Sunday, October 28, 2007

Keep your vet bills under control

This is a very informative article about how to keep your veterinary bills under control. I highly recommend reading it.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Foster Home Needed


Update:

Unfortunately, Smooshy was put to sleep yesterday. He was just too sick to be saved. As someone who met Smooshy, I still do not understand who would abandon such a sweet and loving animal when he needed help the most.

PAWS would like to thank Miko, the gentleman that called us about Smooshy and was kind enough to take care of him while we tried to find Smooshy a foster home and made arrangements for medical treatment/transportation.

Thank you to Melissa and Jeff for offering to foster Smooshy. We are always grateful when someone opens their hearts and homes to animals that are in need of tender loving care.


And, thank you Rose and Dr. Tudor, for doing the most unpleasant of tasks. Your gentle assistance is always appreciated, and I'm confident that your warm presence was comforting to Smooshy in his final hour.



Dear Members and Friends,

PAWS is in need of your help. We are looking for a foster home that would be able and willing to care for a very sweet, young abandoned dog.

The dog was dumped about a week ago at Kim's Market in lower Navy Hill. He has a wonderful personality - very docile and gentle. So gentle in fact, that the 5-6 year old boy that has been looking after the dog has named the dog Smooshy.

The dog is a black male, which is about 9 months old.

We are confident that with some high-protein meals, water, a bath, and a roof over his head, Smooshy will recover and prove to be an awesome pet for someone.

Please, if you can house this dog for 2-3 weeks while he regains his strength and body weight, PAWS will provide you with a large bag of food and pay for the dog's medical treatment at DLNR.

If you or someone you know can help us please contact one of our board members:

Katie Busenkell at busenkell@gmail.com,
Melissa Simms at melissasimms56@hotmail.com, or
Rose Callier at italiarose@hotmail.com.

This is a last ditch attempt at saving this dog's life. Thus, your help is greatly needed and appreciated.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Island Locator's October Edition: Recognizing the Role of Animals in Religion

The following article by Katie Busenkell will appear in this month's Island Locator, which is available at select locations for free! Pick yourself up a copy today!


On October 7th, the Mount Carmel Catholic Church celebrated the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi by hosting the CNMI’s first ever Blessing of the Animals. People from all over Saipan gathered together with their pets to receive a blessing from Father Ryan Jimenez, Mount Carmel’s new pastor.

St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, was a Roman Catholic saint who took the gospel literally by following all Jesus said and did. Francis wrote a Canticle of the Creatures, an ode to God’s living things. “All praise to you, Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures.”[i]

Pope John Paul II said, “St. Francis invited all creation – animals, plants, natural forces, even Brother Sun and Sister Moon – to give honor and praise to the Lord.” Pope John Paul II added, “[He] is an example of genuine and deep respect for the integrity of creation….” [ii]

It is because of St. Francis’ deep respect for all living things that the Catholic Church has for centuries, observed the Feast of St. Francis by hosting a Blessing of the Animals. In some regions of the world, people and their animals walk for miles in a ceremonious parade to a Catholic Church to receive a blessing by a priest, pastor, or bishop. On October 7th, Saipan joined the world in this tradition by hosting its first Blessing of the Animals.

But, Catholicism is not the only religion to recognize animals as God’s creatures that are worthy of respect and admiration. Most religions recognize the unique and special relationship that exists between mankind, nature, and the living world. And, most great spiritual leaders have encouraged compassion towards animals through teachings and actions.

For example, in Judaism, it is forbidden to cause an animal to suffer. Torah law teaches that man is to avoid causing an unnecessary pain to animals. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 32a-b) derives this basic concept from Exodus 23:5, "If you see the donkey of someone you hate lying under its load, you might want to refrain from helping him, but you must make every effort to help him." This teaching encourages people not only to help their neighbor, but it also creates an obligation to help the animal.[iii]

Furthermore, the Torah teaches that a man shall not feed himself before he feeds his animals. This law is derived from the verse, "I will provide grass in your field for your cattle and you will eat and be satisfied" (Deuteronomy 11:15). This teaching places the feeding of the cattle before our own eating.[iv]

Islam also requires its followers to respect animals. An eminent Muslim scholar, Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi has relayed the following teaching to Muslims:

Islam preceded Animal Care Societies by thirteen hundred years and made kindness to animals a part of the faith and cruelty to them a sufficient reason for a person to be thrown into Hell-fire.

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, related to his Companions the story of a man who found a dog panting out of thirst. The man went down into a well, filled his shoes with water and offered it to the dog to quench its thirsty. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Then Allah was grateful to him and forgave him his sins.” The Companions asked, “O Messenger of Allah! Is there a reward for us with relation to animals?” He replied “There is a reward with (relation to) every living creature.”[v]

Hinduism is another religion that respects nature and animals. According to the various schools of Hinduism spirituality, there is no distinction between human beings and other life forms. All life, including plants and animals, are manifestations of God as limited beings and all living things possess souls.[vi] Perhaps it is this belief that inspired India’s great and impressionable spiritual leader Mahatma Ghandi to say, “"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."

Buddhists also believe that animals should be treated with care and respect. More specifically, Buddhists believe that animals are sentient beings that should not be killed for food, sport, clothing, or experimentation.

The Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, recently criticized companies that "remain indifferent" to the rights of animals used for laboratory research and experimentation. "Taking care of animals is essential to developing more happiness in human beings," he said in an Associated Press story.[vii]

Mormons also believe that animals should be treated compassionately. Joseph Smith, Brigham Young and George Cannon, the founder of the LDS church and two of it’s most influential leaders, suggested abstaining from meat unless it is necessary for survival and condemn animal cruelty.[viii]

Joseph Smith said, “Men must become harmless before the brute of creation and when men lose their vicious dispositions and cease to destroy the animal race, the lion and the lamb can dwell together....” (TPJS; p1)

While the above list of religions is far from exhaustive, it does reveal a common recognition that animals, as living creatures, should be treated compassionately.

Footnotes:

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Mother and Daughter Need a Home!

Mother and daughter: Patches and Sandy.

We have been hanging around the Coral Island Condos for a year. Now we can't stay and needa home.

We are very affectionate to each other and need to be adopted where we can stay together.We are cleaned an scrubbed, have been vaccinated, have been wormed, and have been pronoucedhealthy by the vet.

Sandy was spayed last week and Patches will be spayed this coming week.We both are housebroken, know how to behave indoors, are quiet, loving, affectionate, curious,and are grateful for attention.

Information about us can be obtained from ManningHallman@aol.com, calling (214) 725-9530, or by contacting PAWS.Posted by Jeri Hallman.




Saturday, October 13, 2007

Kids’ Night Out was a Huge Success!

Our first Kids' Night Out fundraiser was a huge success! We had 39 children in attendance and raised $335.00.

During the four-hour period between 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., the children played video games, interactive games, made Halloween cats, and watched Otis & Milo. We hope the parents enjoyed those four hours as much as the kids did!

Join us next time, on November 16, 2007, from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., at the Fiesta Resort for another Kids’ Night Out.

Due to the number of people that pre-registered their children for the October KNO, we strongly urge you to pre-register for the November KNO. And, if your plans change, please let us know so we can make room for other children.

If you have any questions regarding KNO, please contact Melissa Simms at melissasimms56@hotmail.com.

Thank You To:

A loud shout out goes to the leader of the pack – Melissa Simms – who did an amazing job keeping the children engaged and busy. Thank you for coordinating the event and providing the children with such a good time.

To our volunteers: Deane Jessee-Jones, Rose Callier, Madison Smith, Maddie Schultz, Betty Miller, Theresa Miller, Zoe Schorr, and Roseanna Sablan.

To Fiesta Resort: Thank you for providing us with a great place to hold KNO. A special thank you to Fiesta Manager Lance Razon and the Fiesta Staff, especially Jheff Riman, who made sure we had plenty of snacks, juice, and water available at all times.

And, we thank the parents who brought their children to the event and donated to our organization. Your monetary contribution to PAWS will help us help the community. Thank you.













Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Puppies and Kittens Up for Adoption at PIAH

Paradise Island Animal Hospital has some adorable puppies and kittens that are up for adoption.
The puppies are about 7 weeks old and in great health. If you are interested in meeting these little guys and gals, please call 234-9669.



The kittens are about 8 weeks old and also in great health. They are at that fun age where they love to play and be cuddled. Again, if you are interested, please contact the hospital at 234-9669.

Monday, October 8, 2007

PAWS had a BIG weekend!!

Well, PAWS had one of it's biggest weekends ever.


Friday - PAWS Open Meeting:
Friday night we had open meeting at the Fiesta Resort's Chambre Bar. The meeting was open to the public and intended to educate people about PAWS programs and initiatives. We had a great turn out, and we thank everyone who took the time to come to the meeting.

We would like to extend a special thank you to Lance Razon of the Fiesta Resort, and Fiesta Resort in general, for hosting the open meeting and providing us with delicious appetizers!

And, thank you Rep. Cinta Kaipat and Precinct 1 Candidate Tina Sablan for attending the meeting and learning about animal-related issues and concerns.

PAWS Board Members Bobbi Grizzard and Ron Smith.

Table full of do-gooders: (from left to right) PAWS Board Member Rose Callier, Beautify CNMI!'s Rep. Cinta Kaipat, Friends of the Marianas Islands Marites Castillo, and Cynthia and Jeff Turbitt.

PAWS Thanks Fiesta Resort and Fiesta Resort's Lance Razon for helping PAWS reach out to the community.

Marites Castillo, Rep. Cinta Kaipat, PAWS Board Member Katie Busenkell, and Joe Przyuski.

Ron, Katie, and Precinct One Candidate Tina Sablan talk about animal-related issues.


Paradise Island Animal Hospital's Dr. Tudor and PAW Board Member Deane Jessee-Jones.


Cinta, Moon, and Ron.

Lucy Sablan and Deane - Lucy will be selling her handmade beaded jewelry at the Holiday Arts Festival and all donations go to PAWS! Thanks Lucy!

Whose that guy dancing with Lucy?

Saturday - Joeten Kiyu Library:
On Saturday, PAWS read to youngsters at the Joeten Kiyu Library at 10:30 and at 1:30. What a great time! Children between the ages of 3-9 joined us for story time, followed by some coloring book/responsible pet ownership exercises. Thank you, Rose Callier for doing both readings and bringing Wyatt, our AKC Canine friend. I've never seen a dog behave so well.

Sunday - Blessing of the Animals:
Then on Sunday, Mt. Carmel Catholic Church and PAWS celebrated Saipan's first Blessing of the Animals in recognition of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. About 30 dogs, 4 cats, and a fish were brought to the church to receive a blessing by Father Ryan Jimenez. Among the dogs that were present at the blessing was none other than Father Ryan's own pouch - Pico - a chocolate lab with a lot of energy.

Pictures and a write up on the event has been forwarded to the United States Humane Society, per the organizations request. Be sure to check out the Humane Society's website for the mention of Saipan's Blessing of the Animals. http://www.hsus.org/

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Blessing of Pets Day on Sunday

The following article appeared in today's Saipan Tribune. You can view the article at http://saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=73002:

By Marconi Calindas
Reporter

The CNMI will mark another first in the Pacific when it holds the Blessing of Pets this Sunday at the Mt. Carmel Cathedral in Susupe.


The Blessing of Pets is a worldwide celebration coinciding with the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, which falls every Oct. 4.


Fr. Ryan Jimenez of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa will preside over the 20-minute ceremony at the façade of the cathedral. Jimenez said the actual celebration should have been held yesterday in time for the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi.However, they decided to move it on Sunday in time for the scheduled pastoral address of the diocese.

The ceremony will start at 8am before the Sunday Mass at 9am. Jimenez said during the ceremony he would be sharing a brief homily and a liturgy stressing the love for pets.


Jimenez said the project was introduced by the Pet Assistance and Welfare Services. “We were inspired by PAWS, which is doing a lot to take care of pets in the CNMI. We believe that this would bring awareness for owners to be more responsible in taking care of their pets,” he said.


PAWS president Katie Busenkell said the U.S. Humane Society had urged the group to observe World Animal Day, which falls on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. She said the national animal rights group asked for documentation and photographs to be published in its online magazine.


PAWS contacted the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa three weeks ago and was elated to receive a positive response from Bishop Tomas A. Camacho and Fr. Glen Ragsag.PAWS is encouraging all pet owners from any denomination, Catholics and non-Catholics, to participate in the ceremony. However, pets should either leashed or brought in cages for the ceremony. The group is also asking pet owners to clean the area after the ceremony.


World Animal Day is a day dedicated to honoring, blessing, and protecting animals all over the world. According to the Animal Chaplains website, World Animal Day was founded at an ecologist’s convention in Florence, Italy in 1931 as a way of highlighting the plight of endangered species.


Oct. 4 was chosen as World Animal Day because it is also the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, a Catholic Church holiday which is often celebrated with an annual "blessing of the pets.” Since then, it has grown to encompass all kinds of animal life and has been widely celebrated around the world.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

BIG DOG IS FOUND!

FOUND!!
BIG DOG CAME HOME ON HIS OWN OVER THE WEEKEND! HE LOOKED A BIT SKINNY, BUT AFTER A FEW BOWLS OF FOOD, HE GOT HIS ENERGY BACK. WELCOME HOME BIG DOG!

Name: Big Dog
Where last scene: Kannat Tabla near the CMS Rock Quarry
When last scene: Sunday, September 30th
Description: He is black with brown paws and was wearing a silver chain collar and a white flea/tick collar.

If you or someone you know has information regarding Big Dog, PLEASE contact Irene at 235-4784 or 285-4784 or contact ibarrineau@hotmail.com.

Monday, October 1, 2007

Sandy is FOUND!


Name: Sandy
Age: 9 mos old
Lost: American Park
When: Friday, Sept 28.
Reward: A Reward is being offered for Sandy’s safe return.

If you or someone you know has seen Sandy, please contact Jeri Hallman at ManningHallman@aol.com, or (214) 725-9530, or leave message at 234-8950 with the operator or leave message at 233-1010.
UPDATE:

"Sandy was found. Thanks to the picture in the paper. [A gentleman], who has a construction
company, found her at the marina last evening, felt she was a lost dog, and took her to his construction company site near the airport where he keeps a number of dogs. He saw her picture
in the paper this morning, called me, and I picked her up at 8. She is back at the condos--drank
3 bowls of fresh water, ate 2 bowls of dry dogfood, and helped polish off a cheeese omelette.

[The gentleman] took the reward which [the owner has] paid him."