“Angels Herald” Newsletter
April, 2014 Issue
Happy Endings – Adoption Stories
~ Submitted by Karen Dunkley, Foster & Angels Publications Team ~ I handed the puppy to her and he just “knew”. I swear there was recognition in his eyes when the daughter held him the first time. His eyes had a look, a sense of “knowing” – I could see he was also remembering a scent that meant home/safety. His big paws wrapped around her neck and she laughed. And I knew in that magical moment, Hunt was “forever home”. It truly was a “Full circle” moment. You see, Hunt’s mama (Zola) was in a shelter, pregnant with very little hope of survival for either her or her unborn babies. Angels saved the pregnant Mom and she gave birth in a safe, loving foster home. Hunt is one of the lucky ones, born into foster care instead of in a shelter. What you might not know is that Zola’s savior is a horse trainer; she fosters for Angels too; a pretty amazing lady. She nurtured Zola and her babies from birth and taught them how to trust and love. Once Hunt was old enough to go to adoption events, I took over as his foster Mom. And so, with that first look, that first familiar scent, Hunt KNEW he was home. You see, this young lady is a horse woman too. “I want to bring him to the barn with me,” she said “I want to bring him everywhere with me,” she giggled as he kissed her face. “What do you think, Dad?” she asked. He smiled. I think we all knew there was only one thing left to say:
“Welcome home, Hunt!”
“Angels Herald” Newsletter
April, 2014 Issue
“Angels Herald” Newsletter
April, 2014 Issue
FROM A BROKEN MESS TO A “MUFFIN” OF SWEETNESS AND LOVE ~ Contributed by Angels Volunteer, Jennifer Crow Naujokas ~ Lori Huster was driving down a dark road in the Stone Mountain area when she came upon a little fluff ball on the side of the road. She pulled over and saw that it was a severely injured little dog. Lori flagged down a DeKalb Co police officer, A.M. Jackson, to assist her and she ended up taking the pup to a 24 hour emergency hospital called Village Vets in Decatur. As she was checking in, they asked for a name and she said "I don't know; I just found him on the side of the road". The veterinarian's office said "we'll just call him stray" and Lori said "No, let's call him Mutt Muffin." They doctors immediately stabilized the dog and gave him medication to protect him from the severe pain he was in. Lori quickly jumped into action to try to find the dog owners. Unfortunately, after many posts on the internet, and no collar with a tag or microchip to go by, it started to look doubtful he would be claimed. In the meantime, medical bills were mounting and she received a hefty estimate on surgery to put this little guy back together. Lori started to fundraise on her own and also contacted Angels Among Us Pet Rescue. Days went while we all did our due diligence, but time was of the essence to get Mutt Muffin into surgery. Angels Among Us Pet Rescue Posted for funds as "Mutt" was going to have to be moved to a specialist to be operated on by an orthopedic surgeon at GVS in Sandy Springs. The estimate for his surgery, treatment and hospital stay was going to cost at least $10,000. No one flinched, we just started praying, begging for donations and doing everything we could to scramble to save Mutt Muffin. Once we got the green light to transport Mutt Muffin from Village Vets in Decatur to GVS in Sandy Springs, Lori packed up Mutt in the back of her car, and she and her friend, Linda Hatten, headed out around noon on the day that is now known as Snowmageden. In a terrifying transport that included running out of gas, being stranded and having to walk to GVS in the snow and ice, this journey took 10 hours. If it weren't for the help of an employee at GVS, (Jory pictured above with Linda and Mutt Muffin) who put on his snow boots and walked 1/2 mile to meet them, we may not have ever gotten Mutt to safety.
“Angels Herald” Newsletter
April, 2014 Issue
Surgery was a 2 day process: Dr. Cross, with GVS, had to repair a fractured spine, pelvis, femoral head and tibia. He's full of plates, pins and screws. However, after several more days, Mutt Muffin was released to go home with his Angels Among Us foster mom, Lori! He was a happy boy. 11Alive news came out to interview Lori & Mutt Muffin on the day of his release and AAU updated the thousands of worldwide anxious Facebook followers that were patiently waiting for an update. Mutt Muffin is making a miraculous recovery! He's very happy and is doing great with his physical therapy, where he walks on a treadmill in the water, and also receives laser therapy. He is making huge strides and we expect him to make a full recovery. It won't be long before he's able to chase and play with foster-sister (soon to be FOREVER sister) Lily! Yes, Lori will be adopting Mutt Muffin once he's free from his AAU medical hold. Lori felt like there is a reason she was driving down that road that night and put Mutt in her path. May they all live a happy, healthy, loving life together.
With Much Love, Jennifer
UPDATE ON MUFFIN! Mutt Muffin got a green light! Dr. Cross says his fractures are all healed up and he can now run off leash in the yard. Two more rehab sessions and we are done!!! We are beyond grateful for amazing medical care by GVS! This precious bundle of sweetness who was so close to death’s door now has a completely new lease on life, and loving every moment!
“Angels Herald” Newsletter
April, 2014 Issue
“Where Are They Now?” Updates on our former Rescues! Our update this month comes from Cate Morris. Cate wrote to us about “Jakey”, and here’s what she had to say. “I have been meaning to write you all for quite some time now, but I am beyond obsessed with my rescue that I adopted from AAU. Just saw the newsletter and it compelled me to write you all with a Jakey update. I met Jakey at one of your mall events August 2013. I had originally gone there for another dog that was adopted and when a lady came in with Jakey. I just saw him from afar and knew he was the dog for me. He was not even there for adoption! HA. I think Jakey was meant to be mine. He is the sweetest, most well behaved dog I have ever had. I am seriously so happy with my amazing rescue! Our new LA vet wanted to adopt him which of course I told her NO WAY! We just moved from Atlanta, where I had lived all of my life, to Beverly Hills, CA for a new job and he is living the LA dog life. He’s had quite the adventure too!
He has been on a plane three times and done so well most passengers had no clue I had a dog in my bag. He has visited both Malibu and Pebble Beaches He gets to go to work with me once a week and loves the office LA is very dog friendly so he gets to go most everywhere with merestaurants, CVS, even the Apple store We went on a hike and he saw the Hollywood Hills His doggie day care is over the top! There is a pool just for dogs, and flat screen TV’s – it’s insane and amazing.
Thank you for all you do and thank you for letting me adopt Jakey! He has been a true blessing in my life.” Sunny Regards,
Cate Morris Happy Adopter from Angels Among Us Pet Rescue
“Angels Herald” Newsletter
April, 2014 Issue
REMEMBER DURING THE HOLIDAYS:
ATTENTION READERS! A NEW FEATURE COMING JUST FOR “YOU”! We’d love to have you, our readers and supporters be a part of our magazine! We want you to send us pictures of your precious family pets so we can include them in our publication each issue! If you have great pics of your furry family members, send them to us, along with their name(s) and a nice caption that tells us something about them so we can share them with all of our thousands of readers. Email them to Beth Hale, at publications@angelsrescue.org, and look for them to be featured in the months to come!
“Angels Herald” Newsletter
April, 2014 Issue
Angels’ Featured Dog for April: DITKA! Meet Ditka! Better known as “Mr. Personality”! Named after the former Chicago Bears’ coach, he looks like a bear and has the same hairline as Mike. This 1-1/2 year old Sharpei mix loves to play. He “tackles” his bigger foster dog brother like a linebacker and wrestles with him. Ditka loves to play with his humans too. Tug-of-war is his favorite. He’s interested in just about anything you’re doing, following you around like, well… a puppy dog. He’s now a healthy 55 pounds, but when he was picked up by animal control he was literally a bag of bones, with scars on his neck from his previous life. Although the scars are still there, they have long since vanished in his heart. His tail never stops wagging and he never stops smiling. He has a lot to smile about now, too. He was so excited to have a home with kids that he sat on his human foster sister’s lap en route from the shelter. He still enjoys taking them to school every morning, although he’s a bit rambunctious in the car. Ditka will sleep next to you in bed, very close without moving all night. In the morning, he loves to wake up his foster kids for school by squeaking his toys while standing over them in their beds. He picks up the kids’ dirty laundry off the floor and likes to play keep-away while they run after him around their rooms. He’s a wonderful family dog. Ditka’s the perfect gentleman in the house too: never chewing, using the restroom outside, only barking when necessary, sitting for treats and even having a gentle mouth when taking them. He loves to snuggle with you on the couch, but be warned: he’ll divebomb your lap. There is no gentle, slow climb. He must think he’s a Chihuahua! He’s always happy to meet new people and he gets along great with other dogs too. Ditka just wants to please. Basic training would make him the perfect dog and there is no doubt this smart boy would graduate as head of the class. The perfect home for Ditka would have a 6’ privacy fenced-in back yard with lots of running room, kids above the age of 6 (he’s a bit of a bull in a china shop and may knock over anyone younger) and a bigger doggie playmate. Ditka deserves a wonderful home and his silly antics and funny grins will always bring a smile to your face. Ditka is neutered, micro chipped and up to date on shots. To find out more about Ditka, or to adopt him, please contact Angels Among Us by email to Inquiry@angelsrecue.org or visit the Angels website at www.angelsrescue.org to fill out an adoption application. Check out our other wonderful pets visiting our website: www.angelsrescue.org/adopt/. “Angels Herald” Newsletter
April, 2014 Issue
Angels’ Featured Cat for April: TABITHA! We are excited to be able to introduce you to a very special Angel in this month's Featured Cat segment! Meet Tabitha – this precious soul is still looking for her forever home after two years with Angels Among Us. Tabitha has been spayed and microchipped and is up-to-date on her shots and vetting. She loves adults and older children. Tabitha would thrive in a quiet home free of other pets and would be the ideal companion for a single fur-mom or dad interested in a “special needs” kitty cat! Tabitha and two of her kittens came to Angels Among Us from Animal Control. At intake it was noted that Tabitha had lost all of her teeth and, sadly, all three cats tested positive for the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV+). This virus attacks the immune system and makes it more difficult for the cat to fight off infections as it progresses. It's important to note that FIV+ cats can live normal, healthy lives, although they may be more prone to upper respiratory & other infections. The disease can only be transmitted through deep bite wounds. Tabitha is incapable of biting and her transmission risk has been dropped to nearly 0%. Tabitha is a true talker and will greet you with her adorable, “Ow, ow, ow” when you walk into the room. She loves to sit beside you and is very affectionate. She likes to play and will be bringing several of her favorite toys to her new home, including a cute little gray mouse that she will present to you so you can tell her how proud you are of her hunting prowess! She loves to impress her human! Her fur is long, thick and as soft as silk. She loves to be brushed and pampered. She has a stunning pair of large green eyes and only half a tail! We have no idea what might have happened to the rest of it – she may have been born like that! It definitely gives her a unique look that we love! To find out more about our featured feline, or one of the other cats up for adoption through Angels Rescue, please contact the Angels Among Us Pet Rescue - Cats team by email at catsinquiry@angelsrescue.org. Don’t forget to check out the other wonderful pets up for adoption by visiting our website: www.angelsrescue.org/adopt/. Also, please visit, like, and follow Angels' Cats page at www.facebook.com/angelsrescue.cats. “Angels Herald” Newsletter
April, 2014 Issue
Special Needs Pets – No Less Deserving of A Forever Home Contributed by Kathryn Brogdon, www.Examiner.com If you are ever perusing www.petfinder.com for a pet to adopt from a rescue, chances are you will come across a few animals that have a tiny green heart under their name. This tiny green heart symbolizes that the pet is special needs, and it’s easy to skim past them. Many don’t even consider a special needs pet when they are looking to adopt. But special needs pets deserve a loving forever home just as much as pets with no handicap. If you look deeper into a special needs pet that is available for adoption, you will find that most of them function beautifully even with their disabilities. Animals are so resilient in that way; they bounce back quickly and adapt to their situation. Sally is a perfect example of an adopter who wasn’t looking for a special needs dog, but made a strong connection with one. Daisy was blind, and while Sally had her reservations, after dedicated consideration she followed her heart and adopted Daisy. Daisy’s foster mom noted that Sally was perfect for Daisy, because she didn’t feel sorry for the blind girl – Sally simply loved her. Sally admits that she’s had to make a couple of concessions since adopting a blind dog – she added rails to the bed so Daisy wouldn’t tumble over the edge, and she watches Daisy very closely while she’s outside – but she adds that Daisy figures things out on her own. “She’s blind as a bat, but cute as a button,” Sally sweetly teases. With all of this in mind, presented to you today are a few special needs pets from Atlantabased Angels Among Us Pet Rescue that are in need of a patient, loving, forever home. If you open up your heart to these unique animals, you will not regret it.
Britzee: This 10-year old Yorkshire Terrier is both blind and deaf, but despite these challenges, Britzee is an active boy that makes it around his foster home just fine. He enjoys exploring and cuddling on a warm lap. He is able to communicate his needs to his foster mom, whether it is that he wants a belly rub or to snuggle up on a fuzzy blanket. He is affectionate and adorable. His foster mom says, “I learned quickly that his disabilities made no difference. He is a normal dog.” Britzee is patiently waiting for his forever family.
Barney Rubble: We often hear of people struggling with diabetes, but did you know that pets could develop the disease, as well? Barney Rubble is an 8-year old Jack Russell Terrier mix, and he suffers
“Angels Herald” Newsletter
April, 2014 Issue
from Diabetes. “It’s nothing to shy away from,” his foster mom reports. “He is on a consistent feeding schedule and has his insulin shot 30-45 minutes thereafter. He’s my first Diabetic dog and it’s been a breeze to take care of him.” His condition does not have much effect as he is a calm, friendly dog that would so love to have a family of his own.
Anya: Lots of people have hearing problems, and they function at full capacity. It may surprise you to learn that dogs are the same way! Especially 8-year old Shih Tzu mix, Anya. She is housetrained, loves to go for walks and ride in cars, and she is quite the snuggle-bug. Her foster mom says that if Anya knows someone is home but is unable to find them, she will bark so that her person can find her instead. She’s a sweet, mellow girl that needs a forever home.
Bear: Bear is a young Maine Coon mix that unfortunately suffers from Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, usually abbreviated to FIV+. This diagnosis seems to send potential adopters fleeing to the hills, but it shouldn’t. Cats that are FIV+ can live long, healthy, and happy lives, and despite misconceptions that they are contagious, the only way to infect another cat is through deep bite wounds. Bear is what his foster mom calls a “people cat” and he so desperately wants to be loved. He is sweet and playful and it is unfair that his special needs get in the way of him being considered for adoption.
Louanna: This 3-year old Grey Tabby girl has a condition known as Drop Hock, a neurological problem that results in Louanna dragging her back legs when she walks. This doesn’t stop Louanna, however. She’s a playful, chirpy girl, and can do whatever she decides she wants to do – meaning, she’s a normal kitty cat. She is no less deserving of a forever home because of her condition.
There are other adoptable pets with special needs within the Angels Among Us Pet Rescue family. Angels Among Us Pet Rescue is known for rescuing pets who may have special needs. Angels’ fosters don’t shy away from animals with disabilities, and it’s a sincere hope that adopters won’t, either. These animals are not defined by their disabilities. Please open your hearts, just like Sally did, and adopt a special needs pet.
~ Rescue ONE Until There Are NONE ~ “Angels Herald” Newsletter
April, 2014 Issue
Oysterfest – 2014 Article & Photos Contributed by Danielle Tynan, Events Team In late February, Angels Among Us worked together with Passion for Paws at Oysterfest to raise almost $4,000 for homeless animals. Over the last four years, the generous and wonderful animal-loving owners of Steamhouse Lounge in Midtown have provided a free booth to one animal rescue during its’ popular annual event Oysterfest. Passion for Paws (P4P), a local non-profit that helps raise money for other rescues was provided the opportunity, and chose Angels Among Us to be this year’s beneficiary of all dollars raised.
During the two-day beer and oyster festival, approximately 20 outgoing P4P and AAU volunteers worked the crowd selling merchandise and collecting donations to save animals from high-kill shelters in Georgia. They also collected names of interested volunteers and potential fosters to join the efforts of animal rescue. Thank you to all the volunteers who made this event such a great success! “Angels Herald” Newsletter
April, 2014 Issue
RAINY DAY PUB CRAWL PROVES TO BE A SUCCESS Contributed by Danielle Tynan, Angels Events Team
On March 29th, Angels Among Us joined Atlanta Wine Tours and Passion for Paws for the first annual Wine and Bark pub crawl at Town Brookhaven. Despite the cloudy skies, intermittent rain and heavy winds, approximately 200 attendees turned out for the event. The daytime pub crawl allowed participants to enjoy tasty food and delicious wine and drink specials from several Town Brookhaven bars and restaurants including Noche, Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub, Olive Bistro, Shucks, Smash Kitchen and Bar, Bua Thai, CineBistro, and BACI Atlanta. Attendees paid a cover charge which included a wristband for the food and drink specials and entry into a raffle featuring over a dozen prizes from Moe’s, Marble Slab Creamery, Boneheads, Big Peach Running Company, and more. A percentage of the profits from the event were given to Angels Among Us to help us in our mission to help homeless animals. We also drew awareness our cause, distributing literature and displaying volunteer and foster registration forms. The best news is our bi-monthly adoption event took place simultaneously on the lawn at Town Brookhaven and many animals found their forever homes!
Photos Taken by Margaret “Margie” Malone
“Angels Herald” Newsletter
April, 2014 Issue
Upcoming Events, Fundraising Opportunities Please make your plans to join us at the many Adoptions, Special Promotions, and Fundraising Events scheduled this month. You can go to this link to see all Events and Adoptions listed on AAU’s Facebook Events Page: www.facebook.com/angelsrescue/events Make sure you check the Events Calendar listings on Facebook often, as Events and Special Promotions are being added or changed during the month! SEE YOU THERE!!
“Angels Herald” Newsletter
April, 2014 Issue
Thank You Very Much! How YOU Can Help! Sign up for our monthly donation subscription:
Furry Friends - $10 Silver Whiskers - $25 Gold Collars - $50 Platinum Paws - $100 Angels Among Us - $250
Visit our website for details! www.angelsrescue.org/donate
March 2014 Traffic Report Traffic on our Facebook page, our website as well as the Petfinder site helps to provide visibility and funding, enabling Angels Among Us Pet Rescue to rescue and find loving foster and adoptive homes for these rescues.
March 2014 Rescue Stats: 368 - active foster homes 530 - adoptable pets 168 - pets adopted 180 - pets rescued 5,273 - total adopted 5,935 - total rescued March 2014 Website Stats: 136,609 - page views 60,809 - website visits 43,322 - unique visitors March 2014 Facebook Stats: 120,773 - Facebook fans
In this issue of the Angels Herald, we would like to thank the following individuals and companies for their generous donations and support:
Carole Trulio Angels of the Month! Danielle Klosek Dehass Melissa De Feis Alison Wetzel Kristin and Mark Wilkinson Andrew Mound Claudia Brotman Nancy Taliaferro Courtney Harrison Richard Slugoski Lisa Harper Antonio Merlano Leslie Popp Hayley Smith Jennifer Delatorre Jennifer Turner EJ Taylor Joe Hernandez-Pol Linda Williams Karl Kurz Thalia Haseotes Angela Garr Sam P. Alterman Family Foundation
About Our Organization Angels Among Us Pet Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing dogs and cats from high-kill shelters in north Georgia. We operate through a network of foster homes in the metro Atlanta area. Our efforts are funded by tax-deductible contributions from compassionate people and organizations that care and want to help make a difference. ANGELS AMONG US PET RESCUE PO BOX 821 ALPHARETTA, GA 30009 Fax: (877) 969-8669
Email: info@angelsrescue.org Website: www.angelsrescue.org
“Angels Herald” Newsletter
April, 2014 Issue
Telling the Angels Rescue Good News Through Social Media Look for Angels Rescue on all the following social media platforms, and choose to follow, like, share and help us use social media to save lives!
www.facebook.com/angelsrescue www.facebook.com/angelsrescue.cat s
“Angels Herald� Newsletter
April, 2014 Issue