To the rescue: cats and dogs : Got Any Ideas?

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.

Multimedia

VIDEO

Spay & Neuter message

Kitty and K-9 Connection is a pet rescue and adoption program. This is their reminder to pet owners to take care of an important matter with their pet to lessen unwanted animals. Video by Brian G. Smith.

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

USEFUL WEBSITES

Got Any Ideas?

Posted by animalrescue

Posted: October 23, 2008 - 10:02 am

Comments (0) |

Throughout the years that Kitty and K-9 have been doing pet rescue, we have had some wonderful supportive and helpful vets. Kathy Doty assisted our rescues for twelve years...she was absolutely wonderful and provided great veterinary care to all our critters. When she chose a career change (from general veterinary care to emergency veterinary care), we were required to find another vet willing to work with rescue. Very few vets are willing to assist rescue programs...so this was a bit of a challenge. Dr. Metkeff stepped up and agreed to be the KKC vet...she was awesome too. In September, there were some changes and Dr. Metkeff informed us she was no longer able to provide services to the KKC critters. Understandable but sad for us...we do miss both of them lots.

Last year we spent over $18,000.000 in vet bills with rescue reductions applied. We are adamant that once rescued, every KKC orphan receives all medical care required such as surgeries, dentals, medications, etc. Definitely a requirement for us as a rescue group. Anyone with a pet knows that veterinary costs are not low, but necessary. Although we have a few vets that are willing to assist KKC critters now, there will be a definite increase in veterinary expenses.

The amount of critters Kitty and K-9 can rescue, foster and assist depends soley on donations. There is never a "stable" income to depend on as donations vary and this recent economic atmosphere is affecting donations. With the increase in veterinary costs, there will be necessary changes in how many we can assist...a change that will be a difficult adjustment. We promise to continue to do what we can and rescue as many as possible...that won't change.

As a small rescue group who is very busy with our full-time jobs and the critters, we would really appreciate a little assistance with fundraising and/or donation ideas. We sell Yummy Chummies and Salmon Oil, Ribbonworks always has us in her booth selling cat nip, toys, etc. for us, we sell cookies, etc. We will also be on the PFD contribution list this next year...yeah. If you have any other ideas, we would appreciate the help.

Thank you...Carol and All the Critters

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