The Official Newsletter of the Alliance for Responsible Pet Ownership
Summer 2002
News from the Adoption Front
|
The Official Newsletter of the Alliance for Responsible Pet Ownership
Summer 2002
News from the Adoption Front |
|
"Can you take this cat and kittens? My husband is cruel to animals and I have to hide them when he is in the back yard." So, the story began. A stray cat had found her way under a backyard shed and given birth to four babies. The woman who called told an exhausting story of how she would hide Lilac and her week-old kittens in one of the bedrooms while her husband was outside, and then have a child lift them through a window to go back outside when the man went into the home. Lilac is an exceptionally friendly tabby cat, but like too many others she had no place to call home. Board members Debbie, Joann and Stephanie quickly pulled together and picked up Lilac and her babies, while the man was at work, and took them to the veterinarian. Thankfully, all were in fine shape and they are waiting their turn for a safe and loving forever home.
Stories like this one are all too common. When you adopt from us or donate your time or money we can save another pet like Lilac and her babies. Please read the back of this newsletter to find out how you can become an ARPO member and help other pets in need.
o Premium puppy, dog, kitten, and cat food
o Dog crates, large sizes
o Copy paper, white and colored
o Leashes and collars, all sizes
o Cleaning supplies (anti-bacterial, multi-purpose cleaner, paper towels)
o Hand sanitizer or anti-bacterial hand wipes
Items may be dropped off at Petsmart on Saturdays from 12-4 p.m., or contact us to arrange a drop-off time.
Rescue me not only with your hands but with your heart as well.
I will respond to you.
Rescue me not out of pity but out of love.
I will love you back.
Rescue me not with self-righteousness but with compassion.
I will learn what you teach.
Rescue me not because of my past but because of my future.
I will relax and enjoy.
Rescue me not simply to save me but to give me a new life.
I will appreciate your gift.
Rescue me not only with a firm hand but with tolerance and patience.
I will please you.
Rescue me not only because of who I am but who I'm to become.
I will grow and mature.
Rescue me not to revere yourself to others but because you want me.
I will never let you down.
Rescue me not with a hidden agenda but with a desire to teach me to trust.
I will be loyal and true.
Rescue me not to be chained or to fight but to be your companion.
I will stand by your side.
Rescue me not to replace one you've lost but to soothe your spirit.
I will cherish you.
Rescue me not to be your pet but to be your friend.
I will give you unconditional love.
Please rescue me!
-Author Unknown
Many of us have read, with a mixture of sadness and anger, stories of animal abuse here in Indiana. Most notably, many remember the story of a dog that was injured last summer by an act of cruelty involving a firecracker. Happily, the dog has since been adopted into a loving home and named “Spirit.”
In response to this incident, Representative Jim Atterholt authored legislation in the House (HB 1091, which was later adopted as HB1223), also known as “Spirit’s Bill,” which toughens penalties for those who commit cruelty to animals. Thanks to Representative Atterholt, cases of extreme cruelty to an animal are now a Class D felony instead of a Class A misdemeanor.
In a recent letter to the Editor of the Indianapolis Star, Atterholt wrote that this bill sends a powerful message that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated. Further, he cited a recent U.S. Department of Justice report that clearly documents the connection between cruelty to animals and serious violent behavior. This bill is not just for the animals, he said, “…we also must not fail to see the human cost to these most evil acts toward animals. There is a clear connection between those who abuse and torture animals and those who later go on to be child molesters and perpetrators of domestic violence.”
In addition to “Spirit’s Bill,” Atterholt has authored other legislation to combat domestic violence and child molestation.
Thanks to Rep. Atterholt for taking a stand for animals and the people who love them!
To Contact Representative James Atterholt, write to him at 200 W. Washington St., Room 401-8, Indianapolis, 46204, or send an e-mail to at H86@in.gov.
To access bills online, go to www.in.gov/legislative and click on "Bills and Resolutions," where it is possible to search for a bill by its number or by a keyword. Rep. Atterholt's web site at www.in.gov/H86 also provides information on current legislation under “Session Info."
· Cindy Waldrop for donating a food basket and Dina Avgoustis of National Wine and Spirits for donating the bottle of wine for our raffle
· Amy Houtz, Pat Stafford, Krysi Leganza, Julia Clark, Cynthia Becker, Cindy Waldrop, Peggy Hall, Nicole Calcagno, Tim and Rosemary Borek, Kim Blanton, and Trish Main for individual memberships
· Diana Smith for family membership
· Three Dog Bakery for corporate membership
· Diana Kelley for her generous donation for Trooper; Anne Nelson, Cheryl Lynn, Lisa Ristow, Suzanne Wilhelm, Bob Freese, Dale Lacognata, Jody Leeman, Holly Sheldon and Derek Paquin, Virginia Harley, Cheryl Newby for their generous donations; Susan Derwin for purchasing Bark magazine subscription; Shirley Thompson for Angie’s List subscription
· College Park Petsmart for Christmas donations
· Carmel Petco for donating leashes, collars, and toys
· Castleton Petsmart for donating dog crates and food
· Northside Animal Hospital, Ft. Harrison Veterinarians, Lafeyette Rd. Vet Clinic, and Parkside Animal Hospital for their veterinary services
· Jon Stowell for donating his legal expertise
· Special thanks to Bob Conrad for donating his printing service
· Special thanks to Kevin Wood for donating his printing service
· Thank you to Robin Kelly for the donation in memory of Choy Dixon for Sandi and Bill Dixon.
· Thank you to Judy Roland for the donation in memory of Casey, beloved golden retriever of the Mr. and Mrs. Gregg Ullrich family.
· Thank you to Becki Bradford of The Pet Company for donations made in memory of Pet Company friends.
On Saturday, July 20, there will be a fundraiser to benefit ARPO featuring Chicago jewelry designers and local artists. It’s a good time for a great cause! For more information, please contact Laura Gonzo at gonzoflake@mindspring.com.
Mark your calendars for ARPO’s first ever Yankee Candle Sale! ARPO will be selling Yankee candles and accessories from September 15 through September 30. Yankee candles are known for their high quality and pleasant and true scents. ARPO will receive 40% of the purchase price of each candle sold and 30% of the purchase price of each accessory sold. Orders will be available for pick-up in time for the holidays.
§ Indiana law now allows a rabies vaccine that is only needed every three years. Check with your veterinarian for more information.
§ ProHeart6 is heartworm prevention given as a shot every 6 months. ARPO gives this shot for most of our adult dogs. If you have trouble remembering to give your pets’ monthly preventive, talk to your veterinarian about ProHeart6. Heartworm is a terrible disease but so easy to prevent. Prevention is a must year round
§ ARPO now microchips every dog and cat we adopt. This helps your pet find his/her way back to you if he/she is lost. An ID tag is the first line of defense, but if your pet refuses to wear a collar or if your pet’s collar is lost, then microchipping can provide the necessary ID for the safe return of your companion. Please consider microchipping all of your pets, even if they are inside only. It only takes one mistake!
Our apologies to those whose names were incorrect or left out of the donor or 2001 adopters list: Candace Reim and Rob Wallin, adopters of Hot Dog and Hot Shot, Diane Shriver, adopter of Shelley. Thank you to Lori Habermehl and Lori Elkins for donations toward the care of Julian.
If you are moving, please remember to let ARPO know your new address. And remember, if you have adopted an animal that was microchipped by ARPO, we will be contacted if that animal is found. We want to make sure you get your companion back safe, sound, and soon!
Daisy and Tiny were surrendered by their owner to a shelter when the owner moved; apparently she was not as attached to them as they are to her. Due to their ages, they were scheduled to be euthanized, but with the help of some wonderful volunteers, ARPO was able to save them and bring them into our foster care. They MUST be adopted together as they are quite bonded and could use each other to lean on while they adjust to a new life. Tiny is rat terrier, about 8 yrs old, and Daisy is beagle mix, about 11 years old. Daisy is very friendly and interested in new people. Tiny is friendly and interested but a little nervous in new situations and with new people. She is dependent on Daisy for security. She is not very active but when she gets excited she still has lots of play in her. They are spayed and up to date on vaccinations. They have several good years left and we can't help but think someone out there can give them the love they deserve for the rest of their lives. Is that someone you?
Apply for an Action for Animals Credit Card and help ARPO at the same time! This program pays ARPO an up-front fee of $10.00 per new activated cardholder account plus 0.1% per month on all card transactions (purchases, cash advances, balance transfers).
Interest rates for cardholders are 5.9% for the first six months and a fixed rate of 14.9% thereafter with no annual fee. See ARPO for an application, or sign up on-line at www.nacard.com. ARPO’s code is 2098.
Please see our website (www.adoptarpo.org) for other ways that you can help, including sending us your O’Malia’s receipts, participating in the Marsh Community Shopper program, joining Angie’s List through ARPO, shopping on-line at our affiliates, and purchasing a subscription to Bark Magazine through ARPO.
It all started with a Dalmatian named Rebound, who had recurring seizures and separation anxiety. A vet told the Downings, his devoted family, that Rebound needed a companion dog. Joni and Todd didn’t know if they could manage another pet, but their son, Harrison - seven at the time - thought another dog was a grand idea. So much so that he promised to pay the adoption fee with his own money – which he did!
The Downings brought Rebound to a PetSmart adoption event in March of 2000, fully expecting to take home a Retriever that they had heard about. Joni and Harrison went to park the car and when they walked in, they saw Todd with a German Shorthaired Pointer mix puppy on his lap and a big smile on his face. Rebound was equally as taken by Pica and she went home with the Downings shortly thereafter.
Since Pica moved in, Rebound’s seizures have decreased dramatically. When he does have an episode, Pica stays by his side and comforts him. When she isn’t playing nursemaid to the family, Pica can be found jumping on the trampoline, nuzzling Josephina, the pet rat, and sleeping on her personal ottoman.
But the story doesn’t end there. Harrison brought home another stray dog in April. A senior citizen with some health issues, this Brittany Spaniel mix was on her way to becoming an ARPO adoptable when she and Harrison became inseparable. She is now a permanent member of the household and goes by the name Sweets. Now Mom, Dad, Harrison, and big sisters Valarie and Natalie share their home with three very lucky, very happy dogs (and one rat, that just might think she’s a dog…).
"We adopted Oliver one year ago. . .His name was Shiloh at the time. We met him at a Petsmart and fell in love. Since then, he's become a true member of our family. He's most attached to me ('Mom') and his brother Baxter (pictured here with him, on right). Whenever Baxter is out of sight, Oliver is beside himself with worry!
"He's a loveable dog who has won a place in all of our hearts!"
--Lorin Lambert
Post Office Box 6385, Fishers, IN 46038
317-774-8292
www.adoptarpo.org
adoptarpo@hotmail.com