the Sanctuary Irony - I'm Mad as Hell

I'd like to start out and "re-emphasise" that I started BOUND ANGELS as a media awareness organization, not a hands on rescue. I have been flung into rescuing a few dogs here and there. I receive much praise, and some criticism. Today I received an email response to my last blog entry that asked me to "temper my anger" because of my comment "NO one else would step up" referring to Smiling Dog Farms taking the 4 dogs scheduled to die in Carson CA. I will not temper my anger, I am mad as well, millions of dogs are dying every year. This is not a time to be quiet, it is a time to act. We need to point the finger at the problem and fix it. That problem, which people try to avoid is many facetted and all require equal attention. At the top of the list is the legislation that does NOT address the needless deaths of these innocent animals. We blame overcrowding for the "Need to Kill". This is absolute BS.

Our prison systems are overcrowded, yet we do not start killing the people on death row faster. Instead we release prisoners or build more prisons. Yet the animals do NOT receive this respect. Dogs and cats have less than a 50% chance of making it out of the shelter alive. The system employs more people to scoop up and fine the owners, and less to facilitate placing animals or working the actual shelter. The availability of low cost spay and neuter, trap -neuter- and release or feral cats, wider adoptions outside of the shelters would all bring the overcrowding in shelters down drastically and would lead toward a no kill revolution.

The irony strikes me here. I was chastised for placing 4 dogs in a sanctuary in Texas that was reported to have 400 dogs and 6 full time employees. I don't know where this arbitrary 6 employee number came from, however, lets assume it is correct. For anyone to criticise placing a dog anywhere where it has a chance to live, and not offering a viable option for local or other placement is ludicrous. Take a walk through the shelters here in LA - I do it ALL the time. At a very recent visit to one local shelter I can tell you there were at least 300 or more dogs there and I could NOT find ONE employee. In the office I found 2 people sitting behind the desk. Are these dogs being ignored? Are their lives better than those living outside in yards where they see other dogs and nature? These shelter animals have NO CHANCE of making it out alive. I see sick dogs at deaths door laying on cement floors soiled with feces and urine. I hear loud crashing noises as workers are hammering on the roofs right above the kennels- driving dogs (whose hearing is many times more sensitive than ours) absolutly insane.

I SEE A BROKEN SYSTEM, yet the people who try are criticised. How messed up is that? I am not a hands on rescuer, yet when asked, I step up and do what I can. Anyone who has ever asked me for help has gotten it. I've done flyers, raised money, evaluated and rehabbed aggressive dogs due to die, transported dogs and so much more. I don't want kudos for this, but what I do want, and am fighting for is a system that works. If rescue workers want to see this happen, we gotta pull together. BOUND ANGELS is a network of people who want to work together. I will link to ANYONE in rescue who asks. All I ask is that your goal meets ours - to save lives at ALL costs.

These animals can not fight for themselves, that is up to us. How can we see ourselves as a compassionate society when we are slaughtering 5 MILLION shelter animals a year and heaving their lifeless bodies into landfills with little regard of how to change the system?

So yes, I AM MAD AS HELL. How about we pull together and find a way to make the system better? Vote for politicians who advocate NO KILL, and work to remove those who make promises and break them. Hold the authorites responsible for falsified accounts of how many animals are killed, how many animals are forced to live in attrociaous conditions and suffer needlessly. And , while we are at it, how about we support people like Jay at Smiling Dog Farm for giving hope to animals that others can't help. Hear what I'm saying here... He's helping animals others CAN'T help. I know we are all stressed trying to save them, but with more sanctuaries, and more support from the rescue community these havens can take the dogs that others can't. Lets stop emailing each other the same dogs every day over and over... lets spread our wings and reach beyond the circle of rescue and spread the word and work toward animal lovers everywhere. Support the work of all of our colleagues -- ALL of them. Lets not be the ones to criticise how others are doing it, instead lend a helping hand. Offer compassion for those who are trying and having a hard time.

Someone asked me my goal to life today, and I answered "To see America as a NO KILL society." I pray that I live to see the day this happens. I pray and I vow to work to make this happen. That is the goal... time to get busy.

5 Dogs Saved from DEATH- Thank you!

To say I’m emotional at this moment would be a grand understatement. Since last Sunday May 18th, I’ve been working this case…and pretty much nothing else. This is the case of 5 dogs scheduled to be KILLED at the LA County Shelter. They belonged to a “challenged” man, who truly became a victim of the system. One of his dogs was involved in a biting, yet all 5 were scheduled to be KILLED. His lawyer took his money and soon disappeared, leaving him stranded. With no resources at all to turn to, a colleague in Oregon referred him to me. The case was very personal to me, as I had just lost one of my dogs. I would do this for my Boots.

The logistics of this rescue was huge. Negotiations with animal control, police agencies, the sanctuary, district attorney, the owner of the dogs and the vet, as well as flight arrangements. If they could not be placed in a “sanctuary” they would be killed. SIMPLE AS THAT. The only place I could find was www.smilingdogfarms.org NO ONE else would step up. NO ONE….

The incredible support I received from so many of you made this all possible. Aside from a few naysayers, who attempt to thwart the efforts of true rescues with negative underpinnings, all was positive. This case fueled at least 500-1000 email, plus countless hours on the phone. I do not have time in my schedule to fend off negatives, yet rather focus on the reason I started BOUND ANGELS… to save lives – simple as that. Not to argue, answer silly emails, defend nor explain myself.

I am eternally grateful to ALL of you who helped make this rescue possible. Jose, the owner of the dogs was in tears as my final negotiation with the City Attorney allowed him to keep one of the dogs ( a negotiation which lasted over a week). In the 11th hour, the dogs were rescued and airlifted to Texas. I have photos and a video to follow. Stay posted for that. But for now, I wanted to share the good news with you even though I am thoroughly wiped out. Again, thank you all… May the joy you’ve brought in saving these lives shine upon each and every one of you.

With kind regards,

Robert Cabral
BOUND ANGELS
“giving a voice to animals”
www.boundangels.org

Update on the 5 dogs at Carson Pound

I've had no less than 500 emails about this rescue. My hands are tired from typing, so I figured if I write the synopsis here, everyone may read it and I can keep busy rescuing and training dogs. Think that might happen?? lets see.

OK, to start off with, the rescue is progressing quite well. In spite of me not having had a minute of free time since Sunday, we are making progress. Bear in mind, the case was handed to me Sunday, yet has spiraled out of control since February. No biggie... I've gotten a of of positive support on this rescue and am greatly appreciative of this. Everyone is so behind this rescue its amazing. Thanks to all of you for your support. I will address some of the concerns that were addressed to me in various emails here.

1. There are 5 dogs involved. The confusion over who was to go to the sanctuary and who stays behind is settled. All the boys go to the sanctuary and the female /mom is going to stay with Jose. Jose is challenged and is very distraught and I feel this is the best situation. There is a strong bond between the brothers and dad. In my experience in dog behavior and training, I find this to be a totally acceptable case.

2. The cost of air transport from LA to Texas is about $350 per dog depending on weight. This rate is competitive with ground transport and considering the circumstances, these dogs are not great candidates to be in small crates for 2-3 days.

3. These dogs can NOT be adopted out. They are labeled dangerous dogs, although I would professionally differ, I will respect the wishes of the city since they are working with us in the rescue. These dogs have bitten someone in the past, and their point and part of the conditions of release are that the dogs go to a "forever sanctuary." So the idea of them going to a conventional rescue is a mute point. I have looked over the past year for local sanctuaries in the LA area, and there are NONE. I've had friends email me places and after countless hours contacting them, they NEVER take the dogs. It is a proverbial waste of my time. If you have a place that you think takes any dog, call them. Tell them you found a dog at a shelter, tell them its a big dog about 60lbs and about 8 years old. Tell them you'd like them to take the dog and that you can drop it off. If they say yes, let me know who they are. I will give you a FREE BOUND ANGELS T-shirt for every dog they take.

4. Here's an update on Smiling Dog Farms www.smilingdogfarms.org where the guys are going. IT is a sanctuary in the true sense of the word. They will take any dog regardless of condition. This situation should prove it. Aggressive dogs are kept in separate areas from other dogs, old dogs in other areas, sick dogs, etc. They care for many dogs there and are quite familiar with dealing with difficult dogs. The dogs have play yards and raised dog houses... something they don't see in the shelters where they live on concrete and steel. Adoptable dogs are adopted out at local adoptions to loving and screened homes. Smiling Dog Farms is visited regularly by people I've spoken with who are very comfortable with the sanctuary. SDF is not the Four Seasons. There are no whirlpools or room service, no doggie massages or Pina Coladas by the pool. They work on a shoestring budget, but always hold it together and make it work for the dogs. I'm impressed by that.

Smiling Dog Farms deserves your financial support. http://www.smilingdogfarms.org

Anyone who would like to volunteer with BOUND ANGELS on this rescue here in LA, please contact me at boundangels@gmail.com and I will tell you what I am looking for. If you have a crate or Van you'd like to donate, (the van, jsut for the day), that would be great and save us valuable resources.

As for donations, we are still about $1200 short. BOUND ANGELS will make this rescue happen whether or not we have the funds in place or not. Our primary concern is the safety of these dogs.  If you'd like to help, please visit www.boundangels.org and click on the DONATE button.

I welcome your comments, and thank you for your support.

Robert Cabral
FOUNDER
BOUND ANGELS

Update on Dogs Scheduled to be Killed - from Robert Cabral

First off, thank to those of you who already opened your hearts and wallets to donate to saving these dogs. Here's the update:

The team at Bound Angles have been in negotiations with Torrance City Attorney to give us a couple more days extension on the dogs we are trying to rescue. This morning I visited the Carson shelter and met all 5 dogs, Scotty (5) and April (3) and the 3 boys Mickey, Chapito and Cowboy (all 2 years old). The shelter is one of THE MOST DEPRESSING places I have EVERY visited. I don't believe murderers should be treated this badly, let alone all these dogs that are discarded.

The dogs are a mom and dad and their three boys. They are shepherd / husky mixes-- and probably something else. They are all 5 in separate kennels next to each other and across from each another. They are going crazy, as they have always been together, but yet are kept apart by concrete and steel.. ABSOLUTELY CRUEL!!

I'm attaching a flyer to give you a little more info. The owner of the dog is personally "challenged" and is about to have a breakdown thinking his dogs will be killed. One was involved in a biting, but all five are being held. I have an agreement in place with the city attorney that they will be released to BOUND ANGELS to be transported to SMILING DOG FARMS sanctuary in Texas. We have raised about $700 so far, which is a GREAT START. We need to raise $2600 by the weekend. Any amount you can give is appreciated. I have promised my 100 % dedication to this. I have personally dedicated more than 20 hours to this since Sunday night. WE WILL SAVE THEM.

Can I count on you for your help?

BOUND ANGELS has no salaries or administrative costs. Everything you donate goes toward animal rescue.

You can donate via paypal by visiting www.boundnagels.org and clicking on the donate button or using boundangels@gmail.com in your paypal account. You can also mail a check payable to BOUND ANGELS to :

BOUND ANGELS
26500 Agoura Road #102-346
Calabasas, CA. 91302

Thank you for reading. If you are having a tough time, please donate a prayer and some positive energy our way to help our mission... it is greatly appreciated.


Robert Cabral

BOUND ANGELS
"giving a voice to animals"
www.boundangels.org

Dogs Due to Die in Carson CA.. you can help

from the desk of Robert Cabral - BOUND ANGELS


I am sending this plea out to help 4 dogs that are just hours away from being killed at the Carson Shelter in Los Angeles.

Its a long complicated story, so I'll save the immense details and give you the basics.

These four dogs belong to a person who has been challenged by personal and financial issues. One of them was involved in a dog bite on a person. The mix up comes in because all four of them are being held accountable for the action and are to be killed.

They are scheduled to be killed Thursday. ...But, I have a way out.

I've been in discussions with the city attorney as well as a a sanctuary in Texas that will take them. I have an agreement that the city will allow all four dogs to be relocated to the sanctuary in Texas, all we need is a way to get them there, and that involves money.

There are several option for you to help.

1. you can make a donation to the sanctuary to build the housing unit it will take to house these 4 dogs: approx cost $500
2. you can make a donation toward the transportation costs to get the dogs to Texas. Car travel (we are looking for someone) will probably cost about $1000 in gas and car expenses
3. if you'd like to make a donation to cover airfare for the dogs it will total approx $500 per dog = $2000.00
4. you may also sign up as a monthly sponsor for the sanctuary at www.smilingdogfarms.org

BOUND ANGELS is on board to help. We've dedicated countless hours of time thus far and are dedicated to the end. We take no salary, fees or administrative costs for what we do. Our goal is to save the animals. EVERY PENNY you donate will go toward saving these dogs.

Please visit http://www.boundangels.org and click on the donations button to help. If you have any question, please feel free to contact me at the number below.

Thank you very much for reading this and for helping.

Best regards,


Robert Cabral
BOUND ANGELS
"giving a voice to animals"
www.boundangels.org

A Worthwhile Drive

I receive hundreds of emails and/or phone calls each and every week about dogs that need rescue, dogs that are about to die, people giving up their dogs... so, you can imagine how happy I am when I receive a call from someone who wants to actually rescue a dog. That was the case last week. Someone was interested in a dog that was currently at the Baldwin Park Shelter, a Sharpei named Brittney. Sean's concern was his other mini Sharpei and the temperament of this dog towards his children. These are all areas I am very familiar in sussing out, particularly in "aggressive" breeds. I jumped in my car and made the hour long drive to the beautiful Inland Empire of Southern CA. I arrived at the shelter and wasted no time in getting to Brittney.

Brittney was a sweet little girl who was just about to be fed when I showed up. The kennel attendant was very kind and helped me get her to the "get acquainted area." I observed a very timid dog that had not been given attention or love for quite some time. This is no way to treat any dog, let alone one that could not be older then 10 months. Her skin was in tough shape, her hair falling out -- she was neglected. Not sure what's worse, the crappy treatment she got from the idiot who owned her or the risk of being killed at the shelter because her breed is extremely misunderstood. In either case, this was about to change.

I watched her, and gave her some space, something very important to do with dogs in shelters. Too many people jump right out at the dogs and want to play with them or dominate them. Dogs who have been in a confined space under these extreme conditions need a minute to breathe, get their bearings and come around. I approached her slowly and looked for all the concerns that Sean had, such as the potential aggression to another dog, aggression to small children as well as health issues. I found Brittney to be a dream.... a dream for anyone.

Yesterday I received a call from the proud new dad of Brittney. All seems well, just like I thought it would. Stay posted for the official announcement on the Rescue Page of Bound Angels.

The Rescue of May

It was a few weeks ago that the email came across my desk about May the “aggressive Sharpei” at the local animal shelter. The very next day I went down to see the little killer, all 30 something pounds of her. She was alone in a kennel, and cowered in the back. When the kennel attendant went in to get her, she crouched in the corner, tail between her legs, and yes, she bared her teeth. Once noosed (the term used to get a rope around a dogs neck to lead them out of the kennel), she was a little reluctant to come out.



Lets backtrack a little. We don’t know her whole history, as it is against animal shelter policy to disclose the event that led to the incarceration of the animal. I did find out that she was adopted to a person through a “rescue” and was then dumped at the shelter by the person who adopted her because “she tried to escape from their yard.” Remember, most of the time people will make up an excuse to give up a dog so they don’t look bad. Personally I’ve never met a dog that doesn’t have the urge to try and get away. Dogs like to run and play and don’t like confinement much. However, my point in all this is to look at the background of what we know of a dog. At 2 years old she’s been pushed around at least 3 times, and ended up in a shelter.

When dogs end up in shelters they often develop kennel syndrome, a condition that makes them go either very submissive or aggressive. It’s a tough place, much like a human jail, only worse: These “criminals” did nothing wrong and are more likely to die than get out.

Back to May. I led May to the “get acquainted” area and released her from her rope, let her run around a bit, do her duties and observed her. Within a few minutes she had her tail up. I approached her and touched her, played with her and soon afterwards, was able to rub her ears, head and legs… all trouble areas for an aggressive dog. I asked the kennel staff to reevaluate her and they said they would. She would be taken off of the “Red List.” May was safe. I would begin networking her for adoption and move on to other dogs to save. No more than a week later I received and email on a Friday that May would be killed on Sunday for aggression. I was floored. Nothing I could do to change the plan, May would die. Over my dead body. I sprung into action, called my good friend Melanie from Bark Avenue LA, and with her help I pulled May out of the shelter. I would need to board her until I could find her a forever home. I boarded her locally and asked everyone for donations. People pulled through. I would take May for regular walks and emailed, called, begged and pleaded for a home and funds for May. This went on close to 2 weeks. I took her to the beach, shopping and anywhere I thought I would find her a home. Several came forth, but none were just right for her. May had several good possibilities, but many fell through, others I didn’t like. Oh yeah, and about her aggression, it would become very obvious as she would sit in the back seat of my car and step up on the center console, rest her head on my shoulder and lick me while I was driving.

Last week I went to a party and took May with me. Many loved her, but one guy stood out when he met May. She took to him and he took to her. I thought it might be a good fit. Chris and I talked and emailed. I knew it would work just great. Wednesday April 23, I drive May to her forever home. Chris just adores her and the same holds true for May. In the two weeks I’ve been watching her, I never saw her roll onto her back, and within 10 minutes with Chris she was rolling on her backs and he was giving her belly rubs. It’s a match made in heaven. It just took some time and money… and if that’s not worth it to save a life, then nothing is.

Another happy ending. Thanks to everyone who helped….