New Foster Astro

Harvey is a SUPER sweetheart and is going to make a family with kids/other dogs/ cats a fabulous dog.

He is good in the kennel- goes very willingly, and quiet, no accident in kennel.
He has a silly bark...much higher pitch then my boston Ginny.
He is very energetic and likes to play.
He is very attached to me already.
When I nurse the baby in bed he lays down on the bed at my feet.
He has quickly learned the rules of the house...at first he was all over the furniture....but after a few AGHT noises he has not gotten on the furniture in a few hours.
He appears to be mostly house trained.
Willing to take his meds in a piece of cheese.
He has a healthy appetite.
Walked on a leash well next to the stroller.
Afraid of loud noises.
Interested in cats but not obsessive, when the cats swat he runs (they are declawed so no ouchies)
.

Alissa
Carthage NY

Why We Rescue

He woke with a start
could not figure out where he was.
Why am I warm, why am I safe,
why is the world suddenly soft?
Oh yes, the lady that talks so sweet
she rubs my ears and cooches my belly.
I like it here
wonder if she'll send me back?

It is quiet but I can hear life about me
it is a calm, safe feeling.
One I have never known
but have dreamt of.
I have only been here a day
wonder if they'll let me stay?

Maybe if I'm good and sweet
they won't put me on the street.
I'm so confused
the lady talks so nice all the time.
I got my own dinner last night
without a fight.
I hear some noise
wonder if she'll send me back?

She is calling my name
how sweet she sounds.
I am here, right here
waiting for my ear rub.
Better wag my tail
let her know I like her a lot.
There she is, she is so soft
wonder if she'll let me stay?

Time to go out she says
better not do it on the floor.
Out side with all the others
they seem happy here too.
I hope she lets me stay.

Wow food again
and all my own!
She just rubbed my head
and said 'what a good boy.'
Me a good boy
wow me a good boy!
Oh that smile of hers
hope she lets me stay.

Looks like play time
hey I can play too.
She is laughing
I remember that sound.
They used to do that when
I was little and they liked me.
You know the other people
then they just stopped laughing.
Please don't make me go back.

She is on the phone
thought I heard my name.
She is looking at me
she is smiling.
Better get over there and
get one of those ear rubs.
She is talking about me
Please don't make me go back.

Still talking about me
Wonder what she meant.
She said 'looks like a keeper to me.'
I hope she'll let me stay.

I was never allowed to give kisses
wonder what she would do?
Think I'll try.
Oh my, she's got tears in her eyes!
Oh what have I done?
A big hug, maybe she'll let me stay.

She said I'm home now
talks to me a lot, real nice.
Wow, what a day and
it's only just begun!
Imagine having many days
like this all together.
Oh, Please let me stay!

-- Contributed by Sheryl Trent

Brewster Goes to His Forever Home

Peggy and Jim Vianco came today and took Brewster to his new home.  What a nice couple - they were very excited to be adding a new member to their family.  I'm anxious to hear how everything works out for them.  Thank you Jodi and Beth for helping to make my first (of many I hope) foster experience a great success.  I am continually impressed with this group and all that they offer everyone they come in contact with !!

His forever mom says, "We picked up Brewster on Sunday.  We  are having fun with Brewster, he has settled in nicely, is sleeping well in our bed, eating a little dogfood, meeting the neighborhood kids and just being a good, good affectionate dog.  We love him already. "



Loree

CT Animal Rescue Law Goes Into Effect 10/1

 From the Animal Law Coalition


Daniel Malloy has signed into law a bill that requires "animal importers" to register with the state which includes payment of a $100 annual fee.

Substitute House Bill 5368 also requires "animal importers" to comply with regulations that can be issued with respect to "health, safety and humane treatment" of the animals. The Commissioner of Agriculture is authorized to inspect the animals and any records of the "animal importer".

A violation can mean a fine up to $500.

Animal importers must also notify the state Dept. of Agriculture and local zoning officer of any sale, adoption, or transfer of animals that is open to the public. A failure to comply can mean a fine up to $100.  

What is an "animal importer"?

According to the bill, an "animal importer" is "a person who brings any dog or cat into this state ...for the purpose of offering such dog or cat to any person for sale, adoption or transfer in exchange for any fee, sale, voluntary contribution, service or any other consideration".

This includes "any commercial or nonprofit animal rescue or adoption, humane relocation or delivery organization that is not otherwise required to be licensed".  This means all rescues and those transporting animals to rescues within the state. The definition is broad enough to include those traveling through the state with rescued animals.

More requirements under the new law

Not only must animals imported into the state be accompanied by a health certificate, but the "animal importer" is responsible with limited exceptions for obtaining a veterinary exam and new health certificate for the animal within 48 hours of entering the state. Also, the animal must be examined by a licensed veterinarian every 90 days until the animal is sold, transferred or adopted. Veterinary records must be kept by the animal importer for up to 3 years. A violation of any of these provisions can mean a fine up to $500.

Then there is this provision: Any animal importer who intends to offer for sale, adoption or transfer any dog or cat at a venue or location that is open to the public or at an outdoor location, ... shall provide notice to the Department of Agriculture and the municipal zoning enforcement officer of the town ...not later than ten days prior to such event. Such notice shall state the date for such sale, adoption or transfer event, the exact location of such event and the anticipated number of animals for sale, adoption or transfer at such event.

A violation can mean a $100 fine.

This notice appears to apply to a rescuer transporting an animal into Connecticut for transfer at a shopping center, for example, to another rescue which may then take the animal for placement or transport out of state.  notice. 

The Federation of Responsible Rescues says the new law will "effectively ends the ability of legitimate rescues to offer dogs for adoption in the state of Connecticut by making the cost so prohibitive that adoption is not feasible for the vast majority of adopters."

Substitute H.B. 5368 specifically excludes breeders and dealers bringing dogs and cats into the state to deliver them for sale at pet stores.

Fines are also increased from a $100 maximum to up to $500 for violations of laws requiring health certificates for imported dogs and cats with copies sent to the commissioner of agriculture, permission from the state veterinarian for import of dogs or cats under a rabies quarantine, and the ban on the transport into the state dogs or cats less than 8 weeks of age without their mother for sale, adoption or transfer, and the sale, adoption or transfer of dogs and cats less than 8 weeks of age.

The new law goes into effect October 1, 2011.

Update on Parker

We are close to Parker's anniversary date and I thought I would give you an update.  He has turned into a great dog.  After  biting Ken 3 times Parker has turned into his best buddy. My husband does understand that he had great fear and was willing to rehabilitate him.   They play every day.  Parker brings his toys to Ken each morning.  Parker allows Ken to pet him, rub his belly, and scratch behind his ears.  No more growling or flinching.  Parker often jumps up on my chair with me.  We have taken him camping and he loves it.  My daughters  and grandaughter came with us and he was the perfect gentleman.  He loves his walks and of course treat time after dinner.  Our Vet says he is in very good shape. His coat is shiny and he tolerates the bath well.  He follows me whereever I go, all over the house. He doesn't mind the cat, who sometimes swats at him.  He  just gives him plenty of room.   He waits on  the window sill every afternoon for me to come home from work.  When he sees me, he jumps down and runs to tell Ken I'm home. I find him to like the same routine,everyday.  However, he knows what weekends and vacations are.  He gets upset if the camper leaves the yard without him.  The longer we know him the more he understands us. He is really quiet intelligent. He just needed to get past his fears.



Our thanks to you and NEBTR for all the good work you do.  Anne Swain

We Have a Secret

We have a secret, you and I

that no one else shall know,

for who but I can see you lie

each night in fire glow?


And who but I can reach my hand

before we go to bed

and feel the living warmth of you

and touch your silken head?


And only I walk woodland paths

and see ahead of me,

your small form racing with the wind

so young again, and free.


And only I can see you swim

in every brook I pass

and when I call, no one but I

can see the bending grass.


Author Unknown

--Contributed by Meredith Festa