January 30, 2011 at 3:25 pm by Helen Neafsey
 Sometimes Tango knows when I feel anxious, or worried. Photo/Helen Neafsey My adopted sato dog, from Puerto Rico, Tango, knows when I upset. She cuddles against me and kisses my hand until I calm down. Apparently many people think that their pets are psychic. -HN
SUE MANNING – MODIFIED FROM ORIGINAL AP STORY
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Lassie could always sense when Timmy was in trouble. Black Beauty knew the bridge was out.
Now two-thirds of American pet owners say they can relate — their pets have a sixth sense about bad weather. Forty-three percent say the same about bad news, according to an Associated Press-Petside.com poll.
Seventy-two percent of dog owners said they’ve gotten weather warnings from their pets, compared with 66 percent of cat owners.
For bad news, 47 percent of dog owners and 41 percent of cat owners said they’ve been alerted by their pets, according to the poll conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs and Corporate Communications.
Jim Fulstone says his farm dog, a Pomeranian named Austin, gives warnings about 15 minutes before earthquakes and 45 minutes before thunderstorms
“He’ll run around in circles and look at you. If you sit down, he’ll sit down with you. If you are outside, he will come up to you, run around, look off, sniff your leg, just kind of be there. He’s a lot more active,” said Fulstone, 65, of Wellington, Nev. “For the quakes, he was very alert and started barking and doing his run-around routine.”
The reason? Hard to know.
“A sixth sense is something we can’t explain but we tend to trust. It’s a matter of belief and faith,” said psychologist Stephanie LaFarge, the senior director of counseling services for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Scientists have suggested animals sense bad weather because of changes in barometric pressure or other factors, LaFarge said, and dogs anticipate seizures, low blood sugar or other medical problems because of hormonal changes. But they haven’t figured out what alerts pets to earthquakes, bad news or other events — or if it’s just in the eyes of their owners.
Kay Moore, 64, of Loma Linda, Calif., said she gets quake warnings from her dogs, Brie, a 90-pound yellow Lab and Great Dane mix, and Lola, a 50-pound basset hound. “They get very, very hyper,” Moore said.
If a friend or relative comes to the door, Lady, a 4-year-old golden retriever mix, doesn’t even bother to get up, said Stacey Jones, 50, of Stone Mountain, Ga. But if it’s a stranger, she goes on minor alert, she said.
Lady’s sixth-sense tendencies are very subtle, said the Atlanta university writer and editor.
But 18 years ago, when Jones was ordered to bed toward the end of her pregnancy, her dog Silver “planted herself next to me and would not leave. She knew something was going on with the baby and it was her job to take care of the baby.”
Anne Radley was raped and suffers from post traumatic stress syndrome. If she has an episode or panic attack, whether it lasts a few minutes or all day, she can count on her three dogs and four cats.
“If I have high anxiety, I have pets all over me. All of the pets will come and try to cuddle. It gets a little crowded, but they all do it,” said the 37-year-old Hiawatha, Kan., mother of two.
They are led by Mickey, about 15, a mixed breed terrier she got from a rescue 10 years ago. He can’t see her pain, Radley said, because he has gone blind, so she is sure it is a sixth sense.
He has always watched over her daughters and if they get sick, he will not only cuddle them, but cuddle them exactly where they hurt, she said. “He warms them up, he’s a little heating pad. He’s always done that.”
LaFarge has had similar brushes with a pet’s sixth sense.
“I have been awakened in the middle of the night by a dog,” she said. “Very shortly after that, I received some very, very shocking bad news. I was awake when the phone rang. I couldn’t explain why I was awake except the dog was next to me nudging me. How did the dog know my father died at midnight?”
Bridget Pilloud of Portland, Ore., a pet psychic who prefers the title “intuitive animal communicator,” is a believer.
She has a client who keeps her dog’s ear medicine and his dog treats in the same drawer. “When she goes to get the treats, he is sitting there waiting for them. When she goes for the medicine, he’s not there. The dog just knows.”
How do pets convey their concerns?
Sixty-four percent of those polled said their pets tried to hide in a safe place, 56 percent said they whined or cried, 52 percent said they became hyperactive, erratic or made unpredictable movements, and 36 percent said they barked or meowed persistently. Often, they use more than one form of communication.
If a storm is coming, Emma, 3, a longhaired miniature dachshund, and Bella, a 7-month-old miniature Chihuahua, will mope around, make noise and hide under the bed.
When owner Timothy Gilbert, 43, a telephone communications foreman from Mabank, Texas, gets a cold, “Emma will come lay with me. She can tell when things are wrong. She kept talking to me, letting me know it would be OK.”
Gilbert believes all animals are born with a sixth sense, and they’re more likely to show it if they have strong bonds with their owners. Otherwise, “humans tend to think they have a dumb dog, a lazy dog or a worthless dog,” he said.
The AP-Petside.com Poll was conducted Oct. 13-20, 2010, by GfK Roper Public Affairs and Corporate Communications. It involved landline and cell phone interviews with 1,000 pet owners nationwide, and has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 4.0 percentage points.
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Deputy Director of Polling Jennifer Agiesta contributed to this report.
January 20, 2011 at 2:06 pm by Helen Neafsey
REBECCA ROLWING,Southeast Missourian
 Christine Spanley, center, and her daughters Madison, 12, left, and Olivia, 8, right, play with their dog Ellie at their home in Jackson on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011. Spanley has fostered and adopted multiple animals from Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary, including Ellie. (AP Photo, Southeast Missourian, Kristin Eberts)
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) — A 3 a.m. daily wake-up call of fur in the face is one of Christine Spanley’s favorite rituals with her adopted cat, Zoey.
Spanley, a Jackson resident, first met Zoey last year while serving as the foster caretaker for a litter of kittens from Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary in Jackson. Spanley has served as a volunteer at Safe Harbor since 2007 and has been fostering animals since 2008. She has fostered numerous cats and dogs through the years and has adopted some of them as a result. Zoey, three other cats and a dog all started as temporary residents in the Spanley home.
“It’s a great experience,” Spanley said. “Once they’re gone I really miss it. There’s nothing sweeter than little kittens.”
Spanley said she has been a cat lover all of her life thanks to being exposed to animals at a young age. Living in the country, her family had an abundant amount of cats and dogs that were not always able to receive medical attention.
“I always swore to myself I would never let that happen to my pets,” she said. “It’s rewarding to me to see kittens in a nice safe environment. I do what it takes to make them into good, healthy kittens.”
As a foster caretaker, Spanley receives help from the shelter to provide for the animals.
“We can provide medications, veterinarian care and food for any fosters,” said Alice Wybert, director of Safe Harbor.
Wybert said individuals who wish to foster should be compassionate, caring and patient. Caretakers must be at least 18 years old. The process of becoming a foster with Safe Harbor includes a home visit, a background check and paperwork.
“You want to provide a safe environment for your animal like you would your children,” Wybert said.
Fosters can choose what type of animal they would prefer and how long they wish to care for the animal.
“We would like for someone to try it for a week or two,” Wybert said. “Overnight doesn’t work. You have to give things a little time.”
Currently, Safe Harbor has 223 cats and kittens and 16 dogs available for fostering. Putting the animals with a family — even if it’s only temporary — helps socialize them and frees up space at the shelters.
Along with Safe Harbor, the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri also has a fostering program.
Cheryle Dillon, director of the Humane Society, said individuals interested in fostering an animal can fill out an application at the shelter. The Humane Society requires veterinarian checkups for the animal and the foster caretaker to be at least 21 years old.
Dillon said a suitable individual for the fostering program is a person who wants a companion but cannot afford to adopt with the medical expenses.
“The foster fills that gap,” she said.
Rochelle Steffen, a Cape Girardeau resident and eight-year volunteer at the Humane Society, became a foster for her first litter of kittens last year and since has fostered three litters.
“I can’t have 40 dogs, but I sure can help 40 animals,” Steffen said.
 Christine Spanley, right, and her daughters Madison, 12, left, and Olivia, 8, center, play with the family's dogs Biscuit, left, and Ellie, right, at their home in Jackson on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011. Spanley has fostered and adopted multiple animals from Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary, including Ellie. (AP Photo, Southeast Missourian, Kristin Eberts) Establishing a larger volunteer base is crucial at both Safe Harbor and the Humane Society in order to help prepare the animals for adoption.
“The public appreciates us taking the next step of trying to make the animals more adoptable,” Dillon said. “The more help we get from the community the more help we can give the community.”
Currently Safe Harbor has an average of 20 volunteers and the Humane Society averages around 10 volunteers for fostering.
“I have some people come out here and they just work and work and work. They are few and far between,” Wybert said. “I just wish more people would volunteer or foster. What expense do you have other than your love and your time?”
On the first Saturday of every month, Safe Harbor and the Humane Society team up with other rescue centers in the area for Fostering Hope at PETCO in Cape Girardeau where people can see some of the animals available for fostering and learn more information about the programs.
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Information from: Southeast Missourian, http://www.semissourian.com
January 11, 2011 at 5:10 pm by Helen Neafsey
Wow! Finally the new Animal Control’s new building is ready. All the dogs and cats and bunny are happily nestled in their new digs. The facility is on North Street. Like a posh night club, there is no name or address as of yet, only a large unmarked mail box. Hopefully that will change. The building is next to North Street School.
 Animal Control's new building on North Street, Greenwich.  Animal Control Officer, Suzanne Carlin, left, pets 2 brother dogs, one who Justin Smith and Catherine LoBalbo, of Cos Cob, already adopted from Animal Control, and one that they are adopting, in the new building.  Dogs have a large room just for them in the new Animal Control building.  Inside Animal Control's new building, cats have a room to themselves.  A place for the dogs to run and play.  Animal Control Officer, Suzanne Carlin, stands at the front office. Congratulations. Let the adoptions begin!
January 4, 2011 at 7:45 pm by Helen Neafsey
The Greenwich Animal Control facility has finally moved to their newly finished facility. When I found them on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011, they were clearing out everything from the Museum Drive facility: cats, dogs, and even a rabbit. Bill Petersen, kennel manager, had mixed feelings. He said the dogs will be happy with more space, but the cats have gone to a smaller crates. Well, we will find out on Wednesday, Jan. 5.
 Bill Petersen, kennel manager and Suzanne Carlin, animal control officer say to the old facility.  The old facility at Museum Drive.  Bill Petersen and Suzanne Carlin move the cats.  Karl Petrovich, from the Greenwich DPW, helps with the move.  Bill Petersen cleans the dog beds before more.  Bill Petersen and Suzanne Carlin ready to go.  Cats are ready to go.
January 2, 2011 at 4:09 pm by Helen Neafsey
During December, the greatest challenge of 2010 for Adopt-A-Dog, has been when they were called to assist in a hoarding situation.
“We have taken in 37 puppies and adults so far, ” said Adopt-A-Dog’s president, Allyson Halm.
“We are grateful that we were able to help when the request came in. Timing is always key and we happened to have the space and resources. We have reached out to other shelters for assistance. These situations are very sensitive and the goal is to help the animals.”
Photographer Geoff Tischman of Tischman Pet Photography has photographed these poor soulful dogs. Adopt-A-Dog‘s website said that these dogs are now available for adoption, and support is welcome.
 Gramps  Lilly  Lucy  Luke  Macy  Nancy  Reggie  Sam  Sugar Plum  Winky  Yoda  Fred  Dorothy  Eve
December 30, 2010 at 5:28 pm by Helen Neafsey
Here is Gandhi!
 Gandhi! My standard poodle passed away last June. He was 14 years old. I have 2 other shelter dogs, who are wonderful. Shadow was the elegant breed dog. He was the quiet leader. All the animals love him, even the cat. We all really missed him.
 Shadow After some time, I thought about the breeder who gave me Shadow. I discovered that Alexander Poodles, from Hillsdale, New York was still in business. I spent hours looking at http://alexanderpoodles.com/ . I found that Alexander Poodles had a new litter of puppies. The mother was white and the father was black. All the puppies were black. There were 9 puppies in all.
Finally, after a lot of thinking, I called Joan Alexander. Her warmth persuaded me to buy one of the puppies. Yikes!
The puppies were born on Oct. 2, 2010. I made the trip up north to Hillsdale, N.Y., on Dec. 10, 2010. I found my puppy, Gandhi, playing with his mom.
 Sugar Pop, his mother, gives Gandhi a kiss.  Gandhi says goodbye to his mother. Gandhi didn’t get car sick, and he slept well. The next morning he was all ready to explore his new home.
 - Gandhi’s first day at home.
He quickly learned fetch. I’ve even taught him to sit.
 - Gandhi is always ready for fun.
I am hoping he will be like Shadow, and like Mahatma Gandhi, a quiet leader, a saint, a gentle soul.
October 12, 2010 at 6:05 pm by Helen Neafsey
The sky was bright blue, a warm fall Saturday, perfect for Puttin’ on the Dog Show, a festival to benefit Adopt-A-Dog. Allyson Halm, Adopt-A-Dog president, felt good about what is the biggest benefit of their year. “Our 23rd Puttin’ on the Dog was wonderful,” she said. “Thanks to all our volunteers and the community.”
 Allyson Halm sits with Candy, one of the Adopt-A-Dog's adoptables during the show. Tyke is another dog from Adopt-A-Dog. He is very popular among the volunteers. He needs a home.
 Tyke has some fun with the volunteers. Puttin’ on the Dog has many contests. My favorite is the Biggest lap Dog competition.
 Ann Marie Alonzi, of Greenwich, won the Biggest Lap Dog with her mix, Farley.  Tom Corcoran, of Greenwich, with his Irish Wolf Hound, Greta, at the Biggest Lap Dog contest.  Stacy Book, of Darien, holds Puck, a boxer, 5, in the Biggest Lap Dog contest.  Volunteer Joy Nicik, of Greenwich, gives adoptable Charlie Shih Tzu, 2, a kiss.  Samantha Reiss, of Bedford, New York, holds Peyton, 3, in the Biggest Lap Dog competition.  A painted dog, "Everyone's Best Friend," painted by Suzan Waldinger.  Dan Hurwitz, of Rye Brook, New York, gives Mike, his yellow Labrador retriever. The next benefit of Adopt-A-Dog is the 34rd annual Howl & Prowl, sponsored by Pet Pantry on October 30th. This popular costume parade will gather at 1:00 p.m. on Greenwich Commons (park) 290 Greenwich Ave., and the parade will step off at 1:30. The parade will be followed by a costume contest. There will be prizes and refreshments. For more information click ADOPTADOG.
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July 26, 2010 at 11:32 am by Helen Neafsey
PAWS, Animal Welfare Society of Norwalk, CT., is having a benefit, July 28th ( THIS WEDNESDAY!) Drinks and appetizers at BUtterfield 8, at 112 Bedford Street, Stamford, CT. The restaurant telephone number is 203-504-8123. The party is from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm, and tickets are $40 each, $15 of which will benefit PAWS. Sounds like fun, and it will help the animals. For more information click on PAWS.
Later in September is Adopt-A-Dogs’ benefit, the Puttin’ on the Dog show. The dates are Saturday, September 25, rain date September 26, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. It will be held at the Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, Greenwich, CT. This event is a lot of fun. I have covered it many times. They have contests (biggest lap dog, well dressed dog, and others), food, lots of booths of dogs related things, a silent auction, and you can meet many of the dogs and cats who are up for adoption. Here are some pictures of other years of Puttin’ on the Dog:
 In Adopt-A-Dog's Puttin' on the Dog show, a contest for the biggest lap dog, Adam Cooper holds Chilli.  Elizabeth Brown holds Stella dressed as Britney Spiers, in the contest of the best dressed dog.  Chery Guinta and Skyy, at Puttin' on the Dog show, having a quiet moment together. For more information for this wonderful event, click Adopt-A-Dog
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