Memphis Animal Shelter ( a living nightmare )

[peacebuzzard]

I followed a street dog in Memphis yesterday.
It was so pitiful. The poor dog was in very bad shape. I think she was pregnant, she was certainly with mange and starving. It did not trust me at all. I was very sad all day yesterday. I cried many tears
I managed to feed it several cans of food before it staggered off to hide again. I tried to find it again today. I did not find her.
But since yesterday I have been doing very dismal research on what is available in Memphis, TN for the multitude of stray animals.
Their plight has not changed in decades except for the worst.

I posted this yesterday in the Tennessee forum, but wanted to share it here with my compassionate animal rights friends.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=179x3273

I also started my Journal with this post.

on edit: my new avatar is in memory of one of the strays that was gassed (photographed in this post)--such a young pup but with no chance at all

[expatriot]

1. This forum will be in your corner for the work ahead.

It is amazing the disparity in the quality of animal control services from city to city, from county to county... that is why the local activist is so very important in this area... My wife and I have been working hard to improve our area's animal control and care situation. We started a group, etc. I will definitely be here to provide feedback, share stories etc. I have to get going now, though.... oh before I go...

Here is the Fact #1 that all subsequent truths are based on:

The situation at the local shelter is oc course just 'ground zero,' a symptom of a larger disease.... uncontrolled animal overpopulation and a general animal care and control crisis.


Here is a GREAT resource to start out with.


Animal Control Management: A Guide for Local Governments
Published by the International City/Country Management Association (ICMA), the book provides a wealth of practical information about funding, structuring and running an effective animal care and control program that protects both citizens and animals. The book is primarily targeted to city and county managers and legistrators, but is also a great resource for humane advocates interested in selling proven concepts in animal care and control to these officials. $15.00


http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_so_store

Of course Memphis is a big city... have you researched to see what kind of local animal advocacy groups are around? I will read your other posts in detail when I can.

[peacebuzzard]

4. thanks for your post. I will be checking out some things

in Memphis further as time permits. I will come and go quite often for the next 6 weeks and spend a few days there if necessary.
I did go by the Humane Society and tried to get some info anyway, just in case I ran across that poor dog again, or any other in a similar situation. I actually left Memphis driving (for a change) today, the 6 plus hours back to Knoxville. I hope I do not repeat that drive either way any time soon.

I have an another old airport car in Memphis if I am there for a night or so.

Yes, I am thinking of doing some volunteer work if my time/money mgmt permit, both in my hometown and in Memphis.

[flvegan]

2. Michelle Buckalew is active in Memphis

A good Google will probably get you a contact e-mail. Her organization is largely geared towards companion animals, and I'm sure would be a fabulous resource. I know you already do a great deal locally, and there are only so many hours in a day.

If this is your niche focus, I say run with it. A few small successes help to put all the other failures in a bit of a dimmer light. If that poor dog is your jumping off point for making a difference for a few others, then she's not lived in vain.

[peacebuzzard]

5. I think what really got to me was the enormous disparity

I saw that day. That poor dog was in such bad shape and the project/ghetto area she came from was juxtapositioned within a few blocks by a very privileged neighborhood with gorgeously groomed pedigreed dogs.

The blatant contrast was overwhelming, it all seemed so senseless---the suffering endured by so many of the critters seemed to be mirrored by this one lonely dog.

I have seen many dogs in pitiful situations but this one really got to me.

[Solitaire]

3. Hi peacebuzzard

Are you a member of Care2? If not, would you like an inviation?

You can start petitions and network and I'd be happy to add you to my friends, so you can network through my other friends.

Please let me know if you'd like to join, you can message me with your email and I"ll send you an invite.

Sol :)

[peacebuzzard]

6. Yes. I would.

thank you.

[Solitaire]

7. ok, just private message me here and with your email :) n/t