OCR Text |
Show THE ZEPHYR/DECEMBER 2006-JANUARY 2007 address the trauma, animals were sent to other vet hospitals for care. Russ Mead, Best Friends staffer, said, “We were sending dogs to specialists--having them flown out. Some offsite vets would do it for free, and some wouldn’t, but to us it didn’t matter. Whatever the animals needed, the animals got.” Pit bulls were a common breed of dog at Tylertown. Even with the chaos and devastation, the pits just craved attention and affection. Dallas was a big goofy pit who just wanted to have his head patted or his back scratched. He seemed to wonder where his people were and when he could go home. In other parts of the country, pit bulls are demonized by misguided forces. In Tylertown, pit bulls were treated with dignity and love. It was a welcomed contrast to the bloodbath in Denver, where laws mandate the destruction of pit bulls regardless of their good nature or temperament. Best Friends worked tirelessly to ensure that Dallas and his other pit friends had places to go. Best Friends Animal Society made a stand for the displaced animal victims of the hurricane. They were the first animal welfare organization to hit the ground after Katrina. work together on rescue and transport efforts. Each state has a community and topic- based communities also abound. A dedicated band of volunteers and staff post and edit highlighted stories. “We're celebrating the precious relationship that people experience every day with their cat or dog or bird. It’s about love. If we teach kindness, mercy and compassion to children, we create an example. It’s so important that they see it. The world seems to be a hopeless place. People are checking out...becoming apathetic and overwhelmed. It’s crucial to start somewhere. Do something positive every day. If you can create positive effects for animals and each other, there’s hope for us all,” says Paul Berry. Every day, more people are using their enthusiasm, knowledge, skills and resources to join the vision held by the Founders of Best Friends Animal Society. Staff members and volunteers at the Sanctuary, along with animal advocates around the world linked by The Network, are all a part of a world where kindness counts. The Kindness Revolution WILL turn the tide, making gentleness and kindness qualities for which to strive in our daily lives. The golden rule—to treat others (whether pets, people or other living things) as we ourselves would wish to be treated —is alive, well, and thriving in Angel Canyon. After 14 days, it was time to leave. Working in harmony with other animal lovers to love and care for the animals and provide hope was an amazing experience. For 249 days, staffers and more than 1,000 volunteers fed, watered, poop-scooped, comforted and loved more than 3,300 animals. Other agencies were gone by the end of December. Best Friends stayed until all the animals in their charge were placed. Sherry Woodard, the Best Friends Dog Care Expert, was on site for an incredible 240 days, staying until the very end. On May 10, 2006, more than eight months after Katrina hit, the final 10 dogs were loaded and everyone headed back to Kanab. Best Friends recently released an incredible book about the Katrina relief effort. “Not Left Behind: Rescuing the Pets of New Orleans” presents first-hand testimony of relentless rescuers and more than 150 stunning photographs. All the royalties from the book will go the Best Friends Rescue Fund. Not Just a Job Lisa & Mortimer at Best Friends As awareness of Best Friends grows, so does the number of its employees. 300+ staff members care for animals, provide technical and administrative support, greet visitors, purchase supplies, coordinate volunteers, staff the clinic, and more. A variety of opportunities exist for those who truly wish to share their skills and experiences for the benefit of the animals. George Scherer, Best Friends Human Resources Director, says that, “The salaries are competitive and the fringe benefits can’t be beaten. Many staff members can bring their pets to work.” Staff gathers daily to enjoy the incredible vegetarian lunches luvamut5@yahoo.com as well as each other’s company. Michael Mountain, President, says, “If you are looking to put something into Best Friends--if your passion is to really to do some good for the animals, the people who care about them, and help make a difference--then this is the lace.” : . Many working at Best Friends once held fast-paced, corporate jobs but longed for something more satisfying. Tammy Rolfe was a broker in Manhattan before coming to work at Best Friends. She was caregiver to my beloved Mortimer before he peacefully passed away. Cathie Myers went from teaching preschool to directing the cutting-edge Humane Education Program. Carla Davis was on the staff of a popular magazine before moving to Kanab. “I was looking for a simpler lifestyle and I found it at Best Friends.” Vacationing at Best Friends, she offered to write a few articles and was later recruited to work for the magazine. Davis couldn’t say no. Her family didn’t understand until they saw for themselves. The beauty of the Kanab area, along with the wonder of Best Friends, struck them. JoAnne Rando-Moon 435-644-2002 www. healthypetnet.com/ecritter 157 W. Center St. Kanab, UT 84741 www.critfercarnerinfo.com 297 W. Center St., Kanab, UT 84741 800.551.1714 frontiermovietown.com frontier@kanab.net OPEN DAILY Where the West is Fun! | _ Getting into business clearance sale. 40% off most everything in our eclectic gift shop until January 1, 2007. No interest or finance charges on all cash purchases. It’s a gift shop. It’s an old west and movie set museum. It’s the Hole in the Wall Saloon. Kick back on our shady deck___ with Zion Canyon : Micro Brews on tap. The “Cat House” at Best Friends Kanab is a small town of 4,000. It’s a slower pace but, for those joining the Best Friends staff each week, it’s a welcomed change. Job listings change regularly and are posted at: http://b tfriends Jal | 1 r t/. J Looking to the Future Best Friends’ popularity skyrocketed after the relief effort. When The Network (network.bestfriends.org) was launched, people flocked to participate in the online community. Members can get a smile from upbeat news, track animal-related legislation, and 17 |