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Petsafe Rescue 's Reputation is Restored

Tags: animal, rescue, Michigan, Traverse City, Petsafe

Petsafe was created in 2002 by individuals who wanted to save domestic animals who were abandoned, unwanted or at risk of be euthanized. Their goal was to provide health care and shelter in foster homes until permanent homes could be found. In 2006, they came under attack. Complaints against Petsafe were filed with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and the Michigan Attorney General, which resulted in an investigation and a temporary withholding of licenses. According to Bridget Beckman of the Department of Agriculture, "The Department of Agriculture received two complaints regarding this shelter in October of 2006, citing possible neglect or abuse and violation of the regulations governing the disposal of dead animals. We found no evidence to substantiate those allegations during our inspection in November, but did direct the facility to maintain better records on the animals (such as descriptions of the animals, weight, etc). A person listed only as "Jody" questioned the welfare of the animals and whether the shelter had violated the Bodies of Dead Animals Act." A second complaint was filed by Catherine Wolfe, who alleged the animals were being neglected. February 16, 2007 the Michigan Attorney General informed the Petsafe they were in full compliance with the State 's regulations; all their licenses were restored.
Although their reputation has been vindicated, the damage has been done. Volunteers have left the group and have not returned. Contribution dwindled, yet the expenses of caring for the animals already in the system continued. They have been doing their best to help as many animals as their resources will allow, yet their ability to help continues to be limited by the lingering stigma.
Although Petsafe is always in need of cash donations, they are in desperate need of foster families to help cats and dogs. Petsafe provides the food, veterinary care, and supplies. The family provides a loving, safe home and transportation to the adoption events, which take place at the Traverse City Petsmart on most Saturdays and Sundays. The average time a dog spends in a foster home is about two weeks. A single family could save 25 dogs a year by just taking in one at a time. Cats, however, take a little longer; therefore, there is a greater need for feline foster homes. Before an animal is placed in foster home, it is checked for medical and behavioral issues. During the foster time, the animal is altered to prevent unwanted litters and is socialized. The foster family evaluates its temperament and helps determine what kind of living situation would be the best match. By the time it is available for adoption, there are one or more people who knows it well enough to be able to vouch for their character.
The second greatest need is for loving families who are looking to adopt. Petsafe is only designed to temporarily care for them until permanent families can be found. However, they are a no kill organization, so animals in their system will remain in foster homes until they are adopted, which is why there are frequent holds on the intake of animals. Their resources simple cannot properly support all those who are in need; therefore, finding good homes is their primary concern. For every cat or dog that is adopted, space is made available for another to be rescued.
One of the greatest misconceptions about Petsafe is the adoption fee. It is not an arbitrary price, but reimbursement for spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and medical tests, which includes a Feline Leukemia for cats and heartworms for dogs. Petsafe wants to insure only healthy cats and dogs are available for adoption to the general public. There are special needs cases, which only can only be adopted out to those who have advanced training and are capable of caring for their unique challenges. In comparison, it would be more costly for an individual to provide the same medical attention than it would be for them to adopt an animal from Petsafe.
By opening your hearts and homes, either as a foster parent or an adoptive, you not only save a life, but also enrich yours. However if you home is already filled to over flowing, there are other ways to help. All you have to do is ask one of the volunteers at the adoption events or call 231-275-7601 for more information.

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<h1>Petsafe Rescue 's Reputation is Restored</h1><br />by Tirgana<br />Petsafe was created in 2002 by individuals who wanted to save domestic animals who were abandoned, unwanted or at risk of be euthanized. Their goal was to provide health care and shelter in foster homes until permanent homes could be found. In 2006, they came under attack. Complaints against Petsafe were filed with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and the Michigan Attorney General, which resulted in an investigation and a temporary withholding of licenses. According to Bridget Beckman of the Department of Agriculture, &quot;The Department of Agriculture received two complaints regarding this shelter in October of 2006, citing possible neglect or abuse and violation of the regulations governing the disposal of dead animals. We found no evidence to substantiate those allegations during our inspection in November, but did direct the facility to maintain better records on the animals (such as descriptions of the animals, weight, etc). A person listed only as &quot;Jody&quot; questioned the welfare of the animals and whether the shelter had violated the Bodies of Dead Animals Act.&quot; A second complaint was filed by Catherine Wolfe, who alleged the animals were being neglected. February 16, 2007 the Michigan Attorney General informed the Petsafe they were in full compliance with the State 's regulations; all their licenses were restored. <br /> Although their reputation has been vindicated, the damage has been done. Volunteers have left the group and have not returned. Contribution dwindled, yet the expenses of caring for the animals already in the system continued. They have been doing their best to help as many animals as their resources will allow, yet their ability to help continues to be limited by the lingering stigma. <br /> Although Petsafe is always in need of cash donations, they are in desperate need of foster families to help cats and dogs. Petsafe provides the food, veterinary care, and supplies. The family provides a loving, safe home and transportation to the adoption events, which take place at the Traverse City Petsmart on most Saturdays and Sundays. The average time a dog spends in a foster home is about two weeks. A single family could save 25 dogs a year by just taking in one at a time. Cats, however, take a little longer; therefore, there is a greater need for feline foster homes. Before an animal is placed in foster home, it is checked for medical and behavioral issues. During the foster time, the animal is altered to prevent unwanted litters and is socialized. The foster family evaluates its temperament and helps determine what kind of living situation would be the best match. By the time it is available for adoption, there are one or more people who knows it well enough to be able to vouch for their character. <br /> The second greatest need is for loving families who are looking to adopt. Petsafe is only designed to temporarily care for them until permanent families can be found. However, they are a no kill organization, so animals in their system will remain in foster homes until they are adopted, which is why there are frequent holds on the intake of animals. Their resources simple cannot properly support all those who are in need; therefore, finding good homes is their primary concern. For every cat or dog that is adopted, space is made available for another to be rescued. <br /> One of the greatest misconceptions about Petsafe is the adoption fee. It is not an arbitrary price, but reimbursement for spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and medical tests, which includes a Feline Leukemia for cats and heartworms for dogs. Petsafe wants to insure only healthy cats and dogs are available for adoption to the general public. There are special needs cases, which only can only be adopted out to those who have advanced training and are capable of caring for their unique challenges. In comparison, it would be more costly for an individual to provide the same medical attention than it would be for them to adopt an animal from Petsafe. <br /> By opening your hearts and homes, either as a foster parent or an adoptive, you not only save a life, but also enrich yours. However if you home is already filled to over flowing, there are other ways to help. All you have to do is ask one of the volunteers at the adoption events or call 231-275-7601 for more information.<br /> <br /><br /><h2>About the Author</h2><p>Theresa Chaze is a woman who has the courage to play with dragons, especially those of the mind. To learn more about her go to her site at <a href="http://www.theresachaze.com">www.theresachaze.com</a></p> <br /><h3><a href="http://www.content4reprint.com/pets/petsafe-rescues-reputation-is-restored.htm" title="Petsafe Rescue 's Reputation is Restored">Article Source:</a> <a href="http://www.content4reprint.com" title="Free high quality articles">Content for Reprint</a></h3>