Skip to content


Save the "river babies".

Politics, current events - reasoned debate and discussion - we can all learn something new.

Save the "river babies".

Postby brianlux » Thu Feb 07, 2013 12:10 am

By pure chance I came across a most excellent book this morning called One at a Time, A week in an American Animal Shelter by Dianne Leigh and Marilee Geyer. In the "Authors' Note" Leigh and Geyer remind us that we can help "save the river babies"- animals that literally or figuratively get thrown in the river because they weren't tagged properly and hadn't been found by their owners or weren't adopted out in time or because someone neglected to spay or neuter. At the time of this books writing, 2003, three to four million animals were being euthanized each year- about 405 each hour. I believe those figure have risen since then. Knowing this and reading the Preface and Author's Note and some of the animal's stories put me to tears but also gave me hope.

I also want to put in a pitch not only for adopting animals from a shelter (given that they will receive good care and love) but also put in a word for adopting the less "showy" animals. A lot of older animals get passed over and that's a shame. I've taken in two older dogs, both of whom are gone now, and they gave back in ways I can't find words for. Thank you Ari and Brandy, you sweet, sweet girls.
"A leap of faith or a jump of stupid
Either way, don't know what I'm doing
If you follow me around with your tape recorder
I'm sure you'll get a load of footsteps"
-Paul Westerberg

Adams Center, Missoula, MT 09/30/12
User avatar
brianlux
 
Posts: 6887
Joined: Sat Nov 13, 2010 9:25 am
Location: Northern California

Re: Save the "river babies".

Postby STAYSEA » Thu Feb 07, 2013 12:31 am

brianlux wrote:By pure chance I came across a most excellent book this morning called One at a Time, A week in an American Animal Shelter by Dianne Leigh and Marilee Geyer. In the "Authors' Note" Leigh and Geyer remind us that we can help "save the river babies"- animals that literally or figuratively get thrown in the river because they weren't tagged properly and hadn't been found by their owners or weren't adopted out in time or because someone neglected to spay or neuter. At the time of this books writing, 2003, three to four million animals were being euthanized each year- about 405 each hour. I believe those figure have risen since then. Knowing this and reading the Preface and Author's Note and some of the animal's stories put me to tears but also gave me hope.

I also want to put in a pitch not only for adopting animals from a shelter (given that they will receive good care and love) but also put in a word for adopting the less "showy" animals. A lot of older animals get passed over and that's a shame. I've taken in two older dogs, both of whom are gone now, and they gave back in ways I can't find words for. Thank you Ari and Brandy, you sweet, sweet girls.


Try "They Cage the Animals at Night" .. I worked in shelters, it's not pretty. This book is worse and not much has changed. And I wish it was about animals.
Shoe the shoeless...

Image

[ "Quick! Move! A rock is going to fall on your head!" ]- B. L.
User avatar
STAYSEA
 
Posts: 3258
Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2010 2:00 pm
Location: The MATRIX

Re: Save the "river babies".

Postby brianlux » Thu Feb 07, 2013 12:41 am

STAYSEA wrote:
brianlux wrote:By pure chance I came across a most excellent book this morning called One at a Time, A week in an American Animal Shelter by Dianne Leigh and Marilee Geyer. In the "Authors' Note" Leigh and Geyer remind us that we can help "save the river babies"- animals that literally or figuratively get thrown in the river because they weren't tagged properly and hadn't been found by their owners or weren't adopted out in time or because someone neglected to spay or neuter. At the time of this books writing, 2003, three to four million animals were being euthanized each year- about 405 each hour. I believe those figure have risen since then. Knowing this and reading the Preface and Author's Note and some of the animal's stories put me to tears but also gave me hope.

I also want to put in a pitch not only for adopting animals from a shelter (given that they will receive good care and love) but also put in a word for adopting the less "showy" animals. A lot of older animals get passed over and that's a shame. I've taken in two older dogs, both of whom are gone now, and they gave back in ways I can't find words for. Thank you Ari and Brandy, you sweet, sweet girls.


Try "They Cage the Animals at Night" .. I worked in shelters, it's not pretty. This book is worse and not much has changed. And I wish it was about animals.


They Cage the Animals at Night is about abused kids, right? Another heartbreaking subject to be sure. :(
So many people and animals both in need of help. We do what we can.
"A leap of faith or a jump of stupid
Either way, don't know what I'm doing
If you follow me around with your tape recorder
I'm sure you'll get a load of footsteps"
-Paul Westerberg

Adams Center, Missoula, MT 09/30/12
User avatar
brianlux
 
Posts: 6887
Joined: Sat Nov 13, 2010 9:25 am
Location: Northern California

Re: Save the "river babies".

Postby STAYSEA » Thu Feb 07, 2013 12:47 am

Two songs named "Animal"


Here we go again, I kinda want to be more than friends
So take it easy on me, I'm afraid you're never satisfied
Here we go again, we're sick like animals, we play pretend
You're just a cannibal and I'm afraid I won't get out alive
No, I won't sleep tonight

Oh, oh, I want some more
Oh, oh, what are you waiting for?
Take a bite of my heart tonight

Oh, oh, I want some more
Oh, oh, what are you waiting for?
What are you waiting for?
Say goodbye to my heart tonight

Here we are again, I feel the chemicals kicking in
It's getting heavy and I want to run and hide
I want to run and hide
I do it every time, you're killing me now
And I won't be denied by you, the animal inside of you

Oh, oh, I want some more
Oh, oh, what are you waiting for?
Take a bite of my heart tonight

Oh, oh, I want some more
Oh, oh, what are you waiting for?
What are you waiting for?
Say goodbye to my heart tonight

Hush, hush, the world is quiet
Hush, hush, we both can't fight it
It's us that made this mess
Why can't you understand?

Whoa, I won't sleep tonight
I won't sleep tonight
Here we go again



my favorite

One, two, three, four, five against one
Five, five, against one
Said one, two, three, four, five against one
Five, five...five, five...five against one
Torture from you to me
Abducted from the street
I'd rather be...
I'd rather be with...
I'd rather be with an animal
Why would you wanna hurt me?
So frightened of your pain...
I'd rather be...
I'd rather be with...
I'd rather be with an animal
I'd rather be...
I'd rather be...
I'd rather be with an animal
I'd rather be...
I'd rather be with...
I'd rather be with an animal
I'd rather be...
I'd rather be with...
I'd rather be with an animal
Said one, two, three, four, five against one
Five, five...five, five...five against one
One, two, three, four, five against one
Five, five...five, five...five against one
Shoe the shoeless...

Image

[ "Quick! Move! A rock is going to fall on your head!" ]- B. L.
User avatar
STAYSEA
 
Posts: 3258
Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2010 2:00 pm
Location: The MATRIX

Re: Save the "river babies".

Postby riotgrl » Thu Feb 07, 2013 5:12 am

I like the fact that here in Louisville (and I am sure all over the country) we have several no kill shelters. Our local humane society does euthanize which makes me really sad. I will never understand how people can be so heartless as to abandon or not care for their animals. I love my pound puppies and we are getting ready to go back and adopt another dog!
Are we getting something out of this all-encompassing trip?

Seems my preconceptions are what should have been burned...

I AM MINE
User avatar
riotgrl
 
Posts: 1291
Joined: Wed Dec 28, 2011 6:26 pm
Location: LOUISVILLE, KY

Re: Save the "river babies".

Postby even flow - question mark » Thu Feb 07, 2013 6:14 am

We took in a friend's dog who they kind of didn't want to care for anymore. He had bounced around from the husband's mom who died, to their family and then ours within two and a half years. Dosen't sound like much but he had some issues when he got to our place. He is the toast of the town now. Changed my black heart for a bit of the better. :)
The poison from the poison stream caught up to you four years ago and you floated out of here. Sept. 14, 08
User avatar
even flow - question mark
 
Posts: 1095
Joined: Fri Feb 09, 2001 2:14 pm

Re: Save the "river babies".

Postby even flow - question mark » Thu Feb 07, 2013 6:45 am

I guess pet lovers come in all sizes and shapes..........

http://www.cbc.ca/news/yourcommunity/20 ... chair.html
The poison from the poison stream caught up to you four years ago and you floated out of here. Sept. 14, 08
User avatar
even flow - question mark
 
Posts: 1095
Joined: Fri Feb 09, 2001 2:14 pm

Re: Save the "river babies".

Postby JimmyV » Thu Feb 07, 2013 7:16 am

My dog Ben (the adorable guy in my avatar) is a rescue. Rescuing him is probably the best decision I have ever made. I highly encourage anyone considering a pet to look at rescuing one.

And I also highly encourage anyone who isn't considering a pet but could have one to start. They will change your life for the better. Guaranteed.
___________________________________________

"...I changed by not changing at all..."
User avatar
JimmyV
 
Posts: 4573
Joined: Thu Jul 31, 2008 12:34 pm
Location: Boston

Re: Save the "river babies".

Postby hedonist » Thu Feb 07, 2013 7:51 am

Both of our cats are rescues, and it's a win-win - lots of love given and received. Our lives are so much richer because of them, and it goes both ways.

I wish people would fucking THINK about their ability to be responsible for and to these these animals before taking them in.

It's not like buying a shirt, for christ's sake.
For every mistake, we must surely be learning.
User avatar
hedonist
 
Posts: 3374
Joined: Thu Aug 28, 2003 4:02 pm

Re: Save the "river babies".

Postby brianlux » Thu Feb 07, 2013 8:54 am

Great rescue stories, friends! Good job! :D So good also to hear others feel the same about being responsible toward these critters who need and deserve good care. That can't be stressed enough.

We'll be adopting again soon at home and are looking forward to a new companion or two.

Our store cat is getting old now but she still runs the joint and looks to have a good ways to go yet. She was a feral alley cat and found us- an easy mark. :lol: We were happy to take her in. She's queen of the roost!
"A leap of faith or a jump of stupid
Either way, don't know what I'm doing
If you follow me around with your tape recorder
I'm sure you'll get a load of footsteps"
-Paul Westerberg

Adams Center, Missoula, MT 09/30/12
User avatar
brianlux
 
Posts: 6887
Joined: Sat Nov 13, 2010 9:25 am
Location: Northern California

Re: Save the "river babies".

Postby Bronx Bombers » Thu Feb 07, 2013 10:32 am

brianlux wrote:By pure chance I came across a most excellent book this morning called One at a Time, A week in an American Animal Shelter by Dianne Leigh and Marilee Geyer. In the "Authors' Note" Leigh and Geyer remind us that we can help "save the river babies"- animals that literally or figuratively get thrown in the river because they weren't tagged properly and hadn't been found by their owners or weren't adopted out in time or because someone neglected to spay or neuter. At the time of this books writing, 2003, three to four million animals were being euthanized each year- about 405 each hour. I believe those figure have risen since then. Knowing this and reading the Preface and Author's Note and

I also want to put in a pitch not only for adopting animals from a shelter (given that they will receive good care and love) but also put in a word for adopting the less "showy" animals. A lot of older animals get passed over and that's a shame. I've taken in two older dogs, both of whsom are gone now, and they gave back in ways I can't find words for. Thank you Ari and Brandy, you sweet, sweet girls.


17mm Americans get a new pet every year but only 20% adopt from shelters and rescues. If people weren't so selfish and got their pets from shelters instead of breeders and pet stores this wouldn't be a problem. Anyone who buys a pet from those places should be ashamed of themselves.

http://youtu.be/1o3QopK4WV8
User avatar
Bronx Bombers
 
Posts: 1547
Joined: Thu Jul 10, 2008 4:25 pm
Location: NJ

Re: Save the "river babies".

Postby whgarrett » Thu Feb 07, 2013 10:42 am

My girlfriend and I foster pitbulls. The local humane society is occupied by 80% pitbull mixes. Because of their bad reputation they have to go through a more rigorous evaluation process before they are adoptable. Not many make it. We have had the opportunity to host about 6 in the last couple years. Right now we have Dink. He was rescued from a hoarder. He was emaciated, but has put on many healthy pounds in the last couple weeks. He is a good boy. He will find a home soon. Our own dog is such a sweet heart to let so many dogs come through our home.

I love dog stories. The Art of Racing in the Rain is a wonderful one.
User avatar
whgarrett
 
Posts: 574
Joined: Fri Oct 24, 2003 12:11 pm

Re: Save the "river babies".

Postby hedonist » Thu Feb 07, 2013 10:48 am

whgarrett wrote:My girlfriend and I foster pitbulls. The local humane society is occupied by 80% pitbull mixes. Because of their bad reputation they have to go through a more rigorous evaluation process before they are adoptable. Not many make it. We have had the opportunity to host about 6 in the last couple years. Right now we have Dink. He was rescued from a hoarder. He was emaciated, but has put on many healthy pounds in the last couple weeks. He is a good boy. He will find a home soon. Our own dog is such a sweet heart to let so many dogs come through our home.

I love dog stories. The Art of Racing in the Rain is a wonderful one.

Good on ya! Pitts have such a terrible reputation, when in fact it's the assholes mistreating them who deserve it. My guy had one years ago, and she was a gentle, loyal, loving girl.
For every mistake, we must surely be learning.
User avatar
hedonist
 
Posts: 3374
Joined: Thu Aug 28, 2003 4:02 pm

Re: Save the "river babies".

Postby Jeanwah » Thu Feb 07, 2013 1:18 pm

I worked in a shelter as a summer job one year. I would go with the "dog catcher" to nearby nursing homes with 2 small and friendly dogs, whom the residents lit up every time we would visit. These two little mutts were the reason the folks were happy, and they gave these people somewhat of a reason to live.

I have yet to own a dog (have had cats), but I've since vowed to only take animals that are unwanted or cannot be taken care of. I honestly don't understand the need to buy a puppy, perfectly bred and designed to be a certain way when there are so many animals that need a home as it is.
We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.

Life without passion is a world without song - Brianlux
User avatar
Jeanwah
 
Posts: 6363
Joined: Tue May 16, 2006 4:00 pm
Location: Under the Stars

Re: Save the "river babies".

Postby STAYSEA » Thu Feb 07, 2013 5:31 pm

Jeanwah wrote:I worked in a shelter as a summer job one year. I would go with the "dog catcher" to nearby nursing homes with 2 small and friendly dogs, whom the residents lit up every time we would visit. These two little mutts were the reason the folks were happy, and they gave these people somewhat of a reason to live.

I have yet to own a dog (have had cats), but I've since vowed to only take animals that are unwanted or cannot be taken care of. I honestly don't understand the need to buy a puppy, perfectly bred and designed to be a certain way when there are so many animals that need a home as it is.



I like to foster animals. You should check out #wlf on twitter.
Shoe the shoeless...

Image

[ "Quick! Move! A rock is going to fall on your head!" ]- B. L.
User avatar
STAYSEA
 
Posts: 3258
Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2010 2:00 pm
Location: The MATRIX

Next

Return to Board index

Return to A Moving Train

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: Smellyman and 5 guests


ICON LEGEND: Announcement | Sticky | Unread posts | No unread posts | Locked | Moved | Popular