SFTH NEWS

SAVE THIS DATE
November 6th, 2002

Get out your dancing shoes and put on the party clothes, cause Animal Fair Magazine's annual fundraiser is on Wednesday, November 6th, 2002 at Spa 76 E 13th Street, NYC AND all the money this year goes to Stray from the Heart. Last year, performers included Janeane Garofalo, Kathy Griifin, Joy Behar and members of the cast of SNL. find out more...
find out about our upcoming events...

How can your everyday shopping benefit Stray from the Heart?

Who hasn't uttered the words, "I wish there was something I could do to help"? Now you can. Start shopping! At www.iGive.com/sfth, you can buy the items you've always wanted- like that CD box set, expensive cologne, or the oversized, coffee-table photography book you've had your eyes on, only without the guilt.

It's FREE, no invisible costs or tricky obligations. Shop for everyday items at the over 230 stores at the Mall at iGive.com, like Barnes and Noble, CDNow, Lands' End and Pets.com. Up to 15% or more of each purchase is donated to Stray from the Heart.

Join now at www.iGive.com/sfth!

FEATURED DOGS

Roscoe

When Roscoe, a 4 year old, 65 lb, Shepherd/American Staffordshire Terrier mix was found living on top of a junk heap, he had no idea that people could be kind. He is now learning that they can.. He is a real find - HOUSE TRAINED, well behaved and loyal. His favorite activity is a run in the woods, so Roscoe would do best in a home with some land.

Tiger

This 3 year old, 55 lb American Staffordshire Terrier mix "love muffin" is in dire need of immediate rescue. He spends most of his time in a tiny yard with little or no care. His partner in this neglectful situation is 3 year old Theresa, a lab mix whom he loves dearly. We would love to keep them together, but will separate them for the right homes.

Theresa

Theresa is a 50 lb, 3 year old, sweet, vaccinated and fixed lab mix who was tied up and left starving. She had wounds from a prong color that constrained her so severely that she almost died. Thanks to Stray from the Heart, she is now recovering and lives in a backyard with a 3 year old, gentle Am Staff Bull Terrier named Tiger. We would love to keep them together, but will separate them for the right homes.

GREAT NEWS BOTH TIGER AND THERESA WERE ADOPTED! READ OUR APRIL 2006 NEWSLETTER FOR DETAILS!

Fire Engine 74 Gets a "Buddy"

At Stray from the Heart, our best volunteers are self starters, willing to jump in, take the ball and run with it. Recently, it was that kind of dedication that led to an amazing day for our charity, thanks to the efforts of our volunteer Rich Lindi.

On Saturday, September 28th, Stray from the Heart participated in the Great American Mutt Show in Central Park. Rich was helping out with Justin, a just- rescued Dalmatian, when he thought of a great opportunity for him to find a home: at a fireman's street fair taking place in Greenwich Village the very next day.

Early Sunday morning Rich picked up the things he needed to set up a Stray from the Heart adoption table, took a cab to our Run Spot boarding facility to get Justin, then headed downtown for the event.

The rest is history. In one afternoon, over $125 in donations were collected, many volunteer and adoption applications were received, brochures and other information were handed out, and best of all, Justin found the perfect home.

Fire Engine 74 on the Upper West Side had just lost their 14-year-old Dalmatian, Sparky. Saddened by their loss, Lieutenant Rizzi and his team of firemen were eager to bring in a new dog when Justin crossed their path. After a one-week foster period, Rich and another volunteer made a follow-up visit to the firehouse, where they were immediately told, "We're keeping him. He's ours." Justin had been renamed "Buddy" and was now their new official firehouse dog.

Today Buddy stands watch over his new home, waiting for the next emergency call. Upon hearing the bell, he springs into action, heads for the truck, climbs aboard and takes his place alongside his fellow fire-fighters as they race toward their destination. When off duty, Buddy enjoys relaxing in his own leather chair, usually sprawled on his back, waiting for the tummy rub and doggy treats he knows are coming.

News of a new member at the neighborhood firehouse reached Dr. Stuart Brodsky at Westside Veterinary Hospital, who was only too happy to provide free medical care for Buddy. He's now neutered, with a clean bill of health and a full staff of vets ready to make sure he stays in the best fire-fighting shape possible.

This great story has attracted media attention and created greater awareness of what Stray From the Heart does and how well we do it.

The Dance of Life . . . and Death
An column on grieving... by Marilyn Dalrymple

"I have inside me the winds, the deserts, the oceans, the stars, and everything created in the universe. We were all made by the same hand, and we have the same soul."
(The Alchemist, A Fable about Following Your Dream, Paulo Coelho)

Skye waltzed into my life in June of 1990. Only a puppy and weighing almost thirty pounds, he had huge paws. The fur on his head stood up in a modified Mohawk and he seemed to have a perpetual grin on his face.

Fall came and when the leaves off of our fruitless mulberry trees fell from their branches the rambunctious young pup would leap after the leaves as if practicing pirouettes, while trying to catch each leaf before they hit the ground. An Alaskan malamute, Skye grew into a wise and noble looking dog with golden-colored eyes. He would lie in the living room with front paws crossed and look as if he were contemplating life's deepest secrets.

Like ballroom dancers floating across a polished floor, we didn't need words to communicate. A look, a nudge, stroking his fur, a paw on my arm or muzzle resting on my knee was all that was needed. He'd curl his huge body up into a ball and lay under the desk where I worked barely leaving room for my feet. Stretched end-to-end in front of the couch, I'd have to take giant steps over him to get on and off the couch.

The places where my large companion rested and slept are now so obviously empty.

He passed through the stages of his life much too fast and too soon - before I was ready - he was gone. "I'll never get over missing him," I told my husband. What do I do now? How do I fill the void - the hole in my heart?

I know I am not alone with my grief and this column is a first in a series of overcoming the grief of losing a much-loved pet. Perhaps we can learn together, how to say good-bye to our loved companions.

Skye has only been gone three weeks and I've already learned a few things that helped have me. I'd like to start sharing these ways with you in this first column. First, let the tears flow. Jan Shepard a stress management and fitness coach for 20 years, says, "Many therapies advocate tears of release through painful remembrances as cathartic and cleansing." (Source: The Global Life Symposium, Laugh and Heal with Jan Shepard)

Professor Paul Verrell at Washington State University explains that there are three kinds of tears. Basal tears which lubricate our eyes, reflex tears that protect your eyes, and emotional tears.

"Now get this," he says. "There's a big difference between emotional tears and these other kinds of tears. Emotional tears contain 20-25 percent more protein, including various hormones."

What does this mean? We don't know, he admits. "Maybe Aristotle and others long ago were right. Maybe crying is a means of cleaning yourself out emotionally. Or maybe it's your communication of last resort, the only way to express yourself when words fail, the same as when you were a baby and had no words."

So for now, let the tears flow. In column number two we'll explore why we grieve and other ways to cope with the grieving process.
(Source: Ask Dr. Universe: The Big Questions, Washington State University)
Stay tuned for the next issue and part two of this column...

I once was a dog
by Melanie Webb

I once was dog.
So free and unconstrainted.
I could sniff my behind.
Without the odd looks from passersby.
I could wag my tail.
Without a man to yell "WOOHOO".
I could pee on the floor.
Without getting sent to the halfway house.
I could eat styrofoam.
Without anyone thinking I'm crazy.
I could dig in the yard.
Without flowers to plant.
I could scratch behind my ears.
Without pulling a muscle.
I once was a dog,
A carefree and understood dog.

Where Do We Get All the Dogs?
by Christine Martin

That's a question I'm often asked concerning our dogs at Stray from the Heart, and for good reason. In Manhattan, you seldom see Strays on the street. But in the South Bronx, certain areas in Queens or Brooklyn, they're all around, running loose, tied up in empty lots or garages, chained to posts or fenced in without food, shelter or care. Many are taunted, beaten, shot at, cut, burned, or just dragged around on a leash.

These are dogs of all ages, mixed and pure breeds, abandoned, thrown out on the streets and abused.

So what ultimately happens to the Strays?

1. Many will be killed in the streets by traffic, people, another animal, starvation or disease.
2. Some will be sold to research labs.
3. The Center for Animal Care and Control, the city shelter, might be called to pick them up and, unless someone comes forward to claim ownership, there is a 70% chance the dog will be euthanized. Adult dogs, especially pit bulls, and sick or injured dogs are usually put down immediately or within 48 hours. The others might be put up for adoption, but with over 100 dogs coming in each day, there is no room to keep even the healthy, adoptable dogs for very long.
4. The Stray might be introduced to the world of dogfighting. This cruel, violent "sport" thrives in basements, abandoned buildings, private "clubs", etc., where dogs are raised and trained to be mean and aggressive for the sole purpose of killing another dog. A non-aggressive, gentle dog is useless, except for breeding or to serve as bait just before a fight between two hungry, often amphetamine-crazed dogs. The "bait" gets thrown in and is torn apart within seconds. It's horrifying, criminal, and unfortunately, going on now in some parts of the city.

OR if the dog gets lucky, it will cross the path of a kind, caring dog lover or a member of a rescue group. That's us. Stray from the Heart does everything within its power to get a dog off the streets or out of an abusive situation. Once rescued the dog gets a complete checkup by a vet and is spayed or neutered. Then our work truly begins. We feed them, shelter them, love and care for them, train and eventually place them in the kinds of homes where they will never again know the fear and pain they have lived with most, if not all, of their lives. In time, a miracle takes place. Their emotional, physical and spiritual wounds are healed. Frightened little pups are transformed into healthy, happy, loyal, loving pets. They learn to trust, to play and live with joy. They become the dogs they were meant to be and live the lives they were meant to live. All the love that's given to each and every dog comes back to us in endless waves of gratitude and appreciation. The dog never forgets that it has received a second chance and a whole new life.

As of now, we have rescued and placed over 300 dogs. Our goal is to eliminate the pain and suffering of all homeless, unwanted dogs. One day at a time, one dog at a time, one home at a time, we are doing just that.

And the best is yet to come. We have plans to open a shelter or sanctuary in upstate New York. We have organized our volunteers into departments, including Fundraising, Marketing and Promotions, Adoptions, Foster Care, and more. Our website is regularly updated with bios and pictures of our dogs. We especially love our Success Stories, proof that there is a perfect person for every dog we rescue. But we can't do it alone. Generous donations, kind people willing to open their hearts and their doors to our Strays and provide foster care, and hard working volunteers are crucial to our continued success and future growth.

Visit our website and find a new friend : http://www.Strayfromtheheart.org/

TEN COMMANDMENTS OF A DOG

1. Remember BEFORE you adopt me that my life is likely to last 10 to 15 years.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me. It's crucial to my well-being.
4. Don't be angry at me for long and don't lock me up as a punishment. You have your work, your entertainment, and your friends. I have ONLY you.
5. Talk to me everyday. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your what's in your voice.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it.
7. Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones of your hand but I CHOOSE not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food or I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old. You, too, will grow old someday.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch it" or "Take him to the back room and end it." EVERYTHING is easier for me if you are there. Any separation from you will be painful for me especially toward the end of my life.
    
    And always remember that I love you.

SHOP Stray from the Heart

Dog Days of Fall
by Jennifer

To most people, it is obvious that there is a hazard if a pet is left in a car on a 105F degree-day. But surprisingly, it is the cooler days of spring and fall that pose to most danger. A 70-80 F degree-day can heat up the interior of a car to 120-130 F degrees in less than 30 minutes - even if the windows are slightly open.

Jogging can also be dangerous during the summer and fall months of the year. As the weather warms during exercise, humans can bring a water bottle and wear light clothing to keep cool. Unfortunately, dogs do not have that option. They are still full of fur and can only cool themselves by panting and a small amount of sweating through the nose and footpads. Simply changing the routine to when the weather is cooler, such as early morning or late evening can prevent your pet from dehydrating and possibly having a heat stroke.

Animals tied up to trees and fences are also high risk. A dog chasing a squirrel can accidentally get his leash caught on a chair and be unable to get untied to reach shade or water. Dogs aren't the only animals at risk; owners often tie up horses, lambs, ponies, and all types of livestock. Make sure an animal's leash can't get tangled on anything to prevent possible strangulation, a heat stroke or dehydration.

After dogs, the most common pets to suffer from the heat are rabbits because most rabbits are kept in cages. A sure way to prevent over heating is to have the cage in a shaded area, with plenty of water available. Cats tend to be self- sufficient. They can usually prevent any type of danger as long as they have a shaded area and water available. Unfortunately, most cases of dehydration and heat strokes occur when owners leave cats in cages outside.

Signs of heat strokes can include excessive panting, dark or bright red tongue and gums, staggering, stupor, seizures, vomiting, as well as body temperatures of 104-110F. The first thing to do if you suspect your pet is having a heat stroke is to seek a veterinarian immediately. Use cool water on the pet, and allow the animal to drink cool water or lick ice cubes on the way to the veterinarian's office.

Just because you feel your animal is cooled and appears to be fine, do not assume everything is all right. Internal organs are affected by the body's temperature elevation. The most common problem is kidney failure, and doesn't seem noticeable until days after the initial heat incident occurred. Blood tests and veterinary examination are needed to ensure that the animal is properly being taken care of.

Antifreeze is actually a year-round hazard. With the warmer temperatures of summer upon us, cars may over heat and may leak antifreeze on a driveway. Antifreeze tastes sweet and is inviting to pets. However, it is extremely toxic in very small amounts. Call your vet immediately if any ingestion is suspected.

SINGLE WHITE FEMALE......
Seeks male companionship, ethnicity unimportant.
I'm a sweet, good-looking girl who LOVES to play.
I love long walks in the woods, riding in your pickup truck,
camping, and fishing trips, cozy winter nights lying by the fire.
Candlelight dinners will have me eating out of your hand.
Rub me the right way and watch me respond.
I'll be at the front door when you get home from work, wearing only what nature gave me. Kiss me and I'm yours.
Call 212-726-DOGS and ask for Winnie or visit me at Winnie.

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