WAGGIN TAILS DECEMBER 2021 HAPPY CHANUKAH MERRY CHRISTMAS HAPPY KWANZAA Dear Friends and Members: Another year has passed, and it is somewhat better than last year. We have a vaccine now, and with this vaccine we can celebrate the Holiday with family, and friends. That is, if they are vaccinated also. Remember, you can get break-through COVID-19 so you still have to be careful of people who are not vaccinated. We wish you, and your family a wonderful Holiday Season, and a wonderful New Year. Hopefully, next year will be an even better one than this year, and we will be at 100% next December. We are working with Rescuers in New York, Florida and North and South Carolina. We work with the Rescuers where the need is. We can’t be everywhere, but we try as long as funds are available. We have rendered medical care this past year to over 700 cats, and a few dogs that have come our way. We try to help all living creatures. We have to always thank our benefactor, who honored us with this medically restricted bequest. We honor, and follow all instructions when a bequest is made. Please think of us when you make your arrangements for those you leave behind. I have made mine. We keep up with the spaying/neutering of the colonies of cats that we help to support. When a new stray shows up, he/she goes straight to the veterinarian for a check-up, shots and spaying/neutering. The Rescuers that we help, work very hard, and watch over the colonies daily, in all kinds of weather. These good people are devoted to the care of stray, and abandoned animals. The Rescuers around the world, as well as here, have always used their personal funds, going without things that they needed in order to provide food and medical care for the strays in their care. Needless to say, it is never enough. When Save Our Strays got involved, we saw the need and now we provide all the medical care for the strays that we are involved with, thanks to the bequest given to us. It is not unlimited, but we try to stretch it to its limit. Food is another thing. We rely on the donations that we receive to provide additional funding to feed the strays. We have no bequest or grants for this – it is all up to YOU. So far, we are managing, WAGGIN TAILS (CONT.) but more Adam, Eve and Sponsor-A-Stray members are needed for these programs. We budget according to the pledges received from these programs. The Rescuers feed every day, so eyes are always on the many strays in their colonies. When a cat shows signs that it needs a veterinarian, the Rescuer picks it up or traps it (friendly vs feral), and takes it to one of our participating veterinarians. If the cat needs time to recuperate before being returned to the colony, they foster it in their homes. If they find that the cat is friendly, they will try to find it a forever home. We have a good working relationship with the various Rescuers in all the states mentioned. When we receive a call from outside our area, we always try to help. So to all the Rescuers, thank you so very much, Good Health and Happiness for the years to come. A special thanks to the Rescuers that we work with, and to the many rescuers worldwide. New York: Robbin, Angela, Suzanne, Helen, Pat, Nikiya, Lana, Gregory, Alexandria, Maria, Olga and Susha. Florida: Maria, Carol, Nancy, Nicki, Brian, Lee, Angela and Sara. North and South Carolina: “Little Feet Heaven,” a 501(c)3 organization that we work with to save kittens, and mommy cats. P.S.:- In my area in South Carolina, there is a app on my smart phone called “Next Door.” I am sure that there is an app like this in many places around the country. It is about people helping people, and people helping animals, whether they are lost or abandoned. People on these apps come together to help. Save Our Strays has participated in helping strays also, through this app. We would just like to give a “shout out” to people all over the country that use this app, and do so many good and wonderful things. If you know of any friends or family that have this app around the country, we would like to hear the stories that they can share, and if we can help, we will try. Have a wonderful Holiday Season to One, and All. LEGISLATION [REPRINTED] Texas Governor Signs Bill To Protect Dogs From Suffering On A Chain Outdoors ..The new law aims to keep dogs from being subjected to pain and suffering while outside. SB 5 prohibits owners from leaving their dogs outside during inclement weather, including extreme heat or cold. It also mandates proper shelter for dogs to protect them from the elements, specifically: “Adequate shelter” means a sturdy structure: (A) that provides the dog protection from inclement weather; and (B) with dimensions that allow the dog while in the shelter to stand erect, sit, turn around, and lie down in a normal position. The new law also defines what type of collars dogs are allowed to be wearing. SB 5 states that “Properly fitted” means, with respect to a collar or harness, a collar or harness that: (A) is appropriately sized for the dog based on the dog’s measurements and body weight; (B) does not choke the dog or impede the dog’s normal breathing or swallowing; and (C) does not cause pain or injury to the dog. SB 5 defines unlawful restraint of a dog and the various protections which must be in place to keep dogs safe from harm: Sec. 821.102. UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT OF DOG; OFFENSE. (a) An owner may not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint unless the owner provides the dog access to: (1) adequate shelter; (2) an area that allows the dog to avoid standing water and exposure to excessive animal waste; (3) shade from direct sunlight; and (4) potable water. (b) An owner may not restrain a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint that: (1) is a chain; (2) has weights attached; (3) is shorter in length than the greater of: (A) five times the length of the dog, as measured from the tip of the dog’s nose to the base of the dog’s tail; or (B) 10 feet; or (4) is attached to a collar or harness not properly fitted. Pet owners who violate the terms set forth in the law will face a Class C misdemeanor or a Class B misdemeanor for a repeated offense. LEGISLATION [REPRINTED] Lawsuit challenges federal government’s failure to protect giraffes Imported giraffe bones, skins, trophies flood U.S. as Fish and Wildlife Service does nothing to stop it WASHINGTON—Conservation and animal protection groups sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today for failing to propose critical Endangered Species Act protections for Africa’s rapidly dwindling giraffe population. Each year, giraffe parts including bones and skins are imported into the U.S. to be turned into home décor, frivolous accessories and fashion. The Center for Biological Diversity, Humane Society International and the Humane Society of the United States petitioned for giraffe protections in April 2017, but the Service has not taken action, blowing past its legal deadline, which was in April 2018. Today’s lawsuit, filed in federal court in the District of Columbia, challenges the Service’s failure to make this critical determination as required by law. “As giraffes face a silent extinction, it’s shocking and sad that federal officials are punting on protections for these desperately imperiled animals,” said Tanya Sanerib, international legal director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “The U.S. market is flooded with products made with giraffe bones and skins, from knife handles and saltshakers to rugs and pillows. It’s past time we halt these gruesome imports to help save everyone’s favorite long-necked mammal.” With fewer than 69,000 mature individuals remaining in the wild, giraffe populations have dropped nearly 40% because of habitat loss, civil unrest, poaching and human-caused habitat changes. The international trade in bone carvings, skins and trophies puts additional pressure on these iconic animals. Adam Peyman, wildlife programs director for Humane Society International, speaking on behalf of Humane Society International and the Humane Society of the United States, said: “It is tragic that the U.S. is a top importer and seller of giraffe parts—heads, legs, feet, tails, skin—and a leading contributor to the species’ threat of extinction. It is the responsibility of the Fish and Wildlife Service to stop this horrific trade and provide the long overdue protection that these animals deserve, before it is too late.” Protection under the Endangered Species Act would help curb U.S. imports and sale of giraffe bones, trophies and other parts and increase funding for conservation efforts for the species. During a recent 10-year period, the United States imported more than one giraffe hunting trophy a day on average and more than 21,400 giraffe bone carvings. Many imported giraffe parts are turned into frivolous decorative items such as pillows, boots, Bible covers or jackets, as revealed by a 2018 Humane Society International/Humane Society of the United States undercover investigation. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature assessed giraffes as “vulnerable” to extinction in 2016 and classified two giraffe subspecies as “critically endangered” in 2018 and two more as endangered in 2018 and 2019. Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species decided in 2019 to regulate international trade in giraffes—including trophies and other body parts—by requiring export permits based on scientific findings to ensure that the trade is non-detrimental. But several key exporting countries in Africa have announced that they do not intend to follow CITES requirements for giraffes. Because CITES listing does not foreclose giraffe trade, and because of the species’ decline, it is crucial that conservation safeguards are in place in countries such as the United States that import giraffe body parts and create demand. Today’s lawsuit explains that Endangered Species Act protections would be a much-needed step toward reversing the decline of this iconic and irreplaceable species. FYI [REPRINTED] Dozens of Cats Rescued in Alleged Severe Neglect Situation in Muncie, Indiana MUNCIE, Indiana—The Humane Society of the United States is assisting the Muncie Police Department in rescuing dozens of cats in an alleged severe neglect situation in Muncie, Indiana. The Indiana State Board of Health and Muncie Animal Services also provided assistance on-scene. Local authorities served a search and seizure warrant on a 1,500-square-foot residential property at approximately 9 a.m. on Oct. 19. Many of the cats were in need of veterinary care; were suffering from upper respiratory infections, skin conditions and injuries; and were very thin. Several of the cats were immediately removed from the property for emergency veterinary care. The cats were found in filthy conditions typically seen in severe neglect situations. Following the removal of the cats, the property will be condemned, according to city officials. Despite the poor conditions and apparent suffering, several of the cats were eager for attention and followed rescuers throughout the building. The Humane Society of the United States is transporting the rescued animals to a temporary shelter in an undisclosed location where they will continue to be examined by licensed veterinarians and receive much-needed care and attention. RedRover responders are assisting in the caretaking of the animals at the temporary shelter. “These cats are suffering—I haven’t seen animals living in conditions like this before. Walking around, you have to be careful not to slip in the layers of filth. These cats are gentle, sweet and crave attention,” said Kitty Block, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States. “We are grateful to the City of Muncie for intervening. I’m honored to be working alongside our rescue team as we help give these cats a new beginning.” “This was one of the worst animal cases and the most deplorable living conditions I have seen in my 20 years of law enforcement,” said Chief Nathan Sloan of the Muncie Police Department. “We are all thankful for the Humane Society of the United States’ significant contribution to this effort that enabled us to help these animals.” Muncie officials requested the assistance of the Humane Society of the United States after concerns about the welfare of animals on the property were raised. The cats were surrendered by the property resident and will eventually be available for adoption through shelter and rescue partners after their immediate needs are addressed. FYI [REPRINTED] Humane Stewardship Alliance: New program to help more wildlife As a means to more rapidly help meet wildlife’s urgent need for safe habitat, the Wildlife Land Trust is launching the Humane Stewardship Alliance, which will quickly bring the lifesaving benefits of humane stewardship of habitat to more wildlife. We’re reaching out to other land trusts and to private landowners and encouraging them to make a voluntary commitment to follow humane stewardship principles in managing their land. And to make it easier for other land trusts and private landowners to manage lands humanely, we’re sharing extensive practical guidance, gathered over the Trust’s nearly three decades of implementing humane stewardship principles on lands we protect. Every protected acre safeguards wild animals who desperately need natural habitat to survive. Humane stewardship is the natural extension of land trusts’ habitat preservation work, as it maximizes their power to save wild animals. Likewise, humane stewardship empowers owners of modest private properties, family farms, campgrounds, resorts, commercial properties, dedicated refuges and other private properties to protect wildlife. The voluntary Humane Stewardship Pledge may be customized, but generally includes a commitment to following these core humane stewardship principles:
INTRODUCTION I am Carol, the Founder and Director of Little Feet Haven. I met Save Our Strays when Shirley reached out to the Rescue Community seeking help for a feral mommy, and 6 kittens. You read about their little family in our newsletter a few years ago. Shirley, and I sat down one day after the mommy and kittens were settled. We decided that we would form a team. Since I could foster, and Save Our Strays had just received the bequest for medical care for the strays, we became the perfect team. The need here in South Carolina is great. This is only the tip of the “Iceberg,” as far as the number of kittens we have helped this year. A Joyous Holiday Season, and a Happy New Year to one and All. LINDA’S LINE January 2022 Hi. January,2022 and once again we are starting a new year. I would like to start off by wishing all of you, and your loved ones a HAPPY, and HEALTHY NEW YEAR. Let’s hope that this year will bring about better things for us, and for our four-legged friends – including getting more people to get vaccinated so that the COVID-19 virus, which has plagued us for the past two years, will finally be irradicated. Please try to remember to reach out, and help those who are less fortunate than we are. If you see a homeless person, whether you are in your own home town or traveling for the holidays, try to lend a hand where you can by giving them food, and warm clothing, and if they have pets, please give food and a blanket for their pets as well. They will be most grateful for the help. The cold weather is upon us, so I hope that you all have your shelters up, and ready for the strays, with plenty of dry food and water. Remember that “we are their guardians.” On another note, I would like to update you on Smokey, the little kitten that I rescued, with the help of Save Our Strays, last month. Early this month, Smokey was adopted by a very nice couple, with a teenage daughter, and he is becoming acclimated to his new home and doing well. I check on him from time to time, and so far, all is going well. Another happy ending. Please remember, when walking your dog in temperatures that are below 50 degrees, to make sure that your pet is protected from the elements with a sweater or coat. As of this writing, we have just had our first snow storm in the Northeast, and the temperatures have dropped to the 20s, and 30s. Contrary to what some people may think, an animal’s fur is not enough to keep them warm, and they can catch cold, and also pneumonia, the same as humans do. A reminder that our phones are open from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, Monday to Friday. I am always here to guide you through any situation that comes your way, and messages are always picked up, and returned in a timely fashion, and on weekends also. Remember, if you see an animal that needs help, please try to see what you can do to help – don’t ignore it, and walk away. The strays have a difficult time of it out there, especially when it comes to finding food, and any help that we can give will be appreciated. Remember, any good deed that we do here, is a gold star in the “Book of Life.” Again, a HAPPY, and HEALTHY NEW YEAR to all our friends, and members. LINDA’S LINE DECEMBER 2021 Hi. December is here, and the Holiday Season is in full swing. I would like to start off this month, by wishing all of our friends and members, and their families a HAPPY HANUKKAH, MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY KWANZAA. I hope that everyone has their shelters set up with food, and water for the strays. Please remember to use dry food in the winter months, as moist food tends to freeze in the cold weather. Fortunately, we haven’t had any snow yet – this is good for the strays, but the cooler weather is upon us, so let’s be ready. Please remember to protect your pets from the cold with a sweater or coat, when taking them out for a walk at this time of year. Remember that they feel the cold the same way that we do, and their fur is not enough to keep them warm. On another note, I would like to tell you about a rescue that Save Our Strays, and I were involved in this past month. This story is about a little kitten, whom I named “Smokey.” One morning, while I was walking my dog, I came across a woman that I see from time to time, who also walks her dog in my area. When I came along, she alerted me to the fact that there was a small kitten sitting on top of the back tire of a car that was parked right across from where she was standing, She told me that she could hear the kitten crying, and that she tried to help it, but the kitten was frightened and kept backing away. I was very concerned, and I said, “let me take a look and see what I can do.” I asked her to hold my dog, and went over to the car and knelt down to see if I could see the kitten. I could hear it, but at first, I could not see it. I tried again, and sure enough I saw two cute little grey paws emerge over the tire. I spoke softly to the kitten, and tried to get it to come down, to no avail. So, I told the woman that I would go and bring my dog home - I live just on the next block - and get some food and water for the kitten, as I knew he had to be hungry. She said, “okay, I will go bring my dog home, and come back with a blanket.” I said, “fine.” I brought my dog home, and quickly picked up two little dixie bowls, some cat food, and a bottle of water and went back to the spot where the kitten was. By that time, the women had returned, and was talking gently to the kitten while waiting for me to come back. We both sat on the ground near the car, and I put out the food, and water on the curb. The kitten could smell the food, and I could tell that he really wanted it, but could not figure out how to come down from the tire to get it. I kept talking to the kitten, gently trying to get it to come down, and then it somehow managed to climb down to the spokes of the tire. At that point, we could see him more clearly. I said, “oh my G-d, WHAT A SWEET LITTLE FACE!! As soon as we saw him there, I put my hand in between the spokes and grabbed him gently, and taking care to make sure that his little feet did not get caught on the hubcap, we pulled him out. I could see that his eyes where crusted, and he was also sneezing quite a bit, so I knew that I had to get him to a veterinarian right away. We wrapped him in the blanket, and I took him to my house. I called one of our participating veterinarians right away, and got an appointment for that afternoon. The doctor checked him out completely, and gave him the usual blood tests, which turned out fine. He then told me that the kitten had Conjunctivitis in both eyes, which I suspected, and also had an Upper Respiratory Infection. He gave me the medications that the kitten would need, and I am now caring for him in my home. Of course, I have to keep him isolated for a while, as I have pets of my own, and he is contagious at this point, but as of this writing, he is doing nicely and when he is well enough, he will be put into a no-kill shelter and will be put up for adoption. Save Our Strays, of course, paid the veterinary bill. PLEASE, if you see an animal that needs help, DON’T pass it by. Stop, and see what you can do to help. If that wonderful woman had not alerted me to “Smokey’s” plight, he might not have survived, but thank G-d he now has a chance for a much better life. Wishing you all a wonderful, and Blessed Holiday Season. Stay safe. I will be back again next month. CLOSING THOUGHT JANUARY 2022 There have been some new laws passed in parts of the country, where declawing is now illegal. More new laws are in the works, but it moves so slowly. Please write to your Representatives asking them to push for Humane Law for all animals: dogs, cats, horses, farm animals and the ones that we don’t think about much – circus animals, dolphins and whales. We are all G-d’s creatures. We need more Adam, Eve and Sponsor-A-Stray members. Please pass our newsletter around. I would like to tell all our Rescuers how much we appreciate the work that they do to help the strays. Linda is starting to prepare the tax receipts for our program members. She will get them out as soon as she can. She is working very hard on them. Let’s say a special thank you to the Humane Society, and to all the organizations that went into the areas where the tornadoes hit. We lost many people in those areas, but we also lost many animals – they are important also. So give a shout out to all the Rescuers, both for people and animals. Please Remember Our Troops “We salute you for all you have done. Your courage has kept us safe. Your sacrifice has kept us free. All of America owes you more than we can repay. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are behind you all the way – From the battlefield. . .to recovery!” To help our supporters, who shop on Amazon, to support Save Our Strays through the Amazon Smile program, please go to Google and type in AmazonSmile.com. You will then be directed to a home screen that says AmazonSmile in the upper left-hand corner. Log in with your Amazon account (email/phone number and password). If you are already logged in, just go to the search bar, and type in “SAVE OUR STRAYS INC.” Then select the second option, “Brooklyn, NY.” Click on the Amazon Smile LOGO in the top left corner of your Amazon page. Once you have done this, Under the word ALL in the search bar you should see a line that says “SUPPORTING: SAVE OUR STRAYS.” Now you are ready to shop. Amazon will donate 0.5% of your purchase to Save Our Strays Inc. Amazon has a large variety of gifts that are perfect for all holidays (remember that Valentine’s Day is coming) and occasions i.e.: birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, christenings, bar mitzvahs and lovely gifts for all occasions. Items that they have are: electronics, jewelry, clothing and more. You may have to set up an Amazon account to use Smile. Please try. It is important. (See instructions on the next page.) Love, and caring to everyone. May the New Year be a good one, and let’s pledge to help at least one stray at a time. Have a wonderful New Year. Till next time - Waggin’ Off AMAZON SET-UP PAGE GOOD NEWS Supporters of Save Our Strays can now use the Amazon shopping app on iOS and Android mobile phones! Simply follow these instructions to turn on Amazon Smile, and start generating donations. Please pass this on to anyone who uses Amazon, and doesn’t necessarily have a charity that they support. Now is the chance to support Save Our Strays. The funds go for food, and medical treatment. We are certainly a worthy cause. A dollar spent this way feeds an animal in need. Amazon Smile is now in the Amazon Shopping app You can now support Save Our Strays on iPhone, and Android phones. If you do not have the latest version of the Amazon Shopping app, please update your app. How to turn on Amazon Smile in the mobile app – instructions below. 1 Join Amazon Smile If you are already an Amazon Smile member, sign up on your web browser. Simply select Save Our Strays to start generating donations, at no cost to you. 2 Get the app Download or update the latest version of the Amazon Smile Shopping app on your phone. You can find it in the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android. 3 Turn on Amazon Smile Open the app, and find “Settings” in the main menu. Tap on “Amazon Smile,” and follow the on-screen instructions to turn on Amazon Smile on your phone.
Amazon Smile benefits Same products, same prices, no cost to you. Amazon Smile has the exact same low prices, Vast selection, and convenient shopping as the Amazon you know. CLOSING THOUGHT There are thoughts that I repeat each year because they are relevant. It is the season to open our hearts to those less fortunate than we are. We must help the homeless, who go out of their way to adopt stray animals, and give them love and caring. For anyone, animals complete a family. Please don’t pass them by. Show them kindness, if you can, i.e.: coins, food, clothing and I have personally given masks. It will make you feel so very good. As the old saying goes, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” We have now passed almost two years of the pandemic. They are years that we wish did not happen. I think of this pandemic as a second Noah’s Ark. Instead of water, we have a virus. Get the vaccine. You are very important to family, friends and the strays. This year we must stop, and think about the 700,000 Americans that we lost. It is also a time to think of loved ones, and pets that have passed over the year. We lost Harry Wells, our friend and Director of Save Our Strays. We are grateful for family, friends and pets that are here with us to enjoy all that life has to offer. Health, and Happiness to one and all. We here at Save Our Strays want you to know how much you are truly appreciated. We would not be able to continue our work without you. May you, your family and your pets have the best year yet. Enjoy life. It is a gift from “above.” We need to keep our phones open to maintain the organization. No Directors ever receive compensation. We work on a tight budget to help the strays. Please continue to help us to help the strays. If you are part of our Adam, Eve and Sponsor-A-Stray programs, you receive a newsletter every month updating you as to what we are doing. I hope all that receive this Holiday newsletter, will consider joining these programs. The applications are enclosed. These three programs are the backbone of our organization. We are able to budget, and project what we can and cannot do by the pledges that are made. So, please join and give whatever you can. It is so important. We are continuing to work very hard to help the strays. Funds that are needed, are for food, traps, carriers and Administrative, and as I have said to keep our phones open, and to keep you informed. The donations that we receive are not enough to keep up with our expenses for the strays. We are using up the funds that we have received from supporters of Save Our Strays, who remembered us in their wills. When that is gone, so are we, unless we receive more donations. We need your help. We stay true to whatever instructions are given to us. We help, funds permitting, all kind of animals in need, dogs, cats, Horses etc. An animal is an animal. Please join us in our fight to help as many animals as we can, one at a time. We are here 53 years from the start. Please help keep us here. CLOSING THOUGHT (CONT.) Please consider leaving us a bequest in your will, as a legacy to continue to help stray animals. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a living legacy, and watch your funds in real time helping animals? Please Remember Our Troops “We salute you for all you have done. Your courage has kept us safe. Your sacrifice has kept us free. All of America owes you more than we can repay. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are behind you all the way – From the battlefield. . .to recovery!” To help our supporters, who shop on Amazon, to support Save Our Strays through the Amazon Smile program, please go to Google and type in AmazonSmile.com. You will then be directed to a home screen that says AmazonSmile in the upper left-hand corner. Log in with your Amazon account (email/phone number and password). If you are already logged in, just go to the search bar, and type in “SAVE OUR STRAYS INC.” Then select the second option, “Brooklyn, NY.” Click on the Amazon Smile LOGO in the top left corner of your Amazon page. Once you have done this, Under the word ALL in the search bar you should see a line that says “SUPPORTING: SAVE OUR STRAYS.” Now you are ready to shop. Amazon will donate 0.5% of your purchase to Save Our Strays Inc. Amazon has a large variety of gifts that are perfect for all holidays (keep in mind that Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa are just around the corner) and occasions i.e.: birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, christenings, bar mitzvahs and lovely gifts for all occasions. Items that they have are: electronics, jewelry, clothing and more. You may have to set up an Amazon account to use Smile. Please try. It is important. (See instructions on the next page.) P.S.: Remember, we have a website, and we try to keep it updated. Please pass this newsletter around. On our website, we have a button for a PayPal donation, and a Go Fund Me page – please visit saveourstraysbrooklyn.com. Till next time - Waggin’ Off
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