Education

Kids poster contest raises awareness of bats and rabies

September 12, 2012

Rabies is still alive and well in Texas. Certainly not at epidemic proportions, but it’s here, and it’s important that we all know it – especially children. Bats and skunks are the species most commonly affected by rabies, and school grounds are the number one location in Texas for exposure to rabid bats. But many people are unaware that exposure to bats poses a risk. So the Zoonosis (diseases that can be passed from animals to humans) Control Division of the Texas Department of State Health Services will be conducting the 5th annual “Rabies Awareness & Prevention Poster Contest” for K-8th grade in February 2013. Involving kids in a poster contest is a great way to instill the importance of vaccinating pets against rabies and avoiding contact with high risk animals, so they’d like to get more schools involved. If you are a teacher, or know one, please forward...

HSUS launches “Rescue Central” an online resource for rescue groups

August 28, 2012

Last week the Humane Society of the United States launched a brand-new resource, Rescue Central, a division of AnimalSheltering.org. The new site is designed to provide all the information rescue groups need to run the most effective and humane rescue organization possible. Talk about impeccable timing. Animalsheltering.org website has long been a reliable source for animal shelter staff looking for information on best practices in a variety of areas, and now rescue groups will be able to benefit from HSUS’ expertise as well. From the latest money saving tips to expert advice on recruiting and retaining foster homes, the new Rescue Central section of animalsheltering.org has it all. To help you navigate this new section, it is divided it into four segments: Business of Saving Lives, Rescuing Done Right, Show Me the Money, and Building Solid Relationships. To run a successful rescue, you need more than just animal smarts—you...

Sign up now for ARC’s animal disaster response training September 29th

August 27, 2012

Animal Rescue Corps will be conducting a BARC (Basic Animal Rescue Course) in the DFW area on September 29th. Animal rescuers are invited to join the experienced Animal Rescue Corps team for a fun and informative day of practical training and certification. You’ll learn about the structure of emergency response and gain the invaluable knowledge and skills you’ll need to aid animals in natural and man-made disasters, large-scale cruelty cases, puppy mill busts, and more. Topics will include animal handling, investigations, logistics, intake, emergency shelter, volunteer management and more. The training will be held at Restoration Church, 4343 Sigma Road, Suite 200, Farmer’s Branch,from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 29th, 2012. Registration is just $65 before September 14th, or $75 after. Lunch will be provided by Spiral Diner and Bakery. Space is limited. Visit the Animal Rescue Corps website today to register. Copyright Rebecca Poling 2012....

Free Pet photography workshop tonight at 7 in Flower Mound

August 20, 2012

Ever wish you could take better pictures of your furry family members? Get tips from the pros tonight at 7 p.m. at the Flower Mound Library. Jenny Froh is a Certified Professional Photographer who specializes in pets and is based in Flower Mound. Her photos of animals for Humane Society of Flower Mound and other rescue organizations have helped dozens of dogs and cats find homes. Jean-Paul “JP” Bonnelly is a dog trainer and pet photographer whose photography dogs and wildlife captures their stories as well as their beauty. They will provide examples and demonstrations on how to get the most out of taking everyday photos of your pets. The workshop is presented by the Humane Society of Flower Mound. There is no charge for this seminar but donations are always gladly accepted! Copyright Rebecca Poling 2012. All rights reserved. Email DFWAnimalRescue@att.net if you have a story you’d...

Red Rover volunteer disaster response training Saturday in Waco

August 6, 2012

Make no mistake, man-made disasters like puppy mills and hoarders are every bit as serious as hurricanes and wildfires – the only difference is they are man-made. And like natural disasters, they required a cadre of trained volunteers willing to put their lives on hold and help others when needed. So last month, when 300 pit bulls were seized from Spindeltop Refuge by HSUS and the Montgomery County sheriff, authorities knew they would need volunteers experienced in disaster response. Caring for that many dogs, many of who were starving and neglected, until they were reclaimed and/or rescued would take weeks, and would require people with experience caring for dogs. So they contacted Red Rover. Red Rover Responders (formerly the Emergency Animal Rescue Service or EARS), shelter and care for animals displaced by disasters. Many of the Red Rover volunteers who traveled to Montgomery County in the weeks following the...

Keep your pet safe and out of the shelter this 4th of July

June 28, 2012

Did you know that July 5th is one of the busiest days of the year for local animal shelters and rescue groups? Each year dozens of pets, frightened and confused by fireworks celebration on July 4th, bolt from their homes and become lost. The next day stunning numbers of lost pets are brought in to shelters, picked up by animal services offers, or placed with foster home based rescue groups. Many people just don’t realize how frightening the sound of fireworks can be. Frightened, desperate dogs and cats have been known to bite through screens, break out windows, and claw or chew through doors. Outdoor dogs, made anxious by noises they don’t understand, will push through gates, dig under or climb over fences – even those who’ve never done it before. The lucky ones make it to the shelter, but others are hit by cars or lost forever. What...

More storms expected this week in N. Texas – Are you and your pet prepared for a disaster?

April 9, 2012

Last week the Metroplex experienced an unprecedented outbreak of tornadoes – as many as 17 according to preliminary reports from the National Weather Service. In the aftermath, dozens of families are searching for lost pets and shelters in affected areas are full of pets left homeless after the storms. Are you prepared in the event of a disaster or emergency? Here’s what you need to know: The ASPCA has some great information for pet owners on how to prepare for a disaster. They’re also offering a free window sticker that will alert rescuers and first responders that you have pets inside should an emergency should strike while you are away. If your pet is injured in an emergency, you can’t call 911 and roads to veterinary clinics may be blocked, and knowing basic pet first aid could literally save a life. The American Red Cross has designated April as...

Texas Unites wrap up – It was a Success!

March 23, 2012

It’s been a long time since I’ve written and I apologize. I’ve been “wearing another hat” as Jim Tedford would say – coordinating the Texas Unites for Animals Conference in Austin. Hosted by the Texas Animal Shelter Coalition and the Texas Federation of Humane Societies, and coordinated by yours truly, we brought together 377 animal care and sheltering professionals – rescuers, shelter staff, veterinarians, advocates, animal control officers, managers, directors, and so much more – from across the country (and Canada!). 42 of the best minds in the industry presented 49 workshops in six tracks – management, communication, operations, animals, adoptions, and veterinary care – plus the keynote session. Attendees earned CEU credits from TSDHS, SAWA, TVMA, TBVME, LBVME, and more. We filled the exhibit hall with 47 vendors including PetSmart Charities, Petfinder.com, Petco Foundation, ASPCA, TACA, THLN, TCAAP, Latham Foundation, Pet Point, Chameleon, Shelter Buddy, and many, many,...

Part One of Dog Time’s No Kill Series: It’s Complicated

August 22, 2011

Last month we introduced readers to Dog Time Editor-in-Chief Leslie Smith’s recently completed series of articles on the controversial topic of No Kill. In it she explores the different views on No Kill, what is the cause of the issue and a possible solution to save many innocent animals that are being put down every day in our country. In Part One of the series, “My 1st Lesson: No Kill is a very complicated simple concept”, Leslie takes a look at the reality and why No Kill isn’t as easy as it sounds. Keep in mind, her articles are not meant to define who is right and who is wrong, but to get people to think about how we can help find a solution. To find a solution, we need to understand where we are and why. We need to get back to working together, instead of tearing the...

Dog dies after being left behind when owners move

July 22, 2011

How do we make owners understand that there are resources available in cases like this, where “One of two dogs abandoned when owners moved is found dead in Fort Worth apartment”? I’m sure they thought the apartment management would find the dogs in time. And why didn’t they? Maybe we need to start reaching out to apartment complex managers to make them aware of the problem and the resources. But how? Short of someone with a ton of time going to each complex in the Metroplex…. how? Subscribe via email (above right) to find out when more articles are published; your email address will not be shared. Or follow me on Facebook and Twitter! NEW: Get DFW Animal Rescue on Kindle! Copyright Rebecca Poling 2011. All rights reserved. Email DFWAnimalRescue@att.net if you have a story you’d like to share.

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