w w w . S t r a y d o g. o r g U p d a t e
POSTED EVERY DAY AT NOON CENTRAL TIME U.S.A.
Straydog Inc., The Late Pat Arnold's Happy Home for Strays, a No-Kill Dog Shelter
P.O. Box 1465, Gun Barrel City, Texas 75147 * (903) 479-3497 * EMAIL: straydog@straydog.org

Bill Arnold's Daily Straydog Log

FRIDAY MAY 28 2004

NOON UPDATE

Patch and Whiskers will arrive this afternoon about three p.m.

      Erin just called to say she'll be picking up the two dogs (Patch and Whiskers) and will be on her way here to Straydog by about 1:00 this afternoon. We'll get photos of the arrival and the settling in in their hospital kennels and report on these new arrivals in tomorrow's noon update.

Rocky continues to do better

      Rocky ate a big breakfast with no coaxing, had a good bowel movement and took his meds. He shows he's gaining strength and weight, and he's obviously becoming happier as the days progress.

Rocky walks briskly across the yard.

"Even the hot sun feels pretty good," says Rocky.

"It's time to go back in and take another nap."

 

Email from a Straydog supporter who helped out Jesse, the 73-year-old rescuer of dogs and cats whom we talked about recently

Date: Thu, 27 May 2004
From: Lana Isom
To: Straydog@Straydog.org
Subject: Jesse, the 73-year-old dog and cat rescuer

Hi Erin,

I went by and picked up Jessie's cat and got her into the SPCA. The SPCA would not accept the vouchers Jesse had, because they can only be reimbursed for three of those each month, and they said she would have to wait until October or November! [See Bill's response to this below.] I told them to go ahead and spay the cat and I would cover the costs. I could not let that little lady end up with yet another litter of kittens, and I was very glad to help her out. She still has one more mother cat and I told her I would be by next week to take the cat in for its surgery before there is another "accident." I have a friend who is going to split the cost of the next one with me, as she was almost in tears when I told her about Jessie.

Jessie is absolutely the sweetest little lady (maybe 80 pounds soaking wet), who I think realizes she has gotten herself in way over her head but cannot bear to part with any of her rescues unless she can find them good homes. She and your mother are definitely kindred spirits. I'm sure glad to hear that you received a check someone sent for Jesse, because I honestly do not see how she manages. I took some pictures, and when I can get hooked up at home I will send them to you. I only got pictures of a few of her dogs, as she was having to bring them out the back one at a time, and it was quite an ordeal for her since they are all quite large, and trying to get one out the door sent all of the rest of them in the house into hysterics!! It was pretty hot, and I was afraid it was tiring Jesse out, so after about four or five of them I told her we could do more next week when I came by. I went back to Petsmart and got a couple of bags of food and took them over to Jesse's.

Erin, Jesse was so appreciative she was crying and thanking me so profusely, and I felt so humble. What I did was NOTHING. What she and you and your father do is completely overwhelming to me.

It is obvious that Jesse uses every cent she has to feed and care for these dogs (as you do). I am trying to think of a way to at least get the kittens out of there for her, but right now, in kitten season, it is not an easy thing. Do you think the PetsMart in Plano would mind a cage of kittens? Maybe someone who reads your webpage needs a kitten? They look about eight weeks old.

Thanks for caring enough when Jessie called to try and help her out. I just feel privileged to know her, and I will definitely keep in touch with her. I will get the pictures to you soon. - Lana

Response from Bill

      Thanks so much, Lana, for helping Jesse. Hearing how hard Jesse is working and how appreciative she was of your help brought tears to my eyes.

      One thing that simply boggles my mind is that the SPCA (or any other group who knows the answer to the overpopulation tragedy is to stop conception of new puppies and kittens) will allow someone "to wait until October or November" to get their animal spayed or neutered, as Lana reported. Spaying and neutering is, of course, the solution to the whole problem. Refusing to spay (or neuter) an animal because of lack of funding when it will most certainly mean much more funding will be necessary to take care of the unplanned-for offspring is the epitome of shortsightedness. When is everyone going to wake up?! Spay and neuter them all, and then worry about the funding!

An email concerning a tent being donated to Straydog for the Operation Kindness "10th Annual Dog Day Afternoon" event to be held Saturday, June 5, 2004 (Go to OperationKindness.org for details)

From: Betty Daly (mom of Tommy Tootles and Candy, former Straydoggers)
Date: Wed, 26 May 2004 21:51:00 EDT
Subject: Re: Tent for Straydog
To: straydog@straydog.org

Erin,

We are so happy you want our tent.  It is a 9-foot by 12-foot Cabin Tent with an 84" center height and a large awning over the front.  Perhaps this information will help when you talk to Operation Kindness.  If they have any questions about the tent, they can call me since I am here in Dallas and might be able to know what they need.

So happy to hear from you.  We have been friends of Straydog for a long time and are so glad to be able to support your endeavors. 

Betty Daly

Don't forget Adoption Day tomorrow at PetsMart in Plano

      We'll have the roster of participating dogs posted early tomorrow morning.