Great Animal Rescue Stories and Japan's Tsunami Animal Victims Update

I don't know about you but when I hear a news story outlining yet another tale of animal cruelty or neglect, I want to change the channel. It is not that I don't care, rather that I care so much it hurts and I feel helpless to do anything to significantly change the suffering that these innocent animals endure every day. Nonetheless, I try to do what I can and I decided to focus this hub instead, on ways that we can help, celebrating a few very devoted animal lovers that are willing to get out there, role their sleeves up and make a dent in the lives of some needy pets.

I say kudos to the "crazy cat lady" who, upon her death, was rumored to have left millions to care for the hundreds, if not thousands of cats she had acquired over the years. Maybe she had the last laugh, living it up somewhere on her eighth or ninth life.

A Dog's Life Rescue is a non-profit rescue organization in Los Angeles, California started by Julia Pennington and Allison Lange in 2005. Their mission is to save the lives of abandoned, abused, or neglected dogs and other animals, by providing shelter, care, and medical attention to homeless animals through adoption, adoption events, and community outreach, promoting spaying and neutering as an eventual solution to the ever growing problem.

They have a page of adorable rescued and ready to adopt animals or if you are not in a position to make a permanent commitment, they are in desperate need of foster homes. A Dog's Life will provide all the food and supplies, you provide the love and temporary shelter.They also have a downloadable application for adopting or fostering one of these homeless animals as quickly as possible!

With Easter fast approaching it seems appropriate to discuss the most popular pet at this time of the year, a fluffy cute little bunny. The problem is that the addition of an adorable little bunny rabbit to your family is usually an impulse purchase, not a well thought out decision, made after considering the long term ramifications. Surprisingly, rabbits live a good ten years, so it is best to learn all about these wonderful creatures and what they need to become a happy, well-adjusted family member.

Debby Widolf of the national animal welfare organization, Best Friends Animal Society, says that rabbits are third most abandoned animal at shelters, and countless others are released to fend for themselves, but often become an unfortunate addition to a predator’s lunch. She advocates adoption for families that have truly considered all of the rabbit responsibilities and still want to add one to their family. In addition, she advises not to buy online or from a pet store.

Best Friends Animal Society is working hard to help the cause and joined other rabbit rescue groups in 2010 for the first-ever, large-scale, trap-neuter-return (TNR) program for literally dozens of abandoned pet rabbits. To learn more about rabbits, go to the Best Friends Website or check out the House Rabbit Society - An international nonprofit organization that rescues rabbits from animal shelters and educates the public on rabbit care and behavior. Also, for chocolate lovers everywhere, for the month of April, Rescue Chocolate donates a portion of their profits to the House Rabbit Society! So get hoppin! Help to save a bunny this Easter!

• Because they do live for a decade or more, rabbits require a long term commitment.They require regular vet care, and because not all veterinarians treat rabbits or know much about them, it might be necessary to take a rabbit to an exotic animal vet. Just like human specialists, they can be more expensive and harder to find
• Children often want a furry little bunny to cuddle however, in reality, rabbits do not like to be picked up at all. To them, that signals danger and they may react by clawing--"youch". For that reason a pet rabbit may not be a good idea for a child under eight or nine years old
• Rabbits should be spayed or neutered by a rabbit-knowledgeable veterinarian to prevent serious health problems, help the bunny be a better friend, and, of course, prevent unwanted births. It is quite difficult to determine the sex of young rabbits. Male rabbits are ready to be neutered at around 10 weeks of age, while females can be spayed at about 5 months
• Prior to bringing a rabbit home, don't forget to bunny-proof the house. Rabbits love to chew, so cover up or hide the computer and phone cords. Happily, rabbits can be trained to use a litter box, but remember that they need regular cleaning. And, of course, rabbits also need fresh water, food and hay daily
• Rabbits are unhappy and suffer when they are isolated from their people. They need interaction, bunny toys to play with, and plenty of daily exercise

Finally, so many of us are still devastated by all of Japan's victims, as rescue organizations from around the world rally to assist the recovery efforts, our thoughts and prayers go out to the people and animals affected by the earthquake and tsunami. Countless organizations have come forth to help, with news reports coming in daily. The following are the latest updates as of April 2011 and expected to continue indefinitely:

First and foremost: According to CNN and numerous other sources, the two dogs whose video went viral after a news crew filmed one of the dogs faithfully standing guard over his exhausted pal after they survived the disaster in Japan - have been rescued.

World Vets is a non-government organization (NGO) providing veterinary aid around the globe in collaboration with animal advocacy groups, foreign governments, US and foreign military groups and veterinary professionals abroad. They are still getting supplies and teams ready to deploy to Japan. As of March 15th , World Vets is also accepting donations of veterinary supplies and medications at their Fargo, ND headquarters.

The American Humane Association’s Red Star Animal Emergency Services Team is monitoring the situation closely and is reaching out to its international partners in order to provide a joint response to this global emergency. They have just wired $10,000 in cash and shipped a load of critically needed animal sheltering supplies to support local animal relief efforts in Japan.

The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation has deployed search and rescue teams to Japan. Meet the team as they prepare.

Kinship Circle has organized numerous rescue and placement efforts, tirelessly donating their time and knowledge to organize short and long term assistance for victims.

Another update about Cat Island on The Cat’s Meow from Betty: “My brother’s wife is Japanese and she knows a girl whose parents live in the Cat Island and they were able to get in touch with them. They said that the island sank around 30 centimeters in the water and there was some damage to property, but cats and people are ok! They need help, of course, but the Island is still there.” Another update, I am happy to read most recently that Japan’s Cat Island is safe

Although there is still so much work to do Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support is coordinating the efforts to save abandoned animals. They give almost hourly updates on the conditions in Japan.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those in Japan that have been affected by this tragedy and with all who donate their time, dollars, heart and soul to make the lives of those less fortunate just a little bit better. We all thank you!