http://www.flickr.com/photos/friends-for-the-love-of-animals/show/



A THAI WOMAN who help stray dogs in Bangkok behind the temple on the street. She takes cares and helps reduce animal sufferings, by providing food, medical care to stray Dogs, seven days a weeks.
All strays that have undergone sterilization.
Everyone needs to spay or neuter their pets. There's too many animals that go to waste because people don't want to get theirs fixed.
She is capable of handling (Spy & neuter) about 20 cases a month at a cost of approximately 300 baht per dog, about $9 US
De-sexing (Sterilization) has been proven to be the most effective way to help the animals. She has de-sexed about 1,807 dogs and cats up to the end of September, 2010.

Thank you for what you do for them.
I wish more people cared about animals.
Adopt and spay or neuter a shelter or other rescued animal companion to help break the cycle of suffering, misery,
*...Saving just one pet won't change the world
...but, surely, the world will change for that one pet...*

Michael d'Estries Billionaire Steve Wynn changes will to benefit animal rights

http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/blogs/billionaire-steve-wynn-changes-will-to-benefit-animal-rights

"saved from a pound as a puppy and destined for euthanasia"

The Gimlet Eye
Heroes Welcome



Cassius, a search-and-rescue dog, at an airport field hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in April.









Peter Taft and Cassius at Lady Jay’s bar in Brooklyn.

Dog saving in China..A NICE story to make us smile

A nice story from China

A Beautiful lady, who spent her savings to care for dogs in China.

Sometimes I just get so low with these cruelty cases, its nice to post a happy story for a change :) Here is the FULL STORY.

Tianjin retired teacher Yang Xiaoyun began rescuing stray cats and dogs over 10 years ago.

Presently, she has adopted over 400 stray cats and dogs, having sold her own house, and relying on a rented space.

With more and more stray cats and dogs, Yang Xiaoyun has already begun feeling inadequate, overwhelmed.

In consulting with Teacher Yang, I have also seen that she does not have the time to give you a detailed breakdown of your donations.

Caring people, we very much understand you care about the little animals, but please understand that a 60+ year old lady is already extremely inadequate for taking care of this many kitty-cats and puppy-dogs every day.

It is not that she is unwilling to announce how your donations are used, it is that she truly does not have the time to organize [the information].

Just preparing meals for the little animals every day, she is already overwhelmed, so may you all please be a little more lenient and understanding!

Auntie Yang’s blog: http://liangzhixiaoyazi.blog.sohu.com/
Common House telephone: 13164073263 (Teacher Yang)
Common House address: Tianjin Dongli District Jinhan Bridge Lao Li Ming Zhuang Village

(You can go from Tianjin North train station and ride the 660 to Jinhan Bridge and get in contact with Teacher Yang at the village entrance.)

Common House was established by 60-year-old retiree Auntie Yang.

She started adopting stray cats in 1995, in 2003 started adopting stray dogs, and now has adopted over 200 stray cats and dogs, with the amount still increasing.

“Right now we can only live one day at a time. I do not know what will happen to them in the future? They are my children, they cannot leave me, and I also cannot leave them."

Simply Inspiration...Humans can do so much harm....but can also do so much good...

Local rescues:

5 December 2004: 3 severely abused Shih Tzu's 遭受虐待的Shih Tzus的近况

From http://www.mettacats.org/abused_dogs.htm

On 5 December 2004, 3 abused Shih Tzu's and a decomposing carcass of a dog were discovered by one of our volunteers. The carcass was bloated, and was stuck in between a cage and a small platform. There were flies and many maggots crawling all over the decomposing carcass. The living conditions of the dogs were horrendous as the whole place was filled with faeces and urine which have been there for ages. There was only one pathetic bowl of water, which could not have been sufficient for one dog, let alone the four dogs. The bowl was covered with algae and the water was in a horrid greenish colour.

All three dogs were in horrifying condition, particularly the weakest one of the lot which we found sitting in a corner. We had also discovered that all three dogs were partially blind and had lost almost 80% of their fur. There was absolutely no proper shelter for the dogs and no signs of any food. In fact the dogs were found to be scavenging off the carcass of the fourth dog. It was evident that the dogs were neglected as maggots were found crawling out from their anuses and private parts.

The dogs were in such a bad state that the volunteers had initially thought that two dogs were dead because their bodies were in such a gruesome rotting state. Fortunately, they were still alive, but barely breathing. The volunteers then threw three large (400g) cans of dog food and the two dogs immediately started to fight for the food, despite their lack of strength. The weaker dog eventually fell to the floor, breathless and started to gasp for breath.

Eventually, the dogs were rescued and brought back to Mettacats and the weakest dog was sent to the vet. Unfortunately, she died on the 3rd day, despite the vet’s various attempts to save it.

The other 2 dogs are now under the care of Mettacats but require much medical attention. To date, the medical bills have mounted to almost $500 and sponsorships for these 2 dogs will be greatly appreciated.

被虐待的狗儿需要资助

5 December 2004, 其中一个义工发现三只被虐待的Shih Tzus狗和狗的腐烂尸体。尸体已经肿胀　和卡在笼子和小平台间。那里有很多苍蝇和无数的蛆在腐烂的尸体上爬行。狗儿很长时间生活在四周都是大小便的地方，真是惨不忍睹。那里只有一个破旧盛水的碗，容量也不足够一只狗饮用。碗被藻类覆盖和水也显示可怕的青色。　

三只狗生活在这样恐怖的环境，其中一只最虚弱的被发现时坐在一个角落。我们同时发现它们已经半瞎和八十巴仙毛发已脱落。它们完全没有适当的居所和食物。事实上它们被发现时正要以第四只狗的尸体为食物。很显然的这些狗并不理会那些蛆在它们的伤口和私处爬行。　

狗的情况是这么的糟糕，义工们最初还以为这两只狗死了，因为它们的身体显现可怕的腐烂。很幸运，它们还活着，但是呼吸困难。义工们把三大罐头(400g)的狗食拋给它们，那两只狗虽然没有气力也开始为食物而打架。最后那最虚弱的狗跌倒在地上和不断的在喘气。最后，狗儿被拯救和带回去爱心猫，那最虚弱的狗儿被送去兽医处。很不幸，她在第三天过世了，尽管兽医们用尽各种方法尝试挽救它。

现在这两只狗得到爱心猫的照顾，但是需要更多的医药护理。到现在，医药费用几乎是$500.00。　愿资助这两只狗的费用将感激不尽。

http://www.mettacats.org/ShihTzuUpdate.htm

The Shih Tzus’ conditions are so much better then when they were first brought in. A number of volunteers couldn’t bear to look at the pathetic sight of their abused bodies initially and many were outraged when they heard of the story of the abuse. But we are pleased to provide an update on the lively and adorable Shih Tzus to those kind souls out there who are concerned about their well-beings.

One will have to be well-prepared to behold the sight of the two Shih Tzu for both are far from the perfect commercial doggies which appear in magazines and televisions advertisements as the psychological and physical scars they suffered identify them from other dogs as the brave survivors from a cruel human act.

Shih Tzus的情况比较刚刚带回来时好多了。最初，一部分的义工不敢看它们那受虐待而骇人的身体，当他们听到那被虐待的故事而感到愤怒。但是，我们很乐意的把那精力充沛和非常可爱的Shih Tzus的最新消息，提供给关心它们健康状况的善心人士。

每个人都须要作好心理准备，这两只Shih Tzu的外貌与杂志和电视所刊登的完美的商业狗儿的广告有很大的分别。它们在心理和生理上的创伤，是勇敢求生的表现和人类残酷行为的见证。

Cockatoo:

Then

Now

The livelier one between the two and the one with a greedier appetite, it is naturally more playful and approachable. Its fur colour is that of raven black and white (pattern like cow’s patches). Most of the time it can get really “kaypoh” with the other dogs and volunteers but nevertheless very adorable and craves attention from humans. By first impression, it is seen as more affectionate than the other as it doesn’t get defensive with humans and often expresses that it wants a gentle pat from you.

充满生气的其中之一食欲很大，它的本性很好玩和可接近。有黑和白色的毛发（像牛的缀点）．大部分时间都在义工们和其他狗儿之间“八卦”，但是仍然非常可爱和渴望得到人类的关怀。第一个印象，它比较可爱，因为没有防备人类和喜欢得到温柔的抚摸。

Owl:

Then

Now

Although partially blind in one eye, it is gentle and slightly meek than Cockatoo. Despite it suffering more serious abuse than Cockatoo, it bears a strong survival instinct and has conceived impressive strength in its own healing power. It has a mixture of hazelnut brown and white fur. Being as affectionate as Cockatoo, it loves being carried around like a small baby. Its will exhibit a coy and smiley look at you as you hug it safely in your hands.

Update by volunteers Deborah and Hui Ching

Posted by mettacats at 4:38 PM 0 comments

Something to make you smile...

JUST GIVE ME 2 MINUTES. 2 MINUTES IS ALL I NEED AND I
WILL BE AS GOOD AS NEW!

JUST GIVE ME 2 MINUTES. 2 MINUTES IS ALL I NEED AND I WILL BE AS GOOD AS NEW! OK, I'LL BE HIS FRIEND BUT I DON'T HAVE TO LIKE IT!

THEY'LL NEVER FIND ME IN HERE!







ALL! RIGHT, WHO CHOSE WHO WE STAND BY? I HAVE STANDARDS






PUT THAT NOSE UP HERE ONE MORE TIME AND YOU'LL HAVE 3 NOSTRILS!






















I'M SO GLAD IM NOT AN ONLY CHILD!







AS LONG AS YOU'RE GONNA PUT HER IN MY BED I MIGHT AS WELL SHARE

SOMETIMES YOUR BED JUST FEELS SOOO GOOD!






Nothing replaces having a friend













If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can get going without pep pills,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment
If you can ignore a friend's limited education and never correct him,
If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,


..Then You Are Probably The Family Dog!

Unusual Dog Walk

Baxter, the Therapy Dog, Brings Love to People During Last Days of Life

By KPBS Public Broadcasting

January 13, 2009

MAUREEN CAVANAUGH (Host): We all know that our pet dogs and cats can cheer us up and make a bad day feel a little better but apparently pets can do a lot more than that. When it comes to a dog named Baxter and other therapy dogs used by hospitals and hospice facilities, these animals can bring joy and peace to patients suffering with life-threatening or terminal illnesses. Well find out how dogs are used to provide therapy and about the stories of patients who've been helped by these animals but first we'll meet Baxter and his human parents who are in the studio today. Melissa Joseph is the author of the new book, "Moments with Baxter: Comfort and Love from the World's Best Therapy Dog." Her husband Dennis, who took the pictures that are featured in the book is in the studio, as well as Baxter himself. So, first of all, Melissa, since our audience can't see Baxter, can you describe him for us and his little vehicle?

MELISSA JOSEPH (Author/Therapy Dog Owner): You know, I can do that. There is a story in the book of a blind man who asks his wife could he – could she please tell him what Baxter looks like. And she describes him in the story in the book, and the title is 'The Blind Can See.' But I will do it for you; I just wanted to say that. Baxter is a cross between a human and a teddy bear, and he has eyes that – he looks like he's just had tattoo eyeliner around his eyes, and he actually looks like he's had a little bit of plastic surgery as well because his face, though he's almost 19, looks like a puppy. And unfortunately, his body from the neck down looks like I forgot to put sunblock on him and he's lost most of his hair. And the biggest thrill of Baxter is that his heart starts at the tip of his head and goes all the way to his tail.

CAVANAUGH: Now right now, as we're sitting here, he is reclining in what I described as a red wagon but it's really more like a rolling day bed.

JOSEPH: Oh, I think it's more like a throne.

CAVANAUGH: Well, tell me, Melissa, how did all of this get started? First of all, where did Baxter come from?

JOSEPH: Baxter is a southerner. He has a twang to his bark. And he was born and partially reared in Jackson, Mississippi. And he was going to be euthanized because the people who had him couldn't afford to take care of his medical problems. And a woman who rescues dogs contacted me and said I think you might want to see this little dog. And so she brought him to me and six weeks later we were friends.

CAVANAUGH: What kind of a – what breed is he?

JOSEPH: I tell people when they ask me that, just because I'm a southerner, oh he's a luv breed. And we spell that l-u-v. But he's really part Golden Retriever, part Chow. And he has a mottled purple tongue and, again, that teddy bear face, but he has the spirit and the intelligence of a Golden Retriever.

CAVANAUGH: Now when Baxter was a puppy, was he immediately a friendly kind of dog? Or did it take him some time to get comfortable with people?

JOSEPH: Well, I rescued him and he was two years old, so I don't know about…

CAVANAUGH: Oh.

JOSEPH: …his puppyhood. But I know that when I did, you know, first have an interface with him, it took several weeks to make pals with him. So something had happened to him that wasn't appropriate.

CAVANAUGH: And you never found out what.

JOSEPH: No, I don't know specifically what happened, but I'm – because he was so afraid of objects like a broom and a vacuum cleaner and, you know, any loud noises—a book would drop off the table and he would cower and go in the corner—I knew something strange had happened to him.

CAVANAUGH: But you coaxed him out of that.

JOSEPH: Yeah, I loved him out of that.

CAVANAUGH: Now when did this idea start to come to both you and Dennis that you started volunteering with Baxter at San Diego Hospice?

JOSEPH: Well, when we started volunteering there, we were both, I think, completely almost shocked at the magic that Baxter brought to people's lives, not just the patients who were weeks away from their death but the family and friends of the patients, and the staff as well. And so we would come home and on the way home from our volunteering, and we would be there for many hours at a time, several days a week, we would kind of toss around these profound things that would happen to us. It would be maybe someone on their deathbed who said something very profound about life itself, or a family member who was so deeply touched by something that Baxter did, and so I started writing the stories in a journal, you know, day after day, week after week, month after month, and after about five years I got this collection of stories and so we took those stories and put them into a book format and, hence, "Moments with Baxter."

CAVANAUGH: And, I must say, the book is – not only is it filled with stories like that but the most beautiful photographs that is – that Dennis took of Baxter and the various friends that he's made in the hospice. Now even as wonderful a dog as Baxter is, he needed some training, didn't he, to become a therapy dog?

JOSEPH: Most dogs – There's a section in the book where you can learn how to get your dog trained and certified but most dogs are professionally trained by someone who is in that field. Baxter is a natural. He didn't have to be professionally trained. For some reason, after many, many years of our being together and my taking care of him and dragging him around in my crazy life, he learned how to be patient, reliable and courageous. And I think that that and a sense of – a sensitivity is really what has made him the world's greatest therapy dog.

CAVANAUGH: Now, in the book, you relate some stories about how when Baxter is first introduced into a room and there's a patient there, perhaps there isn't an immediate connection but how do you make that connection to get Baxter next to the patient so that that sort of therapy can begin?

JOSEPH: Well, you know, first it's really important to get to their level so maybe I'll pull up a chair or lean over and just say, you know, I have this little doggie here and he's very special, and he's a lot older than you. And that really helps. And he's got a lot of problems, he's got a lot of medical problems. And, you know, there was one patient, for instance, I said, I'll bet you're on blood pressure medication and he said, I am. And I said, what are you on? I'll bet you're on amlodipine. And he said, I am. I said, do you think you could spare a pill for Baxter, we're running low on medication. And right then and there we established some kind of connection and at that point, it was – that's when I transferred Baxter from his little bed, his throne, to the patient's bed. And I'll say something like, you know, could you possibly move over a little bit so we can – You know, I'll be funny and just very interesting how humor helps me move myself and Baxter into a person's sphere.

CAVANAUGH: You know, I had the privilege of actually having Baxter sit on my lap earlier this morning. And he is the most serene and joyous animal and he just – he just sort of communicates with you silently when he's sitting on you. And I must say, too, Melissa, I – I've never actually had – seen a dog quite this old.

JOSEPH: Yeah, Baxter will be 19 on March 23rd, and he really is a bit compromised. He can't walk very well anymore but he is swimming three days a week and he doesn't just do the dog paddle, he really does the freestyle. He doesn't do the individual medley but he can definitely do a nice job of swimming for 30 minutes, and I think that's truly a big piece of his health.

CAVANAUGH: And do you get the sense that Baxter enjoys doing this? Going to the hospice and meeting all these new people?

JOSEPH: I get the impression that all Baxter is here for is to give love. And every time he's with a patient, he's given an extra heartbeat.

CAVANAUGH: Okay. All right then. We have another guest on the line. Noreen Carrington, is Director of Volunteer Resources at San Diego Hospice, and she is here to tell us about – a little bit more about Baxter and therapy dogs in general. Noreen, hello.

NOREEN CARRINGTON (Director, Volunteer Resources, San Diego Hospice): Hello. How are you?

CAVANAUGH: I’m doing very well.

CARRINGTON: Good. Nice to be on with you today.

CAVANAUGH: Thank you. Can you tell us a bit about what the San Diego Hospice does and who it serves?

CARRINGTON: Yeah, absolutely. First of all, just in general, when you're talking about hospice, it's really a philosophy of care that uses a team approach when we care for patients who are living with that life limiting illness. And the care focuses on the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the patients and their family members and is usually provided in the patient's home or wherever the patient resides. So locally here, San Diego Hospice and the Institute for Palliative Medicine, we're proud to say that we've grown into one of the ten largest not-for-profit hospice programs in the nation and we're recognized as a leader in the relief of suffering. And it's important to note that San Diego Hospice provides our services throughout the entire county. It's a comprehensive care that is provided to adults and children who are living with a life limiting illness and, once again, that is where the patient lives, so whether that's in their home, a skilled nursing facility, or in our own in-patient centers.

CAVANAUGH: And, Noreen, what kind of impact does a visit from a therapy dog like Baxter have on patients who are in hospice care?

CARRINGTON: Well, as you might imagine, many, many patients who are at the end of their life have had lots of losses including independence, mobility, and so therefore can become sort of isolated. And so having a dog like Baxter, and especially Baxter, as you have seen how serene he is, having them visit can really open up some avenues that no other contact can. For instance, that patient can pet Baxter and have him – have Baxter lay with them and, therefore, be giving back. Rather than being nurtured and taken care of, they can nurture and take care of. It also, I think, opens up a lot of communication. Sometimes people can talk to a dog better than they can talk to their family members or hospice personnel. But once again, once they've talk to the dog, then they're more open to maybe talking with their family members once they've sort of put the idea out there. So it really can help in a lot of different ways.

CAVANAUGH: And, Noreen, besides Baxter there are other therapy dogs? Or are they all dogs? Or do you have other kind of animals there, too?

CARRINGTON: Right. Currently, we have 5 therapy dogs that visit our patients in our in-patient centers and in the patients' homes. And we also use, at our camp here in San Diego, our camp for bereaved children that we hold once a year, we also use horses. So we use therapy horses as a way for the children to get in touch with their own feelings and as they interact with the horses, the horses mimic what the child is feeling. So it's been a really interesting experience.

CAVANAUGH: You know, I'm just looking at Baxter and he is paying attention.

CARRINGTON: Yes.

CAVANAUGH: He's not saying too much but he is paying attention to what we're talking about.

CARRINGTON: Yeah.

CAVANAUGH: And Melissa, I wonder, do you have a – How do you know that you've actually made someone feel better? Is it because – what they say? Or how they look? Or both?

JOSEPH: I think it just depends. Recently Baxter was in bed with a woman and she told the nurse after we left that her pain level went from a 8 to a zero. So we didn't actually hear her say that; it was the nurse who asked her that question. A lot of times, you can see a patient will be – have a lot of anxiety and they will not be able to be still and we will put Baxter in bed with that patient and all of a sudden they have refocused what energy they have onto Baxter and for that moment, they have almost forgotten about their own current state of being and so they become calm without some kind of drug needed. So Baxter himself can have a palliative effect.

CAVANAUGH: And I must admit that Baxter just smells so wonderful. How do you do that?

JOSEPH: Well, we can share with you our array of aroma therapy spritzers if you'd like. We have quite a selection. We just, you know, he just – but he just – he uses a lot of lavender because the aroma therapist at hospice has suggested that lavender's a very calming scent for patients and it's not offense to a lot of patients because certain smells can really disturb certain patients.

CAVANAUGH: And you were describing to me that Baxter wears some jewelry.

JOSEPH: Oh, yeah, he really does. He has all kinds of little charms around his neck but my favorite is I have his little name with little cubes with, you know, B-a-x-t-e-r spelled out and then above that I have 'love.' And then he has, you know, 'good dog' and 'best friend' and there's one – and 'angel.' And there's one he doesn't have on today but I typically put it on and it's called 'stud.' I don't want Baxter to feel that he's lost anything in life. I want him to feel like he still has it going on, you know?

CAVANAUGH: Yeah, and he also has a really good vest. You say he earned that vest.

JOSEPH: Well, he passed the test and, as I told you, it's kind of like an iron man for dogs. And Therapy Dogs International certified Baxter and he's very proud to wear that vest because he had to remain neutral in some very difficult situations where he was – it's almost like they were accosting him, so to speak, and he never once reacted. And he's never once reacted with any patient or family member.

CAVANAUGH: Noreen, if somebody wants to volunteer their dog at the hospice, what do they need to do to get started?

CARRINGTON: Oh, we would love to have people to work with us with their dogs or volunteers in general. And to get started, they just need to make a phone call and they can call 619-688-1600 or they could visit us on the web and that's www.sdhospice.org. And it's a process whereby for the dogs go through the certification that Melissa's talked about that Baxter went through and then we have training and support for our volunteers.

CAVANAUGH: And you can find that number and that website link at KPBS.org/TheseDays. And what other opportunities are available to people who want to volunteer at the hospice?

CARRINGTON: Well, we have a great deal of opportunities. One, people can work with patients and without dogs, and go visit our patients and give them a break, bring the outside in. Give the caregivers a break, that kind of thing. They can also work in non-patient related ways, working in a fundraising situation, doing community outreach, office support, and, once again, if they just call that number or visit us on the web, it's a very easy process. And we do have a training for our patient care volunteers coming up next week and then again in March, so we would love to have everyone.

CAVANAUGH: Well, Melissa, I want to ask you this question. I think I have a pretty fair idea of what – how you're going to answer but what kind of impact has Baxter had on your lives? You and Dennis?

JOSEPH: Well, number one, I wouldn't be on the radio without Baxter. And I would not have learned how valuable, or maybe relearned, how valuable moments are and that that is all we have. And the little things in life, what time you get there, five minutes late, what you're dressed – not dressed, all those little things truly do not matter. It's how you treat other people and how other people treat you. And I think Baxter, because he's always gentle and kind and loving, keeps reminding me that that's all that matters.

CAVANAUGH: And did that inspire you to write this book?

JOSEPH: Oh, his magic with people is what inspired me to write this book.

CAVANAUGH: And I understand that all the proceeds will go to charity?

JOSEPH: All the…

CAVANAUGH: Can you tell us about that?

JOSEPH: Yeah. All the procee – having worked at the in-patient care center at San Diego Hospice and Institute for Palliative Medicine, when you walk in those doors, you see little angel wings on people's backs. There's no one I've met there who truly is not a gift, in and of themselves. And I decided that this project needed to be about that facility. It is such a beautiful, special place and people give and give and give, and I wanted to give back. And that was my way to give back, so I'm hoping to donate all the proceeds from the sale of the book back to the in-patient care center at San Diego Hospice for whatever their current needs are there at that facility.

CAVANAUGH: And speaking of the patients at the hospice, tell us the story of the woman who wanted to watch a movie with Baxter.

JOSEPH: Oh, there's a – one of the first stories is 'Fifteen – 'A Fifteen Minute Limit.' But Mo Thorn, her – she told us that her last dying wish was to go see the latest Harry Potter film. And she did not think that was going to be possible and we thought – at hospice, especially, San Diego Hospice, anything is possible. They will do anything to help the patient. And so with that, some arrangements were made. We went to the theater to make sure that Baxter could go into the theater with her. And he accompanied her to see the last Harry Potter film and she couldn't have been any more ecstatic at that moment with Baxter seeing that movie. And she subsequently died with Baxter in bed with her at San Diego Hospice and Institute for Palliative Medicine.

CAVANAUGH: Well, you know, I want to just end this with – I want to hear your plans for Baxter's 20th birthday.

JOSEPH: Well, here's the deal. I told Baxter that he couldn't have a birthday until he turned 20. And I thought when he turns 20, that the most appropriate place for him to have a birthday party—and we've been to several birthday parties at San Diego Hospice—would be there in the in-patient care center. And I'm not exactly sure, depending on where he is in his life, but I'd really like him to have a big, juicy bone because he's got pancreatitis and he's not supposed to have food like that. He's on a restricted diet. And I think when you turn 20, I think you deserve a big…

JOSEPH/CAVANAUGH: …juicy bone…

JOSEPH: …you know? And I'd really like to do that for him. But there is something that's very important that I need to say about "Moments with Baxter," the book. It will be nationally distributed in June across the country but right now it can only be purchased at Borders at Carmel Mountain Ranch.

CAVANAUGH: And you will be, Baxter, Melissa, Dennis, will be at Borders Books at Carmel Mountain Ranch this Sunday, January 18th, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. They'll discuss the book. They'll sign copies of the book. And the book's name is "Moments with Baxter." And, of course, Baxter looks as if he's looking forward to that bone just – just a year from now.

JOSEPH: And Baxter pawtographs his books. Each book has Baxter's original, authentic left paw print.

CAVANAUGH: There it is.

JOSEPH: Yep. It's a little smudged but it's a good one.

CAVANAUGH: I've got to thank you all so much for coming in today. Dennis Bussey, Melissa Joseph, Noreen Carrington and Baxter. Thank you for being here.

CARRINGTON: Thank you.

JOSEPH: Thank you for allowing us to come here. Thank you.

CAVANAUGH: It's fun speaking about Baxter earlier this year. Be sure to tune in to These Days again tomorrow for a special broadcast from the campus of the newly built Lincoln High School in southeast San Diego. That's tomorrow, starting at 9:00 here on These Days. Thanks for listening. I'm Maureen Cavanaugh. Tune in tomorrow.

CNN Hero Deborah Hoffman Dedicated To Rescuing Abused And Abandoned Dogs

First Posted: 07-16-10 03:05 PM | Updated: 07-16-10 03:15 PM

Read More: Animal Cruelty, Animal Rescue, Cnn Hero Deborah Hoffman, CNN Heroes, Corridor Of Cruelty, Corridor Rescue, Deborah Hoffman, Dog Fighting, Impact News

In Northeast Houston, just off I-59, there lies a stretch of land more than a mile long that Deborah Hoffman has dubbed the "Corridor of Cruelty." Every day a number of dogs are discarded in the Corridor, many of them severely abused from dog-fighting.

Hoffman first came into contact with the abandoned and abused animals in 2006, when she volunteered for a local rescue group. She has since saved over 180 strays with her nonprofit organization Corridor Rescue, a fully-realized network of volunteers that, among other things, provides food and water for the animals until they can be rescued and, when set on the road to health, works to place them in loving homes. Hoffman firmly believes it to be her duty to restore the lives of suffering animals, and quips with a degree of seriousness that she "will be...trying to save an animal from [her] rocking chair."

CNN profiled Hoffman as part of their CNN Heroes series.

WATCH:

Stevie the Blind Cat no longer homeless

Stevie the Blind Cat no longer homeless

Jul 14, '10 2:23 PM for everyone

http://meowies.multiply.com/journal/item/1621/Blind_Cat_needs_home

Stevie has been adopted by Aminah's mother and also went for dental surgery. He is an old cat and had already many teeth missing. Now he is left with only 2 canines.

From Aminah:

In case you wondering how is blind cat Stevie getting on -- he is fine, good appetite but still drooling a bit. I will keep up his appointment with the vet tomorrow 10th July, as the vet Dr. Heng instructed to bring Stevie 2 weeks after the antibiotics injection for the gums and mouth ulcers.
Tomorow the vet will examine the teeth and will extract whatever decayed tooth Stevie having.
My mother said Stevie is well adjusted to his room, knows his toilet well, it takes him about 4 days to slowly venture outside on its own, discovering the house. Initially when Stevie started to go out first few days venturing the living room and the other rooms, it knocked on furniture and cabinets as it is blind. Now Stevie knows where things are and where is his room, food, litter tray, and it sleep anywhere to his liking. Clever cat! Stevie is now free-roaming the whole house, kitchen, everywhere, no need to confined him anymore to 1 room.
He do not know the bed and sofa chairs, probably due to his blindness he don't climb up, nonetheless he have rugs specially for him to sleep on.

Sorry I had not been keeping update on Stevie as I been ill with fever lately. Getting better today. Hope I will be completely well thtomorrow to meet my mother and my brother at the vet for Stevie dental work.

Well this is all for now, update on Stevie. I am sure you glad to hear he is well adjusted to the house.

Will give more update on Stevie dental check up tomorrow.

Tags: community-cats

Best of friends

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Best of friends

This email has been in the circuit for some time. In case you have not seen it, here it is. If you have already seen it (many times, as I have!), won't hurt to look at it again....and smile.

There have been many stories of orang utans, chimpanzees and monkeys becoming caring friends to dogs, cats and even tigers. The fact that there are many cases means it's not an exception.

It can be a wonderful world, if we spread some love and kindness around....

We certainly can do it, if our "closest cousins" can do it too!

After losing his parents, a 3-year old orangutan was so depressed he wouldn't eat and didn't respond to any medical treatments. The veteranarians thought he would surely die from sadness. The zoo keepers found an old sick dog on the grounds in the park at the zoo where the orangutan lived and took the dog to the animal treatment center. The dog arrived at the same time the orangutan was there being treated. The two lost souls met and have been inseparable ever since.



The orangutan found a new reason to live and each always tries his best to be a good companion to his new found friend. They are together 24 hours a day in all their activities.

Best of Friends!

Cheers!!

Posted by chankahyein at 8:29 PM