To the rescue: cats and dogs : Issue of homelessness: the silent victims of cruelty

To the rescue: cats and dogs

Carol Hawn-Miller and Cindy Liggett are local animal advocates who work to save the lives of homeless cats and dogs. In 2001 they founded Kitty and K-9 Connection, a non-profit rescue/foster/adoption program. In this blog, they will discuss the issues around the numerous homeless cats and dogs in Anchorage, and the process of placement, including animal and human behaviors that lead to success or failure. They are pictured here with Gladys on Carol's knee, Cherri in the middle, and Ambrosia the cat on Cindy's lap.

Contributors

Cindy Liggett

Because she's a "cat person," Cindy concentrates on cat rescues, fosters and adoptions. She faces daily attitudes towards cats as "throw-away pets" and deals with issues regarding "unwanted" cats due to over-population. She has advocated on their behalf for over 20 years and enjoys sharing her knowledge and insights so cats can enjoy their nine lives in the manner they truly deserveas an important member of the family.

Carol Hawn-Miller

Carol loves being the "dog mom" to all kinds and varieties -- small to large; mutts or purebreds. At home she deals with an ever transitional pack as she rescues, fosters and adopts dogs that would not otherwise have a "new leash on life." She has been doing pet rescue for more than 14 years. While loaded with a lap full of dogs, covered in dog hair or accepting K-9 kisses, Carol advocates for permanent, lifetime homes and responsible ownership so rescue will no longer be a necessity.

Sue Wirth

Sue is the other cat mom who takes in fosters and gets them ready for adoption. She has been doing cat rescue since 1998. To help control reproduction of unwanted pets, Sue advocates with a local veterinarian to spay/neuter cats as young as 8 weeks old before they go to their forever homes. She would like to see an end to full Animal Shelters, euthanasia and a home for every pet.

Emily Brand

Emily joins us as a guest blogger from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to raise awareness about issues affecting companion animals in Anchorage and the surrounding area. She shares the ASPCA�s mission to prevent animal cruelty and provide positive outcomes for at-risk animals across the country. Emily hopes to encourage people to be a voice for animals by doing something to help people understand the importance of treating animals with the love and respect they deserve.

Multimedia

VIDEO

First Aid for pets

Robin Newby of the American Red Cross of Alaska teaches pet first aid. In this video of a recent class, she describes the focus and some of the techniques. Find schedules of ongoing classes at "The Red Cross"

Resources

ALASKA LOCAL

Alaska Dog News

Issue of homelessness: the silent victims of cruelty

Posted by animalrescue

Posted: September 18, 2009 - 11:41 am

Each year, five to seven million cats and dogs enter our nation’s animal shelters. Only half of these animals survive. The vast majority of homeless pets are subject to acts of cruelty, often at the hands of their own community. With no one to care for them, these homeless pets are the silent victims.

Fostering a cat or dog from an animal shelter is one way you can help. Many shelters need foster volunteers to help care for their animals until they are ready for adoption. It’s a wonderful way to make a difference in the lives of your community’s homeless animals.

As a foster volunteer, you offer a shelter animal exercise, socialization, and a temporary loving home. Diane Wilkerson, director of the ASPCA’s volunteer programs, said fostering is also a great way to gather information that can be passed on to potential adopters on how the foster animal acts in a home environment, increasing the chance of a successful adoption. Another great benefit is that fostering frees up space, enabling shelters to help more animals find permanent homes.

You may surprise yourself and fall in love with your foster pet; providing a permanent home for a shelter cat or dog.

Emily Brand/ASPCA