Izzy's New Family Sends Update!

Izzy's new adopted family sent us an update with a super cute photo!  Here's what the Evan's family of Georgetown has to say...

So cute!

Just wanted to let you know Izzy is doing absolutely wonderful! My daughter was completely shocked and is madly in love with her. She is adjusting great!

Thank You!
Jenny Evans

A big thanks goes out to the Evans family for opening their home to this little pup!  Adopting is a wonderful gift....for the family AND for animal!  

Help! I'm lost!

OWNER WAS FOUND!   THANKS!

HELP!  I am lost!   

This little pup seems to have lost it's way.  She was found wandering in the vicinity of Railroad Street and Halls Lane.    If anyone in this area is missing this little girl, please contact us!   Call (606) 481-5721.  She is safe with one of our foster parents right now, but we hope we can find her forever family.  

New York Brings Attention to Dogs in Need

So, Kentucky's official state bird is the cardinal. The state's official wild game is the gray squirrel. And our official state horse (of course) is the thoroughbred. But do we have an official state dog?

Is it the Calipari Spaniel?

Currently, we do not. But considering the problem with the overpopulation of homeless animals in our rural areas, perhaps our beloved state could follow the example New York is setting forth.

New York is now introducing legislation to make their official state dog the "rescue dog." Assembly members Micah Kellner, Linda Rosenthal, and Senator Joseph E. Robach are hoping that by naming the rescue dog as an official state symbol, this bill will help raise awareness of the plight of these animals and eventually lead to more adoptions.

New York Assembly Members Linda Rosenthal and Micah Kellner

Kellner explained, "Shelter and rescue animals are unconditionally loving and loyal pets that are eager to become beloved members of a family. It's time for New York State to throw these dogs a bone. New Yorkers are scrappy, just like rescue dogs. We often have a bone to pick. And a lot of us are mutts."

We applaud New York for their efforts, and hope that more people will consider adopting these wonderful creatures.

Everybody needs Somebody to Love! These pups need you!

We decided that Charm and her cutie-patootie pups were so adorable, that pictures just don't do them justice. You gotta see them in action! So enjoy our second pet video, full of puppy wonder. Charm and all of her puppies will be available for adoption soon. If you are interested in adopting, contact us at (606) 481-5721. Come on! Adopt one of these cuties! Everyone needs someone they can love! These little cuties need you!

Cuteness Unleashed!!!

Charm and her pups!

Charm's puppies are walking!  Check out these cute pics of their first outing.  And please view these photos with caution.  There is so such a high level of cuteness contained within these pics, you might pass out from saying, "AWWWWW!" too many times.  We've warned you!

Charm and her puppies will be available for adoption soon.  They are currently in foster care with FOPCP.   All of the pups are healthy and happy!  And Charm has been a wonderful, nurturing mother.   Contact us if you are interested in giving these little guys a good home!  

OM NOM NOM NOM

Axel has found a home!!!

ADOPTED

Wow, there's been a lot of great things to report this week!  Remember Axel, the special needs cat?   Well, he found a forever home!   A young professional was captivated by his story, and she decided to open her home to this snuggle-bug.  We know that Axel has found the retirement home he's been searching for!   Thanks to everyone who took the time to give this guy a second chance.

ADOPTED

We also heard from Jodi's new home.   They even sent us a picture!   She seems so content!   Jodi had been a long-time resident at the shelter, so we are thrilled she finally found a home.   She is a great little girl, and now she's making this family very happy.

ADOPTED

We are also happy to report that Jade
was adopted this week as well!  Jade was surrendered by her owner, and we networked with GRRAND to find her a home.   GRRAND is a wonderful Golden Retriever Rescue located in Louisville, and they have helped us find homes for Golden Retrievers in the past.   Within a few weeks, they placed Jade with a wonderful family in Louisville.  She now has a Golden Retriever brother to play with.  Thank you GRRAND for all of your help!  We are so very grateful to have a strong network of rescues (in and out of state) that are helping alleviate the homeless population in our community.      

Plus, we helped a Montgomery County rescue set up their own low-cost clinic!   And the clinic was a wonderful success.   This will be the first of many, and we're excited to be a part of it.

It's been an encouraging week, but there's still more rescuing to be done.   Remember, until there's none...adopt one!

Happy Easter!!!

With Easter just a hop, skip, and jump away, many parents are planning wonderful surprises for their children’s Easter basket.   Aside from candy and toys, live animals (such as chicks, ducklings, and rabbits) occasionally end up as Easter gifts.  In too many cases, once the novelty wears off, so does the interest in being a pet-owner.   The pet becomes neglected, forgotten, or dumped off at an animal shelter.

Please keep in mind that a super cute baby duckling like this…

Yay!  Happy Easter!!!

Grows up to be this…

AFLAAAAAK!

Rabbits do make great pets, as do some domestic fowl.  But pets are a lifetime commitment, not a holiday whim.  They require thought, planning, and a lot of attention.  If you are seriously considering adding these pets to your family, research the best way to care for these animals.  Also learn about the animal's behavior, particularly when they reach maturation.    

Research potential pets before
you decide to add them to your family!

What kind of care does a chick need? Chicks need warmth from a heating lamp, chick starter ration, and a clean cage. Chicks need fresh water in a special water dispenser so they do not fall in or get wet.  As they grow up, they will need to live outside.  And depending if you have roosters or hens, there is a chance they might not be as social or as friendly as you would hope. 

What kind of care does a rabbit need? Bunnies need a large cage.  Even if they are going to be loose in the house, a cage is a good idea for occasional use. They need a litter box, rabbit food, and chew things. They also need proper care and attention, otherwise they may suffer from boredom. You can even have rabbits spayed and neutered!  Many Easter rabbits are abandoned, or surrendered to an animal shelter in a few months after being purchased.  

I actually have a pair of those bunny slippers.
No joke, I seriously do.  

Again, please research these animals’ behaviors and needs, and then decide if this pet is right for your family.   You may even visit petting zoos, and see how well they behave with your children.      

Raising 'em right!

Jerri Lucas
FOPCP President

FOPCP President Jerri Lucas has long been an animal lover.   Jerri promotes responsible pet ownership, and is the registrar for our spay-and-neuter clincs.  Apparently, her grandchildren are following in their footsteps.  She recently shared this cute story with us....

Last week while I was babysitting, Anna Kate (age 10) gave Claire (age 2) a hand-me-down toy puppy that moves and whimpers.  Claire was thrilled and kept the puppy clasped tightly to her.  Then Anna Kate says, "Oh wait, Claire!  We have to get him neutered first!"  Way to go, girl!!!

Claire loves animals.  It runs in the family!

We couldn't be happier that Anna Kate has learned how to be a responsible pet owner at such an early age, and is setting an example for her younger sister!   Spaying and neutering is an essential element to control the animal population, especially in rural areas.   In six years, ONE dog and her puppies can be the source of 67,000 puppies.  In seven years, ONE cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 kittens.  Powell County has a population of only approximately 13,000 PEOPLE.

Anna Kate is already
a responsible pet owner!

Please spay and neuter your pets!  FOPCP offers a low-cost Spay-and-Neuter clinic every other month.  Since our clinics began, we have altered over 800 animals, and the effects of the clinics are exponential!  There are less homeless animals wandering the streets, and less animals overburdening the pound.  Together we are making a positive impact in our community!  

Our clinic's low prices include vaccinations.   The same procedure would cost well over $100 at a vet!  To register your animal, contact us at (606) 481-5721.

Alvy: The Story of a Rescued Keeshond

We just found this online. This was Laurie's first rescue with FOPCP. Alvy is happy and healthy today, thanks to support from the Keeshond Sunshine Rescue Fund, the Gidget Fund, and Dr. McCoy of Gainesway Animal Clinic of Lexington.

Axel is Looking for a Forever Home

Last week, we posted a blog about handicapped pets which featured one of our fosters named Axel. Axel has had a rough life. When we met him, the poor guy was missing some teeth. His ears were closed up. And his tail was bleeding. And sadly, most of his tail was cut off. We accepted him into foster care, and got him to the vet as quick as possible. The vet told us that his leg had been broken, and it did not heal back correctly. This is causing him to have a limp.

Axel just wants to find a retirement home!

Despite it all, Axel is amazingly sweet. He's affectionate, and loves to cuddle. His green eyes are absolutely gorgeous. We can't imagine what his life was like on the streets, but he's ready to be someone's lap-cat.

Axel does well with kids, but would probably be better suited for an older owner. He is not as agile as other cats, but what he lacks in balance he makes up with in snuggles. If you are thinking about getting a calm lap cat, please come meet Axel. He's just looking for a place to call home.

Check out the video of Axel at the top of the page. It's our first video, and we hope to do more in the next few weeks.

They love Reese to Pieces!

The day they became parents!

We just got an email from Allison and Ryan about Reese, a very shy but sweet puppy that we adopted from Hatton Creek a few months ago.   We are so happy to hear that Reese has settled in to her new life!   Sounds like this shy little girl is gaining confidence and enjoying her new mom and dad!   Here's what Allison said about the furry addition to the family.....

It's actually hard work to look this cute!

The first night we brought Reese home, she was so scared.  When I showed her her new kennel, she ran right in and refused to come back out. She didn't cry a peep that night (probably too scared).  The second day she refused to come out or eat anything. That night I lured her out of her kennel with a toy (a soccer rope one that Laurie kindly gave us), and the rest is history!

Reese is not your typical puppy.  She loooovvves to just lay around and be lazy (just like her owners!). Every time she greets us, she collapses to the ground, limp as can be, showing off her belly for a rub, tail thumping with joy.  Reese loves playdates with her "aunt" Magnolia (my moms dog), a very very dominant female westie. They run and wrestle the whole time they're together, and Magnolia definitely keeps Reese in check :)

China can't be that far down!
Just gotta keep digging.

Reese doesn't really like fetch...she'd rather lay around outside chewing on twigs and branches. She'll try to sneak them inside if you're not careful!  She also loves dirt and digging holes (good thing she's so cute!).  There's not much barking happening at our house, unless her toys get stuck under the couch or coffee table.  And after 2 1/2 months, her favorite toy is still the soccer rope toy from Laurie.   

We could not imagine our lives without Reese or the love and affection we feel for her.  Ryan and I both joke that since she's so so good, we're doomed to have badly behaving children -haha!  She will always be our first "child."

Congratulations on your fuzzy bundle of joy, Ryan and Allison!   

We are so happy that Reese found parents like you! 

Country Dog meets City Boy!

Chris with his new jogging buddy!

Chris moved to Lexington from Seattle.   As an avid runner, he recently realized that he needed to find a jogging partner to keep him motivated.  So he searched the internet.   That's when he discovered Milla on our PetFinder site.  One look at this sweet little pooch, and Chris knew that he found the perfect companion to join him on the road to a healthier lifestyle!

The day this lucky puppy was adopted!

Dogs can be great exercise partners!  They yearn for daily exercise, and so you can be assured that they will always be ready for a run!  A daily physical workout also helps a dog stay mentally focused, plus it is known to relieve stress, boredom, and hyperactivity.  Without a daily outlet, unfocused energy in a dog can build up until it manifests into a nervous or destructive manner (such as digging holes, chewing, or tearing up objects).  Dogs need exercise, and so do people!  Its great to have that built-in commitment in a pet.      

Milla was shy and timid at first, but Chris was very willing and patient with her to gain her trust.   Milla has since been renamed Roxy, and she's already very loyal to her new running buddy.  We are so glad she found a home with such a responsible and excited owner!  We're sure her heart will be healthy and happy for years to come.

Adopt-a-thon and Bake Sale was a sweet success!

Wow, what an amazing weekend!  And what a blast!!!

Everyone had a great time!!!

This month marks our four-year anniversary of assisting the homeless animals in Powell County.  To celebrate, the kind folks at Family Dollar in Clay City invited us to have an Adopt-a-thon and Bake Sale at their store!  And what a turn-out!

Happy New Dog Owner!

We adopted 4 dogs, including Jodie!  Jodie has been a long-time resident at the pound, and her playful spirit always made us smile.   She is getting a great home, and we couldn't be happier.   Three of the little puppies were adopted!  And after the event, two more of the puppies found homes!   Plus we have someone interested in Ryder.   It was a very exciting day for the animals!!!

We got to see old friends, and were introduced to some new ones!   We are so excited that so many people expressed interest in volunteering, and welcome the new faces that want to make a difference in our community.

And the baked goods sold like hot cakes!!!  We thank everyone for purchasing our homemade cookies, candies, brownies, breads, cupcakes, and other tasty treats.  And we thank everyone who donated baked goods to the event!  All of the proceeds go to help the homeless and neglected animals of our community!!!

Hey, you gonna eat that cupcake?

But most of all, we want to thank our beloved community!   Your support through the years has helped us get to where we are today!   Hundreds and hundreds of animals now have forever homes, and we couldn't have done it without your support!  So thank you thank you thank you!

There are some baked goods left, and Mary Coffey has been kind enough to let us sell them at the Pizza Place in Clay City.  So please stop in and get a pizza.   And get some dessert, too!  

We have come a long way, but there is still so much more rescuing to do!   Thank you everyone for your support!

Mmmmm.   Baked goods.   Sooooo good.  

Handicapped Pets are still Capable of Love!

On Thursday, we posted a very cute clip of a “helper dog” that was trained to do ordinary day-to-day activities that many of us may take for granted.   These animals are a godsend for handicapped individuals with limited mobility or motor functions.  Even though we may view these activities as cute, these wonderful creatures are very special.  And their assistance is a very vital element that actually improves the quality of life to those who need them.  We applaud everyone involved in training these dogs, and we applaud these amazingly selfless animals!

Trina, the Three-Legged Barn Cat

Even though not all pets have the focus and abilities that these special animals possess, pets can still bring a great deal of comfort and unconditional love to their owners.  We have witnessed that in the face of adversity, many handicapped animals can simply amaze us with their resilience and determination. 

We met Trina at the pound after she had given birth to a litter of beautiful kittens.   And we were surprised to discover that Trina was missing a leg!   Though this was a shock to us, Trina was not at all bothered by her handicap.   She had adapted.   She was still a loving, affectionate kitty.  We knew she had to find the right owner that wouldn’t be deterred by her handicap.  

Ah, life on the farm!  You know I love it!

Amazingly, Trina found those perfect owners.   She was adopted by Paul and Kenny Gabbard.   She now lives her life as a barn cat.  Trina climbs, jumps, plays, and runs just like any other cat.  And she still has the speed and agility to catch unwelcome rodents.  In fact, Paul proudly brags that Trina is an exceptional hunter, and keeps the barn free of pests.  Her disability has not been a disability at all.  

Hemi is blind.

We first met Hemi at the pound, and noticed that he would stand in the middle of all the dogs as if he was confused.   We later discovered that Hemi had been blind since birth, and probably stood still because he was not confident in his surroundings.   We took Hemi into foster care, and we were fascinated by his ability to navigate his surroundings.   Once Hemi gets his bearings, he uses sound and memory to find his way about.   In fact, he does it so well that many people have met him and had no idea that he was blind!  His new owners have joked that they are Hemi’s “seeing-eye people,” but he rarely needs assistance.

Tripp is deaf.

Tripp is deaf.   But since he does hail from hunting breeds, his senses of sight and smell are highly developed.   Tripp’s foster parent decided to take advantage of those strengths, and successfully trained him using hand signals.  Tripp would make a wonderful companion for any avid hunter, and you can be assured that he would never even flinch at the sound of gunshots!

  

Axel is looking for a place to retire.

Right now, we have a handicapped cat in foster care.   His name is Axel.  He has one leg that was broken, and did not heal properly.  Axel can still run and jump, but he is a bit slower reaching his destination than other cats.  The vet told us that this cat has lived a very hard life, but you would never know it by looking into his beautiful green eyes.  He still wants to snuggle and curl up in a warm lap.  He is just looking to leave the hard life on the streets behind, and find a comforting retirement home.

Animals live in the moment.  It’s true that they can learn from their mistakes, but they do not dwell on they cannot change.   They accept their handicaps, and adapt to their limitations.  But they still offer the same love and affection just as they would if they didn’t live with their handicap.   Some people might consider these wonderful creatures as “throw-away” animals, but their determination to survive in the face of adversity is truly inspiring.  There are many, many handicapped animals in the world looking for homes.  Please consider giving these brave animals a chance, and let one into your heart.  

Axel and Tripp are still available for adoption.   Contact us if you might want to give these wonderful guys a forever home!

This is too cute to ignore!