Kay Stout

By the Numbers

If you have an accountant in your family – or you are the numbers person for your family – this blog should be right up your alley.

Thanks to good data bases and the people who’ve input the information, here are the numbers for the past 14 months transports.  They are impressive – really impressive. But the best part is that each number represents a dog (or cat) that has come into the facility – then gone on to a new home.  1,307 total animals – 268 adopted either locally or thru PetSmart - - the remainder 1,039 are living the good life in Colorado (a few in Wyoming).

The answer to over population is in 3 segments.  First – transfer out of state; Second  - Spay/Neuter; Third – Education.   There will always be stray/abandoned animals, but over time they become fewer and further apart.  The numbers will be manageable.

Just like religion and families, each rescue has their own set of rules (either written or unwritten).  And one set of rules does not apply to everyone.  For PAAS and the rescues/shelters who work with us – our primary goal is transport out-of-state.  It’s working, really working and we’re saving lives.

Stay tuned, keep your calculator plugged in and follow us as we continue to grow, add innovative programs and truly make a difference in northeastern Oklahoma.

Follow us on Facebook at PAAS Vinita, webpage: paasvinita.com and Twitter:  PAAS Vinita.  We’re connected, we making connections and we’re growing.

 

Finding a Solution - A New Direction

The Peaceful Animal Adoption Shelter opened in late April of 2015.  The mission was to save hundreds of dogs and cats in northeastern Oklahoma.  And, we’re doing it!!!!

In the total picture of animal rescue for this area, other rescues/shelters are finding their way as well.  At the end of the day/month/year - - collectively we’re making a difference.

For PAAS, the new direction is transfer to Denver Dumb Friends League and other 501(c)3 organizations in Colorado and Wyoming.  Looking back at a year ago, we were transferring out-of-state once or twice a month.  We used alpaca trailers and Clydesdale horse trailers.  Next came a transport van.  In the works is a bigger van so we can transfer more dogs – and occasionally cats.  Now we are on-the-road every Tuesday (and sometimes Friday) with 25+ dogs each trip.  The week of September 26^th –52 dogs were safely delivered.

When you look at all of us in rescues in northeast Oklahoma - - we are finding solutions.  Each rescue finds their own path – but all of us are together on one thing – Save the Homeless Dogs and Cats who do not have a voice.

What is especially encouraging is the number of rescues in the state – and one in Arkansas – who have partnered with us.  We certainly have had some bumps along the way as we got it organized, and there will be bumps in the future.  But for now, 16 rescues/shelters are in our pipeline.  We’re so happy for the dogs.  They deserve a home.

We’ve gone through many changes and there’s more to come, but we know that down-the-line we’ll look back and go WOW  - - - we did it.

Thanks to everyone who supports us.  It takes $$$$ to feed, vaccinate, and transfer.  Donations are our life-blood to continue to operate.  Visit us Facebook at PAASVinita or on our website:  www.passivinita.com. 

We are: PAAS – Ride to Rescue!!!

The Tipping Point

Malcolm Gladwell wrote a book on the power of The Tipping Point. Here’s a quote from the book: The tipping point is that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire. Just as a single sick person can start an epidemic of the flu, so too can a small but precisely targeted push cause a fashion trend, the popularity of a new product, or a drop in the crime rate.

In the world of rescue, it seems Tipping Points are rather few and too far between. However, when they happen the world suddenly looks brighter, the future has hope, and those of us in rescue are reenergized. It has happened, on a small scale, at PAAS. A year ago we had no idea how we were going to cope with the challenge of too many dogs, too few adopters and no solution in sight. For us, it began slowly and required lots of planning, help from others, loaned trailers, and faith that we were on the right road, literally and figuratively.

Now, we plan a transfer every Tuesday evening to Denver Dumb Friends League. We have a van, crates, drivers and lots and lots of dogs. The Tipping Point for us occurred in March at a meeting in Oklahoma City. From that meeting, a partnership began and today, as we look to the future, we see an opportunity to significantly change the future for homeless dogs in Oklahoma through rescues who’ve partnered with us. It is not the long-term answer – but it is an immediate solution to an overwhelming problem.

There have been other Tipping Points in my life - - some were fun, some were challenging and a few required all the strength I had. This one is exciting, rewarding and at the end of the day - - we’ve saved hundreds of dogs.

Tipping Points are important – they are

 

The Tipping Point

Malcolm Gladwell wrote a book on the power of The Tipping Point. Here’s a quote from the book: The tipping point is that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire. Just as a single sick person can start an epidemic of the flu, so too can a small but precisely targeted push cause a fashion trend, the popularity of a new product, or a drop in the crime rate.

In the world of rescue, it seems Tipping Points are rather few and too far between. However, when they happen the world suddenly looks brighter, the future has hope, and those of us in rescue are reenergized. It has happened, on a small scale, at PAAS. A year ago we had no idea how we were going to cope with the challenge of too many dogs, too few adopters and no solution in sight. For us, it began slowly and required lots of planning, help from others, loaned trailers, and faith that we were on the right road, literally and figuratively.

Now, we plan a transfer every Tuesday evening to Denver Dumb Friends League. We have a van, crates, drivers and lots and lots of dogs. The Tipping Point for us occurred in March at a meeting in Oklahoma City. From that meeting, a partnership began and today, as we look to the future, we see an opportunity to significantly change the future for homeless dogs in Oklahoma through rescues who’ve partnered with us. It is not the long-term answer – but it is an immediate solution to an overwhelming problem.

There have been other Tipping Points in my life - - some were fun, some were challenging and a few required all the strength I had. This one is exciting, rewarding and at the end of the day - - we’ve saved hundreds of dogs.

Tipping Points are important – they are

 

The Best ROI

Equity Investors are willing to take a calculated risk for a percentage of company profit when the company sells or expands and sells.  A good return would be 2 to 4  times the initial investment over a designated period of time.  The designated period of time can be flexible – depending on acquisitions/growth/percentage of profit at time of sale.

A truly great equity investment equation in the world of non-profits is ROI of lives saved for each dollar received.  An example, investment in a spay/neuter program.  Our grant from the Flint Family Foundation was in the amount of $5,000.00.   The area veterinarians cooperated with us to provide spay/neuter services for people who qualified as low-income.  To date, 50+ animals have been “fixed”. 

Working with just 50% of that number (25), here’s the ROI as it relates to unwanted dogs and cats. 25 animals in 4 years could produce 50,000 offspring, in 5 years it could be 275,000. 

Not everything can be measured in money.  For non-profits, it’s sometimes hard to get people to understand the humane worth of their monetary investments. For us, rescuers, it makes perfect sense.  One common goal for Oklahoma rescues is to do everything we can to limit litters - - and that takes money. 

The reality is Humanitarian ROI isn’t measured in $$$$ granted to an organization, but it is measured in reducing the over population of dogs and cats.  And that is truly one of the best investments anyone can make - - an investment to a rescue so they can “fix” more animals. 

Spread the word - - encourage the investors - - we’ll all see the results.

 

 

The Senior Advantage

There’s an advantage  - - a big advantage - - to adopting a senior dog or cat.  Too often they’re overlooked when, in reality, they would be the perfect pet for your lifestyle.

First – true confession.  I’m no longer young – not even middle aged - - I’ve passed both those milestones, so I can speak with some authority.

When an older person wants to adopt a puppy, I always secretly cringe.  Why? 

Because this is what has happened too often – I know from experience working in a shelter.

1. The darling puppy causes you to trip, fall, even really hurt yourself.
2. The darling puppy wants to play and play and play - - - - then play some more
3. Unless you have a secret to a long, long, long healthy life – the puppy will probably still be around and need another home
4. Few children, grandchildren, relatives, friends will really step up and bring the puppy/dog into their home. We know this from the phone calls we receive, on a regular basis, either from the owner who needs to rehome the dog or the relatives/friends who say they can no longer care for the dog.

From a personal point of view, I know it would be difficult for me – and for a young child or teenager – if we were required to live together.  I’m past the age of getting a second wind when I’m tired - - now, when I’m tired - - I’m tired – translate that as I’m headed to bed or to take a nap.

Loud music, lots of energy, coupled with knowing I would be personally responsible for a child causes me to gulp - - take a deep breath - - and hope it doesn’t become reality.

Sooo, if you qualify as a mature older person and you want a companion who thinks you’re wonderful, loves to snuggle on the couch, keeps your feet warm at night, frequent daytime naps are awesome - - - visit your local shelter or rescue. Ask to see the older dogs and find your perfect pet.

For those of us who are senior citizens - - older is better - - trust me!!!!!

Give me a Dog (or a Cat)

There are days (lots of them) when most of us in rescue prefer pets to people.  It’s easy to understand - - for us.   An example follows.

The Animal Control Officer received a call about an injured dog.  The dog had literally given up and was lying in a parking lot.  He brought the dog to us – yes it had bullet wounds, its gums were white (anemic) and was covered - - completely covered – in fleas (probably explains the anemia).  His wounds were treated and he was given the routine intake exam and medical care.  He was terrified but when you looked in his eyes you could see a dog that just wanted someone to care.  He walked a little wonky from the pain medication, but an hour later his tail was wagging and he was smiling – yes smiling.

We have a happy go lucky dog that just entered are Canine Good Citizen program at the Northeast Oklahoma Correctional Center.  Yet, on his side is a huge scar because someone threw acid, of some kind, at him.  He’s forgiven the human and is willing to give another human a second chance.  Not sure if most of us would be that forgiving – and certainly not that forgiving that quickly.

Yes, there is scientific proof that there’s a connection between animal, spousal, child and elder abuse.  When we overlook abuse in any category, we’re overlooking the consequences.  People who beat animals are more likely to beat children, spouses, or the elderly.   I do not want to think of the consequences for someone who shoots an animal.    We just know there is a connection and it isn’t a good one.

We won’t quit saving dogs (and cats) and making sure they have a chance at a good life.  And we won’t quit caring when we’re crying, mad, angry and disgusted at the humans who abused an animal who has no voice. 

Rescue Angels

Thankfully there are angels amongst us  - especially in the world of rescue.  This isn’t a complete list, but it gives a glimpse into the hearts of those who understand - - step up and make a difference.

Vicki & Tom entered the PAAS world when Miss Ruby went to their house to have her puppies.  She was scarred, her teeth had been filed down – it was clear she’d been bred – and used – as a bait dog.  Today, Vicki & Tom continue to say “yes” when a pregnant Momma dog comes through our doors.

Then there’s Jenny and her family.  They run the Momma Dog Spa – where once the puppies are weaned – Momma Dog gets to relax and learn how to be a dog - - - a really good dog.

Candy and her family fill in the gaps - - foster a Momma dog with puppies, answer the phones, volunteer at events.  When we call - - they answer.

When we first opened our doors, Carole walked through and spent two hours, every day, Monday – Friday – playing with the kittens and cats.  Sadly she had to move and we’ve not found another Carole to take her place - - she is missed.

Teri – oversees the training program at NOCC.  She’s organized, loves dogs and is helping us put PAAS on the map for the inmate dog training program.

Then, there’s those special people who have a soft spot in their heart for special dogs - - Megan – an older dog, very scared.  Thanks to Stacie and Richard – she’s living the  life of luxury complete with tater tots every morning.

We have two dedicated dog walkers, when it’s not too hot - - Beatty and Cissy. 

It’s not a complete list - - but it shows there are caring people in this world and they really do make a difference.

From all of us at PAAS – staff and four-legged friends - - -

THANKS

 

Somewhere in the Middle

 

Like many people in the world of animal rescue, I follow several facebook pages/groups including a few “closed groups”.  This past week, we’ve all been deluged with situations that question our sanity,  makes us realize why we never give up and continue to rescue, and, occasionally, leave us either sad or speechless (sometimes both at the same time).

And then, you have a ray of sunshine that completely changes your perspective.

For me it was a conversation with April’s Mom.  April came to PAAS from a municipal shelter where she would have been euthanized.  The Richardson Birthing Center came to the rescue and April delivered her puppies in a safe, loving environment.

Now, thanks to our partnership with Dumb Friends League in Denver, Colorado, April has been adopted.  Her Mom, Stephanie, reached out to me as she had some questions.  What made me smile was when Stephanie said her Mom had flown out to meet April,  That didn’t erase all the irate phone calls, desperate situations we’d encountered this week  - but it helped - - it really, really helped.

Somewhere in the middle is where we need to be.  Every month some animals need a home in this area.  Fix your critter/Save a litter has played a key role in the number of unwanted puppies and kittens born each year.  And, most importantly, we’re writing great April stories about dogs and cats in northeastern Oklahoma.

We will get there - - it’s what keeps us going

Until we do, the letters, pictures, videos and phone calls from happy adopters out-of-state will make us smile and reenergize us to keep on keeping on.

 

Dog Days of Summer

The Dog Days of Summer are miserable.  Yes - - it’s hot; No – there’s no wind; Yes - - there’s no rain in sight; No – we can’t change it.

The really awful Dog Days of Summer isn’t any of the above.  It’s the tsunami of calls from rescues, shelters and individuals who have dogs  - - lots and lots of dogs - - and they don’t want them anymore.  I can’t tell you how many times our phone has rung this week with someone who’s had a dog for years and now needs to surrender it ASAP, adopted a dog a few months ago and is just too busy to give it the time/attention it needs - - and, lastly, the rescues/shelters that are our partners.  They’re full to bursting at the seams.  And - - for us - - that’s not including the 134 dogs who left Oklahoma (from PAAS) in the month of July.  We have great partners who bring us wonderful dogs every week for transfer, primarily, to Dumb Friends League in Colorado. 

When you’re reading this, 27 dogs will have arrived in Denver at Dumb Friends League and within a few days they will be living the good life with in their new home.

We never imagined we would be able to save the lives of hundreds of dogs each year.  It is a good feeling.  The sad part, though, is the homes are out-of-state because that’s where the demand is.  Boy, oh boy, we have the supply.

Yes, the Dog Days of Summer are here

 it isn’t heat, lack of rain or no wind

it’s dogs, dogs and more dogs.