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PHAbymom: On behalf of Jeff Barringer, RescueNetwork.org., DogHobbyist & CatHobbyist, I would like to welcome you to our Panel Discussion on Breed Rescue. PHAbymom: Our panelists tonight all have experience with breed rescue. While a few purebred dogs and cats have been found in shelters over the years, it seems there are more and more animals, some even with their pedigree records, for adoption in recent years than ever before. Our panelists are here to discuss the reasons for breed rescue groups and to answer our questions on why we should look to a breed rescued animal as an addition to our homes. PHAbymom: Our Panelists are: PHAbymom: Geomyda - Kirsten Kranz, A board member for Specialty Pure Bred Cat Rescue www.purebredcatrescue.org PHAbymom: Pitdorks - Liz Phipps, Board Member Chicagoland Bully Breed Rescue www.chicagopitbulls.org PHAbymom: BengalRescue - Sal Vitale, MidAtlantic Bengal Rescue, http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/Yard/4614/ PHAbymom:s tacy_fuzzypaws - Stacy Hopkins, Fuzzy Pawz Shih Tzu Rescue WI/IL, www.fuzzypawz.org PHSmDog: Whew. That was fun PHAbymom: If you have questions or comments, please put a "?" or "!" to the screen and you will be called on in turn by PHCatByte. Please try to refrain from open chat so we can all see the questions and responses. Thank you all for attending our 8th Annual Chat Week Events. PHAbymom: I'd like each of our guests to tell us about why they are in breed rescue... PHAbymom:Geomyda, do you want to start? Geomyda: I'm in breed rescue because there is a great need for it here. Our group takes in all breeds of purebred cats which are mostly Persians, Himalayans, Siamese and assorted rare breeds. Last year we placed almost 500 cats from across the midwest Geomyda: People can't believe that we get that many cats. Believe me, we do and then some. it's absolutely unbelievable sometimes...and they are WONDERFUL cats. Geomyda: Next? PHKitkat: Hi Nem :) WisMom_nr: ? PHMeowzers: Liz -- would you like to go next? pitdorks: I started in rescue with my first love - an American Pit Bull Terrier named Louie 7 years ago. At that time I saw the need for the breed being so extreme. I realized just how many bullies (pits, AmStaffs etc) that needed homes pitdorks: I sadly lost the battle to help Louie - his owner refused PHKitkat: Hi KD pitdorks: to date, however, I have fostered close to 40 bullies and counting PHMeowzers: Sal would you like to go next bengalrescue: sure bengalrescue: Hello all. My name is Sal Vitale. My wife and I are the Mid-Atlantic Region Coordinators for the Bengal Rescue Network. I act in the capacity of acting president (no one else wants the job). We are not yet a 501c3. I am also a member of the TICA Rescue Committee, and work with PureBred Cat Rescue to assist other purebred cats in our region. bengalrescue: we work in rescue because we are totally committed to our breed, the bengal. bengalrescue: we are breeders as well, and feel that as such, responsible breeding is responsible rescue. PHMeowzers: And Stacy, we would like to hear from you :) PHKitkat: Hi Donkey bengalrescue: surprisingly bengalrescue: there in 2004, there were a TOTAL BENGALS RESCUED: 339 PHMeowzers: sorry Sal... didn't mean to cut you off.... bengalrescue: it is unfortunate, with such a new breed, for this to be the case, but it is true. PHAbymom:We're trying to get Stacy in the room bengalrescue: no problem NEMESIS1IM: ? bengalrescue: done PHAbymom:I'm typing for Stacy Parrot_Spot_nr: Hello I am Angel from The Parrot Spot. I got into Avian Rescue because these cratures have had thier freedome stolen for mer profit. They are abused neglected and bounced up to 50 times during thier life span, leaving many of these loving smart creatures on the indangered species. The laws as far as export/import are at the peak but that does not stop the vicious cycle at hand. PHAbymom: Stacy adopted her first dog from a shelter... a shih tzu/bischon mix and I wanted to help the breed. PHKitkat: Hi doc thedoc617: psst- am i allowed to talk? PHMeowzers: Doc if you have a question type in a "?" mark andyou will be put into the queue PHCatByte: wis, you have a question for our esteemed panel? WisMom_nr: Geomyda, where in the midwest are you located? Our rescue group/shelter in northern Wisconsin sometimes gets pure-bred cats in and we don't always know what to do with/for them nor what kind of resources, if any, are in our area for purebreds. PHMeowzers: ? WisMom_nr: GA Geomyda: I am personally located in Kenosha, but we have foster homes in Milwaukee, Madison and northern Illinois PHKitkat: Hi Therese Geomyda: You can connect with us by visiting our website at www.purebredcatrescue.org WisMom_nr: Thank you. PHCatByte: nemesis, your turn! Becco: ? NEMESIS1IM: I was just wondering if any of you rescued cats from katrina ? Ga Geomyda: No, we were too overwhelmed with what we have to deal with locally NEMESIS1IM: Thanks gA cannonbawlfranci: ? gkmasse_nr: ? bengalrescue: i have not personally. i'd have to check with my southern coordinators to answer truthfully PHKitkat: Hi ruby cannonbawlfranci: Have any of you heard what is going to happen to the Katrina pets now that the shelter they have been in will no longer be keeping them duavion: ? cannonbawlfranci: sorry habit GSDBulldog: ? Geomyda: Sorry, I just haven't been able to keep up with that end of it. We are just too busy with the midwest all the time bengalrescue: cannon, there is a group that we belong to a list for that has mentioned transporting the animals out to any rescue that has space. MPBRC_nr: ! PHCatByte: meowzers, you had a question? PHMeowzers: Yes thank you PHMeowzers: This is to all of the panelists -- what is the primary reason that purebred, expensive wonderful animals end up in rescue? PHMeowzers: Is it a beahvioural issue in the animal, or???? bengalrescue: wow, thats an open ended question all right bengalrescue: speaking for bengals Geomyda: For as many reasons as "regular" cats. 98% of our cats have NO PROBLEMS AT ALL. In some cases there is a family tragedy, in many cases there is simply boredom and neglect of the pet, especially in the case of Persians which are such high maintenance cats anyway pitdorks: Ours is simple - just too many of them...and a bad reputation as a pet...landlords is huge, dogs not getting along is as well. Some behavioral....but not nearly the number of "moving" and "landlord".... bengalrescue: it covers many reasons, the two most important of which are the buyer not doing their breed research and the breeder not advising the buyer on the breed type. Geomyda: If you go to our website there is a page entitled "Why Some People should not have Persians" which show what many of our cats like like when they come in. It is a wakeup call to lots of folks. Geomyda: I agree with Bengal rescue. I think a lot of it is impulse bying from pet stores and backyard breeders. Parrot_Spot_nr: Yes i agree lack of research and impulse buying bengalrescue: there are behavioral issues in some cases, but many of these can be resolved by working with the owner. biggest one on the list is cleaning the litter box more than a couple times a week. pitdorks: We take in a lot of shelter animals...many from Chicago and Milwaukee. One can let their imagination wander as to where those dogs are coming from cannonbawlfranci: ? PHMeowzers: Thank you -- because it is just hard for me to understand how someone can "dump" a beloved member of the family. Geomyda: But I've had cats turned over to us for everything from "sudden allergies" to a $700 rare breed cat that simply didn't match the decorating scheme any more. PHMeowzers: Thank you all GA bengalrescue: agreed. there are health issues, financial issues, and times where people are just done with the pets. Chloe_3320_nr: Do you consider "rescues" to be "true" rescues when they will only take the very adoptable? (I'm going to be so embarrassed if this pops up on the board when it isn't suppose to, hope i'm typing this in the right space) PHMeowzers: Fuzzy I want to hear from you too Fuzzy_Paws_nr: People often think that toy breeds don't need training. Shih Tzu's are often high maintenance and can have health issues, too Fuzzy_Paws_nr: They are more than just a stuffed toy Geomyda: Yes, I think any reputable group that takes in unwanted pets, cares for them and does all the right things is a rescue. Absolutely. We can't save them all. Fuzzy_Paws_nr: g/a PHMeowzers: Thank you GA thedoc617: ? bengalrescue: chloe, we take any bengal that there is any possibility of getting the cat to a good home. bengalrescue: age is not a limit either. bengalrescue: bengal rescue is committed to the breed, and i can speak wholly for all the folks involved, that they are very serious about what they do. pitdorks: Determining the adoptability of an animal is complex. We can't save them all, but I do feel we need to offer ourselves to the bullies in need to give them a fair evaluation and do right if they prove not to be adoptable hugstosheeba: that is where so many rescues get lost I believe. not admitting there are unadoptables Geomyda: I absolutely agree with pit rescue. This is a very difficult job and the animals never stop coming. We have to rely on our extensive collective experience from working in shelters and rescues to determine what is right for each and every critter. That can be a very difficult call some times. Geomyda: Correct Hugs. Absolutely correct PHCatByte: becco, you have a question? Becco: I probably could have asked this before the 'official' chat started but it just popped into my head....is there any sort of national listing or registry to try to find a rescue group in an area...my searches only come up with humane societies, all of which are SWAMPED right now with large breed dogs... i would have prefered to adopt a needy animal but couldnt find one in the area and ended up buying from a local breeder bengalrescue: nothing is perfect. we have had totally unadoptable and unmanageable cats. we have to consider the safety of the rescuers and potential adopters. we cant save all of them, but we try our best. Fuzzy_Paws_nr: We've taken many animals that required extensive medical treatment and were eventually able to find good adoptive homes for them. Geomyda: The internet is your BEST FRIEND in this sort of thing. Go to google and you will fine a wealth of information to get you to the right rescue. That's how most of our folks find us! Fuzzy_Paws_nr: Becco.. RescueNetwork.org pitdorks: Exactly as Geomyda and Fuzzy_Paws both said bengalrescue: Pet Hobbyist has a working list of rescues (good plug for ya, eh guys?) pitdorks: many upon many networks our there just for rescue KDiamondDavis: ! pitdorks: Pit bulls actually have their very own site for listing adoptables Becco: (did a quick search at rescue network...sigh appearantly my area just doesnt have them) bengalrescue: where is your area? Geomyda: I bet if you went to google OR PETFINDER and typed in what you are searching for you WILL find it. pitdorks: Becco - ask your local humane societies - they may have contacts as well Becco: Northern ND...one of the few 'urban' areas in the state hugstosheeba: sometimes groups may nto have actual woreking rescues in an area but may know of a smaller group that has something available. WisMom_nr: ? hugstosheeba: Ive called/emailed groups half way across the country to get contacts in PA Geomyda: Yes, we are ALL CONNECTED so it's just a matter of networking! PHCatByte: franci, your question? cannonbawlfranci: For Parrot, is it Parrots you rescue, I had no idea there were that many of them around as pets...can you tell us more about it Parrot_Spot_nr: The Avian scene is almost as worst as dogs and cats... Parrot_Spot_nr: people spend thousands on birds and just do not do the research before buying Parrot_Spot_nr: Birds are very messy, the become very destructive if not given enough attention, they are very load, Parrot_Spot_nr: loud sry Parrot_Spot_nr: these are ones which should really remain in the wild... PHFaust: Addition Comment from Geomyda that was whispered "I think in a lot of ways you do have it worse with birds. They can be so ruined so quickly and it takes very patient, talented people to turn them around (I have 2 parrots of my own) We hve a local bird rescue here and some of the stories are just horrific...and people know less about birds so the abuse is far more likely Parrot_Spot_nr: Birds are very messy, the become very destructive if not given enough attention, they are very load," Parrot_Spot_nr: they do however make very great pets and some are as smart as a 6 year old child cannonbawlfranci: dont they also live to be quite old? Parrot_Spot_nr: they are loved for their ability to talk Parrot_Spot_nr: when some do not learn the bore their human Parrot_Spot_nr: yes some up to 80 years cannonbawlfranci: ty PHCatByte: gk, you had a question? Parrot_Spot_nr: they can aslo be VERY affection pets gkmasse_nr: Speaking as someone who wishes to offer a permanent home to a purebred (Bengal), what do you suggest I look for in a rescue animal? bengalrescue: hmm gkmasse_nr: Too tough? lol bengalrescue: you need adequate space, as bengals like it HIGH. Geomyda: That is a really open question GK. A LOT depends on your situation and what you are looking for! PJ7: join BCR - nationally - groups.yahoo.com/group/bengalcatrescue/ bengalrescue: a lot depends on the personality of the available animals bengalrescue: and any pets you may already have bengalrescue: also bengalrescue: a bored bengal can become a nightmare, especially if you have nicknacks..... bengalrescue: bengals are interactive AND active. they are not couch potatoes, although occasionally you get one like that. gkmasse_nr: Allow me to be a bit more specific, if I may? bengalrescue: are you willing to have a cat that gets under the sheets while making a bed, in the sink while doing the dishes, in the clothes while folding? if so, bengals are ok for you. bengalrescue: sure gkmasse_nr: Firstly, to the suggestions: BCR, joined, research, much done already. My concerns are about an animal that has hidden health or emotional issues that a non-experienced owner would not easily be able to identify (even if they drove to the location and spent time with the animal-which we plan to do) bengalrescue: all animals can have health issues. bengalrescue: we do our best to evaluate the cats for problems. MPBRC_nr: I can't bite my fingers anymore! bengals are smart and they can use their paws like hands in the most interesting wasy...they can puzzle out the most interesting things... Geomyda: I don't think any of us in rescue can always predict that. Your best bet is to keep a good relationship with the director of the rescue and work with him/her to resolve any problems that may arrise. bengalrescue: we make specific recommendations about food because we know that it can have a negative impact in some cases. bengalrescue: as far as emotional issues cannonbawlfranci: ? bengalrescue: if you have time to interact with the cat yourself, i believe that if dealing with one of our rescuers, you would be informed of any potential issues. Geomyda: Same here bengalrescue: you would also see the tolerance, or lack thereof of new people bengalrescue: bengals are intelligent, which also makes them careful about strangers. this is not exclusive to bengals, we see it in persians and MCs as well. bengalrescue: sometimes it can take several weeks or months for a cat to come out of its shell. gkmasse_nr: Sounds promising. Thank you. Any web links for those food suggestions? We've gone with an all-natural dry food formulation in the past. bengalrescue: it depends on how hard you are willing to work at it, and for how long. we have seen many wonderful adoptions occur, and with the right home, the cats becomes loving and extremely social. gkmasse_nr: /end mkrieger_nr: ! bengalrescue: we have some information on the bengalcatrescue email list. if you are a member, you are more than welcome to ask there. bengalrescue: also check the files section as well. PHCatByte: duavion, you're next duavion: To all of the panelists, especially those working with cats - can you plz offer top piece of advice for finding and/or keeping good foster homes? bengalrescue: food is dependent on the cat, and you will need to ask the rescuer about that specific animal. bengalrescue: thats the hardest question yet pitdorks: foster homes can come and go no matter how hard you work with them. We treat them just like an adopter would be - same background checks, references, vet refs, homevisit and such Geomyda: That's a really difficult question. Some of our best people are folks who have adopted from us before. In terms of keeping them, I think someone who is very knowledgeable, accessible and easy to deal with will either make or break a foster program Becco: *waves to all* keep up the good work panelists!! bengalrescue: it take a special person to be a long term foster. it takes patience, tolerance, the willingness to work hard, and if a family is involved, everyone's buy-in to the process. pitdorks: there is no guarantee bengalrescue: a good thing to remember is that if someone needs a break, let them take it. bengalrescue: ask if someone can take "one more", dont arrive on the doorstep. bengalrescue: our list moderator at BCR beat that into me.. Fuzzy_Paws_nr: Our best source for good foster homes are our adopters. And teaching them to pace themselves... not allow them to burn out. Geomyda: That's a good point Bengal. You can't push folks, no matter how many cats are beating down your door. You have to respect their situation and space and if you can't...you probably shouldn't be doing it. bengalrescue: be willing to ATTEMPT to help these folks cover some of their out of pocket. you cant always do it, but it helps in the long run, especially where medical and medicine is concerned. duavion: TYVM GA bengalrescue: if i think of more, i'll pop it out there. mkrieger_nr: ! PHCatByte: MPBRC, you're next! MPBRC_nr: I forgot my way back comment but I just wanted to say I am a Bengal rescue coordinator bengalrescue: hi tracey MPBRC_nr: and that I work under Sal and every rescue is of course its own criteria bengalrescue: a bunch of my support staff is here, LOL PHCatByte: doc, you had a question? thedoc617: Question for the Dog Breed Rescue: With all of this new fads of the “doodle†and “puggle†craze, do you think that when the fad passes, that many of these dogs will end up in shelters and abandoned? pitdorks: Fortunately, we are not being hit too hard with this craze...but I do feel that the shelters are going to get hit hard - some already are. Our local area has had a good number of "puggles" hit for a varity of problems - mostly too hyper Fuzzy_Paws_nr: They already are. A site I was on the other night had a quiz to match the designer dog with the shelter mutt... of similar breeding. Fuzzy_Paws_nr: Also my Shih Tzu/Bischon mix goes by a designer name of teddy bear dogs... which are being advertised thedoc617: i'm just wondering if people are saying "oh, get a hypoallergenic dog" and then it starts to shed. DustysLegacy: ! thedoc617: that's all I have to say, i just wanted to see how it affected you all. g/a PHCatByte: wis, you have a question? WisMom_nr: This question came to me way back when someone from ND asked about rescues near him....I understand that there are transports available in some areas. How would one go about finding transport if you have an animal that needs to go to a rescue or if you want to adopt an animal from one out of your area? bengalrescue: you can do a yahoo search, for example, for transport lists. however, you should get some references first and check them out of course. dropfred: ? bengalrescue: purebred cat rescue and maine coon rescue have helped us with bengal transports on occasion. we also work with them to transport on the east coast when we can. bengalrescue: i know that we have helped out in other regions as well. WisMom_nr: ty bengalrescue: once you get into the loop, you can get a feel for who is around. pitdorks: We first look to within our group of volunteers, then within groups we know. We are lucky - Wisconsin has a selective rescues that is a big help = Wisconsin Dog Rescue. We also network with other bully breed rescues throughout the country WisMom_nr: lots of action in wisconsin! PHCatByte: mkrieger, you're up mkrieger_nr: thank you... I'm the coordinator for California Bengal Cat Rescue bengalrescue: hi MK mkrieger_nr: I want to comment about Bengals in rescue with behavior problems, etc mkrieger_nr: Lots of times I find that as soon as I get a Bengal rehomed in a new environment, the behavior issue disappears. mkrieger_nr: many times, these issues are due to owners not interacting with their cats, not cleaning boxes, too many cats, etc. mkrieger_nr: the owners have not done their home work, and instead of finding out why the cats have developed challenges, choose to dump them bengalrescue: very true, good points PHCatByte: dear panelists, we have one more person in our queue--can you stay for a few more minutes? mkrieger_nr: I ask everyone to please do their homework. We have some great articles about living with Bengals. they are intelligent cats that love to interact with their humans. bengalrescue: yes, i can Geomyda: I'm fine Fuzzy_Paws_nr: Ok pitdorks: no problem MaryNY: ? PHCatByte: well, then, we actually have TWO--dropfred, you're up! dropfred: What is the position of the rescue groups regarding the current trend of legislation being passed, i.e. Paws.? bengalrescue: we do not support PAWS legislation in its current format. pitdorks: ditto bengalrescue bengalrescue: it will damage our ability to have foster homes Geomyda: Same here bengalrescue: it will close many of the smaller rescue groups. pitdorks: exactly bengalrescue: it will INCREASE the backyard breeding issues we see already. dropfred: Though it has been stated that rescue groups will be exempt, I know this is not true, and am glad that you are aware of that. bengalrescue: very much aware, as are many of the breed groups in the cat fancy. PHCatByte: dusty, you can be our last questioner for the evening! DustysLegacy: actually, i just had a comment regarding the deseigner dog question DustysLegacy: TerriPoo's were a huge fad and the shelters are FULL of them many with a lot of behaviour/health issues MPBRC_nr: ! PHCatByte: hey, panelists--it's up to you--we have two more questions/comments....... Geomyda: no problem pitdorks: go for it bengalrescue: i'm good. dont sleep much anywayh PHCatByte: mary, you've got a good question--go for it! MaryNY: How can we help get the word out? Most people I've talked to have never heard of breed specific rescues MaryNY: thank you, catbyte! DustysLegacy: excellent question! bengalrescue: personally, i hand out flyers at the cat shows i attend and the pet expos bengalrescue: i spend as much time as possible talking to folks about bengals bengalrescue: since bengals can be harnass trained, we will also take a good, personable cat to places like PetSmart and PetCo and they bring the questions to us. MaryNY: I work at a museum and ended up talking to a person who wanted to find a new home for her pursian. She'd never heard of persian rescues until we talked Geomyda: Just talk to everyone that we are out here and want to help! In our case, most shelters will refer people to us immediately. It saves them having to take in more cats! bengalrescue: internet, internet, internet pitdorks: Lots of talking to people. I take my dogs to dog friendly locations and always have business cards handy bengalrescue: so much stuff is available. PHCatByte: yet i used to work at a shelter that, while they knew of a few dog rescues, had NO info on any cat rescues at all..... Geomyda: We spread around our cards and brochures, go to all regional cat shows and big pet expos. Breed rescue is a HUGE HUGE network, bigger than the average person would ever realize! pitdorks: link up with other rescues - be able to refer people to other groups that can help them if you can't Fuzzy_Paws_nr: Yes.. Internet and word of mouth... bengalrescue: if you type in bengal and rescue, you will get quite a bit. i'm absolutely sure you will get the same for other breed rescues MaryNY: there needs to be a way to get the "average person" to think of breed rescue before they think of shelters, though pitdorks: be willing to work with other groups too - I've helped Fuzzy_Paws before and they've helped me...there is no boundary. We all need to support one another bengalrescue: talk to your local shelters and such. many of them have contact information about various rescue groups they work with. bengalrescue: we are listed with most of the county shelters in the state of Maryland, for example. PHAbymom:Even the cat associations have come around to seeing breed rescue as a good thing PHCatByte: mkrieger, you have the last word tonight! bengalrescue: and we get calls for all purebred cat issues, not just bengals. Geomyda: WEll the average person is usually just looking for a great "regular" cat or dog so they should be looking in shelters FIRST. We always promote shelters first because those animals need homes the most. However if someone just has to have a Bengal, or a Persian or a Shihtzu, WE ARE HERE bengalrescue: exactly pitdorks: very well put Kirsten PHAbymom:I think many of those thinking about a breed have never thought about looking for a breed rescue... look at a shelter to see if they can find the gsd or persian or siamese MaryNY: I was thinking more in terms of when they can't manage the animal and need to have it be rehomed Geomyda: Again, the internet. bengalrescue: same route pitdorks: same applies bengalrescue: check your local shelter for a rescue coordinator bengalrescue: those are the folks in MD who call us when they get a purebred cat bengalrescue: they tend to keep lists of local and national groups. PHAbymom:Part of it is training the rescue coordinators and shelter people to recognize a purebred cat or dog PHAbymom:To some, anything with spots is a bengal PHCatByte: and calico is a breed bengalrescue: or oci, or savannah bengalrescue: or mau PHAbymom: mk, go ahead Geomyda: And anything gray is a Russian Blue and anything big is a Maine Coon. :) Geomyda: Which is WHY WE ARE SO PICKY, LOL! PHAbymom: Exactly bengalrescue: MK, u there? PHAbymom:Well, I want to thank all of you for coming! Geomyda: Always fun! bengalrescue: thank you for the invite gkmasse_nr: Thanks, everyone! PHCatByte: thank you all very very much for talking with us! Geomyda: Faust I will see you Sunday! cannonbawlfranci: yes, thanks to the guests, very informative and interesting! PHAbymom: Please check the schedule for other chat week events... PHBlackBear: Thanks to the panel for a great chat
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