Emergency Rescue!

Update Dec 20th:
Pics of some of the 30 pups - click to enlarge

Amber	Apollo	Holly	Cooper
McQueen	Nicole	Puddin	Rodney

MISSISSIPPI ROAD TRIP—
“Bring ‘em back alive”

December 4, 2007

By now you’re familiar with ARF’s mission to save and improve the lives of rescued animals; every animal is given every opportunity to live the life it should. And, we see to it that every animal is spayed or neutered, so that the abandonment and neglect of unwanted litters does not continue.

But not every rescue group or Animal Control facility believes as strongly as we do in that practice, especially government-funded facilities. John and Patty Bowers, ARF staff member & volunteer, and John Bailey, a family friend, will be leaving in the Bowers’ motor home, and head for the Cleveland/Bolivar County Animal Shelter in Cleveland, Mississippi, to pick up 39 puppies and dogs, all of which will be euthanized if we don’t step in. That’s 39 lives that will now have a chance to give unconditional love to some very loving families. Wayne Beall will join them in Mississippi to help on the road trip back.

I wish that was the whole story, but it gets worse. Much worse. The 39 we’re saving are just a fraction of the total on death row. Apparently, “animal control”, as Cleveland/Bolivar County, Mississippi defines it, amounts to rounding up all the strays, and euthanizing them. Last month, the facility took in 175 puppies and dogs, most of them within 10 days of Thanksgiving, just because their owners didn’t want to deal with the puppies prior to the holidays. They take in about 200 a month on average but only about 20 a month are adopted. Some of those are not altered prior to adoption, free to breed again.

So, what happens to all the others? Do the math. Folks, this is just one facility in one county in one state. Are you beginning to grasp the enormity of the problem? What

ARF is doing is just a drop in the proverbial bucket. It amounts to a band-aid on a national problem that is hemorrhaging. Obviously, we can’t fix it alone. But we can and will create increased awareness that it exists. And we will set the standard for the Eastern Shore Regional Area for animal rescue, care, sterilization, and adoption. Somebody once said, “Think Globally, Act Locally”. Well, we’re jumping in, head first. John, Patty, Wayne and John arrive back at ARF on Thursday morning, December 6, where they will unload and quarantine the puppies and dogs. .

We urge, no—we challenge—all other Animal Rescue facilities, private and public, single breed and mixed, to look outside your own community. The wonderful job you’re doing at home needs to also be applied where there is an overwhelming need for it.

We know all the excuses, because we’ve used them ourselves: “We’re just a small private group and don’t have the resources to take in more rescues”. Frankly, I don’t know how we’re going to do it. But I do know this: if there is a will, there will be a way. Right now, Donna Cox and Lauren Roane are busy building kennels to house them all.

If you’ve ever thought of fostering a puppy until adoption, now is the time to step up. If for some reason, you’re not convinced that the problem is real, and will not go away without some serious human and financial resources being committed, drop by the center at Kent Narrows on Thursday morning. It will break your heart, and fill you with joy all at the same time.

Some how, some way, you and we need to find a way to help these animals.

ARF’s wish list has been revised to reflect our immediate needs:

PAPER TOWELS  (as of today, the center has 3 rolls)

Powdered laundry detergent

Bleach

Fabric Softner Sheets

Peanut Butter & Cream Cheese  (used to fill Kongs)

Blankets  (no stuffed quilts please, they are too difficult to wash)

Towels

White Kitchen Trash Bags

Black Trash Bags