Some of you already know ... for those that don't .... I lost my special rescue Rottie Quinn last week. I am so totally shocked by his fast decline - the week before he was jumping around as usual - then I find him dead after a few days of not feeling his usual perky self (probable kidney failure per vet). SO when I went to drop off donations to the Tri-County Shelter on Saturday morning, I took a look at the dogs they had there. Then on Monday I went to the new P G County shelter and I was impressed with the facility, except that we all knew what would happen right? Yes they CAN house MORE animals in the larger facility, but what always happens at EVERY facility? They become full and the killing begins.

It hurt me so much to know that many of those faces in the shelters will be no more, and it doesn't take long for them to be put down because so many new ones come in DAILY (strays/owner surrenders), and they have to make room, so the next up on death row gets put down. Granted sometimes the ones being put down may not have been ideal pets (maybe needed re-training), but they are just innocent victims. Some of the dogs I saw were scared and shaking, some were happy, some appeared depressed.

I was there to find another life to save, and I was faced with a scared dog that was going to probably be put down that day, but I was only there to pick 2 dogs and he wasn't one of them unfortunately. I almost feel responsible for his death because I could have saved him. I looked into the eyes of almost every dog there and it's heartbreaking!

I will forever be dedicated to finding homes for homeless critters, big and small. Please, if any of you reading this can help save a life, please visit your local shelters. Tell others about the shelters and how much those critters NEED us to come save them. They give so much yet require so little from us in return. I am willing to help anyone who wants help finding a critter. I know a lot of people who can help us look for whatever you want to find be it canine, feline, equine, or any other critter. Thanks for listening, I truly appreciate it!

Some of you already know ... for those that don't .... I lost my special rescue Rottie Quinn last week. I am so totally shocked by his fast decline - the week before he was jumping around as usual - then I find him dead after a few days of not feeling his usual perky self (probable kidney failure per vet). SO when I went to drop off donations to the Tri-County Shelter on Saturday morning, I took a look at the dogs they had there. Then on Monday I went to the new P G County shelter and I was impressed with the facility, except that we all knew what would happen right? Yes they CAN house MORE animals in the larger facility, but what always happens at EVERY facility? They become full and the killing begins.

It hurt me so much to know that many of those faces in the shelters will be no more, and it doesn't take long for them to be put down because so many new ones come in DAILY (strays/owner surrenders), and they have to make room, so the next up on death row gets put down. Granted sometimes the ones being put down may not have been ideal pets (maybe needed re-training), but they are just innocent victims. Some of the dogs I saw were scared and shaking, some were happy, some appeared depressed.

I was there to find another life to save, and I was faced with a scared dog that was going to probably be put down that day, but I was only there to pick 2 dogs and he wasn't one of them unfortunately. I almost feel responsible for his death because I could have saved him. I looked into the eyes of almost every dog there and it's heartbreaking!

I will forever be dedicated to finding homes for homeless critters, big and small. Please, if any of you reading this can help save a life, please visit your local shelters. Tell others about the shelters and how much those critters NEED us to come save them. They give so much yet require so little from us in return. I am willing to help anyone who wants help finding a critter. I know a lot of people who can help us look for whatever you want to find be it canine, feline, equine, or any other critter. Thanks for listening, I truly appreciate it!

:huggy: Thank you.

I always tell people who are looking for a new dog or cat. I adopted recently and also found a stray, one less dog going to the shelter. If I could I would take them all. I am but one person.

Thank you for you post. It brought tears to my eyes.

We always adopt rescues. We have two now and when we are ready to add another, it will most certainly be another rescue.

Our rescues always seemed to make better pets. I really believe they have a sense of knowing that you are/were the difference between them living a happy life and being put down.

Thank you again; you brought back fond memories of our "pup" who we lost a year ago.

Thanks for posting this. Some of the most wonderful pets I have ever encountered were from shelters and almost put to sleep. I took in a kitten from the shelter that was begging me to hold her and we took her home. She is the best pet we've ever had and everyone comments on how sweet she is.

Please take a moment to consider at least visiting the shelter when looking for a pet. The stigma that animals in shelters are ill-behaved or sick isn't true. Go check it out!

That makes me so sad. I couldn't possibly go in a shelter. I wouldn't make it past the doors. I think it is better for those lovely animals that aren't taken by rescues to be put to sleep than stuck in a cage scared and alone day after day. My animals are rescues. Not all from shelters..some from people that found a litter on the side of the road or something..even my guinea piggie is a rescue. One day I fully intend on owning a large farm somewhere where I can just bring animals there to live with me. For now all I can do is tell people ( I am constantly tellin people who want a pet ADOPT ADOPT!) and educate them and hope that we can save a few more lives. I adore all the rescue people on here..they certainly have saved countless lives...continue what you are doing. You cannot save them all..but even just one puppy or kitty put into a loving home has got to be worth all of the heartache, time, and money.

That makes me so sad. I couldn't possibly go in a shelter. I wouldn't make it past the doors. I think it is better for those lovely animals that aren't taken by rescues to be put to sleep than stuck in a cage scared and alone day after day. My animals are rescues. Not all from shelters..some from people that found a litter on the side of the road or something..even my guinea piggie is a rescue. One day I fully intend on owning a large farm somewhere where I can just bring animals there to live with me. For now all I can do is tell people ( I am constantly tellin people who want a pet ADOPT ADOPT!) and educate them and hope that we can save a few more lives. I adore all the rescue people on here..they certainly have saved countless lives...continue what you are doing. You cannot save them all..but even just one puppy or kitty put into a loving home has got to be worth all of the heartache, time, and money.

Sadly, I find myself silently judging someone who buys a dog from a pet store or breeder. Maybe they don't know the horrors but it bothers me. I'm trying not to judge but seeing my pups and seeing where one of them came from (skinny, stinky, cut up and abused) it makes me a little annoyed.

:yahoo: Wow that's great about your new additions! I hear you on the "only one person" part - it's hard to limit myself to only a few critters but I can't handle more without merely "warehousing" them you know? What good does it do to take them in if I can't spend time with them and care for them properly? That's why getting OTHERS involved is so critical.

A few years ago I decided to manage a feral colony of cats about 30 + strong. Took me a few years but I was able to get them ALL fixed, some adopted to indoor homes, some relocated to safer outdoor homes, and the rest stayed where they came from until they eventually disappeared. I have wanted to make a DVD to teach people HOW to care for feral/wild cat colonies in their communities so the population of feral cats would decrease. One of these days I'll get to it. I learned so much online and by trial and error, and feel the need to share the tips you know?

:huggy: Thank you.

I always tell people who are looking for a new dog or cat. I adopted recently and also found a stray, one less dog going to the shelter. If I could I would take them all. I am but one person.

Sadly, I find myself silently judging someone who buys a dog from a pet store or breeder. Maybe they don't know the horrors but it bothers me. I'm trying not to judge but seeing my pups and seeing where one of them came from (skinny, stinky, cut up and abused) it makes me a little annoyed.

I do that too. Because these are the same people that will be turning them in to the shelters in a few months. Pet stores and breeders pet stores esp are instant gratification. Feel like getting a puppy? head to the store and get one..grab one out of the penny saver. Without time or research or energy. To adopt one they make you fill out that application..though it may be a pain in the butt it really makes you think about your commitment. Not that you cant be a good owner otherwise. But there are soooooo many unwanted animals. My house is a fricken noahs ark...because I cant say no to an animal Both my kitties were in saaad shape when I got them fleas ear mites malnurished hungry and scared. all because some idiot couldnt get their cat fixed. you can even get it done for free if you dont have the money..what else can you possibly do to make people be responsible.

So sorry about your pup. I know there are a lot of good people like you out there that help, and we can only do so much individually, but yes it makes a difference for sure to each and every critter we help.

I have been collecting rescue donations like linens, food, and supplies from people for years to take to the area shelters, humane societies, and rescues. So I regularly SEE the faces when I'm there, then I tell people about what critters I saw there in case someone is open to a new pet.


Thank you for you post. It brought tears to my eyes.

We always adopt rescues. We have two now and when we are ready to add another, it will most certainly be another rescue.

Our rescues always seemed to make better pets. I really believe they have a sense of knowing that you are/were the difference between them living a happy life and being put down.

Thank you again; you brought back fond memories of our "pup" who we lost a year ago.

Yes I agree.

Quinn was a special case that needed special handling, and he turned out to have been the dog that TAUGHT me the most about HOW to handle an abuse/neglect case like his. His issues were all due to human abuse and neglect, so I spent the better part of 2 years rehabbing him. He enriched my life so much!

Thanks for posting this. Some of the most wonderful pets I have ever encountered were from shelters and almost put to sleep. I took in a kitten from the shelter that was begging me to hold her and we took her home. She is the best pet we've ever had and everyone comments on how sweet she is.

Please take a moment to consider at least visiting the shelter when looking for a pet. The stigma that animals in shelters are ill-behaved or sick isn't true. Go check it out!

Piggies? I rescued 3 piggies from the shelter! Have 4 of them now. Love to hear them squeaking when I get home.

Well it's better they be in a cage for a while and end up in a nice home rather than be put down. Some of the scared ones warm up to personal attention pretty fast, while others take more time.

That makes me so sad. I couldn't possibly go in a shelter. I wouldn't make it past the doors. I think it is better for those lovely animals that aren't taken by rescues to be put to sleep than stuck in a cage scared and alone day after day. My animals are rescues. Not all from shelters..some from people that found a litter on the side of the road or something..even my guinea piggie is a rescue. One day I fully intend on owning a large farm somewhere where I can just bring animals there to live with me. For now all I can do is tell people ( I am constantly tellin people who want a pet ADOPT ADOPT!) and educate them and hope that we can save a few more lives. I adore all the rescue people on here..they certainly have saved countless lives...continue what you are doing. You cannot save them all..but even just one puppy or kitty put into a loving home has got to be worth all of the heartache, time, and money.

Yes it IS enough to make you want to smack :smack: someone when you see how irresponsible some people are with pets.

I always wished we could some how make everyone understand how serious the problem is - most people have no clue how many pets are killed each year due to lack of a home.

We have teamed up with other people all around So. MD who help take in the critters we come across. Wonderful lady in Indian head helps out with small critters, and another lady named Kathy on a huge farm helps us too. It's such a good feeling to see people helping each other like this to provide homes for the unwanted critters.

One of the dogs we are getting from the shelter has really badly infected ears - whoever LET that dog get like that needs retraining as a human being! I was told that this dog may need life-long treatment of his ears - poor baby. I like taking special cases though so that's one reason he was picked.

I do that too. Because these are the same people that will be turning them in to the shelters in a few months. Pet stores and breeders pet stores esp are instant gratification. Feel like getting a puppy? head to the store and get one..grab one out of the penny saver. Without time or research or energy. To adopt one they make you fill out that application..though it may be a pain in the butt it really makes you think about your commitment. Not that you cant be a good owner otherwise. But there are soooooo many unwanted animals. My house is a fricken noahs ark...because I cant say no to an animal Both my kitties were in saaad shape when I got them fleas ear mites malnurished hungry and scared. all because some idiot couldnt get their cat fixed. you can even get it done for free if you dont have the money..what else can you possibly do to make people be responsible.

Piggies? I rescued 3 piggies from the shelter! Have 4 of them now. Love to hear them squeaking when I get home.

Well it's better they be in a cage for a while and end up in a nice home rather than be put down. Some of the scared ones warm up to personal attention pretty fast, while others take more time.

I love my piggies. If you ever run across any that need some help..post em up here and il do what I can. piggies are a huge problem too...because they breed so much and people just buy them from pet stores..then find out they take quite a bit of work... ive even heard of people that purposely let them breed to show their kids..then dont want the babies :smack:

and for anyone reading this. Rescue a guinea pig (actually you need two)! they are GREAT pets..they are very loving and entertaining. :)

Guinea pigs are so much fun! I love each and every one of them. I found a really great website that tells you HOW to make your own inexpensive enclosures (sorry Petsmart/Petco):

Guinea Pig Cages, Your Cavy At Home (http://www.cavycages.com)

I didn't make the 2 level one but I wanted to - lots of really cool pictures there of creative enclosures AND those work for rabbits too - you just make them bigger.

Empire Graphics in Waldorf (301) sells the Coroplast (plastic sign material) for the bottom. Even comes in great colors and not just white anymore (purple anyone?). I think 1 sheet was like $13.


I love my piggies. If you ever run across any that need some help..post em up here and il do what I can. piggies are a huge problem too...because they breed so much and people just buy them from pet stores..then find out they take quite a bit of work... ive even heard of people that purposely let them breed to show their kids..then dont want the babies :smack:

and for anyone reading this. Rescue a guinea pig (actually you need two)! they are GREAT pets..they are very loving and entertaining. :)

Guinea pigs are so much fun! I love each and every one of them. I found a really great website that tells you HOW to make your own inexpensive enclosures (sorry Petsmart/Petco):

Guinea Pig Cages, Your Cavy At Home (http://www.cavycages.com)

I didn't make the 2 level one but I wanted to - lots of really cool pictures there of creative enclosures AND those work for rabbits too - you just make them bigger.

Empire Graphics in Waldorf (301) sells the Coroplast (plastic sign material) for the bottom. Even comes in great colors and not just white anymore (purple anyone?). I think 1 sheet was like $13.

yeah I have a huge c and c cage...as the lingo goes. Mine had a top floor..with a ramp but my pigs would NEVER go up there...no clue why..they just wouldnt so I converted it to one floor and made a top to make it kitty proof.

I used a piece of Coroplast for the top since it's easy to take off for cleaning. The cats gave up on the pigs for the most past but the NEW rescue kitty is fascinated with them and will jump on top and sometimes the top will slide down in a corner scaring the piggy I'm sure - yikes it's a monster :jameo: .

yeah I have a huge c and c cage...as the lingo goes. Mine had a top floor..with a ramp but my pigs would NEVER go up there...no clue why..they just wouldnt so I converted it to one floor and made a top to make it kitty proof.

I used a piece of Coroplast for the top since it's easy to take off for cleaning. The cats gave up on the pigs for the most past but the NEW rescue kitty is fascinated with them and will jump on top and sometimes the top will slide down in a corner scaring the piggy I'm sure - yikes it's a monster :jameo: .

My male pig bubba is utterly fearless. when the kitty runs up to the cage he runs over and stands on his hind legs poking his nose out at the cat. all excited like they are friends. sometimes the kitten gets in the cage (how I will never know) and when I pull him out the pigs start squeaking like they are mad hes leaving. I have the weirdest pets.

One of the dogs we are getting from the shelter has really badly infected ears - whoever LET that dog get like that needs retraining as a human being! I was told that this dog may need life-long treatment of his ears - poor baby. I like taking special cases though so that's one reason he was picked.


Don't always believe it is the humans fault (as I realize most of the time it is). My black lab has infection in both her ears, has since she was 1.5 years old. We have spent thousands and thousands of dollars on vets, special treatments, tests, steriods, live virus shots that cost $100 a shot needed every 3 days and countless antibotics, home remedies. I could go on and on. It stumps everyone what causes it and no one has ever been able to make it go away. So we keep them as clean as possible and hope we some day find a cure....

PS - I had Quinn for 6 years total though - not just 2 years (rehab time) - just took me 2 years to get him to the point he had learned how to be a dominated dog (by me) and not freak out at everything and try to take me to the ground. I almost ended up on the ground a few times during the initial struggles (I was only 120 lbs LOL) but I did manage to subdue him. You have to wonder what the HECK did someone do to him to make him want act like that? I don't think he was trying to hurt me, just subdue me you know?

Like I said before - he TAUGHT me so much! I will always love that strong spirit to live he had. Right now I just don't want to take on any special cases like Quinn was, so I opted for a dog at the shelter that had medical needs instead of psychological ones. One day I'll do another "Quinn".

Yes I agree.

Quinn was a special case that needed special handling, and he turned out to have been the dog that TAUGHT me the most about HOW to handle an abuse/neglect case like his. His issues were all due to human abuse and neglect, so I spent the better part of 2 years rehabbing him. He enriched my life so much!

Thanks for speaking about this as I need the knowledge since I may be facing the same thing with this new rescue. He needs a name but until we spend time together I won't know what to call him. I will surely be asking for help if I need it on handling the medical needs of this new baby I've chosen. I also found out today he is Lime Disease positive too - but I hear that's not hard to handle.

I agree it's not all human-inflicted/caused .... mostly though unfortunately.



Don't always believe it is the humans fault (as I realize most of the time it is). My black lab has infection in both her ears, has since she was 1.5 years old. We have spent thousands and thousands of dollars on vets, special treatments, tests, steriods, live virus shots that cost $100 a shot needed every 3 days and countless antibotics, home remedies. I could go on and on. It stumps everyone what causes it and no one has ever been able to make it go away. So we keep them as clean as possible and hope we some day find a cure....

I get someone wanting a full breed who may be into hunting, showing, that kind of thing. But just as a pet, I wonder what people are thinking when they drive to Georgia or somewhere rather than save a shelter dog or even go through a breed specific rescue.

Both our dogs are rescues, and you just get that extra amount of love back from them because they know what you did for them. I would never have anything other than a rescue.

Actually some people think that shelter dogs all have problems and that's why they were taken to the shelter (not true in most cases), or they have no clue that there are so many dogs being put down at the shelter, or they think the shelter doesn't get good quality dogs? I don't think most people realize how bad the pet over-population really is. Then some people just don't care enough to care about homeless pets. I mean look at the people who leave their pets intact and when they reproduce they just sell or give the offspring away - lots of those folks obviously too.

They (rescues) DO seem to be more appreciative don't they? Can't wait to pick up my new addition tomorrow. I just found out we *may* be getting a poodle in soon for placement so I'll update that when I know for sure.

I get someone wanting a full breed who may be into hunting, showing, that kind of thing. But just as a pet, I wonder what people are thinking when they drive to Georgia or somewhere rather than save a shelter dog or even go through a breed specific rescue.

Both our dogs are rescues, and you just get that extra amount of love back from them because they know what you did for them. I would never have anything other than a rescue.

You know I don't understand how judgmental people get here about how others acquire their animals. I got my Aussie down here in Texas from a local cattle rancher and breeder in Stockdale whose dogs were actually working cattle dogs. They sold off the pups who they didn't feel had the aggression or mindset to work cattle. I didn't pay the extra $$$ to register him, got him fixed when the vet recommended and he is an excellent family dog. He and his line were not show dogs but he is smart, handsome, and loyal. My vet tried to get him from me after we kenneled him there during vacation he liked him so much. I knew I wanted an intelligent Aussie and not a mutt, I didn't want to show, breed, or rescue a trauma case. I wanted a solid pup to raise as a mentally stable member of our family. You might consider these people backyard breeders because they don't show but I guarantee you their dogs were intelligent useful working animals which to me trumps beauty pageant dogs any day. He keeps an eye on my little horse and pony herd by day, keeps the place safe at night, and herds my kids even. I wouldn't rather have some snickerdoodlerotlabterrier craptastic mix just because it's there and pitifully in need of a home.

Now that being said, my cats are always rescues. I think cat intelligence, personality, and aggression has a lot less to do with breeding.
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He's such the sweetest dog! Picture attached ....



Actually some people think that shelter dogs all have problems and that's why they were taken to the shelter (not true in most cases), or they have no clue that there are so many dogs being put down at the shelter, or they think the shelter doesn't get good quality dogs? I don't think most people realize how bad the pet over-population really is. Then some people just don't care enough to care about homeless pets. I mean look at the people who leave their pets intact and when they reproduce they just sell or give the offspring away - lots of those folks obviously too.

They (rescues) DO seem to be more appreciative don't they? Can't wait to pick up my new addition tomorrow. I just found out we *may* be getting a poodle in soon for placement so I'll update that when I know for sure.

He is a cutie pie. I like how his paws look like he dipped them in white paint.

thanks - he has white on the tip of his tail too. I have a feeling that the lady at the shelter who fell in love with him, and liked walking him, is sad right now, but sort of the joyful type of sad you know? She really wanted to see this one find a good home and he was on death row ..... she hoped he would be saved and it happened.

He is a cutie pie. I like how his paws look like he dipped them in white paint.

thanks - he has white on the tip of his tail too. I have a feeling that the lady at the shelter who fell in love with him, and liked walking him, is sad right now, but sort of the joyful type of sad you know? She really wanted to see this one find a good home and he was on death row ..... she hoped he would be saved and it happened.

Looks like he found a great home. :yahoo:

Some of you already know ... for those that don't .... I lost my special rescue Rottie Quinn last week. I am so totally shocked by his fast decline - the week before he was jumping around as usual - then I find him dead after a few days of not feeling his usual perky self (probable kidney failure per vet). SO when I went to drop off donations to the Tri-County Shelter on Saturday morning, I took a look at the dogs they had there. Then on Monday I went to the new P G County shelter and I was impressed with the facility, except that we all knew what would happen right? Yes they CAN house MORE animals in the larger facility, but what always happens at EVERY facility? They become full and the killing begins.

It hurt me so much to know that many of those faces in the shelters will be no more, and it doesn't take long for them to be put down because so many new ones come in DAILY (strays/owner surrenders), and they have to make room, so the next up on death row gets put down. Granted sometimes the ones being put down may not have been ideal pets (maybe needed re-training), but they are just innocent victims. Some of the dogs I saw were scared and shaking, some were happy, some appeared depressed.

I was there to find another life to save, and I was faced with a scared dog that was going to probably be put down that day, but I was only there to pick 2 dogs and he wasn't one of them unfortunately. I almost feel responsible for his death because I could have saved him. I looked into the eyes of almost every dog there and it's heartbreaking!

I will forever be dedicated to finding homes for homeless critters, big and small. Please, if any of you reading this can help save a life, please visit your local shelters. Tell others about the shelters and how much those critters NEED us to come save them. They give so much yet require so little from us in return. I am willing to help anyone who wants help finding a critter. I know a lot of people who can help us look for whatever you want to find be it canine, feline, equine, or any other critter. Thanks for listening, I truly appreciate it!

PRECISELY why I CANNOT watch that Sarah McLachlan commercial; the one with her song in the background. If it comes on TV, I change the channel.

You know I don't understand how judgmental people get here about how others acquire their animals. I got my Aussie down here in Texas from a local cattle rancher and breeder in Stockdale whose dogs were actually working cattle dogs. They sold off the pups who they didn't feel had the aggression or mindset to work cattle. I didn't pay the extra $$$ to register him, got him fixed when the vet recommended and he is an excellent family dog. He and his line were not show dogs but he is smart, handsome, and loyal. My vet tried to get him from me after we kenneled him there during vacation he liked him so much. I knew I wanted an intelligent Aussie and not a mutt, I didn't want to show, breed, or rescue a trauma case. I wanted a solid pup to raise as a mentally stable member of our family. You might consider these people backyard breeders because they don't show but I guarantee you their dogs were intelligent useful working animals which to me trumps beauty pageant dogs any day. He keeps an eye on my little horse and pony herd by day, keeps the place safe at night, and herds my kids even. I wouldn't rather have some snickerdoodlerotlabterrier craptastic mix just because it's there and pitifully in need of a home.

Now that being said, my cats are always rescues. I think cat intelligence, personality, and aggression has a lot less to do with breeding.
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That dog looks almost EXACTLY like the border collie/?? that my Mom got as a puppy around the time I was born. I would lay on top of this dog and pull her ears and her tail (I was a baby) and she NEVER snapped at me or bit me. She PROTECTED me.....from Mom & Dad. Mom told me about it a long time ago. I got a chuckle out of it. :lmao:

I know how you feel. When I was looking for a shelter dog four years ago - after I lost my airedale terrierI would take my lunch break from work and drive everywhere. I did go to the pg county one when it was in forestville. It was heartbfreaking and I was fighting tears. I ended up finding one at fishing creek - my dear sweet Tinker who is an old beagle.

Awww - I see so many beagles at the Tri-County Shelter - when I drop off donations I go look to see what dogs/cats are there - I tell people what I saw in hopes that someone will be inspired to go adopt (or tell someone they know).

We had a beagle when I was growing up and he was such a joy.

I know how you feel. When I was looking for a shelter dog four years ago - after I lost my airedale terrierI would take my lunch break from work and drive everywhere. I did go to the pg county one when it was in forestville. It was heartbfreaking and I was fighting tears. I ended up finding one at fishing creek - my dear sweet Tinker who is an old beagle.