August Letter

Dear Animal Friends,

          Well, here we are in the “dog days” of summer.  Yes, it is hot for us as we rush from air-conditioned space to space.  Just think about the poor animals, possibly with no shelter even from the hot sun.  Please, if you see animals with no shade or fresh water, stand up for them.  Speak to the land owner.  Calling the police or Humane Society is an option, however they are overwhelmed at this time of year and, for suffering animals, time is of the essence.

          This same principle applies to many animal situations.  We need to have the courage to speak to the neighbors who have thirty cats on their porch.  Or the people whose unspayed dog is tied on a chain 24-hours a day, getting bred by every passing male dog – and now, even coyotes!

          These are the issues – irresponsible people who fill our pounds, shelters and streets with unwanted pets, while suffering is inflicted to the parent animals.  Right now we have the opportunity to bring needed dollars to Ohio animals.  Angels for Animals is the only Ohio shelter in the ASPCA $100,000 Challenge!  We need all your help to reach our goal of 703 adoptions from August 1^st through October 31^st.  This will not be easy!  We arranged 403 adoptions in that same time span in 2010 (see the front page of our website for more details).

          Not ready to adopt a pet? You can still help pets and direct your donation to wherever you would like it to go.  Some of the funds available can be found on our Website under “Help Us!,” then “Donate Today,” then “Targeted Funds.”  We are also trying to help all of the county pounds by pulling dogs out for Angels’ adoption program.  There is a pound “pull fee” fund you can donate toward which can cover the added expense of pound rescue.  The shelter then would have more money to use toward the dog’s medical care.

          Many of the dogs in the pounds are American Staffordshire terriers or American pitbulls.  These dogs end up in pounds due to owner ignorance (“tough guys” don’t fix their dogs).  So many more are born then abandoned because the average person hears bad things about these dogs.  Actually they are usually very nice dogs. Clean, smart and loving, they can be a great family pet and have even been referred to as “nanny dogs.”

          A new group called “Petey’s Pals” is attempting to help pitbulls through advocacy and education.  Check them out on Facebook.  Currently Ohio is the only state in the union that considers these dogs “vicious” at birth.  There is a bill that has passed the House of Representatives easily allowing pitbulls to be judged on their personal temperaments and not be discriminated against just because of their breed.  In September when the Senate reconvenes, hopefully this bill will pass into legislation.  Please call or write your Senator to help these deserving dogs.

          Many famous Americans have owned and do own pitbulls.  Among them:  Helen Keller, General George Patton, Rachael Ray and John Stewart.  After all, “Petey” was a pitbull on the Little Rascals.  They are true American dogs!

          Until next month – or you can call me anytime at 330.502.5352.

In love for all animals, especially the unloved ones,

Diane Less

Founder / Angels for Animals

July Letter

Dear Animal Friends,

          This is the first of a series of letters which I plan to write to you around the first of every month.  This has been inspired by Michael Mountain, Founder of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Knab, Utah.

          I looked forward to reading his letters each month because I felt that he truly had his fingers on the pulse of Best Friends.  For the last twenty-one years I have immersed myself into the local animal scene.  It is really the good, the bad and the ugly.  The best news I can give to you is this:  each year it does really get better, slowly but surely.  We are a very long way from a “Best Friends Utopia,” but because of all your efforts, our area is one of the best in Ohio.

          Ending the needless death and suffering of companion animals starts with each one of us.  For instance, the issue of mass cat euthanasia begins with the stray cat that walks through your yard each morning.  Even though we think she “suddenly” has four kittens following her, it really wasn’t “sudden”  but it was quick:  63 days from her mating with an unfixed tom cat to be exact.

          Once the kittens appear, so do the sad stories.  Only one cat or kitten in every fifty will find a permanent, loving  home.  The rest of them – well, you know – you saw one of them lying dead along the road this morning on your way to work.  Animal shelters CANNOT solve this problem, only we can !  Angels for Animals has the equipment and services to nip the problem in the bud … Call us !

          On a brighter note we are one of only fifty shelters in America participating in the ASPCA $100,000 Shelter Challenge.  We got there through your efforts to vote us in.  Now we need your help to WIN the challenge !  From August 1st through October 31st we need to adopt out 703 dogs and cats.  This is a tall order !  We only did 403 adoptions in this same period last year so we will be having LOTS of events and specials to try to win the big bucks for Angels.

          Also, don’t forget:  it is the last month for our calendar contest.  Check the website http://www.angelsforanimals.org/ to see the entries and get your adorable four-footed kid on your favorite month!

          See you at Doggie Daze on Saturday, July 16th …

As always,

In love for all animals – especially the unwanted ones,

Diane 

Call me anytime at 330.502.5352