Thursday, December 22, 2011

Tails Wagging Over Strides in Guam’s Laws Protecting Animals

Animal Legal Defense Fund Releases Annual Report Ranking Animal Cruelty Laws Across the Nation

Megan Backus (ALDF)

SAN FRANCISCO Following a detailed comparative analysis of the animal protection laws of each state in the country, the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) has released a new report ranking all fifty states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories for the general comprehensiveness and relative strength of their respective animal protection laws— and thanks to recent improvements in its laws for animals, Guam moved up 18 spots to 34th in the nation.

Friday, December 02, 2011

Gift kids with an experience instead of materials

Think of what you remember most of your childhood. What do you remember most about Christmas as a child?

Do you remember times spent with your family? Do you remember one specific present as the most wonderful gift in the entire world? Do you remember getting gifts that you know you would never want or use?

The holiday season inspires us to give. Giving is a great thing, but we all need to keep the Layon Landfill in mind while Christmas shopping. Some gifts may eventually be taking up space in the landfill. Other gifts can keep things out of the landfill.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

2nd Chance Rescue, NAHLA ADOPTED!


Nene Boo, GAIN's 2nd Chance rescue, is a darling little girl with some gorgeous eyes and tons of love to share! She suffered from demodex mange, malnutrition, and a lack of compassion from her prior owners. She was probably neglected for the majority of the first 6 months she was alive and was then abandoned. With vet care, and healthy diet, and lots of love from her foster family, Nene Boo was able to make the transition to a healthy loving girl. UPDATE! Nene Boo was adopted! She now is living happily in her forever home as Nahla. She is a powerful example that proper care and love can go a long way in the life of a dog with a heart full of love to give.

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

Shelter Volunteers

Guam Animals In Need would be nothing without the tireless work of its volunteers. With budget cuts a part of our every day world and a huge increase in the number of animals coming into the shelter we need your help!! To make the most of the time the volunteers spend helping out at the shelter, we are implementing a couple of handy processes. A volunteer training day is in the works so folks can feel comfortable walking right in and getting to work.

Friday, September 30, 2011

Dogtoberfest 2011!!

WOOF WOOF! This is going to be the doggie event of the year for sure! Even Sparky from Naval Base Guam has decided he wants to join in on the festivities! DOGTOBERFEST!! Lots of games, contests, prizes, raffles and demonstrations will ensure a full day of family fun and activities.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Upcoming GAIN Events!!

Durr Save the Furr is still ongoing through October 8th! Make your fundraising page and win cool prizes!!

Hike with Spike - This Saturday at Tarzan Falls, showtime at the trail head is 8:30am. Bring a lunch, sunscreen, bug spray, swim suit. Asking for donations of $10 per person and $5 per dog and all proceeds go directly to GAIN.

Agat Pet Wellness Clinic - This Sunday at the Agat Community Center bring your pet out for FREE ear cleaning, nail clipping, dewormer, rabies, pet license, and free check up with Dr. Harper! Volunteers will be on hand to answer all your pet related questions!!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Dear GAIN Supporters



I know you’re an animal lover as a proud supporter of Guam Animals In Need. So I know you’ll know where I’m coming from as I write you to ask for your help for our dear organization.

Saturday, August 06, 2011

Next Pet Wellness Fair & Clinic is 8/28

August 28th
Noon - 5 PM
Yona Gymnasium

FREE
Rabies vaccinations
Wormer
Nail trims
Ear cleaning
Dental checks
Shampoo

DR.Velma Harper and GAIN Volunteers will answer your questions on animal care

An open letter to friends of GAIN

You have seen them on your way to work, the store, taking your kids to school; they seem to be everywhere. The number of sick, starving, and homeless dogs and cats on Guam is staggering and increases every day as unsterilized pets run the streets. Some are adult animals whose human families no longer want them or cannot care for them. Many get lost and never make it home. Too many kittens and puppies are born because owners did not have their pets spayed or neutered in time. The truth is that there just are not enough homes for them all. The lucky ones get a chance at a permanent home, while the rest become part of a tragic surplus of pets. What happens to this "surplus"? Some are hit by cars, become wounded in fights, and others suffer abuse by uncaring people. They get sick. They starve. Most of them die.

Some of the fortunate animals end up in the shelter, where trained caregivers make every effort to find them new homes. However, the numbers tell a tragic story. There are many more pets in the shelter than there are people able to provide loving homes. Thousands of pets are euthanized every year for one painfully simple, tragic, and preventable reason: no one wants them. This is a heartbreaking waste of life. If you have always wished you could do something to help, now is your chance.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Pet Fair & Wellness Program

GAIN's Pet Fair and Wellness Program gaining momentum as we visit each village to provide pet awareness. Local veterinarians are providing Rabies vaccinations and wormer to all participants. Sunday, July 24 GAIN volunteers and Dr. Velma Harper will be at the Inajajan Mayors Office from noon until 5 pm

Friday, April 15, 2011

Upcoming Gain Events

April 19th Board of Directors Meeting - Public Welcome - 7 pm - TGI Fridays - Hagatna

April 21st - Roundtable at the Guam Legislature Building - 10 am - Topic: Stray Animals on Guam

April 26th - PAWS To Remember - rescheduled date: 6:30 pm Adelup Grassy Area - Please bring umbrella and candle - RAIN or Shine we will do our candlelight walk / Governor Calvo will present Proclamation for Pevention of Cruelty to Animals Month.

April 30th - Earth Day - Ypao Beach Park - 9 am - 3 pm - Stop by the GAIN booth to play games and see our rescue dogs

Wednesday, April 06, 2011

APRIL: Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

This Sunday will mark the 10th Anniversary of Yigo Animal Shelter operated by GAIN – Join us from 10 am – 2 pm for a special Tribute to our 2nd Chance Boonie Rescue Program –

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

HELP US!

They come tired, scared and weak, they come seeking refuge, a kind hand, a gentle voice, looking for a haven, love and a place to lay their weary head.

They are welcomed in by loving hands and kind hearts that wrap them in love, they are welcomed in by our foster families.

These are the eyes of hope, of love of the ability to heal, Consider joining our foster heroes become a foster family and help these gentle souls on their road to recovery and their forever homes.

-Cindy Bartels, GAIN

Foster Care from John McDaniel on Vimeo.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

How animal DNA brings abusers to justice:

(NEWSER)

For three decades, human DNA has been used in court; now, abused cats and dogs are benefiting from their own genetic evidence. Thus far, only a few cases have been won with help from DNA, but its use is “becoming more and more common,” an expert tells the New York Times. In addition to helping win a few convictions—two of which were returned this month—the genetic material has prompted many guilty pleas.

Scruffy the cat was put down after being brutally burned by a pair of teens; DNA from burnt tissue helped identify the animal and link them to the crime. “When the vet comes in and testifies about the extent of the injuries, the gruesome nature of the way the flame was applied, the extraordinary way the cat suffered—this is the cat,” says a deputy DA. In most cases, defendants “end up pleading,” said a lab director, “because their lawyers know what would happen if they brought that kind of cruelty in front of a jury.”

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

We Lost A Good Friend

We received some horrible news today. Our Greyhound, Maggie, that was adopted and sent to Japan last year became overly stressed during the earthquake. She had a heart attack and died before her family could even get out of the building.

Thank you Tomoe for giving her love and making the last year of her life so beautiful and full of light.

Treasured Friend
I lost a treasured friend today
The little dog who used to lay
Her gentle head upon my knee
And shared her silent thoughts with me.

She’ll come no longer to my call
Retrieve no more her favourite ball
A voice far greater than my own
Has called her to his golden throne.

Although my eyes are filled with tears
I thank him for the happy years
He let her spend down here with me
And for her love and loyalty.

When it is time for me to go
And join her there, this much I know
I shall not fear the transient dark
For she will greet me with a bark.

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Sunday, March 13, 2011

MACONS LAW (it is hard to believe it is the same dog)

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31st Guam Legislature unanimously passed Macons Law AKA Bill 9 on Thursday, Feb. 24. Animal Cruelty and Abuse can now be prosecuted as a felony. Of course, this is just step 1 -- now we need to urge Animal Control, the Mayors, and GPD to issue citations and insist that the court punish people who abuse and neglect animals on our beautiful island.

Macon Approves
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Julie...you done good girl! Macon is gorgeous. Congratulations on your compassion and perserverance.

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Wednesday, March 09, 2011

Attorney Stephan Otto on the Big Show with Travis Coffman

The Animal Legal Defense Fund applauds Guam for strengthening its animal cruelty laws. Listen to the Big Show with Travis Coffman every day 2 to 6 pm on Newstalk K-57. Listen to the interview here

Thursday, March 03, 2011

Does an animal abuser live in your neighborhood?

(ALDF)Communities have good reason to be concerned about the whereabouts of animal abusers. In story after heartbreaking story, abusers repeat their violent crimes against helpless animals, and often go on to victimize people as well. Keep your animals and your families safe.

Sign on to demand that your state require animal abusers to register in their communities.

Copyright © 2010 ANIMAL LEGAL DEFENSE FUND
Reprinted with permission of the ANIMAL LEGAL DEFENSE FUND www.aldf.org

The Animal Legal Defense Fund Applauds Improvements to Guam's Anti-Cruelty Laws

(ALDF) Last week, the Guam Legislature voted unanimously to pass Senate Bill 9, which dramatically strengthens the territory's laws protecting animals. Once the bill is signed into law, Guam will finally join the list of U.S. jurisdictions with felony animal abuse penalties. The new felony penalty will apply to not only cases involving cruelty, but also neglect of an animal which results in his or her serious physical injury or death. Guam had ranked 52nd out of 56 in the Animal Legal Defense Fund's (ALDF) 2010 rankings report on the strength and comprehensiveness of the laws of each state and territory in the U.S.—leading Guam to be named one of the nation’s “best places to be an animal abuser.” These new improvements will likely lead to a significant upward movement for Guam in this year's rankings.

In addition to the new felony penalties, Guam’s new legislation makes animal abandonment a misdemeanor; authorizes law enforcement seizure of mistreated animals, and adopts robust minimum care standards and other definitions which mirror much of what is contained in ALDF's model animal protection laws. Guam also just passed a bill to ban commerce in shark fins.

“We commend Guam for adding real teeth to their laws protecting animals,” says Stephan Otto, ALDF’s director of legislative affairs. “This law sends notice that Guam is serious about protecting animals and in ensuring that those who abuse them are appropriately punished.”

Along with Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, Kentucky, North Dakota, Idaho, and Mississippi were singled out in ALDF’s most recent rankings report for their weak laws protecting animals. While Guam’s bill is a significant step forward, there still remain areas that can be improved upon to make Guam safer for both animals and people and to reduce the burden on the groups helping the island’s animals.

Copyright © 2010 ANIMAL LEGAL DEFENSE FUND
Reprinted with permission of the ANIMAL LEGAL DEFENSE FUND www.aldf.org

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Chrysta & Sweet Pea

The best way to get a dog is to beg your parents for a baby brother, they'll settle for a puppy every time. ~Winston Pendleton

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Saturday, February 19, 2011

Saving Lives One Picture At A time

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(CBS 11 NEWS) Teresa Berg never dreamed her photography skills would save lives.

But that changed one day when she was online looking through pictures for a shelter dog to adopt.

“You see one after another of dogs with glowing red eyes,” Berg said. “Black dogs, you can’t see any details; fuzzy, bad pictures.”

“She looked at all the pictures and she called and said, ‘Could you use a photographer?,’ recalled Kathleen Coleman with the Texas Dachshund Rescue Foundation. And I said, ‘Yes!’”

The way people saw the animals changed entirely. Berg’s pictures show animals in a portrait environment in her North Dallas studio. Their eyes sparkle with personality. Some of the female animals wear a pearl necklace which they seem to carry with a certain pride. Others appear to sport a smile or a even exude serenity.

“I think you have to make that dog look like a potential member of the family,” Berg said.

Coleman was thrilled. “When I saw what she could do with their expression and spirit I thought, “Oh! My goodness!”

What Berg’s work had done was elevate the animal to the being that connects with a human heart. Immediately, the dog rescue group’s adoption rate soared.
Read more

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Animal Cruelty: Break The Silence

We have enslaved the rest of the animal creation, and have treated our distant cousins in fur and feathers so badly that beyond doubt, if they were able to formulate a religion, they would depict the Devil in human form.

~William Ralph Inge, Outspoken Essays, 1922

Guam Animals In Need from John McDaniel on Vimeo.

Friday, January 07, 2011

Dog Of The Year: Macon

GAIN’s Pet of the Year contest with over thirty entries was almost a dead heat with Macon nosing out a mischievous long-haired Chihuahua named Tyke by only 134 votes, Macon was declared GAIN’s top dog with a total of 584 votes.

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Fostered by Julie and Chad Grady, it didn’t take Macon long to become a permanent member of the Grady household. “Chad had a Dalmatian when he was young, so it was pretty easy to adopt Macon,” Julie stated. “We discovered that Macon was deaf, but with the help of our other dogs, he learned sign language. After being photographed with the Air Force Fire Department crew, Chad is teaching him to ‘stop, drop and roll’. He is also doing school visits as part of GAIN’s education program.”

Macon was rescued after GAIN volunteers found him in a padlocked kennel with no food, water or shade. He was suffering from severe dehydration, sarcoptic mange, grossly complicated by dermatitis, open sores and the obvious pain of extreme starvation.

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Macon was only 29 pounds when found, but within just a few short weeks his skin condition improved and he almost doubled his weight. He became the ‘spokesdog’ when GAIN introduced the Macon Petition to update the animal cruelty and neglect laws on Guam. As Dog of the Year, Macon will have a professional photo shoot with Ashleo, a bag of Purina dog food, treats and toys.

CAT OF THE YEAR: Angel

GAIN’s first ever Cat of the Year contest had cat lovers happy to vote for their favorite cat.

A somewhat unlucky cat named Angel easily won the contest with over 100 votes. Dr Diaz saved Angel after her owners brought her to the clinic. Apparently, she had been caught in a car engine, was missing part of her ear and her tail was badly infected. The tail had to be amputated and the ear trimmed.

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Angel was put up for adoption, but imperfect kittens are not easily placed. Eventually, Dr. Diaz’ pleas found the right family and Angel became part of Cindy Bartels home.

Other cats who vied for the coveted title were: Fred, Happy, Curious, Nellie, Vinegar and Boba. As Cat of the Year, Angel will receive a bag of kitty litter, her favorite cat food and some special cat toys.

According to Shirley Miller, contest coordinator, “It was such a last minute idea! During the year we had rescued so many animals with such a variety of problems, we thought we really should do something to recognize them.” “Our Second Chance Boonie Rescue Program allowed us to save a pup with a cleft lip, a Chihuahua paralyzed and unable to use his back legs, a three-legged dog that had been injured and lost her left eye, a Pitbull whose front leg had to be amputated, and several animals with advanced stages of mange. Of course, Macon, was one of our success stories, but each animal brought to the shelter receives the love and care they really deserve.” In 2011, we plan to start the contest earlier and hold events where the animals can be seen by the public prior to voting.

Wednesday, January 05, 2011

Bark In The Park

Join GAIN every second Sunday of the month at 3pm by the Ypao Amphitheater for Bark at the Park, GAIN's monthly doggie play date! The next one is coming up this Sunday 01/09

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Tuesday, January 04, 2011

Recognizing Animal Cruelty

Physical Signs
•Collar so tight that it has caused a neck wound or has become embedded in the pet’s neck

•Open wounds, signs of multiple healed wounds or an ongoing injury or illness that isn’t being treated

•Untreated skin conditions that have caused loss of hair, scaly skin, bumps or rashes

•Extreme thinness or emaciation—bones may be visible

•Fur infested with fleas, ticks or other parasites

•Patches of bumpy, scaly skin rashes

•Signs of inadequate grooming, such as extreme matting of fur, overgrown nails and dirty coat

•Weakness, limping or the inability to stand or walk normally

•Heavy discharge from eyes or nose

•An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal

•Visible signs of confusion or extreme drowsiness

Environmental Signs
•Pets are tied up alone outside for long periods of time without adequate food or water, or with food or water that is unsanitary

•Pets are kept outside in inclement weather without access to adequate shelter

•Pets are kept in an area littered with feces, garbage, broken glass or other objects that could harm them

•Animals are housed in kennels or cages (very often crowded in with other animals) that are too small to allow them to stand, turn around and make normal movements possibly with too many other animals.

This list was graciously provided by the ASPCA. If you think an animal in your neighborhood is being abused or neglected or fits any of the criteria listed above PLEASE CONTACT GAIN

Stop Animal Over Population: Sterilize your pet

GAIN is an active sponsor for low cost programs for local residents to get their pets sterilized. Get more information on this program and many others HERE