We're On Team Shelby!

Please join us in supporting sweet Shelby

A few weeks ago, a young female pit bull was found abandoned in a parking lot. She was badly injured, most likely from being used in dog fighting. Despite her horrific injuries and the mistreatment she'd received from human beings, when rescued, the little dog wagged her tail in gratitude.

No one could bear the thought of turning her over to be euthanized. Instead she was taken to a vet...again and again. The bills were mounting for the little dog named Shelby.

Thanks to love and dedication, Shelby has improved, but still is in need of additional veterinary care. There's a long road ahead. Please visit Mona and her mom's blog for information on how you can help this sweet little girl.

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Meanwhile, many of you asked about the other entries to the Six Word Story Contest. Which came first, the story or the picture? First came selection of the winner, then we searched far and wide for the perfect photo. I do believe we found it!

If you'd like to read the other entries, check out the comment section of the Contest Announcement post. Congrats again to the winner, Jenny, and thanks to all the entrants.

Contests are fun. We'll plan another one soon!

ARCH

One of the few images of animals in post-earthquake Haiti.
Photo credit to Adrian Wyld AP Photo/The Canadian Press

As work continues in Haiti, an international coalition of animal rescue groups are prepared to set up operations to help animals who have been injured or abandoned as a result of the earthquake and aftershocks. Because we know that where humans suffer, so do animals, several animal welfare groups have formed the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH). They are prepared and ready to go.

There is one major obstacle: at this writing, no animal rescue organization has been allowed to enter Haiti. And no date certain has been provided for such deployment.

This got me to thinking. Long and hard as I searched (literally hundreds of post-earthquake photos), I can find almost no images of animals in Haiti since the earthquake occurred. The above picture shows a few street dogs roaming the area. But no farm animals. No wildlife. Nothing. Where could they be?

Hopefully, as work continues with the human population, ARCH and other organizations devoted to helping animals can get in to assess the situation and provide whatever help is needed. And why not? Lending aid to both people and animals is certainly not a mutually exclusive task.

Until that time, for more information, or to donate toward the effort, check out the ASPCA website. As always, use due diligence when making a donation to any organization. Be certain your money is going where you want it to go.

Remember that none of us are immune to a disaster. Isn't it time to develop a safety plan for your own family and pets?