Pets

Emergency Alert Day @ K-Mart on Alexis, Appearance for TAHS - Dog Safety on Oct. 9th, 2011

2011-11-11T22:55:00.000-08:00

I made an appearance representing the TAHS - Dog Safety Days at K-Mart on Alexis Road. Aprhodite made her debut appearance and first socialization.... she was so good and well behaved. I hope to train her as a therapy dog for kids, the elderly and veteranas.

I was avalable for pictures and autographs in addition to handing out information and discussing Pet safety with shoppers in the store. It was a fun day!!

Benefit for Pets.... Sunday Sept.18th, 2011

2011-11-11T22:53:00.001-08:00

Appearance at the TAHS Annual FUR Ball - Spet. 17th, 2011

2011-11-11T22:51:00.001-08:00

First Appearance at TAHS as Miss North Coast.....

2011-11-11T22:48:00.000-08:00

Me and the TAHS Mascot, George

Updates Coming soon!

2011-11-09T01:42:00.000-08:00

I am soo sorry that I haven't updated my Pet blog lately. School an d studying, Marching Band, Kappa Kappa Psi, Dance class, and working out as much as I can has left with little or no extra time to update. BUt now that Marching band is winding down for the season, I plan to be spending more time in the gym and getting caught up on pictures and blog updates. So bear with me as I get things updated. Check back soon!!

Flat George attends the send-off party for Kelsey Barrett, Miss Ohio's Outstanding Teen 2011 to Nationals

2011-08-08T19:18:00.001-07:00

Miss Ohio 2011 - Ellen Bryan (left) and Miss Ohio's Outstanding Teen 2011 - Kelsey Barrett pose for picture with Flat George after signing their autographs......

Flat George and picture of Ellen and Kelsey with flat George will be on display at the Toledo Area Humane Society!!

Summer Camps

2011-08-08T19:07:00.000-07:00

Our Waterville, Ohio K-9 Unit visits the TAHS during Career day.....

Flat George's recent Appearances.....

2011-08-08T18:58:00.001-07:00

I finally delivered the flat George's to the Toledo Area Humane Society from Miss Ohio forum in April 2011.

George and I recently, he was glad to see me!

From Miss Ohio Forum in April.... Flat George signed with all the 2011 Miss Ohio Contestants

Flat George signed by Miss Ohio 2010 - Becky Minger

On Rachael Ray today!

2011-07-13T08:08:00.000-07:00

Check out the amazing stories of Bionic Animals
http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/show/segments/view/bionic-animals/

Summer Camps

2011-07-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

I only have pictures of the K9 unit that was at the camp on June 27, but these are the other guest speakers that we had join us.

1) Dr. Chris Handler~Toledo Zoo Veterinarian
There is only two vets at the zoo for over 9000 animals and they will be bringing in one intern. They have "keepers" that specifically take care of certain animals in the zoo and let the vets know if something is wrong with the animal that they keep an eye on. Once you graduate from Veterinarian School you can go straight into your practice. The Vet Techs are the ones that do the research, injections, treatment, working with blood samples in lab, etc. He brought in a 9 year old Armadillo named Sam.

2) Jen ~ Vet Tech
Helps the Vets keep all the equipment sterile, do all the blood work testing. She wanted to be a vet tech since she was little when a lifelong pet was having accidents and the vet gave her dog, Star, medicine and gave her dog a little bit longer to live. She wanted to help people and animals the way she was helped. She loves animals, loves helping, and loves her job.
She did some trivia questions with the kids:
Heart rate for a cat (average)? 120-140~ this has different numbers at different sites.
Average body temperature for a dog? 100.5-102.5 F
Proper way to hold a rabbit? like a football
A horse's teeth never stop growing.
What do you call a baby deer? foe
What is a Jill? female ferret
What is a hob? male ferret
Sow is a female pig
A joey is a baby kangaroo

3)Officer Joe Valvano ~ Waterville K9 unit for 11 years
-His dog, Buster, is a Belgian Malinois. He doesn't know what drugs are, he is just looking for his treat, which is a towel. They train their dogs by putting the drug in the towel that they are trying to train them with for about 3 months.
-Passive dogs ~ Bomb dogs.
-Aggressive dogs ~ Dogs that will scratch and bark, drug dogs.
-Over time dogs will have the intelligence of a 3rd grader.
-His older dog, Choco, that is retired is responsible for 12 million dollars of confiscations. Buster only has about a pound of marijuana, but think what he will be able to do as time goes on.
-If a police dog would be kicked by someone that is a felony, just like assaulting a police officer.
-He had a story that he told the kids about how he was picked up at his house in Wauseon by a helicopter so that he could be delivered to an area around the University of Toledo (they got there in 13 minutes), to catch a suspect that escaped.
-The photos below was Buster doing a search for the marijuana that Officer Valvano hid under the rock. Very cool group!

The guest speakers on June 28.
1) Dawn Hammer ~ Pet Photography
She realized that she was taking more pictures of animals than people so she decided to do photography for pets. She had a book with her photographs she took, had amazing photos and quotes.

2) Dr. Beth ~ Heatherdowns Vet clinic
undergrad. Bachelor in Biology at University of Toledo.
DVM ~ Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine, grad school at Ohio State.

Careers With Animals camp

Here are some local and national news events about animals!

2011-06-24T20:02:00.000-07:00

Click here to view article on Lola and her puppies

Here is another link on Lola

Lola is a very adorable dog that was brought into Sylvania Vet in bad conditions. It is unknown how she got the way she did but she is doing better after the amazing care from the Vet staff. She was nearly killed by maggots and the man that brought her in did not provide the vet office with much information as to how she got that way. Her seven puppies and her are doing great and if you would like to read and see more about this amazing survivor click on the link above.

Click here to see an article about a baby dolphin who died unexpectedly

Wood County rejects Toledo Zoo Levy
You can see the story and read the article at the link above.

In Fremont, Ohio a monkey on the loose now back at its home
I do not agree with them having a monkey as a pet, it is a wild animal and they really should be educated on the dangers of a wild animal being owned. Fremont does not have a law against owning wild animals.
Here is an article in the blade on the topic
Here is the link with the video

Here is a link on the animal rescue efforts going on in North Dakota
Here is another one
Here is a link on the zoo evacuation

Click here for an amazing story on a dog that was given a chance to run again
This dog was fitted with prosthetic legs and was able to run again. What an amazing story that is really touching!

Interesting article on Pit Bulls

2011-06-05T00:19:00.000-07:00

To view article click here

Maumee Memorial Day Parade

2011-06-04T21:56:00.001-07:00

WOOD COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY WINE & CHEESE BENEFIT

2011-05-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

Last night I was invited to attend the Wine & Cheese Benefit for WCHS. I had a fabulous time, I was given opportunity to speak about my title, my platform on PETS, and my volunteer work with the TAHS, and gave a little plug in there about my Benefit tomorrow too. I met Jerry Anderson of Channel 11 news, and many others. I also was approached by the DJ service if I do commercials and if I would be interested in being in a commercial for their business. Of course, I said yes to the invitation, why not? it would be fun and gives me more exposure.

Everyone enjoyed the festivities, there was wonderful display of cheese, fruit and vegetables plus some hors' duerves (spelling check) Plus a large selection of wines and drinks. I had a sprite, but mom did try a fabulous white wine called a Barefoot Moscato.

There was dancing which was a lot of fun. Plus a live auction as well as a silent auction. There were at least 50 silent auction items, and about 25 live auction items. Based on the donations they received I think the WCHS actually did very well with what was sold. Mom and I bid on 5 different things and won 4 of them. Someone cheated on the 5th item and wrote their number in after the silent auction was over and before the staff could pick up the tickets. Oh well, very pleased to be able to support the WCHS also with our donations to the silent auction.

Thanks to the Wood County Humane Society for allowing me to be a part of their event, and for an evening of fun and excitement raising money for our furry friends!

Pictures

Bark in the Park Event today

2011-05-15T18:29:00.001-07:00

I had a great time at the Bark in the Park Event, despite not feeling well. It was raining, wet and cold out there but it was so cool to see all those devoted dog owners bring their doggies out for the event despite the weather. Thank you to all who came out and supported the Toledo Area Humane Society today!

Here's a few pics.

Me helping at the education tent.....

this is my little Xena... warrior Princess posing for a pic with the Wendy's girl wig on

Cute doggies....

I think this big guy had to be the largest dog there...... his owner calls him Beowulf and he is the next to the largest in his breed ever recorded according to the owner. He is a Newfoundland. BIg but gentle giant. By the way, he is sitting!! lol

loved their slogan..... They do not train wives, husbands or kids!!!

The following pictures were of one of their trained dogs. It was awesome to watch, the trainer gave him commands and facial gestures from behind me, and the dog watched him and followed his commands.

Here is new pictures of the new Toledo Humane Society Truck donated by Anderson's

Bark in the Park Event

2011-04-15T21:55:00.000-07:00

2011 Bark in the Park
walk for the animals

Fetch your sneakers and grab your furry friend for a 1.5 mile journey around Arrowhead Park. The Bark in the Park is one of the Toledo Area Humane Society's largest fundraising events of the year. The donations raised help us care for the more than 5000 animals that pass through our door every year. Come enjoy all of the days activites including: the walk, musical entertainment, comfort foods, raffles, festival style games for both people and their pets, animal contests, an underdog obstacle course, vendor booths and demonstrations for people of all ages.

Sunday May 15, 2011
Rain or Shine!
at the Toledo Area Humane Society building
1920 Indian Wood Circle, Maumee
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Now participating in the event is even easier with our new "Bark in the Park" website.

By creating your own personal fundraising page you can effortlessly and securely collect pledges from your family, friends, or coworkers. Set a goal for yourself or assemble a team and collect together. Keep track of your progress and see who is leading the pack in walk donations.

To register click here....

George and me @ Toledo Humane Society

2011-04-07T08:02:00.000-07:00

George - My Boyfriend

2011-04-06T19:37:00.000-07:00

Girl Scout Brownies After-school Programs

2011-03-25T21:24:00.000-07:00

I have been helping out at the Toledo Humane Society with the Girl Scout & Brownie After school program. The young girls come after school for a Tour of the Humane society, where we talk about what we do at the Humane society to help the animals and take care of them and prepare them for adoptions. I also get to teach and talk about being a Responsible Pet owner, my platform, in which the girls enjoy learning about what an owner needs to do to take care of a new pet.

Here's one picture of me holding a pet while talking about a Owners pet responsibility to the Brownies!!.

This has been a fun time for me, too since I am able to talk about my platform, and being a former Girl scout myself I can relate to these young girls! We meet once a month with a different Brownie troups. Glad to be a part of this education program and looking forward to many more in the future!

George - my Boyfriend

2011-03-25T21:21:00.001-07:00

George is a rescued abuse case who has recovered from his injuries and serves as the Toledo Humane Society mascot! I also call him my boyfriend too! We are buddies when I am there! He hangs out in the offices with the staff and gets to have other cat companions to play with. He's so gentle and sweet and I just love him!

Pictures from the Teddy Bear Fair at the Toledo Zoo

2011-03-25T21:19:00.000-07:00

Pictures of some of the animals up for adoption at the zoo - Teddy Bear Fair. I had a blast participating in this event, talking to kids about being a responsible pet owner and playing with the animals!! Me + dog or cat = <3

Teddy Bear Care Fair @ the Toledo Zoo March 19th

2011-03-18T10:59:00.001-07:00

Teddy Bear Care Fair
Does your stuffed pal need a check-up or repairs? Whether you have a teddy bear, a monkey, or an animal never before seen, we'll fix him up until he's fit as a fiddle! And if you're ready to adopt a real live animal pal, the Toledo Area Humane Society will be on hand to help you find just the right cat or dog as they showcase some of their adoptable animals in the museum area. With zoo keeper talks, puppet shows, activities and more, the Teddy Bear Care Fair is one event that's stuffed with fun!

The Toledo Zoo
Saturday March 19, 2011
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

It is theThe Toledo Area Humane Society's mission to lead the community in efforts focused on relieving the suffering of, preventing cruelty to, and providing for humane treatment of animals.”

In TAHS holds many fundraising events to help bring in the funds necessary to fullfill our mission. We rely on the gererousity of sponsors and donors to help make these events sucessful. Each year TAHS
· shelters & cares for over 5,900 animals
· finds permanent homes for animals
· reduces pet overpopulation through spay & neuter programs
· responds to over 2,100 calls of animal cruelty each year

In addition, TAHS has several other programs and services that we provide to the community, including a food assistance program, a Safe Place program and a Forever Friends program. These vital services and programs are supported by the shelter fundraisers, including the FurBall, the Bark in the Park, and the Mutt Show. None of these would be possible without the commitment of individuals and companies in our area. We receive no city, state or federal funding or monies from national humane organizations.

There is always a need for sponsorships and in-kind donations.

For information on becoming a sponsor for an event, please contact Michelle Healey at
mhealey@toledoareahumanesociety.org or call (419) 891-0705 ext 306

To request a humane society display at your event or to schedule a demonstration, please contact Michelle Healey at mhealey@toledoareahumanesociety.org or call (419) 891-0705 ext 306.

Wrap Four Paws FundRaiser Scheduled April 3rd

2011-03-18T10:12:00.000-07:00

Come out and join us for a fun afternoon of Wrapping Four Paws fundraiser on April 3rd @ Miracle Mile Bowling Lanes, Jackman Road, Toledo, Ohio, from 1-3 pm. Come and Get Skinny while you enjoy some fun and bowling.

Come out purchase a body wrap bowl a game of Bowling while you lose inches. We will measure before and after for your immediate results. It will be a fun day out, bring the kids, there will be items for raffles, items for purchase.

Proceeds from this wrap event will benefit Humane Ohio. Proceeds from the raffles will benefit CMN/Toledo Area Humane Society. Help us raise money for our furry friends and support our local shelters!

Wrap Four Paws

2011-02-26T20:29:00.000-08:00

Schedule your Wrap Four Paws demonstration today! Wrap four Paws is a fund raising campaign to raise and donate to local animal charities and shelters. Primarily a new Rescue shelter which is currently in the works of getting up and running and that I get to be a part of at the beginning and later after I graduate and become a Veterinarian. I already have a job placement as a Veterinarian. In the meantime, I get to be a part of the planning and building and active involvement with the animals that they will take in as rescues. It so exciting and I am thrilled to be a part of this new Rescue Shelter. The new shelter will be located in Perrysburg, Ohio and that's all I can say right now about the location.

In the meantime, we are scheduling Wrap Four Paws demonstrations. How it works is Schedule your demonstration and invite your friends. For everyone who wraps there will be a specified charge for the wrap and half of the proceeds will be donated to the rescue center and other local animal charities, including the Toledo Humane Society.

If you want to lose inches, share in business opportunities and raise money for animal shelters then this is the right program for you. Call me to schedule our Wrap Four Paws demonstration today!! Lets help our furry friends!!

Community Service Projects

2011-01-27T10:17:00.000-08:00

I am so excited because I have confirmation on two separate locations for my Benefit/fund raiser events scheduled this Spring. One will be a Bowling Benefit and the other will be at a Church which I will host adoptable pets from the Toledo Humane Society. Both events will raise money for the Children's Miracle Network and for my platform benefiting the Toledo Area Humane Society plus maybe a few pets from TAHS will find a forever home. I just need to coordinate dates and times for the events and then can start to plan all the activities and raffles and events for each Benefit.

I also have over 80 baby blankets that need to be delivered and given to babies and children at the St. Vincent's Hospital in Toledo, a Children's Miracle Network Hospital. That's just a start though, more blankets are being donated so I will have more that I can also make donations to other programs and hospitals as well. This will be an ongoing thing now. I am hoping to deliver those blankets soon, but would really like to have won my first title for Miss Ohio by the time I do. Keep your fingers crossed that this weekend will be the one. Wish me luck!!

Check back later for more updates and details of the Benefits!

<3 Jess

Toledo City Paper - Hard at work

2011-01-08T17:25:00.000-08:00

Toledo City Paper - Hard at work

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2010-12-31T22:03:00.001-08:00

This past summer.....Riding with Kyle

2010-10-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

Moments with Baxter

2010-10-17T06:06:00.001-07:00

A MUST SEE........This is a tear jerker.... get your kleenex ready!!!!! click here This is why my platform is about and for Pets.... Hug yours today!! I love mine.....Annie, Leia, Palmer & Yoda! and In loving memory of Queen Amidala (1999-2007) & King Odin (2001-2010)

My first time.... at the GOAT Farm

2010-09-25T22:09:00.000-07:00

Tuesday night I visited a Goat farm in rural Bowling Green with the BGSU pre-vet students. I am getting large animal and farm animal experience needed as a prerequisite to get into Veterinary Med school. When I attended the Stem event at BGSU a couple of weeks ago, I made contact with the Pre-vet students from BGSU, in which I was invited by the President of the student organization to go with them to the farms. Since UT doesn't offer this as a class or feature in the curriculum, its an advantage for me. Before applying for graduate school, its advised to have these experiences and instead of seeking this out on my own and going by myself, I have a group now that I can go with.

It is also a requirement to have at least 80 hours with a Veterinarian. Plus, all the studying I will have to do between now and next summer preparing to take the MCAT's, which will be 1 year out from hopefully attending Vet school, since I hope to graduate 2012 with my Bachelors in Biology. Looks like I am going to be very busy this next year or so! Probably won't have much time to work, compete in pageants or anything else for that matter! I would love to win a local title but I just can't fit as many pageants in to my schedule this year, not like I did last year. :(( I do really need to concentrate on these internships and MCAT's. My future depends on me successfully completing all the requirements before I can apply next year, so I have a limited amount of time to get it done plus taking full load of classes too! In addition to my responsibilities as Historian of Kappa Kappa Psi, which I have to attend all events and document with pictures and planning events such as the Band Banquet on Dec 4th which is my job to take care of it. So I am keeping very busy right now too! I will also be working with the TAHS starting in January helping with the after school programs with the Girl Scouts, in addition to my volunteering at the TAHS, and my summer camps teaching kids about being a responsible pet owner. PLus.... much much more to come!

Anyways, my Goat farm experience was a lot of fun and very informative. I will update this later with more details. I am going to sleep now since I have to be up in a few hours for the Race for the Cure.... please check back for pics!!!

<3 Jess

Dog Days of September tomorrow....

2010-09-17T18:38:00.000-07:00

Adoption Events
Dog Days of September
by Stautzenberger College
Stautzenberger College is back once again with the Dog Days of September 2010 featuring the ever popular Seventh Annual Wiener Dog Nationals back at the Lucas County Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 18, 2010. Admission is FREE as always so bring the entire family including the dog(s) for a fun filled day with plenty of activities and entertainment. Dog-related vendors will have plenty of freebies and great deals on products and services. Food and refreshments will be available all day. Even Doggy Rest Areas will be set up for the four-legged members of the family to take a break and get some fresh water. Kids will enjoy crafts and activities at the childrens area.
Don’t have a dog, or looking to add another to your family? Numerous dog rescue groups will be represented with plenty of pooches up for adoption.

Saturday September 18
Lucas County Rec Center / Fair Grounds
1406 Key Street
Maumee, OH 43537
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Stem event at BGSU...

2010-09-13T00:24:00.000-07:00

I assisted the Toledo Area Humane Society as they participated in the STEM event at BGSU on Saturday morning from 9 am - 1pm. It was a first time event and there were 100's of kids there participating in all the events. In addition to the TAHS, there were other vendors with games and activities for kids too!

At the TAHS booth we handed out paperwork... flyers of upcoming events, newsletters amd education programs offered by the TAHS. We played a game with the kids.... matching a picture of different dogs by a description and information about the breed. Plus, we played with Brutus....yes named after the OSU Buckeyes mascot. Brutus is a 4 month old Chiweinie,known as part Chihuahua and Dachsaund, also referred to as a "mutt" breed but in Hollywood it would be Chiweinie lol. Amyways, Brutus in is first debut event got to meet and greet the kids plus learn some socialization skills, which I think he did very well. Brutus belongs to Jackie one of the educators at TAHS and was adopted from the TAHS when his mother and 3 other pups were surrendered to the TAHS when he was 3 days old. He was fostered out until able to be adopted at 8 weeks.

It was a fun event and I get to be more involved with event and appearances made by the TAHS... more than just walking dogs and cleaning cages when I do my basic volunteer work which I also love to do. But it's a chance to relax some from collegiate curriculum....organic chemistry and molecular genetics is consuming my life again lol. Its a reminder of why I am doing this..... for the pets and animals. Plus I made a connection with BGSU pre-vet students as well, and received an invitation to come to the farm where they go and get some large animal experience with them..... so excited!! So life is good!!

Here are some pics from the event.....

My commercial

2010-09-08T00:13:00.000-07:00

My commercial with the Toledo Humane Society is now being played on Channel 13.... hope you get to catch it.

The dancing Merengue dog....

2010-09-07T12:51:00.001-07:00

http://www.boingboing.net/2010/08/31/dancing-merengue-dog.html

Paws 4 Cause Charity Drop Off

2010-07-31T19:26:00.000-07:00

My Charity Drop off was held today at the Cass Road Baptist Church from 10-5pm. It was a success in collecting prom dresses!
We will continue to collect old and fairly new prom dresses, books and other clothing items between now and September 25th, so if you have any items you would like to donate please contact me and I will arrange for a pick up.

The Paws for Cause Charity Benefit will be held at the Cass Road Baptist Church on Saturday, September 25 from 11am-5pm. More to come on that Charity even soon. But for a peek....there will be vendors, food, face painting and animal shape balloons for kids, vendor basket raffles, Ohio State quilt raffle, and special raffle for every canned or staple food item brought to the benefit and donated to the church food pantry. There will be entertainment, a fashion show of the prom dresses and guest appearances to be announced later. All proceeds from the Charity event will benefit the Children's Miracle Network, Toledo Area Humane Society and American cancer Society.

CHECK BACK SOON!!

Toledo Area Humane Society Event - Kitten Shower

2010-07-28T21:11:00.000-07:00

Want to ADOPT a KITTEN..... JULY 31 at the TAHS

Need Sponsors!!

2010-07-20T12:36:00.000-07:00

CHECK this site out!!! Bankies4Babes

HELP ME RAISE MONEY for CHILDREN's MIRACLE NETWORK and for every $5.00 donated a Blanket with be given to a sick child or baby. A 2 for 1 Charity contribution. CHECK OUT details!!

What's Up.........

2010-06-30T23:32:00.001-07:00

Hello, sorry I haven't blogged in awhile but I have been very busy..... I enjoyed my few days away at Miss Ohio week competitions. It was really exciting watching the preliminary level and then being there for crowning our new Miss Ohio 2010 - Becky Minger. Congrats Becky you were so awesome all week! Also, Congrats to 1st RU Shannon O'Neill and 2nd RU - Marisa Buchheit, my Miss Maple City team!!! I'm so happy for you and so proud!! We, mom and I spent the week with friends in Columbus, Carrie and Eric which was a lot of fun, thanks guys!!

Well for most people, school has been out but not for me. I am taking summer classes this year Calculus 1 & 2. So, I just finished my first summer session of Calc 1 and now starting the second session of Calc 2 which will be over the first week of August. Just in time for Band camp to start at U of Toledo Rocket Marching Band. I am Section Leader for the Piccolo section so I will be busy this fall.

As for now, I am working this summer at Steak & Shake restaurant, trying to make as much money as I can before school starts because with school, marching band, and Kappa Kappa Psi I probably won't have time to do to much of anything else. Chemistry and Biology consume my life and free time does not exist because it is usually spent studying and studying and then more studying. I was elected Historian for Kappa Kappa Psi so I have to document everything the Fraternity does and scrapbook all the events by taking pictures etc. so that's going to keep me busy too.

In addition to work and school, I have been working on a fund raising Benefit for charity that hopefully will be all put together real soon. Plus, this is the month I will be doing an internship with the Toledo Humane Society, teaching at Summer camps for kids about being responsible pet owners which follows along with my Platform for Miss Ohio. So excited and can't wait!!

<3 Jess

Bark in the Park Fundraiser!!

2010-05-24T13:16:00.000-07:00

The fundraiser was a success! I enjoyed being the official photographer for the dog contest. Some pics to follow. Several dogs and cats were adopted that day which is always a bonus!

Talked to many vendors about my platform and gained their support. Will write more later

Special Events To Benefit The Homeless Animals Of The Toledo Area Humane Society

2010-05-06T19:28:00.001-07:00

Come join me in raising money for the TAHS... will be kicking off my new promotion to raise money for CMN and TAHS. Learn more about my promotion and charity benefit that is planned for this summer. SEE you there!

Bark In The Park Begins
Sunday May 16, 2010
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Walk Registration begins 10:00 a.m.
Walk begins 11:00 a.m.

Advance Registration & Early Shirt Pick Up

May 7 & 8 May 14 & 15
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Click here for registration form.

Children 12 and under can help make a difference by becoming a junior walker. Click here for a junior walker registration form

Thanks to our generous sponsors!

Invisible Fence ® Brand
Debbie J. Papay, Attorney Providing for Pets in Trusts and Wills

Bark in the Park

Show off your favorite furry friend while supporting the homeless animals of the Toledo Area Humane Society.

The Bark in the Park is a fun event for everyone in the family, including your four-legged friends! Activities include a 1.5 mile journey around Arrowhead Park, music, food, vendor displays, raffles, festival style games, animal contests, demonstrations and more.

Help raise money for the animals of TAHS by collecting pledges for your walk time. Prizes will be given to the top individual pledge raiser and the two top walk teams. A special prize will also be given to the "Top Tot", a junior walker age 12 or under, who raises the most money in pledges. All walkers will receive a commemorative t-shirt for their participation in the event.

Be sure to join in our exciting dog contest including:

Most unusual looking dog
Looks most like its owner
Biggest party pooper
The most misbehaved
Sloppiest kisser
If your favorite furry friend doesn't happen to be a canine, you can still join in the fun. Why not try pinning a picture of your cat, bird, hamster, horse or rabbit to the front of your walk shirt and show that you are a proud pet owner!

Mama has been missing since last week :((

2010-04-29T04:41:00.001-07:00

Well since last Tuesday, mama kitty has disappeared. She ran into the neighbors shrubs last week when the TAHS officer and mom tried to catch her to get her medical attention and since then has wandered elsewhere and we have not seen her. :(( She has either found another place to settle into with food, water and shelter or she was so sick she curled up somewhere and died. We miss seeing her around!! :((

TAHS- Gilbert

2010-04-19T13:39:00.000-07:00

Click here for story about Gilbert... an abandoned cat needing a new home

The benefit of micro chipping your pet

2010-04-17T22:38:00.001-07:00

See how micro chipping your pet can benefit you and your pet

First Annual PETS/CMN Charity Benefit

2010-04-14T16:52:00.000-07:00

My first annual PETS/CMN Charity Benefit planning is underway. A date has not been set yet, but plans are being made to host the first annual event late this summer or early fall.

If you would like to get involved please let me know. I am looking for donations for gift baskets to raffle off. Any craft projects, products or treasures you wish to donate is greatly appreciated. All gift baskets will be displayed the day of the benefit as well as be listed on this website before the event. The more who participate the more money that can be raised the better for CMN and TAHS.

Looking for anyone who is willing to crochet, knit, quilt or fleece blankets for babies, children, teens and Pets for charity. A few Quilts will be either raffled or silent auctioned. I will also post pictures on this website prior to the charity event of the items to be raffled off. The blankets will be donated to local children hospitals and blankets for pets to the Toledo Area Humane Society. All proceeds from the benefit will be donated to the Children's Miracle Network and Toledo Area Humane Society. Would like to have over 100 blankets by the time of the Charity event, so if you would like to make one or more and donate please let me know. Currently I have about 10 crocheted blankets. Pics to follow of blankets and items as I receive them.

Check back later as more plans are finalized and details are available. This event is sponsored by Jessica Nelson.

My Internship with the Toledo Humane Society

2010-03-31T10:07:00.000-07:00

My training for my internship with the TAHS will be starting soon and I am so excited. My first meeting is coming up and preparations are underway. This summer I will be teaching at Summer camps with the TAHS teaching young age children around age 10 about pets and being a responsible pet owner.

In the meantime, I am continuing my effort in volunteering and taking care of our furry friends at least here in northwest Ohio.
Check back later for pictures and updates.

<3 Jess

"I kick my dog"

2010-03-16T02:05:00.000-07:00

Okay, so here's the story about " I kick my dog" statement. I competed last week at Miss Muskingum Valley in Zanesville, Ohio as most of you know. I am very passionate about my platform and advocating for our furry friends is very important. I was so excited after my private interview as I felt it was the BEST interview that I have ever had in all the competitions I have done. It was 10 minutes of intense and hard core questions about my Platform. Questions about PETA, animal testing, cruelty and fur coats. I didn't know that one of Miss Ohio sponsors gives the new Miss Ohio a mink coat!! Being my platform is about Pets and against cruelty it would be hypocritical of me to accept a mink coat... don't ya think? Even though I would thank them for their support of the program I would ask for a faux fur instead! I think that is a reasonable compromise.

But, the kicker of it all, was when one of the judges admitted to kicking his dog. Yes... this truly happened in my interview. Several of the other judges looked at him like are you serious!! The judge was Kirk Barton, from Columbus, Ohio. A former Ohio State Buckeye football player and currently plays for the Detroit Lions. Google his name and there is a lot of pictures and articles about him. So what do you say to that? I was so shocked and taken back by that statement that I couldn't even concentrate on the next question he was asking. It was like a stab in my heart to hear him admit such a terrible act. So.... I called him on it! His rationale for this statement was.... you know when you come home from a long day and you have had a crappy day and the dog gets under your foot and you kick him to go away!!! Really???? After researching this I found out his dog is a little Yorkie too! My response to that is when I come home and have a bad day, I hug my pets and play with them and I feel so much better after. Sometimes, I will go volunteer at the Humane society to relieve stress and think! The animals are so accepting and loe when you pay attention to them. How can I justify this cruelty by kicking your dog to be excusable because your having a bad day!!! He later said he was joking...... was he really?? then why would you make a statement like that to someone whose platform is against animal cruelty and teaching being a responsible pet owner. Obviously, being a cocky football player excuses that disrespectful behavior.

What I was happy about, having a good interview about my Platform thinking it was awesome turned out to be a nightmare due to a jerk who had no business being on the judges panel. It is so true that Interview can make or break you. There is no way an interview can be judged fairly with a judge like Kirk Barton who shows no respect for himself, his dog or for the Miss Ohio program. To him it was a joke and he made sure he showed it by his actions. This same judge also thinks that Michael Vick is awesome. What part of criminal acts of abuse and cruelty is considered awesome? Vick was sentenced for animal abuse and cruelty, this is not a role model in my opinion. He also admitted to this team mates and fans that he did not give his all when playing before thus not making him a good team player or role model. So......I think I am justified in making the statement that Michael Vick is not a good role model. Even despite all the facts and information to justify my statement Kirk Barton still thought he was awesome. So.... does that mean he condoned dog fighting? Did he participate at some time in this illegal activity? Makes you wonder.

To some my Platform may be a joke to them and may not take me serious, but it means everything to me and it means everything to other people who have the same passion as I do for animals. Pets are my life.... and my future. Just like Football means everything to Kirk Barton, Pets and animals means everything to me. If I respect him and his sport, I think I deserve the same in return. He didn't have to agree with me but should have sit back and listened , maybe he would have learned a few things. Next he will be telling me Dance is not a Sport, when I practice just a much and as hard as he does in Football practice. Even Albert Einstein said "Dancers are the athletes of God". I guess this will be a debate for the next blog time.

Vick for Playgirl or PETA article

Micheal Vick speaking out on dog fighting

Mike Vick article

Second Chance for Michael Vick
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The official Mike Vick website

okay so I found this on Mike Vick's website.....please check this out thought it was very interesting in lieu of his history, he has the nerve to call non-supporters Trolls!! What do you think?

I am a firm believer that everyone deserves a second chance. Despite the fact I still think Vick is poor role model I will say if he is sincere about what he is doing he is trying to make amends. See article here
But is he doing it because he lost it all and trying to regain it and his image that he destroyed or is he sincere about believing this and knows what he did was wrong and wants to make a difference! Time will tell!

HAPPY..... what is it???

2010-03-13T00:46:00.000-08:00

Tell Your Representatives to Pass the HAPPY Act for Pet Care Tax Deductions Now

Targeting: The U.S. House
Started by: Stephanie Feldstein
To some people, a tax deduction for pet care may not seem very important compared to many of the other issues our federal government is dealing with these days. But for 71.4 million American households that own pets, and for the 3-4 million animals euthanized in shelters each year, it's a question of life and death.

Our struggling economy has seen a spike in animals being relinquished to shelters when owners can no longer afford their care. Veterinary offices, like most other businesses, have also seen a drop in client visits, which means that many animals may not be getting the care they need. If people knew the money they spent on their pets could be coming back to them at the end of the year, it might help them keep their four-legged family members, and to keep up with their care. A pet care tax deduction could save pets' lives and reduce the societal costs of sheltering homeless animals.

Don't let the HAPPY (Humanity and Pets Partnership through the Years) Act fall off Congress' agenda - write your representative today!

Vote for HAPPY here

check out this site for more information

Check this out....

2010-03-12T13:17:00.000-08:00

Cat Genie website
Everyone should own one of these.....

Precious Paws in LA website

"I Kick my Dog"

2010-03-09T12:11:00.001-08:00

Check back for the story on this title soon. You will be amazed!

Last Friday- my play day at the TAHS

2010-02-24T02:45:00.000-08:00

Updated pica of George - his wounds are healing and needs more surgeries yet follow his progress by clicking here.....

Other animals at the shelter that need a forever home.......

This is Bear

This is Misty..... I want her!!

This is Mimi

This kitten is Lucky

This is another pic of Misty

This is another pic of Bear

This is Rusty.....

This is Buckeye......

Another pic of Buckeye

This is Simon

This is me with Bear.....

This is a Chow mix puppy

Chow puppies....they just had surgery that day

This puppy is BArney and a little shy

Golden Retriever puppies

Rusty cathchin some rays playing in the snow....

Chow puppy - Sassy

Black Lab puppy.....

Golden Retriever puppies.....

Fluffy but a BIG cat too!......

me getting kisses from one of the puppies.....

Pics from my Volunteer days lately at TAHS....

2010-02-22T12:11:00.000-08:00

A Day of Play at the Toledo Humane Society

2010-02-19T19:02:00.000-08:00

I spent my spare time today interviewing for the job at TAHS which I think went real well. Plus, discussed with the person in charge of the education department regarding getting involved in teaching responsible pet ownership to children. I have 2 camps that I am signed up for this summer already to be a teacher and working on other projects between now and then. This has a two-fold benefit as I can use this as an internship also which will count toward my Grad school application as well as promoting my Platform for Miss Ohio/America. I am sooooo EXCITED about this and now I need focus on finalizing some of the details of my activity booklet that is all about my Platform that I can share with the kids and hope to have completed and published by the time of the camps this summer. Somehow I will have something there even if its a photocopied pages. What a way to introduce my book at the kids camps. I hope I will have a local title and who knows maybe, Miss Ohio title when this happens. Being a Positive role model and promoting responsible pet ownership too! Only positive thoughts!!!

After all of the business details today I got to play!! with the Puppies and Kitties there. My favorite thing to do anyways! Its my stress outlet and I get a renewed spirit about things when I am there. I know I am doing the right thing with my platform when I am around the animals. The support from the TAHS and other volunteers and people there is amazing. I really appreciate the outpouring of support from everyone so..... Thank you.

Pics to follow.....

<3 jess

Too busy to blog!

2010-02-07T10:12:00.000-08:00

Its not that I haven't been doing anything or not working on my platform, but actually the reverse. I have been so busy working on my platform and have lots of pics to download but I haven't had time to post. Maybe I can get mom to do it for me this week. Anyways, I have been very busy with school, work and preparing for competitions again and last night I placed 1st Runner-up at Miss Maple City Scholarship program in Norwalk, Ohio. The title was within my grasp....almost! Soon.... I just know it and I will make my way to the Miss Ohio stage where I will be promoting my platform on PETS - Promoting Education, Training and Safety and the Humane Society!! So excited to have a voice for the animals. Check back soon for more updates about my platform and pictures of furry friends to adopt.

<3 Jess

Toledo Area Humane Society Event

2010-01-15T18:23:00.001-08:00

LOVE a Shelter Animal Event!

Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010
2 pm-4 pm
For ages 7-10
Cost $20
The Toledo Area Humane Society is
offering an exciting program called Love a
Shelter Animal. During this two hour
program, children will learn about pet
responsibility, make kennel cards and dogs
treats, play a game, take a tour and spend
time with the animals of the Toledo Area
Humane Society.

This program is for children aged 7 to 10
years old. To register, please fill out the
registration form on the back or call us at
419-482-7106.

For more information or to register for this class click here

A Stray gets a Second Chance!!

2009-12-17T10:54:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, I visited the Toledo Humane Society and found they have another cruelty case. A dog who was adopted out before came back malnourished and is losing his hair. So he's getting special care now to regain a healthy weight. Plus George is doing real well also. His wounds are healing very well. He has a spot on his forehead that the skin was so burnt that there is some exposed bone, but George doesn't seemed to phased by it. Pics to follow later!

My new animal story for the season is a beautiful orange/brown long haired (very fluffy) female cat showed up at my house this past weekend. I went to leave and opened the door and she was there almost jumping in the front door of my house. She was very friendly and lovable. We fed her and she was starving, eating every last morsel of food. We were able to find out that she was female and still had her front claws too. She seemed to be in good condition thus we were thinking she may belong to someone but no one in my neighborhood claimed her. She didn't have a collar on so we were thinking maybe she was micro chipped. After several attempts to get her to go in the carrier, and let me tell you she fought us and actually eluded us and took off. I had to try to lure her back and when I was able to grabbed her and it took me, my mom and dad to get her in the carrier. She freaked out with us trying to put her in the carrier. We took her to the Humane society to get checked. She was NOT micro chipped as hoped and appeared to be in pretty good shape though, and they estimated her to be around 2 years old. The Humane Society couldn't take her in as they were full and didn't have a vacant spot for her, as well as Paws and Whiskers Cat Rescue and the Toledo animal shelter, so we had no choice but to bring her back home. At least she has food, water and some shelter here at our house. The Toledo Humane society also has a lost list which was checked and no one reported her missing, but they also have a WISH list. The wish list is a family's request for a certain type of breed, color etc. They had someone who was looking for a kitten/cat that fit the description of this one so the TAHS called them and left a message for them to contact me.

We did get a phone call Tuesday night , and tried to send photos via phone but the guy said he didn't live to far from us so he came by. He seemed to be very interested in her and thought she was very pretty too! She did get spooked, probably from earlier trauma , and took off, so I again had to go over to my neighbor's yard and try to lure her back, which she did come to me so I grabbed her and put her in the guys car. He was real excited about her and thought his wife would like her also. They are cat lovers like me, they have 2 other cats at home too! I was excited as were my parents that we were able to find her a home.

On Wednesday, I got a text from the guy that they named her Lucy and she is doing good. Lucy even slept in their room that night and seems to be adjusting fine except getting familiar with the other cats, which takes a few days to adjust. Lucy was going to the vet in a couple of days to get checked too! Lucy's new family are very happy! Another lost/stray cat has been taken off the streets and placed in a nice home. Thanks to the TAHS for the referral and for the family who contacted us and took LUCY in and giving her a great home!!!

George Update!

2009-12-12T22:01:00.000-08:00

Click here for updates on George

Click here for an update on George

TAHS - New puppies up for adoption....

2009-11-24T00:18:00.000-08:00

If you want to adopt a puppy check out TAHS now for a nice selection. These were taken over a week ago so some of the puppies may have been adopted by now. so either check their website or stop by in person. There are other animals to select from also.

Last week I spent a few hours at TAHS playing with puppies.

Introducing George....

2009-11-23T22:49:00.000-08:00

Today, I was given the privilege of meeting George. For those who don't know, George has been on the news lately due to he is a cruelty case brought to the Toledo Area Humane Society around 3 weeks ago. George was badly abused with 3rd degree burns on his head, face and front paws. He miraculously didn't lose his vision but he lost part of his ears and sustained 3rd degree burns. Despite the cruelty bestowed upon this gentle creature he is lovable, very friendly and is very playful. The person(s) responsible for this terrible act of cruelty has not yet been identified. SO... if anyone has any information regarding the details regarding this cruelty case or know of the persons responsible please contact the TAHS or Animal Cruelty Division immediately. This behavior should not go unpunished.

I have been asked so many times when I changed my Platform to Animal Issues, why this platform? What better reason can I give for why? My Platform is very important to me. I want people to be aware of these things that surround animals, such as being a responsible pet owner, promoting safe adoptions, and STOPPING cruelty to animals. My love for animals goes deeper than just being a animal lover and wanting to spend my life and career caring for animals. But also protecting the innocent is very important, stopping animal cruelty and being a VOICE for animals is my mission. Just look at George and tell me you don't feel some compassion for his pain he has endured. Despite his adversity he triumphs and remains a lovable, happy and playful cat. He's the HERO, and those who have worked to save him and help him to recover from the cruelty bestowed on him...thanks to the Toledo Area Humane Society.

These pics are from 3 weeks ago when he first was seen and treated for his injuries.

Today, George and I met for the first time and we bonded immediately. I received kisses and love bites and enjoyed playing with him. I got a few high fives and he was very lovable when I was holding him he was reaching for my face with his paws rubbing his head into me. If I could adopt another cat right now I would put my dibs in on adopting George when he is recovered fully. Below are pics of me and George having bonding and play time. George is really the celebrity here even though I felt special enough to be able to meet him. George is secluded from the other animals so the general public does not get to see him. But don't worry he's comfortable in his accommodations. He's staying in the offices with the staff. From my pics today you can see his wounds are healing very well and he doesn't seem to let his injuries keep him from being mischievous and playful. See my awesome pics below.....

To follow George's story click here

I was given the privilege of meeting George. For those who don't know, George has been on the news lately due to he is a cruelty case brought to the Toledo Area Humane Society around 3 weeks ago. George was badly abused with 3rd degree burns on his head, face and front paws. He miraculously didn't lose his vision but he lost part of his ears and sustained 3rd degree burns. Despite the cruelty bestowed upon this gentle creature he is lovable, very friendly and is very playful. The person(s) responsible for this terrible act of cruelty has not yet been identified. SO... if anyone has any information regarding the details regarding this cruelty case or know of the persons responsible please contact the TAHS or Animal Cruelty Division immediately. This behavior should not go unpunished.

I have been asked so many times when I changed my Platform to Animal Issues, why this platform? What better reason can I give for why? My Platform is very important to me. I want people to be aware of these things that surround animals, such as being a responsible pet owner, promoting safe adoptions, and STOPPING cruelty to animals. My love for animals goes deeper than just being a animal lover and wanting to spend my life and career caring for animals. But also protecting the innocent is very important, stopping animal cruelty and being a VOICE for animals is my mission. Just look at George and tell me you don't feel some compassion for his pain he has endured. Despite his adversity he triumphs and remains a lovable, happy and playful cat. He's the HERO, and those who have worked to save him and help him to recover from the cruelty bestowed on him...thanks to the Toledo Area Humane Society.

Today, George and I met for the first time and we bonded immediately. I received kisses and love bites and enjoyed playing with him. I got a few high fives and he was very lovable when I was holding him he was reaching for my face with his paws rubbing his head into me. If I could adopt another cat right now I would put my dibs in on adopting George when he is recovered fully. Below are pics of me and George having bonding and play time. George is really the celebrity here even though I felt special enough to be able to meet him. George is secluded from the other animals so the general public does not get to see him. But don't worry he's comfortable in his accommodations. He's staying in the offices with the staff. From my pics today you can see his wounds are healing very well and he doesn't seem to let his injuries keep him from being mischievous and playful.

For more pics check out my PETS blog or click here to follow George's Story

Team Scarlett & Gray vs Team Blue & Maize

2009-11-18T12:02:00.000-08:00

The Toledo Area Humane Society is having a head to head challenge between Team Cat (Ohio State) and Team Dog ( Michigan)

Here's the ad promotion:

One night after the shelter closed for the evening all of the cats and dogs gathered in the main cat room to watch TV. The animals were all enjoying their favorite program on Animal Planet when the TV station aired an advertisement for the upcoming Ohio State vs Michigan game. The cats being the frisky creatures that they are didn't waste any time voicing their support for the Michigan team with its powerful wolverine mascot. This brought about a thunderous roar of laughter from the dogs who were quick to point out that the Ohio state Buckeyes were the superior of the two teams. After all, any team that was smart enough to have a mascot that resembles a squeaky ball certainly deserves to be rated number one. They fought like cats and dogs all through the night and when it seemed like they had reached an impasse they decided that there was only one way to settle the debate. The Toledo Area Humane society would host a playoff between Team Cat ad Team Dog to determine who would be the victor.

You can help your team score!

1 point - awarded for each give a buck donation.

1 point - for each donation item received

3 point field goal - for every dog or kitten under 6 months adopted

7 point touchdown - for every adult cat or dog adopted

2 point conversion bonus - for every senior dog or cat over the age of 6

So stop in to the Toledo Humane society today and show your support or ask me for a Ohio State or Michigan ticket for a $1. Only a two days left to cast your vote for the wining team.

In the News..... Dog death toll rises as controversy swirls....

2009-11-09T22:59:00.000-08:00

In the News: This past Sundays Toledo Blade, had front page news regarding the Dog Warden's records show 70 breeds hit by agency extermination policy. Click here for the article

Here are some facts from the article:

2,483 dogs were Euthanized in 2008
1,848 so far this year 2009

Currently:
Owners of unlicensed dogs have at least three full days to claim their pets.
Licensed dogs are kept for at least 14 business days.
Once those periods are up, pound officials determine adoptability.

Breed Name # of dogs / # of puppies/ Total
1. PIT BULL 886/ 46 / 932
2. Lab Retriever 143 / 2 / 145
3. German Shepard 130 / 1 / 131
4. Chow 88 / 11 / 99
5. Boxer 67 / 1/ 68
6. Rottweiler 60/ 0 / 60
7. Beagle 38 / 0 / 38
8. Cocker Spaniel 31 / 0 / 31
9. Retriever 19 / 8 / 27
10. Terrier 19 / 0 / 19
11. Husky 19 / 0 / 19
12. American Bulldog 17 / 1 / 18
13. Shar-pei 16/ 0 / 16
14. Chihuahua 16 / 0 / 16
15. Miniature Pincher 12 / 0 / 12
16. Jack Russell Terrier 11 / 0 / 11
17. Collie 10 / 0 / 10

18-23 Dachshund, Poodle, Doberman, ShitTzu, Mastiff, Australian Cattle Dog, each breed
8 / 0 / 8

24-27 Pug, Pomeranian, border Collie,and Great Dane, each breed
7 / 0 / 7
28-30 Yorkshire Terrier, Australian Shepherd and Sheltie
6 / 0 / 6
31-32 Lhasa Apso and Foxhound
5 / 0 / 5
33-35 Golden Retriever, Akita Inu, and Pointer
4 / 0 / 4
36-38 Bassett Hound, Dalmation, and Boston terrier
3 / 0 / 3
39-46 Grey Hound, Fox Terrier, Basenji, Coon Hound, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Springer Spaniel
German Short hair pointer and Pekinese
2 / 0 / 2
47. Newfoundland 1 / 1 / 2
48-71 Welsh Corgi, Samoyed, Catahoula Leopard dog, Perra de presa Canario, Cairn Terrier
English Bulldog, Cockapoo, cane Corso, Brittany Spaiel, Labradoodle, St Bernard,
Papillon, Shiba Inu, Great Pyrenees, Manchester Terrier, Chesapeake Bay retriever, American
Eskimo, Weimaraner, Miniature Schnauzer, Bichon Frise, West Highland Terrier, Airedale
Terrier, rat Terrrier, sheep dog
1 / 0 / 1

The Lucas county killed 66% of all dogs that entered the pound last year.
The adoption rate is only 13% which is lower than neighoring counties

The dog wardens view on PIT BULL Issue:
"Every "pit bull" without an legal owner is killed, no matter if it is vicious or not, no matter if it is the smallest puppy and has never bitten anyone. They all end up the same: killed, frozen and buried."

The Rottweiler Issue is also a problem: According to the article the dog warden refuses to put Rottweiler's in the pounds adoption areas for the general public, due to supposed gang members or persons described as being involved in dog fights
or using dogs in the wrong way.....come through kicking the cages to see if the dog is mean enough to want to adopt.

The Dog Pound is supported by proceeds from the 62,500 dog licenses issued in Lucas county. The annual License carries a $25 fee, the highest in Ohio. Dogs find thiur way into the warden's kennels in several ways, including impoundment and owner surrender. After the surrender period is up the dog pound official determine whether a dog is a candidate for adoption by checking the dog's health and behavior, observe the animal while walked, played and fed. I find this interesting that the temperament test consists of a squeeze of the animals genitals. Mr Shelden explained " A dog that will allow you to do that is a dog that isn't going to bite some kid who happens to step on his toe."

The adoptable dogs after the initial 2 weeks are transferred to the Toledo Area Humane Society where they are put up for adoption. The TAHS receive the dogs free of charge and in exchange provides spay and neutering services for the pound for a fee of $65 a dog.

John Dinon the TAHS Executive Director said the organization received 281 dogs from the warden so far this year more than last year which was 258 which they do find homes for, they have a 100% adoption rate on adoptable dogs. The TAHS could take more dogs and gets imported dogs from Hardin, Carroll, Franklin and Montgomery counties, because it can't get enough dogs here. The TAHS accepts every dog they receive from the pound.

Survey conducted by the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine estimates that:

46% of all dogs handled by state animal care and control agencies were euthanized in 2004, down from 61% in 1996.

Proposal:
To reduce euthanasia rates and increase adoptions in Lucas county Commissioner Pete Gerken recently proposed that the humane society review all non-vicious dogs at the county pound after the three-day and 14 day waiting period. All dogs deemed adoptable would be transferred to the TAHS and put up for adoption. No one wants to make the decision rather a dog lives or dies.

Euthansia Rates for dogs in neighboring counties: See article click here

Wood County: 40%
2008 283 of 768 dogs
2009 219 of 552 ( of the 219 euthanized 134 were unadoptable)
Adoption rate for adoptable dogs is 82.6%

Monroe County 36%
2008 - 443 of 1231 dogs
2009 - 329 0f 938 (260 of those were owner surrendered who paid the $25 euthansia fee)

Fulton County: 38%
2008 - 384 of 1007 dogs
2009 - 192 of 675 dogs = 28%

Ottawa County: 45%
2008 - 101 of 224 dogs
2009 - 37 of 133 = 28%
`

Paw for Pets Campaign.....

2009-10-28T11:30:00.000-07:00

I recently sent out Sponsor letters for seeking Sponsors for the Children's Miracle Network and my Platform P.E.T.S. - Promoting Education, Training and Safety of Pets or my Paws for Pets Campaign. I was asking for $1 donations and In addition to receiving donations to the CMN for me to compete in the Miss Ohio Program I have also raised money for the Toledo Area Humane Society which I am very excited about.

Thanks to my SPONSORS for my Platform:

Aunt Marlene and Uncle Fran Coressel
William & Alison Blondheim (cousins)

Its not too late to donate to a worthy cause by sending your $1 donation today!

Thanks for your support!!

<3 Jess

FUR BALL Event

2009-10-17T13:41:00.001-07:00

The Fur Ball
Saturday, October 24
Franciscan Center at Lourdes College
6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania
6 p.m. - midnight

This year’s theme is celebrating our 125th anniversary—
Toledo Area Humane Society Through The Years!
We will be featuring a period fashion show through the decades featuring alumni dogs, cats and their owners!
ive music from the HomeWreckers, dancing, food,
auctions and a great time for all!
Tickets are $100 per person and will be available for purchase below!
For additional information please call 419-482-7101!

All proceeds from The Fur Ball benefit the homeless animals of the Toledo Area Humane Society!

METROBARKS was a howling good time.....

2009-08-30T03:02:00.000-07:00

I had a really good time volunteering at the Metrobarks event at Secor Park. Most of the time I was playing with the dogs, my favorite thing of course. But, I was there promoting my platform and raising money for the Toledo Area Humane Society by selling my candy suckers. The suckers may also be purchased at the Toledo Humane Society on Indian Wood Circle for $1.00 each. All proceeds go to the TAHS, so if you stop in please support my platform and TAHS by purchasing one.

I have pics that I will post soon, pictures can also be viewed on facebook by the Toledo Area Humane Society too. Become a friend and view the pictures and other information they have to offer.

Next event will be October 31, 2009..... which will be launching my new fund-raiser for my newly developed foundation and promoting my platform. Details to follow..... check back for more information regarding my foundation, the event and update of photos.

Thanks <3 Jess

METRO BARKS Event

2009-08-13T02:46:00.000-07:00

Come have a Doggone Good Time at the annual MetroBarks Festival on Saturday August 22, 2009 sponsored by the Toledo Area Humane Society at the Secor Metropark (US20 Central Ave. six miles west of US23/I-475) from 11am to 5 pm. Admission is free!

Join us for these activities throughout the day!!

1130 am, 1pm and 230 pm - Flying Aces Frisbee Dog Show

1200 pm, 130 pm and 3pm - Musical Entertainement by the Toledo School for the Arts

1200 noon to 4 pm - MUTT Show, Agility Demonstrations, Dog Care & Safety Education Presentations.

There will be PRIZES given for the MUTT Show Comepetitions like longest/shortest tail, best-dressed and more!!

Come CELEBRATE with the Toledo Area Humane Society for 125 years of dedicated service to our community! More information to follow!!

<3 Jess

My volunteering Days....

2009-08-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

I have been spending more time at The Toledo Humane Society. I recently was volunteering when they had their "smitten for Kittens" campaign. Most of the kittens were up for adoption for $100.00 which included Spay/neuter, microchipping, First shots and deworming, leukemia test, vet checked and free followup vet check and other little perks. Not only did I help to promote this by telling everyone I know... we adopted a 8 week old male kitten. Our "Master Yoda".... he really looks like a Yoda. Anyways we have a new addition to our family.

Since we got him in June, he's become quite the little personality in our house. Our vet thinks he's hysterical with his growling and grouching..hahaha. But when he wants love and attention he is adorable. Mom wasn't happy when he decided to jump from the recliner onto the curtains hanging mid air looking around the room then jumps back down. But since have had him front declawed. No more scratches on my face and legs at least but he still likes to bite your feet and toes.

I have a lot of pics to post on here of my times at the Humane Society, and playing with the dogs too! I would like to say I was walking them but they were actually taking me for a walk. If I could adopt some of them I would, but I already have a house full of pets right now and my dad is like NO MORE!!!! 3 cats and 2 dogs I guess is enough! Anyways if you are looking for a great pet there are several cats and dogs at the TAHS up for adoption that would make great pets, please check them out.

I have also made some progress on my platform and starting a new campaign called for PAWS4PETS Campaign. This will be introduced August 22. I will post more information soon so check back for the major event details. I am so excited to get my promotion started and the support of the Toledo Area Humane Society. Its just the beginning!! Many other promotions are being put into action and looking forward to starting to really promote and build my platform. "The ABCs of Owning a Pet" which promotes Being a responsible pet owner and teaching pet health and safety. I am also working on my coloring book that hopefully will be done by winter, but great works take time so its a work of art in progress right now.

<3 Jess

The Toledo Area Humane Society - Animal Wish List

2009-07-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

The following items are needed by the TAHS. If you can donate any item (s) listed below please contact me for pick-up or you can deliver to the TAHS directly. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated.

<3 Jess

Animal Wish List

For the Animals :
Cat litter (non-scooping please!)
"Canned" dog & cat food
Dog & cat toys & treats
Kongs
Stainless steel bowls
Peanut butter
Nylabones & harvest chews
Shoe boxes (for cats to play in)
For Animal Care
Bath towels (new or slightly used)
High efficiency laundry detergent
bleach
Rubbing alcohol
Distilled water & scrub sponges
Baking soda
Dish soap & paper towels
Plastic garage bags

Office Supplies (to offset costs)
Gas cards (for our cruelty officers)
8 1/2 x 11 copy paper
Batteries "AA"

Launching my NEW Campaign...... Paws4Pets

2009-07-20T12:07:00.000-07:00

In addition to my volunteer work at the Toledo Area Humane Society I have been working on a fund-raising campaign to raise money to help the Toledo Area Humane Society and support all the furry friends that currently live there. I am hashing out a few final details. Once everything is worked out and I finalize my promotional announcement. I will post here. Looking forward to getting this started. :)

<3 Jess

Volunteering at the Toledo Humane Society.....

2009-03-19T11:52:00.000-07:00

The best part of volunteering is I get to play with all the dogs and cats.... The dogs take me for a walk instead of me taking them, hehe and the cats they just love to follow me around and curl up in my lap..... here's some more pics:

Volunteering......

2009-02-16T03:57:00.000-08:00

Here I am.... Volunteering.... at my favorite place..... the Toledo Area Humane Society.

What other place to you get to play with the cute little puppies and kittys...... this little puppy wasn't here but a few days til he was adopted..... I so would have adopted him too! He was a pure breed AKC Rat Terrier..... whose owner picked him up in Columbus got back to Toledo decided they didn't want him and dropped him off at Humane Society. He was only about 8 weeks old and spent less than 5 days here before being adopted. Isn't he cute!!!!

The TAHS has lots of kittens for adoption as well as a lot of older cats too! Just waiting for someone to give them a home and love..... Come check them out today...... Adopt a pet! from your local Toledo Area Humane Society today............................. My new slogan...... "Everyone should have a puppy!!" or kitty....... hehe

HAPPY VALENTINE's DAY.......

2009-02-14T15:47:00.000-08:00

I love this photo....thanks Abby for the pic.........

Why I chose my Platform for Miss Ohio

2009-02-12T20:21:00.000-08:00

From the beginning when I first decided to compete for Miss Ohio I wanted my Platform to involve our pets and animals. But..... I didn't. I started out my first prelim platforming for Dyslexia. Yes.... I have Dyslexia but I have never used it as a crutch or a handicap to my advantage. Most people never really knew I suffered from this learning disability until I started building my Platform. I started a youth group in my school called DISS- Dyslexic Individuals Supporting Students. It started out slow and small but had some members who truly were interested in the group. We mostly got together and talked about our struggles and how we cope with them..... At my first prelim during Interview was when I really got a taste of feeling and being Dyslexic. When the judges found out I was, I almost felt like I was then treated as I was Handicap and couldn't handle the conversation. I knew then that I didn't want to talk about this subject as it brought back a lot of memories of being treated differently and like being laughed at because I couldn't read as well or as fast....... But all along something inside me kept going back to my original thought about my Platform being about animals...I had a greater calling and passion that was just screaming to be recognized....... so I made the decision! I was advised that this could be a difficult task to sell due to its nature about animals and not people. There are non-animals lovers out there who will judge me and not understand my passion and the path I have chosen to follow. Over the past months I have reworded and changed things to get the message to more of what I want it to be but this is why I chose my Platform.........

My first kitty...... Amidala...... disappeared December 7, 2007.

She somehow snuck out the open door and we never saw her again. We spent months searching for her daily and for hours at a time in the cold weather even trying to follow any possible lead. We advertised in the paper, radio and put up lost flyers at all pet stores and all veterinarian offices in a 50 mile radius from our home. We delivered flyers to the entire sections around our home 5 miles in each direction....... over 2000 flyers were distributed. She was never recovered. I was very sad over this but I know it affected my mom more as Amidala actually was more of my mom's baby as the years went on. As we adopted more pets..... Leia was supposed to be mom's cat but actually is mine. Mom has not given up or hoping that Amidala will find her way back home to us. Each year hundreds and thousands of animals are lost yearly and most are never recovered. She was the reason that I made the decision to change my Platform. This is my baby... Leia......... This is... Palmer
This is our rescue...... we saved him and his Mama and 3 siblings at Band Camp at Camp Palmer in Fayette, Ohio. Palmer Rebel and his 3 siblings were baby kittens when they were found by me and the girls in my cabin. Mom went to the nearest town and bought them food, litter and flea collars while we were at the camp. We kept the mama and the 3 siblings in another empty cabin next to us, but Palmer stayed in the cabin with me and the girls. See we found him first wandering around the path all by himself. We didn't find the others until days later. Mom brought all the kitty's home and before leaving the high school had found new homes for all of them including the mother. We kept Palmer...... even though we had several families that offered to take him too! Mom and I couldn't part with him, we were already too attached.... Palmer was named for where he was found and after our school......thus Palmer Rebel...... he became our band mascot too! Everyone knows who Palmer rebel is........

Thank God for Palmer....... because he came along right before Amidala disappeared and has been a lot of comfort to mom even though she still loves and misses Amidala. He is definitely her baby. He follows her everywhere she goes. He loves her, he probably thinks she's his mom..... well she is in a way. Then theres Annie and Odin.
This was taken a Christmas time..... that's Annie with the toy in her mouth..... and Odin is right next to her. Annie is 4 and will be 5 this summer and Odin will be 8 this year....... Odin is dad's dog most definitely and Annie is mine and mom's but truthfully she loves dad more. But we love them too! The both are purebreed (champion bloodlines) AKC registered Golden Retrievers. Odin due to hip dysplasia and medical problems is neutered but Annie is still available..... looking to maybe breed her this year one time then probably will have her fixed after that as well. Both of the cats are also fixed and all are micro-chipped. We micro-chipped them after Amidala disappeared to protect them and hopefully for a faster and safer return in case the collars were some how removed our lost.

If you have read this blog in its entirety then you know more about me, but for anyone new just reading this for the first time...... These guys are why I changed my platform to animals..... I want to be a Veterinarian. This has been a dream and goal of mine since I can remember. Its all I talk about... I want to someday own my own Clinic and do nothing but take care of animals. I can't express enough how important this is too me.... Imagine a little kid opening a Christmas present on Christmas morning getting that special gift that they asked Santa for and their eyes light up and they are so excited and happy that Santa brought that toy to them....... well that's me when I am around animals. Rather its my own, a friends pets, pets I see out on the street or the one's at the Humane Society when I volunteer. Its like a gift...... and I get excited about it.

I am studying right now at the University of Toledo in the PRE-Vet Program as a Biology Major. Once I achieve my undergraduate diploma then I am hoping that I will have been accepted in the Graduate School at the Ohio State School of Veterinary Medicine. This is my Dream..... my Goal....My Passion! What better reason do I need for a Platform! Even if I wasn't competing to be Miss Ohio this would still be my Dream.....my Goal....my Passion!

Friends at TAHS

2008-12-10T13:45:00.000-08:00

Check out pics of many friends at the Toledo Area Humane Society that need a forever home.....

here are a few pics

click here to see more furry friends who need an adoptive home

CUTE Pet picture of the day or week!!!

2008-11-04T12:01:00.000-08:00

TOO CUTE pictures of the Day.....

2008-10-09T21:43:00.001-07:00

I Love these two pics... they are so cute!!!

Toledo Area Humane Society

2008-09-24T23:16:00.000-07:00

I have already attended the Orientation for the Humane Society and this weekend I will be shadowing a Veterinarian and staff, before I start my Volunteer work there. I am really excited about this because it is one step closer to what I want to do in life anyways. I get to play with the puppies and kittens and they have rabbits there too, plus it is giving me chance to build my Platform....... During my orientation I spoke with the Director and I was encouraged by our conversation as she wants to discuss this further with me and promote my Platform as well. She was as excited about it as I was. I may be able to work on some of my fund-raising ideas and share that there at the Humane Society! As I have them more details will be coming...... I'll post some pics soon as I get some this weekend....... I will also be shadowing and interviewing my pet's Veterinarian for a College project that I am writing a paper on for the Orientation class I had to take this semester. The paper has to be about our field of work or degree we are pursuing. So I am looking forward to an afternoon at Pondview Clinic in Archbold, Ohio with Dr. Pat and the staff. Update you later................

Cute Pet Pic of the Week!!

2008-09-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

This was kinda of an appropriate pic for this week since this is the new beginning of my workout regime as I am hitting the gym!! I am concentrating on me for awhile, and focusing on my goal of being Miss Ohio!!

New Cute Animal Pic for the Week!!!!

2008-09-02T13:06:00.002-07:00

Awhhhhh! This is the Life!!!!

Enter your favorite pup or kitty in the Precious Pet of the Month Contest!
See website for details..........

Cute Animal Pic of Today!!!!

2008-08-22T01:30:00.001-07:00

Don't even look at it.....it's Mine!!!!!

Cute Animal Pic of the Day!!

2008-08-12T00:26:00.000-07:00

"Geez....I hope this thing doesn't ring and wake me up!!!!"

Cute Animal Pic of the Day.....

2008-08-08T07:37:00.001-07:00

TGIF!!!!!

These are cool kitties....sunbathing!!!

Two faced kitten has died....

2008-08-07T09:10:00.000-07:00

The two faced kitten born in Northwood a week ago has died yesterday!! How sad :(

Animal Pic of the Day....

2008-08-06T11:59:00.000-07:00

"What do you mean I look green today!??!!??......

this would be a great animal picture for my Most Precious Pet of the Month Contest. Don't forget to check out the blog for contest details.... @ http://preciouspetcontest.blogspot.com

Two faced Kitten

2008-08-05T02:51:00.000-07:00

A kitten born few days ago in Northwood, Ohio is making news because it has 4 eyes, 2 noses and one mouth.... appears to be healthy and doing well..so cute!!

See article on WTOL11 news at http://www.wtol.com/Global/story.asp?S=8786888

For video - see above link...unable to download at this time

My First Competition Supporting my Platform.....

2008-07-30T21:38:00.001-07:00

Well July 26th at Miss Greater Cleveland was my first time of promoting my platform at Miss Ohio level... I felt good about it, but I am not sure about the judges and what they thought. I think they were thinking I was a fanatic person until they asked me questions. The message I want to get out there is regarding Responsible Pet Ownership. By being a responsible pet owner, then our pets will be healthy and safe. I just want all pets to be safe, have a safe environment to live in, be feed healthy and appropriate food, have routine checkups with a Veterinarian and receive vaccinations to keep from getting disease and safeguard from theft or if a pet is lost by micro-chipping and up to date registration systems to track these pets. I am against abuse and neglect at any level. That is not acceptable! It is our responsibilty as a pet owner to protect our pets and keep them safe from harm just as we would do for our family members. A pet is a part of the family when you adopt it and should be treated as such. Just some food for thought.....If we want the rights to own any pet of our choosing rather it be a chihuhua or a pit bull then we have to show proper pet ownership in order to keep those rights and not have our city, county or state's dictate to us what type of pet we can own. Thus putting a stop to communities that are banning owning certain animals. I will continue my quest to promote pet health and safety despite what obstacles any judge may put before me or make me feel that this isn't worthy enough of a platform for Miss Ohio......because it is what I believe in and what matters to me. I have prepared myself and worked very hard toward that goal of becoming a Veterinarian. As I want to make a difference in the life of a pet or any animal I may take care of someday.

How could you not love these faces??????.....

Will you be my Friend???

2008-07-10T02:39:00.000-07:00

Will you be my friend?

Hi There!

Go Away!!!

No.... talk to me!!

Let's hang out for awhile!

See...I'm not so bad after all!!!

Anger Management

2008-03-17T18:44:00.000-07:00

I thought this was funny....this was sent to my email by a friend. I love my kitties too! but I thought this was adorable.

Sometimes when you are
angry with someone,
It helps to sit down and
think about the problem!!

Welcome .....

2008-02-14T09:51:00.001-08:00

I created this blog to promote Animal Awareness..... promoting Healthy Pets and Safe pets. Most of my friends know that I want to be a Veterinarian. I have been accepted into the Pre-Vet Programs at University of Toledo, BGSU, and Heidelberg College. I have decided to attend the University of Toledo and major in Chemistry with Pre-Veterinarian intention and Minor in Music Theatre. Then I most likely will go on to Ohio State University for Graduate School.

I am so excited about my career choice.....I love Pets.... and I love all my pets. My Pet Family consists of 2 dogs and 3 cats. We have two beautiful Golden Retrievers....AKC certified. King Odin will be 7 years old this summer and we also call him Bubba.... he has arthritic hips and doesn't move too quickly sometimes but guards our backyard just fine. Galadriel 2's Lady Anastasia aka Annie will be 4 years old this summer. She still acts like a pup. She has a Elvis snarl when she is nervous and is chewer at times, so we have to watch her closely.... We also have three kitties. Queen Amidala or fluffly butt is who this site is dedicated to. She is the oldest and my first pet at 8 1/2 years old. She is very special as she was a rescue and sickly when we got her, we weren't sure she would survive, but she is a fighter that's for sure. Over the years.... she had become more of my mom's cat than mine which was okay. Amidala snuck out the door on Dec 8, 2007 and disappeared. We haven't been able to find her, despite endless searching, flyers, signs, newspaper ads, radio news and assistance of pet psychics and missing signs at all the veterinarians and pet shops in the city of Toledo and surrounding areas. We think someone took her in and they don't want to give her back. Then we have Princess Leia.... I guess you can tell by now that I love Star Wars. Well, Leia is definitely a Princess.... we also called her Evil Spawn when she was little because she was so mean to Amidala at times then as she got older we called her Fat Cat because she is a chunk... she weighs about 14 + lbs now....compared to Amidala who only weighed between 6-7 lbs. Leia, is 5 years old, and is a tuxedo cat. She had been standoffish up until Amidala disappeared then she was really depressed and is just now starting to come around but is more attention seeking and has very affectionate moments.... Then there is Palmer.... Palmer Rebel is the newest addition to our family, he is a white flame tip Siamese with blue eyes and is about 7 months old. We found Palmer at Camp Palmer in Fayette, Ohio last August when the Bowsher High School Marching Band was at Band Camp. Palmer stayed in our cabin with us all week, mom went to the store and bought litter, cat food etc to take care of him....before the week was over we also found Palmer's mom and three other baby kittens, so we kept them in a empty cabin near ours and kept them warm and fed them. Then mom brought them home with her and before we left Bowsher she had found homes for Palmer's mom and siblings and even had takers for Palmer if we didn't keep him..... Dad wasn't too happy about it but mom said she wanted to keep him because he was so darm cute and loveable.....which he still is....Palmer got his name for where we found him, me and the girls in my cabin named him and Rebel for the Bowsher Rebels.... After all.... it was appropriate for the Head Drum Major to keep the Band Mascot right? So, that is my pet family.....

Since Amidala has disappeared we have been leaving fresh food and water daily for her and have adopted a stray cat that comes around, she is still skidish of us but doesn't run to far when we are near now, but is beautiful, all black long-haired, very fluffy with orange eyes. Mom wants to bring her in and adopt her and keep her as an indoor kitty but my dad glares at her when she suggests it, so she hasn't yet but she is trying to provide food and shelter for it during the cold months. We hope that Amidala will find her way home soon.... we miss her a lot!

Queen Amidala has been missing since Saturday, December 8th. She some how snuck out and we haven't been able to locate her! Several people have told us over the past 2 days that they saw a cat like her around but mom and I haven't been able to find her!
We miss her a lot, and are devastated that she has disappeared. We have combed the neighborhood and delivered flyers to most within a close proximity. We did get a couple of leads but nothing panned out. Say a Prayer.... that she is okay and will be found very soon! Amidala is 8 1/2 years old, gray and white long haired domestic cat with green eyes. She is an indoor pet and front declawed. Leia and Palmer are missing her too!!
Amidala and Palmer

Guess who got caged... Leia, while Palmer plays with Amidala