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

A Day of Play at the Toledo Humane Society

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!

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

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!!

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!

Click here for updates on George



Click here for an update on George

TAHS - New puppies up for adoption....

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....

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

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....

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%
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