Well. . . . truth be told it wasn't actually a fight.....and....not exactly with the law.
BUT...
it's an adoption story that's encouraging and inspiring just the same.
It all began with the sad ending of a beautiful life. In late December, two of our volunteers, Tom and Dave, lost their beloved companion Portia, after 12 joyful and eventful years.
A rescued kitty, she was a cherished princess that added a special joy and meaning to their lives.
As animal lovers and owners we've all been there - that unimaginable loss, the pain that follows, and the huge hole that it leaves in our hearts.
As time goes by we manage to move forward: never getting over the loss but getting through it somehow. The sad memories are eventually replaced by the happy ones and we find ourselves ready to give our love again to another animal in need of rescue.
Tom and Dave faced this slow, challenging journey while continuing to volunteer their time to the Sanctuary.
FAST FORWARD TO APRIL AT THE SANCTUARY.
Two sisters Abby & Chelsea joined our Sanctuary family.
Their story typical of many: the family received them as kittens and they lived together for the next three years.
In an ironic twist which will become apparent later -the family then came to us for help as they were only allowed to have one animal with them in their apartment. Wanting to keep them together they gave up both and we welcomed them into the Sanctuary.
Meanwhile, Tom and Dave's visits continued and one day they found themselves turning that corner. Craving that special bond one can only share with an animal, missing that furry greeting at the end of a long day -
Yes, they decided that they were ready to adopt again.
They were drawn to Abby and Chelsea and soon decided that they were the ones - one for each of them!
With the decision made the anticipation grew. Like expectant parents they were excited and started making plans for their new "kids" to come home.
They had just one last hurdle to clear. They lived in a condominium complex where the rules were clear, tenants are allowed two animals: one dog and one cat - period.
But they weren't overly worried. They were prepared to petition the association and ask for permission to own two cats - confident the request would be granted.
When the answer came back no- with no further explanation, their hopes were dashed instantly. They were crushed at the news but accepted it with heavy hearts understanding those were the rules and not looking to be troublesome. They drew back and tried to rethink how they would now move forward once again.
But our story isn't sad and doesn't end there.
Knowing we had found the perfect owners that would treat them right and keep the girls together we were not ready to give up the fight. And, with Tom and Dave's permission we drafted and sent letters stating our case to the association- even preparing to make a plea for Tom and Dave for an exception in person at their meeting if necessary.
Amazingly, in less than a week, the association had reversed its original decision and said yes to our request.
Tom and Dave were free to adopt both Abby and Chelsea!
Congratulations to Tom and Dave, we wish them well and hope this journey they have begun will bring them lots of laughter, joy and plenty of furry kisses. (hopefully we'll pass along a photo of the happy family soon).
Kudos to Tom and Dave for respecting the rules and trying to go about the adoption process in the correct manner.
And to the condominium association for listening to us with an open mind and realizing that rules can be changed for the benefit of all.
ASPCA
 |
| portia |
As animal lovers and owners we've all been there - that unimaginable loss, the pain that follows, and the huge hole that it leaves in our hearts.
As time goes by we manage to move forward: never getting over the loss but getting through it somehow. The sad memories are eventually replaced by the happy ones and we find ourselves ready to give our love again to another animal in need of rescue.
Tom and Dave faced this slow, challenging journey while continuing to volunteer their time to the Sanctuary.
FAST FORWARD TO APRIL AT THE SANCTUARY.
Two sisters Abby & Chelsea joined our Sanctuary family.
 |
| chelsea |
 |
| abby |
In an ironic twist which will become apparent later -the family then came to us for help as they were only allowed to have one animal with them in their apartment. Wanting to keep them together they gave up both and we welcomed them into the Sanctuary.
Meanwhile, Tom and Dave's visits continued and one day they found themselves turning that corner. Craving that special bond one can only share with an animal, missing that furry greeting at the end of a long day -
Yes, they decided that they were ready to adopt again.
They were drawn to Abby and Chelsea and soon decided that they were the ones - one for each of them!
With the decision made the anticipation grew. Like expectant parents they were excited and started making plans for their new "kids" to come home.
They had just one last hurdle to clear. They lived in a condominium complex where the rules were clear, tenants are allowed two animals: one dog and one cat - period.
But they weren't overly worried. They were prepared to petition the association and ask for permission to own two cats - confident the request would be granted.
When the answer came back no- with no further explanation, their hopes were dashed instantly. They were crushed at the news but accepted it with heavy hearts understanding those were the rules and not looking to be troublesome. They drew back and tried to rethink how they would now move forward once again.
But our story isn't sad and doesn't end there.
Knowing we had found the perfect owners that would treat them right and keep the girls together we were not ready to give up the fight. And, with Tom and Dave's permission we drafted and sent letters stating our case to the association- even preparing to make a plea for Tom and Dave for an exception in person at their meeting if necessary.
Amazingly, in less than a week, the association had reversed its original decision and said yes to our request.
Tom and Dave were free to adopt both Abby and Chelsea!
Congratulations to Tom and Dave, we wish them well and hope this journey they have begun will bring them lots of laughter, joy and plenty of furry kisses. (hopefully we'll pass along a photo of the happy family soon).
Kudos to Tom and Dave for respecting the rules and trying to go about the adoption process in the correct manner.
And to the condominium association for listening to us with an open mind and realizing that rules can be changed for the benefit of all.
Life is as dear to a
mute creature as it is to man. Just as one wants happiness and fears pain, just
as one wants to live and not die, so do other creatures.
His Holiness The Dalai
Lama
A quick update on one our our other furry friends: Casey
Casey has been adopted! One of the vet techs who helped take care of Casey when he first came to us (and picked off all those awful ticks) fell in love with him. A couple of visits to the vet later she decided she wanted to add him to her family forever.
We'll miss you Casey :)
Also - although reliable numbers are hard to find below are some statistics that are a little disheartening to read. It's good to know that today more and more resources are available to help people who want to keep their pets and to help them successfully re-home pets without having to surrender them to shelters first. Winning even small battles can result in changes that have positive lasting results.
We'll miss you Casey :)
Also - although reliable numbers are hard to find below are some statistics that are a little disheartening to read. It's good to know that today more and more resources are available to help people who want to keep their pets and to help them successfully re-home pets without having to surrender them to shelters first. Winning even small battles can result in changes that have positive lasting results.
ASPCA
FACTS ABOUT ANIMAL SHELTERING
Across the United States, volunteers
and staff in animal shelters and animal control facilities see the results of
irresponsible pet ownership and dog and cat overpopulation every day. However,
there is very little reliable data available to illustrate this issue on a
national level. The following figures were gleaned from independent random
studies and the best estimates by experts in the animal welfare and related
fields. These should be considered ballpark figures only. Most of the studies
were national and there is tremendous variation by region.
There are about 5000 community
animal shelters nationwide that are independent; there is no national
organization monitoring these shelters. The phrases “humane society” and “SPCA”
are generic terms; shelters using those names are not part of the Humane
Society of the United States or the ASPCA. Currently, no government institution
or animal organization is responsible for tabulating national statistics for
the animal protection movement.
2002 Figures
Animal Shelters
- Approximately 8-12
million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year and
approximately 5-9 million are euthanized (60% of dogs and 70% of cats).
Shelter intakes are about evenly divided between those relinquished by
owners and those picked up by animal control. These are national
estimates; the percentage of euthanasia may vary from state to state.
- Less than 2 percent of
cats and only 15-20% of dogs are returned to their owners.* Most of these
were identified with tags, tattoos or microchips.
- 25% of dogs that enter
local shelters are purebred.*
- Only 10% of the animals
received by shelters have been spayed or neutered. 75% of owned pets are
neutered
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