On Other Pages:
All about The Animal Rescue Fund of South Carolina...the shelter that you help support when you buy something from one of our banner ads.
The Pharmacy Page; about the medicines we use as well as information about alternative medicines
A Comment about Adopting a Pet
Please don't adopt a pet just for emotional reasons.
Please make sure you'll be able to give it a good home and will be willing and able to give it adequate care.
Remember that it costs at least a couple hundred dollars a year to feed, pamper, and provide appropriate veterinary care for a pet. If you can't afford a token adoption fee, you shouldn't be adopting a pet at all.
Let me restate that comment...it realistically costs a bare minimun of a hundred dollars a year to take reasonable care of a pet...and that's if nothing goes wrong...so if you can't afford the small adoption fee, we really don't want you having the pet.
a non-profit education foundation established to educate consumers about U.S. animal agriculture and its contributions to the public's quality of life.
AIF provides information on modern animal agriculture relating to animal well-being, nutrition, food safety and the environment, and serves as the national source for animal agriculture education programs.
AIF is committed to correcting the misinformation directed at the public by animal rights and other activist groups.
Established in 1987, AIF serves as the national umbrella organization through which feed, animal health, livestock, poultry groups and others with a vested interest in animal agriculture develop and deliver consistent messages to consumers.
Not Euthanasia
Studies have proven that trap-neuter-release is the single most successful method of stabilizing and maintaining healthy feral cat colonies with the least possible cost to local governments and residents, while providing the best life for the animals themselves.
Spaying/neutering homeless cats:
Stabilizes the population at manageable levels
Eliminates annoying behaviors associated with mating
Is humane to the animals and fosters compassion in the neighborhoods
Is more effective and less costly than repeated attempts at extermination --- costs for repeatedly trapping and killing feral colonies are far higher than promoting stable, non-breeding colonies in the same location. Vacated areas are soon filled by other cats who start the breeding process over again
The feline overpopulation crisis in the United States has resulted in millions of cats living outdoors. Some of these cats are stray - at one time domestic and comfortable around people and others are feral - never in a domestic situation and fearful of humans. An estimated 60 million feral cats live in the United States.
What can I do if I see an animal being abused or neglected?
Contact your local humane society or S.P.C.A. Their investigators know the laws protecting animals and can determine if there has been a violation.
Another resource to help with abuse and neglect cases in your community is the Animal Cruelty Actionline at
(503) 231-8480, www.aldf.org
e-mail: action@aldf.org .
There's an ancient story by Italo Calvino called "The Tale of the Alchemist" where the devil (called Mephistopheles in the story)
is offering Faust gold for his soul.
"My soul? And what if I have no soul?" Faust asked
But perhaps it was not for an individual soul that Mephistopheles had inconvenienced himself.
"With the gold you will build a city," he was saying to Faust. "It is the entire city's soul that I want in exchange."
"It's a deal."
I'm sorry to waste your time, but when I started this page years ago I had lists of all the web sites of rescue orgainizations, shelters, animal welfare groups, animal rights groups, cat clubs, hunting dog and field trial dog clubs, assistant dog clubs and so forth that I could find but it was very difficult to keep the list current ... so many orgaizations and web sites kept going out of business.
At any rate it's now silly of me to try to keep this list now that huge search engines such as Google make it so easy ... simply type in "Collie Rescue Groups" or any other breed and voila, you'll get an up to date list of rescue organizations for the breed of your choice.
Thanks, Roger Ross DVM
I've left a small list of some of the my favorite sites and organizations that might interest you:
PetFinder.Org a very successful and free classified ad site for listing pets needing homes, pet loss and found ads, and for finding a pet needing a home.
PETS 911 Phone 1-888-PETS-911
The Pets 911 mission of ensuring a better future for our pets started with a goal of a nation of no more homeless pets. Pets 911 was developed with input from dozens of national and local individuals to become the nation's single call to action that connects the 7,000 animal welfare organizations
As the foremost experts on feral cats, Alley Cat Allies promotes nonlethal control for feral and stray cats with trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs that effectively reduce their population by sterilization - not euthanasia.
The National Pet Alliance (NPA) is a non-profit corporation formed to promote the well-being and responsible ownership of domesticated cats and dogs. We are involved with a variety of animal welfare issues, such as improving the standard of animal care, controlling the surplus of dogs and cats at the shelters, and defending the rights of responsible pet owners. Through our in-depth studies, we discover the facts behind the issues, and we use these facts to help animals.
Since 1866 the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has been committed to alleviating pain, fear and suffering in all animals. Founded by Henry Bergh, the ASPCA is the oldest humane organization in America, and one of the largest hands-on animal welfare organizations in the world. The ASPCA believes that humans have the ability and the responsibility to provide all animals in our society with an existence that is as peaceful and respectful as possible.
The Doris Day Animal League is a nonprofit, national, citizens lobbying organization formed to focus attention on issues involving the humane treatment of animals.
Working with members of the House of Representatives and the Senate both in Washington, D.C., and their home states and districts, the League's goal is to pass laws to reduce the suffering of animals anywhere they are mistreated. Many states and cities have also benefited from the Washington staff's help in drafting legislation, organizing support and actual lobbying for or against legislation.
Welcome to the NEW Kennel Club website! From here you will be able to find out everything you need to know about The Kennel Club and all of its services.
The Kennel Club's primary objective is to promote in every way, the general improvement of dogs and this site aims to provide a wealth of information for all dog owners and lovers.
You can use the navigation kennels at the top of the screen to access other areas and services offered by The Kennel Club, each area also has navigation bars on the left hand side where you can find all the latest news and information relating to these areas.
Assistance Dogs International, Inc. is a coalition of members representing organizations and individuals training and placing Assistance Dogs. The purpose of ADI is to improve the areas of training, placement, and utilization of Assistance Dogs. Members of ADI meet annually to share ideas, attend seminars, and conduct business regarding such things as educating the public about Assistance Dogs, and the legal rights of disabled people partnered with an Assistance Dog, setting minimum standards and guidelines for the training of these dogs, and improving the utilization and bonding of each team. ADI also publishes a quarterly newsletter for members and subscribers. If you are a provider of Assistance Dogs, ADI membership will be a benefit to you, and you can be a part of ADI's mission. http://www.assistance-dogs-intl.org/index.html
Carolina Canines For Service, Inc. is dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to achieve greater independence and enhanced quality of life through the services of specially trained service dogs. http://www.carolinacanines.com/
Canine Partners For Life (CPL) trains and places assistance dogs with individuals with mobility impairments.
CPL has several types of assistance dogs in its program including service dogs, seizure alert dogs, home companions and residential (community) companions.
Our recipients come from all walks of life and have a wide variety of disabilities. The one thing they all have in common is a drive to become more independent and a commitment to do what is necessary to have an assistance dog in their life.
Canine Companions for Independence is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly-trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships.
A non-profit, cross-disability organization representing people
partnered with guide, hearing and service dogs.
Paws With A Cause® trains Assistance Dogs nationally for people with disabilities and provides lifetime team support which encourages independence. PAWS® promotes awareness through education.
Humane- Management of Feral Cats
Introduction
Population control of feral cats is complicated and controversial. It is our hope that this pamphlet will help make the public aware of feral cats and prompt concerned citizens to assume responsibility for those cats that others have so thoughtlessly discarded.
What Is A Feral Cat?
Technically, feral cats are born and raised without human contact. Their instincts are highly developed for survival, so they are extremely fearful of people. Some cats that were previously owned revert to feral behavior, but may be resocialized with loving confinement. Such cats may meow at you if they are hungry or frightened.
Feral cats breed frequently, adding to an already overwhelming pet overpopulation problem. Without intervention, their lives are filled with danger, disease, hunger, fear, temperature extremes, and usually end in a slow, painful death. Humane population control of feral cats is a crucial step in preventing suffering and proliferation.
Where Do Feral Cats Come From?
Many people erroneously believe that cats can fend for themselves. Cat owners often abandon their cats when they move or simply no longer want the responsibility of pet ownership. Such cats survive only if they find food, shelter, and avoid dangers such as injury from cars, dogs, other cats, or abusive humans. They are rarely spayed or neutered, and their offspring are raised without human contact. Within a few years, one or two cats can produce a colony of twenty or more.
What Can I Do?
The fate of the cats must be determineined before a trapping program begins. Cat Care Society believes that the ccat's safety and welfare must be the first consideration in this process.
Kittens less than eight weeks old can be trapped and tamed (see below). Some kittens between eight weeks and four months can also be tamed, but the process takes longer and such kittens may only become tame with the person working with them.
Adult ferals or strays can be trapped, neutered by a veterinarian experienced in working with ferals, and released back into the same area, but only under very strict guidelines. Essentials are a familiar, safe environment where other animals, traffic, diseases, and humans will not be a threat; fresh food and water are provided daily; an available warm shelter; and the cats will not become a nuisance. Cats that are neutered and returned to a familiar area are healthier and will not be adding to the pet overpopulation problem by having unwanted litters.
Cat Care Society strongly discourages relocating feral cats except in rare situations. When feral or tame cats are moved and released without an initial period of confinement, they may try to find their way home through unfamiliar territory, risking danger and starvation. They may displace or be displaced by other resident cats, or may become a nuisance to people living in the release area.
When all other-options have been exhausted, humane euthanasia is the kindest last step available. Sometimes relieving the hunger and suffering is more humane than saving the life. Euthanasia should be performed by a licensed veterinarian who has a working knowledge of feral cats. It is an act of mercy made from a decision of love for the individual animal.
Humane Trapping
Feral cats will not come close enough to humans to be touched, much less picked up and handled for placement in a standard cat carrier. A humane trap is used for this purpose. These are generally box traps made of wire fabric with heavy steel rod reinforcements. Food bait is placed in one end of the trap and the cat enters through the opposite end. When the cat steps on the metal plate, the door is triggered to close behind him. This does not cause the captured animal any pain although it does frighten him. Humane live traps are available for rent at most animal shelters, humane societies, and some veterinarians.
Remember, it is essential to have a plan mapped out before you trap. Make your appointments ahead of time with a vet experienced in working with ferals, and only trap the night before or the morning of neutering. Confinement is terrifying for ferals, so you want to avoid holding the cat in a trap for any longer than 12 hours before neutering.
Always try to observe any cats before you trap to determine whether or not they are nursing mothers. If you have a mother with kittens, wait until the kittens are four to six weeks old before trapping. If you trap a mother cat, you should immediately trap her kittens. Be certain you know where they are before trapping the mother.
1. Begin feeding the cat on a regular schedule, preferably early morning and late evening, in a safe area away from dogs or children. Do not feed the night before trapping.
2. Line the trap floor with newspapers or cloth to encourage a trap-shy cat to enter and give him comfortable, solid footing during transportation.
3. Place a small amount of strong smelling or enticing food such as tuna or chicken (no bones) at the rear of the trap. Keep in mind that too much food can cause serious problems during anesthesia and surgery.
4. Never leave a trap unattended. Never trap during extreme heat or cold, or during rain, sleet, hail, or snow.
5. Once a feral cat is caught, cover the trap with a light blanket or towel, leaving the ends open for ventilation. This will help calm him. Transport him to the vet as soon as possible. If a non-target animal is caught, release him immediately.
6. Do not attempt to handle the cat. If someone is bitten, see a doctor immediately.
7. When trapping a large colony of feral cats, Cat Care Society recommends ear notching. This is a humane way of identifying cats that are already neutered and prevents the additional trauma of retrapping, anesthesia, and confinement and eliminates repetitive work for the rescuer and veterinarian.
8. Give the cat a day after surgery to recuperate before releasing him. Open the trap or carrier, stand way back, and allow him to come out on his own. Some cats take several minutes to reorient themselves before leaving the trap.
Taming Your Feral Cat or Kitten
Working with a feral cat requires a great deal of love, patience and commitment. Kittens trapped between the ages of four to six weeks are quite easy to tame. Older kittens take longer; by ten or twelve weeks of age your success will depend more and more on the individual personality of the kitten, the amount of time you spend with them, and the number of dif~erent people handling them. Older kittens you tame may never trust anyone but you.
Confining the kitten to a small room such as a bathroom or bedroom where he cannot hide is essential. (Do, however, give him a box to sleep and hide in where he can feel safe but you can still reach for him easily). Check for any escape route such as places where plumbing enters the wall and heating ducts. Kittens can tear holes in window screen, so don't leave any windows open. Any place with an opening one inch or larger should be blocked. Provide a warm bed, fresh food and water, litter box, toys, and a radio to be played in your absence.
During frequent, short visits (15-20 minutes) talk softly to the kitten, handle him gently, and begin playing with him. The kitten may be so frightened by human contact he may attempt to strike or bite you. Heavy gloves will protect you and still allow you to handle the kitten, or you can start by touching with an "extension" such as a wooden spoon. Avoid eye contact at first7 turning your head and blinking slowly when you must look at him. As you gain his trust, he will become more comfortable with your handling and the gloves can be removed. If you are working with more than one kitten, keep them separated during your visits. Be patient, and you will be amazed at the transformation.
Watch the kittens carefully for illness. Feral kittens often refuse to eat at first (offer chicken baby food). They may have parasites such as roundworms, and are susceptible to upper respiratory virus and other infectious diseases. Look for runny eyes, diarrhea, vomiting, bloating or weight loss, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Whether or not symptoms of illness are present, take your kittens along with a fresh stool sample to your veterinarian for examination as soon as possible. Keep the kittens isolated from your pets until the possibility of infectious disease has been eliminated.
Gradually introduce the kittens to others in your home. If you decide to adopt the kittens to a qualified family have them go through the same procedures above. Feral cats tend to bond to one person, and proper introduction to a new home is essential.
Most feral adult cats can never tamed to be a "normal" cat, and it can be dangerous to try. ~may be cruel to take an adult feral cat out of a known environment into confinement, even if our intentions are good. Given time, however, you can develop a different sort of relationship, developing a respect for one another, enriching your life and enlarging his world. If you choose to allow an adult feral into your home, start him out in a quiet part of your house. Children and other pets should not be allowed access to his area. Eventually, he will begin to explore. The adult feral will learn to trust at his pace,
NOT yours!
Conclusion
Helping feral cats can be a time-consuming, frustrating, emotionally draining and rewarding experience simultaneously. Each situation presents a whole new sphere of learning experiences. Whether your decision is introducing the feral cat or kitten into your home, neutering, vaccinating, and returning the cat, or euthanasia, it is crucial to keep the welfare of the cat foremost at all times.
It is your love, concern, and active involvement that prevents further suffering, unwanted litters, and makes a better life for one of God's creatures.
