2008 Announcements Archives

Although we are grateful every day of the year to those of you who help us, at this time of the year when we give thanks for the blessings in our life, we at A Pet For Life, Inc. would like to take the time to express our gratitude to you for helping us continue our mission throughout the year. To all of you who have adopted one of our babies, we would like to thank you for adding one (or more) of our four-legged friends to your family. To those of you who have donated supplies, time, and money, we would like to thank you for all of your contributions to help us in our pursuit to rescue and place unwanted animals. To those of you who have spread the word about us and what we do, thank you for guiding others to us. We would also like to send out a very special thanks to all of the babies who have touched our hearts throughout the year. Thank you for blessing us with your presence and teaching us things we needed to learn. A Pet For Life, Inc. wishes all of you, two-legged and four-legged, a safe and happy holiday season.
Happy Holidays

We would like to introduce you to our recent arrival.
This is Dan who is a two (2) year old, fifty-five (55) pound Bassett Hound. He arrived on 12/18/08.

"Hi, I'm Jack. I went to live with my new family on Tuesday, December 23, 2008."

"Hi, I'm Debbie, the Shih Tzu. I weigh twelve (12) pounds and I am three (3) years old. I am very sweet and I love to cuddle. I am looking for a family who will open their hearts and their home to me." (12/12/08)
UPDATE:
Debbie's stay with us wasn't very long. She went to her new home today, Saturday, December 13, 2008.

In the past few days, we've had new arrivals and departures.
Pictured on the left is Tammy and Frankie. These two babies were adopted on 12/04/08.
Pictured on the right are the two new arrivals available for adoption. Barbie arrived on 12/02/08 and Joni arrived on 12/03/08.

Cole Kline with his Boxer, Dempsey Cole's sister, Coryn, with her Mastiff, Lola Their calico cat, Cali and their black cat, Harley A Pet For Life, Inc. would like to thank our dear friend, Cole Kline. For the second year in a row, he has celebrated his birthday (Happy 10th Birthday) by requesting gifts for our animals, instead of gifts for himself. All of our four-legged babies say, "Thank you, Cole, for helping us. We think you're the coolest!" (12/02/2008)

A Pet For Life, Inc. would like to recognize Matt and Anneliese Davis for adding another of our babies to their family. They have blessed Honey, a senior Cocker Spaniel, by opening their hearts and their home to this precious little girl. She went to her new home on September 13, 2008.
(12/02/2008)

Brenda and Chuck Shockley recently sent us a picture with Kernel. They included a note saying, "He's a joy and he's a little spitfire, too!" Kernel is the third dog the Shockley's have added to their family from APFL.
(12/01/2008)

In Memory Of Leroy
Approximately 1998 - 11/29/2008

I found Leroy, a hound mix, when I was volunteering at the Humane Society in 1999. Surrendered as a stray, Leroy had a few medical and behavioral problems. He had an untreated wound on his leg, which had turned into cellulitis. (Cellulitis is an inflammation of the skin cells caused by an infection.) Because of some aggressive tendencies that made Leroy an adoption risk, the Shelter had to make the tough decision of whether to invest the money to treat him or not. I agreed to take Leroy, providing him with the veterinary care he needed and with his behavioral rehabilitation. Leroy had surgery on his leg, in which tissue was scraped away, right down to the bone. Leroy recovered well and has been with me ever since. His behavior improved and he's a very sweet dog today.
~ Pat Long - July 2007 ~

UPDATE:
Unfortunately, due to some advanced-age medical problems, Leroy made his way across the rainbow bridge this morning. Prior to his adoption by Pat, he had a very rough life, but with Pat, he seemed perfectly content. Leroy was one of the sweetest dogs you could ever meet and he will be terribly missed.
"Goodbye for now, Handsome Leroy Brown."
(11/29/2008)

In Memory Of Spooky
Unknown - 11/29/2008

This is our special friend Spooky "Bear" Raynor. He entered out life back in May 1994 and he left us on Saturday November 29, 2008 @12:25am. I was holding him and telling him how much I loved him. His family was there like always. He was a special guy. Always showing love and support in our family. He was smart, and funny and very loving. He would greet you at the door everytime you came in. You had to pick him up and just hug him to tell him you missed him all day. You could actually carry on a conversation with him. He knew what you were saying and you knew what he was telling you. He loved to eat, and he loved his wheat grass. He had a big heart when it came to his family. He loved to sit on his pedestal and look out at the birds in the bird bath and in his daddy's vegetable garden. When Mom was snipping beans he was right there to help. He loved music especially Bluegrass. He loved to listen to his big brother Chris play his guitars. When Chris was asleep he would go in his room to check on him. And when Chris was working he would sleep on his bed because he missed him. . He knew what time was. He knew when his Daddy would be home to see him on his break everyday. I know he knew how much we loved him and how much he gave to his family. There will never be another 'Spooky" in our life. We will always remember what he gave to us. He was unique and very special. And we will always love him and honor his memory.
Scott, Sandy, and Chris Raynor (11/30/2008)

We would like to introduce you to our two new recent arrivals.
Pictured on the left is a little Chihuahua Mix named Kenny arrived 11/07/08.
Pictured on the right is a second Chihuahua named Chico arrived 11/14/08.

"My name is Amie Lou and I was adopted by my new family on Friday, November 14, 2008."

National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week
Nov. 2nd - Nov. 8th
Since 1996, this campaign has run during the first full week of every November. It was designed to acknowledge and promote the invaluable role shelters play in their communities and to increase public awareness of animal welfare issues and shelter services. During this week, the HSUS promotes and celebrates animal shelters across the country through media and public outreach.

The local country radio station Froggy 99.9's on-air personality, Dick Raymond, is spotlighting one of our animals daily to recognize National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. A Pet For Life, Inc. would like to thank him for choosing our rescue to spotlight. To view his page, click link below:
Froggy 99.9 On-Air Personality, Dick Raymond

"Hi, I'm Precious. My name suits me well. Aunt Pat took me to live with my new family on Friday, November 7, 2008."

My name is Lexi and I've been chosen to be a part of a family. I went to my new home on Thursday, November 6, 2008

Cassie, our sweet German Shepherd/Beagle Mix who was adopted on Sunday, 09/28/2008 has come back to APFL on Wednesday, November 5, 2008. The family who adopted her had two other existing dogs. The existing dog didn't like Cassie so she is looking for another "forever home."

Valerie, a pretty little dark calico cat has been chosen by me, A Pet For Life's web site coordinator, Kneicea Tull. She came home with me on Thursday, October 30, 2008. She is a welcome addition to my family.

Due to recent criticism concerning our practice of crating dogs in our care, we would like to address this issue. For many of the animals coming to us, this is possibly their last opportunity to find a “forever home” due to their lack of proper manners, training, or social skills needed for placement with a family. Many are not housebroken, are compulsive chewers, or are excessive barkers. Because of the extensive time, energy, and patience necessary to teach these dogs acceptable behaviors, many people are unable or unwilling to make such a long-term investment.

Many of these dogs come to us with an unknown history; therefore, it is necessary to have a restricted and closely controlled environment for their protection and the safety of our other animals and ourselves. This involves crating all of our dogs. We establish a routine for them, taking them out four times a day, and feeding them on a regular schedule. During these interactive periods, we come to understand the immediate needs of each individual animal, discovering the behaviors needing to be changed or modified, such as improper leash manners, aggression toward other animals, and fear issues. We also get to know each dog’s personality, determining his attitude with regard to issues he will face in a new home environment. The knowledge we learn from this regimented environment will allow us to properly choose the right family most in line with the needs of the dog.

Crating a dog is extremely safe for him, protecting him from unnecessary or unexpected dangers. Many of these dogs come to see their crate as a safe haven. A dog who has been crate-trained is less of a worry when an owner needs to leave home because the dog won’t accidentally get into something harmful to him, such as electrical cords, garbage, or other dangerous substances.

Because of so many unknowns involved with many of our rescues, crating is a necessity for the dog’s safety, as well as the safety to our other animals and to us. Their stay with us is meant to be a temporary residence for necessary behavioral improvements needed for placement with a family. Our rescue operation deals with many dogs who have very little chance of having a “forever home” without our efforts in training and socializing them to become the perfect pet. When we place a dog in a new home, we want the dog and the family to be the best match possible.

We do welcome suggestions from others, but this is the best way we’ve found to handle our dogs, both safely and successfully. (10/29/08)

After reading on this website about the crating issue, I feel that I have to comment. I sometimes have a hard time seeing the positive of many issues in life too; however, if APFL decides to crate the dogs while in their care, I say it is fine. I would like to point out that the dogs are in a temperature controlled facility and not lying on concrete in the baking sun or freezing under a bush trying to stay warm like my dog, Dixie, was before she was saved. At least the dogs are not being kept out back on a chain with a pronged collar around it's neck like Champ (available for adoption) was before coming to APFL. At least the dogs are being fed nutritious meals and are receiving vaccinations rather than lying around starving with flies biting at its ears like Princess (click on the Rescue Reality link on home page). The dogs are walked or let outside in the fenced area four times a day. I could go on and on.... APFL is always trying to upgrade the facilities as they are able to afford. I am proud to say that the four (soon to be five) dogs that I have adopted from APFL have been very well cared for and loved while at the facility. I honestly don't feel like I can criticize anyone for saving animals in a shelter situation when I can't do it myself. I appreciate any shelter that does what they do daily for the animals. The animals at APFL are truly loved. I have four dogs to prove that! So, next time you want to criticize, think of what could be. Or, you could put your efforts where you mouth is and start a shelter of your own. Thank you.
Anneliese and Matt Davis ~ November 4, 2008

J.D., our handsome Labrador/English Foxhound Mix who was adopted on 10/1/2008, but returned to us on 10/21/2008 due to an adoption contract not being followed, has now been chosen and placed with another family on Saturday, October 25, 2008.

This good-looking boy is Teddy, formerly known as Big Red. He is a approximately five (5) years old and is a Golden Retriever/Chow Mix. Teddy was a rescued stray who wandered onto the property of someone who cared enough to make sure he had a safe place to go. He came to be with APFL on Tuesday, October 21, 2008.

This little girl is Savannah. She weighs in at about forty-six (46) pounds and is almost two (2) years old. She is a blue tick hound mix. She became available for adoption on Monday, October 20, 2008.

Miss Hannah Grace, who came to us in April of 2008 at the age of fourteen (14) years, went to heaven today. She has been deaf since her arrival and has recently suffered the loss of her vision due to her advanced age. Upon our veterinarian's examination, it was recommended for us to let Miss Hannah go. She can now be with her Mommy who passed away in December of 2007. Although her Daddy was unable to care for her after her Mom's passing, he came this morning to say his final goodbyes. He requested for Hannah's burial to be on the family's property. A Pet For Life respectfully accommodated.

This sweet boy is Champ. He weighs fifty-seven (57) pounds and is eight (8) years old. He has had a rough time, spending the last couple of years outside on a chain with little attention. He has tested positive for Heartworms, Lyme Disease, and Ehrlichia. Due to him currently being treated for these conditions, he is available for viewing, but he isn't available for adoption at this time. Champ arrived Friday, October 10, 2008.

We would like to introduce our latest "baby boy" who arrived on Wednesday, October 1, 2008.
This is eight (8) month old Jack. He is a Beagle/Hound Mix who weighs approximately twenty-nine (29) pounds.

Mario, a Chihuahua mix, went to live with his new family on Tuesday, September 23, 2008.

We would like to express our gratitude to Rachel Spiker. For her birthday party, she asked friends and family to bring donations for our animals instead of presents. Many wonderful things were donated for our cats and dogs to enjoy. We greatly appreciate her generosity and thoughtfulness. (09/23/2008)

For those of you who have been wondering about Mollie, we have great news!
Our court date was today, Friday, 9/19/08.
Mollie will be staying with her new family and will not be returned to her previous owner.
We would like to express our thanks to Chris Mason and Skip Cornbrooks of
Webb, Burnett, Cornbrooks, Wilber, Vorhis, Douse & Mason, LLP
for their guidance in bringing a resolution to Mollie's case. (09/19/2008)

Those of you who are friends and family of A Pet For Life, Inc. know all about our little mascot, Kernel. Well, after spending several years with Pat, our "sweet" boy has been chosen. He was adopted and went to live with his new family on Thursday, September 18, 2008. Things sure are a lot quieter and even though he is happy in his new home, he is missed.

Alert: Pet Food Recall Issued Friday, September 12, 2008
Click this link to view a list of products recalled - http://www.petcare.mars.com/