Quote from Jana Kohl, Baby's Mom

"I've done a lot of things in my life that I felt were important, including working for the Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies, but adopting a puppy mill survivor has been the most important and meaningful experience I've ever had. To give a loving home to an animal who was abused is a life-altering, soul-fulfilling experience. I believe our mission in life is to ease the suffering of others, and the animals in our midst who are so cruelly abused have the fewest advocates. I'll never be able to rest so long as a single one is being mistreated."

Source: Website of Humane Society of the United States

Senior Love

One by One, they pass by my cage,
They say, "Too worn, too broken, too old of age.
Way past his time, he can't run and play.
"Then they shake their heads and go on their way.

A little old man, arthritic and sore,
It seems I am not wanted anymore.
I once had a home, I once had a bed,
A place that was warm, and where I was fed.

Now my muzzle is grey, and my eyes slowly fail.
Who wants a dog so old and so frail?
My family decided I didn't belong,
I got in their way, my attitude was wrong.

Whatever excuse they made in their head,
Can't justify how they left me for dead.
Now I sit in this cage, where day after day,
The younger dogs get adopted away.

When I had almost come to the end of my rope,
You saw my face, and I finally had hope.
You saw through the grey, and the legs bent with age,
And felt I still had life beyond this cage.

You took me home, gave me food and a bed,
And shared your own pillow with my poor tired head.
We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low,
You love me so dearly, you want me to know.

I may have lived most of my life with another,
But you outshine them with a love so much stronger.
And I promise to return all the love I can give,
To you, my dear person, as long as I live.

I may be with you for a week, or for years.
We will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears.
And when the time comes that I must leave,
I know you will cry and your heart, it will grieve.

And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new,
My thoughts and my heart will still be with you.
And I will brag to all who will hear,
Of the person who made my last days so dear.

by Leslie Whalen

A Rare Breed of Love

COMPASSION

The quality of understanding the suffering of others

and wanting to do something about it.

SOURCE: A Rare Breed of Love - Official Website

By hurting these defenseless creatures, we are hurting ourselves just as much -- damaging not just our soul, spirit, psyche, or whatever you choose to call it, but our society as a whole, which becomes contaminated by this kind of legalized cruelty. If it's acceptable for a business to abuse animals, it makes it easier for us as a society to abuse the environment, the poor, women, minorities, children, or any voiceless and vulnerable group. I had come to understand that the abuse of animals wasn't an isolated event that can be shrugged off as a necessary evil, or an unavoidable by-product of big business. It's something that sends shockwaves through everyone and everything, from the factory farmer or the puppy miller to the consumer and even the investor who buys stock in an animal-abusing company. It promotes a culture of abuse and destruction that impacts the quality of our lives on every level.

SOURCE: A RARE BREED OF LOVE BY JANA KOHL

My Heart

"It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are."

(anonymous)

How Could You?

Copyright Jim Willis 2001, all rights reserved

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 bellyrub.

My housetraining 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've 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.

The End.

"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."

http://jimwillis0.tripod.com/

Wedding of Buddy & Muffy

Wedding of Buddy & Muffy

Michael

FOR THE UPDATES ON MICHAEL'S STORY GO TO
NORTHCENTRAL MALTESE RESCUE WEBSITE (click link)
Michael is doing great and has been adopted. Read all about it.

My name is Michael, I am named after the angel Michael. I want to tell you my story and hope that you can help me be all that I was meant to be. I am about 1 1/2 yrs. old. No one really knows my birthday but that is what I hear them saying.

I can't tell you who it was, but someone threw me out on the streets in a small town in Kentucky. I was really hungry and scared. I did not know anyone and it has been really hard for me to run or walk because you see my back legs where not right when I was born. My knees where turned around backwards. I could not walk on my feet like my sisters and brothers could. My knee joints did not stay together either, so I had to learn to move, as best I could. People laughed at me because I was all humped over.

Because my legs where so bad I could not push myself up like other dogs do so that I could walk proud like a real dog does. I got so hungry, and fleas and ticks started to bite me really bad. Then one day someone picked me up and took me to a place that was not so nice. I heard them say I have three days before they would "put me to sleep" if no one came to get me. But gee they did not even answer the phone when people called, it would just ring and ring. What if it was someone for me? But, I don't think so, no one wanted me.

On the second day a very nice lady stopped in to see if she could help any little dogs in the pens. She took one look at me and I had to wag my tail it was so nice someone spoke softly to me. I was sad when she left. What I did not know is she went home to find out if someone could or would help me. She was calling all over the United States too.. She is so smart, she called the nice people at Northcentral Maltese Rescue, Inc. way far away in Wisconsin. And you know what? She came back the very next day and took me out of that place. I was so happy all I could do was give her kisses and wag my tail. The rescue asked her to take me straight to a veterinarian. I have never been to one of those you know. I was so happy, just happy, happy, happy. They took blood from me and checked me all over.

Then I started to feel not so good. I heard them on the phone to the rescue lady in Wisconsin. They told her I had a disease called Parvo and that I was very sick. I was so afraid when I heard the veterinarian tell the lady that he thought they should just put me to sleep because I was so sick. Because my legs where so bad, because I was so thin and in such bad condition. He did not think I would survive. Then he hung up. The next thing I heard was "the rescue wants us to try for 4 days to save this little guy". Well I showed them, I got better in three days after getting all the meds they could get into me. The nice people from the rescue called everyday to see how I was. Then after a few days they did an operation on me, a neuter.. I don't care, I am alive and feeling pretty good.

The next thing I know I am in a car and headed to Wisconsin. I am going to my new life!! I am scared, but I think I am in a safe place. And then I am in the arms of a rescue person who is telling me it will be all right that my life is starting now. She took me home and gave me a bath, I was not too crazy about that, don't think I ever had one before. She took all the ticks and fleas off of me too. Then we went to see another Veterinarian. They have been so nice to me here. I have been here for about ten days now. They gave me an operation on one of my legs. The nice people who work here carry me around all day, what a treat!

Today I get the other leg operated on. They say I will be fine and running like other dogs soon. The problem is now the rescue has this big bill to pay. They say if allot of people send in just a little bit of money it will help to pay for all of this. My bill is about $3,000!! I know it is allot, but I am so sweet, I am worth every penny I promise.

I have come so far, on the street, in a high kill shelter, parvo, and now these surgeries, please will you be part of the team that made this possible? Please send in a donation, no matter how large or small. Thank you from the bottom of my tail wagging heart. Michael
Donations can be made on our website, http://malteserescue.homestead.com/ or you can send a check to:

Northcentral Maltese Rescue, Inc.
% of Trudy Peischl
110 Scenic Lane
Ellensburg, Wa 98926

Dog Rules

1. The dog is not allowed in the house!

2. Okay, the dog is allowed in the house, but only in certain rooms.

3. The dog is allowed in all rooms, but has to stay off the furniture.

4. The dog can get on the old furniture only.

5. Fine, the dog is allowed on all the furniture, but is not allowed to sleep on the bed.

6. Okay, the dog is allowed on the bed, but only by invitation.

7. The dog can sleep on the bed whenever he wants, but not under the covers.

8. The dog can sleep under the covers, but only by invitation.

9. The dog can sleep under the covers every night.

10. People must ask permission to sleep under the covers with the dog!

Eddie's Wheels on Today Show

Oprah Show About Puppy Mills

If you haven't seen the Oprah show about puppy mills, you can download it here. They need very special homes with people who will protect and love them. For information on adopting them, please go to Hearts United for Animals For more information about puppy mills go to Prisonersofgreed.org

Chimp Haven

Whether born in Africa or born in a cage, each of the chimps at Chimp Haven, located near Shreveport, Louisiana, has spent decades in medical labs. Each has contributed to the understanding of polio, Hepatitis and HIV. They've done their job. Now they are free and they are home.

Read about this wonderful and interesting facility, located near Shreveport, Louisiana, on their website at: http://www.chimphaven.org/. Also, read the article by Angela Hill, WWL TV in New Orleans about her visit to this facility. Her article and a video are here: http://www.wwltv.com/local/stories/wwl042808mlchimp.acb61205.html

Molly

This is Molly - a sweet little lady who probably has gone through much in all her years. A couple of years ago, she came to Maltese Rescue when her forever mom had a stroke. The relatives dropped her off at a shelter with no information about her, not even her name or age. I became her foster mom, and this is what I wrote about her then:

• Molly is a very sweet little girl with a great disposition. She's a gentle creature, likes to play and run with me and gets along well Poppy, Tashee, Juniper and Pal. Her mom had a stroke and went into a nursing home. The family turned Molly over to the local shelter who contacted Northcentral Maltese Rescue. She had some health issues which were corrected (thanks to Maltese Rescue). She obeys the commands of sit and stay and enjoys walks on a lease. Initially, she seemed like a little old lady, but the years began to fall away. Now she skips through the house like a young girl. She is more joyful every day, but she is waiting - waiting for her forever mom. It's as if she knows her present situation is temporary, and she wants her very own lap. She's saving her kisses for her mom.

Then she was adopted, but unfortunately her new dad died and her mom was not able to keep her because of finances and because of her health problems. So Molly has been back with me the last few weeks to join our other five Malts again.

At first Molly wasn't too happy here this second time, and I wasn't too happy either because she would bite me. Things have settled down now. No more bites. I've learned that she may be a little hard of hearing so must be approached gently. I've also learned that she decides where she will sleep at night and that's that. I don't try to move her as she does not want to be bothered. I guess being a senior gives one certain privileges.

My vet was kind enough to give her an annual, shots, and blood test at no charge. Molly received a glowing report on her blood tests except her thyroid is a little low so she's on medicine for that. She also has tumors on her tummy. She weighs about 10 pounds and loves to eat often but small amounts.

Although she hobbles along like the little old lady that she is, she also is becoming more and more frisky and on occasion runs through the house with all the others and with me. I see history repeating itself as she becomes more joyful.

I think she needs more individual attention than I'm able to give with five others in the household along with my being gone four days a week to work. My husband is retired and so tries to spend time with her. She likes hanging out with him. I thinks she needs a strong bond with at least one constant and consistent person in her life. She has been bounced around too much. Keep her in your prayers.
____________________________________

Molly had surgery later in 2008 to remove mammary tumors. After than she continued to decline, becoming more and more feeble. She tried her best to follow my husband around like always, but it became more and more difficult. I picked her up one night to comfort her, and in a little while, she died in my arms. We were so sad for her. I pray that she is with Poppy and Teddy, running like the wind, free and healthy.

Talking Dogs

If I Didn't Have Dogs

Author Unknown

I could walk around the yard in safety.
My house could be carpeted instead of tiled or
laminated.
All flat surfaces, clothing, furniture, and car would be free of hair.
When the doorbell rings, it wouldn't sound like a kennel.
When the doorbell rings, I could get to the door without wading through fuzzy bodies that beat me there.
I could sit on the couch and my bed the way I wanted, without taking into consideration how much space several fur bodies would need to get comfortable.
I would have money...and no guilt to go on a vacation.
I would not be on a first name basis with the veterinarian, as I put his yet unborn grand kids through college.
The most used words in my vocabulary would not be: out, sit, down, come, stay, and leave it.
My house would not be cordoned off into zones with baby gates or barriers.
My house would not look like a day care center with toys everywhere.
My pockets would not contain things like poop bags, treats and an extra leash.
I would no longer have to spell the words:
B-A-L-L,
F-R-I-S-B-E-E,
W-A-L-K,
T-R-E-A-T,
R-I-D-E.
I would not have as many leaves inside my house as outside.
I'd look forward to Spring and the rainy season instead of dreading the mud season.
I would not have to answer the question: 'Why do you have so many animals?' from people who will never have the joy in their lives of knowing they are loved unconditionally by someone as close to an angel as they will ever get.
How empty my life would be!

Prayer for Animals

Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends the animals, especially for animals who are suffering; for animals that are overworked, underfed and cruelly treated; for all wistful creatures in captivity that beat their wings against bars; for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry; for all that must be put death. We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity, and for those who deal with them we ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words. Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals, and so to share the blessings of the merciful. (Albert Schweitzer)

Do You Remember Love?

(Click image to enlarge.)

Do You Remember Love?

Do You Remember Love?

Watch this beautiful video, filled with wisdom,
from a Franciscan dog, no doubt.

Animals are God's Creatures

"Animals are God's creatures.
He surrounds them with his providential care.
By their mere existence they bless him and give him glory.
Thus men owe them kindness.
We should recall the gentleness with which saints
like St. Francis of Assisi or St. Philip Neri treated animals. "

* * * * *

"It is contrary to human dignity
to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly."

Source: Seventh Commandment, Catechism of the Catholic Church

Missy, the Party Girl

Hi there! My name is Missy. I was rescued from a shelter in Vicksburg, Mississippi. I'm not sure why I was not wanted by my people. They just dumped me off one day - it really hurt. I could not understand because I'm a lady and lots of fun. No one knew my name or anything about me. They said I was extremely neglected by my people. This is what I looked like. I'm so embarrassed.

Anyway, I was lucky 'cause this nice lady drive over 200 miles to pick me up and took me her home with her. She was my foster mom with Northcentral Maltese Rescue. She called me Maggie. (I've had so many names but I answer to anything as long as I am called with love.) After grooming, my foster mom found out how beautiful I am. Of course, I knew I was beautiful all along.

I received lots of medical care through Northcentral Maltese Rescue. I had some skin problems as well as coccidiosis from being in the shelter. After these problems cleared up, I was spayed and had dental work. I had very bad teeth because of neglect. All my shots were brought up to date. I'm grateful that I tested heartworm negative. Ughhhhh!

Actually, I'm more than lucky. I'm blessed because soon I went home to my forever mom and dad. They are sooo good to me. I have lots of energy, love to party and take walks. Life is wonderful, and I'm very happy.

Don't I have beautiful eyes? I'll melt your heart.