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National
Guard Nurse killed and now Sanctuary she ran needs help finding
homes for dogs she loved FW: Amberwood Sanctuary Closing!!!
10 of Lamorah's dogs are still AT RISK!!!
You can find new pictures and bios on
www.flickr.com/photos/love4animals for
the at-risk babes. These dogs need your help!!! There are brothers
and sisters, abandoned trailer park dogs, and other wonderful and
sweet dogs.
Please check out the website and call 404/310-8988 for
adoption/rescue assistance. Also - email
love4animals35@yahoo.com
(@
yahoo.com)
From: Judy Simon <spot.petorphans@yahoo.com>
Sent: Sat, September 25, 2010 9:47:58 AM
Subject: Amberwood Sanctuary update--STILL 10 DOGS NEED HELP
WE
THOUGHT EVERYTHING WAS FIXED, BUT LAMORAH'S DOGS [AS SHE CONSIDERED
THEM PART OF HER FAMILY] STILL NEED YOUR HELP!
From: Leigh Stephens <love4animals35@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, Sep 24, 2010 at 9:55 PM
Subject: Amberwood Sanctuary update
Thank you" to all of you for your efforts in helping with the
crisis at Amberwood Sanctuary in Fairburn, GA
As you many of you do not
know, Lamorah passed away Monday, September 20th. Her funeral was
today, Friday, and burial will be in Savannah on Sunday.
The world lost a
very special and unique lady, she was a flight attendant for Eastern
Airlines for 28 years, after Eastern Airlines went under she dusted
off her RN Degree and went back to nursing school receiving a BSN
and later specializing in Wound Care. She then joined Army National
Guard Unit 117th M.A.S.H. until mandatory retirement at the age of
60.
But, most of all, she was an animal rescuer.
This was her dream and love........
We've gotten the
numbers down, but there are still 10 dogs remaining, let's find
"forever" homes for them, and for Lamorah...........
http://www.spcai.org/baghdad-pups.html
Dear Denise,
So nice to meet you today. Here is the link
to Operation Bagdad Pups.
As you can see in the Partners section, Bark
Busters provides completely free training for those dogs stateside.
Hope you have a great weekend!
Mary Ann Harmon
Dog Behavioral Therapist and Trainer
Bark Busters Home Dog Training
801-897-9193
SLCEast@barkbusters.com
Hi Denise
She has this taken care of ;0) Thank you for offering to help with
transport.
BTW if you hear of a soldier needing help moving a furkid let me
know I am always available to help our Military
Cheryl
Roads of Hope
http://www.roadsofhope.org
A 501(c)3 Organization
On September 23rd, 2001, Operation Noble
Foster was officially launched to provide temporary foster homes for
military and paramilitary owned cats. At the same time, we suggested
and encouraged NetPets.org to provide a similar service for non-cat
pets. Since that time more than 6000 people have signed up with
Operation Noble Foster to volunteer to foster cats and more than
4500 military owned cats have been fostered. The military owners
have been thankful and our foster volunteers are proud to have made
it possible for there to be many happy reunions after their service.
At this time, the need for this service
continues unabated. We do need many more fosters to handle the
steady flow as some previous volunteers have had life changes
precluding their continued participation. In addition, to help
advertise the service, we need to print more of our brochures and
send them to volunteers who will distribute them in their area or at
cat shows.
Here's how YOU can help:
SPREAD THE WORD - Let us know if you are
willing to distribute our flyers and pamphlets. We may ship
pamphlets to you or send you a pdf of the flyer to print out. You
can also put the ONF logo and link on your website! (see
http://operationnoblefoster.org/donate.htm for how to do that)
FOSTERING - If you are considering
volunteering to foster for 1-24 months, you will find more
information here:
BASICS:
http://operationnoblefoster.org/basics_foster.htm <http://operationnoblefoster.org/basics_foster.htm>
FAQ:
http://operationnoblefoster.org/foster.htm <http://operationnoblefoster.org/foster.htm>
SIGN UP TO FOSTER:
http://www.operationnoblefoster.org/add.html <http://www.operationnoblefoster.org/add.html>
DONATE: It will cost approximately $350 for
1000 new pamphlets including shipping. The pamphlets have been an
extraordinary help in signing up volunteers to foster. Please help
us print more as we are down to our last 10 pamphlets. In addition,
we need your help with the cost of maintaining the website and
database. All donations are tax deductible.
TO DONATE A ND SEE OTHER WAYS TO HELP:
http://operationnoblefoster.org/donate.htm <http://operationnoblefoster.org/donate.htm>
THANK YOU FOR CARING! GODSPEED TO OUR
MILITARY!
Linda Pollack Mercer, M.D.
Director, Operation Noble Foster,
http://operationnoblefoster.org <http://operationnoblefoster.org/>
Man's Best Friend Helps Heal War
Wounds
Enlarge
Gloria
Hillard for NPR
Leif Meisinger, a former Army
gunner, says getting Spyder was
one of the best things that ever
happened to him. He credits his
canine companion with helping to
ease his PTSD.
Gloria
Hillard for NPR
Leif
Meisinger, a former Army gunner,
says getting Spyder was one of
the best things that ever
happened to him. He credits his
canine companion with helping to
ease his PTSD.
Unwanted and abandoned dogs fill
shelters nationwide, and not many will
get a second chance. But, in California
there's a new organization that is
saving one dog at a time and, in the
process, helping those who have served.
One of those people is Leif
Meisinger, a combat veteran who still
wears a military-style buzz cut. His
arms are tapestries of colored ink,
including a few tattoos he got in Iraq.
The 40-year-old former Army gunner
says he has a mild traumatic brain
injury after a roadside bomb blast and
has been diagnosed with post-traumatic
stress disorder.
"It was like I was back in Iraq
again," he says. "I was up at night, and
I would sleep during the day."
A few months ago, something in his
life changed. Meisinger received a dog
from Pets for Vets — a Los Angeles-based
organization that matches shelter dogs
with veterans like Meisinger who are
having a hard time re-entering civilian
life.
"I love this dog," Meisinger says,
"and … I've never really been an
animal-type person."
Four-Legged Therapists
The 215-pound soldier plays fetch
with the 10-pound dog, Spyder.
"It's the greatest thing that ever
could happen to me … getting the dog,"
he says. "Now I'm a social butterfly.
Whereas before, I was in my house
drinking, just dying … doing nothing."
The founder of Pets for Vets,
Clarissa Black, says adopting an animal
can change veterans' lives.
"It's like having a best friend," she
says. "It's like having a companion.
Many of these guys, they talk to their
dogs. They tell their dogs things they
could not tell anyone else — sometimes
even their therapists. And together
they're helping each other heal."
Although her job is extremely
rewarding, there are hard parts, too,
such as choosing dogs out of the many
that need a home.
We've seen some of our veterans
really feel connected to
something. Without that
connection to an animal or pet,
they really did feel alone.
- Richard Beam, a
spokesman for the VA in Long Beach,
Calif.
At Los Angeles County's high-kill
animal shelter, Black looks for a
retriever mix. As if reading her mind,
dozens of dogs of all sizes try to get
her attention.
"It's very hard to walk down and see
all the animals looking at you and
knowing they need a home as well," she
says.
Breeding Connections
After volunteering in an animal
therapy program at a Veterans Affairs
hospital, the 27-year-old certified
animal trainer saw a special need and
started Pets for Vets. She's placed
eight dogs since June.
"You can just see the months and
years of stress melt away from the first
moment that [the vets] see their dog,"
Black says.
She doesn't have much of a budget. A
small band of volunteers and donations
help cover her expenses to train the
dogs as companion animals.
And for veterans with special
emotional needs, Black, who has a degree
in Animal Sciences from Cornell, says
she teaches the dogs to recognize things
like a panic attack by simulating the
behavior herself. She then trains the
dogs to react with a gentle nudge or
kiss.
"It is a very good partner to group
therapy or one-on-one therapy," says
Richard Beam, a spokesman for the VA
Medical Center in Long Beach, Calif.,
which has referred patients to the Pets
for Vets program. "It's a perfect
augmentation."
"We've seen some of our veterans
really feel connected to something," he
says, "whereas without that connection
to an animal or a pet, they really did
feel alone."
That was certainly true for Meisinger,
who says he still participates in group
therapy at the VA once a week. But he
says it's Spyder that keeps him grounded
on the other days.
"I'll be sitting there, and I have no
idea what I'm thinking, I'm just staring
at something, and all of a sudden he
comes up and starts licking my face, and
it's like 'Oh whoa' — he pulls me back,"
Meisinger says. "He keeps me from going
to that spot that you don't need to go
to."
Former Homeless Puppy in Iraq Now Making Strides in Riverside
KCRG-TV9 Cedar Rapids
Wed, 12 May 2010 12:20 PM PDT
WASHINGTON is a dog still shy of a year old but the German shepherd
mix was an old pro in a room full of second-graders at Stewart
Elementary School in Washington.
PLS
CROSSPOST Bring Spike HOme
We
are currently trying to raise money to bring home (to the United
States) a puppy my husband (an EOD tech in the USMC)
rescued after an explosion. Her name is "Spike"
and she is an Anatolian Shepherd, there are pics on her website as
well as the story if you would rather just read it there. We really
need help, even if people can't help if they could forward her story
to someone who can that wuld be great! We
currently have $425 raised, our goal is $3000 by next month.
Thanks to everyone who has the heart to help at least to pass the
story on. She is a very special puppy!
Website:
http://helpbringhomeahero.weebly.com/index.html
Facebook Group:
http://www.facebook.com/horse.training?ref=nf#!/group.php?gid=402252426240
Spikes Story
"Spike" is a
vivacious and fun loving young Anatolian Shepherd puppy rescued by
Neil Kulik and the infantry platoon with which he is serving in
Marjah Afghanistan. Many of you may have seen the News coverage of
"Operation Moshtarak" throughout February and into this month. SSGT
Kulik an EOD tech attached to an infantry company found tiny Spike
alone and frightened after the building she was living in was blown
up. SSGT Kulik and his team went to clear the building after blowing
it up and he came upon her in a corner, she was shaking and let out
a fearful grown as he pet her.
SSGT Kulik promised Spike he would return to her and gave her some
water until the next time he could see her. He returned as soon
as he was able honoring his promise to the young little puppy.
It was a day later and he brought her food and more water. Spike
recognized him and wagged her tail. She grew fond of this human and
his many friends who brought her food and water and even played with
her. She soon became one of them, going
with them when she could and bringing as much joy to the Marines as
they brought to her. Spike who suffered hearing loss in
the explosion that she survived has taken no notice to her injury,
she is just happy to be alive.
She has become so fond of Neil and his friends that she protects
them, growling at people who are out of place and keeping all of
the Marines safe.
Her favorite human,SSGT Kulik, is to leave Marjah and return to the
United States soon and he has told her he wants her to come with.
All of the Marines who have had the joy of playing with her during
such a daunting time for them want to help to get Spike home as
well. The financial cost of getting Spike into the United States is
a huge burden and SSGT Kulik is hoping that enough kind people will
step forward to make this possible for Spike. He fears that if left
behind she will die with her hearing loss making hervulnerable to
predators, other dogs, and military vehicles .
Many dogs in Afghanistan are shot at and murdered. Dog fighting is
prominent and Spike wants to be honored for her service to our
countries Marines and the men have told her they don't leave anyone
behind, Spike certainly hopes that they will honor their
promise when it comes to her as well, that she will come home as one
of them, as she deserves to, as a hero.
The cost to bring Spike to the United States is
approximately $3,000.00. This includes her flights and quarantine in
Pakistan.
I do not have more than several hundred dollars
myself so Spike is counting on the generosity of caring humans to
help her.
If enough money isn't raised in the next few
weeks to allow for Spike to be brought home with her new family the
full amount of the money raised will be donated to the ASPCA.
Please, any little bit helps, don't let Spikes
humans suffer any more loss, don't allow the Marines who love her to
be forced to leave one of their own behind.
Every little bit helps.
The Following is Info on the situation and the
background story.
Neil (Ssgt Kulik) has always cared deeply
for dogs. Here he is seen in Iraq in 2008
with Daisy, a dog who was rescued in Iraq
and given working dog status and saved.
Daisy remains in Iraq but is now safe on a
base. He rescued and re-homed four dogs
between deployments just last summer (2009).
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December 14, 2009 3:33 PM | Reply | Report this comment
I find it infuriating that after serving out country, we provide someone like you so few services . Service at McDonalds is just the tip of the iceburg...it is unacceptable that veterans are forced to continue battling for the rights all disabled persons after they return home.
Any country that sends people into harm's way owes those men and women everything they require to be well and become reintegrated upon their return. From appropriate and free medical care to easy access anywhere if they have been injured and depend on the support of a service dog, this is the least we can do for our veterans. In fact, I believe this is the least we can do for any individual.
To fail to support the men and women who serve, to fail serve all the rights of any disabled individuals, is to fail to be the America for whom these noble individuals served.
With deep respect and gratitude,
Patricia Lee Stotter
December 14, 2009 6:29 PM | Reply | Report this comment
Much love and support to you and Tuesday,
Molly!
December 14, 2009 7:23 PM | Reply | Report this comment
Thank you for caring so deeply about our nation's veterans -- they do, indeed, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect as well as cared for honorably.
But, since we are not, as of yet, we must "fight on" -- for our sakes and those who shall come after us.
With blessings and best regards,
Luis (&Tuesday)
December 14, 2009 7:25 PM | Reply | Report this comment
Thank you for your support -- it means a great deal.
Please continue to pass the word. For together we will make a difference for people and veteran's with disabilities.
Fondly yours,
Luis (& Tuesday)
December 14, 2009 10:29 PM | Reply | Report this comment
December 14, 2009 10:58 PM | Reply | Report this comment
I follow your posts with interest. I agree that one has to become an activist to overcome the inertia of advocating a cause that underlies most of our society.
This country was founded by activists. I see no problem of being one myself. In fact, everyone contributing to this POV blog is already an activist by using the media to express an opinion. It matters not that we were asked to do so. What matters is that we accepted the challenge.
Veterans and Military are good at accepting challenges in the first place!
My best regards,
Art
December 14, 2009 11:16 PM | Reply | Report this comment
December 14, 2009 11:20 PM | Reply | Report this comment
That is precisely why McDonald's got themselves into this predicament in the first place -- inaction. Moreover, it is why they will -- and I stress, will -- learn a very important lesson through this entire ordeal.
Thank you for caring and even more, for doing...
Luis (& Tuesday)
December 14, 2009 11:30 PM | Reply | Report this comment
Quite right. Although, I wish I could devote time and energy to other worthy causes, this one just hit me on the head -- literally. And, I was neither raised nor trained to tolerate such ignoble behavior.
With best regards,
Luis (& Tuesday)
December 15, 2009 1:56 AM | Reply | Report this comment
I chaired the 504 Democratic Club Meeting tonight and brought your matter up in New Business. Suffice it to say everyone was outraged and want to organize strongly in conjunction with what you're doing. We'd like to discuss several actions and wish to seek your direction. Representatives from Disabled In Action were there and they have commited their organization as well.
Keep up the fight - we're there with you.
Peace,
Mike
December 15, 2009 10:26 PM | Reply | Report this comment
Thanks for writing. I am grateful for the support of the 504th and Disabled in Action. Together, we will stand up for people and veteran's with disabilities.
Please email me so that we can meet in the near future.
With blessings and best regards,
Luis (& Tuesday)
December 15, 2009 11:41 PM | Reply | Report this comment
My dearest admiration goes to you for your selfless devotion; I expect nothing less from a person of your candor and action. Where a commonplace civilian may see this as an opportunity for a campaign to "stick it to the man" or "strike it rich," you request little more than corporate responsibility and respectful treatment. I am proud to be writing here alongside you, and support you in the challenges that lie ahead in this fight.
Even at home, the mission goes on in many areas of life. As Art put it, what matters is we accept the challenge and as Veterans, we are good at in the first place.
Fight on, Sir.
Drew Peneton
January 31, 2010 8:29 PM | Reply | Report this comment
February 1, 2010 1:50 PM | Reply | Report this comment
and thanks for keeping in touch with me.
i will forward this information to
all my friends.
February 1, 2010 3:56 PM | Reply | Report this comment
February 11, 2010 4:29 PM | Reply | Report this comment
February 14, 2010 10:22 PM | Reply | Report this comment
I, too have a disability, and have found that most people are afraid of the disability. Even professionals, such as pharmacists, are sometimes frightened to serve me with a usual smile, once they understand the reason behind my medication needs. I find this depressing, to say the least. Someone in my family has fought for this country in every war we have been involved in since the revolutionary war. While I cannot join the service, due to my particular disability, I feel a similar outrage that I have committed no crime, yet experience animosity from others due to circumstances beyond my own control.
I thank you for serving this country in a serious manner. I am glad to be able to thank you, and duely appreciate your contribution. It saddens me to think you may have suffered at the hands of citizens who are currently profiting from your actions of heroism.
Judgements should be reserved for those with whom we are very well acquainted, and used with great caution at that. It is my opinion that those persons who have judged you inappropriate in their place of employment, have definitely judged in error, and should make amends to you as soon as possible.
A similar incident happened to me, and the person in question was sent on a two week leave of absence from work to receive traning on the ADA laws, and how they apply to the job being performed.
I feel your suggestion for McDonald's employees is very appropriate, and should be a top priority in the education of employees facing public interaction everywhere. You, I think, are very noble to consider them as uneducated, if not ignorant, aggressive, and hostile.
Peace to you,
Bailey
February 15, 2010 8:21 AM | Reply | Report this comment
February 16, 2010 9:32 AM | Reply | Report this comment
February 16, 2010 5:42 PM | Reply | Report this comment
http://www.aolnews.com/nation/article/war-lies-and-the-huffington-post-a-veterans-tall-tale-coming-undone/19344942
February 17, 2010 10:37 AM | Reply | Report this comment
First - THANK YOU SIR, for your service and your sacrifice to our great nation. I am deeply grateful to you and to all of our Veteran's, Past, Present and Future, for the freedoms that I am priviledged to live.
Through Operation Second Chance, I have made it my goal to help as many of our wounded veterans as possible. Having the wonderful opportunity to go to WRAMC several times a week, I come into contact with veterans with life-changing injuries. Many of those injured require service dogs and I am blessed to know many of them. I know the importance of having such wonderful, loyal companions by their sides.
I too am infuriated over the unjust treatment that both you and Tuesday had to endure. I can only add that I wish I would have been there. I take to heart the way our wounded heroes, or any individual with a disability are treated and have no trouble speaking my mind when it is called for.
I am happy to forward this on and additionally add that I will boycott McDonald's at the very least, until this has been resolved.
Respectfully yours,
Cindy McGrew
President & Founder
Operation Second Chance