To the rescue: cats and dogs : Chance Update

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

Chance Update

Posted by Cindy

Posted: September 3, 2009 - 11:14 am

Everyone has been wondering how Chance is doing and asking for updates, so here you go. He is such a handsome fellow, when I can get a picture of him. He’s not exactly cooperative when I whip the camera out.

For those of you who don’t know who Chance is, he was a severely frostbitten and dehydrated kitten who came into rescue this past February when he was about 6 weeks old. He lost part of his ear, half his tail, all of his toes on his front and back feet (with the exception of the 2 front duclaws), along with parts of all 4 feet. The vet had told me not to get too attached to him and his outlook was grim, but I decided he deserved a second chance.

It took several months, a lot of TLC and vet visits, but he survived and never complained of the treatments to his feet and tail. He has turned out to be my best buddy. He hops like a rabbit when getting around, and sits on his butt with his rear feet sticking out, but through the whole ordeal, he was quite the trooper. All I have to say is “where’s my Chancey Boo Boo” and he runs over to me to be loved on, picked up and petted, with his motor in full gear. He is small for his age, and the vet says it is probably due to his traumatic beginnings. I definitely have an attachment issue with Chance and couldn’t imagine life without him.

My Chancey Boo Boo