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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Ladies and gentlemen:

There are times in the history of our nation when our very way of life depends upon dispelling illusions and awakening to the challenge of a present danger. In such moments, we are called upon to move quickly and boldly to shake off complacency, throw aside old habits and rise, clear-eyed and alert, to the necessity of big changes. Those who, for whatever reason, refuse to do their part must either be persuaded to join the effort or asked to step aside. This is such a moment. The survival of the United States of America as we know it is at risk. And even more - if more should be required - the future of human civilization is at stake.

I don’t remember a time in our country when so many things seemed to be going so wrong simultaneously. Our economy is in terrible shape and getting worse, gasoline prices are increasing dramatically, and so are electricity rates. Jobs are being outsourced. Home mortgages are in trouble. Banks, automobile companies and other institutions we depend upon are under growing pressure. Distinguished senior business leaders are telling us that this is just the beginning unless we find the courage to make some major changes quickly.

The climate crisis, in particular, is getting a lot worse - much more quickly than predicted. Scientists with access to data from Navy submarines traversing underneath the North polar ice cap have warned that there is now a 75 percent chance that within five years the entire ice cap will completely disappear during the summer months. This will further increase the melting pressure on Greenland. According to experts, the Jakobshavn glacier, one of Greenland’s largest, is moving at a faster rate than ever before, losing 20 million tons of ice every day, equivalent to the amount of water used every year by the residents of New York City.

Two major studies from military intelligence experts have warned our leaders about the dangerous national security implications of the climate crisis, including the possibility of hundreds of millions of climate refugees destabilizing nations around the world.

Just two days ago, 27 senior statesmen and retired military leaders warned of the national security threat from an “energy tsunami” that would be triggered by a loss of our access to foreign oil. Meanwhile, the war in Iraq continues, and now the war in Afghanistan appears to be getting worse.

And by the way, our weather sure is getting strange, isn’t it? There seem to be more tornadoes than in living memory, longer droughts, bigger downpours and record floods. Unprecedented fires are burning in California and elsewhere in the American West. Higher temperatures lead to drier vegetation that makes kindling for mega-fires of the kind that have been raging in Canada, Greece, Russia, China, South America, Australia and Africa. Scientists in the Department of Geophysics and Planetary Science at Tel Aviv University tell us that for every one degree increase in temperature, lightning strikes will go up another 10 percent. And it is lightning, after all, that is principally responsible for igniting the conflagration in California today.

Like a lot of people, it seems to me that all these problems are bigger than any of the solutions that have thus far been proposed for them, and that’s been worrying me.

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———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle - kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Date: Sat, Jul 12, 2008 at 3:11 PM
Subject: Next Steps: Volunteer In Future Disasters

KINSHIP CIRCLE ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK
Communicating during disasters to mobilize volunteers, supplies, and other resources for animal victims. www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters

7/12/08: Next Steps: Volunteer In Future Disasters
Over the summer, Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network is updating its volunteer database to keep your skills and experience on file — in the event we are recruited to directly deploy responders in future disasters. (We do NOT automatically send volunteers to every disaster).

=======================

1. Please Fill Out Attached Volunteer Form!

=======================

Your filled-out form will help us contact and send volunteers more efficiently in future disasters.

1. FILL OUT THE ATTACHED FORM:
www.kcfreecycle.org/images/KCDisasterAid_VolunteerForm.doc

2. EMAIL IT BACK TO: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net

3. TYPE IN SUBJECT LINE: KC ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK

(If you do not type this in subject line, your form may be overlooked).

If you are reading this message as a cross-post, not directly from Kinship Circle:

1. You must subscribe to Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Network email list.
2. You may subscribe when sending back your completed form.
3. In your email, type: SUBSCRIBE to KC Animal Disaster Aid Network

NOTE: KC Animal Disaster Aid Network will always remain a news service for anyone interested in animal disaster victims, but not hands-on volunteering.

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———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Farm Sanctuary - info [at] farmsanctuary.org
Date: Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 7:40 PM
Subject: Iowa Pigs Still Need Help

I know that we recently reached out to you for help, but we are still in urgent need of funding to continue the mission to save pigs from the Midwest flood disaster.

This emergency rescue is historic, both in its mission and scope, and is expected to be one of the most expensive rescue operations Farm Sanctuary has ever undertaken. But we couldn’t turn our backs on farm animals in need; we couldn’t leave any pigs behind.

Farm Sanctuary’s emergency rescue team is continuing to work day and night on the ground in Iowa to save the pigs. The urgency of the situation is only growing, as we have now rescued 69 pigs, most of whom are in very poor condition and a number of whom are pregnant.

We need your help right now to provide emergency onsite care to the pigs and transport them out of the disaster zone, as we have secured all survivors on the Iowa levee. Given the condition, number and size of these animals, this endeavor is massive.

Right now, Farm Sanctuary’s National Shelter Director Susie Coston is onsite in Iowa providing triage care at a temporary holding facility. Here, the pigs are receiving care for third degree burns and treatment for abscesses and wounds.

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———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle - kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Date: Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 2:49 PM
Subject: FLOOD: Last Images + Pigs Need Homes!

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY / MIDWEST FLOODS OF 2008

7/3/08: Images From A Flood + Rescued Pigs Need Homes
As rescue and emergency sheltering operations head toward maintenance, we share a last glimpse of the flood that covered over 80% of Iowa…and some of the animals who survived.

Photo courtesy of Molly Wald, Best Friends Animal Society.
www.bestfriends.org

IN THIS ALERT:

1. Iowa Floods: Pigs, Pups & Kittens
2. Red Rover, Red Rover…Send Piggy Right Over!
3. Homes Urgently Needed For Rescued Pigs
4. Tessa’s Reunion

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———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Farm Sanctuary - info [at] farmsanctuary.org
Date: Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Subject: Midwest Pigs Urgently in Need of Placement

HOMES URGENTLY NEEDED FOR RESCUED PIGS - WE IMMEDIATELY NEED ADOPTIVE HOMES FOR PIGS IN ORDER TO SAVE AS MANY ANIMALS AS POSSIBLE FROM THE MIDWEST FLOOD DISASTER.

As we reported to you last week, Farm Sanctuary’s emergency rescue team is currently on the ground in Oakville, Iowa saving pigs stranded in the Mississippi River floods and providing them with emergency care and temporary shelter.

Thankfully, our efforts are proving successful as we now have 28 pigs in our custody. Many are in critical condition (suffering from injuries, pneumonia and third degree sunburns) and are receiving urgent care.

Now, as rescue efforts continue, we must quickly secure a large number of adoptive homes for pigs: www.farmsanctuary.org/rescue/adoption.html

We continue to find more and more pigs still alive, surviving against all odds in fields, on levees, anywhere they can find refuge. Pigs are extremely resourceful, intelligent animals they are fighters; they are survivors. After this tremendous demonstration of their will to live and all that they have endured, they deserve peace and comfort in their lives, as well as a chance to know that there is kindness in the world. PLEASE HELP by providing an adoptive home for as many pigs as you can.

Among those we have rescued is a brave, strong mother pig who gave birth to seven piglets within the past couple of days amidst the floods. She and her babies have survived the ordeal but this mother now needs a safe place to call home and nurture and raise her piglets.

Our need for homes is extremely urgent, as Farm Sanctuary already provides lifelong care to more than 50 pigs. We are continuing to rescue as many as we can, but our efforts can only continue with your participation in this extraordinary rescue.

Many of the rescued pigs swam for their lives to escape deadly flood waters. They were stranded without food or water, injured, sick, frightened, and confused. These pigs need you to give them hope for the future and keep them safe from harm forever.

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———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle - kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Date: Thu, Jun 26, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Subject: The Lucky Ones, Iowa Flood Pigs

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY
6/26/08: The Lucky Ones… Iowa Flood Pigs

Photos courtesy of Molly Wald, Best Friends Animal Society.
www.bestfriends.org
flickr.com/photos/mollywald/sets/72157605698148806/

When Kinship Circle began working with Iowa Dept. of Agriculture/Veterinary Response to coordinate volunteers for Iowa animal flood victims — we soon learned about the pig tragedy. Hog farms had filled with water, with pigs trapped in crates and others adrift over a wide swath of southeast Iowa. As many as 40,000 pigs were evacuated. An estimated 4,000 pigs died. Still others swam for their lives in rapid waters. Some managed to hoist their bodies atop levees, only to be shot dead by officials concerned they’d destroy sandbags. Residents and officials herded some on to barges, to ferry them back to owners. Many carcasses remain as waters recede.

But pigs are smart. And some escaped to dry ground. Reports came in daily: Pigs spotted by churches, in homes, near levees, on rooftops. Early during this operation, Kinship Circle called Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, to ask if their Emergency Rescue Team could come to Iowa. Within 24 hours, they were on the road from Watkins Glen, New York to Oakville, Iowa.

On conference call with state officials, we learned that pigs currently stranded, when found, could be taken to a temporary holding area… And once in Farm Sanctuary’s custody, receive immediate care and transport to sanctuary. That’s right: sanctuary.

Kinship Circle Animal Disaster Aid Network volunteers have assisted Farm Sanctuary rescuers. See below, to donate to FS Emergency Rescue Fund.

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———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Farm Sanctuary - info [at] farmsanctuary.org
Date: Wed, Jun 25, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Subject: Disaster strikes for farm animals: Stranded Pigs Need Urgent Help

EMERGENCY RESCUE FUND
Stranded Pigs Need Urgent Help!

Flood waters have ravaged the Midwest, and farm animals need immediate rescue! The recent flooding has hit largely agricultural areas, leaving pigs, cattle and other animals stranded.

Hundreds of factory farm pigs have been left trapped and drowning in crates, or freed only to be swept away by rapid currents … trying desperately to survive on area levees.

Farm Sanctuary dispatched a rescue team with our large animal rescue trailer last week and we are currently on the ground in Iowa and Illinois to save drowning and stranded pigs.

Please, give to the Emergency Rescue Fund right now to help our lifesaving efforts and rescue these stranded, suffering animals:

secure2.vegsource.com/farmsanc/fs/donate_erf_pigs08_alert.html

This rescue is urgent and every moment counts. We, and the pigs, need your help right now.

Many pigs swam for their lives to the closest land or levee. Many are stranded without food or water. They are desperately clinging to life and waiting for rescuers to arrive.

Farm Sanctuary is working with other organizations to transport surviving pigs to a temporary holding area, and once pigs are in our custody, Farm Sanctuary will be ensuring their immediate care and transport to sanctuary.

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———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle - kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Date: Tue, Jun 24, 2008 at 11:55 PM
Subject: Emergency Sheltering Volunteers Needed In Iowa

KINSHIP CIRCLE ANIMAL DISASTER AID NETWORK
Communicating during disasters to mobilize volunteers, supplies, and other resources for animal victims. www.kinshipcircle.org/disasters

6/24: Emergency Sheltering Volunteers Needed In Iowa

Kinship Circle has been asked to continue staffing two surge shelters for Iowa flood victims for the remainder of this week and next week.

County coordinators at both Lee County Fairgrounds and Johnson County Fairgrounds need VOLUNTEERS TO ASSIST WITH EMERGENCY SHELTERING DUTIES.

1. IF YOU CAN GO TO IOWA THIS WEEK OR NEXT WEEK, NOTIFY US NOW.

2. SEND THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION TO:

kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net -OR- pawsitivedirections [at] yahoo.com (DON’T SEND TO BOTH)

* YOUR NAME:
* PHONE NUMBER (cell you’ll have with you):
* FULL PHYSICAL ADDRESS:
* BRIEF INFO RE: YOUR ANIMAL DISASTER AID EXPERIENCE:
* ARRIVE/DEPART DATES IN IOWA
* TYPE: IOWA VOLUNTEER in subject line of email

This info is needed for the Iowa flood disaster. It’s also filed for future disasters in which we’re asked to send qualified independent volunteers. THANK YOU all for your concern for animal flood victims in Iowa. We deeply appreciate your experience, professionalism and devotion to animals in disasters. Kinship Circle

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Normally I don’t crosspost solicitations for donations, but this email gives some info regarding the current situation in the Midwest…

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: American Humane Association - email [at] americanhumane.org
Date: Tue, Jun 24, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Subject: Help animals displaced by flood

American Humane, June 2008

Breaking News: American Humane Assists Animals in Flood-Stricken Illinois

Over the weekend, American Humane’s Red Star Animal Emergency Services unit deployed to Adams County, Ill., to help animals affected by the severe flooding in the Midwest. As an area that was overwhelmed by the scope of this crisis, Adams County was in dire need of assistance.

American Humane answered the call by joining forces with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the Animal Rescue League of Boston. Together, we are working to find and set up emergency shelter sites for the many animals made homeless in recent days. It’s a collaboration that is allowing the county to keep as many animals as possible fed, sheltered and healthy through the duration of the crisis.

Your donation today will allow us to continue these vital operations and prepare for the inevitable next disaster. In some situations, animals’ survival instinct simply isn’t enough — they desperately need caring donors like you to make our rescue efforts possible.

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