Pet Rescue

Athenspets – Walter’s Fund, The Year In Review

by WaterGirl| December 2, 20234:20 pm| 28 Comments

This post is in: Balloon Juice, Open Threads, Pet Blogging, Pet Calendar, Pet Rescue

Walter's Fund in Action! 1 — Our beloved Walter and his best friend, Elie. (not sure of the spelling!)

The folks at Athenspets have been really great about getting in touch throughout the year. We just received the square photo below, along with an update – kind of a year in review. Mostly really good news about all the pets we have helped through our support of Athenspets, but some sad news about Cindy Lou. I guess I’ll start with that, even though I cry every time I think of it.

I didn’t share the news about Cindy Lou in July because something awful was happening in the news and it didn’t feel like the right time. But now everything’s going so much better (!?) – okay it’s clear that now is the time to share the news, regardless.

[Text in block quotes is from Lisa, the amazing head of Athenspets. Anything not in block quotes is me.]

Here’s sweet Cindy Lou.

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Athenspets Update – The Year In Review 2 — Cindy Lou

You will remember that Cindy Lou had the tumor on her face removed, which Walter’s Fund contributed to. We knew it would grow back at some point, so we didn’t know how long she had. Unfortunately, she didn’t have very long. But she had a great 6 months, and those 6 months were likely the best months of Cindy Lou’s life.

Cindy Lou was selected for “Project Homebound”, the prison dog program Athenspets & Athens-Clarke County started last year, in which selected dogs live at ACC Corrections and inmates care for and train them. Cindy Lou spent her days with the 10 men in the program, learning basic obedience and enjoying play time with the other dogs in the program. It was perfect for Cindy Lou; she had been stressed at the shelter because of the confinement and boredom, but at Project Homebound she flourished and was a star student. The mental work calmed her in a way no amount of physical exercise seemed to.

Athenspets Update – The Year In Review 1 — Cindy Lou, part of Project Homebound

We’d hoped she would have an opportunity to graduate from the program and find a home, but life had different plans. Over a 48-hour period in early June, her face swelled up. Upon exam, the vet found that her jaw bone up into her eye socket had died as a result of the earlier tumor; the damage was too extensive to remove and too painful to allow her to go on in that condition.

Staff made the decision to give Cindy Lou a final few days (with good pain meds) so the men who had been her handlers and the volunteers who had spent so much time with her could say good-bye. She got doggy day-outs, pupsickles, and lots of love. And then she said good-bye.

On a happier note, Lisa put together this set of photos of some of the pets we helped in 2023. Magnolia Cupcake (older dog at the top right corner) reminds me a bit of our Walter.

We began 2023 with $4,329.69 in Walter’ Fund, and Balloon Juice peeps donated $3,430.73 to Athenspets in 2023, even without an actual calendar!

Lisa shares information about all the pets (pictured above) that were helped by Walter’s Fund in 2023:

These funds have helped 9 animals receive life saving care (clockwise from upper left):

🌸Ikaros: amputation of leg (adopted)

🌸Magnolia Cupcake (far right in photo): senior pup who needed a dental/extractions (she was also treated for heartworms by the shelter) (adopted)

🌸Kira: was living in an abusive home; funding meant we could get her basic vetting done and send her to a rescue in Canada (in a foster home, adoption pending)

🌸Gloria: leg amputation (in a foster home)

🌸Van Helsing: pain management after femoral head ostectomy (adopted)

🌸Peaches: ultrasound (adopted)

🌸In center: Sadie: anterior cruciate ligament repair (adopted)

In addition (but I don’t have photos), 🌸Remi (lab mix puppy) received a leg amputation (her owners had surrendered her to a vet to euthanize since they couldn’t afford it; adopted) and 🌸Axel (dental with extractions; adopted).

The support Balloon Juice has provided means so much to so many of us; seeing these precious animal go from suffering to healthy and loved is amazing. So many thanks for your support through the year!

In case anyone is thinking of year end giving, right now we have matching funds ($6500 left) for donations received through the end of the year.

Many thanks! Lisa (and all of Athenspets!)

Athenspets – Walter’s Fund, The Year In ReviewPost + Comments (28)

Colorado Cat Adoption: Arwen and Gandolf Need Homes

by TaMara| September 30, 20233:00 pm| 7 Comments

This post is in: Cat Blogging, Pet Blogging, Pet Rescue

Re-posting for the weekend crew, with added info that Gandolf is also ready for his new home (they do not have to go together).

“Gandalf is a couple years old, neutered, chill guy. He will be scared of new people at first since we were the only ones he’s been around, but he’ll come around. He’s not a cuddler but will lay be you for pets. He’s had his shots and may be chipped. He’s just a chill cat.”

From the original post:

Jackal and neighbor (waves north!) Deb has a friend with a cat in need of a home:

Arwen the ragdoll (the black and cream on the top bed) needs a new home! She was a stray taken I took in, fattened up, and made ready for her forever home. She was a skinny, sad little thing. This kitty is sassy, yet classy! But emphasis on sassy. She’s sweet, but will let you know when you’re upsetting her. She dislikes dogs, but if a dog leaves her alone, she won’t go looking for trouble . . . she will let them know she dislikes them if they get too close.

Arwen and my female cat do not get along, but she likes to pester Gandalf, my male cat, occasionally (he’s the gray kitty in the photo). They behave like brother and sister . . . sometimes they like each other, sometimes they don’t. I do feel like she would be better off as an only cat, unless there is a special other kitty who will win her over and befriend her, like Gandyman did.

Arwen is spayed, but I have no other vet info on her. She will need to be taken to the vet as I haven’t been able to afford to do so to get more info on her health. Also her age–I have no clue how old she is.

If you don’t know about Ragdolls, they are quite cuddly: Ragdoll Facts

My parents had a Ragdoll and he was HUGE. And I have Maine Coons, so I know huge. And he was cuddly.

My experience has been, that most females like to be the only female, but do okay with a male cat buddy. YMMV.

I checked, because our local shelters have such a great track record of getting their cats adopted. The last couple of times either I wanted to adopt (hello, Willow!) or a friend wanted to adopt, there were very few choices. That is not true right now, the shelters are brimming with cats, big and small. So Deb and her friend are hoping we can find someone here who would love a fluffy cuddle buddy.

Email me at: whats4dinnersolutions (at) live (dot) com or my balloon juice email: tamara (at) balloon-juice (dot) com and I will pass your information along to Deb. I have no other information besides what is in the post. If you’re interested, I’m sure Deb can find answers for you and probably more photos.

I’m available for Colorado transport (oh, please don’t make me drive through Denver, but I’ll do it for this furry love).

Colorado Cat Adoption: Arwen and Gandolf Need HomesPost + Comments (7)

Pearl Moves in with Sandia Blanca (and Mr. Blanca)

by WaterGirl| September 28, 20236:30 pm| 37 Comments

This post is in: Balloon Juice, Open Threads, Pet Blogging, Pet Rescue

We have a kitty update! Pearl moved to her new home with Sandia Blanca yesterday.

Notes from Sandia Blanca:

Our plan is to have her be a permanent part of our cat family, but we’re doing the trial run to be sure it all works out for them. I don’t really expect any problems; we’ve always had cats and have integrated new ones many times.

Salty Sam dropped her off, and we have proof of the handoff – in slow motion. :-)

Pearl was very chill, didn’t put up a fuss, and we’re all confident that she’s settling into her new home well.

Here’s a picture of Pearl getting used to her new room, where she’ll stay for a few days until she seems ready to explore our home (and new cat siblings).

So far she’s explored several good hiding places, but has also walked around and up to me for attention. She’s had some food, and is now having a nice cat nap.

She’s very affectionate and enjoys checking out some of the toys.

Pearl continues to be content in her new space, although Mr. Blanca had to sneak past her to leave the “cat room” last night. She wants to explore the rest of the house! All in good time, little kitty.

Note from Salty Sam

Funny little story- as we were saying goodbye, Sandia Blanca and I were chatting about Balloon Juice; the subject of Cole’s impending wedding came up, and how he is talking about selling his gorgeous home that he has put so much work into. She mentioned what a lovely place it was. I said, “Yeah, except the willow is too close to the house…”, and we both erupted in laughter.

On the way back to our car, Salty Spouse (who is not a Juicer) looked puzzled and asked “WTF was THAT all about!?!?”

We have an amazing and weird little community here. Yay for all of us!

Open thread.

Pearl Moves in with Sandia Blanca (and Mr. Blanca)Post + Comments (37)

Sweet Kitty in Austin, TX Needs a New Home!

by WaterGirl| September 19, 20236:00 pm| 51 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads, Pet Blogging, Pet Rescue

Who’s in the market for this beautiful girl in Austin, TX? She can travel to a new home if need be, we would just have to figure out how to get her there.

Greetings Jackals! (from Salty Sam)

A few weeks ago, I posted a question in the comments, asking for any information dealing with a family member suffering from Bipolar Disorder. My sister-n-law went through a very intense manic episode last February. She snapped out of it in May, and started swirling the drain with depression. She has steadily deteriorated throughout the summer, and this week she was hospitalized, with court ordered protective custody. She will likely be committed to a psychiatric hospital soon.

She has a very sweet and beautiful kitty, named Pearl, who now needs a new home.

Pearl wants you to adopt her! (WG)

Pearl is about 8 years old, very calm and occasionally playful.  She is affectionate to a point, but when she is tired of pats and skritches, she will let you know.  While she most often seems aloof (feline prerogative), she is very lonely now, living in an empty apartment.  I have been providing her daily room service, but she misses human companionship.

I’ve never done this before, so I not sure what other info would be helpful-  I will answer any questions I can in the comments.

We are in Austin – my resources are stretched pretty thin right now, so I’m not sure of how to get Pearl to someone far away.

Thanks to those who answered my bleg a few weeks ago- there were some helpful suggestions.

Pro tip:  if you’re going to have a mental health crisis, don’t do it in Texas.  The lack of resources is appalling…

Open thread.

Sweet Kitty in Austin, TX Needs a New Home!Post + Comments (51)

All The Hottest Stars Are In LA – Cat Bleg

by ruemara| August 28, 20236:08 pm| 18 Comments

This post is in: Cat Blogging, Make The World A Better Place, Not Politics, Open Threads, Pet Blogging, Pet Rescue, Readership Capture

A friend of my family recently had Covid and has had a really rough recovery. She’s going into a long-term care facility, and her two kitties need a new home.
Zoey and Lucy are a bonded pair, about 3.5 – 4 months old. They have been dewormed and gotten their first round of shots; they will need round 2 and to be spayed when they are old enough. They are very sweet and playful.
I currently have a cat who will not tolerate any other felines, so I can’t take them. I’m hoping the jackaltariat can help me find the perfect home for these cuties.

Hola, Juicers! We have 2 lovely ladies in LA that need a new home. I’m gonna let friend of the blog, Maxim, tell you all about Zoey and Lucy.

As you can see, these two starlets are lovely, talented and perfectly worthy of gracing the firmament of your home. Please reach out to us here at the Juicy Blog Council and let us know. I know this place is the best non-animal charity site possible to get things done for animals so, have at it, Jackals. – RM

All The Hottest Stars Are In LA – Cat BlegPost + Comments (18)

Great Dane Rescue Bleg: Three Boys Needing Homes

by TaMara| July 1, 20236:53 pm| 19 Comments

This post is in: Dog Blogging, Pet Blogging, Pet Rescue

Three good boys need new homes – no fault of theirs – it’s due to family drama at their current homes. So if you’ve ever thought about having a Great Dane, these guys are all past the puppy stage and well-trained. They all come from my friend, who is Scout and Trixie’s breeder. Her dogs are all health tested before she ever breeds them, and she breeds for health and temperament. It’s rare she has any to rehome…

I know NOTHING but what I’m posting here. This is for my own self-preservation – ask too many questions and suddenly I’d be doing a gofundme to start a Great Dane farm.

If you are seriously interested, I can provide your contact information to Kristi. Even with the dire circumstances, she’ll be super picky. Before Trixie arrived, she had a 2-year-old to be rehomed, but after we talked about it, we decided it would not be a good fit (I think it was a cat thing). She always going to do what’s best for the dogs. She’ll want to make sure everyone is a great fit together.

Beyond putting you in touch with Kristi, I have no say in any of this. 😉 But I’m happy to tell you what it’s like to be owned by a Great Dane or two.

Here is Kristi’s info on the dogs:

Guys! We need your help!

We have two families in hard situations and needing to rehome their Danes asap. Even if your not able to personally help- liking this post, sharing and commenting help spread the word. We would be SO very grateful!!

The first are two sweet danes Rhodes & Knoxley – 2 years olds from Margo/Boomer that cannot stay where the owner has to move to right now. She would be interested in a permanent home and/or a potential foster if at all possible!! Can go together (preferably) or separate located in Northern Colorado

=====================

Second is Walter – 4 year old Finley/ Bruno boy who has great training in his history and is a good boy! Laid back couch potato that recently became a big brother (to a human) and he’s just not comfortable with it- despite training to help him. He enjoys doggy daycare and most other dogs (not a big fan of pushy big dogs- but loves little dogs!). Also Love cats and needs a home with NO small kids. Located in Castle Rock Colorado

That’s what I got. If anyone is interested, email your contact information and I’ll put you in touch with Kristi.

If you know anyone who might be interested, send them this post…save me from myself. LOL (And save Kristi because these guys will be back on her farm if needed, until proper homes can be found).

ETA: I forgot to tell you that Rhodes and Knoxley are Trixie’s half-siblings!

Great Dane Rescue Bleg: Three Boys Needing HomesPost + Comments (19)

Kitty Bleg / Emergency

by WaterGirl| May 7, 20235:00 pm| 50 Comments

This post is in: Balloon Juice, Open Threads, Pet Rescue

We just got a request for our help from commenter timill.

He is part of a FIP rescue organization in Tennessee.

Today’s kitty in need is a fluffy black cat in Washington State.

His name is Finnegan and he is 8 months old.

The kitty has been in treatment for a month at this point, and needs 2 more months of treatment.

Here’s what they need.

Someone who can foster and/or transport to a someone who can foster…

Person who fosters needs to be able to deal with administering injections once daily for 2 months.

timmil promises to be in the comments to answer all of our questions!

Kitty Bleg / EmergencyPost + Comments (50)

Let me eat cake. The rest of you could stand to lose some weight, frankly.

I’m pretty sure there’s only one Jack Smith.

The willow is too close to the house.

It’s a new day. Light all those Biden polls of young people on fire and throw away the ashes.

I’d hate to be the candidate who lost to this guy.

I really should read my own blog.

A snarling mass of vitriolic jackals

One of our two political parties is a cult whose leader admires Vladimir Putin.

Accountability, motherfuckers.

The party of Reagan has become the party of Putin.

You don’t get to peddle hatred on saturday and offer condolences on sunday.

Our job is not to persuade republicans but to defeat them.

Israel, don’t be dumb like we were in the US after 9/11!

Every reporter and pundit should have to declare if they ever vacationed with a billionaire.

I was promised a recession.

Never entrust democracy to any process that requires republicans to act in good faith.

A democracy can’t function when people can’t distinguish facts from lies.

Damn right I heard that as a threat.

Imperialist aggressors must be defeated, or the whole world loses.

That pie keeps getting more and more forks, reducing anyone’s chance of even a Perot.

The next time the wall street journal editorial board speaks the truth will be the first.

He really is that stupid.

“The defense has a certain level of trust in defendant that the government does not.”

“Cheese and Kraken paired together for the appetizer trial.”