Foster homes needed in Victoria BC

Posted on 22. Mar, 2011 by cate in charity, dogs

I’m doing a special post today for a great organization here on Vancouver Island – Victoria Adoptables and a heart warming rescue tale. The lady behind Victoria Adoptables, Carol Broad, and Bev Archer of Cat’s Cradle Animal Rescue, are flying to Southern California today on a very special mission. They will be rescuing dogs from an overfull animal shelter in Bakersfield where they are about to be euthanized. Carol and Bev will be driving the dogs back to Victoria on Friday and they will desperately need foster homes.

These two organizations and others including Victoria Pet Adoption Society are asking for help in our community and this is their plea :-

I’ve 20+ dogs recently rescued and in need of foster care. They came from a shelter where they were going to be killed to make space for the ‘new arrivals.’ Several rescue organizations in Victoria and the surrounding area are pitching in to find homes for these dogs. They are small-medium sized dogs of all different personalities. If you can help, please fill out the foster form found at Victoria Pet Adoption Society and email it to victoriapets@gmail.com.

You can read more about their trip in this article in The Times Colonist too! So, anyone on the island who can help, please contact Catherine above or check out the Facebook page for Victoria Adoptables

Tags: charity, dogs

33 Responses to “Foster homes needed in Victoria BC”

Emery

22. Mar, 2011

Disgusting that these 2 women are importing dogs (and kittens) when there are so many in need in Victoria, Vancouver Island and all of British Columbia (Approximately 175,000 dogs currently in shelters & Pounds throughout BC)
neleh

22. Mar, 2011

This is totally appalling that anyone would venture south of the border to rescue dogs. If you think dogs and cats are not being killed in BC. Think again! They are and what is most disturbing is that cats are still being gassed. Maybe it’s about time you got out from “UNDER THE BLANKET” and find out what is really happening in BC. Animal rescues in BC need help!
- cate
  
  22. Mar, 2011
  
  and don’t you think we are trying!
Ashley

22. Mar, 2011

Hey, hey, hey! Neleh and Emery! You need to take a deep breath and RELAX! Look, there is going to always be controversy over everything people do, but you know what, at least Victoria Adoptables as well as Cate are trying to help animals, no matter where they are located. Before you jump down Cate’s throat, Neleh, and tell her to get out from “under the blanket,” do you realize the Cate’s company donates and supports shelters that are local to where she lives? That she attends shelter benefits and tries to get the animals there adopted? So yeah, she’s doing her part locally AND trying to help animals that are outside her area.

So how about this, instead of getting on this blog and making incredibly distasteful and rude comments, you take that energy and visit your local shelter. Take photos and get the word out in your community about the animals that need adopting. Maybe start your own blog and showcase those animals. MAKE AN EFFORT! It’s easy to sit behind a computer and complain about how animals are being killed, to tweet a link or surf petfinder, so how about hitting the pavement and actually trying to make a difference in the real world.
michelle

22. Mar, 2011

What is wrong with this self-righteous women complaining about this rescue effort? I wonder what SHE does for animals. Likely nothing – same as all the other holier-than thou keyboard warriors. I follow Under the Blanket regularly and love what you guys do. What IS really appalling is that someone can complain about this beautiful act of life-saving rescue by simply bleating about what else happens anyway. Listen Neleh and Emery – put as much effort into saving animals as you do into bitching about someone else doing it, and the world will be a better place
Angelica

22. Mar, 2011

Dogs and cats are being euthanized everywhere. Does it really matter where they are from? It’s like saying people from Japan don’t deserve help because people in America need help. People and animals need help everywhere. It doesn’t matter where. If you are an animal lover why would you pick and choose? I applaud you Cate! More people should be like you.
Natasha

22. Mar, 2011

Well, you don’t need me to tell you this, but just in case anyone doubts it, Cate and BlanketID are some of the biggest animal lovers you can possibly imagine. They’re practically addicted to helping animals.

(Mother Teresa said, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”

You can’t save every animal but hopefully you can save one. Just a thought.)

- Natasha
Angelica

22. Mar, 2011

BTW I have a dog from a Louisiana kill shelter and there are local dogs that need saving too. I also have a cat from our local non-kill shelter, 2 cats that were outside someone’s house for free and 1 that was given to me when I took an upholstery class. When I have extra money I give to rescues to rescue dogs from all over. Put your money and effort where your mouth is. If you can’t, shut your mouth!
Fiona Richards

22. Mar, 2011

I have often retweeted Cate’s pleas for adoption when she reaches out to the public regarding animals in shelters that need homes. The people at Blanket are caring and proactive in the pet adoption community. Victoria animals often get adopted by people from out of province – pets know no borders. We are a prime example – we adopted a cat from a Victoria shelter and we live in the interior.
So it doesn’t matter where the animals come from – all animals need a home.
It’s very narrow minded to be thinking of only your own back yard Neleh and Emery.
Thanks Blanket!
Fiona
Elizabeth

22. Mar, 2011

ummmmm…..Blanket IS HELPING IN BC!! How is it ‘appalling’ to ‘venture south of the border to rescue dogs’ ? Pets don’t recognize borders, and I’m sure that these poor dogs are more than grateful to have someone come rescue them, no matter where the rescuer is from. Don’t be so stupid.
Cyn

22. Mar, 2011

I don’t understand the ignorance of your anger towards people who are helping shelters save animals. I hope the comments here, both wise and “in your face”, redirect that anger where it belongs.

Cate, keep doing what you do. You are one of my heroes.
NPMC

22. Mar, 2011

Just note that our shelters here are not no kill and by animals sitting in our shelters others are turned away, there isn’t a day where I see an empty kennel right here in our back yard, yes all animals count, alas I don’t see anyone flying to BC to help our animals and there are plenty. We kill 1 in 5 here, is that not enough?

Our shelters are scared to disclose what they kill for fear of the backlash of AR folks so most animals are just quietly killed while in the US kill dates are advertised.

BC’s animal lovers asked for no kill, accountability, humane practices and then walked away from helping the animals here, where now our shelters are bursting. This upsets those still helping here because of what we see and the lack of resources and homes being taken away but the all coveted well marketed hip CA rescue dog.

There are amazing established rescues in CA that would be happy to take a donation to do more work down there. Why take away from what little resources we have here? Why not help those down there in their trenches and help what we have here? We don’t import Japanese people or other people in times of disaster, we send relief. Moving around the problem, won’t change it, it’s a band-aid on a gaping wound, meanwhile animals here are killed just as often, you just don’t get to hear about it.

There will be 20 more dogs killed in the US tomorrow, and 20 more here tomorrow.
- CFBCR
  
  26. Mar, 2011
  
  Why are so many ignoring the fact the dogs right here in our own shelters and pounds sit for months, then die because no one cares enough to take care of their needs?
  Why is it so acceptable that brokers like VA are rewarded for bringing MORE dogs into an community that can’t find homes for those already here?
  If they have 20 spaces available, I’m quite sure the abused and neglected, chained dogs on the reserves would love to be sprung from their horrible lives.
  How can they call this rescue?
  Why don’t they just send the funds down to the organizations in the states that need help, so they can help the dogs and cats in their community who need it.
  If we continue to help those other than our own, when will our own get any help???
  It’s such a shame when greed take over…
Stina

22. Mar, 2011

As I have a dog that was rescued from the States, I’ve thought about this issue before: it isn’t simple. The thing is that although we have a lot of homeless animals here (which is a sad truth all over the world), a lot of the dogs in shelters here are larger breeds. In my experience, having volunteered in various animal shelters in the Vancouver area, the little ones (chihuahua crosses, poodles, maltese, yorkies….) get snapped up in a heartbeat. That may not be true in all cases, but in the different shelters I’ve been to, there are usually maybe 20 big dogs to one little one, if that, and the little ones usually find homes very quickly. While it would be lovely if everyone looking for a new pet adopted the dogs that are currently in our shelters, it isn’t realistic. Many people these days feel that they don’t have the time, space or resources for a big dog, or they live somewhere that restricts the size of their pet. More people are looking for small dogs these days, for these among other reasons. Bringing small dogs here from high-kill shelters in the States saves them from being put down and hopefully places them in a home here, maybe in a home that would have otherwise gone to a pet store or a breeder.
Is this perfect? NO! Of course not. In a perfect world no dog would be homeless. Dogs are here because we bred them to be companions and now, unfortunately, there are too many of them out there looking for homes, due to people breeding for money, dogs not being spayed or neutered, people getting dogs without taking the time to figure out if they could handle it … etc etc. We live in an imperfect world where things are often unfair and we have to make the best of it. Instead of wasting energy getting mad about how it’s imperfect, how about putting that energy into trying to make things a little bit better?

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

XOX.
curator

22. Mar, 2011

That makes me sad that people would turn on you rather than take that energy and reach out for more friends and fosters. Nobody can help what strikes their heart and moves them. You can’t do everything – but you can start a butterfly effect.
Lori @ According to Gus

22. Mar, 2011

I’m so sorry to see the negative comments on here. I think Ashley said it best when she mentioned that there’s always going to be controversy. You do great things for animals in need and I sincerely hope the nasty comments didn’t get you down. :(

Kudos to Victoria’s Adoptables for helping these doggers in need!
NPMC

22. Mar, 2011

Experiences make us different. While you see this as a lovely rescue mission, I have stood in our local shelters holding animals while they have been put to sleep.

Rescue isn’t about filling orders Stina and I am more than happy that you have a dog you love. If a person wants to adopt a dog from Tim-Buck-Two so be it. I don’t think it’s rescues job to fill the needs and wants of the public.

We have small dog rescues here who could use help, there is a rescuer just across the line that constantly takes in BC dogs because nobody here will take them, why?

Being knee deep in rescue I can tell you there are TONS of small dogs in here in BC and anyone who wants to adopt elsewhere CAN. It’s not up to rescue to get stock from other countries. We have plenty of dogs here sitting waiting for help and the help isn’t there anymore.

I wish them well in their journey and next time I have to PTS a dog maybe I will make up a fancy web page and put up pleas, funny how silly humans work. I pray for those who won’t get a home or a chance. 20 in, 20 out……
- cate
  
  22. Mar, 2011
  
  We all pray for those who won’t get a chance or a home. It’s sad that you feel you can dismiss the work of others with sarcasm about “fancy web pages and pleas”. Victoria Adoptables and all the other shelters do outstanding work! Oh well.
- Ashley
  
  22. Mar, 2011
  
  It is a sad, sad fact that animals are euthanized due to overpopulation. It is horrible, devastating, and down right heart breaking. That’s not what we are talking about here. We all understand that there are animals in our own separate regions that need homes just as much as those that are brought in from out of state/province/country. The problem here is that those people that are trying to help those animals outside of their own areas are being vilified. People are seeing what they are doing and calling them “disgusting,” “appalling,” “disturbing.” They are doing what they think needs to be done to help. Whether it’s right or even enough is not up to others to decide as long as there are animals being saved.
  
  Like I said, I get where you are coming from. I get that you are at the front lines at a high kill shelter and see what happens when an animals time is up. I also see that you poked fun at “fancy web pages” and mentioned your shelters not disclosing when they put down the animals. Well, you know what, if that’s what gets “silly humans” attention to these animals plights, than so be it. I’m sorry, but aren’t these “silly humans” the ones that will be giving the animals a home? Like I said in my previous comment, instead of getting on the computer and bemoaning about how the system is broken, do what you can to fix it.
  - cate
    
    22. Mar, 2011
    
    Well spoken Ashley and thank you :)
cate

22. Mar, 2011

I feel uplifted by the common thread of goodness that runs through the majority of the comments here.
I have been working on a response, almost a page long, but now, quite frankly I think it would be wasted.
Thanks so much everyone, we really appreciate your support – you have echoed our thoughts exactly.
VPAS

22. Mar, 2011

I would like to thank all of those who have taken the time to write comments regarding this post. All points of view are important!

VPAS has not been part of an international rescue effort before; we have always helped local animals (and we’ll continue to do so.) On Vancouver Island there are many large dogs in shelters and rescue groups waiting for homes, but they can sometimes be difficult to re-home because of their size. Many people want small or medium breed dogs. So unfortunately, most of the dogs that are euthanized in shelters are large breed dogs (but many of the dogs adopted from shelters are also large breed.) Small breed dogs are adopted so quickly their feet usually don’t touch the floor of the shelter (so spaces become available for them faster.)

We currently have space available in a few foster homes for small-breed dogs. Over the last few weeks we have been in contact with many different shelters and pounds on Vancouver Island and the mainland asking if they had small dogs that they would like help to re-home, and every time the answer was no; there were very few small dogs needing help. So when Victoria Adoptables and Cat’s Cradle asked for help with some small dogs we were happy to offer that space to their rescue pups. We hope that the public will support us in our decision to step in and help save lives.

It saddens me that animals are being euthanized in shelters, period. Whether they’re local or international. But if we can help, we will. It is frustrating that when people hear of pets being rescued across borders that they get upset with the rescue groups for trying to help. I believe the energy of those people would be better spent chipping away at the real problem. Animals are not dying in shelters because rescue groups are causing them to die. They are dying because of pet over-population that is being caused by people who don’t spay or neuter their pets. Walk into a pet store, or go to Used Victoria’s Dog page and see posts from hundreds of people who are selling intentionally bred dogs for a profit. There you will find the reason that pets are dying in shelters. Anyone who thinks that local rescue groups are not working toward ending local pet over-population and the brokering/selling to puppies in pet stores is sadly misinformed. Lets all work together to reduce the number of pets needing help and being taken into shelters. Spay and neuter your pets!
VPAS

22. Mar, 2011

In addition to the previous post…. if anyone knows of local dogs that need help, please don’t hesitate to have them contact us. Whether they are in homes where they can no longer stay, or on death row in a shelter, we will open our doors to them if help is needed.

NPMC: If you work in a shelter or with a rescue group that is euthanizing dogs, or if you know of shelters that are euthanizing, please put us in touch with them and we will do what we can to help!
neleh

23. Mar, 2011

It is interesting to note from the Times Colonist article that Carol Broad said she would probably be criticized for rescuing dogs from CA. Maybe she felt it was the wrong thing to do?? A twinge of guilt maybe?? And it is totally not true that all dogs in BC are big ones, many little ones are needing help too! Also, the gal from CA said that people there can’t afford to spay/neuter their pets. Well guess what the same is true here. Rescues, if they are lucky, get a discount. The rest have to pay full price. So what is really needed is for all the rescues, the pounds, veterinarians and like minded people to band together and get a low cost SPAY/NEUTER MOBILE CLINIC here in Victoria. It could then serve the entire Island. Now that would be something to be proud of. I do rescue I know what is happening, I feel for all animals that are suffering from the ones in captivity to the ferals. But I contend that we need to clean up our own back yard then we can help others.
- VPAS
  
  23. Mar, 2011
  
  Nelah, there is great news on Vancouver Island for those who require financial assistance with the spaying and/or neutering of their pets! There are two low cost spay/neuter clinics ‘in the works’ on Vancouver Island. A veterinarian in Victoria is in the process of setting one up that will hopefully open it’s doors late spring or early summer of this year. Additionally, Big Heart Rescue is in the process of fundraising to purchase a vehicle for their no-cost mobile spay/neuter clinic; it will travel the island and focus on some of the more remote communities. There is also a new charity (that has not yet been announced because they’re waiting for paperwork) that is focusing specifically on funding spay/neuter for low income families, and providing grants to other rescue groups who are already providing financial assistance for spay/neuter. Fingers crossed that all of these great groups are able to get their projects up and running ASAP!
  - cate
    
    23. Mar, 2011
    
    Thanks so much Catherine for answering these questions, really appreciate it!
Krazy4pets

23. Mar, 2011

Congratulations Blanket ID! This blog post really shows you what people think about you and they are willing to stand up for you. I am happy to see great number of supportive messages and I think you deserve it. It is easier said than done and you have engaged in many ways to help pets so keep doing the great jobs.

For someone to say such a hateful thing in attacking manner, I would not pay attention or event response if I were you. It is so sad that now a day many just let their id suppress their ego and superego. They need to talk without using the rational part of the mind. They are broken.
- cate
  
  23. Mar, 2011
  
  Thanks so much, it’s good to hear!
neleh

23. Mar, 2011

VPAS thank you for that information. I am so pleased to hear that low cost spay/neuter clinics are in the works and paws crossed that it will all happen. I had no idea these plans are in the works and I would totally 110% support these endeavours How can I keep myself up-to-date on this information, and let others know what is in progress? Again, thanks.
Serena

23. Mar, 2011

I whole heartedly support ANY person or organisation that helps animals fullstop.
This post was in support of a good cause, let’s not forget that.

I’m from Australia and our country recently went through devastating floods, but that didn’t mean we weren’t there sending love and support recently to Christchurch and Japan. In fact a lot of our disaster workers left flood ravaged Australia when the Japanese earthquake and tsunami hit. Charity doesn’t always start at home.

I wish the very best for not only the 20+ rescued but also those in BC without a home.
CFBCR

27. Mar, 2011

It sad to think that many who have supported the blanket ID tags (myself included) think they are helping animals in need in OUR community/country.
I have included information about these tags to every dog that has gone out of our rescue, because I thought the funds collected were to help animals right here needing it.
I was not aware that these funds support importers who bring animals into the area from out of country and am disappointed that this is the case.
I hope this can change in the futrue, and those of us in the rescue communities can start taking care of our own.
I know the dogs waiting for homes at the CRD Pound in Victoria are not all that cute, but they need as much help as any of those VA brought in.
- cate
  
  27. Mar, 2011
  
  I would just like to point out that we do not support any organization that EXCLUSIVELY rescues pets from others areas. We DO support Victoria Adoptables and they do much work in our local area. People that support Blanket ID ARE supporting their local resources.
  
  Money from the blanket fund is distributed based on members’ addresses. In this way every blanket ID member is supporting a local need!

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[...] some form of a lesson? Do people like my human friend Cate deserve the backlash she received on her blog post (check out the comments to see what I mean) about a BC based rescue who are in need of foster homes [...]