“Angels Herald” Newsletter
December, 2013 Issue
An “Angel” Is Forever Home! ~ Adoption Success Stories of Angels’ Rescues ~ Our Angels Adoption Success Story this month comes to us from Paulette Del Casale, who adopted “Paquito” from Angels Among Us. After being fostered by Lorie Ederr for 9 months, Lorie sometimes wondered if Paquito would ever find his forever family and home. She even worked with our talented Janet Kang who filmed and produced a wonderful video of Paquito modeling all the wonderful costumes Lorie bought for him. Here is the the wonderful outcome of that video, and Paquito’s journey home.
His forever Mom, Paulette, writes, “Paquito is the perfect completion to our family! He and Junior play and "bicker" all the time, and most importantly, he has been accepted by oldest brother, Brownie. Frank and I were "sold" by his You.Tube fashion video! Before we finally made our decision, on every Saturday I would check the Angels FB page to see if Paquito had been adopted at one of the adoption events. After a few weeks of this, we decided that ‘enough is enough’ and that it was time to pursue him for our own. Last week's trip to Chattanooga was, hopefully, one of many trips and vacations Paquito will accompany us on." Thank you, Del Casale family, for choosing to adopt - not shop!
Paquito (called Pico by the kids), is seen here with his Daddy, Frank, sister Holly, brothers Junior and Brownie, and Mom, Paulette. (Brother Brandon is not pictured).
Paquito (Pico) and his entire family when they came by to visit with Angels Among Us Pet Rescue at the recent Brewhouse Café fundraiser. Looks like little Pico is telling Santa all the things he wants for Christmas. Well, Paquito, you already have the one thing you and foster Mom, Lorie, prayed for: the perfect family and home!
“Angels Herald” Newsletter
December, 2013 Issue
A Plea To Transport Souls In Need Of Rescue Date: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 11:33 pm From: “Brandy”, a Transport Volunteer with Angels Among Us “I sobbed in my car today after dropping three pitiful, terrified pups at the vet for evaluation. I cried out of pure sadness for them, I cried for relief that they were free, and I cried for all the countless others that didn't make it into my back seat.
Linna
The spaniel was the worst of the three. She trembled in the crate but never moaned or cried the entire 50 minute ride to the vet. Thick, green sludge dripped from her swollen red eyes and the heavy mats that hung from her ears and legs were soaked in urine and feces. I asked a vet tech to please help me get her down from my car and as he gently lifted her out, something happened that haunted me enough to write this email. She screamed in pure terror.
Not just a little whine, but screams that reached deep in your soul and rattled your heart. She urinated all over herself in fear, and as it dripped down her matted, filthy legs, I cried. I knelt at her side and through the swollen slits she had for eyes, she stared deeply into mine. She didn't know she was on her way to a chance at a real life, free of pain. She was just afraid to leave the safety of my quiet car and clean towels. I whispered, “Sweet girl, there is so much to look forward to!” Please do not look away from these souls. I know it is hard to see. I know their stories are difficult to read. I know it feels like no matter what you do to help one, there are ten times more animals waiting in need. But I promise you this-- you make all the difference in the world to that lost soul who depends on YOU to be their lifeline. Do not turn away. Just because you choose not to look doesn't mean these animals do not exist. My car reeked of urine and feces as I cried into my steering wheel. Still, it was my great honor to give these angels a ride to freedom. I pray their new homes come quickly. “
Our Transport Team needs more like Brandy who are willing to be the ride to freedom for these precious souls desperate to live. If you can help transport, please contact Angels today at Volunteer@angelsrescue.org. Precious souls are waiting! “Angels Herald” Newsletter
December, 2013 Issue
Angels’ Featured Dog for December: JACK O’LANTERN! Meet Jack O’Lantern, a young male Miniature Pincher mix pup who is 5 months old and weighs just 12 pounds. “Jack” is neutered, 95% housetrained, micro chipped and up-to-date on all of his vetting and shots. His foster parent has been working with him on crating and he’s being a good boy with his training – he’s a young pup, so he cries a bit when he goes in but quickly settles down once he knows that he’s okay and safe in his crate. This precious boy was picked up as a stray by animal control and brought into the shelter where Angels saw him and knew he was so worth saving! He loves all types of dogs, and is good with kids. He loves to play with other dogs and all his toys. He chews on his toys and not destructive at all. Jack totally loves a good walk and does not tug on his leash at all. The ideal home for Jack would to be in a home where someone was home part or most of the day and one where he could be trained and grow up to be the perfect dog that he is. A fenced in, secure backyard would be ideal for this boy! If you would like to know more about Jack, you may contact Angels Among Us by sending an email to Inquiry@angelsrescue.org.
Angels’ Featured Cat for December: DANIKA! Meet Danika, a beautiful female domestic short hair kitty who is 3 years old, and weighs a whisper at only 7 pounds and has the most striking green eyes! Danika is spayed, micro chipped, and up-to-date on all her vetting and shots. She uses her litter box faithfully with no accidents or spraying. This girl is extremely playful – she loves strings, yarn, shoelaces, anything she can play with. She is also very loyal to her humans and likes to stay close to them at all times. She will adopt the family and has a true nurturing instinct. Miss Danika was rescued by Angels from a high-kill shelter where most cats don’t get adopted or survive euthanization. She is good with male cats and but is a true “alpha” female so a home with another female kitty would not be ideal for beautiful Danika. She also needs a home without children. Her ideal home would be one with a small family and no children, and one where she could be the only female kitty. If you would like to meet or know more about Danika, you may contact Angels Among Us - Cats by sending an email to Cats@angelsrescue.org.
“Angels Herald” Newsletter
December, 2013 Issue
Adopting a Dog for the Holidays: Do or Don’t? Why Giving New Pets as Holiday Gifts Is a Bad Idea! ~ Samantha Drake ~ The holidays can be a wonderful time to bring home a pet. However, it’s important to be fully prepared and make sure you can commit the time, focus and energy needed to properly welcome a dog into your home. A new pet is a lifetime commitment, requiring a considerable amount of research and preparation. Springing a puppy or kitten on a child makes a wonderful holiday morning memory, but the reality is that animals need care and attention long after the seasonal decorations are put away. A new pet cannot be put aside as easily as other gifts, yet each year, a distressing number of pets given as gifts end up being dumped at shelters. “Unlike with other holiday presents, owners cannot just pop in a fresh battery or put the pet away in the closet after the novelty wears off. In nearly all cases, one of the parents becomes the primary caretaker, doing the feeding, walks, litter scooping and all of the other chores the children once promised to do themselves,” says Robin Tierney of the Partnership for Animal Welfare (www.paw-rescue.org). “Furthermore, ‘pets as playthings’ is the wrong message to send to children. Pets are living beings that require substantial time and daily care, plus expenses for food, obedience training, vet bills and occasional pet sitters or kennels. Children get bored with gifts, and it’s heartbreaking when families grow tired of the growing dog,” Tierney explains. It’s not just children that may tire of the new responsibility of a pet. Adults who did not see the gift of a pet coming may not be willing to put in the time and effort to care for it. “A new owner may enjoy the animal for a few weeks, but then resent the gift once the novelty wears off, and the cute puppy starts growing into an active, needy, larger dog,” Tierney says. In fact, many reputable breeders will not allow puppies to go to a new home during the holidays because of the failure rate of such adoptions. Reputable breeders want to see their puppies in safe, responsible homes; holidays are times of distractions and stress, and are not good times to help a new pet adjust to a new living situation and family. “Angels Herald” Newsletter
December, 2013 Issue
As for adoptions, great shelters always want their cats and dogs to find forever homes, but adoption volunteers will ask the right questions to ensure your family is ready for a new pet, holidays or not. if your family is fully prepared, if everyone in the household has been planning for a new pet and all of the responsibilities have been laid out and agreed to, then and only then is adopting a good idea. Owning a new dog or cat is a serious emotional, financial, and time commitment. Just say no to puppies and kittens for holidays like Christmas and Hanukah, or for birthdays. That goes for rabbits and chicks at Easter, too.
Reshared Courtesy of www.360pets.com
SHARE the good “news” or our Angels Among Us E-Magazine with others who don’t receive it currently. They can sign up at http://angelsrescue.org/ today!
Pet Funnies!
“Angels Herald” Newsletter
December, 2013 Issue
OUT AND ABOUT DURING THE HOLIDAYS Have YOU spotted An “Angel” somewhere lately??
Angels Among Us Volunteers doing some great work “wrapping” presents and talking to shoppers about Angels at the Barnes & Noble store at the Mall of Georgia!
Angels Among Us partnered with the Brewhouse Café in Little Five Points for a Fundraiser on Sunday, December 8th! They were joined by a very “special” guest, Santa himself, as everyone worked to raise money to support the needs of all our rescued pets.
They will be back at the B&N store at Mall of Georgia on Friday, 12/20 and Saturday, 12/21. Plan to stop on by and support these wonderful volunteers in the “wrapping” project and collecting funds to support Angels Among Us!
Some of our wonderful fosters and their rescues who braved the cold and windy conditions at a recent adoption event held at Town Brookhaven. Love the costumes! ADOPT, don’t SHOP!
“Angels Herald” Newsletter
December, 2013 Issue
A Very Special “Angel” ~ Stories that Touch Your Heart & Soul ~ We want you to meet a very special young lady….her name is “Madeline”, but to Angels Rescue she represents so much more! Her title is “Miss 5000”! You see, she is the official 5,000th life saved from high-kill shelters by Angels Among Us Pet Rescue, Inc. You might be thinking, “Hey, wait a minute! Haven’t you saved more than 5,000 already?” and you would be correct! You see, the difference in the numbers comes from the fact that our Angels founders worked in rescuing animals in the Angels name long before we were formed into a corporation. So, they saved and rehomed many animals in the Angels name before we were formed as an organization. But, the official number has now gone over that 5,000th mark and sweet Madeline became our office 5,000th life saved when our volunteer and transporter for many of the lives we’ve saved got the honor of “choosing” that 5,000th life that day at the shelter. Precious Madeline became the luckiest girl in the world that day when Scott stooped down at her cage and whispered, “Today is going to be the best day of your life.” The additional blessing in all this is that more than Madeline were saved that day…yes, our girl was very pregnant, almost to the bursting point of having her babies! Along with that blessing, came another one on the form of the wonderful people at Fido’s Market. The owners not only sponsored Madeline, they gave her foster the wonderful, nutritious and incredibly good “Answers” dog food Maddy has been eating since becoming an Angels rescued pet! She is a very healthy dog, and her puppies are getting the benefit of this wonderful nutrition! If Madeline and her babies could speak, they would all say, “Thank you for our lives! And thank you for giving us a chance to have forever homes and families!” We say it all the time but it bears repeating: in animal rescue, it truly takes a “village” of volunteers, donations, support and loving hearts willing to “rescue ONE until there are NONE”.
“Angels Herald” Newsletter
December, 2013 Issue
An Open Letter to Angels Rescue Dear Angels: My name is Claire, and I am ten years old. When I came home from school one afternoon, I was having a really hard day. My day changed quickly when I got the news. My mom said, “Honey, I have to tell you something. We’re fostering a rescue dog from Angels Among Us.” I immediately begged to see the dog - what she looked like, her behavior…I couldn’t control myself until we hopped into the car and drove to the vet to pick her up. She came out, wagging her tail, all excited, so full of hope. We brought her home, walked her around our yard a few times, and then brought her into our house. She took a drink of water and lay right down beside me. It filled my heart with joy, compassion, warmth…the feeling that I just saved a dog who almost died. I knew she would be safe with us until her new family adopted her. I was so grateful for saving a dog, and I wanted to do it again. Yes, I’m only ten, but I know that few Georgia dogs ever make it out of shelters alive, especially black dogs. More and more dogs are being put to sleep every day, and they just don’t deserve it. They have feelings. They want a home. They want love. And the holidays are the PERFECT time to show love. Please give yourself, and your family, the best gift possible this holiday - the gift of saving a life. Please foster an angel dog or cat. Even a few days of being with a foster family can save a dog's life or keep an animal out of boarding. I’m so grateful that my family has fostered for AAU. I hope that you will take that same leap of faith, and experience a joy and love that freshly wrapped gifts just can’t offer. Please experience the best present possible: the gift of a sloppy kiss from an animal who knows he or she is alive because of YOU. That is truly a gift that keeps on giving. Love, Claire (Atlanta, GA) www.angelsrescue.org/foster
“Angels Herald” Newsletter
December, 2013 Issue
Preparing a Personal First-Aid Kit for Pets Pet Article courtesy of www.pet-articles.blogspot.com
If you are like most pet owners, your pets are valued members of your family. It is a documented fact that many have risked life and limb to save their precious pets during a disaster. Statistically, however, it is more often small cuts and scrapes that occur that require immediate attention, rather than major disasters such as an earthquake or flood. For this reason, every pet owner should have easy access to a first aid kit specifically created for pets. What would you need immediately if your puppy fell of the bed and started whimpering? You'd need a first aid kit for pets. Supposing your cat had an altercation with the neighbor's dog and the vet was twenty minutes away? You'd need a first aid kit for pets. A well-stocked first aid kit for pets is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it could save your pet's life, or at least make him more comfortable, until you can get your pet to a veterinarian. The likelihood that your animals will survive an emergency depends largely on emergency planning done today. Therefore, a first aid kit for pets is a necessity. What should a first aid kit for pets include? To some degree, that will depend upon the type of pet. However, the basics include the following: 2 - Paw Tip Bandage (Knuckle) 2 - Fingertip Bandage 1 - Tape Roll 1 - Trauma Pad (5 x9) 4 -Gauze Pad 4" x 4" 4 -Gauze Pad 2" x2" 1 -Gauze Roll 2" 2 -Examination Gloves 1 -Instant Cold Pack 1 - Tweezer
2- Antibiotic Ointment 10- Alcohol Pads 10 - Antiseptic Towelettes 1 - Bag 1 - Pet First Aid Guide 4 - Leg Splints/Tongue Depressors 10 - Cotton Tip Applicators 1 -Elastic Bandages 2" ("Ace" Type) 2 - Splinter Removers (Lancets) 3 -Sting Relief Pad
Assemble an emergency supply pack which includes the first aid kit for pets, pet food, water, medications, medical records, leashes, a well-fitting muzzle, ID tags and other appropriate supplies. Put this kit in a central location in your home. Remember to take this pack with you when going on an outing, or else prepare a second pack for the car. The AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) offers information regarding managing urgent care situations such as car accidents, wounds, electrical shock, and eye, foot and ear injuries. Additionally, the Red Cross offers a Pet First Aid booklet with suggestions on creating a first aid kit for pets. What should you do to ensure your pet's survival and to avoid those feelings of panic when an accident or illness occurs? Plan, purchase, prepare and practice. Obtain a first aid kit then review the materials it contains. Planning ahead is the key to keeping your pets safe when disaster strikes.
“Angels Herald� Newsletter
December, 2013 Issue
Have You “Heard”? Spotlighting our Angels Youth Ambassadors Program! The Angels Ambassador Program for volunteers of any age who want to make a REAL difference for the animals in the Angels Among Us program as well as learn about humane education, animal welfare, animal rescue and all it entails, different breeds, and so much more! Our Youth Ambassador Program is for ages 5 - 18 and is geared both toward individuals and youth groups such as school classes, scouts, clubs, or church groups. The main area of the program is where a youth is matched with one of our adoptable animals and then the youth becomes that animals advocate helping to find a forever home for the dog, cat, puppy or kitten. In addition to being matched with an animal and marketing the animal there are other ways Angels Ambassadors can volunteer. As an Ambassador you can do fundraisers, donation drives, be the founding member of an Angels Among Us Club at your school and many other fun activities! These programs are managed by the Humane Education Team, which is also available for group presentations and can provide age appropriate information to anyone interested in learning more about rescue animals and ways to help. For information on how you can be an Angels Ambassador or schedule a presentation for your group, please e-mail education@angelsrescue.org. Want to help? The Humane Education Team needs you! For each Youth Ambassador, we assign an adult mentor to answer questions and brainstorm ways to market their assigned cats and dogs. It's a very small time commitment with a huge benefit to both the children and the animals! Presenters are also needed. Send an e-mail to volunteers@angelsrescue.org, let them know you want to help with Humane Education. This is Alex Mikolajczyk, one of our Angels Youth Ambassadors! For his school’s “Passion Project”, he chose Animal Rescue! He is passionate about saving lives! We’re so proud of you, Alex!
“Angels Herald” Newsletter
December, 2013 Issue
Special Thanks To Our Angels Supporters! LuAnn Farrell, Founder of AAUPR
Pictured above is Pat with two of her foster failures, Dottie and Wilbur.
One of our wonderful volunteers and supports, Pat Parmalee, was chosen by SCANA Energy as a participant in their 15th Anniversary “Loyal Community Heroes” contest. For her charity, Pat chose Angels Among Us Pet Rescue as her non-profit “making a difference in my community” charity. Pat WON the contest as her picture with her two foster “failures” Dottie and Wilbur and her story of support of Angels received the most votes!! The prize of $1,500 was awarded to AAUPR by SCANA Energy on Pat’s behalf! Thank you so much, Pat Parmalee and SCANA Energy, for this great donation of support!
“Angels Herald” Newsletter
Pictured above: Mr. and Mrs. DeFeis, with Melissa in the middle
We also want to send out a huge THANK YOU to Mr. and Mrs. John DeFeis. Their daughter, Melissa, is a wonderful volunteer for Angels Among Us Pet Rescue and works miracles in animal rescue each day! Mr. and Mrs. DeFeis recently donated $1,000 in honor of Angels and the work their daughter does in animal rescue. We thank them and Melissa for understanding what it takes to save precious lives each day in order to give them that 2nd chance at having the best life!
December, 2013 Issue
Happy Updates on Former Fosters Smokie Joe (fostered by Joy Batchelor) decided to check in to let you know how happy he is with his new kids. “Smokie had a great time being with the kids every day during their Thanksgiving break from school. He got to meet his cousin, a big yellow lab, for Thanksgiving. Smokie enjoys going to the bus stop each day, taking wagon rides with kids, looking for small animals in the yard, snuggling on the couch.
He has chosen my daughters bed to sleep in every night. He's a funny little guy who has brought so much happiness here and has a renewed spring in his step. I have attached two pictures I took at the park of him and the kids. They know he still has to take it easy after his heartworm treatment but they are so in love!” We love getting such great reports from our adopters! DON’T SHOP – ADOPT!!
Looking for a Way to Support Angels Among Us Pet Rescue? Little Fettuccine, one of our “Pasta Pups” dropping by here with Seasons Greetings! “Santa says that all of the Angel Among Us foster dogs & cats are on the good list this year! We couldn't decide on one thing to pick for each pet this year, so we made a list.....an Amazon Wishlist! You can find it by going to the link listed below and helping Santa out. Please send to your friends so they can help us fill up our stockings! www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/2T3MI3FNIYYZM “Angels Herald” Newsletter
December, 2013 Issue
Events Updates – “Touchdown FUR Tails” A wonderful time was had by everyone attending our Annual Fall Fundraiser on November 16th at Sweetwater Brewing Company in Atlanta. Angels would like to thank all the vendors who participated by donating food, spirits, items for auction and raffles, along with Tap Snap and our own Angels photographers. Our guest DJ kept everyone dancing and tapping their toes all night long! Make your plans to be with us next time – don’t miss the fun of supporting Angels Among Us Pet Rescue, and thanks to everyone who came out to the event!
“Angels Herald” Newsletter
December, 2013 Issue
Upcoming Events For the month of December, please make your plans to join us at the many Adoptions, Special Promotions, and Fundraising Events scheduled this month. Fundraisers and Adoption Opportunities are all supported and staffed by Angels Among Us Pet Rescue volunteers! You can go to this link to see all Events and Adoptions listed on Angel’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!!
Special Promotions Some of our newest items are now in stock on the “Shop” page on our Angels Website. “Shop for A Cause” at our Angels Rescue website this Holiday Season!
www.angelsrescue.org/shop/
Holiday Ornaments for your Tree! Car Magnets!
ANGEL FOOD Cookbook and 2014 Rescue One Calendars!
“Save A Life” long-sleeved T’s in Holiday Colors! Limited Offer! “Angels Herald” Newsletter
December, 2013 Issue
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
NOVEMBER 2013 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.
November Rescue Stats: 330 - active foster homes 503 - adoptable pets 138 - pets adopted 84 - pets rescued 4,696 - total adopted* 5,199 - total rescued* November Website Stats: 94,777 -- page views 39,677 – website visits 26,694 -- unique visitors November Facebook Stats: 65,898 -- Facebook fans November Petfinder Stats: 164,629 - pet views (as of 9/2013) Data no longer available from PF site
* includes an estimated 50 pets not on Petfinder
“Angels Herald” Newsletter
Thank You Very Much! In this issue of the Angels Herald, we would like to thank the following individuals and companies for their generous donations and support:
HOLLY ROSS – Angel of the Month! Carole Trulio Jason DeCorte Stockton Garver Jane Jenab Sowmya Pasham Kamala Weaver Randolph Shaw Nancy Taliaferro Chuck Hollingsworth
Gary Ledford Cornelia Guest Michael Burke Tauna Cooper Roy Stephens Bryant Isaacs Cynthia Barr Joni Speros
Vanderlande Industries, Inc. Badferret Lure Chasing, LLC SCANA Energy First’NFitness Women’s Outdoor Network Henry’s Midtown Tavern Booster – LasterschWestern 2013
About Our Organization Angels Among Us Pet Rescue, Inc. 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, INC. PO BOX 821 ALPHARETTA, GA 30009 Fax: (877) 969-8669 Email: info@angelsrescue.org Website: www.angelsrescue.org
December, 2013 Issue