Woof!

That is all I got for now...see you all tomorrow.

On Making Life Better for Pets In Kansas City

For the fourth time ever, and the third time since the take over by a private group, this blogger visited the Kansas City Pet Project. The Observer continues to be impressed with the way the place is going. The out of date buildings and awkward topography of the location haven't changed but it's clear that a new spirit is in the place.

The very first time I visited the dog adoption area, the odor almost knocked me over. Since then, each time I have visited it has smelled reasonably clean to very clean (no place with 100 or more dogs in kennels, not all of whom get to go out as much as they should will smell perfect). The dogs, of course, are noisy, and there is not much help for that, other then keeping a ground level of activity that is positive for them. Maybe someday, when a new building is built, or this one is renovated, the bars that make the place look like doggy jail and still permit careless contact that can spread disease will go away, replaced by modern Plexiglas...

The cat area was moved from an unventilated basement to this office area even before the change and the area is far from perfect. However, the space gets some ventilation, and the cats get light and entertainment from the windows there. The area is clean, and sensible moves like moving the garbage can that held cleanings from the litter boxes out of the room keep the area from having a strong smell. It is possible to keep cats healthy here with innovation, attention to detail and discipline.

Most of the folks who are working with Kansas City Pet Project are veterans of animal work in this city. The veterinarian worked at Wayside Waifs and I recognized some faces from other animal welfare organizations. This one ingredient of being a city that cares well for animals, bringing one of the metro's largest open-admission shelters up to par, is moving smartly in the right direction.

It was good to see that the initial loss of funding to programs that helped provide services for spaying and neutering companion animals was restored by the Jackson County legislature this week. It was earlier removed in one of those penny-wise/pound foolish moves that pols are famous for. Because animal shelters and other efforts to get pets into homes are just part of a city's proper plan for animal welfare: the sheer number of animals bred must be reduced. That means an aggressive program of sterilization for many animals. That includes making sure that low income pet owners have a way of getting that done for a lower costs. That also means taking care of the strays of the city, whether it is getting them homes or TNR. People are important, but the problem of pet overpopulation is not going to go away--if anything it will get worse--if an investment in prevention is not made.

Meantime, the KCPP is a non-profit concern running the Animal Shelter at 4400 Raytown Road in Kansas City. They take contributions of cash or needed items. The shelter is open most afternoons except closed all day Mondays. Available pets are listened on Petfinder as well as accessed through the KCPP site and via Facebook.

LINKs:

KC Star: Animal welfare groups get funding after all.

Kansas City Pet Project on the web and on Facebook.

Petfinder website.

Photos by The Observer, and yes, the young couple in the picture adopted the cat they are visiting.

Chain of Hope and How the City Can Mess With You

I think that for the majority of us, whether we personally own or like companion animals, we desire that animals be treated humanely, without neglect or cruelty. Sometimes it is a matter of stewardship of investment, and sometimes it is just the right thing to do. Groups of people have come together to help animals, and to help other people help animals. Chain of Hope is just one of those groups. They have felt called to carry out their mission in some of our city's most difficult neighborhoods, rescuing animals from poor conditions, providing reduced cost and free vet services, providing outside shelter for animals and helping poor pet owners feed their pets.

Late last week the organization was paid a visit at its facility at 27th and Tracy by KCMO Animal Control and by KCMO Neighborhood Codes people. The two visits were not happy ones, resulting in 4 citations from Animal Control and a 15 day vacate order from Codes. They provide a perfect example of how a city can harass its citizens in an unhelpful way.

You can't have more than 4 adult animals in a residential home in KCMO; you can have as many young--less than 5 month old--baby animals as you can care for and maintain properly. AC decided that some puppies that Chain of Hope had were over 5 months--meaning that they were over the animal limit. Tickets resulted.

If you want to run a business out of a house in a residential area, you must get the approval of neighbors within a certain radius of the home. Chain of Hope was unable to do this--just one neighbor held out. (Side note: Why? In that neighborhood, you would take a chance on a new neighbor moving into that house? The chances of them being good neighbors is pretty slim. I'd take a bunch of well kept dogs over what could live there. Worse yet, the house could become vacant, which attracts animals far more annoying than dogs. Some of those animals have two feet...) They were maintaining the residential rules of keeping 4 grown animals or less, but Codes was upset because no one was "maintaining residence there." (Side note number two: Thanks stupid Code Enforcement bozo, for saying that on the public airwaves that someone is not in the house 24/7. Now, in order to maintain safety and preserve property, someone will have to be in the house 24/7. Preferably with a Concealed Carry Permit, a side arm and a big ass shot gun.)

It just seems to me that these two city departments went out of their way to be pains in the rear to Chains of Hope. In fact, to me, it served as a perfect model of how City Hall can harass you to death if they get it in their pea-pickin' thick bureaucratic skulls that they want to. I would bet that the City Codes inspector can find something wrong on the property of any this blog's readers if they really wanted to. Makes you wonder also, when people can hoard animals for years and repeatedly, and not get the sort of attention that Chain of Hope has.

Chain of Hope and AC are allies, not enemies--doesn't someone realize this? Both have roles to play to keep KCMO healthy and to assure that animals are treated humanely. This is just a bad scene here, and could have been dealt with in a much more cooperative manner.

One more question: The new group taking over the management of the Animal Shelter--are they going to have any say over how AC works--or are they going to end up fighting against this city department that is supposed to be working with them?

Two news agencies picked up the story:

KSHB: "KC Urban rescue given..."

KCTV5: "Chain of Hope in Battle to..."

Chain of Hope's web site with details of the City Hall rally noted below, and links to more details about the encounters with AC and Codes last week.

Rally today for Chain of Hope at City Hall, 12 noon.

Time For A News Vacation?

I was chatting with a friend who mentioned the contrast between the peaceful state of her home with the windows all open and the noisy, messy outside world. It made me wonder if it was time for a news fast. Much of the news is depressing and it is hard to feel stable and at peace. Sometimes, I do believe you have to take a break. so here are some non-news items for your consideration:

Puppies! A pile of puppies in a corner at Wayside Waifs await new homes. Mastiff crosses--they will be big.

Funny stuff--America's Funniest Videos--some guy in the Netherlands has put together over 100 hours of pratfalls.

George Carlin, on losing stuff.

Music also, is good for getting grounded again...people's tastes are so varied, I don't know exactly what to post. How about the latest from contemporary Christian artist Steven Curtis Chapman? Catchy tune, and lyrics that are timely reminders for Christ followers...

The weather is supposed to be really nice this weekend--get out and enjoy the sun! You will improve your mood and make oodles of healthy Vitamin D.

It will all still be there whenever you decide to come back...

Wayside Waifs Visit, August 19, 2011

I took myself--and the iPhone--to Wayside Waifs last Friday. It is so much fun to see all the animals that are ready for adoption, and to see the youngsters as well. Here are some of the photographic results of that visit. Pictured animals may already have been adopted (yay!) so check at www.waysidewaifs.org for the most current listing of available pets.

There were several black kitties ready for adoption of all ages, from young to mature.

Beautiful odd-eyed cat--gorgeous black and white markings.

A pile of kittens, one of two piles there that day. Lots of kittens still available at the shelter.

Believe it or not, this beautiful dog was found as a stray, and tended to by a concerned family until there was room at the shelter for her to stay.

These are dachshunds, incredibly-- I have never seen wiener dogs colored this way. I saw them up later and they looked every bit of the doxy!

Lord only knows what breeds have mixed together here but the results are very appealing.

Me, take me!

Wayside Waifs is in south Kansas City at 3901 Martha Truman Road. On the web at www.waysidewaifs.org. Open 2-8 weekdays except Monday and Tuesday, 12-6 weekends. Call 816-761-8151 for more info.

How Hot Is It?

A pet-centric guide to the temperature--from Patrick McDonnell's Mutts characters Earl (the dog) and Mooch (the cat). There are many books of Mutts cartoons--here's a link to Amazon and the "Best of..."

Adopt-A-Thon on NOW; Over 100 Adopted Already!

Adopt me, but only if you really are ready for all it entails...

First, before we go any further, let me tell you what reasons should stop you from adopting a companion animal:

You should not adopt a pet if you cannot afford it. (It costs roughly $2/day for me to feed my four cats.)

You should not adopt a pet if you are not allowed to have animals where you live.

You should not adopt a pet if you or anyone in your household has a problem with impulsive, explosive anger such that the animal might be in danger.

You should not adopt a pet if you cannot make the pet a true part of your family--this means that the animal spends the majority of its time indoors with you.

You should not adopt a pet if you really don't like animals. (!)

You should not adopt a pet if all members of the household do not agree on the adoption going forward.

You should not adopt a pet if you are not sure you can process the fact that companion animals do not live as long as humans, and eventually, you will have to part ways with your beloved pet due to old age and/or illness.

You should not adopt a pet because the shelter is having a special on adoption fees!!!

With those words of caution, we move forward to talk up the Adoptathon at Wayside Waifs, one of my favorite events evah. Wayside Waifs goes all out to make the adoption experience positive and easy--with lots of people helping out, and fees cut in half.

106.5 The Wolf has been at least a three year sponsor for the adoptathon, coming up and broadcasting from Wayside Waifs. It was pretty busy when I went up to check things out this early afternoon. By 3 p.m., over 100 animals had been adopted out!

There were still some really cute kittens around--but I wouldn't bet on any of these pictured cuties being available the way adoptions were going when I left. You should check the website if you want to see the latest animals ready for adoption.

Don't you just love it when dogs sit this way? This attractive dog has blue eyes!

Handsome orange tabby cat--big grown boy--easy going and sweet.

Wayside Waifs special adoption event will be going on all weekend with special hours and adoption rates. On the web at www.waysidewaifs.org. Wayside Waifs is located at 3901 Martha Truman Road in south Kansas City. Phone 816-761-8151.

Woof!

Editor's Note: The latest number I have on pets adopted is 122 as of about 5:45 pm. Wow! That's a record! Woof woof!

Kansas City Shelter Animals

So, as I mentioned in the post below, I went to the KCMO Animal Shelter. And, of course, there were lots of nice animals to see and visit--did you really think you'd only get two animal photos? Here are some more--and this is just a portion of the available pets there.

Interestingly marked black and white bicolor finds herself in the shelter after her owner passed away--one of two cats with that story--and both are very sweet.

Yes, it's raining kittens in Kansas City, Missouri! Here's a group of dilute tortie sisters.

Dogs--one of two Huskie/Huskie crosses in the shelter this day. Beautiful dogs.

One of my personal favorite crosses--the "Puggle"(Pug/Beagle)--I had never seen one in white before. Editor's note: Description on Petfinder says this pup is Chihuahua/Pug. Either way.

I love this pair--I don't think either are purebred but they are enchanting combo of chihuahua/min pin. So cute.

If you are thinking of adopting a pet, please consider a visit to the KCMO shelter. Animals there are in danger of being killed due to crowding issues--adoption and the assurance of a home will save lives. Information on the shelter, located near the stadiums at 4400 Raytown Road, is linked right here.

Kansas City Needs a New Animal Shelter

I decided it was time to visit the Kansas City Missouri Animal Shelter/Control facility. There have been several issues that have arisen recently with the city's animal shelter and the contractor that ran it for two years. The city ended that contract, and at present is running the shelter as they seek out a private partner. Meantime, talk has been advanced of placing an item on the ballot this November to get a new shelter built. I wanted to see the situation for myself, and, oh, pet a few dogs and cats along the way.

The shelter is easily accessed from I-435, a pretty easy drive from any where in the metro, although a bit far for northlanders and JoCo Kansas. The buildings look dated when you come to them although not ramshackle and the grounds looked good.

The "old" name of Animal Control is still visible on the building. There may be another way in, but I didn't see it, and so it appears that the building is difficult for the handicapped to access as there are stairs to climb to get to the office.

The 4000 block of Raytown Road area is not very developed at all--very "country" feel--lots of old growth trees and space around the shelter, as well as this open area in front.

Offices and the one room right now that is used for cats and kittens are in one building--the one on the right in the above view. The cat area is off a hallway in an office type area. Apparently, for a while cats were in the basement of the facility Presently it's a pretty small area that is in use for cats/kittens, and has no running water in the room. The animals are in cages. There isn't a room for cats of age and health to go play or exercise in. They can come out one at a time if a volunteer can watch them.

The dogs are housed in the building on the left in the above photos. You walk right into the kennel area from outdoors--it is quickly apparent that ventilation is poor in the kennels as oder is quite strong, even thought the area appeared very clean today, with cleaning ongoing as I was there checking out the canines. The kennels are the old fashioned wired kind, presenting a less inviting atmosphere and also increasing risk for infection between animals. It didn't seem overly crowded with dogs, but it was pretty loud when they started barking. Pretty stressful environment for the animals, all told, and maybe distracting to potential adopters too.

The set up seemed awkward and cobbled together with bailing wire to me. There was no area inside where a person could just sit with a dog on a lead and not get all the other dogs barking. There was no immediate area of information or welcoming when you arrived at the shelter. It was obvious that it was not designed with animal adoption in mind. According to the history I've read, the facility was built in the 1970s and was meant to be used as a very short term holding facility, with limited adoption opportunities, before an animal was euthanized.

Right now, a lot is in flux. The city is looking for someone to operate the shelter on a daily basis, and is considering some public/private options as well as contracts. Once that is settled, an evaluation of physical facilities is in order. The current structure is dated, not built to accommodate the goals of animal adoption, and is uncomfortable for both humans and animals. Some sort of plan for a new facility is in order. As I was considering this, I thought of the completed new Metro Patrol building. Metro Patrol's building was dated, small, and structurally unsound. It needed to be replaced so that the community could be served well. The same can be said of the current KCMO Animal Shelter. It needs to be replaced so that the citizens and animals of Kansas City can be better served. Options are being considered now about how to do this.

Visit for yourself at 4400 Raytown Road in Kansas City, MO. They are open every day but Sunday--12-6 Monday-Thursday; 12-4 Friday-Saturday. Raytown Road is one of the sports complex exits--just follow the sign to Raytown Road instead of the stadiums--the shelter is east of 435. Listing of adoptable animals linked right here.

It's Sunday--After a Long Week--Therefore--Kittens!

Wayside Waifs and other animal shelters are full of kittens right now. I stopped in to visit on Friday this past week.

I have to say I have never seen so many cute, energetic and pretty kittens all in one place before.

It was a kittenpalooza there--and it's not just Wayside Waifs. All the shelters in the metro are reporting in with lots of kittens.

Here is the smallest "cone of shame" I have ever seen...probably weighed more then this little girl.

Alert tabby and white beguiles visitors with her charms. Note the ear tufts--nice flourish.

They are better in pairs really--if you have no pets now, and are considering adopting young ones, consider two...

They play with each other, not you so much. Cuts down on the kitten scratches and nibbles.

Wayside also have adorable puppies and grown cat and dogs. Most of the dogs are still very young--this shepherd mix is only two.

Animal rescues and shelters in our area have been helping out in the tornado zones by collecting animals that had been in the shelters and rescues in those areas--particularly Joplin, MO--and bringing them up here to KC for possible adoption. This frees up space in the shelters there for animals that are found in the process of rescue, recovery and clean up. In that way, reuniting owners with their beloved pets is more possible. Also supplies are being given out to pet owners in the damaged areas to help them feed and keep their animals healthy.

Wayside Waifs is at 3901 Martha Truman Road in south KC. On the web at www.waysidewaifs.org. Phone 816-761-8151.

Wayside Waifs Visit

Today was just one of those all around crappy days, where nothing got finished, and everything took longer than expected. After some time of prayer and meditation, I found that a visit to Wayside Waifs was also indicated.

As usual, plenty of wonderful animals were available. This is Pearl. She's blonde like a yellow lab, but has this beautiful black undertone to her coat. It's really soft too. When I first saw here in her kennel, she gave me a smile, then rolled over and showed me her belly.

This is Racquel, a shepherd mix. She was exclusively an outside dog for much of her life, but now sits for treats and pets. She's over two, but still looks like a pup. She is not as big as a full German Shepherd dog but she's not tiny either.

On to cats: This is the aptly named Fluffy, a two year old black medium haired cat. Such pretty eyes!

Kitten (and puppy) season will be upon us soon. These two little guys, grey tabbies, are in the vanguard.
This nifty looking fellow is 3 year old Bubba. Bubba is friendly to people, but somewhat timid at times. He is a beautiful brown tabby and white. While I visited with him, he rolled over and let us rub the really soft fur on his belly!

So now after visiting these critters and others, I have some more cute animal photos, and the faint oder of dog. The latter will dismay the cat crowd at home but that is what soap is for. To see wonderful critters for yourself, in person at 3901 Martha Truman Road in south Kansas City, MO or on line at www.waysidewaifs.org. Phone: 816-761-8151

Wow--Wayside Waifs Open House Wildly Successful!

Merry Christmas from Wayside Waifs!

When I came to the drive way up to Wayside Waifs today to visit the holiday open house, there were cars parked almost all the way down to Martha Truman Road! Wow, what a fabulous turn out! And according to Wayside's FB page, 104 animals found new homes today.

Every where you looked in the shelter, volunteers and staff were helping adopters with the paperwork to adopt pets. It was awesome! The photo above actually was taken after the crowd had thinned some--as you can see everyone is still busy!

This is the sight I saw when I went in to check out the dogs. Empty kennels! I have never seen these front kennels empty during the two or three years I have been visiting Wayside Waifs regularly. There were plenty of empty spaces in the cat section too, although the majority of adopted animals were dogs.

Wayside Waifs is at 3901 Martha Truman Road in south Kansas City. There are always great animals that can be adopted there--some are in foster care or receiving medical care--the place is never really "empty." On the web at www.waysidewaifs.org. for more information, phone number and directions.

There are some more photos over on "F8 and Be There"...

Pondering Proposition B: The Puppy Bill

One of several Propositions and constitution changes on the ballot November 2 (a mere 15 days away!) for Missouri voters, Proposition B proposes to make stricter regulations for Missouri's animal breeding operations. For some reason, Missouri is a hot bed of dog breeding. I have heard estimates of 30% of pure bred dogs are bred in Missouri. Missouri has also generated some very bad dog breeders who overbreed, crowd and generally treat their animals very badly. Thus this proposition, generated through the petition system, to attempt to strengthen Missouri law and make breeders treat their animals better.

Instinctively, I want to support this Proposition. However, my instinct is tempered with the knowledge that it is yet more government regulation and interference with the commerce and activity of the people. If you read the "Anti B" folks, they see the law as overly strict, running family owned "underfoot" (meaning pups are kept in the home) breeders out of business but not doing anything for the unlicensed "assembly line breeder". People against Prop B feel that current law is sufficient but needs more enforcement. People who are for Proposition B see current Missouri statues as totally inadequate and a complete failure in preventing poor breeding conditions at breeding operations. They see breeders as a group needing further regulation, on account of breeders treat dogs badly to reduce operating expenses so they can make more money.

So, as you consider Proposition B, think about the lines drawn between sensible regulation and the oppressive "nanny state"--you know, the one that wants to ban sugared drinks and transfats. Where does Prop B fall? Read the ballot language and full statue and think about it. Vote intelligently and well informed, whichever way you end up leaning.

LINK: The actual ballot language--please note this page contains all the ballot items for November 2. Proposition B is the fifth one down. You, however, should read the others too.

LINK: The statue that will result from a "YES" vote.

LINK: The Kansas City Star lays out the arguments on Prop B, and has 60+ comments too.

News From Wayside Waifs

Last Spring, as you might recall, the dog adoption area at Wayside Waifs was redone. Now, it is the cat area's turn for a sprucing up. The plans are to open the area up a little more to give more light and make things easier for feline and human to get around the space.

Already one of the entryways into the main cat cage area has been changed. The back hallway will have windows put in that look out onto the hallway that runs along side the room, thus letting in more light, letting humans look in and cats look out.

The hug rooms are being improved also, and new cages will be brought in. It's hard to portray what is happening now, as it is not just one big area like the dog kennel room. Word is, it will all be done and ready in three weeks.

Meantime, cats and cages, volunteers and staff have moved to the community room at the shelter. It's cramped, but adoptions are still going on. Here these two twin sisters have just adopted two cats. (See the glowing eye in the carrier?)

Feline Fridays are still going on, with some great deals on cat adoptions. Come on down and visit--you might find someone you can't go home without.

Meanwhile, back in dog land...when you have a Great Dane/Malamute cross, what does that mean? It means it's a big sturdy looking dog with pointy ears and a winsome expression, that what it means.

Wayside Waifs is at 3901 Martha Truman Road in south Kansas City, MO. On the web at www.waysidewaifs.org.

I Haz a Complaint...

City to Go Door to Door to Enforce Pet Licensing

True confession: My cats do not have licenses to be cats. I've just never gotten around to it. And to be even more candid, I was over the kitty limit for several years. All my cats have been indoor only cats. You wouldn't know I had a cat, unless you looked through my trash. (or caught me having to chase one of my cats outside to return them inside after a successful door charge by the stinker.)

This news item came to my attention: Pets Without Licenses Could Cost Owners $75. My reaction? Well, it's mixed. One because there truly is good in knowing about how many dogs and cats are in the city. It does help for lost pets, especially dogs. But please, let's be real. The city is looking for money in every corner. More taxes (cleverly hidden as fees) for every service you can imagine. A violation of an ordinance? Assess a fine! The machine at City Hall is low on money and must have more.

It would only cost $30 to license the current gang. ($10 per neutered/spayed animal. Yes, your companion animal should be neutered/spayed.) but frankly, I would rather the city not notice me. The less interaction with the government, the better, as far as I'm concerned. I'm not alone; the comments with the news story show that, at least for those with strong enough feelings to comment, licensing is not a favored activity.