Meet Andy the wee little dachshund/beagle mix. He’s our Featured Adoptable this week!

D.O.B. Oct 19, 2007 Andy is just as fun as his siblings! It can take him just a few minutes to warm up to someone but when he does he becomes a lover boy. Looking for a family to cuddle with. HE DOES NOT HAVE THE BEAGLE HOWL!! Please visit www.animalsbestfriends.org to fill out application and look at my siblings!!

As you can see, Andy isn’t quite a year old yet - he’s still a tiny little guy. He and his brothers and sisters are staying with Animals Best Friends in Independence, MO. You can view a full list of their adoptable dogs 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 dog canine dachshund wiener dog beagle mix mutt Animals Best Friends Independence, MO Independence

While searching Petfinder for this week’s Featured Adoptable, it occurred to me that we have yet to feature a bird! After searching for a feathered adoptable, I quickly discovered Beak N’ Wings, Inc., a bird rescue that operates in the Kansas City area:

Beak N’ Wings, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization, and the only licensed shelter for exotic birds in the Kansas City area. We are located in Shawnee Mission, KS (a suburb of Kansas City). We take in companion (pets) birds from finches to macaws, rehabilitate them if necessary, and place them in permanent, loving homes.

We serve the Kansas City metro area (within 100 miles of the I-435 circle that surrounds the city). If you would like to foster a homeless bird, please go to our website, click on the Rescue link and fill out the appropriate application.

Beak n Wings is now helping to rehome birds in the following states:
Texas, Arkansas, Springfield / Joplin MO area

Our rescued parrots live in foster homes, are treated like companions (pets) and rehabilitated if necessary, therefore we have no shelter building. To learn more about a particular bird, please go to our website There you will be able to read how our adoption program works.

Visit their website at beaknwings.org for more info.

Out of their many available birds, Greeter immediately grabbed my attention. Perhaps it’s all those gorgeous red feathers?

My name is Greeter and I am a Greenwing Macaw. I am 18 years old, so I am still a youngster as I could live to be 80 to 100 years old. I have plucked a few feathers, but not many. I am a very large bird, but if you would like a big friend, I might just be the one for you.

If you are interested in learning more about me, please go to www.beaknwings.org. There you will also see all of my bird friends that are ready for adoption and in need of a forever home. Do not call or email Beak n’ Wings until you have visited the website and learned how our adoption process works!

Beak n’ Wings ADOPTS WITHIN KANSAS CITY AND UP TO 100 MILES OUTSIDE THE I-435 CIRCLE THAT SURROUNDS KANSAS CITY. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ADOPTION PROCEDURES PLEASE GO TO www.beaknwings.org AND CLICK ON THE “RESCUE” LINK.. We do not ship birds!

If you’re interested in welcoming a feathered friend into your home, please consider adopting one of Beak n’ Wings, Inc.’s many foster birds.

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Tagged: wayside waifs events kansas city kansas missouri ks mo kcks kcmo animals pet companion animal dog canine cat feline

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

Update, 10/29/09: Deeogee has been adopted! Best wishes to little kitty and her new family!

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

Update, 12/31/08: Annie and Janie’s listings are no longer available on Petfinder. I so, so hope this means that they’ve been adopted into a loving, mouse-friendly home!…

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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Update, 11/12/08: Oh, yays! Carl has been adopted! Knowing how hard it can be to place “special needs” dogs, I’m both incredibly happy and incredibly surprised to see that this blind little boy has found his forever home! Many thanks to both Friends of the Friendless, as well as Carl’s new family, for giving this boy a second chance at life!

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

UPDATE, 9/10/08: Saffron’s listing has been removed from Petfinder. I’m pretty sure this means she’s been adopted, as I believe REGAP is mostly a no-kill rescue group.

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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Update, 11/12/08: Jelly Bean’s listing has been removed from Petfinder; I assume this means that the old girl has either been adopted, or HSMO has decided to keep her at their sanctuary. Red Bean is still available for adoption.

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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