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