Letter from the editor · animals – thousands of dogs have died and hundreds of animal shelters...

NEWSLETTER Issue 9: August 2009

Welcome to another issue of the Animals Taiwan newsletter! We are getting ready for the “Celebrating 2009 World Animal Day in Taiwan” event on October 4th at Taipei City Hall Plaza. World Animal Day is celebrated every year on October 4th across the world and Animals Taiwan will be holding the celebratory event in Taiwan for the very first time. Typhoon Morakot not only caused great damage and loss to humans, but also to the stray animals – thousands of dogs have died and hundreds of animal shelters have been destroyed. Therefore, Animals Taiwan will be donating 20% of profits raised from the World Animal Day event to help the animal shelters in southern Taiwan hardest hit by Typhoon Morakot. We hope that all Animals Taiwan supporters will be able to participate in the World Animal Day event on October 4th. The event will feature a 1 kilometer dog walk-a-thon. If you would like to join the dog walk-a-thon but do not own a dog, you are most welcome to walk an Animals Taiwan dog from the rescue center. Please notify the staff at least 2 weeks before the event. We are also very happy to see that a few more of our dogs and cats have gone to foster homes. Elvis, Posh, Caramel, Snowball, Chubbs and Sheila are the lucky dogs and cats that are now being spoiled by their foster parents! We hope more people can help us foster our rescued animals, which will give us more room to bring in new rescues. You can also sponsor an animal for NT$500 per month. Animals Taiwan operates solely on donations and your generosity will allow us to continue our rescue efforts. Sincerely, Lilian Lim Newsletter Editor

Letter from the editor

CONTENTS World Animal Day 2 Volunteer of the Month 3 Recent Events 4 Upcoming Events 5 Adoptions & Rescues 6 Happy Tails 7 Dog of the Month 8 Make a donation 9 Sponsor an animal 9 Become an Animal Sitter 10

ANIMALS TAIWAN NEWSLETTER

Animals Taiwan to Host World Animal Day 2009 Event

20% of profits raised from this event will go to help out animal welfare groups in southern Taiwan, hardest hit by Typhoon Morakot

This year, Animals Taiwan, along with other organizations, groups, animal shelters, places of worship, schools, clubs and individuals throughout the world, will be holding a World Animal Day event. The event will be held on Sunday, October 4th, 1:00 p.m. ~ 7:00 p.m., at the Taipei City Hall Plaza, which is located in front of Taipei City Hall on Shi Fu Road. The theme of this year’s event is Adoption Saves! Abandonment Kills! This event will feature a 1 kilometer dog walk-a-thon, entertainment, a carnival featuring 60 merchandise, food and drink booths, coloring contest for kids and much more. Pre-registration is required for those interested in participating in the dog walk-a-thon. Pre-registration begins on September 1, at 12:00 a.m. Please go to www.u-channel.com/event to register online. Ambassadors for this year’s event are Taipei City Councilwoman Wu Si-Yao, Janet Hsieh, host of Discovery Channel’s Taiwan Fun, singer, actress and TV hostess Ivy Hsu and proprietor of Bai Win Antiques Faye Angevine.

Event Ambassadors

Faye Angevine, Ivy Hsu, Wu Si-Yao, Janet Hsieh

So join us on this special day to commemorate our love and respect for animals and to highlight the importance of animals in our world. For more information on Animals Taiwan World Animal Day 2009 event or to find out more about Animals Taiwan, visit www.animalstaiwan.org or call (02)2833-8820.

Volunteer of the Month


RALPH JENNINGS Hi everyone, my name is Ralph. My wife Cindy and I like dogs and are sad to see so many strays in Taipei. We want to help. But because we often travel, we can't easily keep a dog at home. A few months after learning about Animals Taiwan last year, I called to find out how we could volunteer. We found that Animals Taiwan needed dog walkers and that its staff was well organized to handle volunteers. My wife and I visit the rescue center every weekend to walk the dogs and to spend some quality time with them. We have gotten to know a number of them by name. Most dogs cooperate infinitely while giving us a workout -- even three-legged dogs can outrun humans!

We have introduced seven friends to Animals Taiwan over the past half year. Some were afraid of the dogs at first, but after they walked one or two, they were pleasantly surprised at how friendly and affectionate the dogs are. I believe that a few simple hours of volunteer work can help bring joy to the dogs at the rescue center and help solve one of Taiwan’s biggest problems. I volunteer regularly at Animals Taiwan because I want to help the city where I live and the animals that I love. However big or small my contribution may be, I feel that I have done something to help the stray animals and to make Taipei a more livable city.

Ralph with Mustard at the rescue center

FEEL LIKE A GOOD LAUGH? A dog thinks: Hey, these people I live with feed me, love me, provide me with a nice warm, dry house, pet me, and take good care of me... They must be Gods! A cat thinks: Hey, these people I live with feed me, love me, provide me with a nice warm, dry house, pet me, and take good care of me... I must be a God!


Recent Events

Keelung Adoption Event, July 19th and August 16th

– Adoption events are held in Keelung City every second Sunday of each month. We received a good amount in donations as well as inquiries at both events! Education Workshop, August 11th – The Education team presented an animal education workshop to a class of elementary school students at American Academy School. AT dogs Molly and May were brought to the workshop for the students to interact with. Volunteer Training Sessions, every other Sunday – For the past two months, we have been conducting volunteer training sessions at the rescue center for new volunteers to learn more about Animals Taiwan and volunteer opportunities.

The Rotaract Club of Taipei consists of young and talented, bilingual professionals who believe in the principle of “Service Above Self” by actively participating in community service projects. Animals Taiwan had the privilege to present to The Rotaract Club a few months ago about our organization and mission. On July 26th, members of The Rotaract Club spent the entire afternoon volunteering at the rescue center, from walking the dogs to cleaning the outdoor pens. They were all enthusiastic and eager to volunteer despite the humid and hot weather. The Rotaract Club of Taipei is also planning on a long term volunteering plan with Animals Taiwan. We, along with the animals at the rescue center, are thrilled to have their support and friendship!

Special thanks to The Rotaract Club of Taipei, R.I. District 3480

Dog of the Month


Upcoming Events

Animal Aid Fundraising Event Place: BLISS Live Music Bar Restaurant & Lounge, No. 148, Sec. 4, Xinyi Road, Taipei (near intersection of Xinyi and Dunhua South Rd) Date: Friday, September 11th Time: 9:00pm ~ late Come join us on a night of music and fun! There will be a live band for you to enjoy music and raffle prizes to win! Entrance fee is NT$200. All proceeds go to Animals Taiwan. National Leg Trap Sweep with Taipei Municipal Institute of Animal Health Place: Selected Taipei City areas Date: Saturday, September 12th Time: 1:00pm~5:00pm As part of our anti-trap campaign, Animals Taiwan will be joining the Taipei Municipal Institute of Animal Health and other animal protection groups in a national leg trap sweep. We will be investigating selected Taipei City areas reported with animal traps and remove these illegal traps. If you are interested in participating, please contact Lilian at [email protected]. Keelung Adoption Event Place: No. 214, Ren-Er Road, Keelung City (in front of Family Mart convenience store) Date: Sunday, September 13th Time: 2:00pm~8:00pm Volunteers are needed at the adoption event to assist in merchandise sales, handling donations, answering inquiries and looking after our dogs. If you are able to help, please contact Lilian at [email protected]. Happy Tail Event Place: Taipei City Hall Plaza Date: Saturday, September 19th Time: 10:00am~4:00pm Held by the Taipei Municipal Institute of Animal Health, the event includes dog competitions, entertainment, fun games and adoption. Animals Taiwan will have a booth at the event. Please drop by and have a look around! Animal Education Workshop and Pre-event to World Animal Day Place: Zhongshan Elementary School and Taipei American School Date: Tuesday, September 22nd and Friday, September 25th Time: 9:00am~11:00am The Animals Taiwan Education team will be presenting an animal welfare education workshop to elementary school students at Zhongshan Elementary School and Taipei American School as a pre-event to World Animal Day. World Animal Day Ambassador Faye Angevine and Celebrity Spokesperson Ivy Hsu will also be participating.


Adoptions Queenie - After a few years at the rescue center, Queenie has finally found her perfect home! An AT volunteer fell in love with Queenie and decided to adopt her. Her new dad has renamed her to Maddie! Hank – Hank the cat was rescued from a car accident last month and suffered serious injuries. Luckily, he went to a home right away and is now getting lots of love! Rescues There were a few dog rescues last month. If you’re willing to give them a permanent or temporary home, please contact AT! Addie – is a small puppy found in the Wulai mountains suffering from serious skin disease and infection. She is currently receiving medical treatment at the rescue center. Wulai – A dog in Wulai was found with a serious case of STD. Unfortunately, he passed away a few days later after he was taken to the vet for treatment. R.I.P. Wulai. Pondy – is a black Labrador abandoned and tied up to a tree in the middle of the night. He is now at the rescue center receiving treatment for his skin disease.

To find out more about the rescued animals, please contact Rita, our Rescue Center Assistant Manager at [email protected] or (02) 2833-8820.

Addie

Pondy

Adoptions & Rescues

Queenie (aka Maddie) relaxing on the sofa

Hank at his new home


Happy Tails

Al, now known as Sal, didn't have a pleasant puppyhood, he spent most of his time in a box. Now this was no ordinary box, it was a black one with a small hole cut out of its lid. Everyday was the same for him; now and then his owner would remove Sal to clean the box, and then he’d go in again. One day an Animals Taiwan volunteer, who had been watching Sal and could no longer stand the inhumane treatment,

Al relaxing on his daybed

rescued him and quickly brought him to the rescue center. When he arrived, Sal was malnourished and physically healthy until it was discovered that he had distemper. Thankfully he survived the distemper, but he was left with a severe curvature in his back and nerve damage which ultimately forced him to walk on his forelegs rather than his paws at an uncontrollable and jerky pace. Above all of Sal’s deformities, it was a blessing that his mind was not only still intact, but that his love for everyone, be it other dogs or volunteers, was boundless! Unfortunately, due to his handicaps, Sal was not an easy candidate for adoption. Until one day, an overseas correspondent requested that Sal be sent to Canada in an attempt to find a home for him there. Animals Taiwan would have paid for the plane fare, but the final results were unclear. So, with insufficient cash on hand, I (as treasurer) decided to take Sal home for a tryout. Sal was a hit, the trial run has now become permanent and life for Sal has now changed. He is a prince, and he’s living the life of his dreams! He has many friends to play with among my troupe of dogs, his own cushy little bed in my bedroom, he loves to chase balls, though he doesn't like to return them, and he’s happy all of the time! Over the past few months, Sal has gained a lot of physical strength. While he still walks on his forelegs, he can stand on his paws for short periods of time. Sal loves to laugh, literally, and he especially loves to have me hug him. He's full of energy, love, and has brought so much to my household. Sal’s story as a disabled animal illustrates just how powerful we are as humans in the eyes of such helpless little creatures like Sal. Sal is not only very lucky, but a very happy pooch these days, however I think that in the end, I’m really the lucky one! Written by: Faye Angevine, Animals Taiwan Treasurer


SNOWBALL Snowball is a playful one year old puppy. He was given that name because of his beautiful soft, white fur. When he was little, he really did look like a little snowball! Snowball ended up in the care of Animals Taiwan after being dumped in a box. When he was younger, Snowball was bitten by his doggy roommates and is left with a nasty and permanent scar on his behind. However, the incident never affected Snowball’s outgoing personality! He is very playful, cuddly, affectionate and loves to play with people and other dogs! He is nicknamed “Dr. Snowball” by the rescue center staff because of his ability to help other shy and fearful new dogs to be more trusting of people. Snowball’s cheerfulness and optimism is very contagious!

In each issue of the newsletter, we would like to highlight a dog or cat that we think would be particularly suitable for adoption. Obviously, we love all our animals and urge you to visit our website or visit the rescue center if you are thinking about adoption. In the meantime, if you or anyone you know is thinking of adopting a dog, please consider adopting Snowball.

If you’re looking for a playful yet well-behaved small-sized dog, Snowball is the perfect match for you! If you’d like to give Snowball a permanent or temporary loving home, please contact the AT Adoptions Team at [email protected].

Dog of the Month

Want to see Snowball in action? Click here: http://www.vimeo.com/6113773


Donations are most welcome as we are continuously growing and in need of additional funds to improve the rescue center and develop in the areas of rescues, adoptions, CNR and education. Every dollar donated will help us grow further and realize our mission.

Make a Donation

To make a donation: 1) Bank Transfers: Mega Bank (Code 017), Lan-Ya Branch

A/C Number 010-09-02925-7 A/C Name: Animals Taiwan Association

2) PayPal: Pay via the internet to [email protected]

3) By USD or NTD Checks, addressed to: Animals Taiwan

Association Send to: 1F, No.2, Lane 405, Sec. 6, Zhong Shan N. Rd., Taipei 111, Taiwan Note: For those wishing an official, tax-deductable receipt from Animals Taiwan for your generous donation, please remember to send your name and mailing address to [email protected].

Sponsor an Animal

Sponsoring an animal requires a monthly commitment of just NT$500 or US$15. Your contribution will mainly cover the medical expenses and will ensure a safe environment until he/she finds a permanent loving home. By sponsoring an animal you will receive a sponsorship certificate and receive periodic updates informing you of your sponsored animal’s progress. You are encouraged to visit your sponsored animal and perhaps take them home on the weekends. Join our sponsorship program and feel the joy of helping a needy animal! To find out more about becoming an AT sponsor, please contact our Sponsorship Coordinator Mayumi Hu at [email protected]. Take a look at the AT sponsorship album: www.wretch.cc/album/sponsorship


Become an Animal Sitter!

Letter from the editor · animals – thousands of dogs have died and hundreds of animal shelters...

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