Sean Kiel, a 46-year-old truck driver from Oregon, is pictured with Johnny 5, the first dog he transported to safety.

Sean Kiel is a no-nonsense guy with a gruff voice and a tough demeanor. A truck driver for 30 years, he describes himself as an “alpha male” who tends to keep his emotions “hidden pretty well.”

But get him talking about the curly white Bichon Frise he helped rescue from a dark life in a puppy mill, and all of that changes.

“Here I am, a big ol’ tough truck driver, and I’m sitting here choking up right now,” said Kiel, 46, who just transported the grateful fluff ball to a woman in California who was eager to give the dog a good home. “She was so happy to get that dog — just absolutely happy. It was so touching to see.”

Kiel is a new recruit to an informal and ever-growing network of animal lovers who are transporting rescued dogs, cats, bunnies, ferrets and even the occasional monitor lizard or pot-bellied pig to loving homes, even if those homes are located hundreds of miles away. This unofficial Underground Railroad is powered by truckers, pilots, animal rescue groups and volunteers who provide “layover homes” to all kinds of creatures as they journey to new and happier lives.

Their work happens on their own dime and takes plenty of time, but these volunteers are determined to keep animals moving in the face of seemingly intractable problems: animal overpopulation, and downright abuse, neglect and abandonment of animals by their owners. According to the American Humane Association, about 3.7 million stray and unwanted animals are put to sleep in U.S. shelters each year.

“Shelters nationwide are filled with animals that are going to be killed,” said Sue Wiese, 68, a former truck driver from Joshua, Texas. “You just have to do something.”

‘I just love doing this’
In September 2005, Wiese founded Operation Roger, an organization made up of regional and long-haul truckers who transport pets in the cabs of their trucks as they deliver freight all across the country. She got the effort started after Hurricane Katrina left an estimated 250,000 pets stranded and struggling to survive.

“My heart was just breaking from all the stories about the pets,” Wiese recalled. “I was driving down the road and I was praying, ‘Lord, what can I do? I’m just a truck driver.’ And then I heard one word: Transport.”

Thanks to the abundance of animal lovers on the Internet, Wiese’s calling wasn’t all that hard to fulfill. An animal shelter or rescue organization might not be able to adopt out all its dogs and cats to homes locally — but what if nice people in other states read about those animals online and want to adopt them? Then, basically, those fortunate furry friends just need a ride.

Since 2005, Operation Roger has given nearly 600 animals a lift. The organization has detailed requirements and checks in place to make sure its drivers aren’t transporting animals to or from for-profit breeders, puppy mills or show circuits. Instead, the emphasis is on rescued animals who need permanent homes, and pets who have an opportunity to be reunited with their owners. For instance, if a lost pet turns up hundreds of miles away and is identified with a microchip, that pet could get a comfy ride home in the cab of a truck.

Robert Montagna, 56, a truck driver and Operation Roger volunteer who is based in Michigan, has witnessed some emotional reunions between pets and their owners. In one instance a waitress in Colorado had been separated from her chocolate Labrador retriever for several months in the wake of a divorce.

“When they saw each other, they just ran together toward each other like it was in a movie,” Montagna said. “She cried and cried when she saw that dog.”

In other cases, Montagna has fallen so in love with the pooches he’s transported that he’s had a hard time saying goodbye to them. He still speaks wistfully of Milo, a Jack Russell terrier who liked to curl up and sleep on Montagna’s chest when he napped in his truck.

“I just love doing this,” Montagna said. “I always say that if I won a big lottery, I’d buy a big RV and I’d call Sue up and say, ‘Where’s the dog at? I’ll deliver it.’ And after that, I’d call her and say, ‘OK, where’s the next dog at?’ I’d just keep doing this all over the country.”

Sometimes the logistics involved with getting a pet transported exactly where it needs to go by truck can be tricky. That’s when pilots fill a huge need. Since it was founded in 2008, Pilots N Paws — a South Carolina-based organization that connects shelters and animal rescue organizations with more than 2,100 pilots and plane owners — has transported thousands of pets to safety in small airplanes.

“People have just really pulled together over this,” said co-founder Debi Boies. “It’s actually a great combination. Pilots are everyday working people who love to fly — it’s a passion. If they’re going to spend the money to do what they love to do, why not make a difference while they’re doing it? Why not save a life? And they do.”

Occasionally volunteer pilots will team up with volunteer truck drivers to coordinate a pet transport. In other cases, when the weather turns bad and pilots know families are eagerly awaiting special animal deliveries, they’ll spend their own money to rent cars and make sure the deliveries happen. “You can’t imagine what these pilots are willing to do,” Boies said. “Some of them even end up adopting the animals they transported.”

Finding a new home — in a truck
Some organizations work with truckers — not by proving transport, but by helping to connect truck drivers with animals they’d like to adopt.

Susanne Spirit, a country and blues singer based in Southern California, has started an energetic, music-filled, on-site adoption program for the hundreds of truck drivers who visit the TravelCenters of America truck stop in Ontario, Calif. The Musical Truckin’ Dogs Adoption Program founded by Spirit does not facilitate transport for animals, but helps match truckers with rescue pets of their own. The truckers who adopt dogs through Spirit’s program are set up with everything they need for seven to 10 consecutive days: water, bowls, collars, harnesses, leashes, blankets, a kennel if needed, toys, treats and food. She’s even arranged to have a mobile groomer and a mobile veterinarian in the parking lot. Over the course of 11 months, Spirit and a number of volunteers have managed to find rolling, loving homes for more than 900 dogs.

“These truck drivers can’t just stop at Wal-Mart or Petco — they’re hauling freight,” Spirit said. “So with those care packages, all they have to worry about is the dog. We don’t make a dime off of any of the dogs, and I don’t know how many truckers have put together care packages. Everything is donated. …

“The truckers are so grateful to have these dogs. I knew truckers wanted dogs, and they’re killing so many dogs — we just had to do this.”

Robert Montagna, a truck driver from Michigan, is pictured with Sue Wiese, the founder of Operation Roger, an organization made up of truckers who transport animals to safe situations.

Kisha Curtis, 27, could face up to 18 months in jail if found guilty, acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray said yesterday.

Curtis, of Albany, N.Y., is to be arraigned to hear the fourth-degree charge against her on December 3, Murray said.

After Curtis’ initial court hearing in April, her mother said her daughter left the dog, whose rescuers named Patrick, tethered at the 22-story Garden Spires apartments and went to Albany.

“Anybody would take that dog,” Tammie Curtis said. “If she tied the dog, she didn’t leave the dog to die.”

Patrick weighed just 19 pounds when he was discovered by a maintenance worker who was startled when a trash bag suddenly moved.

Yesterday, the brown-and-white pit bull weighed 51 pounds and was happy and healthy, said Pat Scavelli, the administrator at the Garden State Veterinary Specialists in Tinton Falls.

The plight of the emaciated puppy launched national anti-cruelty movements, protests, prayer vigils, T-shirt sales and hundreds of Facebook fan groups worldwide.

It also triggered attempts to capitalize on the flood of donations as well as a court custody battle between the city of Newark and two veterinary hospitals.

Patrick is now being cared for by a foster family in Monmouth County until the completion of the court case, Scavelli said.

This is Patrick after lots of tender loving care.

This is Patrick when he first arrived at the Vet.

Benny enjoying some shade in SoCal.

Does your dog match your drapes? It’s not a question many of us are ever asked, and if we were, we’d no doubt respond, ‘who cares?’

Not surprisingly, staff at Baldwin Park shelter, just east of Los Angeles, California, were incredulous when a gorgeous eight-month-old black-and-white chihuahua was surrendered at the shelter as his owner felt he clashed with his color scheme at home. Not only that, but the couple wanted to adopt another dog as a replacement. They were promptly banned from the shelter and asked to leave.

As part of Baldwin Park’s regular networking efforts, volunteers take photos and videos of dogs and cats desperately seeking adoption and share them on Facebook.

But Benetton’s case was so unique that the shelter’s head volunteer Ric Browde put out a special plea for him.

His YouTube clip soon caught the attention of little Nate Armistead of rural Virginia, who for months had been badgering his mother, Esther, to get him a dog.

Benetton’s plight struck a chord with Esther because Nate, who suffers from an inoperable brain tumor, had been cast aside by others for being ‘different,’ just like the dog. She vowed to try to get Benetton to Nate in time for his seventh birthday.

Nate, a country boy at heart, was used to being surrounded by animals, as his family’s 20 acres were already home to two mini donkeys, two horses, two chickens, one ‘very mean’ rooster and several cats and dogs, including Inky, who Esther rescued the same week as Benetton. (She even nicknames her house ‘Dogville,’ thanks to all the canine comings and goings!)

However, once Esther realized how far away Baldwin Park was and how expensive it would be to get Benetton to Virginia, she began to give up hope of adopting him.
But not before calling the shelter, where she was put in touch with Ric.

Baldwin Park is normally unable to arrange out-of-state adoptions, but Esther assured Ric that Benetton would still be loved if anything should happen to Nate and that he would always be treasured by the family as he would be a monument to the love Nate has for the world. Once he heard this, Ric immediately set the wheels in motion, reaching out to friends and colleagues for help, including Pasadena-based rescue organization United Hope for Animals and Michelle Johnson, a flight attendant with American Airlines.

Within a few days, it looked like Benetton was on his way to Virginia! Unfortunately, Mother Nature intervened in the form of Hurricane Irene, so while flights to the east coast were suspended, Benetton was fostered by some UHA volunteers, who were glad to have him, regardless of his color. One of them described Benetton as ‘the happiest dog I ever met.’

Finally, one day in September, Esther took Nate on a trip to Richmond airport, keeping mum about who they were going to meet there. He grew restless and wanted to return home, and, typical of Nate with his mischievous sense of humor, he began sticking his tongue out at Esther while they waited. However, Esther insisted they stay.

Nate couldn’t believe his eyes when out came Benetton, wagging his tail and eager to get his paws on his new owners.

We caught up with Esther a week or so after the arrival of Benetton, aka Benny. She told us he was settling in really well and making a wonderful companion for Nate, who talks to them like they were his brother and sister, telling them stories and bossing them around! And, just like all the other critters, Benny has been a great source of comfort to the young boy. He’s even going on his first family vacation, a camping trip to northern Virginia, where he’ll run and play with Inky and Nate.

We also spoke with Laura Knighten, Director of UHA’s Shelter Support Program, who said, ‘UHA’s volunteers were very moved by both Benny’s and Nate’s stories, and we are thrilled to have played a part in bringing them together. It’s inspiring to see so many people rally round to rescue a discarded puppy and help a little boy’s dream come true.’

But the last word goes to Esther, who is eternally grateful for the way people rallied to help find Benny a loving new home with Nate. ‘So many people that I don’t know helped us get Benny to Nate. I’d love to hug and kiss each and every one of them.’

www.unitedhope4animals.org

https://www.facebook.com/BaldwinParkShelter

Benny with Nate and Michelle.

When we first got Buttercup.

Introducing Buttercup…regardless of the obvious discomfort, this little girl would wag her tail every time my eyes met hers. For a young puppy who merely entered the world 2 month ago, her happy-go-lucky personality easily disguised the horrors of her past.

Buttercup was taken from a guy who acquired her from his neighbors, they were planning on killing her with a rock, due to her “conditions”! You would think this guy’s intentions were to save her life, however, that was far from the case. The truth was, he wanted to breed her instead! After escaping a near death experience, Buttercup was found in the backyard deteriorating slowly waiting for help to arrive.

I could never grasp the thought of being so defenseless with no one to care for you…Just the thought of her sitting alone broke my heart, it was a reality I didn’t want to believe in. Sadly, I knew this kind of neglect happens all too often. Regardless, I wanted things to be different for her. On the day I picked her up, I promised her a second chance.

Buttercup Before And After

In a short three month period time, Buttercup had fought off all her medical issues and even learned how to jump onto the bed. Even better, she also mastered the art of manipulation, charming her way out of trouble easily. Looking at Butters now, I no longer see the traces of her past. She now sleeps on a comfy bed, plays with toys, and most importantly, has someone to care for her. In short, she came a long way and in that short period of time became one of the strongest and happiest dogs I’ve ever met. There was no more sadness, no more pain. She was ready to move on and I knew her home was out there waiting for her.

I’ve always believed that everything happens for a reason, maybe that’s why I was so overjoyed with excitement when Buttercup’s time came and the perfect home came around. It was love at first sight for Keri and Nate when they first met Buttercup. I knew from that moment this was her family, but needless to say…the moment was still a bittersweet one for me. I remembered that little 2 month old helpless puppy that I worked with everyday and couldn’t help but feel empty at the thought of her leaving. However, seeing her smiling up at me was all the confirmation I needed.

Buttercup has a family now, and when such an amazing dog like Buttercup finally finds a home to call her own, that ‘empty’ feeling never felt so good. Butters was a fighter, she fought to survive and she never gave up. Now she is finally home with two loving parents Keri and Nate, a fur-sister Jemma and two human sisters! What a happy ending for this once helpless pup. Enjoy your life Butters!

– Melody Chen

If you would like to help educate the masses about the joys of pit bulls and why BSL doesn’t work, please support us as we make Pit Proud: The Movie at http.indiegogo.com/pitproud Thanks, together we can make real change!

Buttercuo and her new family!

A very happy Buttercup!

The loyal Navy SEAL dog named Hawkeye who captured millions of hearts when he lay at the foot of his master’s casket has found happiness and comfort in a new home.

Slain Navy SEAL Jon Tumilson’s longtime friend Scott Nichols and his family are Hawkeye’s new owners, confirms Carol Darby, a public affairs officer from Fort Bragg supporting the Tumilson family.

“Scott is Hawkeye’s new owner and that is according to Jon’s wishes,” said Darby. “He’s very happy. He’s with a family that he has known for a long time and that has loved him for a long time.”

The Nichols family cared for Hawkeye when Tumilson was away on duty. Darby said that Hawkeye has gained a human family and a dog family, including two or three other Labradors owned by the Nichols.

Hawkeye may find himself in the limelight once again in November when the University of Iowa’s football team the Hawkeyes honors fallen service men and women, including Iowa native Tumilson, at a home game in November. The university is working with the Tumilson family to determine what role the dog will play in the day’s events. Some have suggested that Hawkeye the dog could lead the Hawkeyes onto the field on game day.

“Jon’s death is a tragedy that reminds us of the great personal sacrifice made by many who serve our country, our state, and our community,” said University of Iowa Director of Athletics Gary Barta in a statement. “We are very pleased that Jon’s family has agreed to allow us to honor Jon and all citizens lost while serving others later this fall.”

The world first fell in love with Hawkeye after seeing a photo of the canine at Tumilson’s funeral in Rockford on Aug. 19 where his beloved canine lay at the foot of the casket throughout the ceremony. Tumilson’s cousin Lisa Pembleton took the heart-wrenching photo of the devoted dog, known to Tumilson’s family and friends as his “son.”

“I took this picture and that was my view throughout the entire funeral. I couldn’t NOT take a picture,” Pembleton said.

Darby also said that while the Tumilson family appreciated the outpouring of love and support coming from the photo, they want people to remember that 30 people lost their lives that day.

Tumilson’s family has started a memorial fund and contributions can be made to Frogman 238 Memorial Fund, First Security Bank and Trust, 201 West Main Ave., Rockford, IA 50468.

Story by Elaine Furst for Dog Files

A too-sweet-for-her-own-good dog has been denied a place in a UK police force after she was deemed “not brave enough“.

Vegas, a 19-month old German Shepherd, underwent a rigorous regime to become one of the latest recruits to the Northumbria UK Police dog section.

She was trained to become fearless and deal with a variety of dangerous situations, including jumping through windows, tackling knife-wielding maniacs and barking and biting on command.

But after displaying “tentative” tendencies, trainers decided she didn’t “possess the qualities needed to make it as a police dog“.

Dog section Sergeant John Sim was one of those who made the decision to give Vegas early retirement.

“Surprisingly not all dogs find it natural to bite,” Sim said.

“For a good bite the dogs have to get their timing right to take hold of whatever or whoever they are chasing in a determined and positive way.”

“Vegas was too tentative.”

So now instead of a high octane career serving the public, Vegas is now looking for new owners who can give the docile dog a life of long walks and playing with her favorite toys.

Sim added: “She will make someone a lovely pet in the right environment. She is very nervous around children so would require an adult-only home, with owners with plenty of breed experience and time to devote to her.”

Officers say the German Shepherd requires lots of exercise and mental stimulation.

And she is also aggressive towards other dogs so will need to go to a home without other pets.

Anyone interested in adopting Vegas will undergo in-depth police checks and home checks.

For further information call the kennels section at 0345 604 3043 ext 68699.

Story by Elaine Furst for Dog Files

Below is an article that Cesar Millan wrote on the Fox News Latino Site addressing his concerns about overpopulation of dogs, puppy mills, and hispanic misconceptions of spay/neutering. I thought it was a brave piece and worth reading whether you approve of Cesar Millan or not.

– Kenn Bell

Every year approximately 5 to 7 million animals enter our shelters, and 3 to 5 million are euthanized. This means about 60 percent of the dogs in our shelters will be killed. While those numbers vary from state to state, this is the broad scope of what is happening today in our shelters.

We have an overpopulation crisis. And no matter how well-intentioned or funded our shelters in certain communities may be, the bottom line when it comes to pet overpopulation is this: our shelters are overburdened, they don’t have enough room or resources, and dogs are being euthanized in devastating numbers. More are entering the shelters and never leaving than are going out to live happy, fulfilling lives as beloved canine companions.

This leaves us with a responsibility. As a whole, we are a humane country and we love our pets. But we need to look outside our homes and to our communities to help educate and raise awareness about the cruelty taking place.

First, we need to spay and neuter our pets, and make low-cost or free spay/neuter services available to all.

Second, we need to adopt and rescue, so that we make it impossible for puppy mills to survive and continue to abuse our animals with horrendous living conditions, producing litter after litter.

Third, we need to provide the shelters with support – both in funding and manpower. It has been my experience that most of them are well-intentioned and are doing the best they can with a limited amount of resources and an overwhelming burden.

But, we must stay vigilant, determined and committed, not letting the harsh reality hold us back from progress. I know we can do this. We have to work together each and every day to fulfill our collective vision of a life-long, healthy, and harmonious world for dogs and people.

With my background, we relate a lot of what we say and do to food. We need a recipe here for how to tackle these problems. First, we need to acknowledge our culture. Throughout time and especially in recent history, the Hispanic community has helped this nation to elect change, to grow, evolve, and has been a crucial part of the journey to what defines us as a country. We understand that we have to change our way of being and adapt to show our respect for the environment we’re in.

Hispanics, like many other cultures, pride themselves on being respectful to nature, but sometimes we inherit cultural beliefs that don’t necessarily add up to progress. For example, in our culture, some believe that if we get our dogs get spayed or neutered their value is decreased or diminished, they won’t be protectors of our homes, or they are going to feel bad about themselves or ashamed because they don’t have their reproductive apparatus. I’ll admit that I believed that when I first came to America, but I learned, I educated myself, and now it’s my desire to spread that awareness.

I would love for my Hispanic community to put that idea aside just for a moment, completely clear it out of their mind, so they can hear a message that can change and save millions of lives: the problem with pet overpopulation can be solved by our participating and adopting spay and neuter programs in our communities. The benefits to the health of our dogs physically and mentally will be noticeable and impactful. Allow your heart to lead your thoughts because this is when we make all things possible. We always want to know what we can do for others – this is a part of our culture, the “how can I help you” – so why not ask, “how can we help our dogs and community as a whole?” Join me and together let’s find another way to make history.

Read more: http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/lifestyle/2011/06/16/cesar-millan-its-up-to-us-to-neuter-or-spay-our-pets/#ixzz1PY964dyy

He wasn’t in their family for very long but the indelible mark he left on their hearts inspired them to help other needy animals.

Stanley, an 11-year old German Shepherd from Cheshire, Massachusetts who died in April, inspired his owners Debbie and Jim Wojtaszek, to create “Cans For Stans,” a can and bottle drive to benefit two local animal shelters.

The Wojtaszeks adopted the dog last September from the Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

According to Debbie, they knew that Stanley wasn’t going to be around for a long time, but nonetheless the dog instantly became a member of the family.

“We fell head-over-heels in love with him,” she said.

The “old-timer” was gentle and loving, she said. And, despite his age, was full of life.

“Nobody told him he was old,” said Debbie. “He was so energetic. He’d chase a ball until your arm would fall off.”

Stanley’s death left a “gaping emptiness” in the family.”

“I needed to do something,” said Debbie. And she did.

Saturday, Debbie and Jim were out in front of their local Petco in Pittsfield, Massachusetts collecting cans, bottles and donations.

Around 50 people, many of whom they didn’t know, donated either money or dropped off cans and bottles, she said. In the end, they received around $200 in donations.

The items they collected will be recycled with all the proceeds going to sponsor older pet adoptions at two animal shelters in Pittsfield, Massachusetts — the Berkshire Humane Society and the Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter.

The money will help provide the animals medical care so that they will be more adoptable, she said.

The Wojtaszeks, who are planning to adopt another older dog at some point, will be continuing to do can and bottle pick-ups for the next few weeks as they consider their next step, which may include monthly pick-ups.

“I think Stanley would approve,” Debbie said.

For further information, call the Wojtaszeks at (413) 743-3836.

Story by Elaine Furst for Dog Files