Animal F.A.I.R. Rescue

Photographer

2012-01-26T16:44:00.000-08:00

My name is Brandi, and I recently started volunteering as a photographer for Animal FAIR. I wanted to introduce myself and tell a little about what I do. I am a graphic design major and photography minor at University of Central Missouri. I chose to volunteer at Animal FAIR because I love animals and I really wanted to help out. A good photo can make all the difference for animals in shelters.

Here are some of the photos I've taken for Animal FAIR so far:

Cosmo: Petfinder link

Benji: Petfinder link

Flower: Petfinder link

Loren: Petfinder link

Phoenix - A cat with a great spirit!

2011-11-11T14:22:00.000-08:00

Phoenix was in a fire and has had a long haul recovering. His ears and paw pads were burned with asphalt stuck to him, most likely from the roof shingles. He has been on breathing treatments due to smoke inhalation. Phoenix was discovered in a ditch; his owner was just going leave him to die.

He was just too sweet of guy, even going through all this, to give up on. If you can, donations for medical care would be appreciated or if you want a special guy in life he be up for adoption shortly.

Jay!

2011-11-04T19:23:00.000-07:00

Meet Jay, he is a sweetheart looking for a loving family to call his own! He loves to lounge around the house and has a lot of fun playing with other dogs. He is absolutely wonderful with little children too! Jay loves to snuggle, he will sleep in bed with you unless you don't allow him then he will respect that and will snuggle up on the floor!

Jay is a great listener and does great on the leash. Jay really enjoys going for walks! When in the backyard, he should have a 6-8ft wooden fence, he is a jumper...just a bit of an explorer! With a fence of this size he will do well of staying home!

Jay is a really sweet guy, he is looking for a forever home with a family to call his own! He bonds with his family and just wants to be part of their lives! Catahoulas are very smart and do make great companions inside a home!

To see more information on this sweet guy take a look at his profile on petfinder

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/20673921

You can also check out our Facebook page with more information on our non-profit organization.

http://www.facebook.com/animalfairrescue

In Memoriam

2011-02-24T17:21:00.000-08:00

Dec 2010
A donation from A. Elizabeth Temple of Lee’s Summit, MO In memory of her husband Tom L. Temple

Jan 2011
Donations from Don & Cindy Weaver and Floyd W. Hatfield on behalf of Glen & Helen Ewing all of Sedalia, MO In memory of Ray Hatfield

Our own Puppy Bowl

2011-02-09T17:55:00.000-08:00

A video of our new beagle/terriers playing! They were dumped out in the country and thankfully rescued before the snow/ice hit! There are 3 females (6 month old Scarlett & Dixie; mother 1-2 year old Georgia) and 1 male (6 month old Rhett)! All are ready for adoption.

Video by Brianna

Mr. Wonderful (Kwasi) – Desperately Seeking Love

2010-12-09T11:41:00.000-08:00

I am handsome, debonair, and a bit spunky with a serious side and a fun playful side.

Serious Kwasi
Playful Kwasi

We are featuring Kwasi as our adult cat who is in the most need of a home! The problem is he does not show well at adoption events; works himself up in a tizzy before he even gets there, and hates being in the show crate. He does not get along with other cats, but does well with medium/large dogs. He bosses my (wimpy) beagle around on occasion, but not our larger lab.

I have fostered him for months. He is a great cat! Not the beast in a cage. He is a lap cat who loves to sit with you to watch TV or while reading, and shows affection. One more bonus, he is declawed in the front.
Share his information, so we can get this handsome guy adopted. To the right person or family, we will negotiate on his adoption fee.

How to Adopt

2010-11-30T19:47:00.000-08:00

☆ Call or Email us. (Dog Director Phyllis at 660.620.2590 or Cat Director Beverly at 660.829.4252 or e-mail: petslive@iland.net)
☆ Listen for our advertisements on the radio.
☆ Look at our Event Calendar for scheduled adoption days!
☆ Once you find a pet of interest there is an application to fill out and a contract to sign. Use the .doc format to save/download to your computer's desktop, type in your information, save it and return via e-mail; or print the form out to complete.

Application Forms:
Dog Adoption Application
Cat Adoption Application

Contract (required for dog and cat adoptions)

Unique pet beds

2010-11-07T18:32:00.000-08:00

I was surfing around today and came across these cool little pet beds using luggage and wanted to share them with you! There are several tutorials out there for repurposing different suitcase styles for this purpose - and I'm all about repurposing things! Anyway, I thought this was a really neat idea as cute vintage cases can be found in most thrift stores and legs can be easily bought at any hardware store. If you want more character you might be able to find a discarded table for free - just remove the legs.
Just a cute idea that could be a great gift idea for the person who has everything! Happy crafting!
- Robin

Welcome to "Adopt A Sr. Pet" month!

2010-11-03T11:35:00.000-07:00

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and PetFinder.com celebrate November as Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month - so there's no time like the present to welcome a senior pet into your home through adoption.

At Animal FAIR Rescue, puppies are adopted out rather quickly but we have several pets that qualify as "Seniors" who would LOVE to live out their golden years on your couch being loved by YOU!

Not sure what the benefits of adopting a senior pet are? Keep reading for my top 5 reasons to adopt a senior pet into your family!

1. In many cases the history of an older pet is more known than in the case of a younger pet. They may have been relinquished by a family for various reasons and those people are able to tell the rescue more about the pet than is sometimes possible with puppies/kittens.

2. They probably won't eat your shoes! Or other items in your household. They have a higher probability of having some training, are quieter, calmer, are out of the chewing/scratching stage, and usually have some manners - and a biggie: they are usually potty trained! Yay! :)

3. They will be a loyal and grateful family member. Sometime in their past they were probably a member of a family and they remember that. They don't know why they ended up in a rescue/shelter, or want-ad situation and are grateful to return to a loving family life.

4. Their personality is fully formed and they are at their full size; what you see is what you get. Not true of a puppy who is still developing and growing into his feet.

5. No matter the age, pets provide us with love and companionship and improve mental and physical health. In addition to the benefits of the heart, independent studies have shown that owning a pet can lower blood pressure, reduce stress levels and depression, increase physical activity and lengthen your lifespan.

Many senior pets are healthy, active, and will bring years of love and enjoyment to your family. It is also true some senior pets have medical issues or other conditions that would put them in a "special needs" category. This may require extra veterinary care and may incur additional costs for that care, a special diet, or other needs. But remember, young pets can have health issues also and a good diet goes a long way for any pet's health and well-being.

Your adoption group should be honest with you and discuss any special health conditions and needs a pet requires prior to adoption. Speak with your veterinarian, too. If still unsure, you may be able to foster that pet prior to adopting to see how it will work out for both of you. FOSTERS ARE ALWAYS NEEDED FOR PETS OF ANY AGE!

If you would like to make a difference in an older pets life contact Animal FAIR Rescue {Phyllis at (660) 620-2590 for dogs, and Beverly at 660-829-4252 for cats} to meet some of our pets that are available for adoption. Here are a few fur-kids looking for a couch and a lap to lay their heads upon... {click on photos to go to their Petfinder profiles}
Robin is a Pomeranian Mix and is 5-6 years old.

Bashful is a Schnauzer/Poodle Mix, around 8 years old and a total love!

Lexi: I'm a beautiful, 9 yr old, Blue Point Himalayan. My owners abandoned me. Could you rent a room to an older lady who would love to share a home with you? I'm sweet, low key, and healthy. I'm great with dogs, cats, and children.

Maddie: I am 6 1/2 years old and a Flamepoint Himalayan. I purr easily, make a great lap cat and sleeping partner, and get along well with nice dogs and children.

Dear Dogs & Cats

2010-09-20T13:36:00.000-07:00

NAOMI has a great sense of humor.

She wanted to share a laugh for the day.

The following was found posted very low on a refrigerator door.

Dear Dogs and Cats: The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required.

The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough.

Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:

TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:

(1) They live here. You don't. (2) If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'-niture. (3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people. (4) To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.

Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they (1) eat less, (2) don't ask for money all the time, (3) are easier to train, (4) normally come when called, (5) never ask to drive the car, (6) don't hang out with drug-using people; (7) don't smoke or drink, (8) don't want to wear your clothes, (9) don't have to buy the latest fashions, (10) don't need a gazillion dollars for college and (11) if they get pregnant; won’t be happening animalFAIR does the right thing by spaying or neutering.

Update on Donna's (now Bella's) New Family!

2010-08-16T06:46:00.000-07:00

May 27, 2010
We have changed Donna's name to Bella, but mostly we just call her B. There are not enough words to describe how much we love Bella. Both our families were ecstatic to hear we were getting a dog, and they were especially excited to hear that we were adopting her from an organization. You never know what to expect when you only see her on your website and for the brief couple of minutes you get to interact with the animals before you make the decision to take them home, but we knew we loved her the minute we laid eyes on her. Everyone she has come in contact with has fallen in love with her. We recently took her to the park in my hometown so we could take her swimming in the river, and so many people wanted to come and pet her and she loved all the attention. She is spoiled (too much I think :) ) by the "grandparents." Every time she goes and visits them or they come and visit us she gets so much love and attention we sometimes wonder if they even wanted to see US. She loves to sleep in our room on her nice big bed, and she loves to sleep in!! She gives us the most amazing welcomes when we come home from work every day and is waiting at the window when she sees us pull into the drive way. She is wonderful with our cats, and takes the abuse they give her. :) We even recently bought a new SUV and one of the requirements was Bella had to have enough space in the back and if it would be easy for her to get in and out of. We are taking a vacation with Bella this summer to Colorado and Ohio. We can't wait to take her hiking through the mountains and introduce her to the rest of the family.

I have attached some pictures of Bella around the house, at the river, and the announcement we sent to our family letting them know there was a new addition to our family. Thank you so much for all you do! Please tell Bella's old foster mom hello from Bella and us.

Grace

CSN stores and KONG toys Review

2010-08-14T16:37:00.000-07:00

If you aren't familiar with CSN Stores you should be. They operate over 200 sites that sell just about everything; from furniture to toys and yes, even pet supplies. I had the opportunity to check out a few of their pet toys recently and, as luck would have it, their customer service division as well.
I was sent 3 Kong toys and one flying disk to have the doggies at Animal FAIR Rescue to play with and chew on. Only instead of 3 Kong toys I was sent 1, along with the flying disk. The disk info on the CSN site said that it was made of rubber... it was plastic. So... since I judge a company not by their mistakes, but by how they deal with those mistakes, I emailed their customer service dept. I must say I was very surprised when Jackie M. emailed me back within hours. Yes, I got a response the same day. Points for CSN! She was very helpful, said that they would get the other 2 Kong toys right out and that she would send me another email containing a return shipping label for the Flying Disk, which happened the next day. The 2 missing Kong toys arrived 2 days later, I printed and attached the return label, that I'd received in my email, onto the packaged Flying Disk, and she emailed me when they received it. Done. It's no surprise that CSN Customer Service gets a bunch of gold stars from me! Quick and efficient. I love that.
Now, the toys: I must say I expected the Kong toys to be a bit larger - the packaging says they are for doggies up to 20lbs. so we tried them out on a few of the smaller munchkins and they were a hit! And the perfect size. :) Kong actually does know what they are doing. lol.

And, as mentioned, the Flying Disk went back to the store. The plastic might be fine for some, but I knew that my daughter's Animal FAIR Foster doggie would destroy it in a matter of minutes.
So, to recap - GREAT customer service experience, and, for the most part, great products. And they've changed the flying Disk description. :)
Thanks CSN!

Disclaimer: CSN provided me with a gift code which I used to order the dog toys. I was not compensated in any other way and was not required to provide this review in exchange for the code/toys. Animal FAIR Rescue would like to thank CSN for their support!
- Robin

Best Sofas for Pets

2010-06-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

We've been having a small discussion about sofas on the Animal Fair Facebook page regarding the best material for a couch in a home that has various fur-kids. A little extra web research has come up with this: There is really no perfect answer. :) Some say leather wears well and hair slides off easily, while others say that it shows scratches easily {and if you are Vegan forgetaboutit!}. Microsuede? Fairly easy to get hair off of but nails can leave holes as the fabric is usually thin. Everyone says that textured fabric {which is, of course, what I have} can be difficult to remove hair from and wears badly. I'll have to agree with the hair problem on textured fabric - but we try to keep velour/fleece blankets or covers on the set and that helps with keeping the hair off the couch and they get frequent washings. It was pretty unanimous that a duck or twill wears and takes frequent washings well - especially if it's a slip-covered set. Of course if your kid gets a mani-pedi frequently his or her nails won't be much of a problem and half the battle is won. :)
Have fur-kids and in the market for new sofas? Check out what the CSN store has to offer - Tons of brand name sets to choose from and great prices. Which is your fur-kids favorite? Below are Haku and Paco's choices. :)

Check back in the near future for a review of a product from the CSN Pet division!

{This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were posted. These opinions are my own and your mileage may vary. Thank you to CSN Stores for supplying me with a gift code that will be used for purchasing - and then reviewing - dog product{s} for Animal Fair Rescue. The support of CSN Stores is greatly appreciated!} - Robin

Curious Kittens!

2010-06-25T11:28:00.000-07:00

Take a look! We have some adorable and very adoptable kittens to choose from!

Jack’s Perspective

2010-05-26T07:23:00.000-07:00

Hello, my name is Jack and I am a large black lab mix who has been in foster care for 2 years now. I have plenty of food and water, a dog house that my care givers keep plenty of warm in straw in, and all my medical needs are taken care of. What’s my complaint you might be asking? Well I’m the big black dog that is a little timid who just doesn’t draw the attention of people looking to adopt. I guess if I was a puppy, more playful, and yes a little more trusting it would be different. You see I was slightly abused in my youth so it takes me a while to trust people. I am working on not tucking my tail under when meeting new people. I am not incapable of trust; I really, really like my foster mom and my regular care givers; my tail is up and wagging when they come to see me.

I watch so many dogs like myself without homes come and go in the big white van every weekend. Lots of them don’t return; the lucky ones that found a home with a family to love them. I love it when it is my turn to go for a ride in the big white van to see all of the interesting people. My dream is to be adopted by someone who has a yard and willing to have the patience to work with me so I can learn to trust them. Treats, food, and a kind voice does the trick. I'm only looking for a scratch behind the ears, an occasional walk, an occasional car ride, and a kind word. I will be a very happy & loyal companion. Consider me - Jack!!

AnimalFAIR Receives Grants

2010-05-11T10:02:00.000-07:00

The PETCO Foundation awarded Animal FAIR (Foundation for Animals in Risk) a grant for sanitation and grooming equipment, plus additional funds through in-store donation drives.

Each year, PETCO helps animal-welfare organizations find lifelong, loving homes for orphaned pets, as well as fund spay and neuter efforts, animal assisted therapy programs and humane education.

PETCO also assists local animal welfare groups to facilitate in-store adoption events at PETCO locations all over the country every weekend. Animal FAIR in Sedalia has partnered with the Jefferson City and Lee’s Summit stores for weekly weekend adoption events.

☆☆ THANK YOU Petco Foundation!! ☆☆

April 15, 2010 9:58 PM
The Sedalia Democrat

Black Cats Available for Adoption!

2010-05-05T18:09:00.000-07:00

Black goes with everything; adopt one of our beautiful black cats!!!

Lindsey

Adonnatatee

Pansy

Our Own Polydactyl - Hemingway

2010-02-17T11:37:00.000-08:00

Polydactyly (six or seven toes) varies from the classic "mitten cat" through to cats which simply have more toes than normal, but no "thumb". A correspondent to the New Scientist noted that the innermost extra toes on the front paws are often opposable and some cats use them with quite startling proficiency to manipulate small objects with almost human dexterity. Some owners of polydactyl cats joke that their cats are more intelligent because of this and represent the next stage in feline evolution - the ability to open cartons and cans unaided.

Polydactyl cats are known by various names - "mitten cats", "thumb cats", "six-finger cats", "Cardi cats" and "Hemingway cats". The latter is because of writer Ernest Hemingway who made his home on the small island of Key West, Florida. He shared the island with nearly 50 cats, including a 6-toed polydactyl given to him by a ship captain; the cats bred and the polydactyl trait became common, hence polydactyls are often known as "Hemingway Cats".

Link to the complete article on Polydactyly cats: http://www.messybeast.com/poly-cats.html#whatis

We have one in our foster system. Our Hemingway is a jewel, known as Hemi to us his foster family. He is a big guy who likes to talk letting you know that he wants and needs attention. He gets along pretty well with dogs, however he loves to pick on my beagle, Popeye. Popeye has a way of wiggling his hinny as he walks up stairs, and Hemi just can’t resist to put those claws out to dig into that hind end. Oh the commotion that follows. :)

Unfortunately, he has tested FIV positive so he must go to a home as a single cat, a home with non-aggressive cat(s) or a home with other cat(s) who are FIV positive as well. He gets along well with other cats.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) facts to consider -
• FIV behaves similarly in a cat's body to the way HIV (AIDS) behaves in a human body. FIV is not contagious to humans or other species.

• FIV is contagious to other cats, but difficult to transmit - FIV is transmitted primarily through deep bite wounds resulting from fighting or rough play.

• The good news about FIV is that symptoms may never appear or may not appear for years. That means many FIV-positive cats can have a normal life span.

• Providing a home to a healthy FIV-positive cat is just like owning a healthy non-positive cat, with the exception of being extra sensitive to symptoms of illness. The cat simply stays strictly indoors and preferably has no contact with non-positive cats - although introducing another FIV-positive cat would be fine. A good diet, lots of love and attention - and the cat's all set. Remember, the primary means of transmission are through bite wounds resulting from fighting and rough play.

Please pass on this information about Hemi to anyone you know that may be interested in him. He truly is unique in his personality and looks. There must be someone out there that understands FIV or has a home with no other cats and is looking to add a really great cat to their family.

Updates on some of our adopted animals!

2010-01-31T13:26:00.000-08:00

Hi this is Lacey's (the dog) new baby, since she has claimed her as part of the pack, Shonie named for her markings. She reminds us of the Indian's in the Shonie tribe who when going into battle would paint there eyes black. She is a little sweetheart and Lacey loves her to the point that when she is cleaning her she gets a little to involved and Shonie has to swat her to get her to back off. They get along very well and we are very happy with her. She never shuts her little engine off it runs all the time, and she loves to cuddle. She likes to curl up on her big sister and taking a nap.

Lynette, Lacey & Shonie

We received this only after a few days after her adoption. Nothing like making yourself at home immediately! We are so happy this is a successful adoption for the entire family. Shonie was known as Boom Boom to us. She is in a earlier post when she was just a baby under Rug Rats.

2010-01-31T13:16:00.000-08:00

Zoro/Bozzly a year later :)

Hey there- I thought I'd send you a quick note about Bozzly, and say thanks again for helping him along. It's been just over a year ago that I adopted him, doesn't seem that long! He's doing great. He's still learning and growing, getting used to being a companion instead of a stud... we're getting there! Attached is a photo I took this summer, ended up submitting it and getting him on a Boston Terrier calendar. Handsome boy, don't you think?

Chris

Yes, we most certainly do agree he is a handsome boy, and a celebrity as well!

Collar Safety Tips

2009-12-22T12:29:00.000-08:00

At a recent adoption event I had a conversation with a woman who told me about a close call with her dogs. She came home to find one of her dogs almost strangled to death due to using adjustable collars - The other dog had somehow tightened it by accident. Here are some Collar Safety Tips:

* Attach an I.D. tag with your address and phone number to the collar. This information is more important than the dog's name. Even a young pup can slip out a door, and even the most well-behaved "velcro" dog can get loose and lost. Take the effort to eliminate all opportunities for escape, but just in case, your dog should always have at least one form of I.D.
If the dog has an I.D. on the collar, there is a much greater chance that a neighbor or shelter will be able to contact the owner/guardian. Micro-chipping is highly recommended, but it is not a substitute for standard I.D. tags, because most people, and some shelters, don't routinely check for chips. Tattooing the inner thigh is another way some people I.D. their dogs. Another choice is to have the address and phone number stamped on the underside of the buckle collar, although some people may not think to look under the collar for such information.
We recommend using both a physical tag and an implanted microchip. Microchip I.D.s are now very affordable and available at most animal hospitals and through an increasing number of animal shelters and humane society clinics.
Remember, never attach I.D. and other tags to a training collar, leash or harness, since the tags should be on the dog at all times. Lack of I.D. is, sadly, what keeps so many lost dogs from being united with their owner/guardians.
* Adjust the buckle collar snug enough so that the dog cannot get a paw, limb or jaw stuck in it... another dog can't get entangled in the other pet's collar while playing... and the collar is less likely to catch on something. Such situations can lead to injury, trauma, suffocation or strangulation. There should be room enough only for you to slip two fingers between the collar and the neck of your pet.
* For people who have two or more dogs, adjustable collars can be problematic because one dog might yank on the other pet's adjustable collar, tightening it to the point of danger.
* Crates and collars: Most people who crate their pups with collars on have never had a problem, but in a few tragic cases, dogs have gotten collars and tags snagged on crate wire, leading to panic, neck injury and even strangulation. The risk of such a situation occurring is reduced if the collar is fitted snugly, as described elsewhere in this guide.
A slight majority of trainers and dog handlers interviewed noted that they always keep collars and I.D. tags on their dogs except during bath time, because the risk of a dog getting loose and lost without identification is greater than a dog being strangled by a collar. However, strangulation is a tragedy no matter what the frequency, so some people remove the collar when crating their dogs.
If you keep a collar on a dog being crated, make sure the collar is snug and minimize the length of the tags that dangle. Make sure there's a tray, mat or other material covering the bottom of the crate so that the dog is not on, or right next to, the crate wire/rails/grid when he is lying down. (This will also keep the dog from getting his toes caught in the bottom grid, which has sometimes happened to a few unlucky dogs.) Some folks who crate their dogs use rolled leather buckle collars; if those collars get caught on something, the dog can usually break away because the part where the buckle attaches is weaker and can be broken.
If you remove the collar while crating, remember to put it back on as soon as you release the dog. Keep it close to the crate, but not so close that the dog could reach it and pull it into the crate.
* Check adult dogs' collars as well, since collars can get tight or loosen over time.

Rug Rat Alert! ::BoomBoom::

2009-09-30T13:41:00.000-07:00

Blue eyed BoomBoom sporting seal point snowshoe ski togs, is looking for a slope to slide down. In 7 weeks you can schmooz with her at a winter resort of your choice.

Please contact Beverly at 660/829-4252 for info on how to take her home!

Fashion Parade :: Thomasina!

2009-09-20T13:29:00.000-07:00

Famous Parisienne model, Mam'selle Thomasina Titterwhiskers, draped in a luxuriant sable fur, will gladly parade through your home showing off her wares to 2-footed and 4-footed family members alike.
Remember! At animalFAIR you can adopt an exquisite fur coat with a throbbing heart.

Please contact Beverly at 660/829-4252 for info on how to take her home!

Rug Rat Alert!

2009-09-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

Be on the lookout for Peeky Boo. She was last seen scampering into a box of books while wearing a white fur coat and an orange and black hat. In six weeks you could take Peeky home to scamper under your table.

Please contact Beverly at 660/829-4252 for info on how to take her home!

The Bayley Report :)

2009-09-09T18:32:00.000-07:00

Hello! We are Mark and Whitney Young and we adopted a precious puppy named Bayley from you all toward the end of June. We just wanted to send an email and some pictures your way to let you know how much we are enjoying Bayley as the newest addition to our family! She is so much fun -- full of energy! -- and also such a lover. She has brought an immense amount of joy and laughter into our home. I'm
sending you several pictures so that you can see some highlights of Bayley's summer with her new family. Her full name is now Bayley Rae Young and she seems to love it. =)

As soon as we brought her home that Sunday, we took a family picture... it took a few tries so we just settled for the best we had. Hahah... she likes to give kisses! Then just a few weeks later we had the opportunity to take her down to Tablerock lake to hang out with the rest of the family. She wasn't too crazy about the water at first, but she's getting there! First just her toes, then her legs
and now she'll indulge us with a short swim. =) One day she even got to come out on the boat with us! She really loved that. Since we weren't sure of her swimming abilities we tried to purchase a doggie life jacket... well being at the lake of course those were all sold out so we settled for an infant vest... that's what you see her in in the last few pictures. She was very funny in the water... swam
straight to "daddy" and started climbing up to his shoulders. haha
Of course by the end of the week she was very tired on the way home.

I wish you all could see her funny little quirks and personality developing... she is such a ball. Well thank you again for helping us to find such a wonderful puppy!

:: Zeeva :: A success story!

2009-09-07T17:51:00.000-07:00

Zeeva (aka Louise) is doing wonderful. She is playing with our dogs, has found the litter box, food and water and our laps!!! She is soooooo sweet. We really love her and feel her love back. Her favorite new toy is a colorful toy rat with some kind of rattle inside which she "kills" and jumps at all the time ... if you want her to come all you need to do is shake the rat and she comes running! She loves looking out the front window at the birds in the trees which are very near that window. I have fixed a place for her to lay there in comfort. We so enjoy the addition to our family.
- Thanks, Linda and Bob

Thanks Bob & Linda for letting us know how the kitty is doing. She's beautiful and it sounds like she is very happy!
If you've adopted a fur-kid from Animal Fair be sure to let us know how he/she/you are getting along - we'd love to hear from you. We'll post it here along with whatever pic you'd like to send. Send to petslive at iland.net

Doggie Dive Photos!

2009-08-14T21:40:00.000-07:00

I think Bri put a few more photos up on the Facebook page, so if you are a fan and want to see more head over there. :)
The Doggie Dive was a big success! Many pets dragged their owners to Centennial park to swim yesterday - and a fun time was had by doggies and owners alike. This little pup above is "Patch" and is available for adoption. She had a great time in the water. lol.
Volunteers were on hand to hand out goodie bags to all the participants. The bags contained a bandana, home-made doggie treats, and a poo-bag. They also had a few of the cats who are looking for forever laps to curl up in, as well as Kitty Mats with catnip installed, for sale. Cats love the Kitty Mats and they make great gifts so when you looking for gift ideas think of us!
People who didn't happen to come with a fur-friend could rent one of the adoptable dogs for a donation.
Ivy is a beautiful loving dog who is looking for parents.
This big guy obviously had fun! {not avail. for adoption}
And of course there always has to be a fashion diva in the crowd! What a cutie!
Practicing the Doggie Paddle - this little guy must have done well in his swim class. :)
The Doggie Dives are a great opportunity for owners to spend some quality time with their friends. Tennis balls were the fav toy of the night. Some owners brought toys for their happy kids...

There were fur-kids of all sizes from really big to ... just little. :) This is Tonto showing off his new Animal Fair Rescue bandana - he's a very sweet guy looking for a home.
Thanks to everyone who came out with their dogs - Hope to see you all again at the next Doggie Dive!

It's Doggie Dive time!

2009-08-11T19:04:00.001-07:00

I know I'm a little late in posting this since it's being held... tomorrow! But here's the scoop if you have a doggie that likes water - and if you don't have a doggie but want to pretend we'll be out there with doggies who can be rented and would love to play with you!

Here's the official scoop:

Centennial Pool has gone to the dogs! Here's an opportunity for your pooch to beat the heat and just have a "dog gone" good time. Dogs will follow their owners' rules and be accompanied by an adult. Owners are responsible for cleaning up any accidents that their dog(s) make. This program is only held once a year, on the last day before the pool is drained - so don't miss it!

6:00 - 7:30 p.m. 12 August 20009
Pre-registration at the Parks Office is preferred (plus, you receive a discount!) Pre-registered dogs are $2.00; admission at the gate is $3.00 per dog.

Come out and have a great time!

A few links I found interesting...

2009-08-07T13:43:00.000-07:00

I was surfing around as I ~~too~~ often do and thought these were interesting.

This one talks about how your cats shape can indicate what type of personality your cat will have. This is a tad wonky, I think, b/c shape is largely indicated by breed & most breeds have an attitude "standard" so... it stands to reason that the shape of a cat would be a personality indicator lol. But I thought it was cool. {yes, I'm easily amused.}

This other article is well documented. It's about how pets {this is about dogs} can lower your stress level & improve your health. Good reading just the same.
- Robin

Transports to the rescue!

2009-08-01T17:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, so you've decided to adopt a fur-kid & you're looking through a site like Petfinder & there. is. your. kid. THIS is the critter you want to be with you for the rest of your days. Only thing is, when you look closer, you discover he (or she) isn't in your area. Might not even be in your state! WhatToDo WhatToDo... Transports to the rescue! See Brianna & Snowcap? Snowcap was at a rescue in Texas & her forever family are in PA. Didn't stop them; they just hooked up with a Transport line and in 2 weeks Snowcap was home!

(That's her - on the left - with her new brother Simon. Oh, and Snowcap's new name is Ellie & she's a very happy little doggie now!)

Many people don't know what Transports are so let me explain... When a call goes out that a critter needs a ride to a new home, a very organized and caring person (called an Organizer|Coordinator oddly enough) goes into action and organizes a bunch of people for 1-hour, or more, legs of the critter-in-need's journey. So, ~~Snowcap~~ Ellie's route was mapped out, people gathered online to choose which parts of Ellie's journey they could take... and eventually she ended up in PA. For overnight's, or longer, the critter is hosted by a family as needed. And off the fur-kid goes on her/his journey! Ellie was handed off to us (I was along for the ride) by a nice man from the KC area at Sweet Springs and we took her to Columbia and handed her off to a nice lady in an SUV, who then took her to... somewhere that was about an hour away from Columbia. lol. And so on and so on. Until she got to her home in PA where her people were waiting for her.

Now, Animal FAIR Rescue doesn't set up transports - but if you are need of one email me & we'll see if we can get one set up for you, or get your kid on one that is already moving.
Want to go and check out what critters we have up for adoption? Check them out here. And don't let distance stop you. :)

Please help these kitties find a forever home!

2009-07-24T16:22:00.000-07:00

Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation awards grant to animalFAIR

2009-06-20T21:08:00.000-07:00

Sedalia, MO (09 June 2009) - A grant to the Foundation for Animals in Risk (AnimalFAIR), a no-kill non-profit rescue, awarded by the St. Louis MO Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation will be used for spay|neutering cats & dogs as well as help to offset advertising costs.
The Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation is committed to making life more bearable for children, families, and pets, in need of a helping paw. With the sale of each full-sized Bearemy's Kennel Pals(R) friend - a collection of Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) plush dogs - one dollar is donated to domestic pet programs including local animal shelters, stray pet rescue and rehabilitation organizations, and pet education programs around the country. These funds are to qualified non-profit organizations in the US and Canada through a quarterly grant process. Visit buildabear.com for more information.
For more information about the Foundation for Animals in Risk and to see our animals available for adoption, visit Petfinder. We'd also love to have you join our Facebook page & become a follower of this blog {sign up on the sidebar to your right - Thanks!} We can be contacted by phone at (660)827.4064.

The extension of Adopt a Cat month...

2009-06-19T23:47:00.000-07:00

I know this says JUNE but since I just found out about it I'm extending it to JULY too! :) Now go out and adopt yourself a kitty! You know you wanna. lol

For the cat loving - recycle everything crowd...

2009-06-05T11:14:00.000-07:00

I give you the cardboard cat chaise! What kitty wouldn't like this eco-friendly perch?
Let me know if you make one ... and I want to see pics! :) (send them in and I'll post them here)

photo credit: Harley by oskay.

Recent Adoption!

2009-06-02T16:48:00.000-07:00

Bonnie was recently adopted by a loving forever family! Isn't she cute? That's what we like to see - happy pets & happy people. Yay! There's been other adoptions recently too ... but there are more cuties, like Bonnie, looking for forever families - if you are looking for a new family member, whether it's a cat or dog, please think of FAIR & contact us or take a look-see through petfinder.com - we might just have exactly the pet you are looking for!

Cool ideas for the modern kitty

2009-05-24T16:59:00.000-07:00

I was just surfing and came across some really cool Cat ideas... surf with me k?
Ikea Hacker always has innovative ideas from creative people - just check out these litter box hacks! Love them.
And THIS is brilliant. My hubs says if he wasn't here I'd be the crazy cat lady that everyone always talks about, and he's probably right (and I see nothing wrong with being a crazy cat lady...). THIS is the type of home I'd love! Wonder if he'd notice if I installed a few shelves along the ceiling & steps on the wall...

The F.A.I.R. people are on their way back, as I type, from a Lee's Summit adoption event where I understand TWO doggies were adopted into forever homes!! Yay! Hopefully in the near future we can put up pics of newly formed happy families. If you've adopted a fur-son or daughter from F.A.I.R. feel free to send pics and I'll start a gallery. You can send them to me, your blogmaster, at cokelush at gmail dot com. Thanks!

Coming attractions:
More about adopting CATS. Purrrrr...
The F.A.I.R. shoppe.

Who is FAIR...

2009-05-01T07:58:00.000-07:00

AnimalFAIR was founded in October 2003 by a dedicated, all volunteer group to rescue cats and dogs from abusive situations and to reduce the number of healthy and treatable shelter dogs and cats from euthanasia. We are a foster based 501 (c) (3) non-profit no-kill rescue/welfare group based out of Sedalia, MO. Animals that are rescued receive all of the required tests, vaccines, basic medical care, and are spayed or neutered prior to their availability for adoption. The majority of our animals are acquired from the Sedalia animal shelter or from our rescue veterinarian that works with the state when breeders or puppy mills are closed down. Our animals are placed in foster homes, insuring physical and emotional health and good socialization, and then we adopt them into carefully screened homes. Our adoption fees cover our cost and vary depending on the animal. AnimalFAIR also educates the community on responsible pet ownership, and encourages spay/neutering to prevent pet overpopulation.

Our adoption events are held mostly at PETCO stores in Lee’s Summit and Jefferson City, or at pet stores in Sedalia and Warrensburg.

We are always in need of foster homes, and volunteers to help with adoption events, vet transport, medical records and animal socialization.

Looking to adopt? Or would like to donate money to help us meet our expenses?
Our cats and dogs available for adoption are listed here: http://animalfair.petfinder.com

State Taking Action Against 'Puppy Mills'

2009-04-27T18:55:00.000-07:00

April 10, 2009 - 11:59 AM
By Cheryl Wittenauer
Associated Press

SENECA — When authorities raided J.B.’s Precious Puppies, they discovered more than 200 dogs standing in their own excrement, crammed three and four to a cage. Some were so sickly they were missing clumps of hair. The skeletal remains of puppies and adult dogs were found inside pet-food bags.

The ghastly scene deep in the Ozarks has become far too common in Missouri.

Missouri is the “puppy mill” capital of America, home to more than 4,000 shoddy and inhumane dog-breeding businesses, by one estimate. But now the state is trying to shed its reputation, with the chief of the Agriculture Department pledging to do more to crack down on bad breeders.

“Missouri led the nation in licensing breeders. Let’s lead the nation in putting unlicensed breeders out of business,” Agriculture Director Jon Hagler said.

Missouri has been No. 1 in puppy mills for decades, with fly-by-night breeders — both licensed and unlicensed — selling pups churned out by dogs that spend their entire lives in cages. The pets are sold through classified ads, in pet stores and over the Internet.

The problem is so severe that Missouri’s reputable breeders complain that the shady ones are making them all look bad.

Animal advocates say puppy mills flourish here for a number of reasons, among them: uneven enforcement of the rules, and remote, rural landscapes that allow poor or illegal practices to escape detection. The hills and hollows of the Ozarks have the state’s highest concentration of puppy breeders.

“It’s embarrassing,” said Julie Leicht, executive director of the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation. “We’re the meth capital. And we’re the leader in puppy mills. Welcome to Missouri.”

In Sedalia, animal control officers say they are unaware of any puppy mills inside the city limits. City ordinances restrict the number of pets per household to three. Esther Schultz, an animal control officer of 14 years, said the ordinance prevents licensed breeders from operating within the city, although a few “hobby breeders” exist.

“There are some (puppy mills) in the county, that I know of,” Schultz said.

Other evidence of the puppy mill problem does exist in these parts. Tim Dieker, manager of the Mid-Missouri Humane Society Animal Shelter, has taken in dumped dogs, which he suspects were in puppy mills until they could no longer produce pups. Several months ago, Dieker received two dachshunds he thought were potentially producers for a puppy mill.

“You can just tell that they’ve had litter, after litter, after litter,” he said.

The dogs are typically 5- to 6-years-old, dirty and shy away from human contact, Dieker said.

Phyllis Atkin, director of dogs for Sedalia-based rescue group Animal FAIR, has received dogs seized from puppy mills throughout the state by way of the Marshall Missouri Veterinary Clinic.

Atkin is looking for home for an Australian shepherd from either a puppy mill or a “bigger breeder environment,” and a 3-year-old beagle, named Charlie Brown. Atkin has been working to socialize Charlie Brown for two years. He is the last of four beagles rescued from the same puppy mill. Charlie Brown and others will be available for adoption from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Orscheln Farm & Home, 2424 S. Limit Ave.

Dogs from puppy mills are typically shy and afraid of people, won’t make eye contact, dislike going in or out of doors and can have bad teeth from chewing on cages, Atkin said.

The stories from puppy mills throughout the state are heartbreaking. In February, a raid in Missouri’s Pleasant Hope netted 93 Yorkshire terriers, their hair severely matted and covered in feces. Last September, 171 anemic, flea-infested cocker spaniels, some of them blind, were taken from a breeder. Fifteen days later, 67 emaciated, mangy dogs and puppies were rescued.

“Most people think puppies were born in a box next to a fireplace in somebody’s living room,” Kim Townsend, an activist who monitors the industry. “If they walked into these places, they’d be appalled.”

Since taking office in January, the agriculture chief has been working to better enforce a 1992 program for protecting animals cared for by breeders.

He has named a new program coordinator, asked for a re-examination of old cases, ordered a review of internal procedures, and stepped up inspections and the issuing of citations to violators. His new Operation Bark Alert allows people to report unlicensed breeders directly to him by e-mail.

But Hagler said his agency simply does not have the means to conduct inspections every year as required by law. “We cannot regulate 3,200 licensed breeders plus every animal rescue, shelter and dog pound, and go after unlicensed breeders with 11 total inspectors.”

The Humane Society of the United States’ “Stop Puppy Mills” campaign says Missouri should stop licensing breeders until it has enough inspectors.

State audits in 2001, 2004 and 2008 sharply criticized Missouri’s regulation of puppy breeders as ineffective and lax, citing management conflicts of interest, spotty inspections, few sanctions and failure to track repeat offenders.

State authorities can shut down breeders, revoke their licenses, fine them and ask local prosecutors to bring criminal charges of abuse or neglect. But Tim Rickey of the Humane Society of Missouri said the Agriculture Department rarely pursues charges.

Inspection reports show that the state instead encourages violators to reduce the number of dogs to a more manageable level or below the threshold of regulation.

Townsend, who maintains a Web site with inspection reports on Missouri puppy breeders, said many puppy mills are repeat offenders: “You take away their license, and they go out and get more animals.”

Jewel Bond, owner of J.B.’s Precious Puppies, failed to meet state standards in 2007 after temporarily losing her federal license. She agreed to get out of the business and let the state sell her dogs at auction, from which she received the proceeds, minus a $1,000 fine. But a year later, Bond was back in business. Townsend said Bond repurchased some of her dogs at auction.

After the raid in February, Bond, 66, was charged with two counts of animal abuse, each punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Bond’s telephone has been disconnected, and she did not answer the door on a recent visit to her Seneca kennel, situated behind a tall fence and no-trespassing signs.

“All she cared about was strictly the money. You can’t convince me she or anybody cared about the welfare of these animals,” said Sheriff Ken Copeland, who orchestrated the raid.

Rickey, of the Humane Society of Missouri, said he is encouraged by what the new agriculture director is doing.

“Their focus seems to have changed,” Rickey said. “They are working harder to shut unlicensed facilities down. They are seeking prosecutions. This is all new and unproven.”

— Democrat reporter Sarah Nail contributed to this report.

Source: Sedalia Democrat

Life Savers

2009-04-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

The volunteers of Animal FAIR give abandoned pets a second chance for love!
December 15, 2007 - 8:16 PM
By Sarah Nail
The Sedalia Democrat

They each have a name and story of how they were rescued.

Fuzzy Wuzzy, a pregnant Labrador retriever mix, and her companion Huggie Bear, a Shepherd mix, would have faced death at the animal shelter after their owner died.

Melvin was neglected and abandoned by his owner. The 6-year-old tuxedo cat was flea-ridden, had a respiratory infection and unable to eat due to a case of untreated gingivitis. He, too, faced death at the shelter due to his poor health.

These animals, and many others, were taken in by volunteers with Animal FAIR (Foundation for Animals in Risk), a Sedalia-based rescue group.

Animal FAIR rescues abandoned and abused animals. The group takes care of animals that would be euthanized at the Mid- Missouri Humane Society animal shelter here or those that have been abandoned in the county.

The animal shelter euthanized some 2,000 animals in 2006. In the same year, Animal FAIR adopted out 86 dogs and puppies and 160 cats and kittens.

Fuzzy Wuzzy, Huggie Bear and Melvin could be among those adopted in the new year. For now, they are in foster homes arranged by Phyllis Atkin, dog director, and Beverly Klein, cat director.

Klein was one of the founding members of Animal FAIR in 2003. She intended to start her own rescue group for cats when she met three others, who are no longer members, and they too were interested in helping animals.

“I got involved with cats because I’m just a cat lover,” she said.

Klein, who declined to say how many cats she fosters or owns, retired from the banking industry to care for cats full-time. She had not owned a cat until the mid 1980s when she got one to handle a mouse in her farmhouse.

“I just fell in love with it and that’s what began my love affair with cats,” she said.

Atkin, 53, got involved with the group after seeing a notice about an Animal FAIR meeting in the newspaper. She attended and agreed to take one dog. “That’s all I wanted.”

Three years later, Atkin keeps up to 27 dogs at a time at her home near Green Ridge. She has 14 pens, including a heated birthing room. Atkin has six dogs of her own and also fosters four Animal FAIR cats.

“I’m just an animal lover,” she said.

The organization has 17 volunteers, not including four board members. Seven or eight volunteers take care of animals. Others volunteer for fundraising, help with adoption days, feed animals or clean pens.

“People come out because they like dogs and cats themselves,” Atkin said. “People come out to make a difference.”

Volunteers are used as foster owners until animals can find permanent homes, which could take more than a year.

“No matter how long it takes for an adoption, they keep the animal until they’re adopted,” said Kaye Mills, president of Animal FAIR.

Mills said the group decided to take the foster approach over opening a shelter so the animals can be socialized and have personal attention and the opportunity to be outside.

“A lot of animals that come from puppy mills have never touched grass,” Mills said.

The organization provides food and medical care for the animals while they are with foster owners. The number of animals the group can help depends on the number of foster volunteers.

“If we could just get more fosters, that would help,” Mills said.

Animal FAIR has an involved screening for foster owners. Potential caretakers must fill out an application and have a fenced yard. Animal FAIR interviews those interested and visits their homes. Those who have pets of their own have to show proof of vaccinations before they can provide foster care.

“These are special people, I believe,” Mills said. “We are fortunate we have the ones we do. There has to be a love for animals, and not all people have that.”

It is this foster program that helps Animal FAIR match animals’ personalities with new owners. Foster caregivers identify the animals’ personality traits, such as if they play well with other animals or children.

“The purpose of the foster homes is to get to know the personalities of the kitties or dogs so we can adopt them to the right family. ... We’ve got to get them in the right foster homes to get to know the best of their personalities, or litter box behaviors,” Klein said.

The organization screens owners nearly as closely as they do foster volunteers. Potential owners complete a two-page application. Volunteers can also visit homes after the adoption to check on the animal. Owners must sign contracts stating they will not give away, sell or abandon the animal.

“They are saying this will be a lifetime family member,” Mills said. “If they can’t keep it, they have to bring it back to us. We don’t want to put the animal through any more stress.”

Animal FAIR has adoption days in Sedalia, Warrensburg, Jefferson City and Osage Beach. It also has a listing of available animals on animalfair.petfinder.com, and can do adoptions by appointment.

“I talk to people and a lot of times just find out what kind of people they are and their interaction between the dog and person,” Atkin said.

Klein recalled a couple that drove from Peoria, Ill., for a Napoleon, a Siamese cat. They spent two hours with Napoleon before taking him home. Klein said Napoleon was “never a lap cat” at her home.

“They called a week later; he was a lap cat,” she said. “Napoleon knew he was just passing through. ... We want to see the people. We want to talk to people. You can get gut feelings about people.”

Each animal is tested for certain diseases as soon as a volunteer accepts it. Dogs are tested for heartworm and cats are checked for leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus, or the cat version of AIDS. They are all spayed or neutered, immunizations brought up to date and any other medical issues addressed before going to their new homes.

Klein travels to Marshall Veterinary Clinic at least once a week to have animals tested, vaccinated or spayed or neutered. The clinic donates many services to the rescue group. Klein often takes dogs, along with cats, to the clinic.

It costs more to adopt from Animal FAIR than the Humane Society, which charges $25. Cat adoptions typically cost $80 to $150 and dogs start at $100. Klein said the extra cost is worth it because the animals typically have all the medical work they will need for their first year.

“You pay more, but you don’t have to keep running back and forth to the vet,” she said.

One woman adopted from the shelter after finding out how much it cost to adopt an Animal FAIR cat. She ended up paying $600 to get the cat healthy, and it wasn’t the lap cat she wanted, Klein said.

“That’s the thing, you get them from rescue groups and we do all the medical work, and with 90 percent certainty its good with the person,” Klein said. “That’s the positive aspect of the rescue group.”

Several owners have kept in touch with Animal FAIR about their successful adoptions. Alison Osborn, 20, of Knob Noster started as an Animal FAIR volunteer in June and later adopted a dog.

Osborn helps Atkin by feeding dogs and cleaning kennels a couple times a week on her days off from working at Whiteman Air Force Base. She said she was tempted to adopt other dogs, but had always wanted a Shar-Pei. The day after her birthday in October she went to Atkin’s home to volunteer. There she saw 11-month-old Jasper, a Shar-Pei rescued from the shelter.

“I freaked out and told (Phyllis) that day, ‘You know I’m going to have to adopt him,’” Osborn said.

Osborn moved off the base and into a home where she could have a dog. Jasper had an indention around his neck where he had outgrown his collar and his previous owner neglected to adjust. He was timid and Osborn had to loop a leash around his neck to take him on walks.

“He just loved to be walked, and that’s how we got him to relax,” she said. “He’s really smart.”

Sometimes it’s hard to let go of the animals when they are adopted.

“I think in the beginning, all fosters form attachments,” Klein said. “Over time, you know you can’t keep all of them and you know you have to let most of them go. A couple will tug at your heartstrings. But, there’s just so many great people out there, it’s just a wonderful thing (when the animals are adopted). Each person needs to set limits. My bottom line is how many can I take care of medically, if they all were to get sick at once?”

Atkin said she, too, forms attachments.

“There’s been some dogs, if I didn’t know they were going to a really good home, they wouldn’t be leaving my place,” Atkin said.

Osborn said she would adopt more dogs, if she had room for them at home.

“When you find that one you really like, and then you see it go; it’s hard,” she said.

Genie, a black and white speckled pointer mix with a sideways grin, was one of Osborn’s favorites. A woman with an outgoing personality looking for a companion for her male dog, adopted Genie at an adoption day at Pet Lover’s Lane in Warrensburg.

“I liked her the moment I saw her,” Osborn said. “I was really, really glad to see her go with that person.”

The cat and dog directors devote a large amount of time to the organization. They go to adoption events on the weekend, handle paperwork, clean up after the animals and doctor the sick ones.

The death of an animal is the hardest part of being a foster volunteer, Atkin said. She said that is the chance she takes when taking in sick dogs. Atkin remembers nursing a litter of puppies with parvovirus, a highly contagious and often fatal disease. She tried to save them by forcing fluids in them every two hours, even throughout the night.

“I still lost four. That was kind of hard,” Atkin said. “But, I did learn a lot about the disease.”

Atkin adopted one of the surviving black Labrador pups, Jelly Bean.

Klein and Atkin have learned over the years how to “doctor” ill animals. Klein fights a nearly constant battle against ringworm and upper respiratory infections in the cats.

Volunteers try to take in animals that are at the most risk of dying, either because they are sick or have been at the shelter for too long. They also look for a variety of ages, colors and breeds.

Animal FAIR tries “to answer every call” but is limited by the number of volunteers and supplies available, Mills said. More people need to be educated on the responsibilities of caring for an animal beforehand, Mills said.

“If people would just realize and accept the responsibility. ... That’s why we screen so hard, because once they adopt that animal, we want them to keep it.”

The group doesn’t accept pit bulls because they are difficult to place. Often times, Animal FAIR will try to find a pit bull rescue group to accept the dogs.

“We try everything we can to get them placed,” Mills said.

Source: Sedalia Democrat

Thanks!

2009-04-01T21:44:00.000-07:00

Our heartfelt thanks go out to the following:

For their excellent medical advice and services -
Flat Creek Vet
Sedalia, MO
660.827.2057

Marshall Veterinary Clinic
Marshall, MO
660.886.2231

For printing our brochures -
Inter-State Studio & Publishing Co.
Sedalia, MO

Grants funded by -

The Petco Foundation - The Petco Foundation supports the work of local animal welfare groups across the country through donations, community outreach events and project partnerships.

For your recurring donations and support -
Bonita & Donald Brandes of Sedalia
Jean Dickmann of Sedalia
Marie Bingaman of Sedalia

And all the individuals and businesses who have contributed time, ideas, money, facilities, goods, and/or services to help homeless cats and dogs.

☆☆ THANK YOU!! ☆☆

Volunteering

2009-04-01T21:41:00.000-07:00

We are always in need of dedicated volunteers to help with transportation, computer and telephone functions, fundraising, education, adoption events, photography, etc.
Please keep in mind that the pets are kept at private homes where the people usually have day jobs & not a shelter that is open 24/7. As such most help is needed in the early evening hours & on weekends.

If you are interested please contact us - we'd love to hear from you!
We can find or you can create a job that you enjoy which helps rescue dogs and cats at the same time. You can check out the Volunteer Job Descriptions here.

Contact us for more info and/or fill out the online Volunteer Form here.

Fostering

2009-04-01T21:39:00.000-07:00

Please contact us if you have room in your home for a temporary friend and you live in the Sedalia/Warrensburg area.

Each new foster home means another dog or cat can be rescued from illness, euthanasia, or abuse.

AnimalFAIR provides veterinary care and food while the foster family provides love and shelter.

Please download our Foster Application:
Foster Application

Donations

2009-04-01T21:33:00.000-07:00

Money:
We welcome Cash at our local events,
Checks to animalFAIR, P.O. Box 2496, Sedalia, MO 65302,
and PayPal with the "Make a Donation" button to your left.

AnimalFAIR is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Your donations are deductible to the fullest extent of the law. consult your tax advisor for details. I've bolded the items that we are in much need of. Thx!

Goods:
DOGS always need...
☆ Blankets and large towels
☆ Collars and leashes
☆ Toys
☆ Puppy food
☆ Adult food
☆ Water and food bowls - metal

CATS always need...
☆ Small pet taxis
☆ Show cages
☆ Toys
☆ Scratching posts
☆ Kitten chow
☆ Adult food
☆ Cat litter
☆ Litter boxes

Thank you!

Contact Us

2009-04-01T21:18:00.000-07:00

Foundation for Animals in Risk
PO Box 2494
Sedalia, MO 65302

Email: petslive@iland.net

Phone:
Dog Director Phyllis at 660-620-2590
Cat Director Beverly at 660-829-4252

Volunteer Job Descriptions

2009-04-01T20:51:00.000-07:00

Volunteer Job Descriptions for our Dog & Cat Programs
*denotes Dog Program only.

Weekly – 2-3hrs Evenings and/or Weekends

* Suds and Such:
Assist in cleaning of kennels, cages, carriers, food dishes according to established cleaning procedures. Also help with cleaning and organizing storage areas. Cleaning is ongoing and is a part/duty of all jobs listed here. It is a critical part of keeping our dogs healthy and happy.

* Canine Cruiser:
Walk, brush, play with and perform general socialization and basic behavior training with dogs and puppies. Socialization is important to make the dogs happier, better mannered and more adoptable.

* Groomer:
Extra grooming is often needed. Washing and drying dogs, combing out matted fur, and trimming nails, are the main grooming tasks to be performed. Prior experience grooming animals is recommended but not required.

Adoption Assistant:
Assist with set-up for adoptions, screening potential adopters and helping to determine the right pet for their family dynamic. You will learn the policies and procedures for adoptions. Events are generally on the weekends and transportation is provided.
Monthly – 2-3hrs

Records/Med Assistant:
Assist with monthly preventative heartworm and flea/tick control applications. Log and update records regarding preventative medical care and other notes needed to be recorded.

Photographer/Creative Writer:
Show our animals’ best faces by taking their photographs and writing short biographies and personality profiles to be posted on the website. Via e-mail, send the information in the proper format and in a timely matter to our web editor. Write and/or contribute to a quarterly newsletter.

Jobs require strong verbal skills, patience, tact and listening skill. Be able to lift 50lbs and the dog program requires you to work in an outdoor environment in the cold and heat.

Volunteer Job Descriptions – General

Vet Care Transportation Provider:
Assist with transporting animals to Marshall for vet care. Animals are transported generally weekly on Tuesdays. We would be appreciative of either taking animals in the morning or picking them up in the afternoons, whenever possible.

Foster Parent:
Open your home to animals providing general care and socialization. Participation in the foster program requires a screening process and a foster contract. You must be willing and able to transport and pick-up animals on adoption days to an established central meeting place. Medical and food expenses are covered. Foster parenting can be a very rewarding experience!

Fund raising/Special Event Assistant:
We are a non-profit organization so fund raisers are held as a source of income to help off-set our expenses. Currently we hold bi-annual garage sales, raffle items and have donation boxes at established businesses. We need volunteers to help with new ideas and to organize and participate with these events.

Volunteer Coordinator:
Screening volunteers to determine the right job for their talents. Making and taking phone calls organizing schedules with the Cat & Dog directors. Doing community outreach to establish a pool of volunteers. Ensuring animalFAIR’s waiver of liability is completed and distributed to the proper board member.

We hope to meet with you soon! If you have any questions or concerns please contact us!

Volunteer Application

2009-04-01T18:49:00.000-07:00

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