To see Barney's story, my Weimaraner rescue dog turned Search and Rescue dog (finding lost and missing persons), see Barney's Page

"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 to death . . . and for those who deal with them,

ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words."

Albert Schweitzer

"Mankind's true moral test, fundamental test (which lies deeply buried from view)

consists of its attitude toward those who are at its mercy: animals."

Milan Kundera, Czech writer

The Humane Society of the United States has calculated that ". . . a pair of breeding cats with all their offspring can generate 42,000 kittens in just six years. Two breeding dogs with their offspring will produce 67,000 puppies in seven years.  At this rate, it's no wonder that millions end up homeless or in shelters -- and most are euthanized." [San Antonio Express-News, "Spay-Neuter Aid Available" article, April 15, 2003]

The number of dogs and cats (and horses and rabbits and birds and . . . ) sitting in shelters or pounds or stables is unbelievable and hard to truly grasp. So is the number of dogs and cats euthanized in the United States every day.  We live in a society with an "all things are disposable" mentality.  Thankfully, this is slowly changing, as more and more awareness is achieved about the sentience of all beings, not just humans.  The road is long for traveling, but there is light at the end of that tunnel. . . .

To do your part to reduce unwanted animals, please see an informative article "Why Should I Spay Or Neuter My Pet?" on the website of Weimaraner Rescue of North Texas (http://www.weimrescuetexas.org/spayneut.html).

Whether you volunteer your time or services, provide a permanent or temporary home for a rescue, or adopt an animal from a shelter or rescue group, you can make a difference. A real difference. Rescuing or adopting animals off the streets, out of shelters and pounds, or from someone who either cannot or will not care for their animal (for various reasons including personal illness, moving, divorce, financial troubles, etc.), is one of the most rewarding gifts you will ever give yourself.  There are many well adjusted animals available for adoption in a myriad of places: start with your city pound and the county and private shelters (many are kill shelters, meaning the animal may only be held for as little as 24 hours before being euthanized, regardless of how adoptable they may be).  If you are interested in a specific breed, run a search on the Internet  for "[breed] rescue" and see how many groups come up across the country. If there's a national breed group, contact them for possible information on a breed rescue group in your state.  See "Why You Should Adopt Your Pet from an Animal Shelter" (The Human Society of the United States) at http://www.hsus.org/ace/11826.

Puppy Mills are a reality. The Humane Society of the United States routinely investigates the cruel conditions those animals are subjected to. For more information, see http://www.stoppuppymills.org/. If you are set on purchasing rather than rescuing (adopting) an animal, please do so only from a reputable breeder, and not a pet store or a puppy mill. I pray that one day, the horrors of puppy mills can be stopped -- but this will only happy if people stop buying from pet shops.

At a minimum, a reputable breeder:

• Has a written health protocol for you to follow including a breed-appropriate vaccination schedule, feeding specific brand(s) of kibble, etc.

• Certifies their litters to be free of health problems such as hip dysplasia (and will take the animal back if it is not)

• Knows the positive and challenging qualities of the breed, and makes sure that you are right for the breed and the breed is right for you

• Is ready, willing and able to answer questions about the breed, its propensity for certain health issues, etc., and discusses this with you before you acquire the animal

• Has a policy that you return the animal to them should you not be able to keep it for whatever reason; and the breeder will carefully screen potential new homes and find the best one for your animal companion.

Please check out Deb McKean's educational and eye-opening pages entitled "To Breed or Not to Breed" http://www.k9deb.com/breed.htm, and "Rescue Info" about adopting a rescue dog http://www.k9deb.com/rescue.htm.  (Both of these pages can apply to cats, rabbits and other animals as well.)  The Rescue Info page talks about the great benefits of adopting a cat or dog that is out of the puppy/kitty stage, and sets some myths straight about what to expect when adopting a rescued animal. She has excellent articles about how to address canine behavioral issues such as food guarding, the "dominance dance", pack drive and more. See also Hans's the Weimaraner's Top Ten Reasons to Adopt a Rescue at http://hometown.aol.com/groovydreamyfab/rescuereasons.html.

Barney with Sam, his all-time favorite foster pup,

rescued from PetLand and nursed back to health

Deb also has a great page entitled "I Could Never Work Here!" about what it's like to work in a rescue facility http://www.k9deb.com/shelter.htm.  Please, get involved in some aspect of rescue work, even if you only have an hour or two to spare each month.  Find a breed rescue group or general animal rescue organization you feel good about and can support.  Volunteer your time for everything from assisting with fundraisers, to holding garage sales of donated items, to preparing mailouts, cleaning kennels, cages or stalls, preparing adoption packets, responding to inquiries about adoptable animals . . . the list is endless.  Every little bit helps.  Donate goods such as beds, blankets, grooming supplies, food, etc., and/or funds (always needed, there's never enough).  Gather donations from your neighbors and coworkers of old blankets, sheets and towels, food and treats, safe toys, extra leashes and collars, veterinary supplies (such as heartworm or flea/tick preventative, herbal shampoos and natural ear cleansing products, etc.)  Or even better -- do what you can in those areas, and offer to foster an animal in need too.  The financial cost to you is minimal (most rescue groups cover the medical expenses and often the food costs of the animals it is offering for adoption).  The return on your investment of time, attention and affection given to an animal who may be lonely, anxious, depressed, scared, debilitated, or have much deeper issues (deep mistrust, abandonment/separation anxiety, fear aggression and more), is immeasurable. Individually we can't save them all . . . but everyone doing their part we can sure try.

A special note about rescue work:  One of the hardest things to avoid is judging someone's situation that led to their animal being placed at the pound, or in a shelter, or left to wander the streets. Even harder are those situations where the animal has been starved, beaten, neglected . . . it is hard to accept that there are people in this world who can do such cruel actions toward another living creature. There is always a bigger picture at play, which we usually cannot see while sitting in the front row [i.e., "judgment"] seats. We are all players on the field of life -- everyone has a role, a position, and is both a teacher and a student. The animals and people involved in these scenarios are simultaneously teachers and students.  Instead of wasting energy railing about the injustice that has occurred and saying "boy, if I had anything to say about it, . . . ".  Put your energy into action and help out in whatever way feels most comfortable to you!  As the Nike™ slogan says, "Just Do It."  Yes, working with and fostering animals who occasionally may be debilitated, abandoned, neglected, abused and/or troubled animals can be emotionally, mentally, and spiritually wearing.  You may believe you would be unable to deal with the emotional wear and tear. The majority of rescue animals are in good health, just looking for that perfect home! And I say that you are stronger than you think, and you have much goodness and love to share. Volunteer for a favorite charity, rescue group, organization (animal or otherwise) -- get involved, share who you are, shine your Light. We need YOU!

THE ANIMALS' SAVIOR

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."

Jim Willis, Author

What you can do to help your newly adopted (or foster) animal settle in more easily to his/her new lifestyle with you: Patience is the key. They need time to adjust – a few days to several months – to a new environment, lifestyle, they have to learn your rules and schedule, find their sense of safety, etc. So just be patient and gentle with her. Don’t expect too much too soon. Don’t throw too many things at her too soon. Meaning – don’t take her to new events/places/people every day or even several days a week. Let her adjust the first week or two to a quiet environment and stable routine. Routine is also very important – try to stick to set meal times and potty times so she can come to count on those.

Give the Bach flower essence blend called Rescue Remedy (you can find this at most health food stores) - 4 drops 4 to 6 times a day on food or treats for the first two weeks, and longer as needed. You can give more doses daily as needed, you can’t overdose it. But it’s not about how much, it’s about how often, so increase frequency, not amount. Walnut is another Bach remedy that could be helpful – it’s the “transition” remedy, helps break links with the past so they can move forward. And Bach's Larch for confidence. 2 drops of each of those 4-6 times a day. You can find instructions on my site for making a treatment bottle so your stock bottles last longer, see Flower Essences. 

Don’t hover over her or pity her. They pick up on that. Be calm, centered, confident. She’s looking to you for security. The more secure and confident you are, the better she’s going to do. She doesn’t need pity if you’re thinking along those lines at all. See her as a beautiful being of Light who has come into your life for a reason and purpose, and you into hers for the same thing. Let go of any energy or thoughts you’re holding about her past, and move forward with positive intent and thoughts that she is safe, loved, and will do fine with you.

After she has settled in (may take a few weeks), you might sign up for a basic obedience class (if your new companion is a dog) because that can help build self-esteem and confidence, plus helps you two bond in a different way.

My Rescue Work  My particular breed to rescue is Weimaraners -- I have been owned by Weims since birth!  I volunteered with my state rescue group for a period of time, then moved into private Weimaraner rescue work, and am also a co-coordinator for the Texas volunteers who are part of the Weimaraner Rescue Railroad (WRR).  The WRR was created in 2002 by a few dedicated individuals who pursued their dream of creating a system of volunteers to transport Weimaraners from shelters to new homes that may be several states away, as well as in Canada. The volunteers are not reimbursed for their transport expenses -- they do this out of love for the breed. See http://www.weim.org/ if you're interested in starting a similar volunteer effort for your breed.

I also foster non-Weims from time to time. Recently I rescued and fostered back to health two very ill Labrador pups. They were severely underweight, had sarcoptic mange, roundworms, tapeworms, and Parvo. Heidi and Rescue, as they came to be named (because I rescued them while out on a human search and rescue mission with the Heidi Search Center), were saved from death by parvo because of homeopathy and natural care, with minimal allopathic medications. It took six weeks to get them healthy enough to be adopted out to their forever, loving homes. Success stories like this are what keep me involved in rescue work. It does my heart good to help a sick animal get back on its feet again.

I also assist other Weimaraner rescue groups with particularly difficult cases (using animal communication, Bach flower essences, and/or natural health care).  Barney, my rescued Weimaraner, came off the streets of San Antonio in December 2001. We estimated his age to be about one year olld. His story can be seen at the link at the top of this page. While heartwrenching, it had a happy ending.  Maximus was another very sick Weimaraner rescued off the streets of Kansas City, his story can be seen at http://www.heartlandweimrescue.org/maximus2.htm. His was another heartwrenching story with a happy ending. I don't want to scare anyone off with these stories (not all rescue dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, etc. are this ill!), but to let you know that very ill animals can be rehabilitated with love, attention, nutrition, and holistic care in conjunction with the necessary standard veterinary care.  Gail Orth-Aikmus, a member of Weimaraner Club of Greater Kansas City and founder of Heartland Weimaraner Rescue, fostered and then adopted Maximus. When Gail first called me, she had no idea what to do for Maximus and felt she was in over her head.  I worked with Gail closely regarding natural care that could be utilized in place of certain drugs and chemicals.  Maximus's immune system was completely compromised and needed support, not further assault.  That being said, given how very ill he was, certain allopathic medication and appropriate medical care was incorporated to address the various health problems Maximus had.  Gail followed the supplement regimen I suggested, as well as natural skin care suggestions made by myself and by Mary Kay Wolfshohl, creator of Stoli's Soap for Hope www.weim.net/stoli.  (Mary Kay makes absolutely divine handmade, all natural skin care products for animals and people!). Gail was not sure she could do what was needed for Maximus, never having dealt with one this ill before.  I suggested that perhaps this was the Universe's way of asking her to step up to the mark on learning how to do so (we are never sent more than we can handle, as tough as the situation may seem).  Gail came through with flying colors, and is now a convert to the use of holistic care for animals, whether debilitated or healthy.

These are just two stories from one particular breed rescue.  Please consider volunteering, whether related to animals or not. Don't worry that you might not have anything to offer a volunteer organization . . . believe me, they will figure out how to best utilize your skills and time!  All forms of assistance are needed.  If you want to help but don't have time, consider making a donation of cash or goods to a local (non-national) rescue group that isn't supported by a large marketing campaign. Go visit one of those little shelters in your area which have two volunteers and 40 animals and never enough money, food, medicine, etc.  They're doing the work that some of us wish we could but just can't fit into our schedules. Help them out however you can -- your contribution will truly be appreciated!  

IF YOU ARE ASKING, "HOW CAN I POSSIBLY HELP?", THERE IS A WAY!

• Donate money to breed rescue groups generally or for specific animals, veterinary bills, etc.

• Donate money to your local low cost spay/neuter programs. Ask your vet for the name of the organization in  your area which directly assists with reducing the overpopulation of dogs and cats by enabling low income residents to have their pets altered for a minimal fee. 

• Let others know about low cost spay/neuter programs available to them.  One such program is "Maddie's Fund", a California based pet-rescue operation which awards monies to state veterinary associations to manage a spay-neuter program in their state.  It is currently operating in seven states; for more information, visit www.maddiesfund.org.

• Make craft items or donate new articles for auctions to be held by a rescue group

• Participate in such auctions

• Spend time helping an understaffed shelter

• Foster an animal until a permanent home can be identified

• Help locate permanent homes by internet, flyers, etc.

• Help transport an animal between settings (shelter, vet clinic, foster home, breed rescue group's headquarters, etc.)

• Donate supplies such as food, bedding, medicines and toys

• Purchase products from those individuals and companies who donate part or all of their profits to rescue. One such individual is Mary Kay Wolfshohl, owner of Stoli's Soap for Hope and Goddogmother to Barney, at www.weim.net/stoli/  She makes fabulous handmade, all natural soaps and other personal products for humans and dogs.

• Adopt a rescue animal when you decide to add a companion animal to your family.  Consider an older dog or cat -- they are out of the training stage, have already learned how to be a member of a family, they bond very tightly with you and are appreciative of having a home and family to call their own, and they have unlimited love to offer.  Some of the best "love stories" I've heard come from those who adopted an older dog or cat. They can't believe how perfectly the animal fits into their lives and didn't realize how much an older animal has to offer.  A few sites which offer information on adopting older animals are http://www.seniordogrescue.org/,
  http://www3.sympatico.ca/goldstormbengals/adultperks.html,
  and  http://www.peninsulahumanesociety.org/adopt/older.html.

• The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on it daily to meet their quota of getting free food donated every day to abused and neglected animals. It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on "feed an animal in need" for free! This doesn't cost you a thing! Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising. Here's the web site - pass it along to your animal lover friends!  http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com

• Go to the www.petfinder.com website and look under the specific breed listing. Many rescues use this site to advertise available dogs and will have the group information there. You can also type in "dog rescue" into a search engine and find the specific breed rescue information.

• For more ideas and suggestions, please see the list of "100 Things You Can Do Without Rescuing or Fostering", at
  http://www.nwanimalcompanions.org/nac/volunteer/100%20Ways%20To%20Help.htm

Information for Children. The Humane Society of the United States has an interactive website for children, www.nahee.org (National Association for Humane and Environmental Education), geared toward helping children develop humane values. For teenagers, see www.HumaneTeen.org which is an interactive website to educate and inspire middle and high school students to get involved in animal protection activities.

Breed Rescue Groups. To find a dog breed rescue group (usually national level), see the American Kennel Club's list at http://www.americankennelclub.com/breeds/rescue.cfm. For cat breed rescue groups, see the Cat Fanciers' Association list at http://www.cfainc.org/ezine/rescue.html.  If you are a rescue group, see this site for fundraising ideas and assistance: http://4fundraising.org/

Transportation Assistance for Rescue Groups. www.skyark.org The mission of Sky Ark Inc. is to provide free air transportation within the United States for animals in need. The animals are transported on either Sky Ark-owned aircraft or with other pilots using their own, rented or borrowed aircraft. We transport animals or birds in need of health care, service animals and rescued animals from shelters. Sky Ark also provides air transport for wildlife to rescue centers or medical facilities. Donations of lodging, food and money to assist with this campaign are gratefully accepted.

FERAL CATS:

Phone Numbers to Have on Hand! 

National Pet Recovery Hotline: 800-984-8638

Animal Legal Defense Fund Hotline: 800-555-6517 (for questions regarding animal abuse and neglect, landlord-tenant issues, problems with vets)

National Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435

Emergency Disaster Hotline: 800-227-4645  Provided by the American Humane Association, this number is for learning about preparedness for earthquakes or any disaster.

Pet Loss Support Hotline: 888-478-7574  Iowa State University-College of Veterinary Medicine provides a source of emotional support for those who have lost an animal friend or are anticipating such a loss.

Spay Helpline: 800-248-SPAY (-7729)  SPAY USA provides free or low cost spay/neuter services to all. Your local shelters also help in providing similar services.

For the complete list of important numbers to have, go to http://www.animalevent.com/ and download a free copy of "16 most important telephone numbers every pet owner should know".

OTHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: SERVICE WORK

Consider enrolling your horse, dog, cat, rabbit, hamster, horse, pot-bellied pig . . .  in a service/therapy training program, or an educational program for children. These programs are varied as to what their goals and objectives are. The main requirements are that your animal friend be sociable, predictable, and he or she enjoys interacting with people. The Delta Society of San Antonio, Texas (phone 210-614-6734) created a pilot program called "Story Tails" to help students be better readers through providing dogs for the students to read to. These "listening partners" have made a tremendous difference in the students' overall self-confidence and their reading skills, and they are enthusiastic about their studies now.  The Delta Society (http://www.deltasociety.org) and Therapy Dogs Inc. (http://www.therapydogs.com) are national organizations which offer certification and registration programs.  They have waiting lists of organizations looking for therapy animals to make regular visits to their facility.

The reading program is just one project; there are many other avenues and programs in which a service/therapy animal can make a difference in the lives of people.  Animals offer unconditional love, and their presence can make a real difference in the lives of people, even if it's just a short visit.  Contact the Delta Society in your state, your local SPCA, your vet, or local animal shelters for names and contact information for local programs.  There are programs for visiting hospital and hospice patients (both children and adults), assisted-living homes, nursing homes, detention centers, schools, working with challenged youth and more. There are equine therapy programs as well, which assist children and adults in improving motor skills, self-confidence, and self-esteem. Perhaps you have a therapy/service program idea just waiting to be shared and offered to others . . . go for it! Animals are good for the heart and soul of every body. My fondest hope is that every child and adult will be blessed with the gift of bonding with an animal of whatever species, domestic or wild, whether they live with them or otherwise.  Animals can and do work miracles on us!

READING SUGGESTIONS

From Joanne T., a Weimaraner lover: "I recommend Bones Would Rain From the Sky by Susan Clothier.  It is about deepening your relationship with your dog. The author really has a way of explaining what is really going on and how important it is to do some listening, not just commanding. There are lots of ways to get dogs to do what you want but if you are interested in developing a real bond, read this book. The author has quite a sense of humor and has a way of explaining some simple truths that were right before your eyes but maybe you just never looked at it quite like that before. I really recommend this to anyone involved with rescue work as it will help you to " read your dog". She also has some insights into aggression that can help prevent a tragedy. She is very down to earth in explaining how we tend to just look at the situation from our point of view, thus we tend to fail in our attempts to 'control'.  I really recommend this to anyone who lives with a dog and wants more out of the relationship."  For more books about working with behavioral issues and connecting more deeply with your animal friends, see the Books-Behavior page and the Books-Animal Communication page.

BACH FLOWER ESSENCES TO ASSIST RESCUE ANIMALS

Bach flower essences (see Bach Flower Essences page) are super for many emotions and situations which rescue animals of all species deal with. The trauma they suffer may be physical, mental or emotional, and all are damaging to the spiritual aspect.  Bach's Rescue Remedy is a great essence blend to have on hand for rescues as well as your own animals. It helps ease trauma, pain, anxiety, fear/terror.  Additional remedies include Beech (for intolerance toward others), Walnut (helps them adjust to changes/eases transitions), Centaury (for the quiet, submissive dog that doesn't stand up for itself), Chestnut Bud (used to break bad habits, helps them learn lessons necessary to coexist with others), Holly (showing signs of temper, when there's a need for more love; especially good for abused and neglected animals who need to be quarantined, or rescued animals at the shelter or a vet's office; helps nourish the heart and release jealousy and anger), Larch (helps increase self-confidence), Mimulus (fear of particular things such as thunderstorms, vacuum cleaners, etc., and also good for deep seated fears such as starving, strangers, abandonment). Those are just a few of the 38. They aren't the only avenue/tool to use, but the results (if properly administered) can be downright amazing. If you are interested in a Bach flower essences consultation for your animals or for rescue animals you are assisting, please contact me at kat@katberard.com or 210-402-1220.

TELEPATHIC COMMUNICATION WITH RESCUE ANIMALS

"Do they really understand what you’re verbally saying? I thought they communicated in pictures?" It is so important that the animal be told what is going on!! Behavioral, mental and emotional problems in animals, especially rescues, are usually a result of the animal not being told (verbally or telepathically) what the situation is, what's going to happen, why it's happening, what to expect, how they may feel about it, and what you (both the original caregiver and the foster home/adopting person) can do to help them ease into their new life. Explaining goes such a long way toward helping them understand and make adjustments and decisions for themselves.

Usually when you verbally communicate you're also sending pictures whether you realize it or not. That's why it's so important not to send the animal the message of what you don't want in behavior, rather what you DO want. That is, don't focus on the negative, show them the positive. They do understand the verbal information to an extent -- most if not all of the time they understand the emotional impact, your intent, behind the words. If you are dealing with a difficult rescue situation (whether fostering, or an adopted animal), please contact me if you believe a communication session would be helpful.

For poems and writings about rescues and rescue work, see Rescue Work: Poems.

If only we can overcome cruelty, to human and animal, with love and compassion we shall stand at the threshold of a new era in human moral and spiritual evolution--and realize, at last, our most unique quality: humanity."  -- Jane Goodall : "Reason for Hope" [book] (www.reasonforhope.com)

Thank you for helping make a difference in the lives of animals

who didn't ask to be abandoned, rejected, neglected, abused or lost.

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