The Official Newsletter of the Alliance for Responsible Pet Ownership
November 2001
News from the Adoption Front
|
The Official Newsletter of the Alliance for Responsible Pet Ownership
November 2001
News from the Adoption Front |
|
By Stephanie Clancy
When I first saw him, Bandit was so frightened his bladder involuntarily released when he was touched. Once in my car, Bandit seemed to calm down, but he never relaxed. I had hopes that a few weeks of kindness and living in a home would be enough to bring him around. I was wrong. He stayed in my back yard, refusing to come near the house even during severe thunderstorms. Instead, he would stand in the rain, staring at the house but unable to overcome his fear. It was a moment of quiet joy when I found Bandit sleeping near the back door.
Getting Bandit neutered was an exercise in patience. In order to get him in a car we had to tranquilize him first. Unfortunately his fear kept overriding the medication. It finally took twice as much time and twice as much medication to make him docile enough to get to the vet. In a short three hours, and while asleep, Bandit was bathed, vaccinated, microchipped, and neutered. His shoulder was also treated for a wound left by a tranquilizer dart shot by Animal Control.
Since then, Bandit has gotten better every day. He now sleeps in my bedroom and will allow me to pet him as long as he is lying on my bed. Every step forward is a cause for celebration, yet over three months later I still cannot put a leash on him, nor will he allow me to pet him while I stand over him. He refuses to meet my eyes and the most minimal noise makes him slink toward the door.
I realize now that Bandit’s trust of humans has been so broken it may take years to heal. Recently, I formally adopted him. He can take as much time as he needs to feel comfortable with people and will be surrounded by a loving family and dog friends.
Thank you to Pam, Lee Ann, and Nancy who tried to hard to get Bandit to ARPO and to you who have donated money so that we can help the Bandits of the world.
All of us are aware of the horrors and loss of life in New York and Washington, D.C. on September 11. We extend sincere sympathy to those who have lost family members, friends and loved ones during these tragic events. Companion animals in these cities also suffer loss as their owners were either killed or are still missing. Some companion animals were in off limits areas and owners could not return to them for a number of days. Many pets waited days for their people to come home. The ASPCA and other groups worked to provide for these companion animals by staffing a mobile veterinary van as well as working with local authorities to gain access to these animals in need. In addition, communications went out to ask families, friends and neighbors to check in and care for the companion animals of those who died or feared loss in the attacks. ARPO wanted to do our part in helping animals in need. On one Saturday, we collected $225 for the NY Rescue Dogs. Thank you for your generous donations.
Please think about your companion animals and have an emergency plan in place. In the event you can not get home (travel delays, accident, etc.) be sure you have a trusted family member or neighbor in place to take care of your animal(s) until you can return. And even though we do not like to think of our death, for the sake of your animal family, please consider a plan of care for your companions should that happen.
As you know, the US is preparing for military action against terrorism. During the Gulf War, tens of thousands of companion animals were euthanized when their people had to turn them over to shelters after being deployed. Those military personnel not able to find family or friends to care for their pets will need homes for them. ARPO is working with other rescue organizations in central Indiana and across the country to accommodate some of these animals should the need arise. Please consider becoming a foster parent and providing a temporary home for one or more of these animals.
ARPO conducts adoption hours at the Castleton Petsmart each Saturday (except holidays) from 12-4 p.m. We also have adoption hours once a month at the Petsmart at 86th and Michigan Rd. Our next West side date is November 10. Please note that we do not hold adoptions over holiday weekends.
Don’t forget to visit our website, www.adoptarpo.org, for pictures of adoptable pets, or call our phone line for up to the minute information on pets waiting for homes.
ARPO adoptions this year, through September 30, 2001: 141 animals
Introducing www.animaljustice.org, a new tool to make our voices heard in the fight for animal justice. The Animal Legal Defense Fund’s secure website uses the Internet to educate and mobilize people who care about animals and want to end cruelty to animals in our communities, unnecessary and painful testing and experimentation, and inhumane living conditions on farms.
If you witness or hear about animal cruelty, please contact your local animal control, law enforcement agency, or SPCA. The number for Marion County Animal Care and Control is 317-327-1380.
These are just some of the ways you can help our animal friends:
¨ Encourage others to join you in donating items and time to shelters and rescue groups.
¨ Avoid purchasing products that are tested on animals.
¨ Share your love for and commitment to animals, and how to properly care for them, with children.
¨ Do not purchase companion animals from pet stores or breeders; instead, adopt an animal in need from a shelter or rescue group such as ARPO.
Microchips are an important means of identification for companion animals. Shelters and veterinarians can identify an owner even if a dog’s collar has slipped off. Since most cats do not wear collars, it is equally essential for cats. We are working to purchase microchips at cost so that we can microchip each animal we rescue and place. The minimum we can purchase and get the discounted price is 200 chips at a total cost of $1200. If you would like to donate directly to this program ($6 will chip one animal, $60 will chip ten) please indicate on the check made out and sent to ARPO that you would like the money to go to "Purchase Microchips". We thank you and the animals whose way back home is assured through microchipping thank you.
Garage Sale
ARPO held a successful garage sale in August, raising approximately $900. Thank you to all who donated items, to our volunteers who helped organize and staff the event, and to Trish Main for hosting the sale. Please keep us in mind next spring, when we will be sure to have another one!
ARPO held our semi-annual bake sale on October 13, raising over $350. Thank you to everyone who donated goodies.
Thank you to all who donated prizes for ARPO’s annual raffle. Prizes included a 19” color TV, Partylite candle products, a dog basket, cat basket, video basket, stationary basket, and many more. Winners were notified by telephone.
Bring your pets to the Castleton Petsmart, 82nd and Allisonville Rd., December 1 and 8 between 11 and 5 to have their pictures taken with Santa. We also hope to hold Pictures with Santa at the W. 86th St. Petsmart on Sunday December 2 and/or 9. Please see our website or call 774-8292 for updates. This is a big fundraiser for ARPO, so please be sure to join us. If you are interested in volunteering, we will need lots of volunteers to help take pictures, set the animals up for pictures, and make ornaments. We are also looking for a few brave souls to play Santa.
Don’t forget to send your O’Malia’s receipts to P.O. Box 6385, Fishers, IN 46038. We receive cash donations in exchange.
Do you shop at Marsh? Do you have a Marsh Fresh IDEA card? If so, every time you shop and use your Marsh Fresh IDEA card you can make a donation to ARPO! Just sign up for their Community Shopper Program. All you have to do is complete an enrollment card either in a Marsh store or online at www.marsh.net. When you fill out the enrollment you will need to supply your name, phone number, e-mail address (if applicable), name of organization, organization express code, and your Fresh IDEA Card number. Each store should have a book listing all of the Indiana orgnizations recognized as charitable recipients. However, to save you time here is the ARPO information you will need: Name of organization: in the listing we are called "Alliance for Responsible Pet Owners, Inc." Organization express code: 352058080 You will earn funds for ARPO at any Marsh store once your Community Shopper enrollment is registered and you use your Fresh IDEA card. You do not need to fill out a separate form for each Marsh store that you may shop.
o Microsoft Front Page® software
o Polaroid Camera and Film (especially film!)
o Hand sanitizer or anti-bacterial hand wipes
o 34 cent stamps
o Copy paper (any color)
o Printing services
o Dog crates, medium to large
o Cat carriers
o Puppy or kitten food
o Paper towels
o Anti-bacterial all-purpose cleaner
o New puppy, dog, and cat collars
o Dog or cat treats and toys
All donations to ARPO are tax deductible. No donation is too large or too small, and all are appreciated as they help us help the homeless companion animals of central Indiana!
Our pantry is in need of dog and cat food. It is located in an inner city school, so small bags of food are most usable, since children carry the food home in their backpacks. You may drop off your donation during our adoption hours on Saturdays.
Sammy (short for Samson) and his two housemates, Sasha and Sierra, came to us when their owner moved and did not take them. Sammy is about 1 1/2 to 2 years old, is up to date on shots, FeLV/FIV negative, and is neutered. He has a beautiful black coat with a few patches of white under his arm and on his tummy. Sammy is a lover boy and is quite active; he likes to jump on kitchen counters, open cabinets and climb in them. He is doing well in his temporary foster home and is quite a climber. He likes to climb to the top of closets and peer down at the world below. He loves attention and likes to be with people. Sammy also gets along with children, dogs, and other cats. He loves to have his neck and ears scratched as well as get kissed on the neck. If you have room in your heart and home for an active boy, please consider adopting Sammy. Sierra, one of his former housemates, was adopted, so he is all alone at this time.
Sasha, Sammy’s other former housemate, is in another foster home still awaiting adoption. Sasha is the oldest of the three at three years of age and is a bit overweight, but we are working on helping her lose a few pounds. She is up to date on shots, FeLV/FIV negative, and is spayed. Though, according to her surrendering owner, she is not a cuddly kitty, Sasha does like to be petted. She is beginning to like quality time on her foster mom’s lap. Sasha is a very clean girl and likes to keep herself well-groomed. She is independent and does get along with children and other cats. She tolerates a dog in the household. Sasha likes to have the bottom of her paws rubbed as well as her tummy. If you would like to give this kitty another chance at a loving, permanent home, please contact us.
Thank you to the vets who have helped APRO during the last year. They deserve your patronage:
Northside Animal Clinic 846-2544
Parkside Animal Clinic 849-1440
Ft. Harrison Veterinarians 546-2338
Allisonville Animal Hospital 849-3160
Thank you to Margie Alexander and her employer, Galyans (Castleton Square) for their continuing aluminum can recycling program. Proceeds from the program are generously donated to ARPO.
Thank you to:
¨ Judy Roland, for donating dog beds, lots of towels, and renewing membership.
¨ Kelley Lang, for donating towels, toys, bowls, and 2 large plastic containers.
¨ Jeanne Martin; and Matthew and Melinda Miller for family memberships
¨ Leanne Oakley, Tom and Kathy Thieken, Marion and Dixie Contos-Hovermale, and Catherine Krug for their generous donations.
¨ A special thank you to Jon Stowell for donating his legal assistance
Thank you to Lyn and Bruce Richards, in memory of Farley, their 14-year-old Humane Society special.
A special thank you to Judy Roland for donations made to ARPO in memory of beloved family pets:
Cindi Glenn, in memory of her beloved cat, Hobie, and dog, Mac
David Myers Family, in memory of their beloved canine companion, Kelly
Robert Mandich Family, in memory of their special feline, Misty
Don Jardine Family, in memory of their special dog, Lizzie
David Withey Family, in memory of their beloved cat, Tege.
Gregg Ullrich Family, in memory of their beloved French poodle, Jock.
Because we do not have a shelter, foster homes and volunteers at our Petsmart adoptions are vital to helping homeless companion animals. If you would like to help out at our adoption events and/or any of our fundraising events, please let us know. As always, we need more foster homes to help more animals. Please call 774-8292 or send an e-mail to adoptarpo@hotmail.com if you are interested in learning more.
Congratulations and Welcome to the Board of Directors for 2001-2002:
President: Kathy McKeen
Vice President: Joann Groves
Secretary: Trish Main
Treasurer: Linda Coyne
Web site coordinator: Debbie Haynes
Volunteer coordinator: Stephanie Clancy
At large: Shannon Bahler, Kelley Hinkle, Marilyn Manley – congratulations and welcome to our newest board members!
We love to hear updates about companions adopted through ARPO. If you have a picture or story, we’d love to hear from you.
This story comes to us from Jeannie Cetusic, who adopted “Tuxedo” from ARPO in the summer of 1999.
I have renamed him “Eddie,” and he is pictured here with my orange male tabby, Nikita, taking a little siesta (one of his favorite activities). I had been looking for a playmate for Nik when Debbie Haynes told me about this sweet, laid-back kitty she held on her lap at a Petsmart adoption one Saturday. Even in the midst of all the craziness at the store, this cat was content to just sit on her lap and purr away. The first thing he did when he saw me (at his foster home) was roll over on his back for some love (another of his favorite activities), and I knew he was a keeper. When I brought him home for the first time, Nik was very upset with me, but eventually he and Eddie started playing together, and now I think they like having one another around. Eddie is truly the most loving, affectionate cat I have ever met, and whenever we have guests, he lets everyone pet him and pick him up, and he just purrs away. He is a very happy and content kitty and a true joy to have around. Thanks to Debbie and Kim for helping me adopt Eddie, and thanks to ARPO for giving kitties like Eddie a chance to find a loving home.
Adopted at 5 months, now a little over a year old, Sophie has brought a lot of laughs to all that she encounters. With that face - how could she not?
Post Office Box 6385, Fishers, IN 46038
317-774-8292
www.adoptarpo.org
adoptarpo@hotmail.com