There is always a need for any one who would like to volunteer in any other way as well. We could use more people to do Pet Therapy in area nursing and rest homes. If you would like to do this and have a dog who is outgoing and loves people, call 946-3241.
Humane Society Donation Banks
If you are a local merchant and
would like to help the Humane Society of Beaufort County, please
consider putting a Humane Society Donation Bank on your counter.
This generous gesture will help the less fortunate animals of
Beaufort County in a very large way. These banks are attractive
and are collected monthly. If you are interested please contact 946-1591.
Animal Assisted Therapy
Have you ever thought about cheering up the people who live
in nursing or rest homes? Maybe you already are living with the
dog that would be perfect to join you in these visits. We need
pets and people to become part of our Pet Therapy Team . The Humane
Society provides a training program for you and the animal. Please
call Ginny (946-3241) if this seems like something you might like
to do.
* Services offered by the Humane Society of Beaufort County *
Pet Adoptions *** Pet-Facilitated Therapy in Nursing Homes *** Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic
Animal Care information *** Public Information *** Community Outreach
Donations to the Beaufort County Humane Society can be sent to
P.O. Box 8, Washington, N.C. 27889
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CURRENT NEWSLETTER
~~Racism Is The Pits ~~
Anyone who has every shared their life with a pit bull can tell you the image of them that is often portrayed by the general public is a huge misconception. Lovers of these dogs would like people to give them a chance before making a hasty judgment.
Here is a little history: *Pit bull* is actually a collective term used to describe several breeds of dogs including the American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier. These dogs were originally bred for bull baiting; when the practice was outlawed people quickly moved to pitting these dogs against each other in dog fights for their own twisted amusement. Breeders wanted powerful athletic dogs with a strong determination. Dogs who gave up in a match or dogs that wouldn*t fight other dogs were killed; dogs that displayed any human aggression were also killed. Just as the will to give up was not tolerated with this breed, neither was human aggression. Eliminating dogs with human aggression and those who were not fighters from the gene pool produced the breed we have today which is very loving and affectionate with humans, but generally not so great with other dogs or animals. Still, there are some *pit bulls* that get along famously with other animals- cats even!
There are some pit bulls that get into trouble, though. Every negative incident involving a pit bull jeopardizes their right to exist. Breed bans are cropping up everywhere. I can*t see how it is fair to punish a whole breed for the misdoings of dogs that happen to be that breed. That is just like punishing an entire race of people for the actions of one person who happens to belong to that race. If such a thing were to happen to humans we would call it racism. Not all pit bulls are bad. There are bad dogs in every breed, but no one breed is entirely bad. I blame the very poor breeding practices of backyard breeders and the abuse this breed endures for the ones that do turn out *bad.* As an alternative to
breed specific legislation, dangerous dog ordinances should be put into place that judge the dog on the deed and not by breed. With such laws, everyone can be protected from any dangerous dog regardless of breed.
It is my opinion that pit bull dogs are the most exploited and misunderstood dogs besides Greyhounds. More than 200 pit bull dogs are euthanized every day in Los Angeles alone. Thousands sit in shelters waiting for their day to come and sadly, others stay tethered on a short chain in someone*s backyard never knowing what it is like to go on a walk or play ball with their family. These are active and intelligent dogs that deserve a chance at friendship just like any other dog; they thrive on human companionship and are capable of so many wonderful things. There are Search and Rescue pit bulls that save lives; visit www.forpitssake.org to read more about the extraordinary SAR dogs. There are pit bull service dogs that visit nursing homes and/or assist their handicapped owner with daily activities; read more about them here: http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/articles/spike.html A female pit bull even saved the lives of dozens of cats and dogs that were stranded on an island when she crossed a flooded river with 35 to 50 lb bags of food strapped to her back; her name was Weela and you can read her story here: http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/articles/weela.html
Did you know that Alaska*s first certified hearing dog was a pit bull? Read about RCA at this link: http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/articles/rca.html
The things these dogs are capable of are phenomenal; these are no small feats for any dog. Isn*t it only appropriate to treat each dog, regardless of breed, as an individual? Look at the wonderful things these dogs can do and then form your opinion. One who judges these dogs purely on what the papers say or without having met a *pet bull* is simply a racist********Katie Burbage fosters/rescues homeless pit bull dogs and is a volunteer with Pit Bull Rescue Central. Please visit their site www.pbrc.net for additional information about pit bull dogs. Or e-mail Katie at katie@pbrc.net; she will try her best to answer any questions.
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~~ A Beaufort County Shame ~~
The Humane Society of Beaufort County's primary emphasis for years has been reducing the number of unwanted cats and dogs in our county, but their numbers are still horrendous. Yes these statistics would undoubtedly be larger but they still need to be drastically reduced.
In 2001 the Beaufort County Animal Shelter euthanized 3,160 animals. During the first half of 2002 they have found it necessary to destroy 1,407 potential pets. Most of these animals are eager to please and cuddly, their eyes and hearts shining with love. They did not ask to be born into a world who would shun, abandon, dump and eventually kill them. Their wants are not so different from ours; love, friends, a family and a home. For them there were not enough of these basic needs available. So they died.
These are not inanimate objects to be tossed thoughtlessly away or brought into this world on a whim. They do know loneliness, they know fear, and they know how it feels not to be wanted. Their only legacy...to make room for the next horde of incoming victims of this disgraceful situation. As they died, they tore at the hearts and souls of those whose job it is to perform this rotten task. This is not a one time task for these people. They know they will be doing it again next week if not before. Could you do this job day after day, year after year?
Are you a part of this problem? Or perhaps someone you know? Do you have animals that have not been spayed and neutered? Do you permit your pets to reproduce and then call animal Control to come get these unwanted results of your indifference? Maybe you dump these tiny babies into the scary holding pen?
Do you say, you allow your pet a litter or two so your children can witness birth? And do you feel good because you placed these puppies and kittens in a home? If your animals had not needed homes there would have been more homes available for shelter puppies and kittens. Think about it.
Life is valuable. It is past time we join forces to reduce this blight that has settled over Beaufort County. Let's put an end to this waste of love and life. Give your cats and dogs the 'fix.' Spay and neutered them NOW!
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Pure Bred Rescue -- Newsletter
Purebred Rescue, another option!
Wonderful, You are ready to welcome a dog into your home! But you are
thinking of by passing the
Humane Society and the County shelter because you have your favorite
purebred dog in mind. You
know it would be a long shot if they had that English Springer Spaniel
or that Standard Poodle you
have always wanted, and you are correct. But there is another option for
you to explore.
At any given moment there are numerous pedigree dogs for adoption
through rescue groups or
private rescue. The rescue groups are people who are interested in
saving purebred dogs of a
certain breed, and every breed is represented by folks as interested in
your favorite as you are.
Private rescue is someone with a pedigree dog who needs to give this dog
(usually at no charge) to a
very good home.
For a variety of reasons these dogs most often have had a tough time
finding a permanent family.
They need very special people like you to help them forget the past and
now have a happy life. If
you are willing to give them a helping hand they are more than happy to
give you all of their love,
loyalty and companionship. You are what they have been dreaming of!
In some cases it might take more effort from you to adopt a rescue
animal than dialing a number or
visiting a pet shop and paying top dollar for a purebred pup. You will
first need to find a source for
the dog you desire an then make arrangements for him or her to reach
your home. Sometimes this is
necessary when purchasing a purebred dog as well. You may learn that you
will need to drive to an
airport to pick him or her up. This effort is a minor consideration when
you think of what you are
doing for you, your family as well as for the animal involved. You are
saving him or her from being
put to sleep or a possible fate even more unthinkable.
If I have not yet convinced you that purebred rescue is a worthwhile
option, I hope to now. Why
might you ask would someone throw away expensive, beautiful dogs? For
all of the same reasons
they don't want or cannot keep their mixed brothers and sisters. The
reasons are endless!
According to the statistics of the Humane Society of the United States
each year 8 to 12 million
dogs enter United States shelters, 25% plus are purebred animals. Up to
3,000,000 purebred dogs
are thrown away every year in our country, the land of opportunity. What
opportunities do they
have? You are looking for a companion animal and a family pet so why not
consider rescuing one of
these 2 to 3 million dogs. It is fair to say that the largest number of
these animals never make it out of
shelters! Below are some phone numbers and web addresses to help you
begin your adventure.
ACK
Phone:(919) 233-3718
Fax:(919) 854-0168
e-mail: publiced@akc.org
Web sites for cat rescue:
http://www.fanciers.com/rescue.html
With all these wonderful animals needing good loving homes, why would anyone permit their animal to breed except to keep the breed pure?
* * * * *
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TIPS FROM TIPPY
This visit I would like to discuss the myths and facts about spaying and
neutering your cats and dogs.
Myth: " My pet will get fat and lazy."
Fact: The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy because their owners
overfeed them and do not give them enough exercise.
Myth: "It is better to have one litter first."
Fact: Medical evidence indicates just the opposite. In fact, it shows that
females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier. Many
veterinarians now do this surgery for cats and dogs as young as 8 weeks
of age.
Myth: "But my pet is a purebred."
Fact: So is at least one out of every four pets brought to animal shelters
around the country. There are just too many dogs and cats...mixed breed
and purebred.
Myth: "I want my dog to be protective."
Fact: Spaying or neutering does not effect a dog's instinct to protect home
and family. A dog's personality is formed more by genetics and environment
than by sex hormone.
Myth: "I don't want my male dog or cat to feel less of a male."
Fact: Pets don't have any concept of sexual identify or ego. Neutering will
not change a pet's basic personality. He doesn't suffer any
type of emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered.
Myth: "It is too expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered."
Fact: Spay and neuter is a one time cost. It is less expensive than seeing
a mother dog properly through her pregnancy and then responsibly raising the
puppies to two months old. If you are considering just turning the pups over
to the animal shelter you are not a responsible pet owner and should not even
own a dog or a cat.
Myth: "I'll find good homes for the puppies and kittens."
Fact: You may find homes for all of your pet's litter. But each home you
find means one less home for the dogs and cats in the shelters who need good
homes. Also, in less than one year's time, each of your pet's offspring may
have his or her own litter, adding even more animals to this uncontrolled
population explosion. The problem of pet overpopulation is created and
perpetuated one litter at a time.
Fact: In seven years, one fertile female cat and her offspring can
theoretically produce 420,00 cats.
Fact: In six years one fertile female dog and her offspring can theoretically
produce 67,000 dogs.
Fact: Each year communities are forced to spend millions of taxpayer dollars
trying to cope with the consequences of this surplus of pets.
Fact: Every year in the United States up to 5,000,000, yes that is 5 million
cats and dogs are euthanized.
Fact: I was one of the lucky ones!
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Have a Happy Spring!
Tippy
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Local Animal Shelters
All For the Animals by Ginny Symkowiak
* Meet "Special" ! --A special dog with a special story.
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© Diane Mason 1998-2003
The Humane Society of Beaufort County is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to protecting the welfare of animals in our community. The main problem in our area is over-population with a large number of animals still not spayed or neutered. We strive to reduce these unwanted animals through our low-cost spay and neuter clinics held on an annual basis, spay and neuter assistance programs, and public education which includes classroom visits within the schools.