Animal Advocates of North Texas
A Non-Profit 501 (C) (3) Association
Animal Advocates of North Texas
P.O. Box 1323
Keller, TX 76244
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AANT Newsletter June 2011
2011 has so far proved to be a very busy year for AANT members.
In addition to helping rescue groups promote their animals, we have actively assisted several local shelters. We continue to aid animals with medical issues and we have added several more Happy Tails to our site.
We are excited to report that AANT's work is featured in the July issue of the magazine, 'Dog World'. It is a great honor for us to have our group recognized at a national level.
We would once again like to thank you, our donors. Your support allows us to continue to make a difference for animals in need.
Supporting Local Shelters
Keller
AANT members are regularly volunteering at the Keller Animal Shelter. As well as promoting the animals by photographing
them and posting their photographs and bios online, we have had several discussions with management regarding how the shelter can improve services and increase adoptions. Plans are underway to create a consortium of vets who will donate their time to check on the welfare of the animals in the shelter. There have also been discussions concerning increasing the number of volunteers and introducing adoption events in collaboration with local businesses - a crucial step to reach a wider audience of potential adopters.
Over the past few months we pulled several animals who had been at the shelter for a significant amount of time. In collaboration with rescue groups we managed to find homes for all of them. One cat, George, had waited patiently at the shelter for over 7 months, hoping someone would fall in love with him. 2 weeks after being pulled from the shelter, George found his forever home and is now living happily with a family who adore him. Ted, pictured on the right, is still at the shelter awaiting his forever home. Staff love his laid-back personality and are hoping he might find a loving home soon.
Lewisville
When AANT members learned that adoptions were low at the Lewisville shelter, we offered to help.
We visited the animals, took their photographs and posted them along with their bios online. As a result several animals were saved who might otherwise not have been given a second chance in life.
Humane Society
Adoption events are crucial for the Humane Society in helping them place their animals.
When a recent event was canceled at the last minute staff knew that many animals would suffer as a result. However, with assistance from AANT members, all was not lost! An adoption event was quickly organized in Keller, resulting in 19 adoptions.
The following weekend 2 more events were held in Keller. As a result of our collaboration a total of 31 dogs did not need to return to cold, empty cages but were able to start living life to the fullest in their new forever homes. Some Special Animals
Many animals who end up in shelters or rescue groups bring along baggage - medical issues that have not been treated by previous owners or injuries suffered as the result of an accident or cruelty. By donating towards their care we can prevent further suffering.
Below are just a few stories of the many animals we have been able to help.
Suzy, a Dalmatian/ Lab mix, was found tied to the door of a local shelter after hours. Bothered by an ear infection and sore paws which she licked until they bled, she spent 2 long months at the shelter, dejected, sad and in pain. AANT members took her to a vet who treated her ear and paw infections then arranged foster care for her until the perfect home could be found. Two weeks ago Suzy's dreams finally came true. She now travels with her new owner all over the country and has a new canine buddy whom she adores.
Friday, a tiny Terrier mix, was found starving, dehydrated and covered with mange, practically glued to the hot surface of a mall parking lot. Fortunately he was discovered by a young girl who alerted her parents. They contacted a
rescue group who asked for our help. AANT arranged for Friday's medical treatment and care. We posted his story and managed to find him a home with a wonderful family. Today Friday is the picture of health.When Winky, a spunky Sphynx, was rescued by Kool Kats he was suffering from an eye infection that was sadly so severe that the vet had no choice but to remove his eye. AANT paid for part of the associated medical costs and helped find him a home.
Fostering
Over the past year AANT members and friends have fostered over 60 cats, kittens and dogs.
Everyone involved agrees that fostering is a wonderful experience. Knowing that our actions can save an animal who might otherwise be euthanized, certainly gives pause for thought. Seeing a foster cat or dog find a happy, forever home is an incredible feeling. AANT members recently visited a local retirement home to speak of the joys of fostering and to hopefully encourage some active seniors to consider fostering a pet. The more foster families we have, the more animals we can save. Roscoe, pictured on the right, was recently found living behind a shed with his mother and siblings. His mother has now been spayed and has found a loving home. AANT members and friends are fostering the kittens until their story too can have a happy ending.
Future Plans
The Humane Society will soon be opening a branch in Keller. AANT members have offered to help decorate the facility to make it 'visitor friendly'.
We will also be making comfortable dog beds for shelter animals who would otherwise have to sleep on the concrete floor. A workshop will be held for those interested in participating in the shelter bed project within the next few weeks.
We also plan to organize a spay/neuter clinic. With the number of homeless animals continuing to rise, tackling the root of the problem in this way is a huge part of the solution.
How You can Help
We are always looking for individuals who can help us at our adoption events. Volunteers are needed to promote events, set up our tent on the day of the event and speak with potential adopters.
Fundraising is very important in allowing AANT to help animals with specific medical needs who might otherwise be left behind by shelters or rescue groups. If you are interested in organizing a fundraising activity on behalf of AANT, we would love to hear from you.
If you would like to save a life by fostering or adopting, please let us know and we will match you up with an animal that fits your lifestyle.
Animal Advocates of North Texas
P.O. Box 1323
Keller, TX 76244
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