Hi everyone. Matt here. Yes, I am still alive. Yes, I still work here. Yes, I know you haven’t heard from me. Yes, I am, as Kerry says, the other director. I don’t tweet or twit or whatever else it’s called. I work. Although I have been called a twit and much worse. Now that that’s out of the way…
More than a thousand dogs pass through our ramshackle little slice of heaven every year. Every single one is special. We have found that there are degrees of special. I love every dog I meet here. But some stand out. Some of the dogs we meet stay with us, leaving their indelible mark on our hearts. It is an intensely personal thing.
We pull them from other shelters. We gently take them from their crates and get them into their temporary homes, either in the kennel or in the warm weather outside in the dog area. We examine them carefully and lovingly. We pet them. We wash them. We brush them. We kiss them and tell them we love them and they’re safe now. Then, when we’re just getting used to them, playing with them, noting their eccentricities and likes and dislikes and pouring out our hearts with love so they feel comfortable, happy and cared for, as they return that love with their own affection, they leave us to go to their forever homes. Every single one leaves a mark on our hearts. Some leave much, much more.
Read the rest of this entry »
Filed in
Why we do this by matt on Aug 16, 2009. There are comments.
I would like to show you a sample of my mail. We get a TON of mail here. We can’t take in every animal that we are asked to take in. We do the absolute best we can, but every animal is considered on a case by case basis and every animal is considered special to us. We agonize over the ones we can not take and lay sleepless at night, wondering what will become of them, what will happen to them and are they safe right now. It is a terrible part of this job and one that torments those of us that are involved in these decisions. I can’t tell you how much we appreciate it when these please actually follow up and let us know they were able to keep the pet, or they found good arrangements. Below are two examples of people asking me to take in cats. You will note the difference immediately. Isn’t it interesting? The first is from a volunteer that comes here every single week, a few times a week, with her two children. They walk dogs and help out any way they can. They are gracious and loving and wonderful and also adopted two dogs from us. Two “not so easy” dogs I might add.
——————————-
Hi folks: This is a long shot–I know you guys are always full up with cats, but…..
The kids and I were away in NYC for a week and my nephew stayed at the house with Kip and Henry (Note: those are the dogs they adopted from us). While we were gone Matt (nephew) was driving along Shoddy Hollow Road and came across a dead cat in the road–with a kitten sitting next to it. He got out and moved the kitten off the road, and of course it returned to what was left of Mom. So he brought it home with him.
I found out when we got back yesterday and told him to put up some signs in Otisville, though the kitten was full of fleas and the Mom had no tags–probably not a pair anyone was looking for, but who knows?
Matt has taken the kitten back to my sister’s house but is not allowed to keep it (they have a load of animals already so my sister doesn’t want anymore. We are trying to find a place for it. My husband, the kids and I are all very allergic so we can’t take it. I’m not big on outside cats—too many cars on Derby Road, too many other nasty things could happen.
If you guys could consider taking it in that would be terrific. My sister is willing to cover the surrender fee, I think between all of us we could cover the neutering.
It is a young kitten, very playful. Eats solid food. Classic grey tiger type. We don’t know anything else about it. It hasn’t been vetted at all as of now. It has been bathed.
If you guys can’t help out, we fully understand. (And we promise not to dump it on your doorstep!) If not, do you know of any other no-kill cat groups that are fairly local that might be able to help?
Thanks for your time– The kids and I will probably be up there walking dogs tomorrow if the weather cooperates.
I wrote back:
Of course! Bring the little guy in as soon as you like. Staff is onsite by 8am. Janet can take a look when she gets in to make sure all is ok!
…and no surrender fee. You do a lot for us. Just bring the little guy in.
…and then THEY wrote back:
Hi Kerry: Just checked my email…thanks so much. We’ll come up later today–we have to wait for my nephew to come over (he is 19 and as such is so not a morning person!). I passed the good news on to my sister and she is sending along a donation anyway because she is well aware of the costs involved in taking care of even one small kitten. We’ll hope to see you later today, and thank you so much again.
OK, so there you have an example of the kind way to get a dog or a cat into a facility – VOLUNTEER there or donate there! Offer to try to help with expenses! Be polite! Do what YOU can first to try to help the animal! OK, so on to letter number 2 from this week:
———————–
Hi My name is xxxxx. I have a cat that I want to get rid of. The reason I need to give her up is that she is a horrible cat. I have tried breaking her bad habits but cant seem to do it . She goes in the garbage and she also steals food off the counter. She gets fed 3xs a day so there is no reason for this stupid behavior. When I origanally (sic) got her I was told she was a male. Next thing I know she is giving birth and spitting out kittens left and right. No one wants her. I don’t blame them. She’s a pain in the ass and there is nothing good to say about her. I don’t feel it would be nice to lie about her bad habits. Let me know if you would be willing to take her. I can’t give any money for any fee though. She really isn’t worth it and I have other things I’d rather spend the money on anyway then this dumb cat. Also can you come and pick her up. It isn’t convenient for me to drive all the way over there, but let me know when you can come and I will make sure I am here to give her to you.
———————–
So there you have it.
Who do I feel worse for?
Who should we help?
Should the cat suffer because her owner is a piece of garbage?
How would YOU decide if you could only take in ONE?
Not too easy, is it?
Filed in
Featured Letters by kerry on Aug 11, 2009. There are comments.
Linda Brink is the director of Sunnyskies Bird & Animal Sanctuary. I consider her a good friend but more importantly she is a tremendous force in the animal world. When Linda gets her teeth into abuse, she cannot and does not let it go. She does everything she can, within the letter of the law, to see justice done on behalf of the animals who have suffered. I find her inspiring and a tremendous resource. She does this in the wee hours of the morning or night, as she works every single day, 14 hours a day (minimum) at her own rescue and sanctuary – and yet she still finds time to help us at Pets Alive as needed, or to take up a cause and fight for it. Recently she wrote the below and I found it amazingly insightful and want to share it with all of you. Thank you Linda for being who you are. Thanks from all the animals you work tirelessly to save.
—————————————————————————–
I was recently asked, by two people: But, if she doesn’t get the horses back, and is barred from ever owning horses–isn’t that enough?
There’s this: if a person had done to other people, or to children, what was done to the two horses in this abuse case, they would, at this juncture, quite possibly be in jail without bail. If children had been found starved, with wounds inflicted by ill fitting clothes and shoes–wounds left ignored for so long that they had caused agony, had become infected, necrotic, life threatening, wounds that would leave physical scars for life–if the victims were children, those responsible would be hauled off in handcuffs, arrested, charged, and held, reviled by all, until the full wrath of our system of justice could send its flaming arrow their way. With crowds cheering.
Read the rest of this entry »
Filed in
Animal Rescue by kerry on Aug 10, 2009. There are comments.
PLEASE CROSS POST
(This was put together by Linda Brink, Director, Sunnyskies Bird & Animal Sanctuary, Warwick, NY)
Dear Friends of Suzi and Whisk:
It’s been weeks now since Keum H. Lee last appeared at the Wallkill Courthouse. Although, surely, the case must be progressing, we have become greatly concerned by the amount of time that has passed–even since the rally. Our calls to the ADA remain unreturned.
At this very important juncture, we feel it is absolutely essential that all of those in support of justice for Suzi and Whisk once more contact the ADA and DA’s office and let them know: cutting a deal with Keum H. Lee, after the suffering she has allegedly inflicted, is absolutely unacceptable.
It will be too late, after the fact, to express your outrage. The silence is–very disturbing! We all know: the law seems to change when the victims are animals. We all know: in the eyes of the law, too many times, the suffering of animals is dismissed as inconsequential. And how many times are the animals returned to the very monsters who hurt them? Too many times.
PLEASE, take a moment to once again raise your voice in support of justice for these two horses, who have been through so much. Their suffering is representative of the suffering of so many, and pursuing and enforcing felony charges, and reasonable punishment, will not only achieve justice for Suzi and Whisk, it will help so many other animals now living in despair. Horses in particular, ignored, starving in fields, wounded, in need of medical treatment caregivers see no reason to provide –this case, if properly handled, will state loud and clear: somebody does care. I care! You care! There is such a small chance of punishment, when the crime committed is abusive to animals–no matter how heinous. A positive resolution of this case can, and will, send a message to all those who shrug off their abuse: you will be prosecuted. You will be punished. Because: we care.
PLEASE, for Suzi and Whisk, make one more call,
send one more fax, write one more letter–and roar.
For justice. For animals who can only, themselves, suffer in silence.
The message: No deals for Keum H. Lee. No compromises. Only: justice. This is a felony abuse crime. If convicted, Lee deserves felony abuse punishment. For the crimes she allegedly committed against Suzi. For the crimes she allegedly committed against Whisk. Be their voices–and roar.
Who to Contact:
Francis D. Phillips, District Attorney
255 Main Street
Goshen, NY 10924
Phone: (845) 291-2050
Fax: (845) 291-2085
fphillips@co.orange.ny.us
Jamie Ferrara, Assistant District Attorney
255 Main Street
Goshen, NY 10924
Phone: 845-291-2050
Fax: 845-291-2085
Please help. I truly fear we don’t have much
time in which to act and make a difference.
For the full story, you can click here but if you do not want
to see graphic pictures, do NOT scroll down!
Filed in
Animal Rescue by kerry on Aug 07, 2009. There are comments.
Sanctuary animal updates:
Since my last update on June 14th (has it been THAT long? I’m sorry!), the following dogs were adopted: Posey, Harold, Rusty, Boogey, Jackson, Racer, Dilly, Jethro, Possum, Sasha, Borus, Koasha, Lucy, Luke, Sebastian, Kibbles, Patches, Spot, White Foot, Lil Bit, Sebastian again, Brownie, Twila, Boogie, Peanut, Bunker (again but again returned, poor guy!), Johnny, Van, Buddy, Fresco, Lizzie, Spangle, Little Richie, Cade, Rocky, Misty, Bengal, Pauly, Teona, Rosemary, Rachel, Poppy, Choco, Pilgrim, Buddy2, Tor, Shu, Shea, Lady, Orlando, Buddy3, Chase, Rico, Carrie, Penny, Celia, Dinky, Doty, Pepsi, Bibi, Brownie2, Yogi, Pumpkin, Layla, Lady2, Tinkerbell, Penny, Cupid and Edison. 69 dogs? Not too bad!
Read the rest of this entry »
Filed in
Updates by kerry on Aug 01, 2009. There are comments.
Got a great letter a few months ago and I keep meaning to put it up but I misplaced the picture that went with it. JUST FOUND it….as you can see the picture is PRICELESS!!!
I HAD to find it in order to post this fabulous letter. Note that the markups on the picture were done by Lily!
Lily – you are AWESOME! Thank you! Unfortunately there was no return address, so I was unable to thank her or call her!If anyone knows her, please put her in touch with us. 
Dear Pets Alive,
My name is Lily Palmieri and I just turned 10 years old. For my Birthday I didn’t want any gifts, instead I asked for donations to pets alive. I raised $250. The reason I did this is because I love animals and I always wanted to take care of them. I hope the money I raised helps out. Someday when I get older I would like to volunteer and help out at pets alive. You guys are doing a great job. You are all awesome.
From,
Lily Palmieri
P.S. Here’s a picture of all of my friends who helped out by donating money.
Filed in
Featured Letters by kerry on Jul 16, 2009. There are comments.
We got an email from a long-time friend to Pets Alive – Joanna Seere.
She had an amazing story to tell. In fact, let me allow her to tell it to you in her words:
——————
I want to share with you a story, a story that is miraculous in every way and one that I am proud to be part of. Please relax and read on.
I began working with a woman named Donna from Tennessee over 10 years ago with her pit bull named Jokko. A real amazing dog who changed Donna’s life and inspired her to devote herself and all her very modest resources to rescuing and rehabilitating pit bulls and reeducating people about the true nature of the breed. This is a breed that is so misunderstood- they are sweet, loving, family dogs, who when breed poorly or trained in certain ways, can become dangerous dogs. Donna has opened her heart and her home/ grass roots shelter to many of these dogs, including ones who has suffered in the fight arena. The ones she can adopt to good families, she does. Those she can’t spend their lives with her. Donna has become expert in understanding pit bulls and knowing how to best rehabilitate them. At any given time she has 10-15 dogs with her as family members, fosters and in rehab.
Read the rest of this entry »
Filed in
Animal Rescue by kerry on Jul 10, 2009. There are comments.
We received this letter from teacher Lisa Lyons, earlier this week and today she showed up with tons of donations for us! She did all the shopping which is a great bonus for us.
I remember this class very well. They were really enthusiastic, participated greatly in the discussion and had great ideas, suggestions and love for animals.
We brought Jasper and Jake in as the class “dogs” and we also had a great time.
Imagine our thrill to receive the following email:
————————
Hi, Kerry and Matt!
You came into my classroom earlier in the school year to talk to my class about the importance of treating animals with kindness and empathy. My class donated coins throughout the year to help you guys out at Pets Alive and we totaled it up the other day and we have about 96$. It is literally a bag filled with coins. Would you like me to transfer that into cash or a check or take the money and get items at the store? Let me know. Thanks!
~Lisa Lyons
Filed in
Featured Letters by kerry on Jul 01, 2009. There are comments.
PLEASE CROSS POST
(YOU CAN FIND UPDATES ON THE URL BELOW IN REGARDS TO WHAT HAS HAPPENED SINCE THEN, WE WILL UPDATE THAT PAGE AND NOT THIS BLOG. LINDA BRINK WROTE THIS AND CROSS POSTED IT, WE ARE JUST HELPING TO SPREAD IT..AS STATED IN URL BELOW).
This is a Call for Action directed to any and all people who have feelings of respect, and love, and compassion for animals, and who care enough to help seek justice, and safety, for two horses who have suffered terribly at the hands of an alleged abuser.
The photos are graphic–but they are real. (Because the photos are so horrible, we are not including them IN this posting. If you wish to see them, and have a strong stomach, you can see them here: http://www.petsalive.com/leecruelty.htm – THEY ARE TRULY HIDEOUS – YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!). They are documentation of just how much suffering was inflicted on these two innocent animals at the hands of the person responsible for their care. Look at them, and please: stand up for justice. Stand up with us to protect the future of these animals. Stand up with us to send the message, loud and clear, that animal abuse in New York State will not be tolerated, and will be punished, with a vengeance.
Stand up for Suzi, who has hurt so much, for so long. Join forces with others who care. Be her voice. Tell her story. Defend her right to live without pain and suffering. Send the message, loud and clear, that there are people who will fight for those who cannot fight for themselves, with voices, with letters, with phone calls, with faxes, with their hearts and minds, with their outrage–outrage that animal cruelty is not viewed as an accountable crime, that people can do such things, and simply–walk away: walk away with the very animal they tortured beside them, his/her heart hammering with fear and despair as people do nothing more than shake their heads and turn away.
Read the rest of this entry »
Filed in
Animal Rescue by kerry on Jun 17, 2009. There are comments.
Sanctuary animal updates:
Since our last update on May 19th the following dogs were adopted: Terry2, Rebecca, Doris, Frenchy, Sammy, Denver, Sparky, Yogi (but was returned), Jasper, Dudley, Paisley, Strutter, Tangelo, Glacier, Zesty, Agassi, Forbes, Charmin, Treasure, Nanook, Denali, Scooter, Stewie, Finnegan, Moxie, Honeycomb, Lola, Dempsy, Samson, Scrappy Doo, Penelope, Clover, Bambi, Juniper, Breeze, Jazz, Sadie, Precious. Precious had an amazing story and you can read all about her here. She is now safely in her new home with one of our daily volunteers – Sonya. They are BOTH so happy and we are really glad. This was truly a great match. Foxy, one of our horses was also adopted this month.
Snausage was once again, NOT adopted. This is a picture of him telling everyone what he thinks of that. Sorry Snausage. We will try again this month for you.
Read the rest of this entry »
Filed in
Updates by kerry on Jun 16, 2009. There are comments.