fallSummer 2001 Newsletter

Volume XII Issue #3

updated web 12/18/01

Table of Contents

How Could You? Copyright Jim Willis 2001 When I was a puppy I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask, "How could you?" -- but then you'd relent and roll me over for a belly rub. My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed, listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs," you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day. Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love. She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" -- still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love." As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch -- because your touch was now so infrequent -- and I would have defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams. Together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf. Now you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family. I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog or cat, even one with "papers." You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed, "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life. You gave me a goodbye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too. After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked, "How could you?" They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you -- that you had changed your mind -- that this was all a bad dream . . . or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited. I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table, rubbed my ears and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured, "How could you?" Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said, "I'm so sorry." She hugged me and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself -- a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. With my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not meant for her. It was you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty. Reprinted with permission. Jim Willis is an animal advocate, award-winning artist, writer, and book editor. To know more about Jim Willis and his sanctuary: The Tiergarten Sanctuary Trust 8 Carter Lane, Avella, PA 15312-2242. tiergarten@onebox.com http://jimwillis0.tripod.com/tiergarten/

PAL Librarian Recommends Animal Grace: Entering a Spiritual Relationship with Our Fellow Creatures by Mary Lou Randour. In her quest for spiritual insight and meaning, Randour explored a variety of theologies and practices. She says it was her awakening to the suffering of animals that finally put her on the right path. Their agony opened her heart, helped her to overcome her spiritual impasse, and galvanized her into action to relieve the torment of animals. She quotes animal theologian Andrew Linzey, "Once you take the road of becoming aware, really aware, of animal suffering, it is a one-way street. There is no turning back. There is, however, a moving forward toward a more committed and better articulated spirituality." Randour says it's not enough to just feel badly about the plight of animals. She urges us to become aware and to take compassionate action on behalf of other beings. She says that from her own experience, "grace-filled spiritual possibilities appear when we redirect our attention toward the effect our actions have on the lives of animals. In so doing, we recapture the relationship we have with all of life, not just human life. As we become more aware of and responsible to the animals that surround our lives, they in turn teach us and heal us by redirecting us to the vitality of creation." Her book details the many wondrous ways in which animals have demonstrated that they are our spiritual teachers and healers; it lays out a way to become spiritually engaged with our fellow creatures; it covers reasons why we intrinsically seek a spiritual relationship with animals and how we can refrain from hurting them; it discusses respect for all life from a biblical point of view; it explores the spiritual lives and soulful natures of our animal kin, drawing from various schools of Hinduism, Buddhism, and the Judeo-Christian tradition; and it talks about how our lack of awareness harmfully affects the countless, often unseen, animals that surround our lives. Randour marvels how this "great and mysterious and mute nation" can continue to trust and love, even after being so profoundly harmed by humans. This realization continues to bolster Randour's growth spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally. Read the book with an open heart and an open mind. Also Highly Recommended God's Covenant With Animals: A Biblical Basis for the Humane Treatment of All Creatures by J. R. Hyland Reverend Hyland traces the history of man's inhumanity to animals from the beginning of time. She writes that God's intention, from the beginning, was that human and nonhuman animals live side by side in peace and harmony, that He never wanted humans to use and abuse animals. Yet people have always found ways to intentionally misinterpret His message. Isaiah in 750 B.C. and the Latter Prophets, reiterated the ancient knowledge found in Genesis: Animals were created in love and goodness, just as human beings had been. And humans were ordained to be the loving caretakers of animals, not their cruel abusers. The Prophets Jeremiah, Amos, and Hosea were equally vocal. On behalf of God, they said He wanted people to live in love, compassion, and have mercy for all creatures. Jesus also tried to get people back on a compassionate track, but was killed for his efforts. Buddha and Mahvira taught that inflicting pain and death on other sentient creatures retarded the spiritual growth of human beings. Says Hyland, "In the past, the ability of animals was conveniently underrated, and the affection, loyalty, and intelligence they demonstrated was ignored or mislabeled 'instinctive.' We know now that their capacity for feeling and for communication is much more extensive and sophisticated than was formerly acknowledged." And they continue to be brutalized. Hyland contends that the Bible calls upon human beings to stop their violence and abuse of each other and all other creatures. It promises that when they do, the sorrow and the suffering that marks life on Earth will give way to the joy and peace that God wanted for everyone. The Book Corner Choosing a Shelter Dog by Bob Christiansen The Nature of Animal Healing The Path to Your Pet's Health, Happiness, and Longevity by Martin Goldstein, DVM Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats by Richard H. Pitcairn, DVM, PhD and Susan Hubble Pitcairn Animal Grace: Entering a Spiritual Relationship with Our Fellow Creatures by Mary Lou Randour The Souls of Animals by Gary Kowalski God's Covenant With Animals: A Biblical Basis for the Humane Treatment of All Creatures by J. R. Hyland Kinship with All Life by J. Allen Boone Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs by Don Hamilton, DVM The Natural Remedy Book for Dogs and Cats by Diane Stein The New Natural Cat by Anitra Frazier with Norma Eckroate Love Miracles and Animal Healing by Allen M. Schoen, DVM and Pam Proctor How to Get Your Dog to Do What You Want by Warren Eckstein with Andrea Eckstein How to Get Your Cat to Do What you Want by Warren Eckstein Great Owners, Great Dogs - A Training Manual for Humans and Their Canine Companions and Great Owners, Great Cats - A Guidebook for Humans and Their Feline Companions by Brian Kilcommons with Sarah Wilson Help! The Quick Guide to First Aid for Your Dog by Michelle Bamberger, DVM Help! The Quick Guide to First Aid for Your Cat by Michelle Bamberger, DVM Are you Poisoning Your Pets? A Guidebook to How Our Lifestyles Affect the Health of Our Pets by Nina Anderson and Howard Peiper Pet Allergies: Remedies for an Epidemic by Alfred J. Plechner and Martin Zucker No More Allergies: Identifying and Eliminating Allergies and Sensitivity Reactions to Everything in Your Environment by Gary Null 250 Things You Can Do To Make Your Cat Adore You by Ingrid Newkirk How to Save Big Bucks On Your Pet's Veterinary Bills by Alan W. MacCarthy, Jr., DVM

Two Are Better Than One! By having two or more cats, you are able to enjoy the true social nature of cats and their relationship with each other. Cats that have a playmate tend to be more socially well-adjusted and avoid behavior problems like shyness, biting, hissing, being frightened and hiding in the company of people they don't know. Cats need stimulations during the day just like humans. Studies have shown that some animals left alone most of the day in the house, have brains that weight up to 25% less than those who have playmates. In Switzerland, an anti-cruelty law was passed that requires people who are adopting dogs and cats to get two instead of one since it is the nature of animals to want the company of their own kind. ? If they have a companion, cats are much less likely to gain weight due to lack of movement, and to suffer related illnesses. They are less likely to ruin furniture out of boredom. If you must work long hours or travel for a couple of days, two or more cats keep each other company and are more tranquil during your absence. It's more likely that people return an adopted cat due to behavior problems when only one has been adopted rather than two. Your cat will remain more playful and youthful into his or her later years with a companion. The workload to care for two cats remains relatively the same. You don't need more space for a second cat! Because . . . Two Are Better Than One! Reprinted with Permission from No-Kill News and the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary

As long as human beings go on shedding the blood of animals, there will never be any peace. There is only one little step from killing animals to creating gas chambers a la Hitler and concentration camps a la Stalin. There will be no justice as long as man will stand with a knife or a gun and destroy those who are weaker than he is. Isaac Bashevis Singer

Thank You! We are very grateful to all of you who support us and our work for the animals through cash donations and giving good quality items to our thrift store on Joerschke Drive, by volunteering, adopting, educating, internet support, helping with legal or investment advice, media coverage, discounts, and by underwriting our newsletter. Please take your business to those who support animals and help them.

When a man becomes accustomed to have pity upon animals . . . his soul will likewise grow accustomed to be kind to human beings. Sefer Ha Chinuch, Mitzvah 596

Adopt a PAL The cats here hope you'll fall in love with at least one of them and give them a permanent home. They are spayed/neutered, leukemia negative, vaccinated, wormed, and their purrsonalities are purrfect. The only thing they're missing is a home. How about yours? Tommy is SUCH a sweet, nice cat! He's a 4-year-old long, lean, blonde boy with black stripes and spots, and has a happy, calm disposition. He loves to sit on laps, play with a string or ball, or be your best guy! He's very gentle.         Lucky is a 3-month-old sweetie-pie who will play at a moment's notice. He gets along with everyone and has an inquisitive, eager enthusiasm for the world! He would do best in a home with at least a few other animals. He's a guy on the go who likes to keep busy.     Cinder is an 8-month-old who was rescued along with her kittens. She's still a little shy, but really wants to trust and love. Her foster "parents" can now hold her, pet her, and cuddle her.Her kittens are well-adjusted, cute, frisky, happy, and outgoing. If you're looking for a happy-go-lucky kitten, one (or two) of these might be just the ticket! Two are gray and two are black-and-white. They are 10 weeks old.   Chumley is a mellow, quiet, easy-going, lap-sitting orange guy who's probably middle-aged. Chumley is FIV+ and diabetic. If you have an FIV+ cat already, he would be a nice companion for your cat. Or, if you're looking for just one cat, Chumley would adore being your best buddy     .

Are You Looking for a Pet? The pets on this site are spayed/neutered, leukemia negative (cats) or heartworm negative and on preventative (dogs), have had their shots, have been wormed, and their purrsonalities have been assessed. The only thing they're missing is a home. How about yours? DOGS                         CATS These are just a few of the many wonderful cats and dogs we have waiting patiently to be adopted. Please consider taking one in. You and the cat or dog will be so happy that you did. And when you adopt one of our animals, we can rescue another one in need.

In Memory of: "The wonderful animals that have enriched my life," from Antoinette Lenahan Gigi Baque, from Phyllis Baque Max Bateman, from Bob & Dawn Bateman Katherine Bildner, from Dot Hill Agnes Coleman, from Carl Coleman Albert Dreifuss, from Mike & Anna Drummond Sassy, Honey, Juno & Misty Egger, from Diane Egger Falecia Folger, from Marge & Jim Folger Kismet & Duncan Gross, from your Mom Ernest Harries, from Dorothy A. Graydon Einstein Jacquet, from Catherine Busch-Johnston Little MacPhail, from Marty MacPhail Fuzzy & Chap Narveson, from Mark Narveson Biscuit Nicholls, from Suesan Larson Katz N Quinlan, from Phyllis Baque Tigger Remillard, from Jean Remillard Misty Rumble, from Tom Rumble Joseph St. George, from Joseph & Sylvia Mucciaccio Fritz & Louie Tintle, from Patricia Tintle Huey Wise, "He had a soft heart for all the critters," from Therese Hukill-DeRock

In Honor of: Smarty Davis, from Amelia & Harvey Davis Dusty Foss, from Peter Fulton Foss Bodhi Kaiser "on our first anniversary of adopting Bodhi," from Diane & Julian Kaiser Susan Murphy, "for taking care of Gus," from Fred Hargesheimer Lady Petersen, "My constant companion," from Maryjane Petersen Lennox Remillard, from Jean Remillard Thumper Richardson, "Just because he's so sweet," from Joan Richardson Maui & Mini Riddle, from Beverly Riddle Bart & Baby Scutero, from Jim & Lynn Scutero

The Deer Were Here! PAL received a nice donation when "our" deer was auctioned off with the rest of the styrofoam herd last June. Many thanks to Howard Levine and the Grass Valley Downtown Association for sponsoring the event, and thanks also to John O'Dell Realty for sponsoring our deer. Wendy Schutt of Sierra Foothills Construction was the high bidder. She said the camouflage-covered deer reminded her of the guys she works with.

Not to hurt our humble brethren [the animals] is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission: to be of service to them whenever they require it. St. Francis of Assisi We cannot treat any living thing callously, and we are responsible for what happens to other beings, human or animal, even if we do not personally come into contact with them. Rabbi Pinchas Peli

It is Woofing Season Again! Each year as fall approaches, PAL revs up its "Woof Over My Head" program to provide shelter for those pets who must spend chilly evenings outside. While we wish every pet could spend the night inside with the rest of the family, we're told this is not always possible. If you are a low-income pet owner, PAL can help provide "affordable housing" for your outdoor pet. Each year PAL recycles dozens of dog houses that are no longer in use, and provides several hundred dog (and cat) house building kits for those in need, FOR FREE. The houses come in three sizes and are available fully constructed, or in easy-to-transport kit form. Instructions are included and the basic house can be assembled in less than an hour using nothing more than a hammer and nails. The kits and houses are at our Thrift Store on Joerschke Drive. Volunteer dog house builders and kit cutters are always welcome. Constructing a dog house can be a fun parent-child activity. Past participants include members of Big Brothers-Big Sisters, the Boy Scouts, Grizzly Hill School, and a long list of individuals and family groups. Call for details: 273-7958.

Laughing Dogs? A dog at play makes a distinctive, breathy exhalation that may trigger playfulness in other dogs. It may be the dog version of a laugh, according to Patricia Simonet of Sierra Nevada College in Lake Tahoe. She reported to the Animal Behavior Society that her team of researchers recorded such "laughs" and played them back for young dogs. The dogs invariably picked up a toy or trotted toward a potential playmate when they heard the sound. Growls and other dog sounds did not elicit such a response. Her next project may be to record the sounds dogs make when tickled. Here is an experiment using animals that we all should try! For more information, see Science News, July 28, 2001 or visit http://www.sciserv.org.

"The Animals' Savior" Copyright Jim Willis 1999 I looked at all the caged animals in the shelter . . . The cast-offs of human society. I saw in their eyes love and hope, fear and dread, sadness and betrayal. And I was angry. "God," I said, "this is terrible! Why don't you do something?" God was silent for a moment and then He spoke softly. "I have done something," He replied. "I created You." See Jim's website:http://jimwillis0.tripod.com/tiergarten/ for "We Are Their Heroes," "Beloved of Bast," "The Messenger," "An Open Letter to the Human Race" and other writings, as well as more information about Jim and his work with animals.

SUCCESSSUCCESSSUCCESSSUCCESSSUCCESS As well as fostering animals, PAL also maintains a referral list of people who need to place or want to adopt cats and dogs. In January we got a call from Diana and Tom Kluska who were interested in adopting a small, older dog. We didn't have any small guys in our foster homes but had one on our referral list. Margie Ballenger had called a few days before about an 8-year-old dog whose person had died. Margie had taken care of all of Rusty's medical needs and now he was ready for a home. Over the phone, Rusty didn't sound exactly like the dog the Kluskas were looking for, but once they met him, "it was total love at first sight! We knew he was the dog for us!" Diana told us. "Rusty is the most wonderful, loyal, appreciative little companion anyone could ever want!" Recently Rusty was diagnosed with diabetes and the Kluskas are doing everything necessary to keep him well and happy. "We love him so much that the commitment to keeping him healthy is an easy one for us. We would encourage anyone who has a pet with an illness to just keep on caring for and loving him as much as they can. The rewards are many. We feel blessed to have him in our lives. He has brought us so much love and fun and companionship!" Meeka came to us after her person died. She was quite timid at first, but slowly came around. And once she did, there was no stopping the love and affection! Lynn and Tom Rosenau adopted Meeka from us in February. Lynn told us that Meeka spent about a week getting used to the place, but once she realized this was a really nice home with really nice people and four-footed friends, she relaxed and has been a happy girl ever since. Meeka is a tiny Maine Coon mix who fell in love with the Rosenau's huge Maine Coon, Mr. Big. While she adores Lynn, Tom, and the rest of the family, Mr. Big is her favorite. She follows him everywhere. He is the one she spends time with and talks to most. She is inseparable from this big guy. (Both are spayed an neutered, of course!) If was fun talking to Lynn about Meeka. She told us many stories of Meeka's cute, funny mannerisms and charming antics. All of the Rosenau's pets are rescues. It's one big happy family!

Pet Adoption League, Inc. is an independent, nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to helping local animals.

updated 12/18/01