Each of dogs are now safely in the United States with the families of the U.S. service members or veterans who befriended them on deployment in Syria, Iraq, Kuwait and Turkey. SPCA International is honored to help our U.S. service members and so grateful to all our supporters who make these rescues possible. We currently have 80 more dogs and cats beloved by our troops waiting on our rescue wait list.
Author: SPCAI Staff
Recipe: Quick Vegan Peanut Butter Flaxseed Dog Treats
We are proud to announce the winner of the July Dog Treat Recipe contest: Tamara Bragg and her Quick Vegan Peanut Butter Flaxseed Cookies! Tamara says, “Every dog I have ever given these to wants more and more and more! They are a great vegan nutritious snack for all dogs.”
Quick Vegan Peanut Butter Flaxseed Cookies
Fill deep microwave safe dish with:
Maple flavored oatmeal
1 small jar of peanut butter
1/2 cup of ground flax seed
4 imitation eggs (vegan)
2 tablespoons of olive oil spread or coconut spread (vegan butter)
A sprinkling of coconut flakes
(If it is too dry, you can add a vegan milk alternative.)
Stir, smooth top, put in microwave for 8 minutes. After 8 minutes, check center. If still soft in the center, cut out the harder outer portions and lay them cooling rack. Place the soft center back in microwave till done. Slice them into strips. Cool completely. Serve to your dogs.
Rescuing Rooster
By Mark Du Lac, U.S. Air Force TSgt Ret. & Lockheed Martin Aircraft Weapons Maintenance Instructor in Iraq
I want to share my story of Rooster, the Iraqi dog with you.
I went to Iraq for a one-year contract for work; away from my family and knowing no one. We have always had dogs as a part of our family, and at that time we had four in Florida. I went to work one day, and someone said there were puppies next door in the vehicle maintenance hangar ran by the Turkish mechanics. Me being the dog guy that I am, went over immediately to find that these guys had found and taken in three puppies from the same litter and made them their own.
From that time till I left, I helped take care of them, feed them, bathe and play with all three. Of course, I was most drawn to the runt of the group who was and is my Rooster. He was afraid and unsure of people period, seeing how he was a wild dog living on a military base with an expectancy to survive not much past a year in the conditions he was born into.
The men who took them in gave them the best care they could with what they had available. There were no Home Depots or PetSmarts. They built doghouses, a fenced in area and eventually a good size gated pen. Good thing they did because with word spreading amongst the other contractors on base, the dogs became more popular and had many visitors. The three original dogs turned into 16 in one pen and we took care of them with what we had. Lots of folks pitched in – whether it was buying toys and bringing them back from their R&R or feeding them leftovers from their meals. Some simply came just to be and play with them, filling that void…missing their pets at home.
We would bring them food for breakfast and it was a great way to start our mornings feeding them. They knew we were coming every morning and reacted to the white takeout trays filled with breakfast for them. Of course, the whole scenario took place again for lunch. We were even fortunate enough to get a few bags of dog food for them, which was hard to get!
Making friends with the deployed contractor veterinarian was an essential part of this story. She not only told me about the SPCA International sending animals home for military and contractors deployed to these locations for free, but she also gave up some of her personal time to look at the pups and help us keep them as healthy as possible. To me, this was the most amazing thing I could possibly learn and so the process began by asking permission from the men who found them if I could take Rooster home to the U.S.
They were hesitant at first, but they agreed, and they knew he would have a much better life with me. My decision led to others wanting to do the same. With unbelievable efforts by the SPCA International and their worldwide team, all 16 puppies were taken to a better facility north of us where they would do their in-country quarantine, receive vaccinations and be properly taken care of until it was time to make that trip to the US. Mind you, all provided by the SPCA International at no cost to the person wanting the dog.
Without the amazing services and selfless efforts provided by the SPCAI, none of this would have ever happened. The program is financed by donations from countless generous individuals who all believe in the same thing; that every animal deserves a chance to live a good life. SPCAI is an incredible organization saving animals all over the world. Just in Iraq alone they have saved over 700 dogs and cats, that are now with their new forever families throughout the U.S.
I am so grateful to everyone involved in Rooster’s rescue and to the people who I have never met who worked so hard to get my puppy home safely and healthy! I cannot stress enough that none of this would happen without generous donations to SPCA. Big or small – it all counts and puts big hearted animal loving people with the pets they found, adopted and wanted to have as their own in a better place.
Rooster is now in Florida with his new K-9 family and humans – five dogs now total. I would not have it any other way, this dog made all the difference in my life the last three months in a not-so-friendly and unforgiving place.
Thank you with all my heart to each and every one who was part of Rooster’s amazing journey – mostly to the SPCA International organization. Keep doing that great stuff you do, one animal at a time!
Forever grateful:
Mr. D. “Roosters Dad”
Summer Pet Safety Tips
By Emma Koeniger, SPCA International Staff
Summer is always a fun time of the year – the beaches are open, the sun is out, there are so many outdoor activates that you and your animal companions can do! When planning a day trip or vacation it is always important to keep your pet’s safety in mind. Check out these summer activities and how to make sure your pet has fun too!
Running Around
My dog, Kuma, loves to go hiking. It’s a great way for him to burn off excess energy. The dog park is another great way for your dog to get in some play-time, but keep an eye on your dog while at the dog-park as scuffles can break out. When going on summer hikes make sure you bring a bottle of water and a bowl and take short breaks to let your pet rest. Make sure your dog always has proper identification in case they get away from you.
Water Fun
There are plenty of dog beaches along the East and West Coasts, allowing your canine friend to run and swim without disrupting sunbathers. There are lots of water toys that your dog will likely love to chase after! If you don’t live close to the beach you can fill up a kiddie pool for your dog to play in. If you’re thinking about taking your dog out on a boat, make sure to buy them an appropriately sized life jacket. Remember, even though your dog is wet it doesn’t mean they are adequately hydrated. Make sure to have a bottle of water and bowl with you for your thirsty pup.
Backyard Parties
There are so many opportunities to get together with friends and family during the summer. If party-goers are inclined to feed your pets, have a bowl of dog treats available so that they aren’t fed potentially toxic table scraps. Keep alcoholic beverages and human food up high and away from table edges, to deter counter-surfers and tall dogs. If fireworks are going to set off make sure your pet is kept in a quiet and secure area inside.
There are endless ways for you and your pets to have fun this summer. No matter what the activity is always make sure to watch out for signs of heat stroke; heavy panting, increased heart rate, weakness, pale gums, and contact your veterinarian immediately. Our pets have a normally higher body temperate than we do, so if it’s too hot for us to stay out for a long time it’s definitely too hot for your pets to be outside for extended amounts of time.
Hopefully with the above tips this one will be the best summers yet!
Shelter Spotlight: PAWS-Patas
by Emma Koeniger, SPCAI Staff
Located in the province of Almeria, Spain, PAWS-Patas was the first animal shelter established in their area of Southern Spain. They have been actively caring for and reducing the number of stray and abandoned animals for 26 years. Founded by a small group of volunteers in 1989, the PAWS-Patas volunteer base has grown to 60 people, all working to provide care to needy local animals and raise public awareness for animal welfare issues.
PAWS-Patas helps roughly 300 animals each year without any government funding. No animal is ever turned away based on medical or behavioral issues. Every animal taken in receives medical care and individual attention so that they can find the best home possible. Recently PAWS-Patas has found forever homes for their animals in Spain, Holland, Germany, Belgium and the UK. From 2014 -2016 the PAWS-Patas team was able to rehome 628 dogs and 242 cats!
SPCA International is proud to support PAWS-Patas with a Shelter Support Fund grant.
Victory: Tanzania Donkey Slaughterhouses Closing
By Lori Kalef, Program Manager
For over six years, SPCAI has had a strong and innovative partner in the Tanzania Animal Welfare Society (TAWESO). Our most recent collaborative efforts have focused on the welfare of working donkeys across Tanzania and education initiatives to improve their treatment. Recently, we learned about a growing inhumane industry in Tanzania: the donkey skin and meat trade.
Tanzanian donkeys are being slaughtered at an alarming rate due to soaring demand for their meat and skin in China. In China, they manufacture a gelatin from donkey hide fabled to have anti-ageing and libido-enhancing properties.
Our partners at TAWESO quickly began fighting this horrible commerce by lobbying and educating local government officials. During meetings with government councils, mayors, and chairpersons in districts where donkey slaughterhouses are opening, TAWESO presents evidence of the cruel habits of this burgeoning industry.
Through TAWESO’s non-stop advocacy for donkeys, two large commercial slaughterhouses will close next month! WOW!
SPCAI’s financial support and veterinary supply aid donations are critical to ensuring TAWESO has the resources to continue their work. After this incredible victory, TAWESO will carry on treating the sick, wounded and overworked donkeys of Tanzania and educating their owners. We are so proud to call TAWESO a partner.
Saying Goodbye to a Brave Four-Legged Soldier
By Lori Kalef, Program Manager
It is with tremendous sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you that little Laurel, an adorable OBP: Worldwide puppy that was rescued last month from Iraq with a terrible eye injury, passed away. Our Iraqi team of veterinarian professionals and rescue experts did everything in their power to save Laurel and surrounded him with love as he left this world.
In April, Laurel was urgently picked up by our team in Iraq from a U.S. Naval Base. Many of you may recall Laurel’s story. He was rescued by an ex-infantryman named Nick Cooper was working at Camp Swift. Cooper found Laurel with a terrible and painful eye wound from a being caught in a fight between two adult dogs. Laurel was suffering from a complete retinal detachment when Nick found him, but that never stopped Laurel from wagging his tail and showing his gratitude. Nick took him in, fed him and gave him as much care as he possibly could in this remote area of the world. In order to get Laurel all the care he needed, the SPCAI team picked him up and transported him to Erbil, Iraq, to see a veterinarian and prepare for travel to the U.S. Along the way, little Laurel exemplified courage, determination, trust and puppy love.
Sadly, after receiving required vaccinations and much needed care for retinal detachment, Laurel began demonstrating symptoms of distemper[1], a serious disease that runs rampant amongst street dogs in this area of the world. Laurel was given round the clock supportive care and treatments, something that is not so readily available in Iraq, but his little body’s immune system shut down and Laurel crossed over the rainbow bridge.
Our entire team is devastated over Laurel’s untimely passing, but we take comfort knowing that he had the best treatment we could give him. Right up to the end he knew kindness from humans and experienced unconditional love and devotion thanks to Nick’s good heart.
Laurel left this world with dignity and grace and I know that he will continue to inspire us, and you, to do our very best to prevent suffering and give more animals a chance to live a good life in this often cruel and challenging world.
[1] Canine distemper is a contagious disease brought on by a virus that attacks the nervous, gastrointestinal, and respiratory systems. Infection can occur through airborne exposure, shared food or water, or transplacental transmission. Puppies under four months of age and unvaccinated dogs are at risk for this disease. The vaccine series increases the probability of puppies building immunity while the immune system continues to mature. There is no cure for distemper and it is often fatal. Treatment consists of support care, and prevention of secondary infection. Learn more from the American Veterinary Medical Association.
2017-2018 SPCAI Rescue Calendar
We are proud to give you a preview of SPCA International's 2017-2018 Rescue Calendar! It went to print this month and features adorable images of dogs and cats saved by SPCA International's programs as well as SPCAI staff and partners at work. Enjoy!
Killer the Cat
by Stephanie Scott, SPCAI staff
This darling cat took a U.S. military base in Egypt by storm with Killer looks, Killer licks, and Killer cuteness. OMG – we can’t get over this guy! Killer will be rescued by the SPCAI team this week. We expect he will arrive at his new home in St. Paul, MN, by May 5th where he will await Corporal. Nick’s return from deployment with the Army National Guard. In Nick’s application for acceptance into the OBP: Worldwide rescue program, he answered a few questions about Killer’s life on base in Egypt.
How did your relationship with Killer begin?
“He was given his name by the group before us and has never left. When I first arrived at my compound, I instantly created a bond with him. Everyone knows that he is my cat because he is always with me. I started to feed him and sleep with him, which created trust between us. I always make sure he eats and drinks water throughout the day. It is actually funny because he will listen when I tell him to follow me to my room. Being able to snuggle up to me is his favorite part of the day!”
What is Killer’s living situation on base?
“Killer lives inside of my platoon’s compound. He sleeps either outside, or in anyone’s room. The majority of the time, he will follow me into my room after shift. He loves to cuddle!”
What’s a typical day like on base for Killer?
“A typical day for Killer usually involves a nap in the morning. Once he is awake, he likes to roam around and get some fresh air outside. He plays with his cat toys and hangs around the platoon. Later in the day he gets pretty hyper and loves to play with the two other cats that live in our compound. He gets tired at about 10pm, and this is when he finds a room to sleep in (usually mine).”
Readers: what is your favorite Killer pose in this bunch?
Animals of War
By Lori Kalef, Program Manager
During times of conflict and war, the suffering of animals is often overlooked as the focus on the human implications and impact on society takes precedence. But make no mistake, animals are victims of this terror in many ways; in fact, it is believed that millions of more animals die from the causes of war than humans.
Animals suffer greatly in war-torn countries because the people who care for them must flee their homes without warning, leaving their dogs, cats, and livestock behind to fend for themselves. Horror stories of slow deaths from disease, starvation, injuries, and thousands more caught in the crossfire and killed by landmines. Disrupted services like animal shelters, veterinary care, and even zoos leave an enormous void. In the Afghan war during the 1990's, more than 75,000 animals were lost due to mines alone. In 2009, animals abandoned and caged at the Gaza zoo starved to death and those who didn't were shot point blank.
In 1989 some refugees fleeing Nicaragua during the Revolution made every attempt to bring their cattle and horses with them to the border of Costa Rica where thousands of refugees found asylum. However, discovering the last few hundred yards to the border were laced with landmines, they tied their livestock to trees, likely intending to come back for them at some point, but never did. Brave animal activists later went to the area to see if they could help. Many of the animals were dead due to starvation, and the few emaciated ones who were still alive survived on eating the bark off the trees that they were tied to.
During times of terrible war and the resulting human flight, it is typical that no help for these animals can be found for thousands of square miles. No veterinarians, no animal control, no legal system to punish abusers, and any presence of police or military must focus on the immense human needs. There is no dog or cat food because human food is hard to find and there is no excess money to spend on helping animals. During a war, animal suffering grows, and these terrible conditions persist long afterward, even as the country begins to rebuild.
In the years since the civil war broke out in Syria in 2011, thousands of animals were left behind to endure immeasurable hardship and starvation. During the Iraq war, insurgents sometimes strap bombs to dogs and donkeys and blow them up as convoys pass by. Stray dogs and cats in Iraq and Afghanistan are still abused and killed on a daily basis. Reports from U.S. service members describe how these innocent strays are often stoned, cut, burned or poisoned.
SPCA International is charged with helping the animal victims of war. Since 2008, our Operation Baghdad Pups: Worldwide has rescued over 700 dogs, cats and even one donkey befriended by our service members to the United States from combat zones around the world like Iraq, Afghanistan, Egypt, Syria, Africa, Romania, Kosovo, Jordan, and Qatar. SPCAI has built relationships with shelters and rescue groups on the ground in war-torn countries like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria, helping these dedicated groups find financial resources that are otherwise non-existent. SPCAI is committed to expanding our efforts in these areas of the world by continuing to support rescue and relief organizations, shelters and dedicated animal advocates on the ground.