Share this image

Badass Brooklyn's mission is to rescue dogs on death row from pounds where the kill rates can reach 90 percent or higher. Often, these shelters use extremely inhumane euthanasia methods like gas chambers or heartstick. The Badass Brooklyn team works with rescuers in the south to bring as many dogs up north as they can in order to foster them and facilitate adoptions.

Since founder Sara Cross started Badass Brooklyn in 2011, 800 dogs have been rescued from high-kill rural shelters in the southern States. Cross says she hopes to rescue 365 in 2013, stating that they are well on their way to this goal.

Share this image

Badass Brooklyn hosts regular adoption events in Brooklyn to find homes for their fosters. Photo by Hilary Benas via Badass Brooklyn's Facebook.

Cross, who is a filmmaker, was working on a documentary at a Navajo reservation when she became all too aware of the appalling living conditions for stray and feral dogs in the rural, poverty-stricken south. She knew she wanted to help. Cross got involved with Blackhat Humane Society, first by donating, which quickly turned into more. Blackhat started posting photos of rescue dogs on Cross' Facebook, and eventually she was fostering dogs, organizing rescues, and helping collect funds for other shelters. She got in contact with another woman named Sarah on Facebook, who, like Cross, was just an individual trying to help out dogs however she could. When Cross found herself with her first six foster dogs and only a one-bedroom apartment, Sarah stepped in to help.

"Badass probably wouldn't exist if Sarah hadn't been there for me in the beginning," Cross notes. Sarah went on to start her own rescue, Loki Grrl Rescue, which operates in much the same way as Badass Brooklyn by fostering, rehabilitating, vetting, and finding homes for adoptable dogs from high-kill shelters.

"I didn't plan to start a rescue," Cross says, "but ... every day Facebook was showing me new pictures of dogs about to die ... and basically once you see that, you can't turn away. You can't forget."

Share this image

Badass Brooklyn's mission is to get dogs on death row out of their cages and into foster families while they wait to be adopted. Photo via Badass Brooklyn's Facebook.

While Cross has been unable to find data that indicates if there are more high-kill shelters in the southern part of the U.S. than in the north, she makes the correlation between the number of "kill factories" in areas with lower populations and higher poverty rates. And because of massive overcrowding at these types of shelters, Cross states that owner surrenders can be killed immediately and strays often have as little as 72 hours to be claimed.

She says that in the areas they rescue from, there are virtually no spayed/neutered dogs or dogs with some form of identification. Dogs are allowed to run free unsupervised, and many are kept outside all the time, Cross says.

And when Badass Brooklyn saves one of these dogs, they really commit. All of their rescues are properly vetted before adoption, including spay/neuter, deworming, and flea preventative and treatment for illnesses such as heartworm and parvo. They also arrange for necessary surgical interventions when a dog has a broken bone, kidney stones, or other serious health issue -- all of this funded by donations only and possible thanks to dedicated volunteers and foster families.

Share this image

Dogs like Wilma get the chance to have a loving family thanks to the efforts of Badass Brooklyn. Photo by Cameron Blaylock via Badass Brooklyn's Facebook.

Eva Armstrong is one of those dedicated people. She's the woman in the photo with Captain Morgan -- her former foster -- and is a valued member of the Badass team. In addition to fostering dogs, Armstrong runs Eva's Play Pups, which provides dog walking, doggy daycare, and boarding in Brooklyn along with country boarding at her farm in Pennsylvania. Armstrong and her team have always offered free boarding and dog walking to help out Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue, allowing them to rescue even more dogs.

Share this image

Armstrong with Miss Bagel the beagle at one of Badass Brooklyn's recent adoption events in Brooklyn. Photo by Hilary Benas via Badass Brooklyn's Facebook.

And while Badass Brooklyn is not a breed-specific rescue, Cross admits she has a soft spot for lowriders ("mutts with some Basset or Corgi or something else short in them") and black dogs.

Unfortunately, "black dog bias" is particularly prevalent in the south, and black dogs are the most commonly killed in southern shelters. Badass Brooklyn has rescued many black dogs, and according to Cross, "while they are overlooked in shelters down south, once they come here, we have waiting lists for them! I have no idea why black dogs are overlooked in the south, but when we rescue them, they don't last long before they are adopted."

Share this image

Little black & white Beth March and tawny Martha Washington (both still available for adoption as of June 3rd, 2013) sit with Badass foster coordinator Whitney's dog, Luna. Photo by Whitney Fang for Badass Brooklyn.

Cross, who also has a soft spot for senior dogs, tells the story of Steve McQueen, a 75-pound hound in poor shape who Badass Brooklyn saved from the Rutherfordton Animal Control in North Carolina around Christmas time 2011.

Steve had been listed as being seven years old, but he was actually closer to 10 or 11. He was in such poor health that he needed to stay in boarding for treatment in NC for three months before being moved to a foster in Brooklyn. Unfortunately, walking on concrete city sidewalks proved too arduous for senior Steve, and so Armstrong decided to take him with her to her farm for the summer, where he "really blossomed."

Cross knew that Steve would need to find a home outside the city, but she also knew that senior dogs were very difficult to place. Thanks to one of Badass Brooklyn's adopters with a contact at Best Friends Animal Society in Utah, Steve's adoption listing was emailed out to its more than 15,000 subscribers in the NYC area.

Share this image

Senior dog Steve McQueen at animal control in NC before being saved by Badass Brooklyn. Photo courtesy of Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue.

Only two people replied.

Fortunately for Steve, one of those people was a great match. And so, nearly eight months after being rescued from certain death in a kill shelter down south, Steve was on his way to a new life in the countryside with Sarah Troiano and her family.

Share this image

Steve McQueen's big smile as he meets his new mom, Sarah. Photo courtesy of Badass Brooklyn's Facebook page.

The Badass Brooklyn family likes to keep in touch with its adopters. "Every time she [Troiano] posts a picture, we tear up and she tells us how much she loves him and how much he has brought to their lives," Cross says. "It is incredible to know that this dog was so uncared for so many years, was dumped at a pound to be killed, and now he is so valued and loved." To which Troiano adds, "I could not ask for a better boy than Steve. Thank you, Sara and Eva, for making our family complete."

Share this image

A happy Steve McQueen at home with his new family. Photo courtesy of Sarah Troiano.

Certainly, dogs like Steve McQueen and Captain Morgan would have had little to no chance of survival if not for Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue and all those involved.

If you'd like to know more about how you can help, please check out Badass Brooklyn's website and Facebook page. They also regularly schedule adoption events in Brooklyn, NY, so be sure to check out the "events" page on their website for dates and locations. 

Do you know of a rescue hero — dog, human, or group — we should profile on Dogster? Write us at dogsterheroes@dogster.com. 

About Crystal Gibson: A child-sized Canadian expat in France who is fluent in French and sarcasm. Owned by a neurotic Doxie mix, a Garfield look-alike, and two needy Sphynx cats. An aspiring writer and pet photographer with a love of coffee and distaste for French administration, she can be found blogging over at Crystal Goes to Europe.

Read more related stories on Dogster:

• In New Mexico, Female Prison Inmates Help Train and Socialize Shelter Dogs
• A Heartbreaking Look Inside an Animal Shelter in Thailand
• I Fought to Shut Down a Phony Pit Bull Rescue
• Miles & Mutts Tires Shelter Dogs Out So They Don't Get Passed Over for Adoption

Meanwhile, a college student named Rosie Ahlberg from Wheaton, Illinois, drove to Oklahoma with friends to help victims of the tornado. She picked up a stray dog and took it to a shelter. There, she saw another dog who had just had just given birth.  

Share this image

Photo via Lakeshore PAWS Facebook.

The staff members, however, were overloaded, and they planned to euthanize the mom, a Pit Bull mix, because she was aggressive. There also planned to euthanize the pups. 

Rosie wasn't going to let that happen. 

Share this image

Photo via Lakeshore PAWS Facebook.

She called the rescue group Lakeshore PAWS in Valparaiso, Indiana, which agreed to take the pups. People there told Rosie & Co. how to bottle feed, and they put out a call for people to help for when the pups made it back to Indiana. 

Then someone had an idea: What about Bertha? The pregnant Rottweiler who lost her pups? Lightbulbs went off, calls were made, and soon the little pups were on their way to Second Chance 4 Pets Network -- and to Bertha. 

Bertha, after having lost her pups days before, was not producing milk. Would she take to the new pups? Would she mother them? Both rescue staffs -- and Rosie -- crossed their fingers. 

Bertha came through. And so it happened that a mother dog who lost her puppies in Indiana ended up adopting a litter of puppies orphaned by the tornado.  

Share this image

Photo via Second Chance 4 Pets Facebook page.

"She was unsure at first, but the foster [who was housing Bertha] got into the pool with her, and she started cleaning them right away," JoAnn Palko, president and founder of Second Chance 4 Pets Network, told nwitimes.com. 

Share this image

Photo via Second Chance 4 Pets Facebook page.

Jeanne Sommer, director of Lakeshore PAWS, said the partnership with Second Chance was "just awesome."

She said in a statement to WSBT, "It is just heartwarming that one individual, Rosie Ahlberg, would step up and offer to save these guys, and that three rescues in Northwest Indiana can all join together as well to save their lives."

Second Chance is considering training Bertha to be a therapy dog. 

"She's a fantastic mom," Palko told WSBT. "My foster says she doesn't even want to go outside to go to the bathroom and leave her puppies."

Via WSBT and nwitimes.com

Share this image

A dog's paw? It would seem. But you saw The Usual Suspects, right? Don't believe everything you see. Except in this case you should, because he sent this other picture later that day, also unaccompanied by text:  

Share this image

Huh. Is Kevin Spacey tweeting a portrait of a dog in pieces? That's what it seems like Kevin Spacey is doing on this particular weekday. Here are some comments his followers left about this particular piece: 

• "don't leave us hanging"
• "that snake has a beard!"
• "OK...i give up...why this picture?" (Greta Van Susteren sent this tweet, and after she did the conversation quickly devolved into juvenile cracks about Greta Van Susteren.)

Finally, 45 minutes later, Spacey completed the puzzle. He tweeted the whole enchilada: his new dog. And she's a cute one: 

Share this image

His message: "Mystery solved. New member of my family. Her name is Boston in honor of the city."

What he didn't Tweet is that Boston is a shelter dog from North Shore Animal League America. The group is also on Twitter, of course, and it quickly chimed in with dog's pedigree: a Boxer mix. 

As for the name, it's not an empty gesture. Spacey has been widely seen in Boston after the bombings, visiting victims and first responders and generally trying to lift spirits.

When he saw the tragedy unfold, he said he "had to get on a plane."

“I’m not a doctor or first responder, but if people know me from movies, and walking into their workspace or room brings a smile to their face -- with the challenges these amazing citizens have in front of them -- then that’s worth coming,” Spacey told the Boston Herald. “The cops, nurses, doctors, hospital staff, and patients that I have met over the past few days have given me the greatest feeling of pride in being an American and made me understand that we are all Boston.”

But what about Spacey's other dog, the terrier mix he adopted years ago? The actor quickly tweeted reassurances. 

"For those asking, Mini is great. 15 & still acting like a puppy. Be a week or so before she can meet Boston. I'm definitely in dog heaven!"

Share this image

My darling dogs fully support my animal advocacy, so long as I don't bring home any new four-legged brothers or sisters! Photo courtesy of JC Photography

Not long after this, someone dumped a blue Pit Bull in our backyard. The vet offices and animal control had closed for the weekend, so I posted an ad online hoping to find his owner. The same woman replied to my post, telling me that she wasn't a rescue, but part of a group interested in saving Pit Bulls. (Fortunately the dog had a microchip and he was reunited with his owners.)

Share this image

A screenshot of K. Morris offering this skinny boy up for stud services.

But the thought of the woman who chained her own dogs being able to rescue other dogs stuck in my mind. I did some research and discovered that Kristy Morris was running a Facebook group called Tri State Area PitBulls, intended to "allow for you to contact other breeders, find Pit Bull rescues, rehome your dog, educate others on the breed, or just make new friends who enjoy the breed." She had posted a link to another page she ran, Second Chance Pitbull Rescue, based in Bainbridge, Georgia.

Share this image

Believe it or not, this little girl was safer at the shelter than she was at a rescue. Photo courtesy the Bainbridge Humane Society.

You can imagine how disturbed I was to hear that this woman who bred nonregistered, sickly-looking dogs and made them live on chains was running a "rescue"! I called the Georgia Department of Agriculture and then all over south Georgia and found no registered, licensed rescue under the names she was using. 

Share this image

This boy was one of the luckier ones: He had a doghouse with a top and a pen. Photo courtesy the Bainbridge Humane Society.

A major red flag was that Morris was not taking dogs from her local shelter. Instead, she was having them transported from a Clayton County shelter about four hours away. A group called Partners with Clayton County Animal Control had coordinated with Morris to have several Pit Bulls transported to her in Bainbridge.

Morris was not running a licensed rescue, so she had no paperwork to offer Partners. To expedite "saving" the dogs, Partners allowed another rescue, a licensed one, to pull the dogs and then arrange transport down south.

Share this image

One of the Clayton County Animal Control dogs, chained up with a pet carrier for shelter. Photo courtesy the Bainbridge Humane Society.

I contacted Partners with my concerns. The leader, M. Dorough, seemed very concerned and eager to help me find out more about this unlicensed rescue, but was not forthcoming with a list of the Clayton dogs who were released to Morris, and would not reveal whose license was used to pull dogs from the shelter.

After calling the Bainbridge-Decatur County Humane Society, I learned that Morris was definitely not someone who should be running a rescue. She had turned in a dog she claimed to have found. The dog had a severely infected leg wound, was emaciated, and had an embedded collar. I was able to identify him as a Clayton County Animal Control shelter dog.

Share this image

This little girl was so emaciated and sick that the shelter deemed it most humane to euthanize her. One of her eyes was glued shut with matter. Photo courtesy the Bainbridge Humane Society.

In July 2012, local animal control performed a welfare check and seized 13 dogs from Morris's residence. She and her fiance were charged with 13 counts of animal cruelty and obstruction of an officer. She was sentenced to a $1,000 fine, 30 days in jail, and 12 months' probation, during which time she could possess no animals. She has since violated probation. 

Not all of the dogs seized had happy endings. One was incredibly sick and emaciated. At least two others were overly dog aggressive and unpredictable around people, even after being removed from their environment. Three remained at the Bainbridge shelter, and the others were sent to a local rescue. (Unfortunately, that rescue transferred the dogs back to the original rescue that had released the dogs to Morris, and they were placed in a boarding facility.)

Share this image

Unneutered Nitro was bred and then sold. His puppies continue to reproduce as well.

Some dogs never even made it to Second Chance and were immediately placed in homes. Several dogs went to one such "foster" home in Valdosta, Georgia, where they live in a dirt pen with metal barrels and short chains. None of the dogs has been spayed/neutered. The fosterer is also a breeder who recently offered one of the dogs for sale. When prompted, this person replied that the dog was good "breeding stock." Unfortunately, the foster is not breaking any laws. 

Nitro, another intact dog who went straight to an "adopter," was marketed, bred, and subsequently sold. The breeder hung papers (the act of using another dog's papers for the purpose of registration) on the puppies so that they could be registered. This dog's puppies are also being bred. While this all may be highly unethical, paper hanging is hugely hard to prove, and even then, nothing prevents the "breeder" from simply breeding unregistered puppies.

Share this image

Cain went from soldier's beloved dog to a foster home on a chain and possible death; we can only hope this sweet dog is at peace. Photo courtesy the Bainbridge Humane Society.

Probably one of the more heart-wrenching stories was that of Cain, a former soldier's dog. (I'm guessing the family didn't know about Dogs on Deployment.) They surrendered him to the Clayton County shelter, and Partners promised to find him a good home or rescue. Unfortunately, Second Chance Pitbull Rescue had him pulled and he went to live with the breeder/foster with the chains, and then to Morris' house. She told the authorities that Cain died and was buried, but no body was ever produced. I posted lost dog ads looking for him, but with no luck. 

All of this tragedy could have been prevented if those in charge of coordinating rescue had done their homework. Unfortunately, so many people hear the word "rescue" and think it must be a great place to send animals. You certainly know now that not all rescues are created equal!

"We're glad we were able to help the dogs, but they should have never been in that situation," says Beth Eck, director of the Bainbridge-Decatur County Humane Society. "All shelters should thoroughly check out all rescues before releasing animals to prevent tragedies like this."

Share this image

This little sweetheart was not only starving but sporting a cherry eye. Morris was using what she called "home remedies" to treat the dogs' various maladies. Photo courtesy the Bainbridge Humane Society.

I met a lot of like-minded people on my venture to shut down Second Chance Pitbull Rescue. Together, we created the Coalition for Animal Rescue Reform. Our members are part of animal welfare groups that are in county shelters on a regular basis, working at nonprofit spay/neuter clinics, doing community outreach, and/or running rescues. We have come together to improve the rescue community, starting with Georgia. Our goal is to protect the animals entrusted into our care as a community.

I fully believe in and support responsible rescues, which is why I feel so strongly about the bad ones. It's really easy to become a rescue -- some states don't even require a license, and some people don't even bother with licenses until they get caught. That's why we created a "How to check out a shelter" list to help keep you (and your pets) safe. 

So many people start out with the right intentions but without the resources and wherewithal to maintain and run a rescue. In the end, it's the animals who suffer. Not having what it takes to run a rescue is nothing to be ashamed of! That passion can be put into a local shelter, rescue, or other animal welfare project. We all have something to give, even if it's just time. I plan to continue volunteering at my local shelter, investigating questionable rescues, and pushing for reform in the world of rescues and ownership. 

Read more on rescues:

• Everybody Wants to Adopt Lucy the Rescued Pit Bull 
• Help Me Be a Better Owner to the Dog I Just Rescued
• Bill Foundation's Annie Hart: "Rescuing Dogs Rescued Me"
• I Started My Own Rescue Group 

Now the pets are being reunited with their owners. Volunteers have rounded up roughly 60 dogs and other pets from the off-limits area, and they're working through the long process of reuniting them with their owners. 

Share this image

“We’ve had some quick reunions," McLennan Animal Rescue Coalition’s president, Michelle Nemec, told WacoTrib.com. "Social media has made it so fantastic.”

Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, a guinea pig, and even a bearded dragon lizard have been recovered. About one dozen have been returned thus far. 

Among the hundreds of volunteers working in the area, "scores" are on the job helping pets and animals affected by the explosion. Matching up the rescued pets with their owners is mostly taking place online, with sites posting pictures of lost and found pets, among them are:

• The West TX Fertilizer Plant Disaster Lost & Found Pets' Facebook page
• Cen Tex Lost Pets
• The Humane Society of Central Texas’ Facebook page

Share this image

While some people didn't have the time or wherewithal to round up their pets before they fled, many others did. 

“We’ve found many of those who were evacuated had time to take their pets,” Nemec told WacoTrib.com. “It’s not like a tornado where there are animals everywhere (who) need to be rounded up.”

Many of those pets, however, were forced into shelters, because their owners had to go to shelters of their own.  

Share this image

As for vet care, an 18-person Texas A&M University emergency veterinary team arrived the day after the explosion. Members of that team have been treating not only pets, but all affected animals -- sheep, horses, even a cow with her calves. 

“A lot of the animals were shellshocked. They wanted to know where their people were,” said team spokeswoman Angela Clendenin.  

Via WacoTrib.com; photos via West TX Fertilizer Plant Disaster Lost & Found Pets' Facebook page

Share this image

The shelter indeed closed, and Bruno made it out okay. Sadly, however, his owner had to relinquish him, because he was still having trouble getting back on his feet after Sandy destroyed his home. Bruno was taken in by Northwind Kennels, which were fielding "hundreds" of adoption requests brought on by the intense media coverage. 

Finally, Bruno has his forever-home happy ending. He was adopted Thursday by Melville couple Marc and Karen Siegel, according to CBSNewYork.com.

Share this image

The Siegels said they visited Bruno four or five times, and that he seemed "like a perfect fit" for their family. 

Northwind owner Penny Smith-Berk agreed.

“Bruno is a very special dog and he will now be going to a very special home,” she said. “Marc and Karen are the perfect family for Bruno."

Share this image

Bruno gets a giant fenced yard to play in, which is quite a change from being caged up in the storm shelter for so long. Marc Siegel and his family are thrilled with how everything turned out.  

“I can’t thank everybody enough at the Nassau County SPCA and again the kennel in Bedford for all the wonderful things they’ve done working with Bruno and finding him a good home,” he said. “People like this who do charitable work, they are not in it to make money, they’re in it just for the love of the animals.”

Via CBSNewYork.com; photos via Northwind Kennels' Facebook 

Share this image

Fans of adopted shelter dogs like to let folks know where their beloved best friends came from. Of course, four-footed fashion statements also proclaim pound-pup pride, as Project Blue Collar proves. Marketing bright blue dog collars to promote dog rescue –- what an idea!

It's the brainchild of two dedicated dog rescuers, Carole Feeny and Kristin Waters of Cincinnati, who teamed up after crossing paths at their CrossFit gym.

Early in 2012, Carole realized that the public’s perception of rescue dogs has been largely influenced by, she says, “the marketing strategies of well-funded national animal welfare groups. They engender our pity with tragic images of animals in need, and leave us thinking of them as damaged goods.” Instead, Carole wanted to show that dog adoption isn’t just the right, noble thing to do –- it’s cool, chic, and fun, too.

Inspired by the wristband cause-marketing craze, she had an aha! moment. Why not let rescue dogs market their own cause by wearing a bright-blue collar that proudly reads “Support the Underdog”? That’s how Project Blue Collar was born, with Carole the founder and president and Kristin the co-founder and chief relationship officer.

“Our movement is in its infancy and already we’ve ‘Blue Collared’ about 1,600 dogs from Hawaii to Alaska to Maine,” Kristin says.

Share this image

Project Blue Collar lets dogs spread the "Support the Underdog" message

For dogged rescuers, saving canine lives is personal, often motivated by one dog who touched us profoundly. Carole and Kristin are no exception: “I was going through a pretty tough breakup,” Carole recalls. “Not only did I need something to divert my attention, but my old gal, Roxie, a Boxer mix, rather missed having doggy friends around. I thought it’d be a good time to foster.

So she contacted the Stray Animal Adoption Program.

"They said they had a puppy with a broken jaw and he needed somewhere quiet to heal for a few weeks before becoming available for adoption," Carole says. "They brought over the cutest 10-week-old chocolate Lab mix I’d ever seen. Well, Buster turned into a foster failure who taught me just how wonderful and rewarding fostering is.”

Share this image

This brindle beauty is just a wee pup -- but already he's a cause marketing pro!

Since then, Buster has helped Carole successfully foster hundreds of dogs (Roxie passed away in December at age 14).

“Buster knows just how to care for fosters and teach them basic rules,” Carole says. “He’s never jealous, and really seems to understand his role as a foster brother. He’s been a true blessing.”

For Kristin, who moved to Cincinnati from California in 2006, volunteering at the local no-kill shelter Save the Animals Foundation was, she recalls, a way “to make new friends and plug into the community.” But there was a downside: “I was saddened to see that while some dogs got adopted quickly, others were passed over and heading for a life sentence at STAF."

One in particular, Memphis, got little interest from adopters and became increasingly difficult for volunteers to handle. Volunteers began to lose hope for this tennis-ball-obsessed black Lab, considered the No. 1 biter at the shelter. But Kristin refused to give up on Memphis.

Share this image

Carole with Buster, the "foster failure" who inspired her to create Project Blue Collar

“I signed on to be his mentor. We spent the next 18 months -- bite-free -- as running/walking partners, spectators at my stepson’s soccer games, and snuggling buddies. I saw a completely different dog outside of the shelter, and wanted others to see his true colors.”

After Kristin shot catchy videos of Memphis, the dog went from invisible to in-demand -– and found his forever home nearly three years to the date after his arrival at the shelter. Good work! However, Kristin reminds us, “There are so many more Memphises waiting for their chance.”

Share this image

Kristin and her contented canine crew hang out at home

Kristin, who admits to being “a repeated foster failure,” now has five dogs: Lucy, a 10-year-old Beagle mix; Maggie, a 7-year-old Lab mix; Noelle, a 4-year-old Shepherd/Lab mix; and 2-year-old Shih Tzu/Poodle mix siblings, Weechee and Fletcher.

“We also have two cats who are convinced they are dogs -- can you blame them?” she asks.

Why is the M.O. of Project Blue Collar so timely right now?

“Dogs are out in public more now than they ever have been, and dog parks are now a large part of a dog owner’s social calendar,” Carole says. “Project Blue Collar gives rescue dog owners a chance to show their pride and share their stories, in person and on Facebook. It’s a way to connect and start a conversation. It’s a chance to educate and inspire others to make adoption their first option.”

Share this image

Blue Collared! Tom with T.C., the rescue pup who stole his heart.

Carole and Kristin proudly tell the tale of Ozzy, one of Carole’s former fosters. Accompanying Carole to CrossFit, the Golden Retriever-Cattle Dog mix locked eyes with a man named Tom, who requested that Carole bring the pup back the following week to meet his partner Megan.

“They’d been searching for a puppy and visiting breeders of Wheaten Terriers and Bernese Mountain Dogs, but didn’t seem to click with any of the pups," she says. "But from the moment they met Ozzy, it was love at first sight.”

Share this image

A little dog with a big message: Sherman wants YOU to Blue Collar your best friend and Support the Underdog!

Carole chalks it up to that rescue-dog charisma.

“It’s as if these dogs carry on the legacy of kindness they’ve received on their journey to a forever home,” she concludes. “There’s something unique about rescue dogs that pulls us in, that elicits emotions hidden deep inside and makes us vulnerable to a whole new type of love.”

Ozzy, renamed T.C. (Thunder Chief), now walks around encouraging all who meet him to adopt -- he simply “Blue Collars” them with that snazzy cause-marketing accessory he wears around his neck!

Check out Project Blue Collar.

Read about these other inspirational Dogster Heroes:

• Nowzad Dogs Saves the Strays of War-Torn Afghanistan 
• Lorenzo Borghese is Prince Charming to Rescued Dogs
• An Extreme Mutt Makeover by CARA Welfare Philippines
• Meet Vivian, a Pit Bull Therapy Dog and Grief Counselor

Do you know of a rescue hero — dog, human, or group — we should profile on Dogster? Write us at dogsterheroes@dogster.com. 

Now, he's the last one there. And the shelter is closing next week.

Share this image

Photo via Nassau County SPCA

His owner is still around, but he's been forced to surrender him to the shelter after a series of hardships. He lost his job. He's been sleeping in his car. He plans to leave New York to find work.

"Many owners have had to take that heartbreaking step of relinquishing ownership,” facility volunteer Beverly Poppell said. “You can tell that Bruno wants a family.”

But Bruno's owner still visits him, and here's where the story will tug at your heartstrings. According to Nassau County SPCA spokesman Gary Rogers, Bruno and his owner both cry during the visits. 

And when the owner leaves, Bruno howls for a half an hour. 

Share this image

Photo via Nassau County SPCA

Rogers says he would like the owner to find work, but as the shelter is closing, he needs to get Bruno adopted out as soon as possible. Bruno is featured prominently Nassau County SPCA Website, with the headline "HELP THIS FOUR LEGGED SANDY VICTIM!!!" The text reads, in part:

He's a good, intelligent Rottie who walks well and would do good with somebody who truly understands the breed as he has his stubborn moments. The shelter is closing soon and for him to end up without a place to go would be a tragedy, a foster or forever home is urgently needed! Call the Shelter at 516-272-0017.

“Bruno is a devoted dog,” Rogers said. “He has had a very difficult last few months and we are desperate to find him a happy ending.”

“He has a strong and sometimes Rottweiler personality that would fit best with an owner who understands the breed," he said. "But he becomes a lovable puppy around the people he knows and trusts.”

If you or someone you know would like to help, Bruno would appreciate it. Just look at that face:

Share this image

Photo via Nassau County SPCA

Via New York Daily News

“How much does that type of dog cost?”

It seemed innocent enough, the gentleman’s question, but for some reason it caused the hairs on the back of my neck to stand up and take notice.

Share this image

Not for sale. Keep moving, buddy.

“Excuse me?” I said.

“My kids are wanting a dog, and I like the looks of that one. How much for a dog like that?” he said.

My mouth was agape and I was searching my dog-writer brain for an intelligent response.

I looked over over at his car and saw six kids inside, fussing about, and then down to my little boy’s eyes and his “can we go now and play?” look at the other end of the leash. And then the words came to me.

“A lot of Cocker Spaniels end up in shelters, sir,” I explained. “This is a breed that requires a lot of care, grooming, close attention to eyes and ears, and though they love people, I’d probably not recommend one for a big family.”

Something in my gut fluttered, and I hoped that answer dissuaded him from wanting a Cocker Spaniel, or any dog for that matter. He left his car full of kids and went inside the store, with me scurrying to get back to my car. 

Share this image

Some breeds are not for everyone, and some people should not have a dog.

Perhaps you've been in a situation similar to mine. Someone inquires about getting a dog, maybe one like yours. Perhaps the someone is a co-worker and has talked of getting a dog the way most of us would about getting, say, a houseplant. In other words, it's a person who probably should not bring a dog into her life. Call it people profiling, but some people should not be allowed to have a dog. There oughta be a law, right?

Until that day comes, here are some things people might say to you when they're talking about getting a dog, and the different ways you can respond. 

1. “I want to get a dog, but I work all day”

This sentiment resonates with many of us, whether we work remotely, telecommute, work part-time or full-time. I might take flack for this, but dogs should not be left alone for inordinate periods of time. Dogs are pack animals who take comfort and thrive with their humans. To expect a dog to stay home alone without some sort of mental stimulation, potty breaks, or human interaction is unfair.

Share this image

It isn't fair to leave dogs alone for large amounts of time.

Helpful Response: “There are really good doggie daycares and pet sitters available these days. If you are considering a dog, I can help you find a reputable one.” The old Carol would have been snarky and biting and would have discouraged a dog entering this person’s life; the new Carol realizes that some people do react well to being educated and offered assistance. Knowledge is power and all.

2. “I want a dog to keep my kids company”

This is a very touchy one, as the kids might be responsible. But has the adult determined whether or not they are? How many instances have you heard about where the kids want a dog, the dog enters their lives, and then who ends up taking care of the dog? The adult, right? Not always, as some people get sick of a dog and then dump it at the shelter. Call me cynical, but years of volunteering in rescue and with foster groups gives one a jaded view of some dog parents.

Share this image

Think before a dog enters your life: Is it the right time and right reason to do so?

Helpful Response: “What sort of breed are you considering? Are you going to a shelter? A lot of shelter pets need homes.” These questions generate a genuine interest and aren’t attacking or offensive in nature. If you are certain that a pet is not a good fit for this person, feel free to voice your opinion, but be aware you might sever a friendship.

3. “I just watched a dog show on TV, and I really want to get a [insert breed here]”

This one causes me the most grief. As much as I like watching dogs prance around the ring, I cringe knowing that the ones who win end up in high demand at puppy mills and backyard breeders. It is a sad and tragic reality that the most popular breeds are also the most damaged. In a “Whew, thank goodness” way, I always emit a sigh of relief when Cocker Spaniels don’t win at big dog shows like Westminster. Cocker rescuers sure don’t want to see a greater influx of dogs come through their shelter doors.

Helpful Response: “You know, a lot of those dogs on TV require a ton of time, care, and attention. They look really good, but I’d suggest doing a bit of reading about the breed. Have you had one before?" Trust me, there have been times I want to say, “Seriously, are you nuts, you couldn’t handle that breed,” but my manners precede me.

Share this image

In real life, not all dogs are as they appear on t.v. The same holds true for people.

4. “I want a dog but my landlord won’t accept pets”

Ask a shelter worker why a pet was dumped there -- you would be amazed at the number of people who say their landlord found out about the dog.

Helpful Response: “Don’t risk it. If you get found out, you’ll have to move or the poor dog will suffer. You don’t want him or her to end up in a shelter. See if he’ll let you get a fish.”

Share this image

Just say no: If a landlord excludes pets, then pets should not be living there.

5. “I want a dog, but I don’t feel 100-percent ready to commit”

Some people want to try on dog ownership for size, and there is nothing wrong with this. Perhaps they recently had a dog pass away, or maybe it’s been a few years since they shared their life with a dog. I respect someone more for admitting this than attempting to be a dog parent and falling short, thus putting the dog’s fate at risk.

Helpful Response: “Did you ever consider fostering a dog? I know plenty of people who have fostered dogs and receive tremendous satisfaction in doing so." As Terry Humerickhouse of Gulf Coast Cocker Spaniel Rescue says, “A walk through the kennels, and one realizes these dogs are barking for their lives.” In reponse to that, Terry has fostered over 150 dogs in his lifetime. While a permanent owner is sought, a foster parent enables dogs to find solace until a forever home is found.

Share this image

Fostering fills a need for many.

There are a variety of reasons some people should never be allowed to have a dog in their life. We have no law for that, so the voice of reason is our best weapon. 

Did you ever discourage someone from getting a dog? Tell us about it in the comments!

They need saving. They need a loving home in which to grow up and thrive. But before you go to the shelter, where your emotions may overtake you, it's best to make thoughtful, realistic considerations and ensure you are prepared for the commitment that a puppy represents.

My rescue, Southpaws Express, has pulled many puppies whose lives were on the line at high-volume shelters. We place them into foster care and ultimately into adoptive homes. Along the way, I've learned a lot, so here I share some of my insights.

We often host adoption events at our partner Petco store. Usually, young puppies attract a lot of attention. As shoppers and families and potential adopters gather around, the most often asked questions are, “What breed is this puppy?” and “How big will he get?”

Share this image

Approach adoption with an open mind. Photo: Sad puppy looking through mesh by Shutterstock

The answers are almost always, “We don't know.” We can make educated guesses about the adult size based on the appearance of the puppy, but it's impossible to know for certain. Dogs can surprise you by staying smaller than you expect, or by having a big growth spurt and getting huge.

So, for example, if an adopter has a size restriction in their apartment building –- say, no more than 25 pounds -- I advise against a shelter puppy. Instead, you should consider a dog who has reached full maturity.

As for the breed question, shelter puppies don't usually arrive with a pedigree, so there is guesswork involved. Often, we pull puppies or litters of puppies who were already weaned when dropped off at the shelter, and did not arrive with their Mom. We can only speculate what breeds are on both sides of the family tree. In some cases, though, we've pulled litters of nursing puppies along with their Moms, and wee offer that knowledge to potential adopters. But those litters have also yielded some fascinating glimpses into the mysteries of mixed-breed dog genetics.  

Take Bella, a purebred blonde Cocker Spaniel we rescued. Her puppies were about three weeks old. Three of them looked like little Beagles, and one looked like a Miniature Dachshund! We might not have even guessed there was Cocker Spaniel in there if they'd arrived without their Mom.

Share this image

It's impossible to discern a breed from appearance alone. Photo: Puppies in cage by Shutterstock

Another example was lovely liver-colored Springer Spaniel Elli, who had a litter of speckled black-and-white puppies with dense short coats. Another litter came from a known Chihuahua Mom, but half the puppies looked like Chihuahuas, and half were much bigger -- and fluffy! And so on and on.

The point is, looks can be deceiving when trying to determine the breed of a shelter puppy.  

The idea is to adopt with an open mind. If you have "musts" for your dog, a shelter puppy might not be the way to go. A shelter puppy is a mystery wrapped in fur; she's all potential. You don't have the advantages of knowing her pedigree and the traits she is likely to inherit. In many cases, an adult dog may be a better bet.

This harks back to the old debate of nature vs. nurture. To a great extent, your adopted puppy will be just what you raise her to be. Once she's in your home, you will influence and shape her through your nurturing. But nature does play a role, and many of the quirks (and sometimes serious issues) of genetics won't be apparent until your dog reaches adolescence or maturity.

Share this image

Photo: German Shepherd in a cage by Shutterstock

To compensate for not knowing your puppy's family tree, make sure you are very attuned to her. Be observant and evaluate behaviors for what they are (rather than breed assumptions). As your puppy grows up, don't let small behavior problems go unaddressed –- this formative time is your opportunity to correct those little issues before they become big issues.

It's also imperative to start the puppy off with a great foundation in socialization and basic obedience. If such resources are available in your area, it's a good idea to enroll in both puppy playtime/socialization classes and obedience classes, with a trainer you trust. That relationship with a trainer, who knows you and your dog, will be valuable if behavioral issues crop up later.

Raising a puppy requires a tremendous investment of time, effort, money, and commitment. Most likely, your shelter puppy will repay you a hundredfold as she blossoms into a great dog, with your guidance and care. There may be challenges along the way, but as she grows, you'll appreciate her uniqueness and nuance more and more.

It's wonderful to see who your shelter puppy becomes -- it's one of the most beautiful journeys you can take with a dog. 

Share this image

It occurred to them that shelter dogs with quality portraits usually get adopted faster, so they began calling up different rescue organizations. A lot of them were suspicious, but one group jumped at the opportunity, and later that week showed up with a pack of Jack Russell Terriers without homes. Despite the chaos of the little dogs, Healey and Grisham were hooked, and every first Thursday of the month they open their studio to a different organization.

Share this image

Share this image

They have a line of greeting cards called Hooray for the Underdog!, which features beautiful photos of rescue dogs. The cards are not only a sweet way to remind a friend that you're thinking of her, but they raise awareness about the plight of homeless animals all over this country.

Share this image

Share this image

Share this image

The images are expertly crafted, radiating the life of the dogs in them. With Valentine's Day right around the corner, their site is worth taking a peek at. The cards are about $3.50 each and you can order them here.

Images via Hooray for the Underdog!

I've had a lifelong yearning for a dog. For too many childhood birthdays, I screwed my eyes shut and resolutely wished for a puppy as I blew out the candles on my cake. Of course, I never got my wish, because a puppy is at the top of the list of things you don’t get when you have seven siblings.

Earlier this year, I had moved back home from college and suddenly had a large yard, a job, and (some) disposable income. My younger siblings were old enough to handle taking care of a pet, and my mom was all for dog adoption. There was just one obstacle: my dad.

Share this image

Making friends on my first day as a shelter volunteer.

This story has the unwanted effect of making me feel like a 5-year-old kid all over again, taking me back to when I begged my dad to let me bring home a tiny English Springer Spaniel puppy (I can still smell its sweet, sweet puppy breath, almost 20 years later), so I’ll keep it short.

He put his foot down.

He had good reasons, but the disappointment still hurt -- especially because, like a fool, I had already gone to the local animal shelter to see who was up for adoption. I was all ready to adopt a beautiful, older Weimaraner named Fiona. I fell in love with her grey coat, her amber eyes, and her calm manner. I went home that day dreaming about Fiona and I going on long evening walks together through the woods, having her lying in my bed warming my feet in the winter, even thinking about the tears I would inevitably shed in a few years when my aged companion finally passed away. I will freely admit that my pet-owning daydreams skew towards a Les Miserables degree of melodrama. (Full disclosure: I’ve never seen any version of Les Miserables.)

After my dad said no, my daydreams of taking Fiona home gradually faded away, and as the weeks went by, I started to tear up less whenever I saw a dog food commercial.

My memories of the animal shelter stuck with me, however.

Share this image

I definitely fell in love with this guy. How could you not?

Sadly, no animal shelter is a heartwarming place. There are the concrete floors, often soiled; the din of huge dogs barking as they try to leap up and over their mesh cages; the sad (or maybe just bored) expressions in so many dogs’ eyes. It's the real-life version of those awful late-night animal shelter infomercials that used to spur me to go on a wild-eyed search for my mother’s credit card when I was a kid.

“BUT THE THREE LEGGED KITTEN LOOKED SO SAD!” I’d wail while being marched to my room.

The difference now is that I have my own credit card. So at Christmas, I joined my co-workers in donating to the local animal shelter. It still didn’t feel like I’d done enough, though, so a couple of weeks later, I filled out some forms and dropped them off. I intended to volunteer to walk the dogs at the animal shelter.

Share this image

Hungry dog with bowl by Shutterstock.

A confession: I am not big on volunteering. This aversion can probably be attributed to a bad experience I had in high school, when I volunteered at a stable that gave disabled children horse-riding lessons. I was painfully shy and didn’t know anything about horses, and all the other workers and volunteers were too busy to deal with me. Most of the time, I was given a broom and told to sweep.

Whenever I remember that time period, I don’t really have any memories of pride or gratification for having helped people. It’s mostly feelings of being awkward, useless and super cold.

Despite those old fears, I started this week. I was worried about being in the way. I was worried that I wouldn’t know enough, or that I wouldn’t be particularly helpful. I was worried about being ignored or snapped at by busy volunteers who knew what they were doing. I was worried about having to clean up really nasty dog poops. I was worried about falling in love with all the dogs I’m not allowed to bring home.

Share this image

Homeless dog in shelter by Shutterstock.

All of those things happened. But you know what? It wasn’t the worst thing ever. For every curt volunteer, there was a friendly one who explained things to me. I am not yet the most efficient or helpful volunteer, but I’m going to keep showing up until that changes.

All of the dogs and cats there are sweet and lovable, and I feel bad for them. They’re stuck in a bad place. If I could, I would adopt all of them. I figure that the next best thing I can do is to show up in my spare time and take them out for some fresh air or otherwise give them attention.

I'm still bummed I can't get a dog right now, but I like to think that one day, my pet will be sitting in some animal shelter somewhere waiting for me. And I know I’m really going to appreciate the person who waits with her.

Share this image

It's tough enough to be a soldier in war-torn Afghanistan; little wonder many servicemen return home with post-traumatic stress disorder. Now imagine being a local dog, terrified and confused, with no way to understand the waking nightmare going on around you.

As if being a helpless, homeless creature in a war-torn country weren't stressful enough, now imagine being captured and forced to fight other dogs for the amusement of the local police.

The stray and abandoned dogs of Afghanistan know this horrific confusion all too well. Luckily, however, there's a group dedicated to rescuing them and finding them forever homes far from the chaos of combat: Nowzad Dogs. The nonprofit treats injured and sick strays, rehomes dogs with Afghan locals, assists serving soldiers in rescuing their four-legged buddies and bringing them home, and promotes animal welfare education through its clinic. "One day we hope to roll out our programs across most of Afghanistan," promises Pen Farthing, ex-Green Beret Commando in the Royal Marines, whose profound compassion set him on a personal mission to fight for Afghanistan's forgotten canines.

Share this image

Pen in Afghanistan with Nowzad, the dog he rescued.

It all started in 2007, when the soldier rescued a magnificent mixed-breed he named Nowzad, after Now Zad, the remote part of Afghanistan where his troop was stationed. That distinguished dog is now a white-whiskered veteran of war who enjoys a peaceful, happy home life in England with Farthing and his girlfriend, Hannah.

Nowzad Dogs has made major strides in improving the lives of Afghanistan's dog population. "We have now opened the only official animal shelter in the whole of Afghanistan, which also contains a small animal clinic," Farthing says. "Locals bring animals in to us for treatment -- they had nowhere to take them before."

Share this image

Sylvie greets Zahir of Nowzad on a snowy morning.

Thanks to Nowzad Dogs, spay-neuter is gaining a toehold in Afghanistan, as is the concept of responsible pet ownership. "We have started to roll out our humane trap-neuter-release program to reduce the out-of-control stray population, which in turn will reduce the cases of rabies," Farthing explains. "Increased security in northern Afghanistan is allowing the Afghan people to make their own choices about life, and in some cases owning a dog is one of them!"

Share this image

Pen says he's a real softie soldier, so helping Nowzad came naturally.

It was a lucky twist of fate for the dogs of Afghanistan when this soldier was deployed in their midst. "I just cannot bear to see people or animals suffer," says Farthing, author of the just-published No Place Like Home: A New Beginning With the Dogs of Afghanistan, the brand-new sequel to his popular 2010 title One Dog at a Time: Saving the Strays of Afghanistan. "Getting dogs out of Afghanistan to England was not something we had planned at the start of our tour of duty, but once I had given those dogs a trust in humans and they had become my buddies, there was no way I could leave them behind."

Share this image

At home, safe and sound: Pen and his girlfriend, Hanna, with Nowzad and Tali.

Nowzad and Tali were the first dogs who made it to safety thanks to Farthing's intervention. Today, the duo live the good life with Farthing's two other dogs. These brave survivors have made great strides adjusting to their new life.

"Both are as normal as pet dogs as we could possibly ask for," Farthing says. "Going for a walk is a different story though. When seeing a dog on the other side of the road, Nowzad suddenly thinks he is back to his old days as an angry, young feral dog. But then his body reminds him that he is actually nearly 10 or 11 years old."

"Tali is a darling little dog that still wows the audience at our charity talks -- she loves everybody. Her favorite thing to do is snuggle up to complete strangers -- as long as they feed her, she's quite happy. Both dogs enjoy the creature comforts of home life far too much now -- even in our central-heated house, Nowzad wears his evening coat to keep out the cold!"

Share this image

Libby, one of the puppies at the shelter.

Share this image

Hannah feeds some of the NowZad puppies.

Just like any other dog anywhere in the world, these formerly traumatized canine survivors are creatures of habit. "They know their routine," Farthing says. "Early morning door opens, and it's out for a wee before breakfast is served. ... Sometime around lunch, it's out for a walk, and then an afternoon nap before evening dinner. ... And then there's the odd charity event thrown in just so they earn their keep!"

Share this image

Linus was adopted by a local Afghan family.

As for Farthing, the war hero (and Dogster hero) is busy earning his keep as a mountaineering instructor, juggling his job and his books with lots of travel to manage the charity he founded. "Once we secure proper funding, then hopefully I will become a full-time member of the Nowzad team -- that is where my passion now lies," he says.

Share this image

Yes, there are pitties in Afghanistan! This one was adopted by a local man, who brought his pup in for a checkup.

To help him reach that goal, Farthing hopes Dogster readers will follow Nowzad on Facebook and Twitter.

“We don’t pay for advertising –- everything we have achieved has been by word of mouth,” he says. “Buying our books and reading our ‘tails’ would also support our work. All the stories of our current rescues can be found on our web site -- bring tissues,” he cautions, “as they can get quite emotional!” 

Do you know of a rescue hero — dog, human, or group — we should profile on Dogster? Write us at dogsterheroes@dogster.com. 

Two other people have been arrested as well, Merissa Noonan, 21, and Amanda Noelle Oakley, 19, who remain in jail with bail for each set at $372,500. Police are still gathering evidence and tracking down witnesses.

According to the Marion County Sheriff's Office, the dogs were "extremely underweight and suffering from starvation and malnutrition. Others appeared sick and some had their eyes sealed shut with body fluids. The cages had some sawdust on the cold cement floors, but no bedding was available to the animals. Most of the cages were filled with animal feces and urine."

Share this image

Conditions at the rescue -- really, just a warehouse -- were described as "deplorable," with "little food, water fouled by garbage, and cages designed for one dog containing up to four."

"As many as five dogs were kept in kennels designed for one," reports the Oregonian. "The stench was overwhelming. Waste ran down from one crate perched atop many others, to pool on the concrete floor."

"I found no food available to them, and the water in their cages was filled with stench," Kris Otteman, veterinarian for the Oregon Humane Society, told the Oregonian. "I saw one animal stuffed into a cage that was so small he was unable to lie down, sit or stand up. He had no food or water in the cage, and I'm not sure how long he'd been left in that condition."

Police photographs show emaciated dogs with open sores on their snouts in addition to bald patches. 

"Those dogs were shut down. They don't show interest in food," said Sharon Harmon, executive director of the Oregon Humane Society. "This is so far and away from the perception of warmth and caring [that] people expect in an animal shelter. This is just a tragic case of neglect."

The dogs are being treated for ringworm, mange, malnutrition, internal parasite infestations, eye infections, and untreated bite wounds. One had an untreated leg fracture, according to the AP.

Share this image

Photo via Marion County Sherrif's Dept.

How do people in their 20s wind up neglecting more than 100 dogs they set out to save? The group members were clearly in over their heads, obsessed with saving dogs but unable to properly care for them. Unbelievably, just two bags of dog food were found by police at the rescue -- which held more than 150 dogs. The dogs' primary food was stale bread, according to police. Some dogs were kept in small cages, stacked on top of one another; others were running loose. When police arrested Inglish, she had just pulled up to the warehouse. She had another four dogs in her car. 

Humane Society spokesman David Lytle said that he doesn't know what caused the abuse, but he compared it to similar cases where people take on too much too soon.   

"They start out with good intentions, and people just get overwhelmed," he said.



The female Staffordshire Terrier mix had been the victim of abuse and neglect. Upon arrival at the city of San Bernardino's Animal Control shelter, the dog suffered from a piece of blue nylon rope so deeply embedded in her flesh it had torn her open, exposing a raw wound. Regardless of her future, she needed immediate medical attention. Instead, a group investigating the case believes she languished for six long days, risking potentially fatal infection. She might have been neglected longer if it weren't for shelter volunteer Maria Sanchez, who, while photographing death-row animals for adoption networking, snapped a shot of the injured dog and posted it on Facebook and Twitter, where it went viral.

Share this image

This Staffordshire Terrier mix came to the shelter with a rope tied around her neck -- where a group investigating the matter say it stayed for six more days. Photo by Maria Sanchez

The upsetting photos and video eventually received the attention of the Companion Animal Protection Society, also called CAPS, which launched an investigation into the shelter's practices and provided the above details in a news release. Instead of correcting the situation at the shelter, the group claims, kennel manager Ryan Long sent Sanchez an inappropriately admonishing email. The message calls her work "derogatory" and "counterproductive," according to CAPS, and it forbids her from continuing her volunteer work helping last-chance animals find homes.

CAPS is a national nonprofit group dedicated to the protection of companion animals. Its work includes investigation, education, and rescue, aimed specifically at addressing the state of pet shop and puppy mill dogs. According to CAPS' burgeoning investigation, the San Bernardino shelter's exposed neglect isn't a solitary incident. The organization is gathering and examining documents, photos, videos, and eyewitness accounts of other examples of abuse and failure to comply or make efforts for reduce euthanasia rates.

Fortunately, the dog with the rope in her neck has been rescued and her wounds addressed, and with access to the dog, CAPS has requested a forensic veterinary examination to look for evidence of other abuse to further build its case. According to CAPS, the San Bernardino Shelter should have ordered such work itself when the dog came into its care.

Share this image

Here's a close up of the dog's open wound. Fortunately, she has been adopted and is receiving the care and love she needs. Photo by Maria Sanchez

Long is responsible for the life of every animal who enters the shelter and, in an effort to reduce the shelter's number of kills, should operate with the animals' best intentions in mind -- even if they eventually end up put down, they all deserve a second chance at a new life. What's more, the morale of his staff -- which he blames Sanchez for destroying through her leaked photos -- is no one's burden but his own.

We'll keep you updated on the case as it develops.

Thank you to the CAPS team for the coverage of this case.

In the U.K. there is an epidemic of backyard breeders, mostly for bully breeds, who make large amounts of money. We wanted to give a home to a bully breed, and felt sure that any dog would thrive in our home through positive reinforcement, socialization, and love. We have many animals, including dogs, cats, and chickens, as well as two roosters rescued from the cooking pot!

I searched shelters online and fell in love with a puppy advertised as a 12-week-old Dogue De Bordeaux-Mastiff mix. I drove to West London the next day with my Pomeranian, Barney, to meet him. He was already three times the size of Barney, but it was love at first sight. I knew he was probably not a Mastiff as he did not have the wrinkles, but my heart took my head out for a walk.

Share this image

Marley as a puppy. Who could resist those eyes?

The staff told me that the puppy -- who we'd decided to name Marley -- had "uncertain origins," and that they wanted him rehomed outside London, where bully breeds are used by young men as status symbols.

They also explained that he might have to be placed on the Dangerous Dogs Register when he was fully grown.

Some background: The Dangerous Dogs Act was introduced in 1991 following a spate of highly publicized dog attacks. This breed-specific legislation makes it a criminal offense to own, breed from, sell, or even give as a gift a Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, or Fila Brasileiro without a court exemption. "Dangerous" dogs are classified by physical appearance and "type," not necessarily breeds.

Share this image

Marley as a puppy, being sleepy and cute.

With the benefit of hindsight, we were naive. I trusted the shelter to place a dog with us who could grow up in an extended pack of dogs and cats. Staff hinted that Marley might have Pittie-type origins, and that it was illegal in the U.K. to rehome such a dog. The shelter got around this by describing puppies as Staffies or Mastiff mixes. 

What also stuck in my head was the reinforced message that if we returned Marley as an adult he would be automatically seized by the police under the Dangerous Dogs Act, and a court could order his destruction. Marley's potential for aggression was never mentioned. All the emphasis was on his appearance.

We were committed. We did some initial research on the consequences of adopting Marley, but it did not change our minds. He needed a home. The following week we drove all of our other dogs to meet Marley. The introduction went well, and we left with Marley, bound for Kent and the start of his new life. 

Share this image

Marley was happy to sleep with our cats.

Marley had already been castrated, which I found odd. My vet had told me that it was best to neuter dogs around five months to enable them to mature mentally and physically. On reflection I felt the shelter was hiding some concerns. We have had several puppies over the years and had them all castrated after they had developed their personality and had some maturity.

I work part-time because of bouts of chronic depression, so our animals are lucky to have someone around most of the time. Marley thrived and became one of our dear family straight away. But from the start, he was very stubborn. I tried for several months to make him sleep in his basket with no success, so we got him an old chair and he slept downstairs with the pack. 

Shelter staff called constantly, requesting weekly visits to see how Marley was doing. We had rescued many dogs and had never had this level of contact. On one visit, the staffer kept saying, “They all have those eyes -- can’t you see it?” It was at this point we realized Marley was a banned Pit “type.”

Share this image

My partner, Rob, with our pack.

We took Marley to puppy classes, but it was a constant battle to control his behavior and barking toward other dogs, and I could see the staffers were anxious when he was there. It was a very small village hall with more than 20 dogs. He was very tall and weighed 80 pounds.

We accepted Marley as the Pittie he was, and concluded he would be fine in a rural setting. We would put him on the Dangerous Dogs Register if we had to, and muzzle him when we were out and about. He was part of our pack. We have a massive garden and fields all around that are lovely and quiet.

Marley was properly socialized from day one. He curled up with our cats and small dogs and us on the sofa every evening. He had boundaries and discipline like all our pack, big or small. He was accepted and accepting. 

Share this image

The big lug.

He had also grown up with my nieces and nephews, who adored him, but one day he growled at my niece, Ellie, in her house, after being fine with her in the car.

When Marley was nine or 10 months old, I took him and our Collie, Osca, for a long walk. After crossing the road to the fields and letting them both off the leash, they went for each other and began fighting viciously. I managed to grab Marley’s collar and kick Osca in the ribs, which switched him out of his state of mind. I had no other choice, as Marley wanted to kill Osca. I relayed all that had happened to Rob when he got home. We were both very concerned.

The next warning sign came a few weeks later on our annual camping vacation in Cornwall. On a coastal walk, Marley was surprised by some people and turned into the Hound of the Baskervilles. It frightened the hell out of us; the people stood there in shock and said, “Glad you have that thing on a strong lead.” He spent the rest of the holiday chained to our camping van. We had lost all trust in him.

Share this image

Marley and Osca got along -- for a while.

As Marley grew to adulthood, he displayed dominance and aggressive behavior when he could not get his own way. When he was just over a year old, he went to bite me. He tried to attack the Pomeranians and the cats, and when my dad came to stay, he snarled and growled and would not let him pass. I immediately took Marley out of the house and allowed him back in when we had all sat down.

Marley’s behavior was very worrying, but again Rob and I made excuses for him. He was given his bed in the kitchen with a bone for a few hours. He was never chained up. I asked my dad to hand-feed Marley as a positive reinforcement, which worked. My Dad tried to tell me that Marley was dangerous, but I did not listen. I believed it was a situation I could fix. I did not tell the shelter, because I was fearful for Marley’s life. I loved him dearly.

Share this image

With our dogs at the caravan. Marley had to be chained for the whole vacation.

When Marley decided that Osca was unwelcome and attacked him three times in a day, we realized we could not continue managing his aggression. We had to think of ourselves and our other animals’ welfare. Osca was wounded badly, and Marley was confined to the kitchen. We knew that sending Marley back to the shelter would probably be a death sentence.

What I am about to write I do not condone, but we were out of options. We let an ex-police dog trainer use a shock collar to try and modify Marley’s behavior. This worked fine when the trainer was present, but as soon as he left, Marley went looking for Osca in full attack mode. We managed to pull him off, but Osca was badly wounded. I was so scared of Marley by this point that I asked Rob to take him back to the shelter the next day. 

Share this image

Me with our mellow canine pack in happier times.

Rob and I were devastated. I will never forget my partner's kindness to me that day, and I know how dreadful it must have been for him. Marley was left at the shelter with a dubious future. As he and Rob sat waiting for a staff member, Marley barked aggressively at anyone who came near.

We did not enquire what happened to Marley afterward, but his prognosis was not good under the current legislation. I’m sorry, but I preferred not to know.

I wrote this for our Marley Mu Mu, Mr. Marley Bone. I needed to tell our story. I adored him, and I fought to get him into our home. Rob and I made several trips to satisfy all the shelter's adoption requirements. We wanted to show people that bully breeds are unfairly stigmatized. We wanted to give him a home where he had fields to run in off-leash, and be judged not by his type but by his behavior.

Share this image

Walking Marley along the cliffs in Cornwall.

I take issue with the shelter, who knew he was probably a Pit Bull, but still placed him with us in a multi-animal household. I also always felt they never properly discussed possible behavior problems; the emphasis was on what he looked like. British shelters have their hands tied by the current legislation, which I think is ambiguous and wrong. The shelter just wanted him out of their system before he was detected as a possible illegal type.

I see many Facebook posts condemning people, blaming the owner and not the dog. I cannot agree. Rob and I are well aware of the correct ways to raise a happy, confident dog, but we ultimately had to admit that our nurturing would never win over Marley’s natural instinct. We adored him, but we had to let him go. 

Got a Doghouse Confessional to share?

We're looking for intensely personal stories from our readers about life with their dogs. E-mail confess@dogster.com, and you might become a published Dogster Magazine author!  

1. Local rescue group, humane society, or shelter

Whether you got a furever friend through the organization or simply support its efforts, a donation of money or supplies will help the volunteers continue their good works. Inquire with a known group, humane society, or shelter as to its needs, or use Petfinder to discover organizations in your area.

Share this image

Local rescue organizations such as Arizona Cactus Corgi Rescue, run by Vicki Combs, always are in need of funds.

2. Local pet food bank or national distributor

Imagine not being able to afford food for your dogs. Help those in exactly that situation by donating to a local pet food bank. You also can give to a national organization that obtains perfectly good surplus pet food from manufacturers and distributes it to animal-welfare organizations. The organizations not only give the food to their rescues but also to families in need, helping to keep more dogs at home and out of the shelter system. Find a local pet food bank through your area humane society or donate to a national distributor such as Rescue Bank.

3. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

The ASPCA has its fingers in a number of animal-welfare pies, including rescuing animals from abuse, passing humane laws, and sharing resources with shelters across the country. The organization offers a variety of ways you can donate funds, including:

• Monthly donation to become an ASPCA Guardian
• One-time donation to receive membership in the organization
• Honor Gift donation in the name of a loved one
• Memorial Gift donation in the name of a late loved one or beloved pet
• Symbolic Gift donation that represents a specific effort, from grooming of adoptive pets to the medical treatment of abused pets

Share this image

A symbolic gift of animal grooming will help bring out the beauty of a dog up for adoption.

When you donate in the name of a person or pet, the ASPCA sends a greeting card to the recipient acknowledging your gift. Symbolic Gifts also come with a greeting card, certificate of appreciation, and an educational brochure, as well as a premium gift of your choosing (collar, bowl, or pin) for the higher donation levels. All donations of $25 or more result in a one-year subscription to ASPCA Action newsletter for you.

4. The Humane Society of the United States

The HSUS also works to improve the lives of animals on a national and state level, including advocating through public policy, corporate reform, and national campaigns against cruelty. Among the many donation opportunities are:

• Monthly donation to become a Humane Hero
• One-time donation
• Hip, Hip, Humane! gift donation in the name of a loved one
• Kindred Spirits memorial gift in the name of a late loved one or beloved pet

When you donate in the name of a person or pet, the HSUS sends a greeting card to the recipient acknowledging your gift, as well a one-year subscription to All Animals magazine for donations of $25 or higher.

Share this image

You also can contribute to HSUS efforts by buying holiday cards. The organization has dozens of designs available for dog lovers.

5. North Shore Animal League America

In addition to the more than one million dogs and cats North Shore Animal League America has saved since 1944, its current efforts include helping the many pets displaced by Hurricane Sandy. It continues to care for hundreds of animals at its emergency pet shelter in Nassau County, New York, and it distributes pet supplies to the areas hardest hit by the storm. The organization offers a variety of ways you can donate funds, including:

• Monthly donation
• One-time donation
• Gift donation
• Holiday gift donation
• Gift sponsorship
• Memorial gift donation

When you make a gift donation or sponsorship, the organization sends a greeting card to the recipient. Personalized tributes include a memorial brick or photo tile at the organization’s Port Washington, New York, campus. The tile donation also comes with a version for your home. 

Share this image

Zoey the Pug more than appreciates the food provided by North Shore Animal League America after Hurricane Sandy.

6. PetSmart Charities

You likely already give to this organization at the register each visit, but consider a holiday donation as well. The largest funder of animal-welfare efforts in North America, PetSmart Charities creates and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise awareness of companion-animal welfare issues, and promote healthy relationships between people and pets. You can make a monthly, one-time, or tribute or memorial donation. When you donate in the name of a person or pet, the organization sends a greeting card via regular mail or email to the recipient acknowledging your gift.

7. Search Dog Foundation

When Wilma Melville retired from teaching school, she and her dog Murphy trained to become a canine search team. Her work after the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing inspired her to create Search Dog Foundation, which partners rescued dogs with firefighters to find people buried alive in disaster wreckage. Since then, SDF dogs have helped in more than 80 emergencies and disasters, including 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. Help the organization train additional teams with a monthly or one-time gift in your name or that of a loved one or pet. You can even sponsor a search dog for $10,000.

Share this image

During 9-11, Search Dog Foundation teams helped find victims within the rubble.

8. The Pets for the Elderly Foundation

This organization covers adoption fees so those 60 or older can bring a companion dog or cat into their life. It works with nearly 60 shelters across the country. You can make a one-time donation via mail or PayPal.

9. Kickstarter Campaign: A Dog Named Gucci

When Doug James heard a puppy’s cries while standing on his front porch, he went to investigate. The dog had been brutally abused, including being set on fire. James saved Gucci’s life, and the two spent 16 years together. During that time, the pair worked with legislators to change the laws in Alabama to make animal abuse a felony.

Noted rock documentarian/director Gorman Bechard and producer Patricia Clark want to make a movie about the abused pup and his rescuer, not only to tell their tale but also to help change animal abuse laws in other states. Money donated given the A Dog Named Gucci Kickstarter campaign will fund transportation, food, and lodging expenses so volunteers can travel to Alabama for interviews, as well as other expenses associated with the film.

The campaign runs through Dec. 17. Backers will receive a gift in return, ranging from a "Special Thanks to" listing in the credits for a pledge of $1 or more, to the largest backer package available (first executive producer listing on the poster, separate title card in the film credits, invite to the premiere, DVD screener of the flim, and Bechard’s six DVDs and six novels) for a $10,000 pledge or more. Not to worry if you don’t have that kind of cash, as multiple backer levels exist in between the two.

10. Donate your time

If the current economy has left you without much to spend this holiday season, you can choose to give by volunteering at a local animal organization. Use a site such as VolunteerMatch to find opportunities near you. 

Share this image

Houston's Barrio Dogs Inc. rescues street dogs like Copper and helps them find furver homes. Consider donating your time to such an organization this holiday season.

These are just a few of the many worthy dog causes you can donate to this holiday season. When donating to a charitable organization, use a website such as Charity Navigator to help you make the most informed contributions possible. Also, remember to save your receipts. Donations not only feed your soul, but they also can result in a deduction come tax time.

What dog causes do you donate to? Please share your favorites in the comments!