Description:
Dedicated to the rescued pets that make their way to Angels of Assisi. We are privileged to know them and help them find a way home.
www.angelsofassisi.org
Contents:
Incoming
Early this morning a truck and trailer pulled out of Franklin County headed for Union, South Carolina to pick up 22 dogs that were scheduled to be put down tomorrow at the local shelter. The dogs will arrive this afternoon and go to various no kill shelters and rescue groups.
Some have asked WHY IN THE WORLD would we go all the way down to South Carolina, when dogs are in danger of euthanasia right here in SW Virginia?
It is a valid point, and while there are several different ways to look at it, the main, glaring fact is that this particular pound in South Carolina still uses a gas chamber to euthanize animals.
If you are not familiar with the process, you can read more about it here, here and here. Warning- it is very heartbreaking. (Virginia passed a law in 2008 prohibing the use of gas chamber, and for that we are very thankful).
So on this day, February 25, we have not changed the laws in South Carolina to prohibit gas chambers. We have not stopped the needless killing of thousands of pets in their state or in ours.
But on this day, February 25, an otherwise ordinary day, 22 dogs escaped the cruel fate of being gassed to death. 22 dogs have a second chance for a good life. Take a good look into their eyes, and it starts to make perfectly good sense.
A special thank you to Anita Scott and the Cooper family for making this happen. They are a true friend to the hundreds and hundreds of animals that now have a place to call home.
Angels of Assisi is expecting the following 6 dogs to arrive from South Carolina this afternoon. As always, we appreciate your donations to help with extra staff time and medical care. If Virginia is for Lovers, we are hopeful they will find the loving family they deserve.
Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do. ~John Wooden, They Call Me Coach
Update 2:50 pm- with the puppies a total of 27 dogs were spared from the gas chamber tomorrow. They have arrived safely!
.
.
Smile Fido!
Fido's or Fluffy's bad breath could be more than a smelly annoyance; it might signify a serious health risk with the potential to damage not only the animal's teeth and gums but its internal organs as well. Click here for some information on pet dental care.
Angels of Assisi os now offering teeth cleaning services starting at $75. Please call 344-8707 for an appointment.
A Strong and Kind Voice
Angels of Assisi is very proud to work with the outstanding Animal Control Officers (ACO) of Botetourt County on a variety of animal neglect and cruelty cases. These ACOs are very attentive to the safety and care of the pets and livestock in their jurisdiction- sometimes it is a matter of educating pet owners on the proper care of a dog, sometimes it involves seizing emaciated cows in the middle of the night, and sometimes it involves rescuing 65 sick bunnies scheduled to be sold at Happy’s Flea Market.
Many of these animals are brought to Angels of Assisi or Harmony Farm Sanctuary for Veterinary care and a safe place to stay. One of our favorite memories is of ACO Kevin Crowder entering our front doors with a tiny kitten in his huge hands, and winking at staff member Tammy like he had just brought her a dozen roses and a diamond necklace. Little did he know that to Tammy, saving the life of this cat was by far more heartwarming. Officer Crowder will always have a special place in all of our hearts.
Whatever the issue is, the Botetourt ACOs do a thorough and professional job, and we appreciate their efforts and value our partnership. But if you ask any of them how they are able to succeed, they will tell you it is because of the Assistant Commonwealth Attorney in Botetourt, Jill Deegan.
In her position, Jill is the one that decides if a pet owner needs more education or is being abusive, she is the one who stayed up and arranged for 3 cows to be transported at 2 am to Harmony Farm Sanctuary because “we don’t leave emaciated cows in a field to die” and Jill is the one who worked relentlessly and got a lot of flack for saving the 65 bunnies (let’s face it, bunnies are not high on most priority lists).
Jill is the voice for those who cannot speak in the Botetourt Court System against abusive and neglectful owners.
Because of her expertise and dedication, Jill is often asked to help in animal welfare cases throughout the state of Virginia. This week she is also an honoree for the National Justice for Animals Week, because “without strong enforcement, even the best written laws are powerless to protect animals.”
You can see the honoree list here, and a New York Times article quoting Jill here.
Jill, we thank you for your dedication and compassion. When we look into the eyes and soul of an animal that has an uncertain future but is under the watch of you and the Botetourt County ACOs, we have a sense of peace knowing they have an awesome team pulling for them. Keep up the good work.
Jake's Journey
Jake is a big 'ole redbone coonhound who holds a special place in our hearts since he was found close to death from starvation last winter.
Since then, he has not only gained his weight back, but has overcome many other obstacles that were harder to achieve than his physical improvements
This wonderful dog had to learn how to be in a home and how to somehow trust people and believe that he was not going to be hurt again. After many months of rehab, kind foster homes, and a few very special dog walkers, Jake has come into his own and is enjoying his new family very much. We thank them for their patience and giving Jake a happy ending.
Meatless Monday
Tabouli Recipe
Makes 6 1-cup servings
A staple of Middle Eastern cuisine, tabouli is often accompanied by stuffed grape leaves, or pita bread with hummus dip.
1 cup dry bulgur
2 cups boiling water
2 medium tomatoes, diced
3 green onions, chopped (about 1 cup)
1/2 cucumber, peeled and diced
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
1 juice of 1-2 lemons
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, pressed or minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
Combine bulgur and boiling water in a mixing bowl. Cover and let stand until bulgur is tender, about 25 minutes. Drain off any excess liquid and use a fork to fluff bulgur. Cool.
When bulgur is cool, add tomatoes, green onions, cucumber, parsley, and mint. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, oil, garlic, and salt. Add to bulgur mixture and toss gently to mix. Chill before serving if time allows.
Source: Healthy Eating for Life for Women by Kristine Kieswer; recipe by Jennifer Raymond, M.S., R.D.
Cats at CATS
Angels of Assisi has been invited to bring some adoptable felines to CATS at the Roanoke Civic Center on Thursday, February 18th. Hope to see you there, and in prep for the big night, here is a little teaser from Thomas Stearns Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats.
The Naming of Cats
The Naming of Cats is a difficult matter,
It isn't just one of your holiday games;
You may think at first I'm as mad as a hatter
When I tell you, a cat must have THREE DIFFERENT NAMES.
First of all, there's the name that the family use daily,
Such as Peter, Augustus, Alonzo or James,
Such as Victor or Jonathan, George or Bill Bailey--
All of them sensible everyday names.
There are fancier names if you think they sound sweeter,
Some for the gentlemen, some for the dames:
Such as Plato, Admetus, Electra, Demeter--
But all of them sensible everyday names.
But I tell you, a cat needs a name that's particular,
A name that's peculiar, and more dignified,
Else how can he keep up his tail perpendicular,
Or spread out his whiskers, or cherish his pride?
Of names of this kind, I can give you a quorum,
Such as Munkustrap, Quaxo, or Coricopat,
Such as Bombalurina, or else Jellylorum-
Names that never belong to more than one cat.
But above and beyond there's still one name left over,
And that is the name that you never will guess;
The name that no human research can discover--
But THE CAT HIMSELF KNOWS, and will never confess.
When you notice a cat in profound meditation,
The reason, I tell you, is always the same:
His mind is engaged in a rapt contemplation
Of the thought, of the thought, of the thought of his name:
His ineffable effable
Effanineffable
Deep and inscrutable singular Name.
-TS Eliot
Pictured above is the new Angels of Assisi office kitty, Lil Bit. Wonder what her secret name is, and if she will ever share it with us?
.
Clean Chompers
Angels of Assisi is now offering canine dental cleanings for as low as $75. Please call us at 344-8707 for an appointment. Smile, Fido!
Hello Halo!
Halo was out and about for some exercise and socializing today, and she enjoyed the snow and visiting the cows and bunnies. This sweet girl is our favorite pony at Harmony Farm Sanctuary. (OK, she is the only pony at Harmony, but still our favorite by far!)
Hang Tough, We're Getting There
For all of those struggling through ice, snow, and freezing winds to take care of your animals, we thank you. Many people have come to the aid of friends and neighbors to help with family pets and livestock, and those efforts are also greatly appreciated. Times are tough, and the weather has added an additional strain on all of us. Hang in there, friends, spring will be here soon.
"In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer" -Albert Camus
Home
|
.JPG)
