To the rescue: cats and dogs : Vacation Planning

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

Vacation Planning

Posted by Cindy

Posted: August 4, 2009 - 2:21 pm

Man, planning a vacation for me is a major undertaking. I’d probably have more fun planning a wedding. I think it would be a lot less stressful for me.

I try to get out at least once a year to visit my sisters, one in Seattle the other in Georgia. It’s a time when I regain my sanity and relax a bit. I don’t have to worry about cleaning litter boxes, cramming medications down anyone’s throat, the feeding frenzy, or picking up dog poo. It’s a time where I have no responsibility for anyone…not to mention I have a bed all to myself.

I haven’t been to Georgia in over 5 years and that is where my dad and most of my relatives live, and it’s time to go see family. I’m thinking if I start planning now, then maybe I can keep the stress down to a minimum. I’m not like most people with pets; I can’t board my cats and dogs as I’d fill up the place and still need more space, not to mention the cost. I can’t just have someone come over two times a day because I have dogs, and knowing my cats, they’d take the opportunity to trash the place.

The first and most important step…the housesitter(s). If Raylene and Marty aren’t available, then I can stop my vacation plans right there. They are two of the best housesitter(s)/animal caregivers I could ever ask for. I know everyone is in safe, capable hands and I tend to worry less about how things are going. I mean, I don’t know that many people who are willing to stay at my zoo and take care of the number of animals I have. My animals are use to a routine, so if it is too terribly disrupted, they band together and plan a hostile takeover.

So I’ll start prepping for my 2010 vacation in the hopes that when it comes time to pack and get on that plane, I can leave all my worries behind…..at least for awhile.