This week’s pick is Indy from New Leash on Life.

Brief Description:
-Hound/Retriever Mix
-Female
-4 years
-Brown/White
-Medium Size
-Spayed, microchipped
-Up to date on vaccinations
-Adoption Fee $85
Animal ID 22707139

“THURSDAY’S FEATURED ADOPT-A-PET on WANT FM 98.9 and WCOR AM 1490 ~ SPONSORED BY The Crystal Couture Store. Indy has just recently arrived at New Leash on Life and she and the staff are getting acquainted. She is friendly but a little shy at first. She’s been through a lot over the last couple of months. Indy’s previous owner recently passed away, so she and two other dogs are getting settled in at New Leash as they look for their new forever homes. Indy is a 4 year old, 45 pound, brown and white Hound Retriever mix. Indy is spayed, microchipped and current on vaccinations. Come and meet this fabulous girl and with an approved application, adopt this sweet girl for $85.00.”

**All New Leash on life dogs must be adopted to families willing to have their pets be allowed inside – especially at night.** -

For more information on Indy, visit http://newleashonline.org

View all adoptable dogs at: http://newleashonline.org

New Leash on Life
Jim Draper Blvd (off Baddour Parkway behind Pro Bowl West – for mapquest use 507 W. Baddour Pkwy)
Lebanon, TN 37087
Phone: (615) 444-1144
email: info@newleashonline.com

Hours:
Tuesday – Friday 12PM – 5PM
Saturday 11AM – 6PM

The post Past Featured Pet: Indy appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.

Saturday we had to say goodbye to Addison, my beloved cat of 15 years (read more).

It was a heart wrenching goodbye and I thought it would be months before we would rescue another kitty or two and take them into our home. God had a different plan.

God’s Timing

Monday morning I received an email about a pregnant stray cat living in a warehouse. I contacted several rescues and spay and neuter services and was sad to hear that really there weren’t many good options for a pregnant feral cat. Either no one would help or they would just spay the kitty and kill the kittens.

I had wondered if we were supposed to care for the mom through her pregnancy and then help them all find homes. I kept praying about it. I was really excited about the opportunity to help a mom and watch kittens grow and be weaned. We wouldn’t normally ever have the chance as we always spay and neuter our pets because of the overpopulation problem.

I also knew the kids would love it as our oldest is watching butterflies and chicks develop in school right now. What a joy to care for a mom as she gives birth and cares for her babies.

Appropriate Rescue Steps

I checked with a vet to see what the best protocol was and she warned me that she needed to be tested for feline leukemia and HIV before determining anything. According to the ASPCA “FeLV weakens an animal’s immune system and predisposes cats to a variety of infections and diseases, including anemia, kidney disease and lymphosarcoma, a highly malignant and fatal cancer of the lymph system.” “Sadly there is no cure for FeLV, and it is estimated that less than 20 percent of clinically infected cats survive more than three years of active infection.” Feline Leukemia cats can’t be around other cats, have low life expectancy and thus are very hard to adopt.

I called my husband for approval to go and take the cat to the vet and just see…

On my way to the vet I prayed Lord guide me with what you want us to do. I haven’t even seen this cat, it may not be friendly, it may be sick, it’s not the timing of when I thought we would be getting a cat, is this what we are supposed to do? If the cat is not tame, it will be hard to find it a home. I hope it’s healthy. Please Lord, let the cat be healthy. I don’t know what I would do if it had Feline Leukemia.

Warehouse in Nashville

I arrived at the warehouse and met Miss. Kitty. She had been living in the warehouse since December. When the cold weather set in, she found a broken window, snuck in and made the warehouse her home. The employees brought her food and blankets and gave her love. Several employees came to say goodbye. They had clearly developed strong connections and cared deeply for the kitty but none were able to take her home.

I took Kitty to the vet for a thorough check up and to be tested for feline leukemia and aids.  I didn’t want to get too excited not knowing the outcome but surely God didn’t bring this cat into our lives just to have to her die.

Vet Visit

At 3:30 we got the call from the vet she was negative on the two tests but had hook and round worms, easily treatable. She said she definitely was pregnant and to expect kittens in 2-14 days. She said she purred while they examined her and seemed to be a good one:) I asked how old she was and she said probably not even a year, she’s what we call a “teen mom”.

The girls and I ran by PetSmart to pick out toys, liter and some quality kitten food (pregnant mom’s diet) then we went to pick her up. We brought her home and created her own space in a bathroom with food, a treehouse, toys and a liter box. She hadn’t gone to the bathroom in a liter box yet but cats pick it up fast.

Foster or Adopt?

I still wondered if we would keep her forever or just foster her through the birth and weening of her kittens. As we got her settled she immediately took to us all. She couldn’t get enough love, getting in anyone’s lap that would let her and rubbing up against everyone. My five year old, my non emotional child, started to cry because she was so affectionate and sweet.

A Sign

At dinner time my daughter went and got her library book that she had picked out that day at school. It was a picture of three cats that looked just like the one we brought home and had a section about giving birth to kittens. My daughter hasn’t brought home a cat book all year long. It was a sign to me that we should keep her but my husband still hadn’t met the cat.

My husband got home late that night and the girls went to bed anxious for an answer but he and I needed to talk about it and he needed to visit with her too. It only took a few minutes before he too fell in love and was making her a nesting box to have her kittens in. We decided we would keep her forever and probably one of her kittens although our 5 year old is hoping for two kittens, one for each of our girls:) God really has the most wonderful sense of humor!

We will be documenting the development of the kittens on the website, please keep posted…

Watch June, our rescued cat give birth to kittens and the development of them through the weaning stages. Kitty Cam available at http://straymagnet.com/watch-kittens-live

Other Resources:
Tips to Rescuing an animal

The post Rescuing a Pregnant Stray Cat appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.

This week’s pick is Cary from the Nashville Humane Association.

Cary Description:
-Domestic Short Hair Cat
-Black
-Spayed Female
-8 lbs.
-6 years old

NSA says “Hi! My name is Cary and I was found as a stray so not much is known about my past. I seem to be a great girl! I love to be petted and enjoy watching the birds out the window. Please come see me!”

For more information or her full listing visit Nashville Humane Association’s website.

View other adoptable cats, adoptable dogs.

Nashville Humane Association
213 Oceola Avenue
Nashville, TN 37209
Phone: (615) 352-1010

Hours:
Monday-Tuesday 10AM – 5PM  
Closed Wednesday 
Thursday-Saturday 10AM-5PM
Sunday 12Pm-5PM

The post Past Featured Pet: Cary appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.

This week’s pick is Cosmo from New Leash on Life

Brief Description:

-5 month old Puppy
-Male
-Terrier, Pit Bull Mix
-Brindle
Animal ID 19274890

“Cosmo is SUCH a beauty! This sweet, bouncy brindle Pit Bull Terrier mix puppy has eyes that could melt any heart, and he had us wrapped around his paw from the moment he walked through our door. If you spend even a little time with him, you’ll feel the same way! Cosmo is a stunning, almost 5 month old, active puppy that enjoys being with people. He came to New Leash on Life from Wilson County Animal Control so he could find his forever home. We think Cosmo will be a medium to large size dog when fully grown.

NEWS FLASH!! Cosmo found a buddy to play with every day! Maverick is his older and wiser friend, who plays with him all day outside in the sunshine. They have a real blast playing around with each other all day (and wear each other out – which is a good thing!!) Cosmo has been neutered, micro-chipped and is current on age appropriate vaccinations. Puppies are so much fun but they need to be taught all those good things that puppies need to learn in order to grow up to be fabulous adult dogs. A puppy is a project! But they also bring so much love and joy. There’s nothing Cosmo would love more than to grow right up into your family. If you’ve been looking for that perfect puppy to grow up and explore the world with, Cosmo is sure to warm your heart. Come meet this sweet “bully” boy and adopt him for $135.00. **A home visit is required for this breed.**”

For more information on Cosmo visit New Leash on Life’s website at http://newleashonline.org.

*See more dogs at: http://newleashonline.org/index.php/adoption/dogs

New Leash on Life
Tuesday – Friday 12PM – 5PM  |  Saturday 11AM – 6PM
Phone: (615) 444-1144
507
Jim Draper Blvd (off Baddour Parkway behind Pro Bowl West – for mapquest use 507 W. Baddour Pkwy)
Lebanon, TN 37087
email: info@newleashonline.com

The post Past Featured Pet: Cosmo appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.

Each week we will feature animals available for adoption at local shelters. This week’s pick is River from Nashville Cat Rescue.

Brief Description:

-Female
-Short Haired Gray and White
-Spayed
-Up-to date on shots
-House trained
Pet ID: 117-12

“I was dropped off in a rural area. I was very lucky to be found by a wonderful angel who rescued me! I am now at the Cool Springs PetSmart so that I can find my “furr-ever” home. 

I love other cats, kids, and dogs, and I’m the official greeter whenever anyone comes home. I love to sit on window ledges and watch birds, and of course be a lap warmer during TV time! I’m also quite helpful, as I assist my foster mom when she folds clothes and does other household chores.”

I have been spayed, tested negative for FIV/FeLV, and am up to date on my vaccinations.”

For more information or their full listing visit Nashville Cat Rescue’s on Petfinder.

Nashville Cat Rescue (Pets at area PetSmart locations)
River is located at Cool Springs PetSmart
8105 Moores Lane Suite 1300
Brentwood, Tennessee 37027
Phone: (615) 371-8890

Hours:
Monday-Saturday 9AM-9PM
Sunday 10AM-6pM

Adoption questions, email: loveallcats3@hotmail.com

About Nashville Cat Rescue:
“Nashville Cat Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing cats and kittens from off the streets and from high-kill shelters and placing them into loving, permanent homes. All cats and kittens that come through our program receive superb veterinary care before they are adopted out to the public. Each Nashville Cat Rescue cat or kitten is tested for FIV/FeLV, spayed or neutered, de-wormed, given flea preventative, and given all necessary vaccinations.”

The post Past Featured Pet: River appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.

Late one cold winter night several colleagues and myself with our significant others were driving home from a holiday dinner at our bosses house. Our boss lived on a beautiful bluff so it was a distance from the rest of civilization. As we traveled down the dark isolated road it began to hail.

All of the sudden we saw a dog running down the middle of the road in front of us. I asked the person driving to pull over as I got out and wrapped the cold wet Bluetick Coonhound in my coat (never to smell the same again) and got him in the car. I was thankful my friends were open to transporting the animal to my place as it wasn’t my car and their were several complaints about the car smelling.

Man this dog was big. He reminded my of a mix between a Dalmatian with his spotted coloring and a Great Dane because of his size. He was definitely thin but had to have been someones. I thought I was doing something good but I was in for a lot of sleepless nights. The dog howled like I have never heard howling before. After he devoured the food I gave him he pooped everywhere. The only sleep I got was holding him in my arms on the couch because if you left him he wouldn’t stop howling.

The next day I drove back to the area going down every potential road nearby with houses to find his owner. I took him to the vet (a whole different saga) and she proclaimed that he probably was someones dog but hadn’t been for sometime as he was very malnourished. She said he was probably a hunting dog and got loose and ran up the mountain.

I tried locally (emails, posters signs) and nationally (using websites) to find the dog a home while I was slowly loosing my mind not having a yard for the dog to run in. A nice lady offered her yard while she was going to be out of town and I bought him a dog house and went over several times a day to feed him. When she returned she sweetly let him sleep inside but quickly experienced the same thing with him not wanting to be left alone and howling all night. This stranger had helped take on this animal and was also trying to find him a home.

Interestingly, a woman from California contacted me and wanted the dog for her father but we had the dilemma of transporting the dog from TN to CA. I actually looked into carpooling opportunities as I was getting desperate to find him a home. I had to leave town the next weekend and had no where to keep him so I begged the Police Chief to allow him to stay at the pound for the weekend. He very kindly agreed, I love that man, and even asked the manager to leave the lock undone so I could come and walk the dog when I was around which leads to another story…

My fiancee and I took the dog, nicknamed “the goat”, for a hike/walk on the perimeter trail. He had been so good on the leash and so attached to me that we decided to let him off the leash for a little while. About 30 minutes into the hike/walk he heard something and ventured off over the bend. We quickly tried to located him and couldn’t find him. We spent at least another hour looking everywhere calling his name before deciding we had to head back before it got dark. I started to cry I was so upset. Here I had rescued an animal only to lose it again. The thought was devastating and I felt like a failure. I kept praying for God to help us find him.

We ascended out of the thick trail and were walking back along the dirt road to the car, a good 2 miles away from where we had lost sight of the goat, when all of the sudden I felt something behind me and I looked. The goat was right on our trail. As much pain and anguish that animal had made me feel was nothing compared to the true joy I felt seeing him again. I got down and gave him a gigantic hug!

A few days later the nice woman who had generously provided her yard as a temporary residence for the goat found him a home with a nice man in the country who had lots of land to run.

Please consider sharing a rescue story at http://straymagnet.com/share-a-story.

Visit our lost and found section to learn about what to do when you lose or find a pet and the resources available to help.

Photo by Mark Riordan (of his bluetick coonhound Juno)

The post The Goat: Bluetick Coonhound Rescue Story appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.

This week’s pick are Blue and Lucky, two labrador retriever mixes, from the Humane Society of Sumner County.

Blue

Brief Description:

-Labrador Retriever Mix
-10 months -1.5 years old
-Female
-Spayed
-Up-To Date on shots
-House trained

“Blue is very sweet and well behaved.” A little shy at first but will warm up quickly with a forever home.
Full listing, click here.

Lucky

Brief Description:
-Labrador Retriever Mix
-8-12 month old
-Male
-Neutered
-Up-To Date on shots
-House trained

“Lucky is a wonderful 8-12 month old sweetheart who is going to make someone a great pet.  He seems like he would do great with a household with children of all sizes.
Full listing, click here.

For information regarding adoption requirements please visit SumnerHumane.org.

“Come give Lucky along with all of our other dogs a visit!” To view all their adoptable pets, click here.

Humane Society of Sumner County
16 Volunteer Drive
Hendersonville, TN 37075
Phone: (615) 822-0061
email: info@sumnerhumane.org

Hours:
Wednesday-Friday: 12PM- 5PM
Saturdays: 10AM-4PM

About The Humane Society of Sumner County (HSSC):
“The Humane Society of Sumner County (HSSC) is a small, private, non-profit (501c3) service organization that promotes the humane treatment of abandoned, lost, and displaced animals. HSSC provides temporary shelter, necessary medical attention and mandatory vaccinations, and sterilization to aid in population control. Our adoption staff joins loving, qualified and responsible people with these animals and works diligently to re-unite incoming lost animals with their people. HSSC encourages the public to help control the over-pet population through spay and neuter awareness and offers assistance to people who qualify. HSSC has diligently served this community since 1974 and is solely supported by donations.”

The post Past Featured Pet: Blue and Lucky appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.

Each week we will feature animals available for adoption at local shelters. This week’s pick is Charlie from Nashville Cat Rescue.

Brief Description:
-Male
-Short Haired Tabby
-2-3 years old
-Neutered
-Up-to date on shots
-House trained
Pet ID: 30-13

“Charlie came to Nashville Cat Rescue in pretty bad shape. We are not really sure what happened to him, but we are glad Charlie found us! Surprisingly, he was negative for FIV and FeLV and in good spirits despite having a horrible wound on his neck. 

Charlie had to go back to the vet six times for treatment before his wound healed. Charlie is now happily waiting for a forever home. He still doesn’t have much hair on his neck (and he might not ever), but he has put on some weight and loves all the attention he can get!”

Currently Charlie is an a foster home awaiting his forever home. If you are interested in meeting Charlie email loveallcats3@hotmail.com.

 He has been neutered, tested negative for FIV/FeLV, and is up to date on his vaccinations.

For more information or their full listing visit Nashville Cat Rescue’s information on Petfinder, http://www.petfinder.com//petdetail/25133764.

About Nashville Cat Rescue:
“Nashville Cat Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing cats and kittens from off the streets and from high-kill shelters and placing them into loving, permanent homes. All cats and kittens that come through our program receive superb veterinary care before they are adopted out to the public. Each Nashville Cat Rescue cat or kitten is tested for FIV/FeLV, spayed or neutered, de-wormed, given flea preventative, and given all necessary vaccinations.”

The post Past Featured Pet: Charlie appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.

“You’ve got to admit, dogs know how to show serious love for their humans. Their love can be seen pretty much every moment of every day, from the happiness they show when you come home to the longing look of affection they give when you aren’t doing anything at all.

Show some love in return (as if you don’t already) by capturing your dog’s personality in professional photo on Saturday, February 2nd at Harmony Designs Photography in downtown Nashville at Cummins Station. April Hollingsworth, renowned Nashville photographer, is hosting the event and will donate all proceeds to Agape Animal Rescue. There is a $25 per dog sitting fee. Any additional $10 per person will be added on for humans wanting to be photographed with their dogs.*

Be sure to arrive early, as the event is first-come, first-served and only runs until 2:00 p.m. that day.

Hollingsworth specializes in pet photography and has achieved amazing results in portraits of pets and family. You will come away with a rock-star-quality photo of your beloved pet you can keep forever. Display it on your mantle or keep it in your walled. Who knows, it may be the beginning of your dog’s professional modeling career. Make it work!

Last year’s Luv My dog Day event was a big hit, with over 40 dogs being photographed, and 2012 is already providing to be a winning year for Agape. Come support local dog rescue while showing some love to your favorite pooch this February. Showcase frame and gallery canvas specials will be offered to everyone who attends. Bring our dog’s favorite toy, treat, article of clothing or anything else you think would help make your dog feel comfortable in front of the camera.

EVENT TIME:
Feb 2nd from 9:00a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
(first come. first served)

PLACE:
Harmony Designs Photography
Cummins Station
209 10th Avenue South, Suite 146
Nashville, TN 37203**

Download the event flyer

*Children under the age of two will need another adult in the photo with him/her.

**Paid parking meters are available directly in front of the building.”

More information can be found at http://agaperescue.org/NewsEventsNew.php#LMD-2013

Photo credits: April Hollingsworth at Harmony Designs Photography

The post Agape Animal Rescue Luv My Dog Day Photo Event appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.

Each week we will feature animals available for adoption at local shelters. This week’s pick is Baxter from the Nashville Humane Association.

Baxter Description:
Golden Retriever Mix
Neutered Male
45 lbs.
11 months old

NSA says “Hi! My name is Baxter Red and I came to NHA from another shelter. I am a pretty active guy, so I will need an active owner who loves to go for walks and play. I also need an experienced dog owner because I will need to learn some leash manners and basic training. I would be best in a home with older children, and will need to meet any dogs that you already have at home prior to being adopted. I am a fun-loving guy, so come visit me!.”

Photo Credits: Mike Noble Photography

For more information or their full listing visit Nashville Humane Association’s website at http://www.nashvillehumane.org/cTdview.cfm/cT_id/4/cTv_id/15/recordset/1386.

Nashville Humane Association
213 Oceola Avenue
Nashville, TN 37209
Phone: (615) 352-1010

Hours:
Monday-Tuesday 10AM – 5PM
Closed Wednesday
Thursday-Saturday 10AM-5PM
Sunday 12Pm-5PM

The post Past Featured Pet: Baxter appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.