Bradenton Dog

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No-Kill Manatee – November Update

By Jean Peelen

Some great news!  State Senator Michael Bennett of Bradenton is introducing a bill to have the entire State of Florida become no-kill.  He is basing his effort and the legislation on Manatee County’s commitment to no-kill.  We can be so proud of ourselves.  We are the leaders in the State of Florida. Hurray Manatee County!

And here at home, no-kill Manatee is rolling on.  We have both progressed and stumbled along the way, but we keep moving forward.  In September, 55% of the dogs and cats that came into Animal Services were either adopted, turned over to rescue groups, or kept alive at Animal Services.  Our goal, by December 2012, is to have a 90% saved rate.

In October, our saved rate went up to 68%.  That’s an amazing improvement and well beyond the 2% per month we were expecting.  We don’t imagine that the rate of keep ‘em alive will continue so dramatically.  Adoptions are up, particularly by Animal Services directly, and up a little by other rescues and shelters.  Partly the jump in the numbers is due to holding more animals – not killing them.  Of course we can’t continue to do that.

To keep our numbers moving positively:

  • We have to help the rescue groups and shelters to take more Animal Services dogs and cats.  We can do this by enrolling more and more people in fostering animals until they can be adopted.
  • We have to increase the number of rescue groups that pull dogs and cats from Animal Services, and particularly ones that will take large dogs and pit mixes.  .This basically is a research project.
  • We have to have volunteers who will contact rescue groups to take particular dogs and cats.  We haven’t quite figured out the logistics of this task yet.

A very exciting new part of marketing our dogs more effectively is that a group of about 14 professional photographers are going to Animals Services regularly to take attractive photos of our dogs.  I’ve seen the first pictures and they are great!  Just imagine a grinning put bull on a pink velvet chair with pearls on her neck.  Very wonderful.  These photos will be posted on the Manatee County Animals Services Web site, but also on www.petfinder.com, and on BradentonDog.com.

We are doing a lot of thinking about how to deal with what we call “community cats.”  These are cats that are not feral, but also don’t seem to belong any more to a particular home.  When someone complains, and these cats are brought in, it is extremely rare that their owners come to get them.  They have been being killed at a high rate.  Right now, our program for so-called feral cats is to trap them, neuter them, return them to their colonies, and feed them.  In time, the colonies get smaller because the cats are neutered.  We are thinking about the possibility of doing something similar with non-feral cats. It would seem to me that almost anything would be preferable to death.  It’s going to take some considering.

And one more thing.  On Nov. 5, I attended the grand opening of Honor Sanctuary’s Dog Ranch.  You must come see it for yourself.  It is located at 5401 Lorraine Road, Bradenton.  Honor rescues and shelters dogs (and a few cats) there.  They have built (and are continuing to build) absolutely adorable cottages for their animals.  The dogs are housed five or six to a cottage, each with a separate wire run with a comfy bed in it – sometimes with quilts.  Each run has a doggie door to private outside runs.

The dogs living in these conditions are calm, non-stressed, even happy.  They are friendly and quiet – no hysterical barking.  As you might guess, this also makes them much more attractive for adoption.  I was so impressed by the vision involved in creating this shelter that is so totally different than any I’ve ever visited.  Kudos to Honor Animal Rescue for the wonderful place they have created.

So that’s the report for October.  Come aboard.  Adopt a pet or foster a pet.  We love snow bird fostering, so don’t let that stop you.  If you are interested in fostering, call me, Jean Peelen, at 941-896-5827, or write to me at [email protected].

And come meet me and talk about fostering.  I will be at Canine Christmas, November 19, at Bishop Animal Shelter on 51st St. W across from Blake Hospital.  I’ll be staffing the no-kill booth!  Come by and say hello.

 

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Breed Profile: Chihuahua

Chihuahua Profile by Lauren R. Tharp

The Chihuahua: Little Dogs with Big Attitudes

While Chihuahuas don’t actually have Mexican accents like they do in the movies and on television, they do originate from Mexico. Chihuahua, Mexico, to be specific (go figure?). Recognized by the AKC in 1904, Chihuahuas are estimated to be the oldest—and smallest!—breed to originate in the Americas.

The Chihuahua is now the 11th most popular dog in the United States according to AKC registration records.

Physical Traits

Size & Weight: The Chihuahua is a Toy breed. An actual “show” Chihuahua is not to exceed six (6) pounds in weight, but pet Chihuahuas can get up to 10-12 pounds and still be considered “healthy.”

Coat & Color:

Most have short coats, but some have longer coats that are “flat” or “curly” in texture. Chihuahuas are generally made up of solid colors, or marked and spotted with color on a white background.

Other: We all know that Chihuahuas are small, but Chihuahuas are also typically known for their apple-shaped heads. They’re also very swift and graceful with their movements.

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years.

Temperament

There’s one thing that all the commercials, television programs, movies, and cartoons seem to get exactly right: Chihuahuas have attitude.

Chihuahuas tend to have very high self-esteem and are quite often filled with a sense of self-importance that’s a force to be reckoned with! (If you’re familiar with the term “Napoleon Complex,” then you know exactly what I’m talking about—shorties with attitude!). They’re actually quite similar to many smaller terrier breeds in temperament.

Chihuahuas are also very charming, alert, confident, and surprisingly self-reliant.

Wags:

• Grooming and exercise needs are relatively low

• Chihuahuas are perfect for an urban environment

• Longer lifespan that most dogs

Challenges:

• With their small size, Chihuahuas are the perfect prey for coyotes and other predators. (In my research, I even read of a few cases in which someone’s pet Chihuahua was taken away by an owl!)

• They aren’t the best dog for first-time dog owners. With their bossy attitudes, Chihuahuas require a moderate to high amount of training.

Chihuahuas are fragile. They can live a long time, but it can be tough getting them there! Chihuahuas have bones that break extremely easily and can suffer from eye problems, heart disease,

If you are considering adding a Chihuahua to your family, please visit Chihuahua Rescue for adorable, adoptable dogs.

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Progress on the LongBoat Key Dog Beach

On Thursday last week, a full house at LongBoat Key Town Hall prompted Commissioners to take a serious look at the need to designate a portion of the beach as dog-friendly.  A committee has been formed to study the possibilities pro and con and suggest possible solutions.  Two of the seven Commissioners will serve on the Committee providing insight to local ordinances and protocol.

According to PetTravel.com, more than 30 million people traveled with their pet last year.  One must make the assumption that when those people are planning their vacations they are looking for dog friendly communities.  Yes, these are mostly people traveling with dogs, only 2% of cat lovers travel with their kitties and a the number is slightly smaller for bird and reptile fans.

Sarasota and Bradenton dog lovers must now drive to Venice’s Brohard Park to enjoy the beach with their pup.  A LBK option would provide a nice alternative and an infusion of new customers to dog friendly businesses on LongBoat Key.

The prospect of a dog-friendly destination beach on LongBoat Key is now a real possibility, but it is far from done.  Your support is still needed.  You can stay tuned to this web site for more information,  and you may send your letters of support to [email protected].

If you are on LongBoat Key right now, and looking for a dog-friendly park, check out the Joan M. Durant Park at 5550 Gulf of Mexico Drive.  There is no beach access but it’s a gorgeous walk and dogs are welcome.

 

 

 

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Dogs on LongBoat Key Beach

ON THURSDAY OCTOBER 20, 2011 AT 1:00 PM. THE LONGBOAT KEY COMMISSION WILL HEAR AND DISCUSS A REQUEST FROM A GROUP OF CITIZENS FOR THE DESIGNATION OF A SMALL PORTION OF OUR BEACH TO BE DOG FRIENDLY. LBK TOWN HALL IS LOCATED AT 501 BAY ISLAND ROAD ON LONGBOAT.

IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE COMMISSION TO SEE THAT THERE IS COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR THIS INITIATIVE AND YOUR PRESENCE WILL GREATLY INCREASE OUR CHANCES OF SUCCESS.

THE REQUEST TO THE TOWN WILL INCLUDE:

* A PORTION OF THE BEACH TO BE DESIGNATED DOG FRIENDLY
* ALL DOGS SHOULD BE UNDER TOTAL CONTROL OF THEIR OWNERS AT ALL TIMES
* ALL PET WASTE TO BE PICKED UP AND DISPOSED OF IN PROPER CONTAINERS
* DOGS PROHIBITED FROM BEACH USE BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 9 A.M. AND 6 P.M.
* ALL WILDLIFE, BIRDS AND TURTLES MUST BE PROTECTED AT ALL TIMES
* ALL OTHER TOWN ORDINANCES GOVERNING BEACHES REMAIN IN EFFECT.

ALSO UP FOR DISCUSSION IS CITIZEN’S WATCHDOG GROUP WHICH WILL HELP TO KEEP THE AREA CLEAN AND HELP BOTH RESIDENTS AND VISITORS TO UNDERSTAND THE RULES. ALSO, WE MIGHT OFFER A CITIZENS GROUP TO HELP FUND SIGNAGE, A RULES AND REGULATION BROCHURE, AND ANIMAL RESIDUE STATIONS. WE NEED PEOPLE TO ATTEND TO SHOW THAT THE PUBLIC SUPPORTS THIS INITIATIVE! IF YOU’VE EVER THOUGHT – WOULDN’T IT BE GREAT IF WE COULD BRING OUR DOGS TO LONGBOAT, NOW IS THE TIME TO LET THE COMMISSIONERS KNOW!

CAN MAKE IT? YOU CAN STILL LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD BY SENDING AN EMAIL TO
[email protected].

QUESTIONS? EMAIL – [email protected]

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It Passed! Manatee County is now officially a No-Kill County

In an unanimous vote today, the Manatee County City Commissioners voted to make Manatee County a No-Kill County and has adopted Animal Services proposal to enact the plan.

The first county in Florida to be a true “No-Kill” county, Manatee County will need our help.  On October 19th at the Manatee Central Library at 5:30 pm, you can join the strategy session.  All manner of help is needed from cleaning cages and walking dogs, to researching additional rescue groups who can “pull dogs” from death row, and more.  Details will be discussed at the meeting, so join us and celebrate a win for animals in Manatee County!!

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Manatee’s Journey to No-kill

 by Jean Peelen

 Here is the October update on the great dream that we in Manatee County have begun.  This past summer, the all-volunteer Manatee County Animal Services Advisory Board approved a resolution to go to the Manatee County Commission.  The resolution declared that Manatee County would become no-kill beginning October 2011. That resolution and Animal Services’ no-kill plan will come before the County Commission this month.

What is a no-kill community?  It is a community that has pledged to stop routinely killing healthy dogs and cats who come into the county animal control shelter.  In Manatee County, we routinely killed around 55% of all dogs and cats that come in to Animal Services.  Why?  We didn’t know what else to do with them.  Is Manatee County worse than any other county?  No indeed.  Our statistics are typical of local government-run facilities all over Florida and indeed, all around the country.

 So what has changed?  First and foremost an animal lover, Commissioner Carol Whitmore, became the liaison from the County Commission to Animal Services.  Combine this fact with the fact Animal Services is under the purview of the Director of Public Safety, Bill Hutchison—another animal lover.  And finally, in May the Chief and Assistant Chief of Animal Services Kris Weiskopf and Joel Richmond went, along with three animal advocates, to Houston Texas.  There we all spent a full day in class with Nathan Winograd, the author of “Redemption” and the founder of the no-kill paradigm.

 In Houston we learned that communities can indeed become no-kill, we learned the no-kill equation, and we realized that a number of communities had already been successful at becoming no-kill.  I think Houston was the turn-around point.  The commitment to no-kill had begun.

 And now it’s rolling.  

 In September 2011, 219 dogs and 215 cats were impounded in this county.   By the end of the month, 80 dogs and 116 cats were killed.  In total, 45% of the animals that came in were killed.  Note that I am purposely using the word “killed” instead of “euthanized.”  We used to say that our stray dogs and cats were euthanized.  The dictionary definition of euthanasia is “the act of putting to death painlessly or allowing to die, a person or animal suffering from an incurable, especially a painful, disease or condition.”  We have been killing healthy dogs and cats.

 The goal is that by December 2012 ninety% of the animals that come in will be released alive either back to their owners, to rescue groups, or by direct adoptions.  It is a huge, ambitious goal.  It will take the efforts not just of Animal Services but also of the rescue groups, trainers, photographers, many volunteers, and, indeed, the entire community. 
 Join with the community to make this happen.