BARK Community Newsletter
July 2008
Bandit’s Adoption & Rescue of K-9s
www.barkva.org
804-449-BARK
Helping the
Community: BARK Intake and
Adoption Statistics
Adoption
Spotlight: Long-time BARK resident
Charlie
Notes from the Farm: From Mathilda!
Thank You Notes
Doggone Good
Info: Fox Richmond’s Feral Cat Colony
Happy Tails.....Waggin’ Good News!
Six of the first group of Pen Pals dogs: Boston,
Candy, Mabel, Molly, Rebel, and Rita will graduate
next month and will be available for adoption at that time. We hope they will
go directly from the program to their forever home.
Noel and Tina came back to
BARK on Thursday, June 26 as they were having they were having trouble getting
along with one another. Every effort is being made to find foster homes for
both of them. If you, or anyone else you know would be interested in opening
your home to either of these great, housebroken, crate-trained girls, please
contact Amy at amy@barkva.org. Even though Tina didn’t
graduate, she learned more than 20 tricks during her prison time. She is a
happy, well-balanced, and well-mannered dog that would be a pleasure to have in
your home. Noel also learned many tricks (not sure the exact number!)
during her stay and would be a joy to have around.
Since Tina and Noel were coming
back, the prison asked for two dogs to take their place. Ruby and Monty arrived at
Botetourt on Thursday the 26th and both have settled in nicely! They
are both already a big hit with the handlers and we’re looking forward to
hearing some updates on their progress!
If you are interested in adopting a Pen Pals dog, go
to www.barkva.org and submit an adoption application online. If you
would like further information about the program or about a particular dog
within the program, contact program coordinator Amy Almeida at amy@barkva.org.
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BARK
is a 501(3)c charitable organization so your donations are tax deductible. A
donation form is included at the end of this newsletter. For information about
other giving opportunities, please visit our website: www.barkva.org.
Please
plan to join us on Saturday, October 18, 2008 for our 2nd annual
BARK at the Moon wine tasting event:
Helping the Community: BARK Intake/Adoptions for June 2008
When public
shelters run out of room to house the dogs, they sometimes euthanize as a means
of population control. BARK and other rescues offer lifesaving alternatives by
transferring at risk dogs to their facilities, where they are housed until
adoptive homes are found. In addition to finding forever homes, BARK
vaccinates, spays/neuters each dog and provides appropriate veterinary care.
In June, BARK
accepted 40 new dogs
into our care. The majority of these dogs were transferred from public shelters
in Louisa, Amelia, Abingdon, Henrico and Emporia counties. During the same
timeframe, we placed 51 dogs
in forever homes, including Anne Bonny, who has been in BARK’s care for over a
year.
To learn more
about BARK’s adoption process, go to http://www.barkva.org/html/adopt.htm.
Adoption
Spotlight:
Long-time resident Charlie
Being a homeless dog is hard. If you’re black, it’s harder. And if
you’re sizeable and black, it’s even harder.
Take Charlie. Charlie has been at BARK a VERY long time – almost
4 years!!! He’s a very nice dog. Why hasn’t he been adopted?
Maybe it’s because he’s large. Maybe because he has a tendency to bark
at people he does not recognize. Or maybe it’s because he’s black. Black dogs
are often overlooked in rescues and shelters. The reason, some speculate, is
because it’s not easy to see the expression in their eyes. The eyes, as windows
to the soul, are not as easily distinguished in a black face.
Whatever the cause, the fact remains that Charlie needs a home - a home
where he can lie in your lap and soak up attention (which he loves to do), a
home where he can show off his athleticism and be shown that unfamiliar people
are not a threat.
Charlie, a lab mix who is about six years old, is graying around the
muzzle but his coat is shiny and black. He loves to play and run in the
exercise yard with his dog friends. He is fun and affectionate with people he
knows. Even though he initially barks at those he doesn’t know so well, as soon
as he recognizes them he’s sweet as sugar.
Won’t you please give Charlie a chance? Look deep into his eyes and
you’ll see he has the same capacity for intelligence, love, and loyalty as his
younger, more colorful doggy friends.
This handsome older gentleman truly deserves a forever home and a
family to cherish him. Maybe he’ll find that home with you?
Notes from the Farm: From Mathilda!
Dear Friends,
Instead of my usual report about the goings on around the
Farm, this month I am using my newsletter space for a personal plea: I need a
foster home!
Maybe it’s the heat…maybe it’s the stress…something is
causing the seizures I endured when I first arrived at the Farm to resurface. I
know foster homes are scarce, especially for slightly quirky dogs like me, but
I REALLY need one.
I admit, I am a little choosy about my doggy friends, and I
AM NOT a candidate for the dog-park, but I am VERY affectionate and playful and
cute and loveable. I adore toys and balls and CERTAIN other dogs. I
have been at the Farm for a long, long time and haven’t asked for much until
now. Please, won’t you help me out?
With love and anticipation,
Tilly
P.S. You won’t believe it. Last month my former roommate, Tom Petty, 
got
a foster home. Now he has his very own website: www.thedogpimp.com! Take a look-what a lucky hound!
We Need You!
We still need farm caretakers:
We could still use help, but the last two
weeks have been wonderful with students and community service folks helping out
at the kennels. The kennel crew actually had time to walk and play with
the dogs! The dogs love the extra attention-not to mention doggie
bones. Thanks to all!
If you’d like to help out BARK, just contact
(804) 449-2275 and let them know you are interested. Someone will get in
touch with you right away!
Our kennel cleaning schedule is allows for
maximum flexibility. Here are approximate start and stop times:
Monday and Wednesday:
8:00 AM - 2:30 PM ish
Friday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM ish
Saturday/Sunday: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM ish
Tuesday/Thursday: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM ish
We need help with the monthly newsletter and with other
writing tasks such as Dog of the Week advertisements. These tasks can easily be
done from home. If you can help, please contact Robin via email at: robin@sponaugle.net.
Volunteer Coordination:
If you would like to help out
with a non-dog related part of BARK, we are looking for someone to assist with
volunteer recruitment and retention.
This would involve replying to potential volunteers who contact BARK by
phone or email. You would be
providing more info about the organization and/or connecting them with the BARK
member in their area of interest.
This is a large part of BARK and needs more people to keep it running
smoothly. If interested, contact
Lisa at lisa_pmfv3@yahoo.com.
If you are
interested in helping with home visits, please contact Teresa at Tspell01@aol.com. Include your name,
address, and phone number so she can determine which volunteer is closest to
the potential adopter.
This month we welcomed the
following fabulous volunteers to our kennel cleaning staff: Ashley Martin, Kristen Dabasinskas,
Melanie Bucheit, Lee Smith, AnnClaire Belleman, Chris Taylor, Miranda & Pam
King, Janice Scheibe, Julia Higginbotham, Stephanie Parsons, Scott Hazelwood,
Becky Blackburn, Nina Stinson and Haley Taylor.
Thank You Notes
Thanks to Hermitage Automation
and Controls, Inc. in Ashland, VA and company president Hugh Hartness for the
large Industrial Water cooled fan, which helps tremendously to keep dogs and
kennel volunteers cool.
Thanks to Melvin Southworth for
cutting the grass in the playpens.
Thanks
to Terri McDonnel and Ames True Temper for the generous donation of hoses, snow
shovels and solar screen fabric.
On the trailer project:
thanks to Connie Brooks for painting the ceiling in one of the three rooms. In
addition, the plywood casings in the two doorways and seven windows have been
replaced with a white fiberglass covering that will help with weather
protection.
Thanks to all who
“weed-whacked” the area around the exercise paddocks.
Thanks to all who removed the additional run under the far carport.
September 13th, 2008 for the Henrico Humane’s Bark in the Park, Deep Run
Park, 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
October 18th, BARK at the Moon Wine Tasting
Fundraiser, Grayhaven Winery, Gum Spring, 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Doggone Good News-Richmonders Care About Animals!
Many of our readers have probably heard about and
taken action regarding Fox News Richmond’s decision to destroy the feral cat
habitat on their property, described below in a letter circulated by Richmond
SPCA CFO Robin Starr.
“We learned early yesterday that WRLH, the local Fox
affiliate located at
1925 Westmoreland Street in Richmond, had contracted a local pest control
company to trap and kill stray and feral cats and kittens residing on and
around the station's property. This course of action was deeply troubling to
us and I communicated to them our willingness to help manage and control the
cat colony using non-lethal humane methods such as trap-neuter-return or
relocation.
Yesterday I spoke with a representative of Sinclair Broadcast Group, current
owner of the Fox affiliate and recent acquirer of WTVR Channel 6. This
representative was unswayed by our offers to assist. This morning I spoke
with Steve Genett, General Manager of Fox Richmond. At first he seemed
willing to discuss a compromise solution that would incorporate non-lethal
methods, but later in our conversation he admitted that bulldozers were
plowing through the cat habitat at Fox's offices at that very moment. I
immediately rushed to the location and was shocked and horrified to see the
swift and total destruction of the area.
Sinclair Broadcast Group and Fox Richmond's unconscionable actions are cause
for great concern throughout our community. I cannot begin to understand
what manner of corporate culture and leadership it would take to behave in
this cruel way. I encourage you to contact the following individuals and
companies to express your outrage:
Fox Richmond WRLH Channel 35
Phone: (804) 358-3535
General Manager: Steve Genett
Online Feedback Form: http://www.fox35.com/inside/contact.shtml
<http://www.richmondspca.org/site/R?i=GbLcroxLrrS9Hu6EriZqOg..>
Mailing Address: 1925 Westmoreland Street, Richmond, VA 23230
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc
Phone: (410) 568-1500
President and CEO: David D. Smith
Online Feedback Form: http://www.sbgi.net/contact/contact.shtml
<http://www.richmondspca.org/site/R?i=-uG9vOj0bmZqm4j5SaOozg..>
Mailing Address: 10706 Beaver Dam Road, Hunt Valley, MD 21030
It is also important that other members of the media are made aware of just
how upsetting this series of events is to our community. Please let them
know by sending e-mails to the following addresses:
news@wric.com
newstips@wtvr.com
newsroom@nbc12.com
letters@timesdispatch.com
I know that Richmonders consider the plight of homeless animals and feral
cats to be a very high priority and a cause that is close to their hearts. I
had hoped that Fox and Sinclair Broadcast Group would reconsider and
continue to operate as a kind and responsible media partner in our
community, but that hope was dashed with their inhumane actions this
morning.
Sincerely,
Robin Starr
CFO Richmond SPCA”
On July 3, 2008, Henrico Police Animal Protection Unit
announced they had obtained three warrants for animal cruelty charges against
Keith Copi of Critter Control, the company contracted by Fox News to trap and
remove the cats on the station’s property.
Click here to read the latest on this
continuing story.
Happy
Tails.....Waggin’ Good News!
Mischief and her new mom Kerry 
My ten yr. old son, Braeden, who considers Sandy "his" dog, would love to see himself and "his" dog in the July newsletter! My husband and I say every time we look at them together, "a boy and his dog"...talk about unconditional love. And Sandy offers that to everyone in the family. We ALL love her so much! Thanks, Lee Ann S.
BURRIS is doing
great, from day one fit in like he has always been here. We were
expecting some adjustment time, there really honestly has been none, he is
simply happy. The kids LOVE him. He has been on a road-trip to MD already
(travels great). Has had a haircut (he looks like a COMPLETELY different
dog... we all... I think even him... like the cut). 
He loves his walks, and has quickly learned how
to walk on a leash without dragging us around. He has made fast friends with
the Lab and Golden that live behind us, and has regular puppy-play-dates. He is
looking forward to going camping this weekend. He has a new backpack that
he has been practicing with that he LOVES to wear. He acts completely
differently with his pack on, like he has a very serious purpose... very
funny.
Burris is smart (sometimes too smart), but VERY eager to please. As long
as he gets enough energy "burned off" in a day he is fine...if he has
extra energy, he can be a handful of jumping, nipping, running, climbing on the
tables (literally). There is something about a 60 lb. dog standing on top
of the glass table in the porch drinking the kids’ milk that is both comical
and frustrating. I think he now understands that tables/counters (even if
you get a better view from up there) are not a place for him... goes back to
him being smart... he gets it... now he just needs to remember it...
Truly a great fit.
Stefan B.
ABIGAIL is doing wonderful and I appreciate you
following up…I’ve renamed her HERSHEY…she is so well mannered, obedient, and is
always easy to please… Jason
I am so thrilled
to be able to send you some recent pictures of BEAR BEAR. He is truly my greatest gift after my
children! He is the best and everyone agrees!…He has settled in nicely and is a
lot calmer now than when he first came home with us…Every morning he and I go
walking for 2-3 miles as the sun is coming up…It is a great joy to know I can
take him to the park, a friend’s house, or into town with us and he is as good
as gold. He seems to love it, which is the best part…Jacqueline C.
SHILOH…now Andy is doing great…He is very sweet and
smart. He is housebroken and knows sit, down, come, leave it and we are working
on stay…He loves to play with the other dogs in our extended family and he is
great with new people and kids. He is just the best puppy anyone could ask for!
He has been swimming at Lake Anna and this weekend we are going camping at the
beach. He seems to be a very happy little guy! Thanks for taking such good care
of him before we got him. Lindsay D.
BRANDY is truly a gift from God and is fitting into
our home very nicely. It is difficult to determine what may have happened to
leave Brandy homeless as she appears well on her way to being a great pet.
Nevertheless, we are very glad that we have her. She is very appreciative,
likes her loving and is taking to her basic training very well. She enjoys her
numerous walks and stretches out every chance she gets…Thanks again for what
you do; Brandy is an outstanding addition to our family. Stephen A.
Attached is a picture of SCOUT (formerly BAYLEE)…She
is up to 22 lbs., has all of her shots and is doing great. Her favorite toy is
her soccer ball. She is a great addition to our family and even the cat is
starting to warm up to her. Thanks for all the work your organization does and
thanks for bringing us together with Scout. Susan B.
TOBY (that’s what we call TOBIN) is the sweetest dog
ever and I think everything is going very well. I couldn’t be happier with him!
There have been a few challenges, he’s being treated for an ear infection and
“stress colitis” which they say is due to all the excitement, new food and
changes involved in settling into a new home. He is much better now. He also
has come a VERY long way in terms of our cat: he started out by barking and
chasing her, and already he has learned to almost entirely ignore her…All in
all, things are going great. I am working out of my home so he gets very
frequent walks and pets, and is sleeping at my feet as I write. So thanks BARK
VA!!! With gratitude, Patricia and Toby
Thanks for checking up on LACEY (MOPSY)…She has been a
wonderful addition to our family. Our two cats are getting acquainted with her
and she likes them. I attached a picture so you can see how comfortable she is
on my couch. She sits on the top with the cats. I am so happy I adopted an
older dog. BARK is a wonderful organization that rescues precious animals and
finds loving homes. She is truly a blessing. Terri
PIPPY is doing great…we named her SADIE and she is
loving her new home. Our other dog (Toby) and Sadie get along great together.
She is one spoiled little girl in this household. Patricia B.
GINA (now renamed IZZY) is doing
just fine! She has had an exciting first couple weeks and is getting to know
all the sights and sounds of her new home. As promised she is a very
affectionate and sweet little lady. I do have one question that hopefully
someone at BARK can help me with. She is suffering from some increased
separation anxiety lately…Whether I leave for 5 minutes or 2 hours, it results
in Izzy crying, digging, etc…I would love to talk with someone who has
experience with this type of behavior so I can possibly find some soothing,
calming techniques to make a happier beagle buddy…Sarah F.
Thank you for emailing my new owner to check in on me.
I truly enjoy living with the Tomas household and am thankful I have found my
forever home. Mom and dad basically take me everywhere they go, with the
exception of some places (like the grocery store). I go with them to get food
from PetSmart, the Inner Harbor, Fort McHenry, and Quiet Waters Park in
Annapolis. I also go to the local doggie park where I run and play with other
dogs. There are lots of tennis balls for me to chew on and water bowls for when
I get thirsty. Mom says in the coming days I will be going to the doggie beach
for a swim…can’t wait! Other than that I basically sleep and chew on mama’s
shoes…just a few more teeth and I should be done with that stage. Love, MAX (renamed BAILEY)
BLACKIE, now ELVIS, is doing wonderfully! He is sweet,
laid-back, and follows me around everywhere. He is adjusting well to living
with us and is a great companion. Rachel B.
CHERRY is doing great and quickly exceeded my
expectations! She has only had a few accidents in the house and sleeps through
the night in her crate. She has incredible manners especially going in and out
the door as well as walking and is so gentle with the kids. She is smart too!
It only took her 4 treats before she figured out “I need to sit to get that.”
Besides sitting, she can now fetch, lay down, and roll over (side to side
too)…My friends laugh because I wanted a dog for the boys but she’s really
mine. We are truly blessed to have her. Thanks, Ann
GRETEL and I are getting along beautifully. We just
got back from our early morning walk, which she loves and insists we do even if
I’m dragging my feet in the morning!…Thanks for all that you do finding
wonderful homes for all your dogs. Gretel and I feel very blessed. All the
best, Alex
Here is the BEST dog sitting with my wife Annette.
SHASTA is enjoying training at Petsmart on Sat. mornings & is pretty smart.
She sits really well. She does NOT come when called. Jeff K.
We are doing GREAT! We have had some issues - not
housetrained, chewing/eating everything, tearing up a couch cushion - but we
are working on them. Wednesday is our 4th week in our 8 week training
class at PetSmart. I shortened her name to CAMMIE even though I
liked CAMBRIA it was just too long say over and over! I am currently
living with my parents and this is their first dog so their habits are hard to
break - leaving doors open, leaving things sitting around. My dad mostly
works from home and is building a screened porch, so she spends most of her day
playing in the backyard. It is very shaded with big trees and she loves
laying in the grass! We are definately doing well with sit, down, and leave
it. she is not too bad on walks but 'loose leash' walking isn't her
specialty. That’s ok though, she loves walks! She is such a little
flirt and seems to like men more than women! She runs up to my dad and
licks his hands and follows him around. In August I am moving in with my
friend in a house. She will have a big fenced in backyard and a huge deck
with a big covered part. It’s also close enough to my work for me to come
home on lunch. My friend also gets off at 3 so she won't be alone all
day. We will even have an extra room where I can keep all of her toys and
her crate! I love her and am very happy to have her! Thank you!
Rachel M.
If you have adopted a BARK dog
and have a Happy Tail or any other contribution
for this newsletter, please
forward it to robin@sponaugle.net .
ANYTIME IS A GOOD
TIME TO DONATE TO BARK!
BARK - Bandit’s
Adoption & Rescue of K-9’s www.barkva.org 804-449-BARK (2275)
100% of your tax-deductible donation
will go directly to spay/neuter operations, medical treatments, and daily care
& feeding costs for the DOGS at the Ashland farm and in BARK foster
homes. Please mail your donation
to the address below. Every penny
makes a difference in the life of a BARK dog!
Please
accept my donation in the amount of:
$25 $50
$75 $100 $125 Other $___
Gift in
HONOR of: ________________________________________
Gift in
MEMORY of: _______________________________________
Name &
Address:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
BARK PO Box
1682 Glen
Allen VA 23060
info@barkva.org 804-449-BARK(2275)
