Hope Animal Sanctuary

Rescuing Dogs in Wyatt

2010-11-24T12:32:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, November 18, Hope Animal Sanctuary Director Doll Stanley responded to a plea for help from Theresa, a Wyatt, Mississippi resident. Theresa was seeking help for an 86 year old neighbor, John, who had several momma dogs and litters of puppies. John lives in the rusted-out shell of an old school bus and is barely able to take care of himself, let alone his ever-expanding pack of dogs, so experienced help was desperately needed.

Doll met Theresa and her son at John's property that afternoon. Theresa and her son had been helping to feed and care for both the dogs and John. They gave Doll the lay of the property and filled her in on the personality traits of each dog and pup. As this was happening, John arrived. He said he was happy for the help, but didn't believe in spaying/neutering animals - that it was "unnatural." Clearly in over his head because of this belief, he relented after speaking with Doll and agreed to let us spay/neuter all the adults and take all the pups for adoption.

Doll left with ten puppies initially and went back a few days later for another litter of three. All of these puppies will be altered by Mississippi State University's mobile vet team in the coming weeks, then transported to our adoption partners, Every Creature Counts, in Denver for adoption.

November Transport

2010-11-10T15:15:00.000-08:00

Every transport is a challenge. The logistics of an operation that brings together so many people and animals from so many different locations could give UPS a run for their money, and our most recent transport was no different.

Hope Animal Sanctuary Director Doll Stanley and volunteer Lisa Martin departed the sanctuary this past Sunday afternoon and proceeded to pick up animals from all over northern Mississippi. In addition to the animals on this transport from Hope Animal Sanctuary and the Winona, Mississippi city shelter, animals were pulled from shelters and individual rescuers from Carthage, Clarksdale, Cleveland and Indianola. The final tally of animals on this transport was a mind-blowing 85 dogs and 11 cats. By far our biggest and most ambitious transport to date.

Everything went smoothly, including the unexpected roadside rescue of a dog found wandering alongside a busy highway in north Mississippi. Delta Dawn, as she's now named, joined the transport and was welcomed with open arms by the good folks at Every Creature Counts. Many of the animals from this transport will be adopted this weekend at a adoption events held in and around the Denver area.

We're so grateful to our rescue partners, Every Creature Counts, for their continued support in helping us find homes for dogs and cats who otherwise would have no hope of finding a good home. We want to thank Dr. Phil Bushby and his team from Mississippi State University's vet program who spayed/neutered most of the animals on this transport. Finally, thanks to HAS volunteers Debbie Young and Sherri Norquist for hours of data entry work that made this transport go so smoothly.

Remembering What Matters

2010-11-08T09:58:00.002-08:00

I spent nearly the entire month of October in Mississippi filling in for Doll at Hope Animal Sanctuary (HAS). Doll was on much deserved and much needed vacation and they needed an extra pair of hands, so I offered to help. This was not my first time at the Sanctuary, I've been down several times and spent almost three months there at the end of 2007.

I was grateful on this trip to be joined by my nephew, Zach, who helped me immensely with the day-to-day operations and afforded me the ability to give the three employees, William, Lisa and Elizabeth, some much needed extra time off. I was impressed with the efforts of this team and I admire very much the work they do for animals, both in and out of the Sanctuary.

To me, there is no better way to remind yourself of what truly matters than working hands-on with animals. Animals that in most instances are coming from situations of abuse, neglect and violence that most of us cannot imagine. Had a rough day at the office? At least no one dumped you and your siblings along 70 mile per hour Interstate 55, like what happened to a group of weeks-old puppies that were recently through the Sanctuary - all had been hit by cars and despite receiving immediate medical care, none survived their injuries. Or Nicholas, a dog I took in while I was there. Nicholas had finally broken through the collar that chained him likely in someone's backyard. More a lawn ornament than and living, breathing, feeling animal, Nicholas' collar had become partially embedded in his neck, undoubtedly bringing him agony for only he knows how long.

Nicholas shortly after arriving at the Sanctuary.

These are just a couple of recent stories from Hope Animal Sanctuary. Sadly, not every story is a victory, but had HAS not been there to ease the suffering of animals that would ultimately succumbed to their injuries, they would have had to suffer for much longer. And had HAS not been there to rescue the ones that survived and thrived, they never would have gotten out of their hopeless situations.

Another Successful Transport

2010-09-14T15:57:00.001-07:00

Lisa from ECC and Doll celebrate another successful transport.

Just a few days ago Doll and volunteer Debbie McCool (awesome and real name, not made up) transported 65 dogs and 5 cats from IDA's Hope Animal Sanctuary to Every Creature Counts in Ft. Lupton, Colorado.

This was our second trip to ECC in as many months. The last transport brought nearly 60 dogs to ECC - all but one of whom has since been adopted.

The majority of the dogs transported came from Hope Animal Sanctuary, but we were also able to help out another couple of shelters in the region. We pulled animals from the Clarksdale Shelter, the Bolivar County Humane Society (BCHS) in Cleveland, Ms. and from the Mississippi Animal Rescue League in Jackson, Ms. We also brought dogs from a couple of our rescue partners and former IDA staffers Debbie Young and Lisa Martin in Jackson. Clarksdale and BCHS helped us with the cost of the transport.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this trip to Colorado a success. It means everything for the individual animals who were on this transport and who will soon celebrate in new loving adoptive homes.

Court Victory!

2010-09-02T11:17:00.000-07:00

Mona Lisa just prior to rescue.

Hope Animal Sanctuary (HAS) and the Charleston, Mississippi Police Department worked together in July to rescue six starving, chained dogs from Sanders’ property on West Main Street in Charleston. Videotape of the dogs’ conditions and the rescues may be seen here. Doll Stanley, the Director of HAS, filed the affidavits in support of criminal neglect charges. Two of the dogs have since died.

“The entire town of Charleston, especially Animal Control Officer Kevi

n Hodges, deserves praise for their handling of this case,” said Stanley. “When ACO Hodges sees abuse, he acts. When he needs assistance he calls me. The chief has a zero tolerance policy for animal abuse, the PD act, and Kevin is spotter and town crier. The crowning testimony to the compassion of the community is Judge Steve Ross.”

Sanders was found guilty on six counts for failure to provide sufficient and wholesome food and water, the only statute available for charging these crimes. “While we are thrilled with the conviction,” added Stanley, “this points out the need for stronger animal cruelty statutes in Mississippi, and we urge all those who care about animals to contact Mississippi House Speaker Billy McCoy to ask his support for stronger statutes.”

The Mississippi State Supreme Court has ruled MSSS: 97-41-1 (Mississippi’s animal cruelty statute) vague and therefore unconstitutional. Since that ruling, there has been no revision of this statute, or the Chapter 41 statutes addressing the neglect of animals. IDA's Hope Animal Sanctuary is working with veterinarians, humane representatives, concerned citizens and other leaders to strengthen Mississippi’s cruelty to animals statutes.

Mona Lisa recovering.

Judge Ross imposed a $75 fine for the conviction for each dog (6), a $95 court cost for trying each count, and $25 per count for the enforcement of the arrest warrants. Sanders may not possess an animal for three (3) years and was handed a six-month suspended jail term provided she complies with sentencing provisions.

“The responsibility of achieving justice for the animals who suffer at the hands of abusers weighs on all of us,” added Stanley. “But this trial couldn’t have gone more perfectly – and we are cheered by the thrilling recovery of the four dogs who survived Annie Ruth Sanders back yard.”

Hoarder Around the Corner

2010-08-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

Merlin arrives at Veterinary Associates.

A few days ago Hope Animal Sanctuary (HAS) received a call from a woman in Grenada, MS who was concerned for the welfare of her sister, her sister's family, and their dogs. The woman's sister has been known for breeding poodles for years and doing a particularly poor job of caring for the dogs. The woman said it had been five years since she'd been invited into her sister's home and the family, including two adult disabled sons who lived at home, was getting older and frail.

The woman made arrangements with her sister to allow HAS to take some of her dogs. Since HAS was full, Doll arranged for Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP) in Houston, TX to take the first six dogs.

Doll reports that when she arrived at the home the woman was waiting out front and dogs she wanted HAS to take were penned in the driveway. She clearly didn't want Doll anywhere near the house or the remaining dogs.

Doll said, "I've rescued animals from many filthy houses, sheds and even vehicles and I'm pretty adept at meeting just about any situation, but I can honestly say the six dogs I picked up this morning stunk so badly it was revolting. There’s no way they didn’t come straight out of a urine and feces filled environment."

These first six dogs went immediately to visit Dr. Reece at Veterinary Associates for an initial check-up and bath and are now on their way to CAP in Houston, where they'll receive more extensive care and eventually be made available for adoption.

Doll and Dr. Abernathy of Veterinary Associates will work on getting the remaining dogs, estimated to be around ten, released and into the vet for care and then on to CAP for adoption.

We'll keep you updated.

Sabra

2010-08-05T14:38:00.000-07:00

Sabra enjoying her favorite treat - watermelon.

Sabra and her sister Nanny came to us from a neglect situation nearly 13 years ago. As a result of their early years, neither much liked attention and preferred to be on her own. Unless, however, you were offering them watermelon or banana, for either of those they'd drop their loner personas and perk right up.

After Nanny's death 5 years ago, we moved Sabra to a new area with lush vegetation and no little pigs to steal her food, no horses to share her bedroom with, and all the vines and leaves she could eat. She was thrilled.

Yesterday, William found her lying by the fence where she'd been eating. We don't know if the heat we've been experiencing played a role in her death, but she was an old girl and goats just don't live to be very old. Sabra had a wonderful, long life and there were no signs of struggle at the end.

She will be greatly missed and will leave a big void at the Sanctuary.

July Transport to Every Creature Counts

2010-07-26T12:51:00.000-07:00

In the early morning hours of Thursday, July 22, Doll along with the rest of the Project Hope staff and with help from Lisa Martin, began loading a truck with 57 dogs and 12 kittens for another transport to Every Creature Counts (ECC) in Denver. Doll and Lisa would shoulder the responsibility of safely transporting these animals to Denver, but the additional help in loading everyone up was welcomed.

This transfer of the animals to our adoption partners in Denver couldn't happen soon enough. The spring and summer months have hit Mississippi shelters hard with record numbers of animals being abandoned and surrendered.

Despite the heat and a few glitches with the truck, the trip to Denver went well. Upon arrival, Every Creature Counts staff was waiting to help off-load. Many of the animals from this trip were in adoption centers this past weekend and ECC reports that several have already been placed into loving homes.These transports are always special, but this one was made even more special because of several notable animals and their stories that were aboard this transport:

Sarah Louise now and then.

Sarah Louise found her way to Project Hope just two short months ago. Her face was horribly disfigured - all the skin had been eaten away by demodectic mange.

One last goodbye to Coal.

Coal, the nearly hairless, starving puppy rescued on a dirt road near Union, MS.

Queen in Lisa's arms at Every Creature Counts.

Queen, rescued and cared for by our friend and colleague Debbie Young.

Will departs the truck.

Will was one of nine dogs transferred from the Bolivar Cleveland Animal Shelter in cleveland, MS. Scores of dogs from this shelter have been adopted through these efforts.

Edwin says his goodbyes.

Edwin was rescued by a friend and volunteer Billy Halfacre. Edwin suffered a mangled front leg that had to be amputated.

Ottie at ECC / Miss Priss arriving at Project Hope / Blue at ECC

Ottie, Miss Priss, and Blue knew only deprivation in the clutches of the hoarder who keep them. The world of compassion they now know wasn’t even conceivable a few months ago.

Our work is a team effort and we want to thank everyone who helped us with not only these animals, but all the animals we've had a hand in rescuing over the years.

Sarah Louise

2010-06-10T08:42:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Doll received an urgent call from a Duck Hill resident begging for help for an injured dog. Doll grabbed her headlamp and a crate and headed out. The house where the dog had wandered to was only about 8 miles from Project Hope. When Doll arrived the entire family was out waiting for her.

The dog had wedged herself behind some items on the porch of their house. She was facing the road and her face could be seen between the porch rails. Doll didn't know what had happened to her, but one thing was certain, the injuries to her face were horrific. Had she been mauled? Hit by a car?

Sarah Louise.

The father assisted Doll in getting the dog safely into a crate and placed into the truck. Doll headed for town and called Dr. Abernathy. It was a Sunday evening, but he answered and said he’d meet her at the clinic.

Doll arrived at the clinic before Dr. Abernathy and upon further inspecting the dog's face believed the wounds to be burns. Her wounds looked similar to those Phoenix had endured.

Dr. Abernathy arrived and we moved the dog inside and on to the exam table. In the light we could see that the creases in her legs were also bloody and raw. It was clear now that no person had done this to this poor dog, but that she was being ravaged by demodectic mange.

Dr. Abernathy gave her pain meds and began a round of antibiotic. She'd stay at least the night at the clinic. Doll took pictures and named this sweet angel, Sarah Louise.

Dr. Abernathy administers meds to Sarah Louise.

The next morning Doll was at the clinic to check on her. Sarah, the clinic attendant and namesake for Sarah Louise, wiped Sarah Louise’s face and blood began to drip to the floor. We sprayed her face with a medication we hoped would ease Sarah Louise’s pain and gave her morning meds.

Sarah Louise is comfortable and we are keeping her clean and medicated. She's making progress.

Sarah Louise was obviously someone's companion - she clearly had been fed until recently and wasn’t on the streets for long. How could anyone watch her face be eaten away and do nothing to help her. What’s really horrid is that it’s likely Sarah Louise was turned out because of her condition.

We will keep you posted on her progress.

Saving Frankie

2010-05-24T10:17:00.000-07:00

Everyone heard him crying. Employees from both Franklin Financial and The Great Wall Restaurant in Grenada searched for the kitten, but couldn't figure out where the cries were coming from. Finally an employee identified the cries as coming from the restaurant's grease recycling dumpster, but there was no way to reach the tiny kitten. Exhausted and getting desperate they called Animal Control, but no one was on duty. Then an employee remembered the nice lady in Duck Hill who helps animals and they called Doll in to investigate.

Ten miles away Doll was in the midst of cleaning the cattery, of all things, at Project Hope when the call came in from the desperate employee. Doll immediately responded because it was getting late and wanted to be there when the employees were still there.

Upon arrival, Doll also heard the kitten's cries, but was stumped as to how to reach the little fellow. The kitten had crawled into one of the holes the truck uses to lift the bin for dumping. Hard to imagine a more dangerous place for a tiny kitten to be - it would also make for a difficult rescue.

What to do?

After pondering how to get him out, Doll settled on using a vacuum cleaner. Hoping the suction would pull him out or he would flee the noise and run into the carrier. He opted for the latter and once the vacuum was fired up, he bolted right into the carrier placed at the entrance of the other opening.

Finally safe.

Hissing and trying to make himself appear as dangerous as a 4 week old kitten could, he was now safe - whether he realized it or not. Frankie, as he is now named, is recovering from his ordeal at the Project Hope cattery. He appears healthy and no worse for wear and will be on the list for adoption in another few weeks.

Milton

2010-05-11T15:32:00.000-07:00

Milton sunning himself.

A few weeks ago a sanitation department worker from a neighboring county called Project Hope asking for help for a dog she'd seen on several occasions. She explained his plight and I responded. I set a trap, went for tea and very shortly thereafter received the call I was hoping for - the little matted dog was in the trap. The trap was set just outside the Sheriff’s Office and an inmate aided me in carrying the trap to the van. I asked his name and he responded, “Milton, my name is Milton.” I asked if he would like me to name the dog after him. He was so sweet in helping and expressed such concern for the little dog. So Milton it was.

Milton was left behind when his “guardian” moved out of his life. I know the area he came from well. I know that there are caring people that provided food for him once they realized he was at risk, but except for sustaining him, there was no remedy for his homelessness. Frightened and hopeless, Milton had already been chased off several times by property owners who didn't want him hanging around.

I took Milton to Dr. Abernathy for an exam, bath, shave, and assessment. He was scared and defensive at the clinic and had to be sedated for the exam and shave.

Once back at the Sanctuary, his mood greatly improved. It was as if seeing the other happy dogs made him feel a hope he'd not had in a while.

In no time at all Milton pranced, literally skipped, and definitely smiled. He wouldn’t allow us to touch him, but would climb up and sleep on my legs when he thought I’d slipped off into dreamland. This precious happy little fellow was blossoming.

Yesterday I noticed Milton’s right ear was troubling him. He was due for another shave, and he probably needed a dental exam. As any of these procedures would require sedation, it only made sense to sedate him to ease his concerns.

This morning I picked little Milton up from his overnight vet visit - I could hear his terrified cries from the kennel area. As I’m welcome in most areas of the clinic I went to aid the staff member handling him and to help ease his fear. Milton had chewed the leash bound to him in half and was just starting to realize he could flee - which he then did - becoming wedged behind some crates. I placed his crate near the ones he’d wedged himself behind and put my hand on his shoulders. He was terrified and uttered a weak growl. I gave him a minute and then gently eased him around and aimed him towards the open crate. He went in and quickly settled down.

Back at the Sanctuary, as Milton’s little feet touched the ground he began to skip. He went to check out his favorite hangouts and then joined the grazers. For the rest of the day Milton was my shadow.

Hard to believe he was referred to as vicious, even dangerous this morning. I spoke up like any good guardian would and said he was just misunderstood. I know the concerns for his behavior were real, but it was a stab to this loving guardian's heart.

I know there’s a world of suffering out there, but here in this little haven of hope there is safety and security for animals who have suffered traumas, like Milton, that we can only try to understand.

Rescuing from a Rescuer and a Transport

2010-04-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

In late March we teamed up with the Mississippi Animal Rescue League (MARL) to help almost 100 dogs rescued from a "rescuer."

The woman involved in this case is known in Mississippi for her rescue work. One nearby town pays her a fee to accept their unwanted dogs. In reality, she was not set up to take in and care for large numbers of dogs. Most of the dogs suffered from advanced mange and malnutrition. And as expected most have tested positive for heartworms, and many are unsocial.

This was the third recent so-called "sanctuary" or "rescue" to be closed in Mississippi in just the past few weeks. The lesson of the story is to carefully check out any such people or places before relinquishing animals. Sometimes, these places don't merit the term "sanctuary" or "rescue."

But there is a happy ending and new beginning.

Today some of these dogs along with others from the Cleveland, MS Animal Shelter and several from the Jackson, MS area are bound for Every Creature Counts (ECC) for new lives and forever homes in the Denver area. Altogether 66 animals rolled out of Project Hope this morning for the long drive to Colorado. In just about 24 hours these animals will begin the intake process at ECC and be readied for their big adoption event this weekend.

Spunky and Susie

2010-03-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

Spunky was our girl for about 11 years. We were in Jackson at an adoption event when we were approached by a man who'd found some puppies in an abandoned house. We were so thankful and surprised that he’d traveled all the way to Jackson from Winona, MS, nearly a two-hour drive, to find help for the pups. After thanking him repeatedly we told him that our sanctuary was just 11 miles from Winona, but that his effort had uplifted our spirits.

We had few adoptions in those days and few people considered larger dogs, even when pups. Our Spunky and her brother Mikey were the two siblings not adopted. They were a bit timid and until recently had their own enclosure. They were tough on visitors. Not too long ago they joined other dogs - some younger, some shyer, but all new friends.

One morning recently our Spunky was having trouble getting around and didn’t seem know us. We aren’t sure exactly what happened, but she faded fast and Dr. Abernathy helped her pass.

Like everyone we lose, she has left a huge hole and we miss her dearly.

--------------------------

Susie came to us by way of the Mississippi Animal Rescue League (MARL) about 5 years ago. Susie was surrendered to MARL by her guardian who claimed the she had bitten him on several occasions. Susie lived with us for several years and we never had any instance of her biting people. We knew her to be sweet and good-natured and a lover of watermelon and bananas.

We truly enjoyed the time we spent with Susie and she, too, will be greatly missed.

Midnight's Forever Home

2010-03-16T14:45:00.000-07:00

Midnight - laid back as ever.

In November of 2006, Project Hope’s Doll and Jeff were investigating reports of neglect of a Calhoun County horse. While investigating the complaint of the neglected horses, they stumbled across a couple of puppies on the property as well. One was thin and nearly hairless from mange and the other appeared to have already succumbed to starvation, but upon closer inspection was still alive. He also suffered from mange and had an injury to his right front wrist area that looked like a bite wound. An injury he still carries with him to this day.

Both pups were immediately taken to the vet and treated for their mange and parasites. The veterinary staff that initially cared for them named them Midnight and Moon.

Moon was soon adopted, but people looking for “shepherds” passed over Midnight because he was mixed.

Midnight lived at Project Hope for more than 3 years. He’s been treasured by staff and volunteers and his jovial personality and sweet demeanor has won the hearts of every dog he's lived with over the years.

Last Tuesday, March 9th, Doll drove Midnight to New Orleans for his flight to Chicago where his new guardian whisked him home to meet his new family. Kathy and her 3 sons and 3 dogs adopted Midnight. Kathy, a friend and once roommate, of our IDA's Connie Newhall, learned of our sanctuary through Connie and decided she was ready to adopt another dog. She likes her all male dog family and when she asked about adopting one of our dogs, Midnight came right to mind. Midnight loves boy dogs - he loves the camaraderie. Midnight’s trademark is how he walks us around his enclosure with one of our hands gently in his mouth.

We will miss our Midnight, but will always be thankful for knowing him and never giving up hope that he’d one day have his own family.

A quick dunk in the pool.

Confronting Backyard Breeders

2010-03-03T13:13:00.000-08:00

Debbie Young, one of IDA's first responders during Hurricane Katrina, was in the Jackson, MS Petsmart volunteering at an adoption drive when a young girl came in with a puppy that was way too young to be away from her mother. The puppy didn't have any teeth and was estimated to be under four weeks old. The dog's guardian said she was told by the breeder she bought the dog from to buy the dog solid food, which the dog clearly wouldn't be able to eat. Debbie instructed the girl on the proper feeding for a puppy of this age.

Unfortunately this situation is not unusual. Backyard breeders set up shop all over Mississippi along well-traveled roads. In Jackson, there are several breeders who've set up shop in parking lots along the edge of County Line Road - one of the most heavily traveled roads in Jackson. None of these breeders are required to have a business license or permit. The businesses along the road, whose parking lots these breeders use, have complained about this for years. Amazingly, a local church recently wanted to hold a fundraising yard sale in a parking lot along County Line Road, the same parking lot some of these breeders use, and was denied a permit by the city.

Debbie has been battling these breeders for years and in this instance contacted Doll at Project Hope the local NBC affiliate, WLBT, for help. Doll and WLBT confronted the breeders - please see the newsclip below. Fed up with what seems to be preferential treatment these breeders receive, Debbie and Doll are working on a local ordinance that would regulate and likely stop this activity from happening.

Hoarder Case and Transport Follow-up

2010-02-25T15:42:00.000-08:00

IDA’s Project Hope sanctuary works 24 hours/day to rescue, spay/neuter, and find homes for animals of all species. In January, Project Hope’s Director, Doll Stanley, led an effort to save 58 dogs rescued from a Mississippi hoarder. Now, less than two months later, we have a very happy ending.

As the video and photos below show, Project Hope staff just completed a long journey that brought the last of these dogs to their new homes. Along with other dogs (and 8 cats) rescued from a variety of situations, the dogs were transported to our friends at Every Creature Counts (ECC) in Ft. Lupton, Colorado. ECC brought the dogs to PetSmart’s “Winter Adoptathon” and every one of the dogs from the hoarder case was adopted.

AP coverage of our rescue efforts made newspapers all over the south and in Colorado. Readers were inspired to adopt the animals. These dogs went from living in a miserable, dilapidated, over-crowded house, to happy homes, in less than two months. And, those who needed to be spayed and neutered were! All thanks to your support.

We hope this story inspires you to contribute to Project Hope, so we can continue our rescue work.

Hoarder Case and Transport

2010-02-09T09:52:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, January 14, Best Friends contacted Project Hope to ask for help for a woman in Lexington, MS. The woman reported that she had about 30 dogs that she could no longer feed or care for. Project Hope's Director, Doll contacted a vet friend, Dr. Roberts, who has helped Project Hope on many occasions. Dr. Roberts knew the woman, who we'll call Linda, and Friday, he and Doll went to assess the needs of the dogs.

Linda and her dogs live in a house which is missing the entire north side, exposing every room in the house to the elements. The house is so dilapidated that Linda spends all her time on the porch wrapped in blankets to shield herself from the cold and rain. Considering the state of things, the dogs, all terriers and terrier mixes, were in relative good health. The only real issue with the dogs, aside form there being many more than the original 30 we had expected, is that they tended to be excitable and jumped and fought with each other. The smaller and more timid dogs clearly bore the marks of aggression.

With the direness of the situation Doll decided they had to begin moving the dogs. Since Project Hope was at capacity, the dogs would have to be boarded. Dr. Roberts and Doll loaded up 19 dogs on that initial trip.

Doll made a second trip to Linda’s a few days later. This time she removed 10 puppies and 7 adults. Doll left one mother behind because Linda said she might still have a puppy in the woods. The Cleveland/Bolivar County Animal Shelter stepped up to take these dogs. They were already planning a transport and the rescue group they were working with offered to take this group of dogs.

On Thursday, February 4, Doll went back to remove the dogs that remained. The dogs previously removed had all been spayed/neutered and this group would be spayed/neutered the next morning by Mississippi Spay And Neuter (MS SPAN) using their "Big Fix" mobile clinic. MS SPAN is an organization that provides low-cost spay/neuter across the state.

This bring us up to today, where Chele and Doll are doing a transport to Every Creature Counts (ECC) in Denver. ECC has generously offered to take the remaining dogs from this case. Doll and Chele left Project Hope for Denver earlier today with a whooping 76 animals, including 68 dogs and 8 cats.

This is a case of many folks pulling together to help a woman and her animals in desperate need. Thank you to everyone who made this ending a happy one - Dr. Roberts, Best Friends, MS SPAN, Every Creature Counts, Veterinary Associates and of course Chele for always selflessly offering her time and energy for transports.

Mississippi - Urge Senate to Pass First Offense Felony Cruelty Bill!

2010-02-02T14:44:00.000-08:00

MS SB 2623—First Offense Felony Penalty for Aggravated Offenses of Animal Cruelty Sponsor: Senator Billy Hewes   

Please call your Mississippi state senator today and urge him or her to support the passage of SB 2623 to institute a felony-level penalty for a first offense of aggravated cruelty to animals.

Mississippi is one of only four states that does not have a felony-level penalty for the most severe acts of animal cruelty. However, the Mississippi Legislature has taken an important first step toward correcting this and better protecting dogs and cats in the state. Senate Bill 2623, legislation that will strengthen Mississippi's animal cruelty laws, successfully passed out of committee last week and is now headed to the Senate floor, where it will be considered and voted on by the entire Senate.

If passed, SB 2623 will institute a felony-level penalty for a first offense of the most serious, egregious and aggravated acts of cruelty to dogs and cats.

Studies have proven that violence and cruelty directed at animals is a first step toward violent behavior directed at people, which is another reason why strong penalties for animal abusers are so crucial: they help protect both animals and people and make for safer communities. Because of the proven link between violence toward animals and violence toward people, this is important legislation not only for Mississippi's dogs and cats, but for Mississippi's human population as well.

Help to put an end to the cycle of violence before it starts. Call the office of your state senator today and urge him or her to protect both people and animals by supporting SB 2623 to create a felony-level penalty for a first offense of aggravated cruelty to animals.

Please don't delay; SB 2623 could be heard and brought up for a vote in the Mississippi Senate as early as this week, so time is of the essence!

To find your state senator's contact information, visit our Action Center and enter your zip code.

You can also find your Mississippi state senator's contact info on the state's web site.

Please remember to contact your STATE senator, not federal senator!
Here are a few talking points that might help you when calling your senator:

•Mississippi's animal protection laws are among the weakest in the nation.
•Mississippi is one of only a very few states that does not have a first offense felony-level penalty for the most serious and egregious acts of aggravated animal cruelty.
•Because of the proven link between violence toward animals and violence toward people, mental health and social services professionals support strong animal cruelty penalties such as a first offense felony for aggravated acts of cruelty to animals.
•Providing stronger protections for animals has the added benefit of protecting people.
•Cruelty to animals is an indicator crime of future deviant and violent criminal behavior.
•Strong animal cruelty laws make for safer communities.

Clarksdale, MS Shelter

2010-01-25T14:30:00.000-08:00

Getting out of the van, the smell of the shelter was overpowering and sickening. I’d asked the City Attorney, Curtis Boschert, for a tour of the shelter with Sherri Norquist, an experienced shelter director, and Sherri’s daughter, who also has shelter experience. It had been a couple of months since renewed complaints of overcrowding, aggression, and emotional and physical distress were reported to Project Hope and we were just following up to ensure improvements had been made.

Today’s tour was very disheartening. The entire facility had gotten much worse since the last time we toured. Clearly the jail inmates who were tasked with cleaning the facility had not been doing so. I actually left unable to speak with my nose running, eyes burning, and throat swelling and irritated. The stench, thick with ammonia, permeated the entire shelter and irritated my sinuses and throat.

Overcrowded, dilapidated cages lined the walls of the rooms. Sick animals were intermingled with healthy animals. Pens held too many juveniles and puppies together. Nearly every cage held dogs with hot spots, mange or a myriad of other untreated illnesses or wounds. The cattery shared this small room and the deafening sound of dogs barking bounced off every wall.

Outside, loose dogs chewed on paws, legs, hips, and backs dotted with hot spots. Dogs were haphazardly placed in runs with many cowering in fear of their cage-mates. The uncovered runs held too many dogs and not enough shelters, leaving the most terrified dogs standing or lying in the mud, muck and feces of the run floor.

During the tour the Director pled her case for the sacrifice of her time, energy, and money for the thirteen years she'd been there. So many own the responsibility for this failed “no kill” shelter. Complaints to the city had fallen on deaf ears and community members had fostered the situation with lack of interest and support. The Director clearly gave everything of herself, as did her husband for what they believed was a noble effort, but warehousing animals with no hope of a better life is simply unacceptable.

The Director, burdened beneath the weight of a tough, thankless mission and now with public scrutiny bearing down on her, she surrendered her position to the City Attorney.  

We turned our attention to trying to help the animals who were languishing in the shelter. We met in the mayor's office and hatched a plan. We contacted several local vets to come in and help. New volunteers from the community came in as well.  

When animal loving people come together, share their resources, and give unselfishly we can move mountains. Sadly it sometimes takes a crisis for caring folks to realize their potential.

Rest in Peace

2010-01-13T13:18:00.000-08:00

It’s never easy to lose someone dear to you. Loss is an unfortunate part of sanctuary life and we cope with it far too often, but our loss January 3, 2010 has really hit us hard. BJ, our precious, endearing Russian Boar came to us nearly 9 years ago. He was orphaned by a hunter, but rescued by someone who couldn’t leave him behind.

A Memphis woman embraced the orphaned and bottle fed him along with pups she was caring for. Because the woman lived in the city she was unable to keep BJ. A couple of calls around and she learned of our sanctuary.

When BJ arrived he was just a couple of months old. We already had several pigs so we knew he’d fit in.

As he grew he endeared himself more and more to us. His bright amber eyes were captivating. He loved belly rubs and wallowing in the mud. He received bananas and apples regularly, but adored watermelon and watching him eat watermelon was like watching a child dismantle wrapping from a present.

BJ shared his space with Mary Grace. He loved her, but she annoy him at times with her high pitched and prolonged demands for food. Sometimes he’d butt her with a strong, ”shut the heck up!” What he didn’t realize was Mary Grace’s disturbances got them fed first every time.

BJ determined which house was his and how it would be kept. As winter approached BJ would begin gathering dried grasses for bedding. Season after season it was me who’d have to clear BJ’s abode of packed hay as he stood by vigorously protesting.

BJ was amazingly gentle with children. Our dear friend, Debbie Young, brought her grandson, Austin, whenever her rescue and adoption efforts allowed free time. Austin and BJ were real pals. BJ willingly cooperated with Austin’s inspections of his ears. Austin and his brother, Ackerly, visited us just a few weekends ago and BJ really enjoyed their visit.

BJ’s appetite started to decline and Dr. Abernathy was called. BJ was now lying down, apparently in discomfort. Doc wasn’t able to determine what was wrong. He planned to come back out, but let us know he didn’t have the equipment to x-ray BJ. BJ began eating again so we believed he might have ingested something he’d expelled. Two nights later BJ died. BJ appeared to have gone peacefully in his sleep. He was in his house, blanketed in his hay, and there were no signs of distress.

We miss him dearly.

Breaking Mississippi Animal Cruelty Case

2010-01-07T07:58:00.000-08:00

Canton, Mississippi Animal Control Officer, Alonzo Esco, has been fired for allegedly shooting to death over a hundred dogs that were in his care. It's speculated that Esco had also been selling dogs he picked up for bait in dogfighting. What is clear is that after an investigation by the Canton Police Department was that Esco had shot and illegally dumped over 100 dogs in a Canton waterway.

Because the crimes were not a felony, the case would have to be taken up in a lower court. And the Mayor of Canton said that because it was a misdemeanor, the city would not take up the case.

“We will not let go of this,” said Doll Stanley, director of IDA’s Project Hope. “It is absolutely appalling and disgusting that an animal control officer working for any municipality would take it upon himself to violate city policy by shooting animals entrusted to his care. We know this goes on in different communities in Mississippi, and we’re hoping that when these same communities see that Mr. Esco is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law that they will wake up and smell the coffee.”

Esco is facing at least 100 counts of animal cruelty for shooting the dogs. IDA is also looking into the fact that he used city property to act illegally.

Sources revealed that Esco was let go from the Canton Fire Department for stealing gasoline and “demoted” to animal control.

“What is very disconcerting is that a city employee would be demoted to animal control. It is really disturbing is that an animal control position is not considered respectable. Sadly, here in the Mississippi, animal control is often viewed as a gateway to the police or fire department. As an auxiliary policeman, Esco did have a police weapon and this is the weapon he used to kill these animals.”

Check out the news reports from WLBT-TV and WAPT-TV in Jackson, Mississippi for more information on this breaking case.

Alumni Update

2009-12-31T11:05:00.000-08:00

From time to time we hear from families who’ve adopted dogs from our animal sanctuary in Mississippi, Project Hope. Here are a few recent updates we’ve received from happy guardians of dogs adopted from Project Hope.

J.R. Update

Eddie and Robbie are the proud parents of J.R., short for Jacob Robert. They adopted J.R. from an Every Creature Counts event at Petsmart in Denver when he was just 4 months old. J.R. was initially adopted and returned a week later by his first adopters. Eddie and Robbie stepped up and now J.R. is in his permanent forever home.

JR with Eddie.

J.R. is a smart boy, having completed Intermediate Training at Petsmart - skipping over Puppy Training completely. He enjoys running like crazy at the park, playing ball with his daddies and just hanging out at home with his four cat buddies, Sophie, Galactica, Phoenix and Sugar.

Eddie, Robbie, J.R. and the rest of the gang now reside in Arizona and J.R. loves being back in a warmer climate where he can spend more time in the great outdoors year round. Eddie sums it up best, "we couldn't ask for a better dog, he is a very loyal and loving companion and is very much loved (and spoiled) by his family. Thank you for bringing this wonderful animal to ECC, and giving us this wonderful loving little man!"

Thanks Eddie and Robbie - we're so happy you adopted J.R. and are giving him the life he so deserves.

Rene Update

Rene poses for the camera.

Rene was dumped on Project Hope several months ago by her previous guardian who simply couldn't care for her any longer. Doll and the staff fell completely in love with her and the idea was tossed around to let her live out her life at Project Hope, but Doll decided to give her a chance at a good home and Rene transported her to Every Creature Counts in Denver. Her new family adopted her from a Petsmart event in September. Rene, now named Sophie, has a wonderful new life and spends her days with her new family.

Sonya and Lillian Update

The inseparable Sonya and Lilly.

Lillian was rescued after having been abandoned and starving and was with us for months, close to a year when some dear friends, who’d adopted from us previously called to say they were ready to adopt another dog. They wanted to save an older dog who was less likely to be adopted. Lillian came out to say hello and immediately latched on to the children and actually climbed into their van. They then spotted Sonya, was also rescued starving on the side of the road. I told them her story and she came out to meet them. The choice was too tough to make and the family was on the verge of tears. They left to think things over and within days called to say there was no choice to make, both girls would come home. We were ecstatic.

Ellie Update

We updated Ellie's story back in April, but we love hearing from folks who've adopted dogs from Project Hope and Ellie's mom, Susan, e-mailed us a brief update, so we thought we'd share.

Susan writes, "She is absolutely the perfect addition to our family. She is so very smart and wants to please. Ellie and our four year old yellow lab, Miles, are the very best of friends and spend most of the day chasing around the yard and chewing on their bones. I so made the right decision that day in Petsmart when I saw her in that kennel. Thanks for rescuing her and giving us the chance to enjoy her company. She is a great dog and deserved a second chance. I have to tell you she is just on the edge of being a very spoiled puppy and she loves it."

Thank you Susan for the update. Ellie had a rough time and we're thrilled that she's found such a great home.

Big Cat Follow-up

2009-12-18T16:25:00.000-08:00

Cookie ready for transport.

from Doll:

Hi all,

I was in Florida last week for a mini-vacation and visited Big Cat Rescue. This is the group that came to the rescue of Cookie and Alex, tigers, and Freckles, a liger. A Gore Springs, Mississippi man we’d worked with in the past was having to close his big cat sanctuary. Financial problems and a change in life-plans caused him to move from the area. Rita Montgomery, their faithful caregiver, continued to care for the animals for months after her salary was suspended and her husband, Don, our groomer, made needed repairs to their quarters during this time. Not being set up for large cats we reached out for help. Big Cat Rescue came forward. They drove up from Tampa and took the three cats back to their new home. Visiting them brought tears to my eyes.

I first meet Freckles when we took on one of the most egregious cruelty cases we’ve worked. Catherine Twiss bred and bought 86 lions, tigers, bears, cougars, a camel, and Freckles, the liger. These animals lived in knee deep waste, cattle bones, and urine. Their water containers had been chewed far beyond use. The animals were watered when Catherine and her husband walked by their cages spraying hose water into their shamefully tiny, filthy cages. I could go on about the horrid conditions, but I'll spare you the gory details.

The story of freeing the animals from this nightmare is lengthy, filled with victories, much good will and effort, but not happily ever after for all of the animals. These cats would have to adjust to another home and new caregivers. They were however blessed that their new home and dedicated guardians would be with Big Cat Rescue. We’re grateful to this outstanding organization for caring for theses and the 130 other animals they have rescued.

California Dreamin'

2009-11-17T11:28:00.000-08:00

Grady just after arrival at Project Hope in May.

Grady, a Mastiff mix, spent months in the Winona Animal Shelter, in Winona, Mississippi, a prisoner of a five-run outdoor facility, with one barrel in each run and constantly running water, leaving him and the rest of his kennel mates always cold and wet—a purgatory for captive dogs. He had mange, a bacterial infection, and was undernourished. Doll Stanley had seen the miserable dog on a number of occasions, but there was no room for him at the Project Hope sanctuary, and she had to stay focused on getting the mothers and puppies out so the puppies wouldn’t die. And, finally, the day came when she was able to take Grady, and then immediately boarded him at Veterinary Associates in Grenada, where the staff fell in love with him and revivified his physical state and spirit to the point where he was able to go the sanctuary. “Rescue takes time. Unlike ‘Animal Planet,’ there are months of rehab, expenses, and the search for a home worthy of them.”

After Doll started to work with the City Council in Winona, the newspaper editor founded a humane society of which she will be president and is raising money for the new shelter. In the meantime, before there is a more humane facility, Doll does the best she can to help out. In the last year, she saved dozens of dogs from that wretched place. The animal control officer, Charlie Brown—who possesses the heart and, unfortunately, bad luck of the legendary cartoon character—is required to pick up animals all over the area and he doesn’t want to kill them so Project Hope steps in. Grady is one of the chosen.

Grady and his new family.

Doll called me and asked if I knew anyone who might want this well-balanced and handsome prince of a dog, with his now shiny, thick, dark brindle coat. Everyone who asked about him down South wanted to put him on a chain and make him a guard dog. One man wanted to chain him on a property he didn’t even live on to keep coyotes and burglars away. Doll says it so commonplace. “Every animal is unique. There are different circumstances. When you have chosen to help them, you go the extra mile.” And that meant Grady moving elsewhere.

An ad on Any Dog Rescue’s site led to interest from Judy Appel and Alison Bernstein, residents of Berkeley, California, who were attracted to Grady’s noble look and heart-seizing story. Until recently, the couple lived with Sharpie, a Pit Bull mix, who died a few months ago, and were ready to save another life. Plans happened quickly: Continental Airlines was selected as Grady’s ride in the sky because it boasts the best safety record—the airlines moves 110,000 animals per year, and 80 percent go though Houston, which is the connecting flight from New Orleans, Grady’s departure point. Houston operates 14 dedicated PetSafe vans with staffing/runners who specifically bid those shifts because they are animal-besotted and want to make sure everything is perfect for their guests. It is all they do—pick up, drop off, care the animals. Doll drove Grady the six hours from Project Hope to New Orleans (he pouted a little on the way—all the animals pout a little leaving Doll), where he boarded the plane for Houston, connected for his flight to San Francisco, and arrived a little after 8 PM, exhausted and groggy. Judy and Alison brought their two kids, son Kobi, eleven, and daughter Talia, eight, for the big homecoming. Grady needed a little coaxing to emerge from his crate—the cargo facility at SFO didn’t look like the South anymore, and suddenly in the grip of a thrilling and wild elsewhere, he walked out to the rapturous joy of the family and a huge gushing of oohs and aahs. Within a few days of his arrival, he’s been to all the best East Bay parks. He’s also fallen for the kids’ stuffed animals and is particularly enamored of a gray elephant. He’s been sleeping on a bed downstairs where he can sprawl out just because he can.

Well loved.

Transport Underway

2009-11-12T10:41:00.001-08:00

Doll and Chele left Grenada this morning in an Enterprise van filled with 46 dogs and cats bound for Every Creature Counts (ECC) in Ft Lupton, CO. They will arrive tomorrow, rougly 24 hours later, just in time for ECC's big adoption event this weekend.

Doll has been having computer problems, so I'm unable to provide any photos of the animals right now, but will update with photos later. WABG TV came out and did a story on the transport. We'll try to provide a link to the story later as well.

Remembering Wilson

2009-10-20T12:18:00.000-07:00

Wilson prior to being rescued.

Doll called me this past Friday morning in tears – Wilson had died. Wilson was one of the dogs Doll rescued from complete squalor in Carroll County, Mississippi. Doll would later file charges and win the custody of Wilson and 11 other dogs. Wilson was the sweetest dog, with the best temperament – of the group, Wilson was clearly Doll’s favorite. He was the first dog she’d seen on the property when she arrived and his disposition immediately attracted her attention.

Take me with you.

Wilson was chained to a stake and had very little movement in any direction. His water was infested with mosquito larvae and his food was a sloppy mess, which, we think, consisted mostly of day old bread. As as result Wilson was emaciated and full of parasites. Upon arrival at Project Hope, Wilson was treated for parasites and monitored for weight gain, but he struggled to put on any weight at all. Last Wednesday when he started to appear sluggish he was admitted to Veterinary Associates in Grenada and placed on medication for what the vets believed were ulcers. On Friday morning he died quietly and peacefully at the hospital.

No animal ever comes into your life without making an impact – some make larger impacts than others and Wilson has left an awfully big void. We’ll miss you, buddy.

Horse Neglect

2009-10-07T11:17:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, Yalobusha County Deputy, Jim Bailey received a report of starving horses. When he arrived at the property he found four starving horses and one dead horse. The only horse on the property that wasn't starving was a horse the property owner had acquired just two weeks earlier. The deputy reported the property owner told him that he had been cutting enough grass daily to feed to horses. Clearly this wasn't the case.

Rain rot on her sides and back.

The horses arrived at Project Hope on Saturday evening. One by one as the horses were backed out of the trailer it was clear they were in dire need of immediate help. One of the horses had badly cut his left hock in a failed attempt to climb a fence to get to feed. He was unsteady on his feet and was badly banged up.

Clear starvation and leg wounds.

Each of the horses suffer from "rain rot", a fungal infection, that occurs when the animals are subjected to too much moisture for long periods. Dr. Abernathy came and treated the horse with the wounded leg - we're keeping the wound clean and wrapped. We also treated all the horses for parasites.

Dr. Abernathy gets to work on the leg wound.

Feeding was chaos for the first couple of days. The horses were so starved that they forced their heads in the feed buckets before we could direct them to their feeding spots. Each horse has been nearly single-handedly consuming a bale of hay per day. Yesterday morning was the first time the horses, emus, and pigs all ate in harmony in their designated feeding spots.

These horses reflect just a few of the scores of calls for help we and our partners in horse rescue are receiving. Everyone is overwhelmed and we are at capacity. Just getting to the cases is an daunting task. We are trying our best to guide law enforcement and people in the community to aid the horses they know are suffering. During an interview on "Mississippi Talks" radio on Monday, I let listeners all over the state know that it's time for our statewide disaster response program to trickle down to community efforts to aid animals in the daily disasters of they face.

We are grateful for our supporters and fellow staff who work so hard to see that we can perform the lifesaving work that we do. We'll keep you posted on the progress of these four horses.

Everyone resting comfortably at the Sanctuary.

Victory for Carroll County Dogs!

2009-09-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

Applon being seized from the property in Carroll County.

On Monday, Doll was back in a Carroll County courtroom fighting to win the freedom of 12 dogs kept in squalid conditions. This was Doll's third trip to court for this case and the judge finally awarded Doll custody of all 12 dogs. Project Hope seized the dogs back in August with the help of the Carroll County Sheriff's Department and the dogs have been convalescing at the Sanctuary ever since. They are all doing well, despite all having been infected with numerous parasites and being way under-weight. Once healthy these dogs will be sent to Every Creature Counts in Denver to start a new life in a loving home.

Emma, still afraid, but resting comfortably at Project Hope.

from the press release on this case:

Carroll County Court awards In Defense of Animals (IDA) custody of seized dogs

Carroll County, Miss. – On September 15, In Defense of Animals (IDA) was awarded custody of 12 severely neglected dogs. Carroll County Justice Court Judge Jimmy Avant ruled against a claim that the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department and IDA had gone beyond the scope of their seizure order when confiscating the dogs. The court ruled the dogs were lawfully seized.

The investigation was prompted by three complaints concerning the condition of the dogs. On June 26, IDA’s Project Hope sanctuary in Carroll County received two of the calls. Doll Stanley, IDA’s Director of Investigations and the Project Hope sanctuary, responded.

“I saw emaciated dogs chained without proper shelter, their water blackened with filth, debris, and mosquito larvae. A few had dried bread and slop in their pans, two had molded slop in theirs. A hound was confined in a travel dog box for beagles and terriers. She could not sit or stand and the box was laden with filth. Another dog was confined in a feces-laden cage infested with maggots. The dogs had sores, matted eyes, and most suffered skin disorders,” reported Stanley.

Initially, Judge Avant gave a warning and time to the “owner” of the dogs to correct their conditions. IDA’s Project Hope and veterinarians sent letters urging immediate action. On August 6, the judge asked Deputy Brad Carver to see if conditions for the dogs had improved. They hadn’t, so a seizure order was issued, and IDA, acting as agent for the CCSO, removed the dogs on August 7. The seizure took place on Carroll County Road 129.

According to IDA’s Stanley, “When we returned the 7th to remove the dogs, some had been loosed and others had been moved. We enticed and trapped the loose dogs with food. Then, learning the other dogs were moved beyond the residence we went for them. Two were chained in the midst of debris – one was the dog who’d been held in the transport box. The others were confined in what could only be described as pig wallow. Water, feces, and earth had combined to create a horrid confinement of black muck. Two of the rescuers became ill from the stench.”

The “owner” of the dog failed to seek a hearing for their custody, and his son petitioned that the dogs were wrongly taken from the adjoining property. Judge Avant found no credence to the property issue.

Transport: On The Road Again

2009-09-09T11:34:00.000-07:00

Doll hugs Miracle just before placing her on the transport to Denver.

Nobody actually enjoys driving for 48 hours of 60 hour trip - I mean come on. But when you're driving animals, who for the most part have lived their lives mostly unwante d, to a place where they are not only wanted, but are treated like little celebrities, it's totally worth it. Of course, it doesn't hurt to be highly motivated and I've never met anyone more motivated to give animals a fighting chance than Doll Stanley.

So today, Doll and Lisa leave once again for Every Creature Counts (ECC) with a truckload of wonderful animals all ready to start a new life in the Denver area. Normally we wouldn't be able do another transport so quickly on the heels of the last transport, but ECC has a big adoption weekend coming up this weekend, so we pulled some strings to make it happen.

Better late than never - here are just a few of the animals who started a new life in the Denver area this past weekend.

Lisa hugs Whitley.

Topper.

Mike and Joey.

Chapman and Carver.

CeCe.

Hugo.

One last check by Dr. Abernathy before we depart.

We Need Your Help!

2009-08-27T11:10:00.000-07:00

We don't beg lightly, but our wish list hasn't had a dent put in it a long, long time. We're also running dangerously low on funds due to recent transports, vaccines and veterinary costs.

Doll says it best:

Project Hope needs a truck tough enough to pull our large horse trailer. We plan to convert our trailer so that we may use it for transport of dogs and cats as well as horses, emus, pigs and the other species we care for. Renting a truck each time we travel takes resources badly needed elsewhere. We're also in need of a tractor, equipped with a bushhog, blade, and scoop.

We need funds for transports, vet bills, medicine, feed, etc. Our water bill alone is sometimes as much as $300 a month.

We have electric and plumbing work that must be done, and fences that need repair. Many of the dog's resting decks need attention. The dogs play and lounge on them and they take a beating. The decks and buildings that are supported by blocks don't hold up long term and the cement work they need is enormously expensive. We want to preserve what we have and provide a safe and comfortable environment for the animals and we need your support to do that.

Please consider our needs and give generously to support our life-saving work.

You can send donations directly to Project Hope at:

52 County Road 241
Grenada, MS 38901

Please contact us directly at 662-237-0233 if you live in the Grenada area and would like to donate goods or services.

The Life of Riley

2009-08-25T12:03:00.000-07:00

Itamar arrived at Project Hope with his siblings back in December of last year. Hairless, suffering from mange and completely terrified. Over the next couple of months Doll worked tirelessly to transform these three pups and in late February two of the three (Itamar and Larry) were transferred to Every Creature Counts in Denver.

Both dogs were soon adopted and just a few days ago we received an update from Itamar's new guardian, Tracy - with photos! Itamar has a wonderful new life and new name, Riley. Below is the letter and photos we received from Tracy.

Take a look at some of the before photos and video and it's hard to believe this is the same dog.

from Tracy:

A walk in the park.

He is adorable! We have come a LOOONG way together since he came to my house April 5th. He was SO fearful, so insecure... but he is doing so much better. He makes me laugh and he seems so proud of himself when he gets to run around the park off leash, or walk through town with strangers all around and he doesn't cower from them anymore.

Wrestling and belly rubs.

He is definitely happiest with other dogs around and wants to play with ANY dog no matter size, shape, etc. We have lots of "play dates" and trips to the dog park! He gets compliments wherever we go, he is just so beautiful. This past weekend was his first camping trip and let me tell you - he was in his element. He LOVES being outside, near water, etc. - he had such a happy time. The funniest thing about Riley is how he acts when he gets near/in water. He just goes CRAZY! He leaps around and runs as fast as he can in and out of the water - it is very amusing.

Riley in his element.

I'm attaching some photos - hopefully you can see how big he is! He is about 50lbs now and his paws look big, so he may have more growing to do! I love him so dearly and it has been super rewarding watching him become a confident, happy dog. THANK YOU for all you did to save him!!!!

Transport Follow-up

2009-08-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

Doll and former employee, Lisa Martin, who had helped extensively during Hurricane Katrina, transported 52 animals to Every Creature Counts in Denver this past Friday. What is normally a 24 hour one-way trip, took nearly 36 hours because of the long breaks walking the dogs and cleaning cages. They were also delayed saving a kitten off the interstate in Kansas.

Here are a few of the animals starting a new life in the Denver area this week.

Winkie

Monique

Rene

Puppies, puppies, puppies

Monica

Willow

Eudora

Butterscotch

Update for August 10, 2009

2009-08-10T15:20:00.000-07:00

from Doll:

Last Thursday, Lauren and I responded to a report that the Winona Pound was again overcrowded and there were pups in with big dogs, as well as a mother and newborns. The sight was tragic. In the first run there were but three dogs, but the larger two jumped the little guy. Moments later, a second fight broke out. There were five large dogs in this run, one culvert section to sleep in and one feeder. It’s just not good enough to hear the Humane Society and the city speak of how things will change soon. They may be getting a grant to build a modest shelter, but how’s that helping all the dogs that are there right now?

Doll removes two of a group of four puppies from the Winona Pound.

There’s no doubt that the lives of the dogs we take out improve immediately, but what about the ones we can’t take. Blue Eyes and Ol’ Man have been there for months. The Humane Society has asked me not to make waves with the city over our disgust with the treatment of the animals at the Pound. I perfectly understand politics, but what about the precious dogs that linger in their sub-standard facilities?

Corey poses for a quick photo at Project Hope.

We did bring Cassie and her three pups home, Nora and her six pups (there were ten dogs in their run), and Corey, the little guy who was jumped. As for the dogs we couldn't get, Amy will help me send photos of them to her Homeward Bound team at Mississippi State. Hopefully we can get them into the program. Again, what about the other dogs? This same scene is repeated in nearly every small town shelter in Mississippi and across the country for that matter.

A Happy Update

Weeks ago I received three frantic calls for dogs chained on Carroll County Road 129. A postal carrier who'd seen the dogs said she got sick after seeing them. I investigated and found the report to be accurate. I gathered the photos I took and contacted the Sheriff's Office and Deputy Brad Carver accompanied me on this second trip to the property.

Doll holds Rosebud just after removing him from his "kennel".

Rosebud in his "kennel".

The Deputy and I went to the property and he fully agreed that the dogs were in danger. I took video as we spoke with Mrs. Applon, the "owner's" wife, and pointed out and explained to her what the problems were. She was cordial.

After leaving the Deputy and I discussed the urgency of seizing the dogs. I went to Justice Court and spoke with the Clerk, who prepared a seizure order and I left the photo evidence for Judge Avant. The seizure order would be carried out under MCCS 97-41-2, a civil statute allowing for the seizure of animals that results in the transfer of temporary or permanent custody when their "owner" is unwilling, or unable to care for them.

Marcus is skin and bones.

The Judge didn’t speak with either me or the Sheriff's Office and when I didn't hear back, I tried to contact him for days. The Sheriff finally made contact with him and was advised that the Judge had spoken with the dog's guardian instructing him to feed his dogs better.

I then wrote Judge Avant detailing the condition of each animal and the environment they were being subjected to. I told him I would have Dr. Busby, of Mississippi State University and Dr. Katz, IDA's President, write him giving their professional opinion. August 6, a week and a month since my first visit to see the dogs, Judge Avant called the Sheriff and told him to go see if the condition of the dogs had improved. The Sheriff reported that nothing had changed. Judge Avant then issued a seizure order.

Maggots cover the floor of this kennel.

On August 7th, Lauren and I, accompanied by Deputy Carver, seized the dogs. They were taken to Veterinary Associates for diagnosis of skin conditions, possible parasite infestation, and general health check-ups. We arrived after closing on Saturday, but Veterinary Associates made themselves available (and we are so grateful) and our Amy, a senior vet student at MSU, assisted with the process.

Today Deputy Carver and I will follow up with the judge for setting the bond for the Applon dogs care for the period given for an "owner" to request a hearing, post a bond, and for interim until the hearing.

On the way to the seizure Friday we spotted CeCe, a pup, fleeing through the tall grass on the side of the road. I was able to gain her trust and she accompanied us on the seizure.

An Unhappy Update

Sorry to end this report with terrible news, but in the 16+ years I've been doing this work I have come to know first hand that not every story will have a happy ending. Our little Raisin, pulled nearly hairless from the Clarksdale Shelter, has died. She succumbed to parvo which she was exposed to at the Shelter. We're absolutely heart-broken over the loss, but we know we did what we could. The only good news to this story is that her siblings, Butterscotch and Winkie, are both doing well.

16 Years and Counting

2009-08-06T11:41:00.000-07:00

August marks the 16th year since In Defense of Animals' Mid-South Office, better known as Project Hope, came to be. On August 1, 1993 Doll officially opened the Sanctuary.

Technically, Doll had already been in Mississippi for several months investigating and working to shut down several dog-nappers who had been stealing people's dogs off the street and selling them to research labs. Jerry Vance was one of the key players in this pet-theft ring and Doll eventually put him out of business.

Below are three news clips from WABG-TV in Greenville, MS that detail the case.

In the 16 years since Doll arrived in Mississippi, she's helped better the lives of thousands of animals. Of course, she couldn't do it without her network of other animal caretakers, whistle-blowers, sympathetic judges, prosecutors, sheriffs and other law enforcement.

I've worked with Doll on several occasions and I can honestly say that I have never met a harder working, more dedicated, compassionate and kinder person. Thanks, Doll, for all your hard work over the past 16+ years.

Please take a moment to send Doll an e-mail congratulating her on her 16 years of service to the animals of Mississippi.

-Eric P.

Clarksdale, MS Shelter

2009-07-31T15:10:00.000-07:00

The Clarksdale, MS Animal Shelter has been hell for animals for years. Each time I visited the excuse was they were getting new kennels which would help alleviate the intense over-crowding. The sickening irony is that this "no kill" shelter is in the hands of the Clarksdale Humane Society.

Well, I paid them another visit last week and they have more kennels - many more. It's not as crowded, but I challenge you to find a single healthy animal in the entire facility. Scores of dogs are ravaged by mange, infected eyes, and stressed beyond words.

Raisin, Butterscotch and Winkie now rescued
from the Clarksdale Shelter.

The entrance is wall to wall with cats, with some pups and small dogs interspersed. Local jail inmates fill the seating area and an inmate greeted us and showed us around. After the guided tour from the inmate, I finally found and spoke with two people that were probably staff, although they didn't identify themselves as such.

The second room was crammed full. The walls were lined with fixed cages while the floor was covered with ring pens which surrounded the screened-in cattery. How the cats could endure the noise and stress was beyond me.

The floor was smeared with feces. Loose juvenile pups covered in mange roamed from cage to cage and pen to pen and greeted us.

One pen contained 5-6 completely naked five month-old pups. The dogs that weren't naked to partially naked had patchy rough looking coats. Clearly mange was ravaging the population. All left untreated.

A smaller room in the back held crated dogs. Crate upon crate upon crate. In a bottom crate a totally naked dog managed to thump her tail while gunk oozed from her nearly closed eyes.

Dutchess, the pup's mom, was also rescued.

Outside we were greeted by at least ten dogs running free on the property. Some displayed aggression and none looked healthy. Outside kennel after kennel of large rough looking dogs. So very sad. At least half of the kennels had zero shade with temperatures in the 90s or higher every day. Imagine five dogs trying to crowd into two barrels, igloos or houses to get out of the sun. It was absolute torture to watch.

I could go on and on. I'll just say we plan to join forces with other organizations and veterinarians who will speak out and possibly the health department and State Animal Board of Health to stop this insanity. The health department may engage as the sarcoptic mange could easily be transmitted to humans who dare to set foot on the property.

We grabbed a mom and three puppies - all suffering from advance, untreated sarcoptic mange. Their lives have already gotten better and we'll hopefully provide a happy update to this sad story soon in a future post.

Update for July 16, 2009

2009-07-16T17:49:00.000-07:00

from Doll:

Hi all,

We've finally gotten electricity in our cattery! The cats are as thrilled as we are. There have been more than a few dark winter nights that I've had to wear a headlamp to give meds and clean up, but no more! We have some more improvement projects that we'll be sharing with you shortly.

I'm happy to report that Elizabeth is healing and feeling better and Lauren is on new medication to aid with her blood pressure issues. Sanctuary friends Billy and Joe will be helping while I'm in Los Angeles at the AR2009 Conference. Joe is an absolute perfectionist who really knows what he's doing. He helped last summer and then disappeared on us. We're so thankful to have him back.

Amy is preparing for tough tests, but she came to aid yesterday and brought her partner with her today.

Just before Amy arrived the Greens came to visit Christopher, the American Bully pup Mr. Green found in the woods last Saturday. They were delighted to see he was doing so well. Poor little guy - he was covered in ticks, foxtails had bore themselves into and infected his toes, and he was very hungry. Lauren's mom and stepfather are thinking about adopting him.

The Greens asked about Baxter, our fella who lost his home when he and his guardian's grandchild had conflict in the kitchen. Mr. Green will try to help find a home for Baxter.

The Greens hadn't been on site for long when Elaine Adair and a fellow Mississippi Spay and Neuter (MS SPAN) team member arrived. We're trying to find a site for their high volume spay/neuter truck to service this region. Meetings with local vets are a must, as they're concerned with losing business. Elaine is sure she can ease their concerns that the van will compete with them. Mr. Green offered that he will try to find us a site in Grenada.

While we were planning and brainstorming, two young women drove up with a dog (Maureen) who'd been chained and abandoned. Maureen was covered in ticks and most likely has heartworm. Her chest is swollen and the test we gave her today showed positive.

This afternoon we received a call from a dear woman who always calls when an animal in Duck Hill is in trouble. A chained dog (Caroline) who'd escaped a life of neglect and malnourishment, and is riddled with parasites, was on the loose. We immediately responded. We managed to find and grab Caroline and she came home with us.

Friday a couple who are members of the newly formed Winona Humane Society called to ask if we could help them with a neglected dog (Drew). They had been cited for having a dog off leash and fined, even though this wasn't their dog. They tried to explain to the deputy that this wasn't their dog, but a stray they'd been helping, but the deputy wasn't having it. They just couldn't surrender him to the pound, so Drew is adjusting to his new home at the Sanctuary and our friends are very grateful.

Amy's partner took pictures of our dogs who are ready for adoption. Amy will try to get some on the next Homeward Bound trip and will share photos of certain dogs with potential foster and forever homes.

Thursday I went undercover to investigate several complaints. I can't go into detail for obvious reasons, but will provide more details when I can. What I can say is that my goal for the summer and fall is to document as many puppymills and abusive shelters as possible.

It's been a busy week in so many ways and a very good week for the animals we are privileged to help. Here are a few updates on recent animals we've featured on the blog.

Thumbelina is home from the vet and her little face is healing.

Don Geyton called to report that Lucille is doing well.

The Carroll County Rd 129 case has taken a serious turn. The judge has told Deputy Brad he knows the "owner" and "won't take a man's dogs".

I'm going to work a couple of angles to try and change his mind. There is no turning away. More and hopefully better news later.

Dog Neglect

2009-07-07T15:20:00.001-07:00

from Doll:

I received a frantic call from a man we'd recently helped with the rescue of three puppies. His mail carrier had asked him to call us to report the neglect of some dogs on her route. She told him that after delivering mail to a residence on a dead end street, she thought she’d be sick. She said the dogs were in a severe state of neglect; emaciated, chained and lacking proper shelter.

Water, infested with mosquito larvae.

Slop for food. No idea what this "food" was.

I was stressed by the report. Amy was unable to come in from Starkville to help with animal care, which left me far too busy handling the Sanctuary animal's needs to follow-up on the report, so I called to see if the Sheriff could investigate. Unfortunately, there was only one deputy on duty Saturday, and he was busy elsewhere and couldn't guarantee he'd make it by. That left me no choice but to try and scramble out to check on these poor dogs. At the end of round one of Sanctuary animal care, I went to investigate. Unfortunately, I found the report to be completely accurate. The conditions the dogs were being kept in were outrageous.

Emaciated.

I established who the dogs belonged to. Their “owner” was not home, but I was able to speak with his adult daughter about the dogs. She said she'd speak to her father about them, but it was clear from my conversation with her that her father wasn't going to do anything to improve the conditions for his animals.

"Shelter".

I documented the neglect of nine dogs and noted there might be another dog that didn’t come out from beneath the dilapidated house next to the primary residence. I will be speaking with the Sheriff and Justice Court Judge to work on seizing the dogs and charging their "owner".

A dog was sealed up inside this old dog box.
It was almost a 100 degrees outside.

We could literally be at cruelty investigations 24/7 and never get to all the cases reported. We'll provide an update to this case as soon as we can.

Get me out of here.

No Rest for the Weary

2009-06-26T14:54:00.001-07:00

Doll and Connie McCool, longtime friend of Project Hope, completed a transport to Every Creature Counts (ECC) in Denver last week. They arrived last Friday with 51 cats and dogs. Everything went smoothly on the transport and below are a few of the animals who started a new life this week in the Denver area.

Annette

Blondie

Daisy

Juniper

Macaroni

Immediately upon returning from Denver, Doll was called upon to respond to a horse cruelty case involving four horses. The photos below tell the story. These animals were slowing starving to death. Doll negotiated the release of the mare, the placement of another horse with the "guardian's" brother, and the oversight of care for the remaining two horses by Raymond Watkins, Project Hope's farrier.

Slowly starving to death.

After leaving the horses, Doll stopped at the Tillatoba truck stop for tea and discovered a baby wren who'd fallen from a nest high above the fuel stations. There was no way to get the baby back to his nest and he was too young for his parents to care for him on the ground. Doll cared for him until night when she met a friend who is a wildlife rescuer who took the fledgling home for care.

Baby wren rescued from a busy truck stop.

Thumbelina was found badly injured. The vet who attended to her sent her to us without medicine, including painkillers. Her head wound, including her eye became infected. It was after hours, but Doll called our vet, Dr. Anne, and she instructed Doll to remove the stitches, put her on an antibiotic and get her in first thing in the morning. Doll did and Thumbelina is on the mend.

Trying to make Thumbelina comfortable.

The following 10 puppies arrived on Tuesday. The man who dropped them on us said he wouldn't be responsible for what happened to them if we didn't take them. We asked about the mom and his wife called back and left a message saying their mother had been shot and killed. At least these babies are safe now and will go on the next transport to Denver.

"When's supper?"

Finally, Acacia was one of the dogs who made the trip to Every Creature Counts this past weekend. This little darling was in the hospital for weeks after being rescued from the Winona, MS Pound.

Acacia just after arriving back from the vet's.

Doll had gone to the pound to speak with the Charlie Brown, the Animal Control Officer, about issues they were working on correcting. Charlie told her there was a small dog that didn't look well. When I got to her I noticed Acacia's body temperature was already low. She was in bad shape.

Acacia was diagnosed with parvo and would have died at the Pound that night if I hadn't rushed her to Veterinary Associates in Grenada. Dogs who survive parvo usually bounce back within days, but Acacia was so ill and emaciated that she required several weeks of hospitalization.

Saying goodbye to Acacia at Every Creature Counts.

Once she was fully recovered, Acacia took to sanctuary life with gusto. Saying goodbye to the adorable little girl we'd fallen in love with wasn't easy, but she is destined for a rich life of her very own in Denver.

Weekly Report Ending June 15th - Quick Update

2009-06-17T17:05:00.000-07:00

from Doll

We have a transport leaving for Denver tomorrow and will be updating with photos soon.

Sunday was a day of work, work, work, work.

Monday we mainly focused on animal care and preparation for the Mississippi State University “Fix ‘em” team which came Tuesday (6/9). We called in a bunch of foster animals to be spayed/neutered by the team.

Tuesday animal care was handled between spay/neuter shifts. The team altered 15 cats and kittens and 16 dogs and puppies. One of the vet students took a shine to Dee Dee and her interest blossomed to the adoption of Dee Dee, now Cheyenne, on Sunday. Clean up from the spay/neuter event lasted until dusk.

Dee Dee, now adopted and renamed Cheyenne.

Wednesday was recovery day and routine care. It was also Elizabeth's birthday.

Thursday I received several anxious calls regarding a kitten in a storm drain, who was rescued by the Grenada Animal Control Officers; pups found in a dumpster at the Montgomery County dump - Winona, MS. Animal Control Officer, Charlie Brown, went for the pups and I met him to bring them to Project Hope. The pound is full and pups usually succumb to parvo at the facility. I also grabbed Mazie, who had been at the pound for awhile and was now in a run with five much larger dogs. I met with the president of the Winona Humane Society, who is also the editor for the Winona Times, to discuss how we can better publicize the plight of animals at the pound.

Charlie Brown holds one of the six puppies rescued
from a dumpster at the Montgomery County dump.

Linda, friend and fellow cat rescuer, asked me to check if a dog she was interested in was still at the pound - he was, so I grabbed him and she took him home. He’s so shy he won’t come out of his hiding place. If anyone can make him feel at home it's Linda and her wonderful sister Peggy.

Friday was absorbed by animal care and lawn maintenance.

Saturday was work, work, work and rain, rain, rain.

Sunday a young man brought a young skunk and I sent him to Nancy, a wildlife rehabilitator in Yalobusha County. Next Kristie and her mom came to adopt Dee Dee. It was a long day, but well done.

Medical Update

Several dogs were under treatment for mange. Barney has chronic ear trouble and is being treated. Kendall’s bad eye is being medicated and looks better. I gave several kittens penicillin shots for their upper respiratory. Shots and routine preventive meds were administered throughout the week.

Homeward Bound Transport

2009-06-05T16:05:00.001-07:00

We had planned to have two transports this week - one Homeward Bound transport through Mississippi State University (MSU) and one we were doing ourselves to Every Creature Counts (ECC) in Colorado. Unfortunately, we could not secure a second driver for the trip to Colorado, so we were forced to postpone. Not necessarily bad news, as we're planning a bigger trip to Colorado in a couple of weeks. For now, here are some of the lucky dogs that made it on the Homeward Bound transport.

Billy, with us for more than a year.

Jasper, a relative newcomer to Project Hope.

Wednesday, recently rescued from the Winona Pound.

Elaina, recently rescued from the Winona Pound.

Winfield, recently rescued from the Winona Pound.

Alexia and Brock (with tongue out), recently rescued from the Winona Pound.

Fauna, before and after. A hoarder kept her prisoner in a broken-down car.
Later, rescued from the car and at Project Hope

Phoenix Update

2009-05-28T13:38:00.000-07:00

Phoenix with Glenn and Seamus.

From Glenn, Phoenix's new guardian

I first met Phoenix at 1:30 in the morning in Winchester, VA, by that time she had already been in a crate for over 13 hours. I took her for a short walk and a small drink of water and Evan, the driver who had gotten her from Mississippi to Virginia, mentioned that she had been pretty badly abused. She was going to my last stop in Salem, NH, so she was one of the first loaded onto my van. She ended up behind my passenger seat on top of the other crates, so I could turn around just a little and see her and also stick my fingers in her crate. Whenever I used my cell phone or 2-way radio she would sit up and look at me. It wasn't long before I snapped a picture of her with my phone and sent it home. I was smitten. I called Megan, who was in charge of that trip and got some background on Phoenix. As soon as I could I got a hold of Lori, the director of the Salem Animal Rescue League, and asked if I could have her meet my male pitbull, Seamus, also a rescue, to see if they would be compatible. Lori said, no problem, that they would love her to go to someone that they would stay in touch with. The following Saturday, we drove the 2 hours up to New Hampshire from my home in Connecticut and let the dogs meet. She wasn't too keen on Seamus at first, but after a bit we took them into a large enclosure and let them go. They took off chasing each other around and around, and still do every day. Needless to say Phoenix went home with us that day.

Phoenix and Seamus playing in the Connecticut snow.

She has her issues - doesn't care for men or other dogs too much. We have taken her to obedience class where she's become more socialized, some weeks more than others. This helped her get started in doggie daycare, where they've very patient with her, as they had refused her at first. She now goes to two doggie daycares and gets along with (almost) all the dogs. She is a work in progress but brings so much joy to our family. She and Seamus are best buddies.

Sharing a bed.

Here's a typical day in the life of Phoenix. She wakes up on our bed, which she shares with her two humans, Seamus and a cat or two, teases Seamus until he finally gives in a gets up to play - he's not an early riser. Then it's breakfast and into the van to drive my son, Andrew, to school, which just happens to be close to about 80 wooded acres with some great trails, two ponds and a couple of streams. We normally walk for about an hour on and an hour or so off leash, with extra time for cooling off in the water. Both of the dogs never stop running, chasing, playing tug with sticks or jumping up on big rocks, it's a non stop show that we never tire of. Once we get home it's time for a snack followed by a good nap under the fan or on the deck. Lunchtime we go for a quick walk maybe half an hour, then run some errands - the bank, post office, places that give out cookies are their favorite. More napping in the afternoon followed by a drive to pick up Andrew and at around 5 or 6 we go to the city park and walk about 3 miles either on the walking path or through the trails in the woods. Then it's home to spend the evening with the family, either sleeping or wrestling on our bed. Around 10 or 11 it's time for another walk, just a quick 20 minutes or so before fighting for the best spot on the bed yet again. This is our daily routine for the most part, they normally go to daycare for one full day and one half day, different locations, so that they can play with their canine friends. We normally go out for dinner with friends on a Friday evening, so they both get a frozen bone, which they love. It also helps with Phoenix as she can be a little destructive but has come a long way. We don't crate either of them, so we just try and be responsible in putting things away.

Phoenix came into our lives the weekend of my birthday, which I spent driving a transport for Homeward Bound. What a birthday present she's been. We've had her now for almost 7 months, and we couldn't imagine life without her. She has been to hell and back (I've seen the pictures) and is still so sweet and loving.

Update for May 14, 2009

2009-05-14T16:01:00.000-07:00

A very concerned Doll with a very sick Danielle.

We've been very concerned this week for our mare, Danielle, who foundered from the excess new growth of grass. On Friday both Doc and our farrier, Raymond, rushed to Danielle’s aid. I had called sobbing because Elizabeth discovered Danielle staggering when she went to feed them. Just the day before things were looking up for Danielle because she had begun recovering from thrush, also related to all the rain we’ve experienced.

Danielle was given medication for pain and confined in the double stall by the back entrance to the barn. Amy went to the feed store for shavings to cushion the stall and aid in keeping it dry and easy to clean. The other horses can visit with her while she’s kept safely away from the tempting grass. Hay left from last year has been used for bedding. This hay is low in protein and will keep Danielle full and happy, but not hungry. The other horses are being watched and we are expecting a full recovery from Danielle.

Yesterday the team from Mississippi State University (MSU) came to do spays/neuters. We were really rushed in getting prepared for their visit with Lauren being out sick. Fortunately, Lauren was back yesterday to help.

Dr. Bushby, our buddy and the MSU veterinarian in charge, wasn't able to make the trip yesterday for our spay/neuter day, but Dr. Cocker was able to fill in and get the job done. And what a job it was - the team spayed or neutered nearly 40 animals in yesterday. Many of these animals are in foster care and will either be on our next Homeward Bound transport or our next transport to Denver.

It was a very busy and challenging week, but we managed to make it through. Somehow we always do...

Lastly, we received a visit from Kirk Academy Senior Class representatives, who arrived with a pick-up truck bed full of feed that their class had raised money to buy. We are very, very grateful. Grenada Star reporter, Brittany Huggins, came with the students to cover the story.

Update for May 8, 2009

2009-05-08T14:27:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone,

This is a update I can’t wait to give. Project Hope has really good news. You probably know we took 43 dogs and 2 cats to Colorado two weeks ago. Every Cre ature Counts has reported that nearly all of the animals we delivered have been adopted and they are sharing the cost of another transport soon. Whoohoo!!!

This is awesome news for us at a time when we’re committed to aiding a number of at risk dogs. There are scores of dogs in the clutch of several local collectors and we have committed to aiding with change at the Winona Pound. More frequent transports will free up the space for us to better provide shelter for these animals.

Winona Pound

In recent days we received a call from our dear friends at the Two Sisters Restaurant in Winona, MS, a town eleven miles south of us. Charlie, the Animal Control Officer had asked the sisters to let us know there were pups at the Pound. I went straight over as soon as I heard. The pound is an outdoor kennel consisting of six partially covered runs. There’s a single dog house in each run made of a section of four foot culvert raised off the ground. Water faucets run 24-7 and rusted metal doors, waste deposits of rotting food surrounding the feeders, hair and feces trapped on fence bottoms and unsealed cement contribute to an environment ripe for disease.

Winona Pound waste removal and drainage.

There were four pups in one run and another one in with two medium adult dogs, one of which was limping, so I took them all. The four pups, Nancy, Jinnee, Kara, and Winfield are being treated for worms, but are otherwise healthy. The two adults are also in relatively good overall shape.

Nancy, Winfield and Kara - new arrivals from the Winona Pound.

A couple of days later I went back to the Pound to take some donated dog food to with Charlie. He told me there was a small dog with something wrong, but he wasn’t sure exactly what. I found a small, pitiful Boston Terrier-mix clearly in distress. She was cool to the touch, her breathing was shallow, and her lower eye-lids drooped. She was suffering from a double cherry-eye, but this was the least of her troubles. Acacia, as we know her now, was suffering from parvo. She was immediately put on drip. How she survived this long with no veterinary care is amazing. She was within hours of death and has taken several weeks to recover. The celebration of her recovery was joyous. She’s had surgery for her eyes and will be spayed this Wednesday. She is such a little darling. She curls up next to me each night and doesn’t move. Someone (in addition to me!) is going to fall absolutely in love with this sweetheart.

Acacia

Sunday afternoon Amy and I had lunch at 2 Sisters. Since Amy hadn’t seen the Winona Pound, I asked if she she'd like to run by to see where the dogs we were helping were coming from. On the way we picked up a mother and her pup standing in the street in front of the vacant house where I assume their family had moved from. I remembered the mother from the many times I slowed for her in the past. She was always in the street. A neighbor confirmed she’d been abandoned and had aided several other orphaned pups with homes. We asked if he was going to keep the mom and he said he couldn’t, so we thanked him the help he’d provided and headed for the place mom would’ve eventually wound up had we not gotten to her first- the Pound.

When arrived at the pound Amy was horrified to see what the city considered to be a shelter and that the site was also the city dump and maintenance center. She immediately got on the phone and with a friend asking her to start looking for foster homes. The new plan was for us to get as many of our dogs, who were leaving in a couple of weeks on a Homeward Bound transport, into foster homes as possible so we could bring in these at risk dogs in. (Six of these new dogs have already been added to the next Homeward Bound trip.)

I’ve met with Amanda Saxton, the Winona Times editor, who is also the President of the newly formed Winona Humane Society. Amanda has experience with a “real” shelter in northern Mississippi. We’re formulating plans to raise funds to see that the dogs are wormed and inoculated at the Pound and when we have space for spay/neuter, we’ll also help. Amanda is thinking of ways to share the cost of transports if we can include dogs held at the Winona Pound on our trips.

While I’m walking the grounds here at the sanctuary, spending time with the grazers or doing my daily chores, it’s always on my mind what a responsibility we have for the animals that would have no life without us.

Transport Arrived in Colorado

2009-04-24T10:33:00.001-07:00

Doll and Chele left yesterday from Grenada with 43 animals bound for Every Creature Counts in Denver. After a long night of driving, they arrived safely this morning. Here are some of the animals that are starting a new life in Colorado.

Update for April 21, 2009

2009-04-21T13:45:00.000-07:00

from Doll

Lauren bought a house and took a week of vacation to work with family and friends to make her place special to her. There is really never a good time to be shy a team member, but backing each other is part of what we do.

Elizabeth and I shared responsibilities, each falling in place to use our strengths to care for the animals and address the needs of the sanctuary grounds and facilities. We planned lunch around delivery and relief efforts.

Chele White, our treasured friend and co-transporter, recently alerted us to a Land-O-Lakes dog food give-away. We did manage to get in on the event. Elizabeth and I delivered some of this food to Carol and Tommy Griffin for the dogs they routinely feed at the Winona dumps (where our Ali, Drew, Wendy, Simone and Tobey were rescued.) We rescued the pups shortly after they were dumped in a dumpster, but Tobey had survived at least 3 years of abandonment with a painfully dislocated hip.

Chele steps to the plate for grueling transports, like this coming weekend; times when we just need help, like this past weekend; and with goodies - like the Land-O-Lakes food donated this past week. We are so blessed to have her as a friend and team member.

Friday our friends at the Tillatoba truck stop called to ask for help for 3 dogs believed to have been abandoned. Elizabeth and I responded, capturing all 3 dogs.

Mornings are about meds, feeding, cleaning, and laundry. Afterwards, Elizabeth is prioritizing fence repairs and reinforcements, while I continue animal care or, if time permits, leave to run errands. Evenings are devoted to more meds, paperwork, communications, more laundry, and keeping up with the needs of our pups.

New Arrivals

Lyla and her boys, Lex and Jacob, took right to the comfort and security that the sanctuary has given them. These were the 3 abandoned dogs at the Tillatoba truck stop. Living just off the interstate and with 18-wheelers rolling in and out, the dogs were most certainly in jeopardy. Only a few years ago a sleek, handsome black lab made it to the door of the truck stop after being struck on Interatate 55. I responded to the call and this precious dog became our Brian. One of the employees of the truck stop contributed significantly towards surgery for Brian. His elbow was crushed beyond repair and amputation at the shoulder was necessary. Friend and fellow rescuer, Pat Hall of Jackson, asked a reporter to feature Brian in an article on the need for guardians for special needs and challenged homeless animals. We’ve also been called to aid chickens who escaped their transport cages while being transported to slaughter. The employees at the truck stop are very compassionate and we've been called upon to help in numerous animal rescues from their lot.

Lex stops playing just long enough for a photo.

Adopted

Clementine has been adopted. She'll remain at the sanctuary for a few more weeks until we get her demodectic mange under control. Her new guardian, Jason, is the father of a friend of Elizabeth's and he and his family had previously adopted a family of gerbils from us.

Our darling Clementine.

Transports

Many of our pups were to head east last weekend, but the transporter was unable to make the trip and it was too late to arrange for another qualified driver/caregiver. The trip wasn’t abandoned, just postponed.

Eight of our pups were to head east with Homeward Bound's monthly transport, but the dreaded kennel cough blew in with the storms of last week. High and plunging low temperatures seem to throw nature into confusion and lend to viral strikes.

We were also supposed to do a big transport to our friends at Every Creature Counts in Colorado last weekend, but because of the kennel cough, it was postponed. Thankfully we've been able to reschedule for this coming weekend.

Fosters

Sonya, former staffer and still valued team member, is fostering a family of pups for us and caring for 18 pups and adults she’s rescued. Some of them will be altered this coming Wednesday.

Dr. Abernathy ("Doc") is fostering Dumpling, aka Coco, a dog abandoned at his clinic. A nice couple in town is trying to rescue 3 pups abandoned near their home will take them to Doc when they catch them.

Elizabeth and Lauren have helped with fostering a few of our pups and more sanctuary friends, Peggy and Linda, are also helping.

In all we have 39 dogs in foster care.

Vet Care

A precious little Boston Terrier mix we rescued from the Winona pound is hanging in there. She’s pulled through her bout with parvo and is now recovering from surgery on both eyes. She suffered “cherry-eye”.

Barney, Mary Jane and Kendall are being treated for ear troubles.

Shots, external parasite prevention, worming, and a.m.-p.m. cough meds are being administered. We’re rotating groups for 3-4 day worming with Panacur.

Doc has been out to see Sabra, our beloved goat. She has an unexplained injury to her leg, and is missing a patch of hair on her back. She’s better now, but pain had slowed her down a few days.

Doll’s Take

Yikes!!! What a week. I know I often speak of what an intense week it was, but this past one was exceptional. I’m so pleased to work with such compassionate people. The animals here are all here because they needed help. Some were in more dire straights than others. We’re repulsed by the reasons for their suffering and moved, compelled to do what’s needed to enter their world and intervene on their behalf and working with precious people makes it all that much more possible.

I’m inspired by every act of selflessness my collegues and friends perform.

Saturday, Chele, with her bum knee, came from Starkville (two hours away) to help Amy and me. She knew Amy didn’t feel well and I badly needed assistance. Love you Chele! Chele is truly someone we can all count on when the going gets rough.

Amy "supervises" as Chele grooms Buttercup.

A Few Recent Adoptions

2009-04-13T13:35:00.000-07:00

Sweetie (now Maggie) was adopted by Johnna and family. Maggie now lives the good life in Florida with her adopted siblings, Sophie and Max.

Frankie was adopted by Alan, his wife Sue and family in New Hampshire. Seen here in his graduation cap from obedience school. We're told he was valedictorian.

Honeycomb was adopted the same day she arrived in Nashua, NH. Seen here with her new family.

Petey was rescued by Doll from a man who kept him tethered 24/7. As a result, Petey had some serious issues. After months of working with him to improve his temperament, he found a home. Here he is with his new guardian, Bobbie.

The Daily Star Article on Project Hope

2009-04-03T12:05:00.000-07:00

There's a nice article on-line at the The Daily Star, Grenada's newspaper, about Project Hope and Doll. There's a place after the article to leave a comment, so if you know Doll or admire her work please feel free to do so.

http://www.eclassifiedsnetwork.com/content.aspx?module=ContentItem&ID=131049&MemberID=1218

A Home for Elsie

2009-04-01T11:01:00.001-07:00

It was a chilly day in December of last year when Doll received a phone call from someone who had just come across a dog in Elliott, MS who appeared to have been hit by a car. Doll instructed the good Samaritan to take the dog immediately to Veterinary Associates in Grenada. Doll called Dr. Abernathy to let him know what to expect, but when the dog (Elsie) arrived at the vet, her injuries were more complicated and subsequently worse than expected. It did appear poor Elsie had been run over by a car, but an examination turned up no broken bones. Only her front legs had been injured, but she had been nearly degloved in the accident - including having the tendons in both legs severed. It would make for a difficult surgery and a long recovery.

Elsie, with front legs bandaged, on the slow
road to recovery at Veterinary Associates.

Elsie is the sweetest dog. When I was at Project Hope in December, we stopped by to visit her at the vet's on several occasions. Because of the severity of her injuries, she had to be kept very still while she healed. Unfortunately, this required her to be kept in very small quarters and wearing an Elizabethan collar for nearly two months. She didn't seem to mind. Always cheerful and happy to see people, she must have known these people were trying to make her better.

Elsie was finally released from the vet about a week before Doll and Chele were to do a transport to Every Creature Counts in Denver. Now fully healed, she would be one of the lucky animals on this trip.

A goodbye pet from Dr. Abernathy as
Elsie prepares to leave the vet.

She wasn't at Every Creature Counts for long before she got adopted and we received a note from her new guardian, Susan, which we've included below. Thank you to Dr. Abernathy and Veterinary Associates for their work on Elsie (and for greatly reducing what could have been a recording breaking vet bill!), thanks to Lisa and the gang at Every Creature Counts for their continued support and thanks to Susan and family for adopting Elsie (now named Ellie.)

From Susan on March 24, 2009:

Good morning, I adopted Elsie, yellow lab mix, from you at PetSmart on Kipling on Saturday afternoon. She is starting to relax and learn our routine and other lab really likes her. We have a cat and they do not seem to really notice each other. Elsie is a sweetheart and we love her. We realized that she had never seen stairs so that took a little training. She goes up and down the deck stairs outside but I am carrying her up and down the stairs when we all go to bed at night. She will get used to it! I would really like to learn as much as I can about her Mississippi life so would it be possible for me to talk or email the lady who brought her to you? I just feel like the more I know about her even if it might be bits and pieces, the better. By the way, we changed her name to Ellie because we thought it fit her better. Thanks again for rescuing her and giving us the opportunity to adopt her. She will have a wonderful forever home!

From Susan in response to Doll on March 25, 2009:

Thank you so much for the information even though it is limited. It just helps us to know as much as possible. Ellie actually went up and down the stairs last night to our bedroom. My back is really happy about that as she is a bit heavy to carry up and down. I finally found a mixture of food and she has started eating. She was turning her nose up at everything I tried those first few days. She spends the day outside in our yard with a huge deck that overlooks our neighborhood. The dogs have a doggie door into the garage and eventually they will be permitted through the doggie door into the laundry room if the weather is cold. I have to make sure she is trustworthy to leave in the house alone, but that will come. Our 12 year old chocolate lab died last July and we have been thinking and looking for the right companion for our other lab who seemed lonely. When I saw Ellie on Saturday, I just knew she was the one. I so appreciate people like you and the others at the rescue who care so much. Now that I have your email, I will include you in the updates I send. I really appreciate the pictures you sent. The puzzle is filling in! Take care and I will keep in touch.

Abandonment Issues

2009-03-24T12:37:00.001-07:00

Sleepy surprise at the barn.

We're located in a very rural part of Mississippi and don't publicize our location. Of course, because we've been in this same location for the last 16 years, most everyone knows where we are. Still we try to maintain a low profile to minimize random animal drop-offs. I say minimize because without fail several times a month we have animals show up that have either been tossed over our fence or abandoned somewhere in the immediate area.

The best case scenario with animals abandoned in the vicinity of Hope Sanctuary is they wander up and we take them in, hoping to get them on a future transport. The worst case is they wander off in another direction and never make it in. We've had more heartbreaking cases than we care to recount over the years of animals abandoned nearby. Sometimes even with animals that wander in to Hope Sanctuary, there's an unhappy ending. A recent example comes to mind of a litter of kittens that someone dumped. A couple of the kittens, maybe 4 weeks old, wandered into runs where dogs were not expecting them, resulting in the death of those kittens before we could help them. Absolutely heartbreaking.

Elizabeth comforts Lotus.

Of course the other problem with someone just abandoning an animal here is we aren't expecting that animal and we have to scramble to find a place for them. This time of the year it's particularly difficult because we are always full, usually with litters of puppies and kittens which demand most of our time.

Still very skittish, but coming around.

This past week, we had a couple of new dogs show up one morning. Obviously abandoned, clearly neglected and malnourished, Jasmine and Lotus are just as sweet as they can be. Of course we're at capacity, so for now they'll stay at the barn where we first discovered them, but we'll get them medical treatment, spayed and they will be well fed, loved and cared for. They've already won over our hearts.

Winona, MS Pound Rescue

2009-03-17T14:52:00.001-07:00

Lauren with Hendrix and Joplin who were
rescued from the Winona, MS Pound.

A friend of Lauren’s called her to report that the Winona Pound was over-crowded and a paralyzed dog was dragging herself through the waste in her run. Lauren headed straight for the Pound to check it out. Upon arriving, Lauren called me and confirmed the conditions - she was clearly very upset. It was evening and Charlie, the closest thing Winona has to an Animal Control Officer, was off duty, so it would be the next morning before we could do anything. The next morning we headed straight for the pound after caring for our pups.

Charlie, the Animal Control Officer
at the Pound, with Joplin and Crosby.

We've worked with the Charlie for several years and have helped inspire the formation of a humane society that’s planning fundraisers to build a proper shelter. In the meantime, dogs are impounded in the deplorable conditions of the open-air kennel. Faucets run continuously, keeping the cement runs wet. Large and small dogs are crowded together. While county jail inmates are deployed to clean the pens, the number of dogs and infrequency of cleaning means the dogs are surrounded constantly by feces and wasted food. There’s only one sleeping compartment for each run, which are made from sections of road culvert and are not large enough to accommodate multiple dogs. Dogs aren’t inoculated or wormed, nor do they receive medical attention, even those beyond recovery.

Doll removing Belle from the Pound and some of Belle's injuries.

On this morning we found a female dog, Belle, who had obviously been hit by a car. Her back end was paralyzed and had open, untreated wounds from the impact. Charlie confirmed that she had been there several days in this condition. We also found a momma dog with a litter of puppies, a single puppy in another run and several more adults. All of whom we took. We only left two dogs that were in together and were clearly well cared for, handsome dogs. We contacted the editor of the Winona Times, who is also president of the humane society. I asked her to get a story in the paper featuring these dogs on how to find your missing dog. We'll check back in to make sure these dogs are looked after and don't fall through the cracks.

Unfortunately, Belle was confirmed by the vet to be hopelessly paralyzed and suffered internal injuries that she would not recover from. Charlie asked that she be euthanized, and without hope for her recovery we had no other choice. The other dogs will be altered tomorrow and have been wormed and given their shots.

We realize we can't save them all, but we always do our absolute best and at least this group is not suffering any longer at the Winona Pound.

Doll cradles Tammy before placing her
in the van for the trip to Project Hope.

Phoenix

2009-03-09T14:20:00.001-07:00

from Doll

Phoenix’s story is as amazing as it is moving. On March 6, 2008 Mississippi State University’s veterinary student team, dubbed the “Fix ‘em Team”, was winding up their day of spaying and neutering the rescued dogs at Project Hope Sanctuary. Under the leadership and guidance of Dr. Phil Bushby, Professor of Animal Health and Ethics, third year veterinary students receive training and experience in surgery through spaying and neutering shelter animals. Occasionally they also perform other surgeries that they must become familiar with.

The MSU team was completing their sanitation of surgery tables and cages and the Project Hope staff was unloading the last of the dogs and cats to be returned to their quarters to recover when Project Hope supporter Cecil Kirk whipped his jeep in behind the mobile spay unit. Sensing there was an emergency, Project Hope staff joined Cecil at the rear of his vehicle. As he opened the rear door a long eye-lashed puppy who looked as if she’d been rolled over by a vehicle peered back at examining eyes. It looked as if this little dog had severe road burn. Cecil thought she’d been attacked by coyotes.

Some of Phoenix's injuries.

The little dog was rushed into the mobile unit and Dr. Bushby went right to work on her. After shaving her just a bit he announced that it wasn’t road burn she suffered from - she’d been scalded. Within minutes her wounds were fully exposed and there was no mistaking it, boiling water had been poured on her head, rolling down around her ears and down her back and around her sides. She had to have been positioned with her feet on the person who, without question, intentionally poured the scalding water on her. Had it been another liquid, such as oil, or some chemical, a evidence of the substance would have remained.

Dr. Bushby finished shaving away the hair around the burned area and removed the hanging and decaying skin. This little girl had suffered her torture perhaps days earlier. How she’d survived the initial injury and shock is amazing. Infection hadn’t yet set in.

Dr. Bushby and team prepare Phoenix for treatment.

She was cared for by me until her recovery and adoption. I almost immediately named her Phoenix. Phoenix’s first night was horrid - even with a pain reliever she moaned and whined the entire night.

The first days were tough on Phoenix, but her sweet little spirit was undaunted. She nosed the dogs that shared the staff quarters with and greeted staff with soft little kisses and wet nose nudges. It would be awhile before she was healed enough to venture off the porch.

As Phoenix’s horribly burned body healed the skin surrounding the deeper burns began to pull. Any little bump evoked a cry. Her first shot was an ordeal. Because her skin was thickened and scarred the needle couldn’t easily penetrate. Precious little Phoenix screamed and struggled in terror of experiencing more pain. While she may not have realized this human had intentionally caused her suffering, she was acutely aware of the pain she’d endured and she wanted no part of anymore of it.

This little darling pup had been scalded and then transported and dumped on a rural road with few residences. It was quickly established that she wasn’t the companion of any of the residents. Project Hope sanctuary’s mother organization, In Defense of Animals, offered a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the torture of Phoenix. So far the perpetrator hasn’t been caught.

When young perpetrators act out their disrespect for life they usually brag. Vengeful adults who act in fits of aggravated anger are usually wise to the need for relishing their satisfaction in silence.

Phoenix on the road to recovery.

When IDA members and the public learned of the dastardly torture of Phoenix adoption offers poured in. We realized that the offers were well intentioned, but were inspired by sympathy. Phoenix would need an understanding guardian with patience for a little mischief maker. She delighted in getting into things, hiding things, chewing, and skirmishing with the “grazer pack” at Project Hope. The grazers are the dogs with disabilities and personalities that prohibit them from sharing communal quarters with other matched dog groups, but they share a special bond and mischief is their game.

As Phoenix was dearly loved by both Project Hope staff and the grazers there was no rush to place her. I wanted to wait until her image as an abused animal faded. She wanted Phoenix to be loved for the vivacious, delightful imp with Disney character lashes that she was. The smart, strong-willed champion of survival.

Amy White, founder of the MSU “Homeward Bound” student group, matchmaker for regional dogs and adoptive guardians and east coast rescue groups and shelters, called to say Phoenix had been chosen for adoption through an animal shelter in New Hampshire. The Project Hope staff sucked up their tears and rejoiced in Phoenix’s chance for a fresh start.

A week later and Phoenix was on her way. She was transported first to West Virginia where volunteer transporter Glenn Bidwell of Rhode Island met the Homeward Bound group. Glenn would shuttle the dogs on the second leg of the trip from West Virginia to the Salem Animal Rescue League in New Hampshire.

Upon arriving at their destination Glenn and Phoenix had sparked a bound that neither wanted to end. Glenn shared that Phoenix didn’t want to get out of his van and he was crazy about her. With three prospective guardians waiting to meet Phoenix, Glenn rushed home to Rhode Island to return with Samus, his best friend and constant companion.

Back at the Salem Animal Rescue League, Glenn and Phoenix bonded, were approved for adoption, and were homeward bound.

Glenn and I have spoken often and little Phoenix’s fantasy life has been realized. She has a big buddy to pal around with, a work at home guardian with whom she takes many trips to their favorite lake and the beach. Now Phoenix has everything she loves.

Phoenix, nearly fully recovered,

takes a dip in a puddle.

Update for March 6, 2009

2009-03-06T13:21:00.001-08:00

Wendy, Simone, Ali and Drew were rescued
from a dumpster at the Winona, MS dump.

It’s been an exciting and very rewarding week. Two precious men donated the funds for us to transport 20 dogs and 8 cats to Every Creature Counts (ECC) in Ft. Lupton, CO, just outside Denver. They are our marvelous partners in adoption and have a shelter, surgery room, and sanctuary to care for and place animals.

There’s always much preparation for our trips. Medical records are used to prepare transport papers and a health certificate is required for the inter-state travel of animals. Photos of the animals are forwarded and if any shots or preventive medications are due, they’re administered. “Doc”, Dr. Abernethy, our primary veterinarian came out to aid with rabies shots, reexamined the traveling animals and prepared the health certificates. He’s a jewel. He was to geld Otis and perform a procedure for Buttercup, the newly rescued mare we’ve given haven to. This had to be postponed as we had torrential rains.

Chele Whitehead, MSU staff member and loyal volunteer and advocate for Hope Sanctuary accompanied me on the trip to Colorado. We make a good team for such a trip. Besides the 24-hour trip, including stops for giving the animals a break from their cages, there’s music and snacks to enjoy. The flat treeless horizon of Kansas roadways requires diversion.

We arrived at ECC just before they opened Friday morning. The care and concern their staff and volunteers shower on arriving animals is a tribute to the amazing work they do. They have a sanctuary and an in-town shelter for intake and adoption. They also have a volunteer team that takes animals to adoption centers they’ve established with regional businesses.

ECC has aided with the adoption of an average of 50 animals a month when we are able to afford the trip. It’s a complete blessing for us as we’ve loved animals back to health and want to see the completion of our mission – their adoption into homes with loving guardians who’ll treasure and provide for them for life.

Support for our care for and partnership for the adoption of animals is vitally needed. Just as we were leaving for Colorado we were alerted to the need for sanctuary for four families of pups - one group was saved from dumpster at the Winona, MS dump by Lauren and Elizabeth after we were alerted that someone had dumped them there. Only one of the families has there mother. They range from from 4 weeks to 12 weeks in age.

These animals too will need homes. Our “Homeward Bound” friends of MSU are already posting these animals on their adoption site.

We ask that you become a partner with us in our efforts and please, please share reports of our work with friends and acquaintances.

Without you on our team the challenge before us may prove to be too great.

An Amazing Transformation

2009-03-02T17:18:00.000-08:00

A couple of days before Christmas this past December while I was down at Project Hope, Doll went to talk to a man about three donkeys of his that she had rescued. The donkeys had escaped his property and were on their way to Interstate 55 - which would have been disastrous. Fortunately, Doll and her two sidekicks, Lauren and Elizabeth, were able to wrangle the donkeys back to Project Hope and into a secured fenced-in area.

The man wasn't in a hurry to get the donkeys back to his property since Doll was caring for and feeding them. And frankly Doll wasn't in a rush to give them back either. She didn't consider him an animal abuser, but he had certainly proven himself to be neglectful over the years.

When she returned from her trip down the road to his property, I walked out of the office to meet her in the driveway. As I approached she looked visibly upset and was yelling something at me that I couldn't quite make out. Once I was within sight of the passenger seat, it became clear. There in the passenger seat were three of the most pathetic looking puppies I had seen in a long while. Bellies distended to the point where it looked like each of them had swallowed a football and it was sitting sideways in their stomachs - nearly hairless from mange - terrified.

Doll had asked this man to bring her a pregnant momma dog that was on his property over the previous summer for a free spay surgery. He never did. These puppies were her puppies. They had been living outside with little to no shelter. On this day, the day they finally made it to Project Hope, it was in the 20's in the daytime and near the single digits at night.

Doll had been yelling for me to get the camera, which I quickly did. We snapped a few pictures and took some quick video and rushed them into the quarantine room.

That afternoon we drove them to the vet for a quick check-up, shots and a wormer. Their recovery was underway, but it was by no means swift. Doll cared for these puppies over the last three months and nursed them back from certain death. Wednesday morning of last week two of the three, Larry and Itamar, left for Every Creature Counts in Denver. They're absolutely beautiful now and will surely be adopted to a good home quickly.

Below are some before and after photos and a short video from the day they arrived.

Larry and Itamar on December 19, 2008.

Larry and Itamar on February 20, 2009.

Transport Underway

2009-02-26T11:16:00.001-08:00

This morning Doll and Chele left with a van full of 28 lucky dogs and cats for another trip to Every Creature Counts (ECC) in Denver.

It's a tough, long 24 hour drive in each direction, but it means everything in the world to the animals on the van who will now have a chance at a new life and a good home in the Denver area.

Here are a few of the animals on this trip:

Bennie

Rainbow

Larry

Aaron

Moe

Reggie

Update for February 24, 2009

2009-02-24T13:37:00.001-08:00

What is it about us that there’s no getting use to what’s unacceptable, horrid, vile.

The treats and wonders of this life light us up from the break of dawn until the last glimpse of the star-spread night. The irresistible innocent thrill of crisp yellow dried grass crunching beneath your slick soled mucks as you step from the slippery morning steps gives way to annoying drops of chilled condensation you try to miss as you deliver food from deck to deck. Perhaps what’s so special is that these are the last of the predictable moments of the day.

I begin every day with a plan and toss it in with the dyer sheet of the first load of laundry. Coupled with the unexpected is the weight of time and cost management, two factors that can clash and certainly weigh on all of our minds in these economic times. Fierce faith and total compassion have to merge with sound decisions to make the seemingly impossible - a promise to animals that have no hope without Project Hope’s commitment.

This week was a glowing example of how we meet the expectations of our home team, supporters, viewers, and ourselves.

Sunday, as I arrived at PetSmart to meet fellow rescuer Debbie Young who’d aided us with the placement of pups, Chickasaw County Sheriff Jimmy Simmons called to ask for help. On a tip, he’d busted a group of dog fighters. There were two dogs involved and another dog on site. Arrests were made, but his county, like so many in the region, has refused him an animal shelter, so he took the dogs to his home kennels temporarily, but needed our help in finding a haven and a future for them. Our vet, Dr. Abernathy, agreed to care for them temporarily. It would be Tuesday before I could offer assistance.

On Tuesday I arrived at Sheriff Simmons' to transport the dogs. As I pulled in to his property his Basset Hound, pot belly pig, and Preacher, his Mt. Cur/Catahoula mix met me. Preacher is Sheriff Simmons' constant companion, even accompanying the Sheriff to court.

As I passed the gates to his workshop and kennels a chorus of curious, begging, and frustrated voices peppered my ears. Sheriff Simmons keeps numerous hounds and aids stray and abandoned dogs. Dogs were chained, kenneled in cotton trailers, hutches, and a variety of cages. My senses were challenged. Sheriff Simmons cares deeply for dogs; he just has a vastly different acceptance of care and confinement than we do.

Sheriff Simmons pointed to a confined senior Golden Retriever named Gatsby and asked if I could take him. He’d nursed him back from starvation, but with his responsibilities he might not get the time to place him soon. I couldn’t deny him help, nor leave the dog.

Gatsby

Next we loaded a very sweet female, "Gyp", that Sheriff Simmons had freed from her exploiters.

The two males who’d fought were housed at the back of the property where Sheriff Simmons had securely separated them from each other and his dogs. The first male refused to leave the barrel he’d curled up in. He offered to hurt the two men trying to get him to come out. A homemade catch pole was necessary to extricate him. He was pitifully marred with scars, punctures, and lacerations.

The next dog came more willingly, though he seemed perplexed with his circumstance and clearly displayed symptoms of discomfort and pain. He shook his badly infected ear and his stomach and groin sucked in with each painful breath. His legs were also badly punctured and lacerated.

Once in the van the unwilling dog began to growl and snarl towards the other dog. I slipped thick cardboard between them and he calmed down. The trip to Doc’s was uneventful except that my senses had experienced more than my emotions could rationalize. I hurt so for what I’d seen and wanted to change that my insides ached. I was ill.

At Doc’s, attendant Peggy cheerfully came out to assist. We began by setting up safe and as comfortable as possible caging for the dogs. I named the Golden Retriever Gatsby and when we got him out his exuberant and strong lead nearly overpowered Peggy. He was thrilled with his meal and settled in.

Chickasaw III (the female) I named Iris. She was so sweet and cooperative. With her settled in we went back for the boys.

Iris

Chickasaw II (the tan male) I named Danny. He needed a name that said he deserved to be seen for the individual he was and not what he’d been subjected to. He was easy to handle and was relieved to settle in. I photographed his wounds and tried to capture the gentle mood in which he cooperated.

Danny

Chickasaw I (the black male) now named Harris, did not want to be moved again but he did not challenge or take his discomfort out on us. Once inside I shut the doors to the entrance, exit, and other run areas and allowed him to explore the area in front of his run. The large dogs in the adjoining runs were calm so I allowed him to approach and smell them. He was calm and showed pleasure from my gentle strokes on the small area of his head free of lacerations. He was so totally covered with scars and wounds that it was astounding.

Harris

Sheriff Simmons believed the court would grant him custody of the dogs within a week or two. We’ll work to see if we can get the dogs into trained hands who are experienced with deprogramming dogs who’ve been pitted against others.

Sarah, our new volunteer vet student who also works at Doc’s, took notes on the mannerism and condition of the dogs after she walked them and Dr. Ann treated their wounds.

The gentler rewards of the week involved our joint efforts with the second year MSU student program who altered the 13 dogs we aided the Cleveland Shelter with. The dogs were to have been heartworm negative so they might be chosen for transport, or local adoption. It turned out that some of them had not been tested and others were positive. It was very stressful learning that this complication had set our efforts back, but both the MSU students and PH decided we wouldn’t turn our backs on the dogs. We will jointly aid the shelter with saving the dogs. The blessing for PH is that the cost of treatment will not impact us. We will simply work with the school and shelter in finding placement and transport for the dogs.

Sherri Norquist called to ask for our urgent help for a mare who was removed from a circumstance of extreme neglect. "Buttermilk", now Buttercup, had a worthy guardian who was talked into giving her to a man who wanted a horse for his grandchild. The man fell into financial woes and totally failed his four horses. He didn’t even pick up the phone to see if they could be returned to their previous guardians. Buttercup was nearly dead.

Buttercup

When Buttercup arrived it was incredible that she could possibly be in better condition than when rescued. Though she clearly was hundreds of pounds underweight, she had the strength to give a clear message to the donkeys and Rodney that she wanted to be friends, but definitely would not share her food.

Rodney is so thrilled to have a horse to spend time with. It took Buttercup a little time to understand that the big gentle giant has something about him that lends to his abrupt approach. Though blind, Rodney is remarkably adept at using his senses find food and friends with minimal effort and with seldom and slight bumps and near collisions.

Rodney loves his Buttercup.

All and all it’s been a remarkable week. As challenging and emotional as our encounters with cruelty are, the determination and rewards to aid suffering and exploited animals overrides even the fears of how all of this can be accomplished and with the limitations of the resources of today’s economy.

Sheriff Simmons has rescued horses that our friend and helper in horse cases, Billy Mills, may be able to take. A Vaiden family rushed a dog to us that had been shot and Doc is aiding. We’ll be helping our dear friend and fellow rescuer, Linda Money, in her extreme time of need. Her home burned and her animals that were inside perished. We can all relate to that horror.

New volunteer Trista with Natalia.

New and absolutely wonderful volunteer Trista Wilkinson has not only volunteered nearly every day this week, but her father has offered to aid us with the electrical work we so badly need. He may not be able to help until early summer so we may have to go ahead with two of the projects, but we’re thrilled with the prospect of genuine volunteerism heading our way. Saturday we had four volunteers aid for at least a portion of the day. Yahoo!

Sweet Sixteen

2009-02-12T09:34:00.000-08:00

A photo of Doll from the early days of Hope Sanctuary.

From Doll

Sixteen years! Can you believe it? Sixteen years ago today I flew in to Jackson, MS from from San Francisco. Sally Link and Jan Leslie had been pleading for IDA’s help to expose and end the nefarious business practices of USDA licensed animal dealer, Jerry Vance. A Department of Environmental Quality inspector who had inspected Vance’s pig farm had discovered his massive kennel operation next door. The inspector was missing his dog that he believed to be stolen. He asked a worker if he could look at the dogs and, amazingly, among the hundreds of dogs, he found his.

That night he called Jan Leslie, the one remaining active member of the defunct Grenada Humane Society. Jan prompted a flurry of activities that spread the word resulting in a second dog being recovered from Vance’s operation. Jan notified the USDA and local authorities with little to no result.

It’s a long and moving story that sadly concludes with the second and final disappearance of both recovered dogs, months of investigating Ripley, Mississippi’s “First Monday”, a trade and sell event held the weekend before the first Monday of each month. Trips to other auctions and trade days where “bunchers”, people who obtain dogs and cats in any manner possible and sell them for biomedical research, uncovered more dealers. Jeff Hodges, crony to Jerry Vance, was one of the dealers. The horrors I captured in video and photos at his kennels made national news.

I was to be in Mississippi for two weeks. Months of undercover work and the superb assistance from our home office team exposed the dealings of these men. What our investigation uncovered was so incredible that we caught the attention of the popular news magazine show Eye to Eye.

When the nation learned that these dealers each had over 750 violations of the Federal Animal Welfare Act, regulations intended to protect animals destined for laboratories from unnecessary abuse, the USDA was besieged with calls. The USDA was forced to pull the licenses of these men. In a cruel twist of fate the men were fined $25,000 each, but weren’t required to pay it “unless they were caught violating the AWA again.”

The encounters I had with neglect and cruelty between February and August made it very clear that IDA’s presence was vital in the region.

In the first few years we were amazed with the events we encountered. Another outrageous case that comes to mind; Jim Bates, a pet shop supplier, who horribly neglected his animals – we removed 683 dead and dying birds, rodents, and reptiles from just one of his warehouses. He was ordered to pay a $3000 fine and to cease business in Poplarville, MS. Today, he’s back in the news. After years of moving, he relocated in Jackson. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks learned he was selling native wildlife, that he was again badly neglecting, and charged him. He’s now fled arrest.

We’ve shut down puppymills, collectors, including Catherine Twiss, who held 86 lions, tigers, bears, pumas, a liger and a camel in the most deplorable of conditions. We helped prosecute a pet shop dealer who locked her doors and left the animals to die. We’ve helped countless animals, making a difference one animal at a time.

Looking back, all of this is amazing to me, but the most amazing thing is when an abused or neglected animal comes to Hope Sanctuary and is able to find peace in this sanctuary we’ve established for those who would have otherwise had no hope.

We’ve come so far. Mississippi State University now spays and neuters for us twice a month, we’re beginning to gain the support of the community, and we’ve had a profound affect on law enforcement, the courts, and the public. There is still much work to be done.

Thank you to everyone who’s helped us on this sixteen year journey. We couldn’t have done it without your support.

Moving Big Cats

2009-01-20T12:10:00.000-08:00

By far one of the most interesting things I have ever witnessed took place during this last trip to Project Hope. Two tigers (Cookie and Alex) and a liger (Freckles) at a sanctuary that was closing in Gore Springs, MS needed to be relocated. Cougar Haven's owner had fallen on hard times and was unable to care for the trio any longer. A group from Tampa called Big Cat Rescue stepped in to help and we were there to witness their big move.

Doll had helped place Freckles at Cougar Haven years before when she fought and won the freedom for dozens of big cats from a hoarder in Mississippi. It was nice to see Freckles, Alex and Cookie moved to such a wonderful place as Big Cat Rescue.

Getting Back on Schedule

2009-01-15T12:48:00.000-08:00

Rodney is not terribly concerned that I make it into the picture.

I just returned from two weeks at Project Hope, spent with Doll over Christmas. As expected I found Doll and her small staff very busy with animal care, daily maintenance of the sanctuary and calls from the community at large for help with animals in peril.

If you've followed this blog at all you know that it's been a while since we updated. Well, we're resolving to do better with our updates. It's not that there hasn't been anything to report - quite the contrary, we've all been very, very busy. We will do better here at relaying the good and bad of what's keeping Doll and crew busy in their little slice of animal heaven outside Duck Hill, MS.

Weekly Update for September 23, 2008

2008-09-23T09:43:00.000-07:00

A few veterinary students from Mississippi State University have started a group called Homeward Bound—they focus on placing older animals, and those with illnesses that often make them less adoptable. They’ve already found homes for several of our harder to place dogs, including a few that the students were treating for heartworm. We are so thankful to Homeward Bound, as they are making all the difference in the world to so many animals!

Doll received several complaints about conditions at the Winona Pound; they’ve had problems for years that she’s been investigating. On this trip, Doll found sick dogs left untreated, animals with no water and overall conditions of filth. Doll is now working with an Animal Control Officer to get the pound up to acceptable standards, and will check back in a couple of weeks for a progress report.

Weekly Update for September 11, 2008

2008-09-11T15:51:00.001-07:00

Doll and the new Hope Sanctuary employee, Elizabeth, set out on Friday morning on another transport to Every Creature Counts in Denver. On the van were 42 dogs, puppies, cats and kittens. Included in this group were 12 Chihuahua mixes from a recent hoarder case Doll investigated in Oakland, MS. These twelve Chihuahuas are all special needs and very timid. Lisa and her crew at Every Creature Counts are terrific at working with special needs animals and bringing them around. Without Every Creature Counts, these Chihuahuas and several other special needs animals on this transport would have had little hope of adoption.

Hope Sanctuary would also like to thank Dr. Martha Lewis for her generous and thoughtful donation of a horse trailer—we've been looking for a donation of a trailer for a long time to help us with transports! This thoughtful donation will help ensure that the animals at Hope Sanctuary continue to have the opportunity to find good homes. The one item we need to make it complete is a truck to pull the trailer, so we welcome one with open arms if you have one to donate.

Weekly Update for August 14, 2008

2008-08-14T08:04:00.000-07:00

Longtime friend of Hope Sanctuary and Doll,
Debbie Young, stopped by with her grandson, Austin.
The dogs were thrilled.

From Doll:

I'm on my way to Washington, DC for the AR2008 Conference, so here's a brief update and I will send photos and a bit more to everyone when I can.

We spent much of the week preparing for our transport to Denver over the weekend. In addition to caring for our animals, responding to the needs and requests of people seeking aid for animals, and the myriad of other daily tasks we made sure our 26 dogs and 23 cats heading for Every Creature Counts (ECC) were ready.

All but 1 puppy and 5 kittens were altered. The 6 were males who hadn't developed enough for surgery. ECC will ensure they are altered when they are ready before they are made available for adoption.

All the animals had shots, parasite prevention, and had received weeks of care to recover from the horrid condition most of them were in when they arrived. Most of the kittens had been through a series of antibiotics. The cleanliness of the our cattery is always a priority, but when most of your cats have come in sick within days of each other maintaining a healthful environment is a real task.

As always we'd fallen in love with the animals we cared for and parting was emotional. With that said, we express our highest regard and appreciation for the wonderful folks at ECC for making our dreams come true for the precious animals we've cared for. Their partnership for the placement of the animals we both are working so hard to save is truly making a world of difference in our ability to aid the animals we rescue.

Chele Whitehead and I left for Colorado early Friday morning. As we neared the Arkansas boarder with Oklahoma the Hope Sanctuary van experienced electrical problems. I called Eric who immediately contacted the nearest Enterprise Car Rental. The manager, Mack, was closing the office for the day, but answered the phone and went above and beyond to help us. Mack drove out to pick me up off the interstate and even contacted a towing service for us who rushed out to retrieve our stranded van. Once we got everyone resettled in the new Enterprise van, we were off and had only lost about 3 hours, which, considering the circumstances, was pretty amazing.

We arrived at ECC Saturday morning and off loaded our precious cargo. We stopped by my step-daughter's house for a bite to eat and some much need rest before hitting the road back to Mississippi.

We arrived back at Hope Sanctuary around 11 p.m. Sunday night. By Monday afternoon the electrical problem in our van was fixed and so I headed back toward Ft. Smith, AR to retrieve it and return the rental.

Lauren and Phillip held down the fort and new volunteer, Joe Johnson, helped with cutting the grass and maintaining the grounds.

Well, that's it for now. As I said, more later and photos when I have time.

Transport Underway

2008-08-08T12:16:00.000-07:00

Doll and Chele left this morning on a transport to Every Creature Counts in Denver. It's a 24 hour drive to and from, so they've got quite a long weekend ahead of them. This is a trip they've both done several times before, so they are all to familiar with the route.

Included on this transport are 26 puppies, 24 kittens and one young adult lab. Here are just a few of the puppies and kittens on their way to a new life and new home in Denver.

Weekly Report for August 7, 2008

2008-08-07T10:46:00.000-07:00

From Doll:

We are again preparing for a trip to take our puppies and kittens to be placed through our friends at Every Creature Counts (ECC). This transport will include over 50 puppies and kittens who will all have a better chance at finding a good home at ECC.

Brittany, our 12-year-old volunteer is back. She's returned after traveling with her family during for the summer. Brittany is as helpful as she is delightful.

One of the young surgeons poses for us after completing the last of the days surgeries. Again we are indebted to Dr. Bushby and his team. They have afforded our animals the surgeries required for our transports and freed our budget from the burden of costly surgeries.

Lauren aids Ossie Alderman with his mother dog. She came along for the day while her pups were being spayed. We trimmed her nails and kept her comfortable. At the end of the day she returned home with the Aldermans and one of her puppies that was promised a local home. Her other 3 pups will be included on our transport.

Mr. Peabody will make the trip to CO in the near future. He is recovering from a serious case of mite infestation. A dear woman saw him at a rabbit breeders and begged to be allowed to bring him to us. Brittany noted, "he's a meat rabbit", to which I responded that he was no meat rabbit now.

Cookie ponders the possibility of opening one of the emu's feed bags before we can close the storage door. He quickly moves on when the watermelon party starts.

Biscuit, the handsome gray tabby with Lauren is home. He had a stay at the vets to determine what might be causing his upset stomach. The diagnosis is a probable food allergy. Lauren is happy to have back 'the biscuit maker'.

Lauren and I spent an early evening trapping pups at a truck stop in Vaiden, MS. Montana, Nevada and Cheyenne have all been rescued. Back at the Sanctuary Nevada wondered from the safety of the porch and when he found himself alone in the trees he began to howl. I was already on his trail.

Here's a photo of me with Elaine Adair, president of MS SPAN, at this weekend's conference in Jackson, MS. The conference was well attended by rescuers and humane representatives from across the state. MS SPAN will be opening a high volume, low cost spay/neuter clinic in the fall.

Cindy Bailey poses with Rapunzel. Cindy is a longtime friend of Hope Sanctuary and is fostering our little Rapunzel.

Finally, these 3 horses are the subject of an ongoing cruelty investigation. In this photo they're dusting the dirt in search of any morsel to eat. We're working with local law enforcement to seize them.

Weekly Report for July 31, 2008

2008-07-31T17:07:00.001-07:00

from Doll:

The grazers meet in the drive every morning for a new day. They wrestle and chit chat and then Alice and Phoenix break loose and run to the pond, the other girls and Cloud wander down to say 'hi' to arriving staff, tease buddies, and the like. When Billingsley and I head for the hill the crew joins us.

Yesterday, Phoenix discovered an old leg bone, a reminder that our sanctuary was once a cattle farm. She ran too fast for me to get a picture of her carrying it. When she laid it down Billingsley grabbed it and picked right up where she'd left off.

Phoenix is a busy girl. She makes certain Norman is still in his hideout until the chicken area gate is repaired. Norman's brothers don't like him so he's still under house protection.

Penny Lane is the beautiful and very sweet little red dapple who arrived the other day. It was very said, her guardian suffers from leukemia, her third bout with cancer, and she wanted to make certain Penny Lane would be well cared for. It happened to be her birthday and probably was a birthday present for her knowing she wouldn't have to worry about her Penny Lane.

Special and Awesome, the two puppies that turned up at Laure's house a few weeks back, are doing fantastic. They were in such bad shape when Lauren rescued them and we feared Awesome wouldn't make it. They are both doing terrific and will be headed to Denver on our next transport.

The kittens too are prospering. I did get alarmed today though when I heard sneezing - we'll just have to watch and see.

Kaleidoscope is a very unhappy cat. She hides form us and from the cats all day long. We haven't given her something to hide in because we were hoping she'd give in and join the other cats. That hasn't happened, so well have to try something else to make her more comfortable.

A hoarder just outside of Oakland, MS has many needy animals. After visiting I believe we can help them and her, too.

We're working on other cases and we'll share more when it's appropriate.

Weekly Report for July 23, 2008

2008-07-23T14:11:00.000-07:00

From Doll:

Hi Everyone. It's been another packed week of amazing highs and flat out 'oh no' moments.

Phillip and Hayden help Rodney become acquainted with his new pasture. Rodney was discovered blind and wandering on his own. We want to thank Kelly, her vet clinic and the Carthage sale barn for rescuing Rodney and seeking our guardianship for this really sweet horse.

Phoenix came to us a few months back - picked up off the side of he road by a good Samaritan. Phoenix was either scaled with hot liquid or had a caustic substance poured on him. His back and and the back of his next had open wounds that were not very old. Fortunately, he arrived when the doctors from Mississippi State were here doing spay/neuter surgeries and they were able to look at him and treat him right away. It's been a tough recovery for him, but as you can see in the photo, he's doing much better and enjoying his time with us.

A young woman who works at the Grenada Cinema rescued Liz from a breeder who planned to shoot her because Liz failed to breed. Liz arrived Sunday, emaciated and starving. She's delightful and bonding with her new run mates, Roscoe and Lance.

Dr. Abernathy was here Tuesday evening to address a deep puncture Rodney received to his chest before arriving. While he was cleaning the wound and determining if there was danger to the artery beneath it, our neighbor, Candy, rushed an injured cat to us. The cat's bulging eye had turned a sickening brown. Doc took her back to the clinic with him. Candice, as we now know her, lost her eye, but is really enjoying the perks of our cattery.

Sanctuary life is as replete with the dark realities of rescue as the joys we experience. Adam and his sisters Melody and Coconut arrived at the Sanctuary about a week ago. Upon arrivel, they seemed fine, but unfortunately all three broke with parovirus on Monday. Just hours before we were relishing their new lease on life. Now the gnawing sorrow of knowing their short lives are gravely imperiled is so sad. We will do whatever we can to pull them through this, but brace ourselves for the possibility that despite our efforts this insidious virus may take them.

We've been treating a group of sick kittens at the sanctuary and at the direction of our veterinarian, have tried a number of medications, but nothing seems to have helped.
What may simply be a cold can also be FIP, chlamyda or another virus altogether. Tests for these diseases conclude only that a cat has been exposed to them - not that the cat is suffering the effects, so we're back to basics here and just administered penicillin to the kittens who've not improved with the other medications prescribed.

A couple of days ago Lauren discovered two abandoned pups beneath her porch and brought them in to the Sanctuary. 'Awesome' and 'Special' are doing better, but their condition was so grave initially that we placed them in quarantine.

We're still seeking aid for the dogs and cats in jeopardy at the hoarders we've been alerted to and the numerous horses reported to be neglected. Please contact doll@idausa.org, if you can help.

Two local communities have asked us for help in establishing shelter and care for their stray animals. We've promised guidance if their officials are willing and committed to following through with building facilities and establishing policies for humane capture and care.

We've also been asked for help for five big cats we've known for many years. Their faithful guardian has run into hard times and has not garnered support for his efforts and will likely
turn over guardianship of them to a more stable environment. The response we've received thus far has been very promising.

You may remember Billingsley from a report a couple of weeks back. Until we can create a safer enclosure for him, he's staying in with the 'grazers'. Billingsley has a nasty habit of jumping, and easily clearing, every fence on the property. He needs his exercise, so I often accompany him and the group of grazers on evening walks and on this early evening walk, the sky was absolutely beautiful. It's a really pretty time of the year at Hope Sanctuary - my favorite time of the year. The walks are a good chance to take a break and spend some quiet time with the dogs and just enjoy the scenery - if only for a little while.

Weekly Update for July 17, 2008

2008-07-17T07:57:00.000-07:00

From Doll:

Dr. Bushby and his team of veterinary students visited on Friday, July 11th. His and his team managed to spay/neuter every unaltered animal with the exception of a few who are battling illness.

We had a litter of kittens arrive emaciated, with coccidia, upper respiratory and intestinal worms. Sadly, despite our best efforts and the efforts of the doctors at Veterinary Associates in Grenada, we lost three of the litter.

Pretty Girl, a very precious, shy dog who has graced us with her cautious affection for 10 years had her fatty tumor removed. It's the second time she's had surgery for the persistent growth. Everything went well and she's already almost fully recovered.

The Delta Today and Grenada Star features on Hope Sanctuary were terrific, but so far have not generated the funds we'd hoped they might. However, Dr. Holden, a retired veterinarian who we've worked with quite a bit over the years, did see the piece in the Grenada Star and made a very generous donation. Although retired, he remains very active and just returned from the Ukraine where he was working to help establish veterinary clinics in remote parts of the country. He is truly a compassionate human being.

Thank you to everyone who did call or donate in response to the two articles. We appreciate your support and encouragement.

As always, if you'd like to become a supporter of our work, please visit: https://secure.ga0.org/02/idadonations_project.

We are continuing to work on a animal hoarding case a few counties over. A woman and her wheelchair-bound son have about 70 dogs. Law enforcement have been working with us, but the process has been slow. We are in need of a place to move these dogs and funds for their care. Please do e-mail (doll@idausa.org) or call 662-237-0233, if you think you can help.

We've also received a call from law enforcement in another county about another hoarder. Details at the moment are still fuzzy, but we're told there are over 100 cats in and around the property. We'll give more details once we know more about the case.

I'm preparing for the AR2008 Conference, where I'll be one of the IDA presenters this year. My topics are: Running a Sanctuary, Engaging the Community, Conducting Investigations, Enforcing Protective Laws, and Abuse of Animal Companions. I love attending this conference and getting the chance to speak about these important issues. It's very empowering and I certainly hope I reach people and make them think about things they may not have considered before.

A dear friend of ours, Robin Rogers, helped out this weekend. She cleared the pig and dog buildings of bedding (hay) so they can be cleaned. The pigs, especially BJ, will want their hay back right away, but the dogs won't need it until it starts to turn cold in the Fall. BJ is very protective of his hay and tries to put it back as fast as you remove it. He gets so frustrated that he offers to take you on if you continue. He's really sweet, he just doesn't like anyone messing with his stuff.

I want to thank my staff for the days of pleasure working with them and seeing how sweet they are with the animals and the joy they take in the whimsical and intentional acts that never cease to amaze us.

Finally, a sad follow-up on Samuel, who we first mentioned in last week's report. Samuel was diagnosed with advanced demodectic mange. His feet had begun to swell and the bacterial infection and associated afflictions of the advanced stages of the parasitic infestation, coupled with his emaciated condition resulted in a little to no chance of recovery prognosis. After consultation with a couple of our veterinarians, it was decided the best thing to do was spare him any further suffering.

In the wake of the news about Samuel, Hope Sanctuary staff didn't have a happy morning. As we cared for the many animals who truly would have died without our intervention, we were able to do what folks must do to carry on - be thankful, say goodbye and not forget. Samuel will live on in our hearts and we are grateful for the brief time we shared with him.

Weekly Update for July 7, 2008

2008-07-08T15:38:00.000-07:00

From Doll:

We've had some really positive media coverage this week. Delta Today, which is a publication of Mississippi Power and is distributed to all their customers, gave us a center spread and the reporter did a really nice job. Also, Grenada's Daily Star newspaper came out yesterday to do a story about the state of the economy and the importance of providing help locally to those in need, be they human or non-human.

Unfortunately, we're receiving a higher than normal number of calls from people locally seeking help for abused, abandoned and neglected animals. We are doing our best to offer advice and help guide them to local resources, where there are any. We are working directly with several complainants to pursue the more egregious cases.

An example is a case right here at home in Carroll County. Today I asked for aid from the Carroll County Sheriff's Office with the neglect of an injured dog. A deputy agreed to speak to the animal's guardians and if they're unwilling or unable to afford veterinary care for her, they will be asked to surrender her to our custody.

We also received a visit from fellow rescuer Stephanie Ferguson, who brought us a juvenile dog (Samuel) ravaged by mange. The woman who found him didn't want him to go to the Winona Pound because she knew he'd be killed. The Pound is becoming notorious for their bad animal care practices and is once again overcrowded with pups and adults. We've called on the Mayor on several occasions to help get it cleaned up, but progress is slow.

Samuel is at Veterinary Associates in Grenada. We need to determine if he's suffering from Demodectic or Sarcoptic mange. If he's suffering from Sarcoptic mange, even as extensive as his sores are, we should be able to treat and cure him. However, if it's Demodectic mange, with an infection as bad as he has, we sadly may not be able to save him. We'll just have to wait for the results and as always, hope for the best.

Stephanie also brought a cat. The property owner where the cat showed up planned to shot her- an all too common occurrence in Mississippi. We asked Stephanie to run her to the Vet for a Feline Leukemia test. We've named her Stephanie in honor of her rescuer.

Linda and Peggy, sisters and owners of Two Sisters Cafe, also asked us to take a cat they found. They're big time 'cat people' and have rescued scores of cats and take very good care of them. We've offered to aid with placement through transport if we have room on one of our upcoming trips.

Yesterday, a Comcast employee rushed in to ask for help with a young dog he found on the road. Cody is now doing fine. He's very skinny, but that's something easily remedied here.

We also had a visit yesterday from a woman who came in with three pups she rescued from the side of the road. Sadly, one of their siblings had been struck and killed. A fate these three would no doubt have also suffered had she not acted. Coconut, Melody, and Adam are adorable and improving.

Nora, too, arrived yesterday. Terrified and covered with parasites, we bathed and inoculated her. Now more at ease, she met and played with Blueberry, Samantha and Susie.

Speaking of Susies, I awoke this morning to huge racket, one of our pigs, Susie, was strolling around in the dog area. She twisted her gate completely off it's hinges. Not satisfied with a stroll near the trees where there are no dogs, she was to face-to-face with several dog clans while several of our 'grazers' (dogs who roam free at the Sanctuary) trotted along with her. No one was hurt and with a little wrangling, Susie was back in the safety of her area.

Finally, we are happy to welcome Hayden to our crew. He is my weekend assistant. Keeping things in the family can be a good, or a not so good thing - in this case it's very good. Phillip and Lauren are siblings and Hayden is their cousin. Welcome Hayden.

About Hope Sanctuary

2008-07-02T21:21:00.000-07:00

In 1992, Doll Stanley, Northern California girl and In Defense of Animals (IDA) employee, was dispatched to Mississippi to investigate cases of companion animals turning up missing. We're talking about hundreds and hundreds of dogs and cats from all over Mississippi. What Doll's investigation turned up was horrifying. Several "entrepreneurs" were literally driving around the back roads of Mississippi and taking people's companion animals, then selling those animals to licensed USDA animal dealers who in turn were selling them to animal research facilities. It was as bad as it could get.

Doll, with the help of a team of people in IDA's home office, worked to identify these criminals, document their crimes and shut them down.

As Doll and IDA's work became known around Mississippi and people got to know her and understand her commitment and passion for helping animals, folks started coming to her with other stories about animals in need. Needing a place to house these animals seized from cruelty investigations and neglect cases, Hope Sanctuary was born.

What started as a somewhat brief trip to Mississippi to investigate missing companion animals has turned into a 15 year and counting crusade to help animals of all shapes and sizes all over Mississippi and other areas of the Deep South.

Death of a Princess

2008-06-03T13:36:00.000-07:00

On the afternoon of May 28th Cinderella (Cindy), Doll's companion of 15 years died. She passed peacefully and in one of her favorite spots at Project Hope. She will be deeply missed and we all mourn her loss.

From Doll:

Once upon a time I was in route to a cruelty case with law enforcement and a representative from the Mississippi Department of Agriculture. There were two abrupt stops. The first was for a mom and pups who fled the road for the safety of the woods. It was raining as I made my way through the thick thorns and stickers that lined the road. Now covered with scratches and in near complete darkness, I caught up to and was able to grab one of the puppies.

Back in route, Louis, my husband, decided he would have to drive if we were to arrive at a reasonable hour. Of course it wasn't long before we came across another helpless animal. This time a tiny, pitiful, gorgeous little girl sitting beside the road. A little abandoned princess. There were no residences for miles. Who would have put this adorable baby out?

Louis feel in love, but Mommy was her favorite. Louis couldn't put his foot or arm on my side of the bed without her tiny teeth telling him he had trespassed.

Aside from Cindy's protection of my side of the bed, she was truly born a little well-mannered princess. She never had to learn anything - she picked everything so quickly. She was so well behaved and dear, she was welcomed everywhere and would often accompany me to my friends Larry and Gay Evaldi's house.

Time passed and Cindy felt she was above living at a sanctuary for "dogs", mere "animals". Gay and Larry moved, crushing both Cindy and I. So when I was busy or had to travel, Sherri Norquist cared for our princess.

Not long ago Cindy told me she was OK with the sanctuary as long as she could shadow me. We had a very good time. It was common for folks in town to ask where the pup that sunned herself on the dash was - "Oh, I see her", they'd add.

Our little precious died before noon today. Our loss is mighty, but the fifteen years Cindy graced our lives will never be outdone, forgotten, or pulled from our hearts.

Goodbye my very precious Princess.

Hope Animal Sanctuary

Rescuing Dogs in Wyatt

November Transport

Remembering What Matters

Another Successful Transport

Court Victory!

Hoarder Around the Corner

Sabra

July Transport to Every Creature Counts

More Problems at the Winona Pound

Sarah Louise

Saving Frankie

Milton

Rescuing from a Rescuer and a Transport

Spunky and Susie

Midnight's Forever Home

Confronting Backyard Breeders

Hoarder Case and Transport Follow-up

Hoarder Case and Transport

Mississippi - Urge Senate to Pass First Offense Felony Cruelty Bill!

Clarksdale, MS Shelter

Rest in Peace

Breaking Mississippi Animal Cruelty Case

Alumni Update

Big Cat Follow-up

California Dreamin'

Transport Underway

Remembering Wilson

Horse Neglect

Victory for Carroll County Dogs!

Transport: On The Road Again

We Need Your Help!

The Life of Riley

Transport Follow-up

Update for August 10, 2009

16 Years and Counting

Clarksdale, MS Shelter

Update for July 16, 2009

Dog Neglect

No Rest for the Weary

Weekly Report Ending June 15th - Quick Update

Homeward Bound Transport

Phoenix Update

Update for May 14, 2009

Update for May 8, 2009

Transport Arrived in Colorado

Update for April 21, 2009

A Few Recent Adoptions

The Daily Star Article on Project Hope

A Home for Elsie

Abandonment Issues

Winona, MS Pound Rescue

Phoenix

Update for March 6, 2009

An Amazing Transformation

Transport Underway

Update for February 24, 2009

Sweet Sixteen

Moving Big Cats

Getting Back on Schedule

Weekly Update for September 23, 2008

Weekly Update for September 11, 2008

Weekly Update for August 14, 2008

Transport Underway

Weekly Report for August 7, 2008

Weekly Report for July 31, 2008

Weekly Report for July 23, 2008

Weekly Update for July 17, 2008

Weekly Update for July 7, 2008

About Hope Sanctuary

Death of a Princess