Welcome to the December, 2014 issue of the ANGELS HERALD MAGAZINE! Our Angels Rescue photographer, Penny Duncan, has provided our beautiful cover picture of a rescued pup taken at a recent adoptions event! Penny not only is a photographer for us but also fosters felines for Angels Among Us Pet Rescue’s Cats team! Penny stays very busy with home, family, fostering but also found time to join the Photography team this year - she’s amazing! Additionally, you’ll notice a beautiful updated photo of little DEVIN, our miracle kitten, taken by Mark Stanley, also a member of our Photography team! Be sure you read the featured article about Devin’s incredible story and the great blessing of it being a winning entry in the Petco & Halo Foundations “2014 Holiday Wishes” grant campaign! Both are WINNERS! Please remember as you plan your Holiday feasts and spend time with family and friends, to be careful what you feed your pets from your table - also, keep them out of your leftovers and the garbage can! Lastly, remember pets are like us: they love the shiny tinsel, tree decorations, wrapping paper and bows, so make sure you keep an eye on them, as well as the kids! :) We THANK YOU - our followers, supporters, donors with your help, we need you each day in animal rescue! It truly takes a village and we could not do this without each of you linked arm in arm with us to save lives and give a voice to those who cannot speak for nor save themselves! See you along the trail in 2015!
Beth
MAKE SURE TO READ EACH OF THE FEATURES THIS MONTH!
Page
Tribute to a Fallen Angel - “Gone Too Soon” - Bev Mischler
4
Adoption Update: “Two Little Miracles Named Kanga and Roo”
6-7
Holiday Article by Debbie Diamond: “Hanukkah With The Hounds”
8-9
“Rescue Explained”, a poignant poem of what RESCUE is all about!
10-11
FEATURE ARTICLE THIS MONTH: “Devin - Our Imperfectly Perfect Angel”
12-13
Devin’s story wins 2nd place in Petco’s 2014 Annual Holiday Wishes Campaign
Cynthia Fuquet Mare’s Article: “Why Is Adopting So Complicated?”
14-15
FOSTERING SAVES LIVES - a look at some of the many animals fostered in 2014
16-21
“Thank You Very Much!” - Corporate, Civic Donations to Angels Among Us
24-29
“How Are We Doing?” - our numbers, and Thank You’s to our Donors
30-31
Angels Among Us Pet Rescue is sad to announce the passing of one of our own, volunteer and foster mom, Bev Mischner. There was never a rescued dog who was turned away by Bev. She believed they were all “fixable” and worked tirelessly to give them every opportunity for a loving home and family. Bev, you are loved by your fellow laborers in animal rescue as well as your beloved doggies, and will be very missed us all. We know you’ll be watching over all of us.
The job of rescue is not finished when we take an animal past the shelter doors. The work is not complete until that rescued soul can look at us with loving eyes and simply say, "Thank You For Everything.. I'm Truly Home Now." Help these saved souls complete their journey to be "forever home".
Rescue ONE Until There Are None
An “Angel” Is Forever Home! ~ Adoption Success Stories of Angels’ Rescues ~ Our Angels Adoption Success Story comes to us from the Tran family, who adopted “Spooky Mills and Angel Wings”. Here is a holiday update about their journey.
"Once you choose hope, anything is possible." We believe that will all our heart! Spooky Mills and Angel Wings were littermates (a product of overbreeding) and were born without their two front legs. Angels Among Us Pet Rescue does not judge based on breed, color, age or disability. We believe that each life is precious and worth saving. AAUPR rescued Spooky Mills and Angel Wings in May of 2013. They stayed with a very special foster mom (who was also a vet tech) for a while until a miracle happened!! They were adopted together by the most AMAZING family in June 2013 and renamed Kanga (the white male) and Roo (the tan female). Kanga and Roo's forever family sent us this update that we wanted to share with you: "We absolutely ADORE them and spoil them to no end. We love,love them and couldn't imagine life with without them! We often bring them to work with us since we have a private office and a playpen set up for them. And we have also flown with them several times since they both do well with traveling.
Every day we feed them organic steamed veggies mixed with vitamins, turmeric and low fat dog food (to keep their weight down so as to avoid excess pressure on their 2 legs). And in the summer we help them with water therapy in the pool. We had 2 sets of custom wheels made for them (Eddie's Wheels and TurboRoo Wheels) that we're currently working on getting them trained to use as well. They are incredibly active and loving, and they definitely live life to the fullest. Anyone who meets Kanga and Roo can instantly see that they never let their disability slow them down. We're so thankful AAU rescued them and gave them a chance to find their way into our home. Wow! What an amazing and heartwarming story! We see so much in rescue and it is often overwhelming. Sometimes we feel like giving up, but it is stories like these that keep us motivated to continue the battle.� Thank you, Tran family, for adopting and loving these two deserving, little souls and letting them know that their lives do indeed matter. Be sure to follow more amazing stories of rescue and adoption on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/angelsrescue
Hanukkah with the Hounds Written by Debbie Diamond, Angels Publications Photos supplied by Allison Asher, Foster & Adopter of Duke and Jake
As you gather around the menorah again this year, there are plenty of opportunities to integrate the special canine members of your family into your family’s Hanukkah celebration. These days, there are doggie dreidels, Hanukkah-themed treats and even a doggie menorah that you can light on behalf of your pets. So, with the eight days of Hanukkah fast approaching, here are a few ideas to create special holiday memories for the entire family. Night One – As your family lights the first candle of the menorah, call your pups near and allow them to take part in the festivities. As social creatures, they will love the attention, basking in the candles’ glow as part of your pack. Night Two – Break out the dreidels and let the fun begin! As long as you’re nearby, your favorite pals will be content and happy. As you hope for a Gimel and the spoils of the game, your sweet pups can happily chew on fuzzy dreidels as your own tops spin around the house. Night Three – What’s a proper Hanukkah celebration without potato latkes? Just one small non-greasy latke will do the trick for your canine pack members. It’s just one night. Do they prefer theirs with sour cream or applesauce? Night Four – It’s time to open their fourth gift of the season, whether a special Hanukkah-themed bandana, toy or treat.
Jake and Duke looking for Hanukkah presents!
Night Five – Gather up all the family members and take a walk around the neighborhood, enjoying all the festive lights and decorations of the season. Your doggies will appreciate the exercise and all the time spent with you. Night Six – A special grooming session may be in order, with just the right Hanukkah themed accoutrements. Every girl (and boy) needs a spa day and blue barrettes, right? Night Seven – As the holiday winds down, a quiet night cuddled up around the fireplace fits the bill. The menorahs are lit, the presents have been opened and the family is gathered round relaxing and retelling stories about Hanukkahs past. Night Eight – Hanukkah concludes on this night, and the family lights the final candle on the menorah. All the doggies have gathered round too as the family celebrates with the last prayer, bidding Hanukkah goodbye and wishing each other Chanukah Sameach (Happy Hanukkah in Hebrew). Now, until next year . . .
Debbie Diamond is the proud parent of two rescue dogs, Picasso and Pebbles. She has written travel pieces and articles on healthcare, education and entertainment for a number of local and national publications.
Rescue Explained Author Unknown The neglect changes you. The abuse hardens you.... The suffering breaks you.
You’ll learn to mourn. To grieve. To sob.
The ignorance angers you. The indifference disturbs you. The injustice destroys you.
You’ll learn to trust a little less. To do a little more. To fight a little harder.
On a daily basis… your faith will be tested. Your heart will be wounded.... Your soul will be altered.
You’ll learn to try. To hope. To pray.
On a weekly basis… you’ll question yourself. You’ll question your strength. You’ll question the world. On a monthly basis… you’ll fall down. You’ll get up. You’ll go on… On a yearly basis… You’ll look back… You’ll see faces… And you’ll remember You couldn’t save them.
You’ll learn to fail. To succeed. To accept. You’ll learn when to hold on. When to give up. When to let go. You’ll learn who you are. What you stand for. Why that matters. Then… at times… You’ll forget why you matter. You’ll question what you do. You’ll wonder if it’s worth it.
But…here’s the good news…
When you forget… When you question… When you wonder… All you have to do Is take a look around… Because in that instant… in each of your hearts… You’ll see them... You’ll see their faces. You’ll see their smiles. You’ll feel their love. In their eyes, you’ll see their journeys… You’ll remember their beginnings… You’ll know how truly far they’ve come. You’ll remember when they didn’t know you… When they didn’t trust you… When they’d given up.
For them… and because of them. In your darkest hours, you’ll look around… To find the differences made… The hope given… and the lives saved… Because you existed.
In those moments, when you look into their eyes… every doubt will be erased. Every question will be answered. Every worry will subside. You both will share the very same thought: “Every bit of pain was worth it… for this moment here with you.” And honestly… no matter what else happens… Those moments hold all the strength you need… To keep going.
You’ll remember how you healed them… How you loved them… How they loved you, too.
Rescue is pain. Rescue is joy. Rescue is worth it.
And as you look back… You’ll want to move forward…
Because they are worth it. And that’s the honest truth. Photo Credit: Margaret Malone
Angels Among Us Pet Rescue Wins Petco Foundation’s Holiday Wishes Grant Photos by Kimberly Kay and Mark Stanley On a recent chilly morning in December at the Petco Store #1709, located at 2340 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, GA 30076, members of Angels Among Us Pet Rescue, along with Devin, his adopter, Dr. Baranik, and his rescuer, Kimberly Kay, met with corporate representative Beth Mars from the Petco Foundation and store manager Donna Reich, to announce the award of 2nd place in the Petco and Halo Foundations #2014HolidayWishes annual grant campaign. Their Holiday Wishes campaign is designed to help the most dedicated animal welfare groups succeed in their mission to save pets’ lives – at the holidays, and year round. Angels Among Us Pet Rescue, Inc. (AAUPR) received a winning grant award of $50,000 to support its life-saving efforts. They also awarded Devin a pet food donation of a year’s supply of food as well as enough food to provide 5,000 meals for AAUPR’s fostered pets from Freekibble.com and Halo, in partnership with the Petco Foundation. For more information about Angels Among Us Pet Rescue (AAUPR) or the Petco Foundation Holiday Wishes Grant Campaign, please visit us at www.angelsrescue.org or www.petco.com/holidaywishes. Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or by using the campaign hashtag, #HolidayWishes2014. Read more of little Devin, the Imperfectly Perfect Angel’s story on the next page.
Here is the story and celebration of DEVIN, the Perfectly Imperfect Angel, beautifully told by Megan Bowman and Kimberly Kay, his rescuer. Both are volunteers and fosters for Angels Among Us Pet Rescue.
Devin's Paralyzing Journey to Wellness “We are told the screams were so loud they could be heard amidst construction machinery next door. Jarred by what he heard, a worker shut off his equipment and turned to see what was happening. Hurling a small, fluffy object around like an unbreakable toy, the worker watched in horror as an unsupervised child savagely abused what was actually a five-week-old kitten. The kitten had no defense other than the sound of his own painful cries. The child repeatedly tossed him around the yard, sometimes catching Devin, sometimes not. With each horrific fall, bones were being crushed, but what was happening internally was far worse. Panicked, the worker dropped his equipment immediately and ran to the scene. Bruises had already started to form on Devin's stomach and he had no mobility in his rear legs. The worker alerted the child's parent and begged them to please let him take the kitten home. For a day, the worker and his family tried to nurse Devin back to health, but the kitten clearly needed more. Intake vetting showed a severe spinal cord injury from his abuse. Permanent paralysis of his rear two legs was certain. Additionally, all bladder function was gone and he would need a human to help him urinate multiple times daily, for his lifetime. Anticipated medical fees exceeded $5,000. Not wanting to euthanize him, the worker who saved Devin called Angels Among Us Pet Rescue (AAUPR) for help. Angels volunteer sped to the vet to visit him. Despite his catastrophic injuries, he showed spunk and a will to live. "When he batted at me with his two good paws through that crate, I just knew we HAD to help him," said AAUPR volunteer, Kim Kay. Saving his life was no small feat, but today, Devin lives! AAUPR took his story to Facebook, and a global legion of angels rallied. Today, Devin feels no pain from his paralysis. A customized set of wheels was built to aide his mobility. Best of all, the vet who first treated him has decided to adopt Devin, understanding his lifetime of treatment needs. Faced with horrific abuse, Devin holds no grudge. He is a standard bearer of unconditional love, a champion for never giving up, and an inspirational example that regardless of disability, life can still be enjoyed to its fullest. He is a true “angel among us”. Follow Devin and his friends on his Facebook page by clicking the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/perfectangeldevin
Why is Adopting so Complicated? Because we’re finding you the Perfect Match! Cynthia Fuguet Mare, Publications Kindness is a very powerful thing. It is usually invigorating, inspirational, and in the best of circumstances, contagious. So when you make the ultimate leap from “Let’s get a dog!” to “Let’s rescue a dog!”, and you are filled with joy at this future act of extreme kindness, it’s difficult not to feel impatient with the adoption qualification process. Too often, the happiness you feel at the prospect of giving an unwanted or abused dog a wonderful, permanent home, is flattened by the reality of paperwork, home inspection, and interview. Sometimes, the delay and potential anxiety is complicated by the impulse that, once the decision to adopt has been made, the perfect pet must be found now. And this is where patience and calm must temper your rush to go out and adopt your new soul mate immediately. Maybe it will help to understand why rescue organizations like ours are so thorough, and standardized, in their adoption procedure. 1) You are selecting a dog that has recently been homeless, and should never, ever be homeless again. Whether abandoned, dropped off at a shelter, abused or neglected, this dog deserves a forever home. It needs to feel secure and like a permanent part of its new family. We don’t ever want to adopt out a dog, only to have it be returned because it wasn’t a good match after all. This is extremely hard on you, the dog, and AAU. 2) Each dog is unique. And so is each adopter! Not only do you and your potential canine family member need to “click”, but your lifestyle and their personality and needs have to match up. What if your work day is long, and all you want is a snuggle buddy when you come home…but you adopt a high-energy dog who craves outdoor activities and exercise? What if that dog gets anxious and lonely left at home without you? We can help you determine just what kind of size, type of personality, and age will fit perfectly into your family.
3) Some dogs need special medical care. AAU fully vets and treats the dogs it pulls from shelters and other high-risk situations. Some dogs require ongoing medication, or prescription food, or have activity limitations. It’s imperative that we ensure that particular dog gets the lifelong care it needs, and deserves, to be healthy and happy. 4) Not every living situation suits the dog you think you want. Home visits are a critical part of the adoption process. The presence or absence of fenced-in yards, the proximity to busy streets…these are all elements that can help us determine what dog will be safe in each home we see. 5) Not every adopter should be an adopter. We know that’s hard to hear, but it’s the truth. Using application questionnaires, site visits, and vet references, we can identify high-risk situations. The dogs we rescue, and foster, and strive so hard to give a second chance at a good life to, cannot ever knowingly be placed in a risky environment. We owe it to them, and to those who generously donate their time, foster homes, and funds to help us find forever families for our dogs. We applaud your kindness in deciding to rescue and we want to be there with you every step of the way! You can find all of the adoption information you need on our website at www.angelsrescue.org/adopt or for additional information, you may send an email to our organization at inquiry@angelsrescue.org.
Cynthia Fuguet Mare is a lifelong dog and horse lover who can’t imagine life without her rescue dog and when not with her family, does freelance marketing communications. She loves to write.
www.angelsrescue.org/foster
www.angelsrescue.org/foster
A Message from Angels Among Us Pet Rescue Amimals are Family & They are for LIFE!
How Are We Doing? November Rescue Stats
How YOU Can Help! Sign up for our monthly donation subscription: Furry Friends - $10 Silver Whiskers - $25 Gold Collars - $50 Platinum Paws - $100
360 — active foster homes 689 — adoptable pets 100 — pets adopted 144 — pets rescued 6,213 — total adopted* 7,331 — total rescued* * 2009 to Present
November Website Stats 135,214 — page views 58,702 — website visits 42,277 — unique visitors
Angels Among Us - $250 Visit our website for details! www.angelsrescue.org/donate
November Facebook Stats 521,435 — Facebook fans** ** to see current numbers, visit www.facebook.com/angelsrescue
November Petfinder Stats 207,010 — pet views
Thank You So Much! In this issue of the Angels Herald, we would like to thank the following individuals and companies for going above and beyond in their very generous donations and support: Michael McMenamin – Angel of the Month Individual Donors: Sarah Amico Debra LaBruzzo Yolanda Aquino Betty Balentine Tracey Roberts Marsha Wagner Carole Trulio Debra Register Thomas Mizell Karen Crider Charles/Martha Carroll Marn S. Larsen-Ball
Emmit Luther Laurel Dent Heather Hayes Richard Slugoski Kimberly Carter Jacquiline Aquino Leslie Popp Wendy Wood Anne Long Christy Lee Brewer Alan, Karen Chung
How YOU Can Help! Sign up for our monthly donation subscription: Furry Friends - $10 Silver Whiskers - $25 Gold Collars - $50 Platinum Paws - $100
Company, Corporate Donors: Bank of America Charitable Foundation Deborah Levinson, Estate of Helen Marie Stern Erin’s Hope for Friends, Inc. National Racking Horse Assoc, Ladie Auxiliary Lombino Family Fund of the AVCO Charitable Foundation Travels with Mac and Row Fund, Inc. Jones Bridge Animal Hospital McKesson Foundation
Angels Among Us - $250 Visit our website for details! www.angelsrescue.org/donate
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 who care and want to help make a difference.
ANGELS AMONG US PET RESCUE, INC. PO BOX 821 ALPHARETTA, GA 30009 Fax: Email: Website:
(877) 969-8669 info@angelsrescue.org www.angelsrescue.org
Have you ever wanted to make a difference in the world, but perhaps thought it was impossible for one person to do so? It is time to realize that you can indeed change the world. Yes, you! By adopting your new pet from Angels Among Us Pet Rescue, you are making more of a difference than you realize. When you adopt, you are opening up a foster home for a pet that is waiting to be rescued from the shelter. When one is saved from the shelter and goes into the foster home, that spot at the shelter is available for an animal that will have a chance at being rescued or adopted.
When you adopt, you are saving THREE lives. In one mere day, by adopting your new pet, you will have become a hero to three animals. By choosing to adopt, and not shop, you are becoming a part of the monumental effort to change the world. You will have a part in that great cause. It’s time to put on your cape.
It’s time to adopt! TO ADOPT: WWW.ANGELSRESCUE.ORG/ADOPT TO FOSTER: WWW.ANGELSRESCUE.ORG/FOSTER