Dogs On Thursday

It's been awhile, but I've got an appropriate "Dogs on Thursday" post. An article was recently posted that a friend of mine shared with her friends, including me and my friend Joyce. The article is here: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=dw-vickdogs092110

"If Vick paid his debt to society (as he did, even becoming a Humane Society lecturer)" - I honestly couldn't read past that without getting angry. The entire article is twisted and awful. The dogs were saved thanks to the many people out there that know pits are good dogs, who believe that these pits bulls were not just fighting dogs, but individual animals deserving a chance.

I can't say if Vick's remorseful, but I can say that Vick had nothing to do with the rescue of those dogs!

Joyce responded best though: Well I had to reply. For this reporter to imply that {Vick} paid money to rehab his ex dogs is ridiculous. Faith at {Best Friends}("BF") told me that when {Vick} was initially released, his PR team called BF and asked if they would support his rehab. BF asked what would he be willing to help his ex dogs. Vicks PR team ended the conversation quickly and hung up. Where is the 1 million dollars that was noted in this article!? Here is my response to the reporter:

"Hi Dan,

I just read your article on Vick and his ex-dogs. You stated "Perhaps most remarkably, if it wasn’t for the high-profile nature of the Vick case and the quarterback’s ability to pay for their postrescue care (Vick reportedly spent a court-mandated $1 million on it), each of the dogs would’ve been destroyed." Would you please verify this statement? I am a big supporter of Best Friends Animal who received 23 of his ex dogs. http://www.bestfriends.org/ . I travel out there yearly to volunteer and know the founders personally. They have not received a dime to care for the Vick dogs from him. They have received money for their care from supporters like myself. So please tell me who received any money? ...

Also many say he was convicted of animal abuse, he was not, he was convicted of gambling and participating in dog fighting. He was not charged with animal abuse which he should have been on many many counts"

Coincidentally, a new book is being released (CHECK IT OUT!!! - The Lost Dogs), but somehow I think this article of lies, no matter how many responses like Joyce's there may be, is going to outshadow this book and these dogs (a lot can be seen here) that should be celebrated. Not stupid Vick. To prove my point? The top news in my area recently following this article has been the announcement of a new quarterback for our local team ... they named him - Vick! Sadly, this proves that some time, unverified "facts"(more like illegitimate excuses) and a handful of talent can allow you get away do anything. "You've gotta back a winner" one fan said. Awful...

I hope this inspires you in some way - whether it's to shake your head, pet the next dog you see that needs some love (even the most spoiled does) or consider pit bulls as better dogs, respond to this article of lies or adopt a dog ... I hope, if nothing else, it makes you think of the injustice.

Farm-life Fridays: Pong

It was just recently that my family lost almost all of our beloved ducks to some mysterious dog or dog-like animal. I thought it only appropriate that this week I post this adorable little lady, Pong. I wish Best Friends were closer for us to learn how to better protect our babies and maybe adopt this pretty girl to keep our lone boy company now.

Here's what Pong's page says about her:

Breed: Pekin Duck
Gender: Female
Age: Adult
A pair of snowy white Pekin ducks who very much want to meet you.

Pong came from California to a Utah rescue group, which then had to close down. All these changes have been startling for Pong. She is very sweet - also young and healthy. We think if you met Pong, you would love her. She would love a home to call hers forever.

Good luck, Pong, in finding a new home ... or at least enjoy the rest of your time in Utah :)

Caturday: Buster

This handsome man is Buster out at Best Friends in Utah.

Breed: Domestic short hair
Gender: Male
Age: Mature
Size: Large

When he sees you coming, Buster will meet you half way, all the way, any way you want --- if you'll agree to spend some time talking to him and petting him. It doesn't matter what you talk about as long as you're talking and petting at the same time. Life is good when people are around!

Buster has certainly had his share of ups and downs. A woman found him as a stray, lounging outside her house. When she took him to the vet, she learned he was FIV positive. Normally, this would be no big deal, but Buster occasionally fought with her other cats. And if things got too rough, well, there was the possibility that Buster could infect the other cats if he broke through their skin.

So Buster lived outside of the woman's house in a feral cat colony. He started getting kind of weak, so the woman thought he'd be better off at Best Friends.

And he is! He's feeling great again, playing with his kitty friends and getting in some good loving with people when they come around. So life is on the upswing again for Buster.

But you know what would make his life totally over-the-top great? A forever home with loving people and maybe other loving cats, too.

Enjoy your Caturday, folks! Let's hope there are lots of adoptions in this new year ... hopefully one for Buster too :)

Farm-life Fridays: Darby

Meet Darby. Darby is an absolutely Arabian horse. Though they're always hoping for a furever home, for now Darby is lucky enough to be cared for by Best Friends Society.

Breed: Arabian
Gender: Gelding
Age: Mature
Size: 14.30 hands
Rideability: Pasture Pal

A beautiful Arabian gelding!

Born in 1986, Darby is definitely a "pasture pal" nowadays. He's got a little arthritis in his knees, so he'd much rather know you by getting a scratch on his nose than a ride on his back.

But he'd just love to stroll your pastures or be a friend to your other horses. He enjoys hanging with the guys, and he really adores the ladies! But not both at the same time, for some reason. That makes him start arguing with the other boy horses about which lady belongs to whom! But either a group of girls or a group of guys would suit him just fine.

He's a slender fellow who takes his meals in stride - munching a little throughout the day, and never really wolfing it all down. A horse with a modest appetite? Amazing!

He's polite and courteous to humans. And he's hoping that his long, silvery nose is just what you're looking for on a new best friend.

Farm-life Fridays: Cherry

I love cherries! Love them! I have shirts with cherries, a make up bag, purse, panties, even shoes with cherries on them. In fact, I often wonder why I haven't gotten them tattooed on me yet either... oh well, something for the list maybe :) Anyway, guess what this girl's name is!? Introducing Cherry! She's out at Best Friends Society and here's some more info on her...

Breed: Pot Belly
Gender: Female
Age: Adult
Size: Small

Cherry may be a shy gal with people, but don't let this petite swine fool you! This pot-bellied pig is small on size but big on attitude.

Cherry was born in 2002 and came to Best Friends when a rescue group had trouble keeping their dogs separate from their pigs. The pigs were getting beaten-up!

She's an independent lady who can take care of herself and most of her pen mates too!

Cherry likes to spend days sitting in her mud holes, sleeping for hours and dreaming of having someone to love and take care of her. She's comical to watch and would make a lovely pal!

PS: It's almost my birthday!! :)

Dogs On Thursday - Mr. Chips

Meet sweet and slightly shy Mr. Chips. Mr, Chips is located in Utah at Best Friends Animal Society.
Here is what Mr Chip’s profile says about him:

Breed: Australian Shepherd
Gender: Male
Age: Mature
Size: Medium

They call him Mr. Chips because he can only eat whitefish and potatoes! (Fish and chips.get it?!)

Mr. Chips was only two years old when he came to Best Friends, and he was in poor shape because he was not given the right diet. Instead of being a puppy and growing up learning how to be a good companion Mr. Chips was chained up outside throughout his puppyhood. It's no wonder he's still a little shy around new people.

But once he gets to know you, Mr. Chips goes from shy to lovey-dovey pretty quickly, giving kisses and asking for belly rubs.

He's also pretty sweet on his dog friends --- when he gets to go on walks with a special friend, that's like the best thing ever, because he can be with his favorite canine friend and his best human friend at the same time!

Mr. Chips is getting on in years, born in 1996. After all he's been through, doesn't he deserve to live out the rest of his life with the Best Life Ever in a loving home with loving people?

Wishing you luck and love in the new year, Mr. Chips. Hopefully you find your furever home soon!

Caturday: Topaz

Meet Topaz. I'll be honest, it was this girl's eyes that caught me while I was browsing through Best Friends's adoptable kitties.

Breed: Domestic short hair
Gender: Female
Age: Mature
Size: Medium

She'll stick out her paw to shake "hello" with you!

Topaz is a neat cat. She really uses her paws all the time to communicate. She's snuggly and purry, and just precious.

She had a home once, but when a new roommate moved in (and Topaz was NOT consulted ahead of time!) Topaz didn't like the new person and stopped using her litter box, out of spite.

So Topaz was returned to Best Friends. Poor little thing. She looks at everyone now like, "Please take me home! I promise I won't pull any tricks this time. I learned my lesson!"

Topaz still has some minor litter box issues but with the right people and a little time, we think those issues will go away.

All she wants is another chance to be part of a loving family...

Farm-life Fridays: Phantom

It is almost to the day 5 years ago that we brought our Phantom home, so I thought it appropriate to post this Phantom on today's Farm-life Friday. Aside from being tiny compared to our big guy, this guy is also out at Best Friends in Utah right now instead of Jersey. Here's more on him:

Breed: Morgan
Gender: Gelding
Age: Mature
Size: 14.20 hands

Old in years but young in body, Phantom may well be the Jack LaLanne of horses. And you can still ride him!

Born in 1982, Phantom is sound as can be and healthy as, well..a horse. In fact the only sign that he has seen a few years are his teeth which aren't what they once were. He shows no signs of arthritis or other ailments that other senior horses often suffer from, and he is still just fine with being ridden.

But don't be fooled into thinking that just because he is an older man, he just leisurely ambles down the trail. Quite the contrary, Phantom has fire in his feet and needs an experienced rider. He is a good boy and doesn't buck or spook, but in his 25 plus years, no one has ever taught him about stopping, standing still and smelling the roses. All he knows is to go, go, go.

Phantom has an incredible richness of heart and is looking for someone who can love him for the rest of his life.

Dogs On Thursday - My Holiday Pups and Shannon

Well, this week's Dogs On Thursday post is not only the usual (a dog seeking a home), but I also thought I'd include some photos of the permanent pups in my house from last week's festivities. As you may know, occasionally there's foster dogs too, but not this holiday. Kyleigh is the older black Doberman who is about 7, Sadie our 5 year old Golden and Tali is the newest addition, my sister's red Dobie who joined the crew this summer. Hope you enjoy these and have a wonderful, wonderful new year. Health & happiness for all in 2010!




~~~~~

Meet sweet, silly Shannon. Shannon is located in Utah at Best Friends Animal Society. It's harder for older dogs to find homes of their own, even silly ones like Shannon, so I wanted to post her here for Dogs on Thursday. Here is what Shannon's profile says about her:

Breed: Labrador Retriever
Gender: Female
Age: Mature
Size: Large

"I like to hold my own leash!"

No one is sure whether Shannon is trying to help you walk her (she's such a thoughtful girl), or whether she's trying to walk you instead! But it's very cute to watch her hold her own leash in her mouth while she walks alongside you.

She also has a toy she loves, and uses it like a security blanket during scary thunderstorms. That's very cute, too.

Sadly, Shannon was found huddled under a house, abandoned in California. She's an older dog (10) and can be a little annoying to other dogs (though we've found a few who can handle her). We also don't really recommend her with cats and kids. But she has so many adorable qualities, such a darling little heart, and she'd so love to find a home.

Is her face speaking to you?

Wishing you luck and love this holiday season, Shannon, and a wonderful 2010.

Caturday: Eastwood

Hello, hello, little lady! This Caturday is back again and this week, I've selected this special girl, Eastwood, at Best Friends to spotlight.

Breed: Domestic short hair
Gender: Female
Age: Mature
Size: Large

Eastwood lived in prison for two years. Her only crime? Living the life of a stray cat. At the age of three, Eastwood was roaming around Texas, minding her own business when a mean person caught her, and kept her in a cage for two years.

Thank goodness she was saved and came to Best Friends. Eastwood is a comical looking girl, with a big body and small head. One eye is lemon yellow, while the other is a beautiful gold. But her disposition is rather somber, even sad. Sometimes she bows her head in the sunlight, as though in prayer, and you get the feeling life has been really painful.

Eastwood is still pretty shy around people, but there's a good way to help build her trust: Have treat in hand! Eastwood responds well to the promise of food. After she gently takes the treat from your hand, she'll let you pet her for a little while. We believe that Eastwood is just waiting for the right person to take her home so she can learn to trust, and learn what it means to feel safe and experience forever love for the first time.

She might be scared of kids or dogs, but other cats should be just fine. (In fact, if you're looking for more than one, Eastwood has some friends she could recommend!)

Much luck, Eastwood, to you ... and your kitty friends :)

Farm-life Fridays: Naniue

Look at this Miss Piggy! Her name is Naniue and she is at Best Friends in Utah. Here is what Naniue’s profile says:

Breed: Pot Belly
Gender: Female
Age: Adult
Size: Large

She used to be a real pudge ball!

But Naniue has already started losing the extra weight due to a new, healthy way of eating, plus exercising. When she first came to Best Friends, she hated the healthy food and walks, but soon she began feeling much healthier which gave her reason to start loving her salad and exercise!

Naniue is super friendly, loves affection and likes dogs. Other pigs? Not her favorite; she'd prefer you had dogs instead. Sadly, this smart and social girl lost her home because of a "pignorant" landlord; he threw her out just for being a pig because he didn't understand how clean pigs are when allowed to be. Naniue is just three years old and healthy other than the extra weight that's already coming off.

Won't you consider having Naniue as part of your family?

I'm not big on pigs, but she's pretty cute and they're said to be smarter than dogs, so... I don't know. Some people are crazy about them.

Dogs On Thursday - Jude & A Little Boy and his Dog

Meet Jude! Jude is located in Utah at Best Friends Animal Society right now.

It's a fact that black dogs have a harder time finding a home, let alone older, black dogs with special needs (no other dogs, please, for this boy and he has some neurological problems too, but who isn't a little funny in the brain??) so I wanted to post Jude on here in case someone comes across it and falls in love with him. He's had a rough past, but his future it bright now thanks to Best Friends and Pets Alive. Here's more information on him...

Breed: Labrador Retriever
Gender: Male
Age: Mature
Size: Medium

Jude is a big black marshmallow. He'll come right up to anyone and lean into them to get as close as possible in a kind of big body hug. He's a big, affectionate goofball who lives life to the fullest. And considering what he's been through and what he has to deal with, that's pretty amazing.

Jude came to Best Friends by way of Pets Alive in New York. He was one of many dogs who were found barely alive in a cement building. For two years he never saw daylight, felt grass beneath his paws or experienced the kindness of a loving human hand. And as if that wasn't enough, Jude suffers from a neurological disorder that manifests as urinary and fecal incontinence.

When Best Friends took over and caring for the dogs, Jude blossomed. He loves basking in the sun, enjoying the cool feel of soft grass and mostly, the warmth and affection from people.

Most of the dogs from Pets Alive found forever homes. But no one would take Jude. So he came to live at Best Friends.

Jude is very dog aggressive, so he can't be around other dogs. But around people, he's as sweet as can be. All he wants is to play, love and be loved. He knows he's not perfect. And he's almost 14 years old. He wants to go home --- for the first and last time.

Wishing you luck and love this month, Jude, and all through the new year.

~*~

Also, for this Dogs on Thursday post, I wanted to add this redirection to another blog. Head over to Dogkisser for a touching tale that was in the paper recently:

"For those readers who are from away - there has been the very sad story locally of a little boy who got lost in Cape Breton on the weekend when following his dog into the woods"...

Caturday: Skyee & Garage Cats

This gorgeous girl is Skyee out at Best Friends Society in Utah.

Breed: Siamese
Gender: Female
Age: Mature
Size: Medium

"Don't hate me because I'm beautiful."

Skyee can't help it! She's an old girl, but it hasn't toned down her beauty one bit. And she enjoys being gorgeous, because she loves chatting with people "meow, meow", and even gently playing.

Skyee used to be terribly standoffish, but age has made her much more friendly. And she's ready, at her ripe age, to find the home that's eluded her for so long. (She came to Best Friends long ago from a shelter in California that was closing down, and she's never been adopted!)

Skyee gets along beautifully with other cats. Children should be older just because she used to be so skittish - we wouldn't want those tendencies to return!

She's a lovely cat with a lovely personality. And it would be wonderful if she could find a happy ending at last in these golden years.

Wishing you luck and love this holiday season, Skyee.

~*~


I was going to post the simple fact I had finally set up the porch for the garage cats for the winter, but then I figured - why be simple? :) So, here's a little introduction to the garage kitties.

We have 6 cats that I know of on the farm who have hung around or shown up. The garage 3 are the more social group of cats we have here on the farm. Spring, summer and into the fall, they mostly live in the Conestoga building we have right by the house which has a lot furniture from our old home (the cat particularly like curling up in the upside down chairs), my dad's tools and some of my rescue stuff - a few cages and a trap or two. However, for the winter, I set up the side porch (which has a hole cut into the screen for them to come in through) with a heat lamp, some soft blankets and a bed that warms up a bit too. The screen door and window also get covered up with plexi-glass so the kitties can still see out, but there's no real breeze in there. This year, they'll have to deal with the unplugged, no longer being used refrigerator, but I think they'll manage - less room, which means more snuggling :)

Here's who will be on the porch this winter, the garage kitties one by one...

Meet Norman - a huge beast of a cat who also happens to be FIV+ and a real love bug - no fighting from him so far. Norman I brought on in a desperate attempt to get Wilson to eat - I'd had him for about 2 weeks and he rarely ate a thing I left for him. Thinking he was lonely, I brought Norman in ... this is how he got his name. Although Wilson was named for the volleyball in Castaway, I always thought of the neighbor from Home Improvement - "howdy ho, neighbor", which is also the cute phrase the old man, Norm, I grew up next to used to greet us all the time. So, Wilson and Norman, the cheery older neighbors. Norman remains pretty evasive, though sometimes he'll let me pet him. I don't think he'll ever be as affectionate as he was when his best friend for life was still around, Buddy. Looking at Norman makes me still ache for Buddy and the pals they were together. He's also the biggest wanderer out of the garage cats. I've seen him everywhere from back by the back barn (trying to steal food for the kitties back there) to in the woods to down near the front of the lake ... I promptly hollered at him for that - once passed the lake, it's only another say, 50 feet to the road.

This little lady is simply known as "Momma" or "Irish Momma". She came to me from my great uncle who was feeding a cat outside his home and one day she brought him kittens. I sat outside for hours until I caught them all - the whole litter consisted of 4 female kittens. I hate to think how many kittens there would have been if I hadn't caught them!!! All the little girls were given Irish names (my great uncle is VERY Irish) and adopted out in pairs. Irish Momma wasn't a friendly house cat though, so I set her up in the garage where she has never left. I pet her for the first time in, wow, maybe the 4 years I've had her just the other day while she was eating. She's always around, but won't let me approach her. She's endeared herself to me with how adorable she is though. Her favorite spot? The stairs leading up into the hot tub or on top of the cover. She's a smart girl! :) I don't know if it's because she came from a small town with busy roads, but she's the least likely to wander. She's always pretty much in the garage, by the hot tub or in the garden between the garage and the house, though sometimes she'll wander up to the front porch ... so, as far as I know, her life consists of mainly a, max, 75 foot radius.

The most recent addition to the garage crew is Champ. I had just lost Buddy recently when a new cat was coming into work. The business behind us, Champion Tire, was nice enough to feed and love up some ferals (all fixed), but someone had dropped off a cat recently and they were just maxed out. Work agreed to take the cat in and try to adopt it out ... however, while doing our intake exam, we found out the poor guy was FIV+ and our FIV Suite was already full. Fresh from the loss of Buddy and looking at this poor kitty who was FIV+ like Norman and now with an unknown future (the tire place didn't want him, that's why he came to us and we couldn't keep him because we were already too full), I took it all as a sign and agreed to take him. "Champ" came home with me and though he's not wrapped up with Norman like Buddy used to be, the two seem to hang out a bit and he's a nice addition. I'm not sure if you can tell from the photo, but he's a real beast of a cat - huge! Long legs and a stomach that looks like he's swallowed a basket ball.

To say the kids were excited the side porch was set up is an understatement. As soon as I was out there, Irish Momma was walking in and out of the hole in the door, Norman was sitting at the bottom of the steps and even Champ wandered by as I set everything up for them. Below is a photo of the garage cats already settling into the side porch: Champ curled up under the heat lamp and Irish Momma eating. Norman's either off wandering or maybe tucked behind Champ. Nothing was more adorable than when Norman and Buddy used to both curl up in the heated bed together! Sometimes the only sign they were both in there was what looked like a fifth white paw on Norman - Buddy would be buried under him asleep with just his little foot sticking out from under Norm.

One More Post About Mr. Bones

It is a Dogs On Thursday day and I felt the need to write about Mr. Bones since I have posted about him before when he was heading home. Mr. Bones actually had a blog going himself about the journey to his new home from across the country. After years and years at Best Friends in Utah, Bones finally found a home of his own! He has resided there for a few months in adopted bliss, being loved and very spoiled ~ as he definitely deserved!

I am so sad to be writing this, but I just recently found out that Mr. Bones passed away a couple days ago. Apparently he was doing poorly for several days and he was finally let go today ... but not before one last phone conversation with one of his biggest fans, Joyce M of the Jersey Girls, so that she could say goodbye. Mr. Bones' ashes will be returning with the Jersey Girls to Best Friends in a few months so that he will be placed in Angels Rest to rest forever in the place where he was loved for years.

Rest in peace, special boy. You were loved by so many and we are so thankful that your mom found you to give you a forever home before you passed. You're in our thoughts, Bones.

Newton

This handsome boy is Newton and he's a pit bull ... and a cutey like they all are. He also happens to be the nervous type and doesn't get along with other dogs, making it harder for him to find a home.

Newton is located in Utah at Best Friends Animal Society and this is what his profile says:

Breed: Staffordshire Terrier
Gender: Male
Age: Adult
Size: Large

"Are you a nice person?"

Newton loves nice people. But he's also worried. Not everybody has been so nice to him! Animal control returned him to his family once after they'd apparently dumped him. And guess what. A couple days later - they dumped him again! Poor Newton.

No wonder he's a little nervous about new people and new surroundings. (He's so nervous at the vet's, that the vet puts a muzzle on him so he can work.) But once you get to know him, he's really just a sweet boy who wants to be loved! He walks super-nicely on his leash. And he's very happy to see his friends.

Newton can't live with other dogs, though. He just can't get along with them. That's too bad. Makes it harder for him to find a home. But at eight years old, he still hasn't given up. He's a nice guy who really deserves a home that won't keep tossing him out the door.

Tori

Aw, look at Tori! This girl with the interesting mug shot is located in Utah at Best Friends Animal Society. That cute little tongue hanging out makes Ben pop to mind. He's hard to get a photo of and often has his tongue sticking out - with his nervous personality and habit of hissing, the tongue out just seems to add insult to injury. There's also a Tori at the sanctuary right now too.

This kitty obviously brings a lot of others to mind for me, but for more information about the Best Friends' Tori, read on:


Breed: Domestic short hair
Gender: Female
Age: Adult
Size: Medium

Frightened little bear.

Tori is the cutest cat. But she kind of freezes when you pet her like, "This isn't going to hurt, is it?" Talk about a darling who hasn't had much love in her life.

Tori came from a shelter in Pahrump, Nevada that closed down because it had fallen into disrepair. More than 800 cats were there, neglected and ignored. Tori was one of them, and she's still unsure about life.

But she tries! She wants to love you. She just doesn't know where to begin - or whether you're going to hurt her.

Do you have the patience and compassion to reach out to someone like Tori? Other pets shouldn't be a problem. With her fears, adults might be best. But all she really needs is someone to take her under their wing.

Cybil

Look at that face! It belongs to a rumored sweety, Cybil. Cybil is located in Utah at Best Friends Animal Society. Check out Cybil's profile:

Breed: Domestic medium hair
Gender: Female
Age: Adult
Size: Medium

What's silly-sweet?

That's what Cybil is! She's sweet because she meows when she meets you, and she loves to be petted. But she's silly because she hates being picked up, and she's a little smarty pants with the other cats. (Though they seem to get along with her anyhow!)

Cybil is a beautiful diluted calico, fully declawed from her former life, and she's got great big feet. So cute!

She came from a terrible hoarding situation in which hundreds of cats were neglected out in Pahrump, Nevada. At eight years old, she's one of the more mature ones from that bunch. And somehow, she never lost her friendliness, despite the trauma. She does have a little litter box issue - the adoption folks can tell you more. But she's a true survivor, and she really deserves a home for living through what she lived through with such grace. And staying so silly-sweet!

Can Cybil be your cat? "Pretty please?"

Jewel 2

Meet beautiful Jewel 2. Look at those blue eyes!

Jewel 2 is located in Utah at Best Friends Animal Society. Here's more information about Jewel 2:

Breed: Siamese
Gender: Female
Age: Adult
Size: Medium

Jewel has amazing blue eyes that make you want to reach out and pet her cute little mug!

Nonetheless, Jewel can show two very different personalities when greeting her. If she is lying down or sleeping she can be very timid and scared and will need someone patient when teaching Jewel to trust humans again. She has come a long way and does accept pets on her head and shoulders.

However, Jewel is very food motivated which is great for training. When you have food she is your best friend and will let you to pet her, sit with her, rub her all over and she will follow you for food while rubbing her body around your legs!

Jewel was rescued along with more than 800 other cats in the Pahrump, Nevada desert, living in squalor at a rescue organization that had fallen apart. The poor cats weren't getting basic care or any love at all. She just wants a place where she can belong.

Jewel kind of bats at the other cats sometimes, but she's OK with them. Being an "only cat" would be fine with her, but either way!

Won't you give Jewel your love for life?

Darwin

Meet sweet adorable Darwin. I just love those kitties who look like they have masks on and he definitely does in the photo of him: the white neck with the brown tabby face. Too cute!

Darwin is located in Utah at Best Friends Animal Society and here is what Darwin’s profile says:


Breed: Domestic short hair
Gender: Male
Age: Adult
Size: Medium

Darwin is a giver.

He lived in a hoarding situation with more than 800 cats in the hot Nevada desert, in Pahrump. Even though food, water and shelter were scarce, Darwin always allowed his fellow hoarding victims to go ahead of him to get to the basics. Talk about a gentleman and a friend!

Now that he's been rescued, he is still kind-hearted. Darwin loves playing with the other cats. And he loves toys! What a treat! He didn't know what toys were until coming to Best Friends.

When people come to visit, Darwin still lets his cat friends "go first" for petting and attention. And after he's seen everyone else has "gotten theirs," he'll go up to a visitor for some serious one-on-one time. Darwin loves being petted. He thinks all people are really great.

Darwin gets along well with everyone, although at first he may be a little shy around dogs.

If anyone deserves a forever home, it's this guy!

Purdy

Meet Purdy - another dog in rescue looking for their forever home and a loving family. She's got a bit more to her story though than just showing up a rescue. She had a family and the one good deed they did for her was the wife getting rid of Purdy before the husband shot this poor dog. Purdy is out at Best Friends Animal Society in Utah and here's what Purdy's page says:


Breed: Labrador Retriever
Gender: Female
Age: Mature
Size: Large
Location: Kanab, Utah

All she ever wanted was a couch!

Purdy just loves to sleep on her doggie bed, and is so mellow, she promises she wouldn't be any trouble to you at all.

But her last family wouldn't give her a couch - and much worse! She was kept chained in the back yard, and one day, the husband decided to go out and shoot her cause he just didn't want her anymore. The wife had a friend smuggle Purdy to safety just in time. Poor Purdy - all she ever wanted was to be somebody's sleepy snuggle love.

Purdy is very delightful with everyone she meets. And while she's not wild about other female dogs, she's very nice to boy dogs.

Could there be an extra doggie bed at your house for a girl who's only ever wanted somebody to love her and a place she can snooze and call home?