Daphne!
Photo courtesy of C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue-Springfield.

 

Since this is the last Find-a-Friend Friday of the year, I decided to go big! Big like a farmed pig! Unfortunately, I had to head all the way over to Springfield, Missouri to find such a nonhuman in need of a home. (I’m guessing that most pigs ’round these parts end up in an abattoir. Cue sad face.) Daphne here is a baby pig who still has a lot of growing to do – but she’ll be a big girl when all is said and done. She enjoys her nomz and reportedly does a cute mealtime jig, much like my little dog friend Rennie. She walks well on a harness and leash, enjoys having her tummy rubbed, and likes to play ball – again, much like a dog. Here’s Castaway Animal Rescue Effort with more:

 

Daphne
Pig (Farm): An adoptable pig (farm) in Springfield, MO
Large • Young • Female

Kiss a pig? My name is Daphne and I am a real people pig, looking for someone to love! Truly, I’m a pig with a lot of heart. If you have a big heart too, lets get together. I like long walks on my leash and belly rubs. My hobbies are playing with my blue bouncy ball and soaking in a nice cool pool of water. Yummy treats make me talk and beg. I will follow you anyplace. I do enjoy a fine meal, it is a little embarrassing but I get so excited at meal time that I run around and act silly, jumping and twisting, but what do you expect I am a pig after all. If you are wondering about farm pigs, yes we can be loving pets if you have the room. I want a forever home with someone who thinks outside the box and can see me for the sweet heart that I am. I am just a baby now but I will get big and will need a home with plenty of room for me to grow.

Daphne is at the CARE sanctuary and is available for adoption. If you have any questions about her or are interested in meeting her please email us at: yokosw@aol.com

 

Pigs are intelligent creatures and make lovely companions, assuming you have the room. If so, please consider welcoming this shiny little soul into your home. She’s every bit as deserving as a cat or dog, dontchaknow!

 

Lucky once, hopefully twice!
Photos courtesy of Keesie’s Cats.

 
Lucky needs your help! This sweet pittie girl’s human can no longer care for her due to health problems – and if someone awesome doesn’t come to Lucky’s rescue asap, she may wind up in the Kansas City Animal Shelter, a high-kill facility where her chances look grim. Please help if you can, and no matter where you live; though Lucky and her man are located in KCMO, transport out of the area is a possibility.

 

Lucky
American Bulldog Mix: An adoptable dog in Overland Park, KS
Large • Adult • Female

 

 

COMPASSION CASE: KCMO Pittie Mix (named LUCKY) and her KCMO Gentleman Need You!

Lucky is a healthy 4 year-old Pittie Mix who needs rehoming ASAP due to her owner’s medical condition. She weighs about 50 lbs. and is Heartworm Negative.

Lucky was rescued from running in traffic a few years ago by her current owner. She was found near a park, was very hungry to the point of being just skin and bones, and had chewed her own tail out of frustration until it was bleeding.

Lucky would LOVE to be the only 4-legged resident in her next home, but is also good with other male dogs and select females. She has also successfully lived with a cat. Lucky is a very sweet girl who will wag her tail all day long when she’s happy, loves rolling up in a blanket and playing hide and seek, and relaxing on the couch if one is available. She is crate trained as well, and appreciates her crate as a safe haven.

Please help Lucky’s people successfully rehome her or place her with a reputable rescue group ASAP. Her kind-hearted owner loves her tremendously: He just absolutely cannot keep her and unfortunately will need to take her to the Kansas City Animal Shelter (high-kill) if we do not step up to help. Transportation out of the Kansas City area can very likely be arranged upon request.

Please contact mlmurphey119@gmail.com or susan.keil@gmail.com with any questions or for more information.

More about Lucky
Spayed/Neutered • Up-to-date with routine shots • House trained • Prefers a home without: cats • Primary colors: White or Cream, Black • Coat length: Short

 

Also, because I wanted to keep things light for Halloween (good luck with that right?), OMG LOOK IT’S A DOG DRESSED LIKE AN ICE CREAM SUNDAE!

 

 

This little bowl of delightfulness is named Blair, and she’s available for adoption through the Humane Society of Missouri. (I know, I had to travel all the way to Chesterfield, MO to find a rescue group that showcases their dogs in silly outfits. The injustice of it all!) She’s a nine-year-old Welsh Corgi and you should totally adopt her ’cause she’s been at the shelter since August and that’s entirely too long. For serious!

So help these ladies out, mkay? If not by adopting, then by sharing.

Have a happy and safe Halloween, y’all!

Mags and Finnick soak up some sun – and love!
(In the background is Kaylee, Mags’ long-lost mom.
For reals, look at those faces! Spitting image, I say!)

 

This week’s edition is a special one, dedicated to the dogs (and cats!) currently available for adoption at the St. Joseph Animal Shelter – some of whom we had the pleasure of meeting last Saturday. (Or rather displeasure, given the sad circumstances.)

While writing the Find-a-Friend Friday feature last week, I stumbled upon a listing for two senior rat terriers whose time was seemingly almost up at the St. Joe pound. Upon further inquiry, we discovered that the date given – 9/3 at 2PM, i.e., in just over 24 hours! – was actually the deadline for their owner to reclaim them (not their euth date as we’d feared), at which time they would become city property and would be evaluated for adoptability. Given that they were nipping at the staff and had already earned the labels “aggressive” and “probably not adoptable,” their chances still didn’t look good, so we decided to head on out there the next day to meet (and possibly foster or adopt) the dogs.

Long story short, we brought Mags and Finnick home with us on Wednesday, and the two are settling in quite nicely. Both are as friendly as can be; Mags has already proven herself a champion sunbather and lover of belly rubs (though we have to be careful to avoid her spay stitches), and Finnick is bright and eager to please, and quickly claimed own spot on the back of the living room couch. These lovely little guys – who are already more well-behaved than our other dogs – bring our pack up to seven dogs. Eight furkids in total, if you count the cat. (And they get on well with the cat, too! Total awesomeness, these two.) Crazy, I know. We just couldn’t leave them to die for lack of a home or “unadoptability.”

Unfortunately, there were many more dogs and cats who we couldn’t save. Among them: Ronnie, Rex and Felicia, all of whom were at the shelter when we visited last Saturday. If you can find it in your heart to adopt any of these beautiful souls, you’ll have my eternal gratitude. Dog’s and Ceiling Cat’s, too!

First up is Ronnie, an adorable wee little guy who was housed in a cage just a few stalls down from Mags and Finnick. He melted my heart in five seconds flat, so excited was he to receive a little human warmth and attention. A total wiggle butt, he’d make a great companion for … well, for anyone with the energy to match his own. Probably he’d love a (slightly) older brother or sister to tag along with and just generally worship, but that’s a guess on my part. But I can’t imagine this friendly pup not getting along with any but the grouchiest of canines.

 

Ronnie the rat terrier pup!
Photos courtesy of St. Joseph Animal Control.

20265 RONNIE
Rat Terrier Mix: An adoptable dog in Saint Joseph, MO
Small • Young • Male

#20265 RONNIE is a darling, little Rat Terrier mix pup. He is between 5 and 6 months old and weighs 4 pounds so he will always be a little bitty boy. He is cute and friendly and his good-pet potential is off the charts. He came into the shelter as a stray. If nobody comes looking for him he will be available for adoption 9-9-2011. If you are over 60 this little fellow would be an excellent choice and the $50.00 senior discount will apply toward his neutering and adoption expenses.

More about 20265 RONNIE
Pet ID: 20265 • Primary colors: White or Cream, Black • Coat length: Short

 

Next is Rex, who was housed with another little dog in a cage directly opposite of Mags and Finnick’s. The poor little guy seemed terrified and miserable – not that I blame him! The pound is a scary place, yo! From what I could tell, he seemed to be a very laid-back, mellow fellow, in need of a lap – and couch! – to call his own. A concrete floor is no place for an animal, you know?

 

Rex the Shih Tzu!

Rex
Shih Tzu: An adoptable dog in Saint Joseph, MO
Small • Adult • Male

Rex needs a bath and trim, and some TLC from a new owner, and he’ll be the best little lap-warmer around! He’s only 15 # as full-grown adult, easy to handle and a pretty little dog. He is available NOW, and remember our $50 discount for adopters over age 60, Come get acquainted with this great dog.

More about Rex
Primary colors: White or Cream, Black • Coat length: Long

 

Last but not least is Felicia, a gorgeous black Labrador Retriever mix who was surrendered to the pound while we were filling out our adoption paperwork. All kisses and nose bumps, this girl was! Friendly and full of energy, she was found as a stray and brought to the shelter after several weeks, after her “finder” was unable to locate her family. If no one comes forward to claim her, she’ll be available for adoption next week.

 

Felicia the black lab mix!

20292 FELICIA
Black Labrador Retriever Mix: An adoptable dog in Saint Joseph, MO
Medium • Young • Female

#20292 FELICIA is a skinny, black Lab mix female with floppy ears and a long, narrow muzzle. She is a pretty dog who weighs about 40 pounds and is a year old. She came into the shelter as a stray. If her family doesn’t show up looking for her she will be available for adoption 9-12-2011. Remember that the $50.00 senior discount will apply toward her spaying and adoption expenses if you are over 60.

More about 20292 FELICIA
Pet ID: 20292 • Primary color: Black • Coat length: Short

 

Of course, the St. Joe animal shelter is also a temporary home to many cats in need; but since they have their own area, we only saw them through a window. But I’m sure they’re all too cute and precious to bear. So show them a little love too, mkay?

As always, if you can’t adopt, please help by spreading the word! In particular, Ronnie and Felicia’s people may be looking for them. If you know someone who has lost a dog in the St. Joseph, Missouri area, please send them to the Friends of the Animal Shelter of St. Joseph, Inc.’s website! Also: KC Pet Connect.

 

Mags! Don’t let the blurry photo fool you; Mags is a beautiful older lady with long,
golden blond fur and a face that will split your heart in two.
Photo courtesy of Love A Golden Rescue.

 
Having just finished Mockingjay – the third and final book in Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games series – the other day, I thought it might be fun to choose this week’s Friend in need not by species, age, disposition, or health status, but rather by name, using my favorite characters as a guide. Katniss, Peeta and Gale are all obvious choices; and, while there are several adoptable cats named after Katniss and quite a few hits for Gale (but absolutely zero for Peeta, boo!hiss!boo!), I decided to go in a different, less expected direction. Namely Finnick, whose story line was for me one of the most compelling in the series. (Don’t worry, this post is spoiler-free!) Alas, the lone Finnick on Petfinder – a mastiff mix from Maryland – has already been adopted. (That’s a good thing, y’all!) And so I arrived at Mags, Finnick’s fellow tribute from District 4.

Though she says little during her brief appearance in Catching Fire, Mags captured my heart. Like Katniss, she volunteered to take a loved one’s place in the Games, almost certainly sacrificing her own life in the process. She’s a sweet woman, elderly and frail but still capable, both physically and mentally. Mags is one of the first people Katniss chooses as an ally, and Katniss’ trust in her is not misplaced.

Much like District 4 Mags, St. Louis Mags is an older lady whose loyalty, heart and wisdom match her years. This golden retriever girl may be long and gray in the snout, but she still has a lot of life left – and she’d very much like to share it with you!

 

Mags
Golden Retriever: An adoptable dog in Saint Louis, MO
Large • Senior • Female

Mags is a wonderful ten-year-old lady. She loves her foster sisters, foster parents and even Stella, her foster cat friend. Mags is very well-behaved and wants to be at the center of household activities. She will let you know when she needs to go outside and thoroughly enjoys taking a leisurely stroll. If you are outside gardening, she will be content to follow you and take a nap in the sun! Whoever is lucky enough to be selected to be her forever home will thoroughly enjoy this sweetheart!

More about Mags
Pet ID: 11 015 • Spayed/Neutered • Up-to-date with routine shots • House trained • Primary color: Golden • Coat length: Medium

 
To find out more about Mags, please get in touch with the St. Louis-based rescue group Love A Golden Rescue today. Mags needs an ally and friend now more than ever; perhaps you are it?

Just a quick note to let our local readers know that there’s a rally planned in support of Proposition B (otherwise known as the “Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act”) planned in Jefferson City this Wednesday, April 20th. While Prop B passed with 51.6 percent of the vote, Missouri state legislators have since approved a “rewrite” of the bill, which will significant weaken the already-anemic protections afforded to dogs bred and sold in the state. Prop B proponents are now asking Governor Nixon to veto the bill.

Here are the rally deets, via Missourians for the Protection of Dogs:

Last week the Missouri House of Representatives passed its repeal legislation, and now the fate of Prop B, and of Missouri’s many suffering dogs, rests with Governor Jay Nixon.

We’re planning a rally Wednesday to get our voice out and to ask him to veto SB 113:

Rally to Save Prop B
Wednesday, April 20 at 4 p.m.
100 Madison St
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Buses provided from St. Louis and Kansas City
Click here to RSVP.

Gov. Nixon needs to know that we will not sit idly by while some career politicians and their special interests try to overturn the will of the people and authorize cruel and inhumane treatment of thousands of dogs and puppies. Your attendance at this rally is critical — please RSVP.

All that is required of you is your presence. We’ll have signs and t-shirts with special messages that the Governor can’t ignore. If you’re in St. Louis or Kansas City, you can jump on the free Humane Train: buses will depart at 12:30 from St. Louis and Kansas City. Please RSVP so we keep a spot for you on the bus.

If Governor Nixon signs this legislation — defying the will of the people and turning the clock back on the humane treatment of Missouri puppies and dogs — we will not back down. We will also be prepared to file a referendum to bring this issue back to Missouri voters and allow the people to have the final say. But we hope it won’t come to that — Governor Nixon can veto this bill, and come out on the side of the humane treatment of animals and the will of Missouri voters.

Please RSVP and join us on Wednesday!

Please visit missourifordogs.com for more information and email updates.