Looking For A Cure

My right pant leg is all steamy, and I can't get up from my chair and move freely.

It seems that I have come down with something, and I just cannot shake it. Although it goes into remission, the affliction is a chronic one, always bringing heartache and hope for a cure. It's called I've Got A Scared New Office Dog Syndrome.

At the age of 14, Spike was turned into the RCACP (pound) several weeks ago. After the SPCA took his much younger housemate who was surrendered with him, the RCACP staff did a great job of making sure he would find a place at Angels of Assisi. And so he did.

My back office is one of the quieter places in the building, and he was brought to stay while we find a new home for him. He has blankets, beds, and chew toys, but he prefers to stay right next to me. My leg is steamy from him breathing on me, and he prefers to stand instead of sit so he can rest his chin on the coveted steamy leg. When I get up to move, he is right with me every step of the way, seemingly very worried that I too, will leave him and never come back. These photos of him are the best I can do, because he is always this close.

 

If anyone out there is looking to do good, to give back, or be a friend to someone in need, here is your chance. Spike is very easy going, and seems younger than his 14 years. He needs a someone to breath on and stay close to. In return, I bet he gives you the best years of his life, and makes a difference in yours. Please contact us at angels@angelsofassisi.org, or stop in and see him for yourself.

 

 

 

Dogs are a gift to mankind. They are happy and joyful and loyal by nature. They are pure, positive energy and teach by example. That is all that's required of them.
― Alyson Noel    

And His Name Shall Be Hank

 
We received a call from the Regional Center for Animal Control and Protection on March 31 about a mama dog and her 8 puppies. Some of the puppies were literally born on the floor of the Emergency Vet Clinic the night animal control brought her there as a stray dog. Our own Vet, Dr. Phillips, happened to be working an extra shift that night and took care of her.

Once her stray hold time was up, the Regional Center staff had limited options with what to do with her, as a pound is a very unsafe place for puppies that young. She was not an overly friendly dog, to put it mildly, and would be euthanized along with pups if we did not take her. As protective as she was over the puppies, placing her in a foster home was not a good option either.

The decision was made to take mama and babies to Harmony Farm Sanctuary, and they have all thrived. Mama has actually come around and relaxed quite a bit, and the puppies are adorable and playful. They came to the Angels of Assisi wellness clinic for a round of shots today, and one found his way to Dr. Phillips as she was taking a break from surgeries.

It’s been decided that he is hers, and she is his. We will make it official when he can leave his mom in 2 weeks, and we can't wait to watch him grow up. He has been named Hank, and with Dr. Phillips he will be both a city boy and a country boy. Look out world, they’ll be taking you by storm very soon.




Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.
  ― Anaïs Nin, The Diary of Anaïs Nin, Vol. 1: 1931-1934    

Lovely Rita

Into Her Sunset Years

Vanilla came last to us last week, when her owner literally left all her worldly possessions, grabbed her son and 2 dogs, and stopped at Angels of Assisi to surrender the canine members of her broken family on the way to a woman's shelter.

We took her dogs, with the promise that they would be safe and we would commit to them for the rest of their lives. She was relieved, thankful, and very gracious throughout the paperwork transaction. Her little boy was not exactly aware of what was happening, and she was trying to make it Just Another Monday, as if the sudden upheaval was not a big deal. Although brave, her smile had fragility and suppressed trepidation behind it; it was the kind of smile that could quickly turn to tears if someone went the extra step and was a little too nice. Our interaction must have crossed that vulnerable line, and tears leaked out as she hugged us extra-long on her way out.

Although we do not know where she is, or how to tell her, we hope that one day she will know that her senior girl has found a wonderful home. Vanilla’s new dad is quite smitten with her, and the small act of kindness shown when he gently lifted her into the car spoke volumes.

It is a relief that Vanilla is going to well cared for and safe. Her companion, Roxy, will also find her home soon. Here's to hoping their former owner, the lady with the brave and gracious smile, has found her safe place as well.

Godspeed

To the person who just left cherished members of the family with us, may you be safe in your journey today, and for the rest of your life.  Your courage is something we will never forget, and we'll keep our promise to you. Stay strong.

Three Cheers For The Good Guys

Officer Silvey from Roanoke City Animal Control brought us 13 cats and 2 dogs from a local hoarding case yesterday. He said that he is working with the owner, and told him he would do his best not to let anything bad happen to his cats.... and so he brought them to Angels of Assisi.

We're thankful to be part of this lifesaving team, and will uphold the bargain by giving these new guys Vet checks, updating vaccinations, and treating any medical issues. Afterwards, they will be placed for adoption with the guarantee that from here on out, we've got their backs. That goes for the officers working hard for the animals in our community as well- always has, and always will. Thank you, Officer Silvey!

With Full Hearts

 In honor of the lives lost at Virginia Tech, and those lost yesterday in Boston, we send their families all the comfort there is.

We have grateful hearts and the deepest respect for those in uniform, scrub jackets, and civilian clothes who utilize their expertise to right the wrong every single day, and then take it to an entirely new level in the midst of crises and tragedy. Thank you.
 

"But here's what I DO know. If it's one person or a HUNDRED people, that number is not even a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of a percent of the population on this planet. You watch the videos of the carnage and there are people running TOWARDS the destruction to help out.  This is a giant planet and we're lucky to live on it but there are prices and penalties incurred for the daily miracle of existence. One of them is, every once in a while, the wiring of a tiny sliver of the species gets snarled and they're pointed towards darkness.

But the vast majority stands against that darkness and, like white blood cells attacking a virus, they dilute and weaken and eventually wash away the evildoers and, more importantly, the damage they wreak. This is beyond religion or creed or nation. We would not be here if humanity were inherently evil. We'd have eaten ourselves alive long ago.

So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety misogyny, hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think, "The good outnumber you, and we always will."
 
- Patton Oswalt

In The Know

Angels of Assisi hosted our inaugural educational seminar last Saturday!  "A Community Guide to Virginia's Animal Welfare Laws and Court System" was an amazing day of information and networking.

Jill Deegan, Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney of Botetourt County, gave us an overview of the court system, animal welfare laws, and how animal cruelty cases work. She also shared the importance of giving animal control officers time to gather evidence for their cases; in other words, don't jump all over the officer if you hear "no charges were filed"- just because they are not immediately filed, does not mean they won't be.

A recurring theme throughout her presentation was the importance of knowing the code sections, and that there is actually a code section for everything. Who knew?! Click here to see a list of the section regarding agriculture and animal care.
You can even download an app to your phone- click here.

Jill also arranged for all of the speakers, and it was truly an honor to have so much talent in one room.

Michelle Welch
Assistant Attorney General
The role the Attorney General in Virginia's legal system, and an overview of dog fighting investigations and prosecution.

Sherry Ramsey
HSUS Director of Animal Cruelty Prosecutions
The link between animal cruelty and domestic violence.

Dana Miller, DVM- USDA
Using Veterinary forensics to prove your case.

Because these four speakers teach all over the county, and often together, their information weaved together to keep the aha moments plentiful. An added bonus was the addition of Officer Gibson and Officer Silvey, representing Roanoke City Animal Control. They were able to chime in on the state and national topics, and share their experiences from a local perspective, making all of our new found knowledge applicable right here in our community.

Thank you to all who attended, with a an extra special shout out to ACO's Gibson and Silvey - we soaked up your experiences "like a sponge" and have a renewed admiration for all you do. The day was filled with inspirational people, the kind that lift you up and make you want to be a better person. And now we are equipped with many of the tools needed to get the job done.

Officers Gibson and Silvey, along with
Libby Carden, RCACP Rescue Coordinator, and Trish Deaton, Director of Shelter Operations 

Knowledge will bring you the opportunity to make a difference.
― Claire Fagin


Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.
― Ralph Waldo Emerson





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Day One: A Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Our community has been waiting a long time for changes at our local pound. Over 18,000 animals have been killed at the Regional Center for Animal Control and Protection since 2008.  Last November, the spit between the Roanoke Valley SPCA and the Regional Center for Animal Control and Protection was announced, meaning the SPCA would no longer be managing the pound.

The municipalities began the transition into management, and went on a nationwide search for a new director. Over 55 applicants from across the country were reviewed, and March brought the announcement that David Flagler was chosen. 

Mr. Flagler's first day was Monday, April 8. We expected a lot of things to be coming in the next few months- an announcement that adoptions would finally be allowed from the pound, plans for improving the volunteer program, creative ideas for shelter enrichment.

What we did not expect was silence on day one from the new Executive Director as a euthanasia list was made. By the time anyone from the outside realized what was happening, 6 of the 10 dogs on the list were killed. Official documentation shows that 6 cats were killed, employees report that 8 cats were killed. 

Here are a few of the faces lost.

It appears that the time to stand up and be a voice for those who cannot speak is upon us yet again. The status quo is just not good enough.


We can't be afraid of change. You may feel very secure in the pond that you are in, but if you never venture out of it, you will never know that there is such a thing as an ocean, a sea. Holding onto something that is good for you now, may be the very reason why you don't have something better.
― C. JoyBell C.

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

Angels of Assisi continues to play a key role in our community in the fight against animal cruelty by offering medical care/rehabilitation for abused animals, and providing expert testimony in court cases. Throughout the years we have been privileged to work with Animal Control officers from Botetourt County, Roanoke City, Bedford, Giles County, Carroll County, Alleghany County, and the Virginia State Police.

Together, we can all help crack down on animal cruelty- here are some simple actions you can take to make our world a safer place for animals.

Know the Signs That an Animal Might Be Abused

Recognizing cruelty is simple, right? Not quite, say ASPCA experts. Aggressive, timid or fearful behavior doesn't always tell the whole story. Animals may appear to be timid or frightened for many reasons other than abuse.“It’s almost impossible to make conclusions based on a pet’s behavior alone,” says the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center’s Kristen Collins, CPDT. “The best way to tell whether a pet is being or has been abused is to examine him and his surrounding environment.”



Physical Signs

• Collar so tight that it has caused a neck wound or has become embedded in the pet’s neck
• Open wounds, signs of multiple healed wounds or an ongoing injury or illness that isn’t being treated
• Untreated skin conditions that have caused loss of hair, scaly skin, bumps or rashes
• Extreme thinness or emaciation—bones may be visible
• Fur infested with fleas, ticks or other parasites
• Patches of bumpy, scaly skin rashes
• Signs of inadequate grooming, such as extreme matting of fur, overgrown nails and dirty coat
• Weakness, limping or the inability to stand or walk normally
• Heavy discharge from eyes or nose
• An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal
• Visible signs of confusion or extreme drowsiness

Environmental Signs

• Pets are tied up alone outside for long periods of time without adequate food or water, or with food or water that is unsanitary
• Pets are kept outside in inclement weather without access to adequate shelter
• Pets are kept in an area littered with feces, garbage, broken glass or other objects that could harm them
• Animals are housed in kennels or cages (very often crowded in with other animals) that are too small to allow them to stand, turn around and make normal movements possibly with too many other animals

Know who to call to report animal cruelty
 

Roanoke City: 540- 853-2411

Roanoke County: 540-562-3265

Vinton: 540-983-0617

Botetourt County:  540-473-8631

The staff and volunteers at Angels of Assisi see first hand the love our community has for the animals that share our world. Together, we can and have made a difference- keep up the good work!


Also, please click here to join us for a Community Guide to Virginia's Animal Welfare Laws! 

* Much of the above information was taken from the ASPCA

Mattie Biscuit

 
While visiting the Goodview area on Easter Sunday, our new friend Mark found an emaciated dog in the middle of the road. He was not sure if she was dead or alive, but stopped anyways, and gathered her up and into his car. A trip to Emergency Vet Services found no microchip, and he arrived on our doorstep with her on Monday morning.

She is terribly thin, and has a large tumor on her side, but is as sweet as can be. She is on a feeding regime combined with medications. For now, we are taking it day by day, and letting her catch up on her rest and gain some strength back.

 

  

Mattie has a few days left on her stray hold time, and then will be looking for a couch to call her own. Thank you to all who donate to theBiscuit Fund, and for making a difference in our community!

Charlie

Years ago, emaciated and terrified, Charlie was barely surviving on cardboard and good luck in rural North Carolina. He was very elusive, and not open to human companionship. 

After being spotted by a future leader in the animal welfare community, he became a challenge, an inspiration, and, little did anyone know at the time, her first rescue of many. It took much plotting and planning, along with some well placed dog treats, to capture him, but the mission was eventually accomplished. As is often the case when the hurt is great, and the soul is lost, the best place you can turn to is your family, and that is just what she did for Charlie.

To ensure his safety, she brought him to her sister's house, and the healing process began. His first night was spent with his new owner sleeping right next to him. The patience and understanding continued, and he completed the transition into their home and hearts.

Gradually, Charlie turned from a skittish and unapproachable dog to a member of the family. He became the dog that jumped into playtime to "monitor" his boy. Loyal and true, he would wait for his dad to come home, always wagging his tail and happy to see him, no matter how late he was. For some reason, Charlie liked to stick his nose deep into his well worn work boots- no one is sure what he found so interesting in there, but we'll leave that between the two of the them.

Why the creator of dogs had to make their lives so damn short, we will never know. After 17 years, Charlie left this world last Saturday, in the peaceful comfort of his own backyard.

He will remain the symbol that no matter how awful and ugly things seem, no matter how lost the soul has become, love changes everything. Be thankful for those who can see through barriers, and reach in to pull you through. There is a word for these types, and it is called family. Be grateful and cherish them always, just as Charlie did with his.

Meanwhile

Wednesday was a big day at Angels of Assisi. Two dogs arrived by airplane from Spartanburg, South Carolina, and our local pound, the RCACP, was in crisis mode as euthanasia cards hanging on kennel doors became public knowledge.

Staff and volunteers kicked into gear. The Angels of Assisi box truck was sent to the RCACP, and returned with six dogs and two puppies. It took a flurry of phone calls, emails, social networking, dog evaluations, kennel rearranging, new foster home approvals, and a lot of work to save these animals, and it was a wonderfully busy time.

Meanwhile, quietly through the back door, three setters arrived from the Franklin County pound. The director, Cindy Brooks, had made previous arrangements for them to come, and drove the new guys up to Angels of Assisi herself. They had arrived to her shelter in horrible condition, after their owner had been suffering from progressive dementia and was unable to take care of them; most likely she did not even remember they existed.

I particularly love how the this one reached his paw out to Laura as she took the photos in an effort to save their lives. That everlasting image of one outstretched paw, trusting that she would not hurt him, looking for hope, and a chance for a happy ever after.

It looks like he got his wish.

All I ever wanted was to reach out and touch another human being not just with my hands but with my heart.
― Tahereh Mafi 

Precioso

When a horse greets you with a nicker and regards you with a large and liquid eye,
the question of where you want to be has been answered.
- Author Unknown


We are lucky to have a few equines call Harmony Farm Sanctuary home, and over the weekend they were joined by a new member of their species. His name is Dennis, he is 34 years old, and he is wonderful.

Helper Cow, the one who has to be in the middle of everything, was naturally the first to extend salutations.

 

After the initial "What the... Who is.... " moment, meet and greets went well with Halo and
Hobo as well.

Harmony Farm Sanctuary is most likely a stop over for the new guy, as we await word from another horse rescue. But for the next few weeks we'll enjoy the magical sights, smells, and sounds that only a horse can bring, and there is nothing in the world more wonderful.

If The Name Fits

We just received our 3rd dog this month who has lost her owner. Officer Thrasher from Botetourt County brought her to us this evening, and she is scared and unsure of what she should be doing.

We're trying to convince her that a good meal and soft bed are all that is on the agenda for tonight. Tomorrow will bring a Vet check and a haircut. We think she is blind, but will figure that out as we go along.

We send our sincerest condolences to the family members and friends of her owner, and promise that we will do our best for her girl, who came to us named Biscuit. She's going to fit in just fine.




I dont think that we're meant to understand it all the time.
I think that sometimes we just have to have faith.
― Nicholas Sparks



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Partners and Friends

Last week, we had the pleasure of meeting Cindy Brooks, the new Director of the Franklin County Animal Shelter (also know as the pound). As in overseeing any open intake facility, she has a tough job. Puppies, kittens, old dogs, un-socialized cats- whatever comes her way, she is responsible for.

Not too many years ago, the Franklin County pound had a very high kill rate, but with a lot of dedication things are turning around. We enjoyed meeting Cindy very much, and were happy that she transferred two litters of newborn kittens and their mama's to us for foster care.

Here is Cindy on the left, with our very special Franklin County girl, and the heart of Angels of Assisi, Tammy Javier.

Thank you, Cindy, and all those who are dedicated to helping the homeless animals in our neighboring county- we have tremendous respect for all you do, and will help in any way we can!



Our success has really been based on partnerships from the very beginning. 
- Bill Gates

Every Little Thing Is Going To Be OK

One of the new arrivals get a little reassurance from our trainer, Bobbie. We're not sure who is enjoying the extra TLC more...

No need to hurry. No need to sparkle. No need to be anybody but oneself.  
  - Virginia Woolf

Will The Wizards Amongst Us Please Step Forward?

 

An interesting take on anger, a very common emotion in the rescue community.

"It comes down to how the anger is worked through: is it allowed to fester and warp us, forcing us to bend to it, or can we consciously work it out of ourselves, and, in the process, create something that makes the world just a little bit, or even a lot, better?

Channeling anger into something that is productive - in other words, something that I consider necessary, expansive, helpful and worthwhile - makes me very happy; it’s almost a process of wizardry"

Check out this link for more: http://veganfeministagitator.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/the-upside-of-anger.html

Ah, The Life Of A Biscuit

The little guy brought in from Botetourt County yesterday, missing half of his lower jaw, is doing pretty well.

He started out the day with breakfast and meds, a walk, and then got carried to the back office for a nap while we shuffled through the paperwork portion of the day. The bed is brand spanking new and he loves it, especially when covered with a blanket.  

Soon enough, it was potty break and lunch time. He went for another little walk, then got a visit from his favorite person, Xan.

After that, Bo from the adoption center came upstairs with a sweater still warm from the dryer.

Since he was looking so cute and irresistible, his bed was moved from the floor to the desk. While we finished emails and letters, he napped.

Soon after, Dr. Spangler hand delivered his afternoon medication, he watched out the window for a bit, and then was put up for the night.

All in all a good day, far from being lost in the woods, hungry, and cold yesterday. To all those that make these happy endings possible, well done, you are truly making a difference.

Sweet Little Old Guy Biscuit

This little guy was picked up in Botetourt County and brought to Angels of Assisi for medical care. He has severe teeth and jaw infections, and been has started on antibiotics. He also received IV fluids, a toenail trim, and a small soft meal.

After the big afternoon of riding in the Animal Control truck and medical ordeal, he is quietly napping in a back office. It is safe to say that he has captured all of our hearts.

We'll see how he does in the next few days, and are thankful that a foster home is ready and able whenever he is cleared to go. Thank you for supporting the Biscuit Fund

He is another who will benefit from the Biscuit Fund, and we appreciate all who work hard to enable help for these little souls who desperately need a friend in the world.




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