Memories of 2012

There are thousands of sad stories in the animal welfare world and sometimes we hear far too many of them during the holidays. So, we’d like to bring our Pet Allies Network readers a few rays of hope and cheer in reflection of some happy endings for animals that some of our members helped achieve in 2012.

A big round of applause goes to all those in SoCal who worked so hard to rescue 39 cats from a rescuer’s cattery last fall. Like so many conscientious pet people, their person, Inge, thought she’d covered the bases by providing for animal care with paid cat caretakers when she learned she didn’t have long to live. But as sadly happens all too often, these people did not honor this wonderful woman’s life as a rescuer and follow instructions. Instead, they by and large abandoned the animals, who were left to fend for themselves for nearly two weeks before others among Inge’s friends discovered the horror. Numerous rescue groups and individuals then worked diligently to get the cats healthy and to safety in honor of a life well lived. We salute all of you who took part, worked round the clock to help and networked like crazy to save these kitties! It was a happy ending, but also a confirmation of the power of networking and what it means to the animals.

In L.A., many rescuers went the extra mile (or 100) to save starving and abandoned dogs and cats discovered in a U-Haul trailer on a hot autumn day. While some of these unfortunates were too distressed to save by the time they were discovered, a diligent community again came together to get help, donations, fosters and forever homes to turn an ugly situation into another victory for the animals.

In Northern California, Anna Sandoval is the sole caretaker of four feral colonies. For years she has fed and provided water to these community cats without complaint and with the diligence that only a true animal lover can give. She also tends to the spay/neuter and medical treatments necessary—all on her own dime. Her dedication is repeated across California and the nation by thousands of other unsung heroes for community cats—including Faith, one of our founders.

And California’s reach is sometimes across the world—which is the case for Nancy Janes, founder of Romania Animal Rescue. Janes helped spay/neuter 4,147 Romanian dogs in 2012 alone with funds she raised single-handedly—an effort that has helped reduce pet overpopulation in a country where daily lives—human or pet—are often a struggle.

If you took part in one of these efforts or any of the other thousands of acts of kindness that rescuers and animal lovers provide every single day, know that you are appreciated, even if you are as anonymous as some of those lonely creatures you’ve helped. We salute your efforts and hope that together we can make an even bigger difference in 2013!

Pictured: Mystery, one of last cats removed from Inge’s home—scared, confused, but willing to love again in good home. Contact Pet Allies Network for more information.

by Sandi Cain

Bodie - the Unofficial Therapy Dog

Bodie is a three-year-old Golden Retriever.  Born in August 2009, he and his parents were surrendered the following June to a rescue organization, Homeward Bound for Goldens, in Elverta, California.  The human family had fallen on hard times and could no longer afford to keep the dogs.  He was adopted by Gwen shortly thereafter.  She named him Bodie (his original name was Aslan) after the California gold mining town because she considers him her “golden nugget.”  

Gwen quickly realized that Bodie had a special gift with people.  When he was just a year old, Gwen, who works at a university, asked her office manager if she could bring the dog to work with her one day a week.  Gwen believed Bodie would be a calming presence and her instincts were correct.

Gwen’s manager was quickly won over.  Bodie also developed a following among faculty, staff, and students, many of whom visit Gwen’s office every Thursday when they know Bodie will be in residence. His services are always in high demand when finals, mid-terms, and research papers are looming.  Bodie has became the unofficial therapy dog for stressed-out students.  

Never content with a little head scratching when visitors pop in to pet him, Bodie manages to slowly sink to the floor and roll onto his back, offering his belly for a rub.  His fans oblige, usually dropping down on the floor next to him to provide a proper massage.

Bodie has widened his circle of friends to the broader campus.  On pretty days, when Gwen and one of her colleagues lunch on the lawn outside their office, Bodie can be found mingling among the other noontime diners, looking for food, affection, and a little play.

With retirement not far off, Gwen is eager to have Bodie certified as a therapy dog.  He has already passed the initial testing.  When asked what makes Bodie special, Gwen responds without hesitation that he has all the wonderful traits she appreciates in humans, including a positive outlook and a sense of humor.  He’s always smiling, which makes Gwen smile too. 

Bodie was fortunate to be selected that June day amid all the other deserving dogs awaiting good homes.  Talking to Gwen, it’s clear she thinks the fortune was hers.  Both of them wander back to the office grinning all the way.

by Elizabeth Sundstrom

Emmakin - the Russian Blue Cat

Nobody knows about love at first sight better than Susan.  A dog devotee since childhood, Susan was less than curious one day when her colleague, Louise, popped her head into Susan’s office and announced she had a kitten for Susan to meet.  Louise had a habit of rescuing strays and bringing them to the office in hopes of finding good homes.  It often worked.

Two hours later Susan happened by Louise’s office and saw several other staffers crowded around a small creature.  When the six-month-old kitten spotted Susan, she immediately broke from the crowd and came to her.  Susan was instantly smitten by the grey Russian Blue cat with amber-colored eyes, one of which was crossed. 

At the end of the day Susan offered to host the unnamed kitten overnight since Louise already had several cats at home.  She knew nothing about cats and Louise had to educate her about kitty litter and other basics.  The overnighter turned into a week. Each day Susan brought the cat into work, knowing that Louise had put up posters and was actively searching for the original guardian.

After several days Susan named the cat Emmakin -  Emma - after a favorite aunt who had recently died.  Emmakin sat in Susan’s office window. When Susan needed to make copies, she draped Emmakin around her neck and the two completed Susan’s tasks together.  

To Susan’s delight, Emmakin shared many of the characteristics of a dog.  She was loyal, devoted, and sweet. She even retrieved the ping pong ball Susan threw for her.  At week’s end Susan told Louise she wanted to keep Emmakin.  Since there had been no response to the posters, Louise was happy to oblige.  Louise had known from their first meeting that there was a connection between Susan and Emmakin.

Since Susan lived in a bustling urban area, Emmakin became an indoor cat. Early on Emmakin happened outdoors, climbed a tree and had to be coaxed down by Susan, holding a small bell that she later attached to Emmakin’s collar.  When the curious feline allowed herself to be talked out of the tree, Susan knew she had gained her trust. 

As the years passed, Emmakin would sometimes join Susan in the backyard while she gardened but the cat never strayed.  Emmakin felt a bond of love and friendship from the first time she spotted Susan standing in the doorway.  The feeling was mutual.

In memory of Emmakin:  1992-2012  

by Elizabeth Sundstrom

Raji - the Arabian Horse

Shortly after Nancy and her new husband, Rory, relocated to another state, she felt lost and missed her family.  Knowing how much she loved horses, Rory encouraged her to adopt one.  Reluctant because of the commitment involved, Nancy quickly changed her mind when she met Raji.  She knew the minute she laid eyes on the chestnut colored Arabian that they were destined to be together.

At three and a half years old, Raji was green broke, meaning he was in the early stages of being tamed but was not yet ready to ride.  Nancy thought the high-strung horse would be a good project.  Having ridden horses since age 11, Nancy understood them well but continued to learn as much as she could since Raji would be the first horse for whom she was entirely responsible.

She was amazed by his intelligence.  It was as though he had read the same horse-training books. He learned quickly and the two developed a close bond.  One of Nancy’s favorite pleasures was taking him on sunset rides.  Ever sensitive to his mistress, Raji would sometimes stop and look around at Nancy to ensure all was well.  

A year after coming to live with Nancy, Raji contracted hives and had difficulty breathing.  Nancy took him to UC Davis and learned that he was allergic to insect bites.  The hives were systemic and it was suggested that Raji have a lung removed.  

Hoping to avoid any drastic measures, Nancy relocated Raji to her father’s ranch in New Mexico where she visited often.  It was winter when Raji arrived.  He remained in New Mexico for the next six years until Nancy and Rory purchased their Northern California ranch.  By then Raji’s health had stabilized but he was left with permanent breathing problems.

Having the California ranch meant that Nancy could tend to Raji herself on a daily basis.  Raji needed to be kept completely free of insect bites, which was accomplished by covering him with fly sheets and a fly mask to discourage insects. She continued to ride him until eight years ago when he developed arthritis.  Despite the money she has invested in caring for Raji over the past 28 years, Nancy says the biggest commitment with any horse is time.  

“Horses are all legs and lungs.  They love their freedom and that needs to be respected. Keeping a horse in a box (stall) until the human is ready to ride is wrong.  Horses are not bicycles!”  The commitment between Nancy and Raji has enriched both their lives.

Rory has often teased Nancy over the years that if Raji were a man, she would have run off with him.  Nancy laughs...but she doesn’t deny it.  Instead she demurely replies that she has two loves in her life and both names conveniently start with R.

by Elizabeth Sundstrom

Max - the Jersey Wooly Rabbit

Max is a Jersey Wooly rabbit weighing in at just under four pounds.  He shares a home with humans Jenny, her mild-mannered French husband Francois, and an 18-year-old Cockatiel named Milly.  Jenny describes Max as “the cutest little grey and black fluff ball” whom the vet affectionately refers to as a “dust bunny.”

Max and Jenny found each other through a rescue organization called Rabbit Ears.  Max is “both affectionate and aloof.”  He won’t climb onto Jenny’s lap but he will come sit at her feet.  When she arrives home from work he runs circles around her legs and nibbles at her slacks until she picks him up.  He’s eight or nine years old now but still frolics on occasion, springing into the air.

Although Max is Jenny’s second rabbit, she admits there were a few surprises in store while getting to know him.  Shortly after they adopted Max, Jenny and Francois thought Max would be happier sharing his new home with another rabbit.  To ensure they made the right match, they decided to foster rabbits until Max met the one for him.  They started with a group of four bunnies, still so tiny that each could fit in the palm of a hand.  

One evening as the couple sat relaxing on the sofa, Francois nuzzled one of the bunnies on his chest.  After replacing the bunny in his cage, Francois sat back on the sofa, stretching his legs and crossing his ankles.  Without warning, Max leapt on Francois’ ankles and darted up the length of his body, not stopping until he reached Francois’ face, where he promptly bit him hard on the nose!

The startled couple jumped from the sofa, Francois yelping and clutching his wounded proboscis.  Gathering his courage, Francois picked up Max, carefully keeping the tiny rabbit at arms length, and returned him to his own cage.  Baffled and a bit frightened by the enraged rabbit (“I kept thinking of the rabbit in Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” Jenny laughs), they wondered if Max resented the other bunnies.  To test their theory Francois removed his bunny-scented tee-shirt and placed it in Max’s cage where Max promptly vented his anger on it.

For the benefit of everyone involved, the bunnies were returned to the rescue organization the next day.  Max set aside his displeasure with Francois and family life quickly returned to normal.  Jenny later learned that Jersey Woolys do not bond well with other rabbits, a bit of trivia Francois wished she had discovered sooner.  

These days Max’s favorite pastime is snatching a piece of apple or a Cheerio from Jenny's or Francois’ extended hand, then hopping off like a bandit.  That seems to be quite enough excitement for everyone.

by Elizabeth Sundstrom