I mentioned recently that rescue centres in the UK such as Dogs Trust and Battersea Cats and Dogs home are filling up faster than they can rehome dogs. It seems the same problem is occurring in some US shelters.
Angel Dog Rescue has had to temporarily stop taking in any more dogs. They describe their situation as “critical and urgent”. They currently owe $6000 in vet bills and their treasurer has decided they cannot resume intake until that is down to $1000. They have so far raised $2475, and are looking to raise the remainder by 31st January 2009.
The situation in which they operate seems desperate. There are many strays living rough, at risk of being euthanized. Angel Dog Rescue has a no kill policy, and the website describes the lengths volunteers are prepared to go to supporting dogs that they are unable to take into a shelter or foster home at the moment.
The shelter is appealing for donations, and also for other shelters to take dogs from them if they can. It seems if the dogs can be transported to the right area, there are many willing and waiting to adopt them. For example four puppies taken from Angel Dog Rescue were put up for adoption in a Tampa, Florida, shelter, and an astounding thirty people applied to adopt them. Fortunately, the shelter took over thirty puppies in from the Angel shelter, and they will all be reaching the right age to be rehomed over the next few weeks.
Fingers crossed that many of the dogs currently in shelters around the world find their forever homes in 2009.
Meanwhile in Britain, there was an occurrence that might have resulted in two more dogs ending up in a shelter – had their owner not been the Queen’s son. Prince Edward , AKA Earl of Wessex, was photographed at a shoot, threatening two black Labradors, brandishing a walking stick as he chased them, while they cowered and displayed appeasing body language.
Take a good look at the photos and make your own mind up what’s going on. I know I would be thoroughly ashamed of myself if I treated my dog like this. If I did treat him like this, I’m pretty sure I could expect a visit from the RSPCA, or similar, but then I’m not royalty. Personally I don’t see why any title should put you above the law – do you?
My dog is a beautiful black Lab, so the pictures of these poor dogs cringing and flinching away from His Royal Horribleness were very upsetting for me. I know how eager to please this breed is, and I hate to see them abused in this way. Maybe Her Majesty should incorporate her son’s Labs into her Corgi pack, and show him how to care for a canine properly.
Talking about the royals, there’s still no sign of Princess Beatrice’s dog, Max, who went missing before Christmas. Let’s hope young Beatrice will take her old-enough-to-know-better Uncle Eddie to task. I should think it will rankle with her that he is mistreating his dogs in this way while she is still yearning to be reunited with hers.
Take care,
Julie x