We count on your donations to continue our life-saving work. As a non-profit organization with no paid staff members, our dedicated volunteers work tirelessly on behalf of local animals. And our efforts are paying off. Our innovative programs have been credited with reducing the number of animals who are euthanized at our local animal control facility. Our dream is that one day, no adoptable animals will be killed in area shelters. We thank you for helping us realize this dream.Visit the donation page to see where your money goes.
We are approved for the Combined Federal Campaign #50994.
The shelter will be closed Friday July 3 through Sunday July 5 in observance of the holiday. Animals listed in foster care in our rescue program can be visited by appointment during this time.
Pepper is a sweet brown tabby kitty. She has absolutely stunning eyes. They are a beautiful pastel green/blue color. She is an adult who loves to be with people. She is a snuggler and quite the lap cat. She loves being petted and to curl up in a round, warm kitty bed. She is used to other cats and children too.
Reba is a beautiful snuggly white bunny who is easy going and friendly. She is very curious and likes to hop around and explore her surroundings. She is very nice.
Bandit is a wonderful little energetic Jack Russell Terrier. He is a sweet little exuberant fella who needs lots of things to do. He is an adult male and enjoys lots of walks for exploring. He is a ‘busy body’ so if he could find a home where someone likes o go for multiple long walks a day or someone who goes hiking hi would just enjoy it so much!
Please take a minute to read this as I hope it might prevent this from happening to anyone else's pet. My 5 yr old Lab was bitten by a Copperhead snake last week as I walked her (leashed) through my neighborhood tot lot in Columbia, Maryland. I was able to see the snake and identify it and my husband and neighbors confirmed it as well. Some things I learned with this incident that I would like to pass along....
Familiarize yourself with the various snakes that are native to the area. Click here for photos of copperheads . If anti-venom is needed you need to know what kind of snake bite it is.
SEEK VETERINARY CARE IMMEDIATELY. We weren't even sure our dog was bitten as she didn't yelp when it happened and we couldn't find any fang marks on her. We took her to our vet just to "get her checked out" and within 45 minutes after the occurrence her face swelled enormously. Our vet found fang marks on her muzzle and confirmed it was a snake bite. Prompt medical care, and the fact that she is a large dog, SAVED HER LIFE. She spent one and a half days at the emergency clinic in Annapolis. With 'round the clock supportive care (and a $1200.00 vet bill) she was able to come home.
Keep numerous emergency vet clinic phone numbers and addresses within quick reach. Not all emergency clinics are open 24 hrs nor do they have the ability to obtain anti-venom. An emergency clinic in Leesburg had it on hand as well as the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Anti-venom is used with a "wait and see" approach as it is not always indicated and it poses its own serious risks when administered. It needs to be given within 72 hours of the bite.
We are thankful our Belle came through okay, but we worry about venomous snake bites taking the lives of other dogs or cats, especially if their people are not aware of, or prepared for the possibility.
Tribute to Charlie...
Charlie was a very special dog who recently left this world at the grand old age of 18. He was the first, and most beloved dog of his family, who fosters dogs for Animal Advocates. He was adopted from a shelter when he was 3 years old, and spent those early years teaching his human toddlers all about the joys of canines, as you can see in his video. As Charlie got older, more dogs joined the family, and he showed them the ropes. Most recently, in his senior years, he played an especially important role in helping to socialize puppies for our organization. He performed this duty up until the week he died! Charlie loved puppies and was gentle and patient with them, building their confidence and making meeting Big Dogs a positive experience.
We aren't sure how we will manage without Charlie, but our hope is that one day, all dogs will get to live a full life in a permanent home, and be as appreciated as he was. In celebration of Charlie's life, please watch this moving tribute to him with your sound turned the whole way up!
