- Karyn Stratton
In This Issue:
A Note From The Editor:
My Facebook news feeds are often overwhelming, always filled with animals in need of homes, shelters overburdened and understaffed, pets that are lost, and pets that are found. The latter is always so heartwarming, and these unusual rescue stories made me smile this past month...
Richard Wilbanks, a 74 year old Florida resident, was enjoying a stroll with his Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Gunner, when an alligator snatched the 3 month old pup. The ordeal was caught on video by a nearby neighbor ' s backyard camera, and shows Richard springing into action, prying the terrified dog from the gator ' s jaws. Thankfully, he and his owner escaped with only minor injuries, the video went viral, and Richard is now a local hero. People were not only impressed with Richard ' s bravery and dedication to Gunner, many are dubbing him an‘ absolute legend’ for saving his puppy and not even dropping the cigar from his mouth in the process!
In England, a Jack Russell Terrier named Millie had quite an adventure when she slipped her leash and wound up on a stretch of muddy land surrounded by rising water. Attempts to rescue her failed, as multiple people sank into the thick, sticky mud. Just as things looked hopeless, a clever rescue team came up with a brilliant idea. Using a drone, they tied a piece of sizzling sausage to a string and dangled it above Millie ' s head. Intrigued and hungry, she began following the sausage, as the drone led her back to solid ground and her relieved owners. Covered in mud but completely unharmed, Millie is now known locally as " The Sausage Survivor!"
The tale of Valerie the Dachshund ' s survival on Kangaroo Island in Australia is truly remarkable. Separated from her owners during a camping trip, she survived for 17 months, dodging predators, navigating wild terrain, and somehow finding enough food to sustain her. Her owners, Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock, lost hope of ever finding her, as weeks turned into months with no sightings. Then a farmer spotted a little dog running through his field, about 30 miles from the camp site. He got in touch with a local rescue, they shared the photo with Valerie ' s owners, and Georgia and Josh were soon on their way to pick up their beloved Doxie. Valerie has since been named the Ambassador for National Lost Pet Prevention Month in Australia. Her owners say they ' ve been flooded with happy messages about their experience, with many telling them that Valerie ' s story gave them hope. Says Georgia, " If a tiny, little four kilo( 8.8 pound) sausage dog can survive on Kangaroo Island in the Australian bush, then you know, you too can survive whatever it is you ' re going through."
- Karyn Stratton
In This Issue:
Pet Calendar of Events.............................................. page 2 Upcoming Pet Events................................................ page 3 Around the Hydrant: News You Can Use.................. page 4 Feral Cat Shelters for Winter.................................. page 4 Taking Great Pet Photos.......................................... page 5 Health Highlights- Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips..... page 6 Breed All About It- The Jack Russell Terrier........... page 7 Cute & Crazy Critters............................................... page 8 Adoption: A Loving Option...................................... pages 10, 11 Pawsitively Delicious................................................ page 12 Ask the Groomer- Safely Cleaning Dogs ' Eyes.......... page 13 Win a Lamb Chop Dog Toy...................................... page 13 Adopt A Senior Dog Month..................................... page 14 Subscriptions- Let Us Fetch Your Next Copy.......... page 15
On our cover: " Max "
Thanks to Katie Jennings of San Jose, California
for providing us with his photo!
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