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Every year, countless animals find themselves abandoned, surrendered, or lost, leading them to end up in shelters across the country. While shelters aim to provide temporary refuge and hope for these animals, the reality is often harsh, especially for those in kill shelters. Euthanasia, an act of mercy in some cases, becomes a routine protocol in these overcrowded shelters, leading to the heartbreaking loss of innocent lives. In this blog, we delve into the reasons animals end up in shelters, the emotional toll it takes on them, and the importance of giving each animal a chance to find a loving forever home.

The Plight of Shelter Animals

Animals arrive at shelters for various reasons, with some being surrendered due to financial constraints, behavioral issues, or lack of commitment from their families. Others are picked up as strays, victims of abandonment, or even cruelty. While the reasons may vary, one common factor binds them all: their lives now hang in the balance, and their fate lies at the mercy of shelter policies.

The Emotional Turmoil of Shelter Life

Shelter life can be extremely challenging for animals. They find themselves in unfamiliar and stressful environments, surrounded by the noise and chaos of other distressed animals. The loss of a familiar home and the companionship they once knew can leave them feeling broken-hearted and anxious.

Many shelter animals experience high levels of stress, which can lead to behavioral issues that further decrease their chances of adoption. This downward spiral creates a vicious cycle, as behavioral problems often become the reason why animals are labeled “unadoptable” and end up on euthanasia lists.

The Grim Reality: Euthanasia for Protocol

Euthanasia is a grim reality faced by animals in kill shelters. Due to limited resources, overcrowding, and time constraints, euthanasia is often viewed as a necessary protocol to make space for incoming animals. Tragically, this means that even animals who are otherwise adoptable might meet a premature and unjust end. The stories of these animals deserve to be heard, and their lives are worth fighting for.

The Power of Rescues and Rehabilitation

Rescue organizations like Famous Fido Rescue stand as beacons of hope for shelter animals. They provide an alternative to euthanasia by pulling animals from kill lists and working tirelessly to find them loving homes. They understand that every animal, regardless of behavioral issues or past traumas, deserves a chance at a fulfilling life.

The Importance of Responsible Guardianship

The cycle of euthanasia and overcrowded shelters can only be broken through responsible animal guardianship. Adopting a cat or dog should never be an impulsive decision; it is a lifelong commitment. Before bringing an animal into their home, individuals must consider their resources, time, and ability to provide love and care for the animal’s entire life.

There is a perfect home for every animal, and prospective adopters should be patient in finding the right match. Rescue organizations and shelters play a vital role in guiding potential adopters and ensuring that the adoption process is a well-informed one.

Conclusion

The euthanasia of animals in kill shelters is a heart-wrenching issue that demands our attention and empathy. Each animal that ends up in a shelter has a story, and they all deserve a second chance at life. As a society, we must advocate for responsible animal guardianship, encourage adoption, and support organizations that work tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate animals. By doing so, we can collectively create a brighter future for shelter animals and ensure that they find loving forever homes. Remember, their lives matter, and we all have the power to make a difference.

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Often, animals are surrendered while sick or injured and need specific care. Sponsorships can help see an animal through by assisting with their emergency care, aging needs, or other supplemental support. When funds are readily available for their medical fund, it means that we can respond more quickly to their care and get them on the path to success and place them in homes sooner.  

Countless animals at the center are also recovering from traumatic past experiences and are adjusting to their new environments here after abandonment, and need more than just medical care. They need a reason to live by including enriching game play and mental stimulation, clean and comfortable environments, and specific dietary care. The support of our sponsors means we can provide these comfort items that are all too often considered non-essential. These items help to keep the animals happy and healthy while they await their forever homes.

When you choose to sponsor an animal at Famous Fido Rescue, you will receive updates about their progress and be the first to know when they find their forever home. You will be playing an important role in saving their life and ensuring that their future is bright. Famous Fido Rescue always endeavors to find the best fit for each animal and their special needs. Often, adopters like to keep in contact with us about how their new addition is doing, and you may even receive surprise updates post-adoption, so you too can feel rewarded for your impact in their life.

If you would like to join us in our mission to give our residents a chance at a brighter future, please consider becoming an animal sponsor and click here.

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Thankfully, fate led him to the our doors, where his turnaround journey began. Through our tireless efforts and the support of our wonderful community, we spread the word about Cody’s search for a forever home. Even with all he’d been through, Cody’s upbeat and friendly demeanor made him easy to fall in love with. And, as destiny would have it, a remarkable family came forward. The bond between Cody and his new guardian was easy to see and we are thrilled to see that Cody had found his loving tribe.

Cody’s adoption reminds us of the incredible transformations that occur when rescue animals find their loving homes. It is a testament to the power of compassion and the life-altering impact of adoption. Each success story like Cody’s fuels our dedication to our mission and strengthens our resolve to continue saving and transforming lives. They are also a sobering reminder of what could have been a much different story, were Cody to have been taken to an open door shelter. Overcrowding and lack of resources make it much harder for animals in these environments to succeed the way Cody has and avoid debilitating kennel experiences or at worst, euthanasia.

Getting to this point is never easy. All new guardians pay a nominal adoption fee when taking their new companion home. But the medical and rehabilitative treatment needed to nurse Cody back to health took 6 weeks and thousands of dollars to complete. Thanks to the generous support of the Famous Fido community, over $8000 was raised to offset the cost Famous Fido incurred when Cody arrived at the rescue in crisis!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in Cody’s journey, from the compassionate individuals who discovered him to the devoted team at Famous Fido who provided him with love, care, and a second chance at a happy life. Together, we are making a difference.

Join us in celebrating Cody’s triumph by sharing this article from Block Club Chicago with your friends and family. We love to brighten people’s days with success stories like these and can always use the support of new members of the Famous Fido community. 

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A Life Hanging by a Thread:

Comet’s story began when he was born at our rescue, after his mom was abandoned while pregnant. He had a strong start in life, but he was too young to receive vaccines, which left him vulnerable and susceptible to illness. The infection had taken a toll on his tiny body, plunging him into a state of pneumonia. With his fragile life hanging by a thread, the compassionate team at Famous Fido Rescue stepped in, determined to give him a fighting chance. And, he was rushed to the emergency room.

The Power of Human Compassion:

Comet’s struggle exemplifies the incredible power of human compassion. It’s easy to underestimate the significance of our actions, especially when faced with daunting challenges. Yet, it is precisely in these moments that our collective effort can make a monumental difference. By extending a helping hand to Comet, Famous Fido Rescue not only provided him with the necessary medical attention but also showered him with love and care. The kindness of our volunteer’s and supporter’s actions echoed a resounding message: every life, regardless of size or species, holds immeasurable value.

The Ripple Effect:

By rallying together to save Comet, the team at Famous Fido Rescue demonstrated how an individual life can set off a ripple effect of kindness and inspiration. Comet’s story touched the hearts of many, prompting others to contribute to his care, whether through financial support or by spreading awareness about his plight. Social media platforms became a lifeline, connecting people from all walks of life who shared a common goal: to ensure Comet’s survival. This collective effort resonated far beyond the walls of the rescue center, reminding us of the impact we can have when we join forces for a greater cause.

A Glimmer of Hope:

Despite the severity of Comet’s condition, his will to survive has shone through. Through the tireless efforts of the veterinary team, he received round-the-clock care, including oxygen support to aid his breathing. His story became a testament to the resilience and unwavering spirit that exists within every living being, no matter how fragile or vulnerable they may seem. Comet’s journey awakened a renewed sense of hope within the community, inspiring others to cherish and protect the lives around them.

The Importance of Helping:

Comet’s story serves as a poignant reminder of why it is essential to extend a helping hand to those in need. Each life is unique and deserving of compassion, regardless of whether it walks on two legs or four. The act of helping not only saves lives but also nurtures our own humanity. It reminds us of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the profound impact we can have when we choose empathy over indifference.

Comet’s Condition As of Now:

Comet is still battling this viral infection in the emergency room as of May 11, 2023, and we hope that he can pull through this. He is only small, but he is a fighter. He has been in their care now fore 5 days. 

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In Sam’s case, Sam, and his dogs, Gus and Bella were at risk of becoming permanently separated when Sam was not 100% capable of caring for them. Sam had recently lost his wife and his home after spending his savings on her cancer treatment, and sadly her funeral. Sam had been staying with a friend temporarily while he got back on his feet, but unfortunately his dogs were not able to come with him. In the city there are not many places or resources for people in crisis situations to go with their animals.

Sam desperately did not want to see his dogs go into a shelter. He had already lost so much. Thankfully, in Sam’s search for help we were able to connect and set up a plan to help Sam get back on his feet, and help Gus and Bella with boarding. Sam enthusiastically helped with the daily care of his dogs at our rescue center and supported Famous Fido Rescue by helping in the Rescue Store. In this case, we have been able to offer him a commission on sales he makes, so he could save for an apartment of his own that he can share with Gus and Bella.

Our mission to keep a family like Sam, Gus and Bella united when every other option is exhausted is never easy. But we view these interventions as critical to circumventing an untenable shelter system where dogs like Gus and Bella face a much more unforgiving fate.

Ultimately, the reward of seeing a hopeful chapter open in the lives we’ve touched is most certainly worth the work. If you you find yourself inspired by this story and want to join in successes like these, we urge you to consider donating or sponsoring an animal at our rescue hoping for the same chance at a better life.

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FeLV: Not a Death Sentence

by: Lisa Jensen

If your kitty is diagnosed with feline leukemia (FeLV), you shouldn’t assume that it automatically points to a death sentence. 

Athena, a fluffy black kitten born to a feral mother, captivated me and my husband when she first crossed our path. Because of her background, we had her tested for feline leukemia, though we considered it little more than a formality. So my heart dropped when the veterinarian told us Athena had FeLV.

Feline leukemia facts

FeLV infects 2% to 3% of cats in the US.¹ It’s most prevalent in kittens before their immunity is fully developed, and in older cats whose immune systems are declining.^1,4 The virus is passed through saliva and urine, but it can’t be transmitted to humans or dogs.³ It can be spread through bite wounds and from a mother cat to her kittens.^1,4

There are three scenarios for cats who test positive for FeLV:

• A handful fight off the virus and live a normal lifespan, virus-free.

• Another small percentage carry the virus and spread disease to other cats without becoming seriously ill themselves.

• Most become increasingly ill and eventually die from secondary infection or are euthanized, usually within two years of diagnosis.

“Until a cat fights off the virus and tests negative, he’s considered viremic and is still contagious,” cautions Veterinarian Dr. Danielle Newman.⁴

Vaccination isn’t the answer

Once in a cat’s system, FeLV produces an enzyme that allows it to insert copies of its own genetic data into the cells it infects, according to the Cornell Feline Health Center.¹ Vaccines don’t provide a viable solution, and FeLV isn’t considered a core vaccine for cats. Vaccination can cause reactions such as fever, sneezing, lameness and loss of appetite. Other less common yet life-threatening effects include anaphylaxis and the development of sarcomas.² These side effects are the reason many holistic and integrative vets don’t recommend FeLV vaccines for cats who aren’t at risk.

Symptoms to watch for

Feline leukemia itself has no noticeable symptoms, but it breaks down a cat’s immunity, opening the door to numerous secondary diseases. Signs that may indicate FeLV include:

• Appetite and weight loss
• Poor coat condition
• Fever
• Inflamed gums
• Diarrhea
• Persistent eye, skin, urinary tract and/or upper respiratory infections
• Behavior changes and seizures

FeLV is commonly diagnosed using the ELISA test (Enzyme- Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay). If the ELISA is positive, an ImmunoFluorescent Assay (IFA test) will determine how advanced the disease is by showing if it has spread to the bone marrow.^1,4

Holistic treatment is the best bet

There is no cure or effective treatment for feline leukemia. Conventionally, Interferon and a few other medications have been studied, but with inconclusive and mixed results. 6Consequently, treatment is usually ongoing and directed at the infection or disease of the moment, rather than the virus itself.

Veterinarian Dr. Michele Gaspar encourages holistic treatment for cats with FeLV. Any cat’s odds of beating the virus and/ or living out a normal lifespan depend on factors such as age, lifestyle and overall health. Dr. Gaspar says that treatment should be approached realistically, by giving your cat a fighting chance but keeping in mind that it could go either way. There’s always hope, however, and her recommendations give kitties a definite advantage.

“Holistic methods need to be approached with a vet who is comfortable with them,” Dr. Gaspar says. She recommends reishi, shiitake and miitake mushrooms for the immune system, and adds that Andrographis, a South Asian plant with antiviral properties, is also useful.

“I also suggest a pharmaceutical-grade L-lysine product and great nutrition with a species-appropriate diet, one that’s high in protein and less than 7% carbs. Meat should be lightly cooked as FeLV cats aren’t the best candidates for a raw diet.”

As it turned out, Athena is one of the lucky few who are able to fight off the virus – her second FeLV test came back negative. I feel fortunate to still have my fluffy, nutty cat and to have learned so much from our early ordeal, especially that FeLV in any form isn’t a death sentence.

Living with FeLV

The key? Provide high quality nutrition.

• Work with a holistic or integrative vet who can prescribe herbs and supplements that are right for your cat.
• Maintain hydration: provide fresh water and keep the environment on the humid side.⁶
• Encourage appetite: serve food warm and sprinkle a bit of catnip over it.
• Minimize stress: keep kitties warm and stimulate circulation through petting, massage and grooming.⁷

Keeping kitty FeLV-free ^1,3,4,5

Keep your kitty FeLV-free by:

1. Preventing exposure by keeping him indoors, in a secure outdoor enclosure or on a harness and leash when outside (always supervised).
2. Test new cats and kittens before allowing contact with infection-free cats.
3. Segregate FeLV cats from uninfected cats in the same household. Don’t allow interaction or sharing of litter boxes, food or water dishes.

¹ Cornell Feline Health Center: Feline Leukemia Virus, vet.cornell.edu/FHC/health_resources/brochure_felv.cfm.
² Cornell Feline Health Center: Feline Vaccines: Benefits and Risks, vet.cornell.edu/FHC/health_resources/Vaccines.cfm.
³ WebMD: Facts About Feline Leukemia, pets.webmd.com/cats/facts-about-feline-leukemia-virus.
⁴ Danielle Newman, DVM, Mountain View Veterinary Hospital, Pocatello, Idaho.
⁵ Michele Gaspar, DVM, Feline DAVBP, Urban Veterinary Care, Chicago, Illinois.
⁶ Withrow and MacEwen’s Small Animal Clinical Oncology, Stephen J. Withrow, David M. Vail and Rodney Page, pp 23-25.
⁷ Frederick Cat Vet: Not Eating Well? How to Boost Your Cat’s Appetite, frederickcatvet.com/boostingappetite.html.

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Famous Fido Rescue stands for an all-encompassing mission to protect all animals and the planet we share. We believe that the responsibility belongs to all of us and that the power is in our hands to make the change we want to see.

Currently, there are 75 mammal, 335 bird, 41 reptile, and 65 amphibian species at high risk of extinction, with fewer than a thousand of each species left. Scientists are arguing that our planet is on the verge of the 6^th extinction which is an occurrence when species go extinct in mass numbers. It can be due to things such as natural disasters, disease, or depletion of resources. This time around, the blame is being put on human interference.

For a long time, humans have damaged the planet, and have been harming its inhabitants. Our goal at Famous Fido is to increase awareness surrounding such issues, and initiate conversation and thought-provoking action.

We believe that animals are a gift to the planet. They are one of a kind, each with unique personalities and a purpose, and there is no greater responsibility than ensuring each other’s future.

Here, we will bring you the latest and most important information and explore options for you to get involved in protecting and improving animal and environmental welfare.

Keeping Seniors Strong: Bear’s Story of Resilience

AN UPDATE FROM FAMOUS FIDO RESCUE

Historically, older dogs have always been at an increased risk for euthanasia in kill shelters, and especially more so when they demonstrate age-related ailments, such as arthritis. Bear is a 16-year-old rottweiler and for a long time he was completely unable to walk, with total paralysis in his back legs, weakening all his muscles. In a kill shelter, it is highly likely that Bear would have been at the very top of the euthanasia list.

Bear was surrendered to Famous Fido Rescue when his guardian passed away. A friend of the family who was helping clear away Bear’s human’s belongings sent us this photo of him sitting by the door of his person’s room, staring at the wall. While everyone was busy cleaning, no one stopped to think about the grief Bear was going through. He had been with his person his whole life and now, he had no one. None of the family members wanted Bear. At this point, Bear was 15 years old, and while he was still able to walk, his joint health was already deteriorating rapidly.

Soon after his surrender, Bear became completely unable to walk. He was diagnosed as paraplegic, and we were told many times that he would never be able to walk again on his own. Nevertheless, we persisted. We sought advice from many veterinarians, and were consistently told to have him euthanized, and direct funds towards helping younger, more adoptable animals. Thankfully, Bear had a big support base at Famous Fido Rescue, helping with every step of his rescue journey. Bear finally found a vet that was able to help him with integrative medicine, and he began with getting weekly acupuncture treatments, and started a regime of arthritis meds, vitamins, and physical therapy.

When Bear sat up on his own for the very first time, we realized the potential of his therapy plan. He began trying to move his back legs and trying to lift his body up. Little by little, Bear was making progress and proving his strength and resilience. There were a lot of hard days, where we were lifting Bear to make him stand to use the bathroom, and where we carried him outside to take in the sunshine. But all the while, he maintained his cheeky spirit, and was often playing with his toys, by throwing them up into their air, and trying to catch them with his mouth. 

Today, at 16-years-old, Bear is now running up and down the halls of Famous Fido Rescue. For a dog that was lying down, feeling frustrated and wanting to move, and needing a harness wrapped around his belly to be lifted just to stand for a few short moments, to now be frolicking in the garden, and rushing towards us to lick our hands, and have a ball thrown for him, has reminded us of a very important lesson; to never give up .

If you have been inspired by Bear’s rescue journey, and would like to help, please consider becoming a member of our monthly donor club. His care is still quite extensive, and ongoing. He needs his acupuncture sessions, medicines, and Nzymes to keep him on track. No amount is too small, and every bit makes a difference. Sign up here: https://famousfidorescue.org/donate

 

Become a Pig Protector Today!

Learn more about the efforts of Crate Free Illinois and their work to remove the use of gestation crates for pigs in retail supply chains. 

Cats And Dogs Abandoned As Pandemic Causes Panic

While the coronavirus is spreading throughout the world and having a devastating impact for many humans, the effects seem to be also be affecting the voiceless members of people’s families, their companion animals. As the pandemic continues to affect people’s financial situation, more animals are becoming victim to being left behind as people are forced to vacate their apartments.

Our concern, as an animal rescue is for the consequences of this type of abandonment. Sadly, many people are also just setting their animals loose to the streets to struggle to survive as well.

How many will starve?

How many will freeze?

How many will become victim to the human dangers in the outside environment?

While the exact numbers may never be known, the cases that come to us will be.

PJ & Nutter Butter are two cats that came to Famous Fido Rescue after being found left behind in an empty apartment just before Christmas. While we understand that the pandemic has made things increasingly more difficult for families and individuals this year, leaving behind an animal, or in this case two should never be a solution that people fall back on.

For PJ & Nutter Butter, they were extremely lucky to be found by the building’s landlord, and brought to a safe situation, because there are so many animals that are not found in time and are forced to face a harsher fate.

As a community, we need to reach out to one another when we need support, to save animals from experiencing this traumatic and sadly often fatal situation.

One of the important things we are doing to support people and their animals in this pandemic is through Famous Fido’s Intervention Program.

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Most animals do not get a second chance before they are lost in the shelter system. No kill or otherwise a shelter is not the answer.

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