Meet Dixie, this week’s Featured Adoptable. Dixie is a smiley white pit bull terrier, rescued from the streets by the kind souls at Missouri Pit Bull Rescue:

Dixie was spotted out on a gravel road with her tail tucked between her legs and scared to death. She was pacing back and forth and didn’t know where to go. After trying to coerce her with leftover food from the car, she finally came to eat some. She was extremely skinny, dirty and frightened. When a car drove by she would walk along the side of it trying to look in at the driver. When she didn’t recognize the person, she would run off. We tried to approach her but she would just walk beside the car. Finally, we herded her into the backseat and she immediately curled up and within seconds was fast asleep. We felt such a relief for her… Dixie is now fostered in a home with cats, dogs, horses and kids. She is quite the cuddle bug and soaks up all the physical love she can get. She is no longer scared but is remaining very grateful for the precious chance given to her.

For more pictures and info: DIXIE’S MPR PAGE

Because of local breed specific legislation (BSL), so-called “dangerous dogs” like Dixie have a harder time than most finding a home. In this way, being born a pit bull marks a dog as “special needs” right from the start. (In this day and age, anyway; “dangerous breeds” of days past include rottweilers and doberman pinschers, further evidence that “dangerous dogs” aren’t so much a biological inevitability as a social construct steeped in hysteria and misunderstanding. Getting down from the soapbox now, *ahem*.)

Just look at poor Gramby, a pit bull from Animal Haven who we featured almost four months ago…and who has yet to be adopted, despite his young age, friendly nature and good health!

If you can, won’t you consider giving Miss Dixie (or Mr. Gramby) a second chance at life?

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Each Wednesday, the Kansas City Freecycle blog will feature one adoptable animal from a local KC rescue group or animal shelter.

We do this for several reasons:

- To highlight the plight of companion animals in the Kansas City area.

- To remind members of our no-animal policy, and provide an alternative venue for members who wish to adopt an unwanted animal.

- To encourage members to adopt a furry friend.

- To help out out local animal rescue groups and animal shelters, many of which are overwhelmed by the sheer number of animals in need.

- To illustrate these animals’ unique personalities and characteristics, thus underscoring the fact that they are not objects and should not be “freecycled”.

Click here to view past Featured Adoptables.

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Tagged: kcfreecycle freecycle kansas ks missouri mo kcmo kcks featured adoptables animal adoption animal rescue petfinder pet companion animal dog canine pit bull pit bull terrier bsl breed specific legislation Missouri Pit Bull Rescue dangerous breeds dangerous dogs gramby animal haven

Sorry I’m a day late on posting this week’s Featured Adoptable! I’ve been on vacation all week, hence the lack of blog posts. Better a day late than a week late though, no?

This week featured furry is Homer, a medium-sized male cat from Rainbow Pet Hospital in Kansas City, KS:

Homer is a wonderful, friendly cat. He loves people and other animals, even kittens. He is both playful and affectionate. He would love a home with people to love him. He is fairly laid back, but still loves his toys! He is negative for Feline Leukemia and FIV, neutered, and up to date on vaccinations. If you would like more information about Homer, please stop by Rainbow Pet Hospital at 4468 Rainbow Blvd, KCKS or call (913) 831-2034.

To find out more about Homer, visit his listing on Petfinder or contact Rainbow Pet Hospital today!

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Each Wednesday, the Kansas City Freecycle blog will feature one adoptable animal from a local KC rescue group or animal shelter.

We do this for several reasons:

- To highlight the plight of companion animals in the Kansas City area.

- To remind members of our no-animal policy, and provide an alternative venue for members who wish to adopt an unwanted animal.

- To encourage members to adopt a furry friend.

- To help out out local animal rescue groups and animal shelters, many of which are overwhelmed by the sheer number of animals in need.

- To illustrate these animals’ unique personalities and characteristics, thus underscoring the fact that they are not objects and should not be “freecycled”.

Click here to view past Featured Adoptables.

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Tagged: kcfreecycle freecycle kansas ks missouri mo kcmo kcks featured adoptables animal adoption animal rescue petfinder pet companion animal cat feline homer Rainbow Pet Hospital

This week’s Featured Adoptable is Deeogee, a female domestic short hair / black and white Tuxedo mix from Kitty City Rescue of KCMO:

A young couple had Deeogee for a few years and moved into an apt that didn’t allow cats so the girl’s mother reluctantly took Deeogee in but really can’t keep her because of her other cats….thus she needs a new forever home.

Deeogee likes other kitties and is very inquisitive and likes to be on the outskirts where the action is…not a pest but very interested in any activity and sociable.

She’s a little elusive around strangers at first, but then is sweet, affectionate and CUTE!!

She has been spayed, tested, vaccinated and flea/worm treated.

You can find out more about Miss Deeogee here.

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Each Wednesday, the Kansas City Freecycle blog will feature one adoptable animal from a local KC rescue group or animal shelter.

We do this for several reasons:

- To highlight the plight of companion animals in the Kansas City area.

- To remind members of our no-animal policy, and provide an alternative venue for members who wish to adopt an unwanted animal.

- To encourage members to adopt a furry friend.

- To help out out local animal rescue groups and animal shelters, many of which are overwhelmed by the sheer number of animals in need.

- To illustrate these animals’ unique personalities and characteristics, thus underscoring the fact that they are not objects and should not be “freecycled”.

Click here to view past Featured Adoptables.

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Tagged: kcfreecycle freecycle kansas ks missouri mo kcmo kcks featured adoptables animal adoption animal rescue petfinder pet companion animal cat feline Deeogee domestic short Hair tuxedo mix kitty city rescue

Now, I know rats and, to a lesser extent mice, get a bad rap, but….

ZOMG, RATS! So cute! Me want!!!

Those faces, how can you resist?

Seriously, tho, domestic rats and mice can make wonderful companion animals. According to the Rat and Mouse Club of America (RMCA),

The average lifespan of a pet rat is between 2 and 3 years. However, genetics, husbandry and love will ultimately determine how long your pets live. […]

Love and attention can sometimes play a big role in how long your rat will live. A neglected animal will be depressed and sometimes just wither away, while an animal given lots of attention and love will live months beyond its life expectancy because it is happy and has a much stronger will to live.

Both sexes [of rats] make wonderful pets. Females are smaller and considerably more active than males and their fur is softer. On the other hand, males are normally happier sitting on your lap and having you scratch their head.

Whichever sex, consider getting pairs or trios since rats are very social animals and do not do as well if kept singly.

We also strongly recommend visiting your local humane society or animal shelter when looking for pets. Homeless pet rats and mice are euthanized daily simply because people don’t think to go there to adopt small friends.

The RMCA has a wealth of information about rats and mice on their website at www.rmca.org. Rats and mice require special care, so do your research before adopting a furry rodent friend!

With that in mind, allow me to introduce you to Annie (top) and Janie (bottom), a bonded pair of female rats currently staying at the Lawrence Humane Society.

Annie is described as a Medium * Young * Female…

Annie lives with her friend, Janie. They would love to be adopted together, as rats are very social and do better in pairs!

…while Janie appears to be the runt of the pair, i.e., a Small * Young * Female:

Janie lives with her best friend Annie, they love each other and it would be great if they could be adopted together! They are both very sweet and LOVE to play with people!

A full list of the Adoptable Pets from Lawrence Humane Society (located in Lawrence, KS) is available here. If rats aren’t your thing, there are plenty of dogs, cats, rabbits, gerbils and guinea pigs to choose from.

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The hardest part of writing this weekly Featured Adoptables column for KC Freecycle is resisting the urge to adopt every other doggeh I profile. From Gramby the pit bull mix to Miss Maizie, the ringer for my own rat terrier girl, each one of these animals is special, unique and deserving of a wonderful forever home.

And so it is with Carl, the “special needs” Boston Terrier currently staying with the rescue group Friends of the Friendless:

Carl is a Boston Terrier with traditional coloring who was rescued from a puppy mill after they no longer had use for him. We want to find him a happy home! Carl is special as he is blind, which was caused by the puppy mill owner. Weight: 10-15 pounds. Age: 5 years.

Carl’s Petfinder listing was last updated in March, so it seems that he’s been living in limbo for quite some time. Won’t you open up your home - and heart - to this special little man?

If you’d like to help out, but are unable to adopt an animal, why not donate your time, home, skills or money to a local animal rescue group? From help with animal transport to foster homes and fundraising, there are many ways you can make a difference in an animal’s life. To find a group near you, go to Petfinder.com and click on the “Animal Shelters” link. From here, you can search for groups by location and browse their Petfinder pages, many of which feature wish lists and volunteer opportunities.

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Each Wednesday, the Kansas City Freecycle blog will feature one adoptable animal from a local KC rescue group or animal shelter.

We do this for several reasons:

- To highlight the plight of companion animals in the Kansas City area.

- To remind members of our no-animal policy, and provide an alternative venue for members who wish to adopt an unwanted animal.

- To encourage members to adopt a furry friend.

- To help out out local animal rescue groups and animal shelters, many of which are overwhelmed by the sheer number of animals in need.

- To illustrate these animals’ unique personalities and characteristics, thus underscoring the fact that they are not objects and should not be “freecycled”.

Click here to view past Featured Adoptables.

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Tagged: kcfreecycle freecycle kansas ks missouri mo kcmo kcks featured adoptables animal adoption animal rescue petfinder pet companion animal dog canine terrier boston terrier carl friends of the friendless lexington puppy mills

This week, I’m doing something a bit different for our Featured Adoptables column. In addition to featuring an animal, I’d also like to highlight a local rescue group - Retired Greyhounds as Pets (REGAP) - which will be in need of a little extra help come August 24. What’s so special about August 24, you ask?

The Woodlands Greyhound Race Track is scheduled to close down on 8/23. Consequently, the 600+ greyhounds who previously held down “jobs” there will find themselves “unemployed”. For racing dogs, this means they’ll be homeless. Many of them face euthanasia.

The following is excerpted from Kinship Circle’s July Digest:

2. Race Track Closing. Don’t Let Greyhounds Die

ALERT FROM / REPLY TO:

Buctale13 [at] aol.com
pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/AnimalRightsandActionAlerts/message/3915

BACKGROUND (edited for length):

7/23/08, Woodlands Greyhound Race Track closing in Kansas City: The Woodlands Racetrack in Kansas City is closing August 24th. I have spoken with REGAP (Retired Greyhounds as Pets) here in Kansas City. There are 600 Greyhounds at the track. Greyhound rescue estimates they will be able to get 200 into the rescue network.

The Woodlands is a last-stop track in the Greyhound racing industry, the remaining 400 will be ‘returned’ to the breeders and likely [killed].

CONTACT INFORMATION / TAKE ACTION:

REGAP can be reached at 816-763-3333
REGAP (greyhound rescue) needs urgent help for FOSTERS, ADOPTIONS, TRANSPORTS, etc. Please contact them if you can help and forward to friends you know who may be able to help. REGAP: 816-763-3333

If you can help by adopting or fostering a greyhound (or two!), please contact REGAP today. If you don’t have the room, means or desire to take in a dog, consider volunteering for transport (i.e., driving) duties. It’s not unusual for rescue groups to adopt out animals to homes in other cities or even states; in such cases, these groups need a few kind souls to physically transport the animals to their forever homes. And, of course, a cash donation is always welcome!

You can find out more about REGAP on their Petfinder page, www.petfinder.com/shelters/MO151.html or on their website, www.kcregap.org/public/

For more information on Woodland’s pending closure, here’s a Google News search with the latest.

Sticking with the greyhound theme, this week I’m proud to feature Saffron, a gorgeous greyhound girl:

Just look at that beautiful smile!

Here’s what REGAP says of the lovely Saffron:

This girl always has a big smile for anyone who comes by! Saffron is very outgoing and loving. She is ecstatic to greet the kennel staff in the mornings with tail wags, kisses, and a smile to take on the day! Saffron loves to play and gets along well with other medium to large sized dogs, but small dogs are not good playmates with this big girl. Saffron loves to go on walks in the park and gets so excited she can hardly contain it when she knows it’s time to go on her walk. She needs a home where ear scratching, walks, and love are given freely so she can give her love, loyalty, and silly grin to her special family.

REGAP currently has 11 greyhounds listed on Petfinder (you can also view them on REGAP’s own website), with (presumably) hundreds more to come. If none of these babes strike your fancy, consider calling REGAP about Woodland’s soon-to-be-ex-racing dogs.

Won’t you give these “working” dogs a happy retirement?

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This week’s Featured Adoptables are an equine first! Jelly Bean and Red Bean are a mother/daughter pair of Quarterhorses from the Humane Society of Missouri’s Longmeadow Rescue Ranch.

First up: Mother Jelly Bean (who is pictured in the top photo above):

Jelly Bean is halter trained, easy to catch, loads on a stock trailer and picks up her feet for the farrier.

She is Red Bean’s mother.

1/14/08 - Scott, our on staff trainer, evaluated her today. She accepts a saddle and rider, but doesn’t know a lot. Had not been round pen trained, but was accepting the idea.

Adoption Fee: $300

And of Daughter Red Bean (show in the bottom photo), HSMO says the following:

Red Bean is approximately 1 year old. She is a sorrel with a star and 3 stockings. She was not halter trained when she came in, but has learned fast.

Her mother is Jelly Bean and so she should reach 15 hands in height when mature.

Adoption Fee: $200

It doesn’t seem as though the two have to be adopted as a pair; but if you have room in your heart for two fine fillies, why not keep a family together?

You can find out more about Longmeadow Rescue Ranch (located just a short drive away in Union, MO) here.

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UPDATE, 7/22/08: Abigail’s listing has been removed from Petfinder.
As was the case with Fireball, I don’t know whether this is a good (adopted) or bad (euthanized) outcome.

Meet Abigail, this week’s Featured Adoptable!

Still waiting to win the lottery and for now you are stuck working the 9am-5pm? No worries, I’m your new luck of the draw! While you are away at work, I’ll be just fine entertaining myself. Basking in the window sill enjoying the afternoon sunshine, watching the squirrels steal the seed from the bird feeder, taking a nap, stalking that silly toy mouse… oh, life will be just beautiful. When you get home, I’ll rub your leg and let you know that I want your attention. Or, I may just stay put and continue to admire my new palace from my new favorite chair. It really depends on the day. If I get bored, don’t worry, I’ll let you know. When I’m feeling affectionate, I’ll talk to you and let you know how truly wonderful I think you are. Then, I may dash off for a quick game of chase my tail. I’m the perfect kitty for you if you need a companion who can be independent, yet knows exactly how to brighten your day.

Abigail is currently staying at Wayside Waifs. Visit their Petfinder page to find out more about the adoption process!

———————–

Each Wednesday, the Kansas City Freecycle blog will feature one adoptable animal from a local KC rescue group or animal shelter.

We do this for several reasons:

- To highlight the plight of companion animals in the Kansas City area.

- To remind members of our no-animal policy, and provide an alternative venue for members who wish to adopt an unwanted animal.

- To encourage members to adopt a furry friend.

- To help out out local animal rescue groups and animal shelters, many of which are overwhelmed by the sheer number of animals in need.

- To illustrate these animals’ unique personalities and characteristics, thus underscoring the fact that they are not objects and should not be “freecycled”.

Click here to view past Featured Adoptables.

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Tagged: kcfreecycle freecycle kansas ks missouri mo kcmo kcks featured adoptables animal adoption animal rescue petfinder pet companion animal cat feline abigail wayside waifs

UPDATE, 8/13/08: Autumn & LePew’s listings have been removed from Petfinder. Whether they finally found their forever homes or are still with the Longmeadow Rescue Ranch staff, these two sheep no longer appear to be available for adoption.

This week, we’re featuring two “barnyard animals” from the Humane Society of Missouri’s Longmeadow Rescue Ranch. Located in Union, Missouri, the Ranch is about a three-hour drive from the Kansas City area. Even so, it’s the largest farm animal sanctuary in the area (heck, it’s one of the only farm animal sanctuaries in the area!), which is why we’re straying toward the eastern border of MO today.

First, a bit about Longmeadow Rescue Ranch:

Operated by the Humane Society of Missouri, Longmeadow Rescue Ranch is one of the most comprehensive horse and farm animal rehabilitation centers in the United States. On any given day, as many as 250 animals from throughout Missouri call Longmeadow their safe haven.

Whether they need temporary shelter while they await adoption or have been impounded by law enforcement as evidence in abuse cases, the rescued animals receive the best of care from our dedicated staff and volunteers.

The Ranch is home to a wide variety of “farm” animals, including horses, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks and pigs. You can see these cuties in action on the Ranch Cams, or take a Photo Tour!

Autumn and LePew are two bonded sheep who call Longmeadow Rescue Ranch home:

Autumn was born here at Longmeadow. She is buddy to LePew. She is friendly, follows you for grain and is fairly cooperative to have her hooves trimmed and other health care procedures.

Autumn and LePew will need to go to a home where they understand sheep and their need to go everywhere with each other.

LePew was a twin to Pepe, one of our Barn Buddys. LePew was born three days later. Mom took care of him, but she was not interested in Pepe.

LePew and Autumn have become friends. LePew is not as friendly as Autumn, but follows her lead. He will follow you for grain. He is hard to catch, but accepts hoof trimming and other medical procedures ok. One of his horns will need periodic trimming to prevent it from growing into his head.

Autumn and LePew will need to be adopted together to a home that understands sheep and their need to follow each other everywhere.

In the picture above, Autumn is the light-colored girl in the foreground, while LePew is the darker-colored guy beside her.

The adoption fee for the pair is a steal at $80!

To find out more about Autumn and LePew, click on their names to view their Petfinder listings.

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Say meow to Bambi, our Featured Adoptable this week. Currently staying with True Treasures Rescue in Belton, MO, Bambi’s rescuers have this to say about the Tortoiseshell/Domestic Long Hair girl:

No animal is disposable, all are truly treasures!

Born apx June 2006

Indoor Only

Bambi is a beautiful orange and black tortie with a full measure of torti-tude. She is very picky about her kitty friends but those she picks have a friend for life. She loves to cuddle with her people friends and kitty friends. She specializes is supervising work (see picture) and loves to be cuddled.

Like a lot of torties Bambi tends to be a little reserved when she meets new people. When people take time to get to know her on her terms, they find her to be a very sweet girl who wants nothing more than attention.

Bambi would like to find a home without small children as she does give love bites occasionally and does NOT like to be handled carelessly. She does not like dogs.

Treasures come from high-kill shelters/pounds, feral cat colonies, and high-risk situations (working known rescues groups only).

Visit Bambi’s Petfinder listing to find out more about the sweet little girl and the adoption process.

———————–

Each Wednesday, the Kansas City Freecycle blog will feature one adoptable animal from a local KC rescue group or animal shelter.

We do this for several reasons:

- To highlight the plight of companion animals in the Kansas City area.

- To remind members of our no-animal policy, and provide an alternative venue for members who wish to adopt an unwanted animal.

- To encourage members to adopt a furry friend.

- To help out out local animal rescue groups and animal shelters, many of which are overwhelmed by the sheer number of animals in need.

- To illustrate these animals’ unique personalities and characteristics, thus underscoring the fact that they are not objects and should not be “freecycled”.

Click here to view past Featured Adoptables.

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Tagged: kcfreecycle freecycle kansas ks missouri mo kcmo kcks featured adoptables animal adoption animal rescue petfinder pet companion animal cat feline bambi Tortoiseshell Domestic Long Hair True Treasures Rescue Belton