Hello all, sorry for my disappearance, but Shawn and I both have the plague again and I have been super busy with work stuff. This stupid damned ear infection came back again. And yes, Shawn is still living here and he is going to school to get his CDL and work as a heavy equipment operator. But here is the important part- a MARC update:
Last week, after 3-4 mos. our MARC volunteers were finally able to secure a scared stray dog. Through the patience and diligence of a couple ladies, Wally, the Walmart dog was befriended and secured and now is in a foster home, has been neutered and had all his meds. He loves being inside with a family! The whole town has breathed a sigh of relief that he is no longer in danger on the road and is out of the weather. Wally will soon be ready to find his forever family. I am attaching pictures of Wally while living around Walmart and after being in his foster home.
Two months ago with the help of HES, Humane Educational Society in Chattanooga, the shelter for that county, we were able the capture 15-20 basically feral dogs/puppies from a very poor home. These dogs had started by the elderly lady feeding one or two strays and over time and several litters later there were many more dogs than she and her mentally challenged adult children could handle even with MARC providing food. It had gotten so bad that some of the more aggressive dogs were killing and eating the babies and unhealthy dogs. We had tried unsuccessfully for 5 mos. to get some help from Marion County to work with HSUS. In the end with some changes in the Hamilton County shelter, they were able help us. Unfortunately not many of these dogs were adoptable. The ones who were were put up for adoption. One of our volunteers, before the round up and over several months, rescued and fostered 5 momma dogs and their litters from this situation. All those mommas and puppies transported to Boston to good homes.
We continue to be very busy getting dogs and cats to low cost spay/neuter clinics in other counties, 1 to 1 1/2 hrs. away. Rounding up animals from people who can’t get them to us, transporting the animals to and from the clinic and then delivering the animals whose people cannot come get them takes approximately 16 hrs. In the not so distant future we would like to provide those services right here in Marion County! We could get so many more animals fixed!!! And Stop the Strays!
School is in full swing and our Education section is busy teaching humane care of animals in all the 12 schools in Marion County. They do an excellent job using puppets and hands on props as well as books and videos to get their message across. Parents have told us some of the good things their children have learned so we know they are getting it. I am attaching a picture from the spring of one of our MARC teachers in the classroom.
As usual we are over run with stray dogs and cats! And kittens, kittens, kittens! We have a good outlet for our dogs with Great Dog Rescue New England in Boston but we do not have a place to help with our cats. So far this year we have sent 137 dogs/puppies to Boston to wonderful families. We have adopted out directly from MARC approximately 50 dogs/puppies. Each dog/puppy is altered and up to date on all shots and other meds. We also have outlets with other good groups in TN to send our puppies when we are overwhelmed and have no available foster homes. We have sent approximately 75 puppies to other groups in TN who have connections with northern groups such as North Shore Animal League. We also on occasion have been able to work with the large shelter in Hamilton County, Humane Educational Society, in Chattanooga to send some dogs up north with PetSmart Charities Rescue Waggin. We did well adopting out puppies at the large fall PetSmart Adoptathon in Chattanooga, but none of out adult dogs were adopted.
We completed our TNR grant focused on one of the towns. We will be looking for more grants for TNR as well as spay/neutering in general. Most of our volunteers are dog people so we have very few cat/kitten foster homes. We take kittens to PETCO where they are adopted but the adult cats just don’t get adopted. We are talking with people who hopefully can link us up with some cat rescues to help find good homes for our kitties.
We also completed a TN Animal Friendly grant which helped pay for altering pets of low income families. However the grant requirements were very cumbersome and we still have not been paid all we are to receive. We will look for other sources of grants rather than use our energies on this state grant.
As Fall is upon us our events start in earnest. Our largest fund raising event is this coming Sunday. Walk N Wag is put on by the Interact Club in one of the high schools and MARC receives the benefits. We have a silent auction the following week end at a local marina’s Fall Fest. This is a new event for MARC so we will see how it goes. Then we have the local Christmas parades in two towns and pet photos with Santa at Tractor Supply.
We now have a Board of 6 and are going to do some strategic planning next month with a professional leader to focus our energies and set MARC’s course. We are growing and becoming more than the little group of 3 women with which we started!
Please note that MARC has a new logo. I am attaching it.
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May we use a picture of Tunch on our MARC van? We want to remember that we would not have our van to help so many animals if not for Tunch and his following. If ok, please send me a good quality picture of Tunch to use. I would like the one used on the cover of the 2014 calendar if possible.
*************Sorry to be so long winded! Will try to do better, to write more often then it shouldn’t be so long!
I am particularly excited about their efforts in the schools, because nothing will change until attitudes change, and getting them while they are young is just wonderful. If you make all kids animal lovers (which most instinctively are), think how many rescues will happen over the course of their lives. Plus, they will live happier and healthier lives with their canine and feline companions.
BTW- I’m watching the Pens/Flyers, which is a super big rivalry in hockey, and right now they are singing “O Canada” because of the day’s events in Ottawa. Ithought thatwas kind of cool, and not only that, most of the crowd was singing along. I wonder what would happen if you sang that at a baseball or football game- probably just silence.
*** Update ***
Immediate update- the announcer just said that they posted the lyrics. Well, I didn’t need them posted! It’s just a side benefit of watching a ton of hockey.
CB
Very classy in Pittsburgh, singing “Oh, Canada”. I got chills when the crowd began to swell at the end.
NotMax
Decided that if I ever write a script for a thriller, the name of the announcer who preempts regular programming for breaking news shall be Mark Update.
raven
Thanks for the update.
Elizabelle
I love the idea of Tunch on the side of van.
Better be a wide-ass van.
raven
@NotMax: So, did the dry side get rain?
TaMara (BHF)
Good news, good work. I’m awaiting word from friends of mine..oh, wait, txt just came through…a stray Arkansas puppy has a new home here in Colorado. Designated to be a Bixby Buddy. A lot like Rosie’s situation. My friends were visiting family at their farm in Arkansas and the dog was apparently dropped off.
No room at the local shelters, so they got her to the vet, got her ready for a flight and a month later, tonight she’s here in Colorado. She’s about four and healthy. I think she looks part Beagle.
TaMara (BHF)
@Elizabelle: Double-wide (forgive me Tunch!)
Betty Cracker
Love the idea of Tunch’s photo on the MARC van. Would definitely like to see a photo of the TunchMobile.
lamh36
Adult ear infections are horrible. When kids get them, they can’t really express how bad it feels, but as an adult, its fuckin’ horrible.
I had an infection in both ears. I suspect the aftermaths of washing my hair when I had a cold and was already congested, your ears, nose and throats are connected.
At first, I was just gonna let it go. As you can guess, I’m not the biggest fan of antibiotics or doctors visits, so I was planning on letting the infection run its course. But then the secondary symptoms began, my ear basically became clogged and I could barely hear out of one ear, I could hear, but it felt like my ears were covered with cotton. Soon, the other ear was becoming clogged and I had a slight fever.
So I finally dragged myself to a doctor and she told me I had a full on infection in one ear and soon to be a full infection in my other ear. So she gave me my antibiotics and I went on my way.
It was enough for me. I never want to have another ear infection and I definitely won’t be letting it run it’s course.
If u don’t mind me asking John Cole, what antibiotics did your doc recommend?
Tokyokie
I went to a Blue Jays-Rangers game this season, and when “O, Canada” was performed before the game, I sang along. In French. I think my family members were somewhat concerned that I could do so.
raven
@lamh36: I came down with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo last week. Has nothing to do with my brand new hearing aid but it is an ear problem!
Mike J
@Betty Cracker:
Great, now I’ve got an altered version of this stuck in my head,
WereBear
@lamh36: Are you still able to fly? Weren’t you going on vacation soon?
raven
@WereBear: Aloha!
lamh36
@WereBear: Oh, the ear infections were at least 2 years ago, so I’m A-Okay. thx for asking.
Yep. Vacation is soon.
So I’m getting antsy. My birthday and Hawaii trip is coming close…9 days and the trip begins, I’ll be in Oakland next weekend. 12 days and I’ll be in Hawaii. 14 days and I’ll be 38 years old!
I’m at the point when you are watching a play or some program and you’re like “I hope this shit hurries up and start”…lol.
Ugh…waiting and anticipating…
seaboogie
What a face! If Wally is good with cats (I have a very elderly one and my landlady has 2 that use our mutual garden) AND if someone can get him to NorCal, I would give the pup with the sweet eyes who has known a bit too much a safe and loving home. I am a great dog-mom and I need a pup to rescue me right back.
raven
@lamh36: Breathe, it goes soooo fast.
WereBear
I heart MARC!
My site is up and running again… kind of like a new colt. Getting organized, bringing the things up to date, etc.
I have a system where I assign cats to one of three Cat Types. This can help soothe potential adopters of cats who do not know how to evaluate adults. If Marc would like to work my system, I’m available. Might help.
And if anyone feels like donating… my new snazzy hosting company is much more turbo-charged. IE, more expensive.
lamh36
Amazing what can happen when you are far away from Presby Dallas
https://twitter.com/CBSEveningNews/status/525065704568270848
BGinCHI
Cole, have you read David Abrams’ novel Fobbit?
raven
@BGinCHI: Try this
REMF Diary Paperback
by David Willson
Svensker
@raven:
Oh, gosh, vertigo is horrible. I’ve been getting it occasionally lately and it just sucks sour owl balls. I’d rather have pain. Well, maybe.
lamh36
Justice Dept. condemns Ferguson leaks as effort to influence opinion
raven
@Svensker: I don’t know if you have what I have but this seems to be working
New BPPV Treatment for Vertigo 2012 – Half Somersault – Dr Carol Foster –
JPL
@lamh36: That was definitely good news. I heard a rumor a few days ago, that she was doing really well. I hope that she continues to improve.
TaMara (BHF)
@lamh36: So offensive and such an obvious attempt to smear the victim. Again. Continuously. Hateful.
AliceBlue
@lamh36:
Wonderful news.
Has anyone heard anything about the nurse in Spain?
Svensker
@raven:
That’s seems easy and painless to try and no harm done if it doesn’t work. Thanks!
raven
@AliceBlue:
Spanish Nurse Free of Ebola, Hasn’t Been Told About Dog
Conclusive tests show a Spanish nursing assistant infected with Ebola is cured of the virus, doctors said Tuesday, signaling a huge step forward in her 15-day battle for survival.
Four blood tests over the past four days indicated Teresa Romero’s system had eliminated the virus, said Dr. Jose Ramon Arribas of Madrid’s Carlos III hospital. He added that Romeo will no longer have to be kept in isolation but will be closely monitored for after effects of the virus.
Ruviana
@raven: I have that! For something allegedly benign it’s maybe the worst thing out there. I wouldn’t wish it on, well, anyone! See if you can get physical therapy for it. It really can help (they manipulate your head to help the little crystals in your inner ear get back into position, thereby eliminating or reducing the attacks of dizziness).
ETA: @Svensker–I’d take pain!! And Raven, I’ll try that somersault thing!
Anne Laurie
@AliceBlue:
The BBC reported she was officially virus free . Guardian says she is expected to remain in hospital for at least two more weeks to recover.
raven
@Ruviana: Well, I woke up with it 4 days after I got my hearing aid from the VA. It was like a nascar race going on in my eyes! Whammmmm. I had a couple more attacks so I went to my MD. She confirmed it and then the VA returned my call. The audiologist said, “I know it’s hard to believe but it has nothing to do with the hearing aid but it DOES have something to do with your ear”. My MD and I decided I’d try to treat it myself and I found Dr Fosters youtube. It has really helped but it also is easier when I know what is coming.
AliceBlue
@raven: @Anne Laurie:
More good news. Thanks!
pseudonymous in nc
The education that MARC does is at least as valuable as the rescue work. More power to them.
kc
Cole, you have room for another cat or two.
kc
@lamh36:
Oh, she looks great. I’m glad to hear that.
NotMax
@raven
You mean from Ana? Yeah, but not horrific. Did have a 7½ hour lightning storm which was quite scintillating, watching the upper level winds quickly push the thunderheads and lightning in a circle around the island.
Another Holocene Human
@lamh36: Sometimes you can’t deal with an ear at home. Both of my ears became irritated this summer and completely plugged with wax. I tried everything and at the point I was losing hearing in one ear due to the obstruction I finally got an appt at an urgent care center and the nice nurse assistant flushed that shit out with hot water. I think the whole thing started with a bug bite. Eff me.
Wally Ballou
In other news, the SF Giants’ Hunter Strickland is a racist piece of shit, apparently.
Lizzy L
My household (front house, rear studio, 3 people) just adopted a stray dog. Some unknown people owned her, and either they left her when they moved out of a (now) empty and abandoned house, or she wandered away from home and fetched up on the steps of an abandoned house 2 doors down from us. (I’m inclined to the first option. Karma will get them.) She’s an un-neutered Yorkie-corgi mix, about 1 1/2 years old, 11 lbs, smart, sweet. Not micro-chipped, not registered, no lost dog report at the local shelter. We’re keeping her. She has an infected eye which is responding to treatment, and was covered with fleas, which are gone now thanks to Capstar, Advantage, and a bath. She got a rabies shot and her distemper shot. Will will have her spayed and micro-chipped. She is not house-trained but is getting there. Name is Sadie. My elderly shepherd mix Theo tolerates her as long as I don’t pay inordinate amounts of attention to her; if I do, he comes and sits on my foot. (MY mom. MINE.) Have I mentioned that she is maximum cute? So, two dogs.