Councilwoman Felicia Moore elected to National League of Cities board for 2-year term

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The National League ofCities (NLC) membership named Atlanta City Councilwoman Felicia Moore to theorganization’s board of directors at its annual business meeting Dec. 1 in Boston.The Dist. 9 councilwoman represents the far western portion of Buckhead.  

Felicia Moore

Moore will serve a two yearterm beginning immediately. She will work with the officers in shaping NLC’s priorities anddirecting the organization’s advocacy, research and membership activities forthe coming year. 
Moore is currentlyserving her fourth term on the Atlanta City Council, being first elected in1997.  Presently, she is the chair of the Finance/Executive Committee andserves on the Committee on Council and Transportation Committee.
An active member ofNLC, Moore is the past president of the National Black Caucus of Local ElectedOfficials (NBC-LEO), a constituency group of NLC, and a past chair and memberof the NBC-LEO Foundation.  She recently received the Diamond AmbassadorCertificate Award from the Leadership Training Institute.
Among Moore’s recent recognitions,she has been listed in “Who’s Who in Black Atlanta,” “Outstanding Young Womenin America,” and “The Women Looking Ahead 100 List.”  The Atlanta BusinessLeague has recognized her as one of “Atlanta’s Top 100 Women of Influence.”
The National League ofCities is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. NLC is aresource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing morethan 218 million Americans.

Chef Ford Fry signs lease to open 2nd new Buckhead restaurant during 2013 in former Bluepointe space

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Chef Ford Fry, owner of JCT. Kitchen &Bar, No.246 and The Optimist and Oyster Bar at The Optimist restaurantsin Atlanta, has signed a lease to open a new restaurant in The PinnacleBuilding, at the corner of Peachtree and Lenox Roads, in the fall of 2013.

This new restaurant, which will gointo the space previously occupied by the Buckhead Life Restaurant Group’sBluepointe restaurant, will be the second Fry will open in Buckhead in 2013.

Chef Ford Fry

Earlier this yearBuckheadView announced that Fry would open an early American motif restaurant,named King + Duke, in March in the space previously occupied by Nava in OneBuckhead Plaza at the corner of Peachtree and West Paces Ferry roads. Nava alsowas a Buckhead Life restaurant that closed.
Regarding the cuisine this newlyannounced restaurant, Fry said, “From a food perspective, we are currentlyinspired by the coast of Europe, and plan to incorporate techniques andflavors from Italy, Spain and possibly France.
“This inspiration will blend withour American heritage of sourcing ingredients locally and cookingrespectfully,” Fry explained. “What I am most excited about is anoversized classic European bar with clear sight-lines into a wood burninghearth and even a dramatic crudo bar mounted with just harvested shellfish andseafood."

The Pinnacle building across from Phipps Plaza

Fry also said hefeels privileged to be selected by TIAA-CREF to develop the restaurant “in sucha unique and dynamic space. The natural light is such a plus and will accent acreamy color palette and timeless design.  This will be far different thanany of our other restaurants and will offer a completely unique diningexperience in Buckhead,” he added. 
Fry plans to announce a name andchef early next year and is planning for a late Fall opening.  Meyer Davisof New York has been tapped to handle the design of the restaurant.
 As a result of the Peachtree Boulevardtransformation project by the Buckhead Community Improvement District, therestaurant will have unprecedented street presence. A large patio will takeadvantage of the newly accessible streetscape.
Participants in thelease include landlord agent Penelope Cheroff of The Cheroff Group and RocketFarm agents Chris Carter & Gene Rice of Vantage Realty Partners.Cheroff said, “We feel that ThePinnacle Building is an iconic building in the Buckhead skyline and deserves to host one of the  best chefs in America.”

The former interior design of Bluepointe  when
it occupied the space in Pinnacle Fry has leased 

JCT.Kitchen & Bar, No. 246 and The Optimist and Oyster Bar at The Optimist areowned by Fry’s Rocket Farm. It is a privately owned restaurant managementgroup specializing in creatingrestaurants that are relevant, timeless and inspired, in spaces that are uniqueand soulful.
King + Duke, one ofthose on the plate for a spring opening, is being billed as a Colonial Americanrestaurant complete with an open hearth where early American cooking techniqueswill be employed. Chef Joseph Schafer,currently chef de cuisine at JCT. Kitchen & Bar, will lead the kitchen inhis new role as executive chef at King + Duke.
The restaurant’s nameis inspired by characters in the novel “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”According to a press release, the characters’ deceptive nature alludes to thedeception that the Buckhead restaurant is far more playful and casual thanmight be expected. It will be more American Tavern than fine dining.

Online auction for 20 Bucks on the Street statues ends today at midnight along with the year 2012

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Today is the last day of 2012—New Year’s Eve. But just asimportant, it is the last day for people to bid online to own one of the 20artist-decorated Bucks on the Street statues that have been on display for thepast couple of weeks at Lenox Square mall and for months before aroundBuckhead.

The online auction of the 20 buck statues, which were eachhand-painted by a local artist, began Dec. 1 and will end at midnight Dec. 31.Proceeds from the auction will benefit  the greenspace program of Livable Buckhead. Tomake a bid, go to www.bucksonthestreet.org.
The online auction is the culmination of Bucks on the Street, atwo-year project in which local businesses sponsored bucks that were decoratedto their liking and displayed at their businesses throughout Buckhead.
The starting bid for each buck is $250, and each eight-footstatue has a “buy-it-now” price of $5,000. If a winning bid exceeds $1,000, theamount above that is a charitable donation and is tax deductible.
All proceeds from the auction will benefit Livable Buckhead, anonprofit organization that is leading an effort to increase greenspacethroughout Buckhead.
Here are some of the particulars about the auction, bidding anddetermination of winning bids. Go to www.bucksonthestreet.org.When you decide which buck you’d like to bid on, click on the “Bid Here” tab toenter your bid amount. You will see a box where you are instructed to “EnterYour Maximum Bid.” Your bid must be at least $50 higher than the currenthighest bid.
This auction is being conducted by proxybidding, which allows you to enter your highest bid at the outset. You areprotected from being outbid until that amount is surpassed.

Some of the Bucks that have been on display at Lenox Square mall. 

Here’s an example of how proxy bidding works:

• Current winning bid for your buck is $500.
• You are willing to pay up to $1,500 for thebuck.
• You enter $1,500 in the “Enter Your MaximumBid” box on the “Bid Here” tab.
• If no one has made a maximum bid of more than$1,500, you will become the current winning bidder. Your bid could be as low as$550 (previous high bid + minimum bid increment), or it could be as high as$1,500 depending on the maximum bid amounts entered by other bidders.
• If a bidder has made a maximum bid higher thanyour $1,500 bid, you will receive notification that you have been outbid. Atthat point, you can enter a new bid if you are still interested in purchasingthe buck.

If you wonder why you continue toget notices saying that you have been outbid, even though you entered an amounthigher than the current winning bid, it is because another bidder has set a proxy bid that is higher than all of thebids you have placed. 

Elizabeth Gill, at left, was one of the founders of
the Bucks on the Street program. She is pictured
with one of the Bucks and Denise Starling,
executive director of Livable Buckhead., the
benefactor of the proceeds from the Bucks sale.

Proxy bids are not visible to the public – only thecurrent winning bid is visible. The best way to avoid getting these messages isto determine the highest price you are willing to pay for the buck and enterthat amount in the bid box.
Should my first bidreally be my maximum bid? What happens if my maximum bid is significantlyhigher than the current winning bid? Yes, you should placeyour maximum bid at the beginning. Even if it is significantly higher than thecurrent winning bid, your actual bid amount will only be $50 more than thecurrent winning bid.
For example: Current winning bid on Buck A is$400. You enter a maximum bid of $1,000. Your actual bid will be $450, unlesssomeone has already entered a proxy bid higher than that amount.
What is the reserve?The reserve amount for each buck has been setat $1,000. If the final bid is less than the reserve, sale of the buck is atthe discretion of Bucks on the Street.

NPU-B meeting switched to Wednesday & new place

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The first meeting of the Neighborhood Planning Unit-B board in 2013 willbe on a new day and at a new location. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. onWednesday, Jan. 2, at The Estate (formerly Anthony’s restaurant), 3109 PiedmontRoad.

New NPU-B chairperson
Andrea Bennett

In addition, the NPU-B board will have a new chairperson, AndreaBennett, and slate of officers to begin the new year. Former board chair SallySilver has completed her second term as chairperson and has also resigned from theboard.
Both the Public Safety and Zoning committees will also hold theirmeetings on Wednesday evening, beginning with Public Safety at 6 p.m. andfollowed by Zoning at 6:30 p.m. The Zoning Committee meeting was scheduled forChristmas night in 2012 and had to be rescheduled.
The changes in the first meeting for NPU-B in January—from the firstTuesday to Wednesday—was caused by the Atlanta city holiday on Tuesday, Jan. 1.After January, the NPU-B board meetings and Public Safety Committee meetingswill return to the first Tuesday of each month. 

Mayor Reed's Centers of Hope Project

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Location: Thomasville Recreation Center                    1835 Henry Thomas Drive                    Atlanta, Ga 30315Description: Volunteer opportunities involve working with children in the after school program at the Thomasville Recreation Center. Positions available include volunteer tutors, gym volunteers, volunteer dance instructor, volunteer music instructor, volunteer drama instructor, teen program volunteer, and general volunteers. Volunteers are needed anytime between 2:30-6pm M, T, W, Th, and F.Contact: Phoebe Kann                 Volunteer Coordinator/AmeriCorps VISTA                 pkann@handsonatlanta.org                 (404) 979-2771Website: iamatlanta.org

City Councilman Aaron Watson caught driving with suspended license but drives off free

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AtlantaCity Councilman Aaron Watson was allowed to go free after it was discoveredthat he was driving on a suspended license Friday in DeKalb County, accordingto an online story by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Aaron Watson

CouncilmanWatson, who had his office recently remind BuckheadView that he representsBuckhead as Post 2 at-large councilman, was pulled over during a routinetraffic stop, DeKalb County authorities told the AJC.
Countyspokesman Burke Brennan said Watson was driving on a suspended license. Typically,such an infraction warrants an immediate arrest if there is no alternateeligible driver in the car, according to authorities. But Watson remained free,county officials said.

In a statement to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Watson said he didn’t realize his license had been suspended and has since paid the citation “associated with this matter.” 
“Thepolice department will be looking into the circumstances as to why someone whohas a suspended driver’s license in the system was allowed to drive away,”Brennan told the AJC.
Currently,no arrest warrant is pending, Brennan said.
As Post2 at-large councilman, Watson represents all of Buckhead, along with CityCouncil members Yolanda Adrean, Howard Shook, Felicia Moore and Alex Wan, whorepresents districts that include parts of Buckhead. 

Peachtree Presbyterian has 7 Christmas Eve services

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The holiday season will come to a climax with a fullschedule of seven Christmas Eve services being held at Peachtree PresbyterianChurch located at 3434 Roswell Road NW in Buckhead. The description and time ofeach service is as follows:

10 a.m., Young Families Service, MainSanctuary: TomKey, one of Atlanta’s best loved actors, will bring the Christmas story to lifein a 30-minute interactive service designed especially for families with youngchildren. Sing familiar carols and participate in the story of Jesus’ birth.Visit the nativity animals on the front lawn before or after the service.
12 Noon, Communion Service, KellettChapel: Instrumental music, the singing offamiliar carols and Christmas communion. Mark Crumpler will preach.
2 p.m., Family Service, Main Sanctuary: See the little town of Bethlehem comealive through drama, traditional carols, and the telling of Jesus’ birth. Jointhe angels, shepherds, and wise men. Enjoy the live animals on the front lawnbefore or after the service.
4 p.m. Family Candlelight Service,Main Sanctuary: Experiencethe drama, carols and story as presented in the 2 p.m. service followed bycandle lighting with our pastor, Vic Pentz. Live nativity animals will appearon the front lawn before or after the service.
6, 8 and 10 p.m., TraditionalCandlelight Services, Main Sanctuary: The Chancel Choir, accompanied by a brass ensembleconsisting of several members of the Atlanta Symphony, will lead thecelebration on this Holy Night. Vic Pentz’s meditation will be followed bycandle.
Parking is available on campus at the followinglocations: East Campus (Dogwood Parking Deck and Magnolia Lot) and West Campus(Handicapped lots, and lots adjacent to the Sanctuary and Family Commons)

Additional parking and dedicated bus service is available at the followingPeachtree Express Satellite locations from 3 to 9pm: Cates Center (located onEast Andrews off Roswell Road) and Powers Ferry Square (located at Powers Ferryand Roswell Road)
For more information visit www.peachtreepres.org or call 404-842-5800.      

Commercial Board of Realtors honors Sam Massell

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Atlanta’sCommercial Board of Realtors presented former Realtor Sam Massell with its HenryHill Robinson Award Dec. 14 at its annual business meeting.  

Sam Massell

The award isfor “his outstanding leadership and tremendous contributions to the improvementof the City in general, as well as to the real estate industry in Atlanta.”  
Massell,who now serves as president of the Buckhead Coalition, a chamber of commercetype nonprofit for the northern quadrant of Atlanta, was very active incommercial real estate  in Atlanta for  20 years, prior to going full-time into the politicalarena, which led to him serving four-years as mayor of Atlanta.  
 As vice president of Allan-Grayson RealtyCompany, Massell was a charter member of the Real Estate Board’s Million-DollarClub, and three times earned the Alvin B. Cates Trophy for the outstanding dealof the year.  As therecipient of the Robinson award, Massell pointed out his history in relatedbusiness has often credited “developers with great achievements inbrick-and-mortar, but such construction normally needs the attention of thecommercial Realtor to bring the deal to profit status.” 

Can't we all just get along?

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I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving Holiday and stuffed themselves! I traveled to NC and was the center of attention at the holiday family gathering. Everyone loved me and said what a great dog I was ... Heck Yeah! :)

I was exhausted after all the travel, and when I got home I was ready to just hang with my buddy Pickles. Here we are on a lazy, dreary Sunday morning. awwwwwww now why can't we all just get along like this... side by side and squishy faced!?

I hope you all are geared up for the holiday season. Please be safe if you are traveling, and enjoy your friends and family! I know I will!!

AND Don't forget to book your holiday pet care needs with Buckhead Pet Pals - the sooner you book the better! :)

Ciao for now!
Rocky

I'm a lucky boy

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Hey Everybody -

  I'm a lucky dog you know.  During the school year and I'm at home during the day without any human company, I have my best buddy Mr. Pickles to hang out and play with.  And we really do play together.  My girls think its really funny to watch us playing, I just know its a ton of fun.  And in the summer time my brother and sister are home to hang with me, which makes me that happiest.

And on the occasion, I tell mom in the morning that I'm coming to the office with her.  That's where I get to see Catherine, Tiffany and play with Mr. Bill and my huge dog bone.  I mean, it really doesn't get any better than that.

Here's a pic of me and Mr. Pickles together.  Somedays when I come back from my midday walk with Laurie, Mr. P is hanging out on my bed waiting for me.  He might pretend like he doesn't enjoy me licking his head, but I know he loves it.

Hope all of you have as many great adventures during your days as I do!  And if you need a midday walk during the day like me, tell your humans to call Buckhead Pet Pals - they can help!

Peace out -
Rocky

Glenview Couple Charged With Child Endangerment, Animal Hoarding

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By TOM ROBBA Glenview couple is set to appear in Cook County criminal court today (Friday) to answer charges of endangering the life of a child and companion animal hoarding.Scott Corneliuson, 40, and Jennifer Corneliuson, 43, both of 3317 Lakewood Ct., Glenview, were taken into custody at the Glenview police station and charged Thursday before appearing at a hearing where a judge set bond at $25,000 ($2,500 cash) for each, Glenview police said.Glenview police and DCFS officials reportedly found 35 dogs in the home as well as urine, feces and damage caused by dogs in an inspection of the Lakewood Court home last week that led to yesterday’s charges being filed, police said.Court records obtained by the Journal said three children also lived in the home. Media reports say those children were between the ages of 3 and 5. Those children were placed with family members and the dogs are being relocated as part of a DCFS reaction plan.Glenview and officers and DCFS officials were reportedly responding to a report of neglect.Court records said dogs living in the house, “defecated and urinated throughout the interior of the home to include the children's beds and clothes” and said the parents were “unable to manage the dog excrement and waste (in the home).”..." More

20,000 Rodents and Reptiles Seized During Animal Neglect Investigation

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Nearly 20,000 rodents and reptiles have been found at a Southern California breeding facility targeted in an animal neglect investigation.
 
City inspectors were sent to the 6,100-square-foot Global Captive Breeders facility in Lake Elsinore last week because of cruelty complaints filed by an animal rights group.
 
City Manager Grant Yates says code enforcement officers found decaying animal carcasses and animals near death in their enclosures.
 
The Riverside Press-Enterprise (http://bit.ly/TtnSbl) says more than 18,400 rodents and about 600 reptiles, mostly snakes, had been counted by Monday.

The rodents were being raised to feed the reptiles.
 
The Global Captive Breeders facility telephone is disconnected..."  More

Over 100 dogs rescued from puppy mill, woman arrested

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On December 17, 2012, the Henderson County Sheriff's Office, aided by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Texas, Henderson County Adult Probation and the Henderson County Attorney's Office, executed a search warrant and animal seizure order at 2353 Rose Pointe in the Rose Pointe Addition near Athens.This action is the result of an ongoing investigation which begin in October 2011. The Sheriff's Office contacted the SPCA of Texas in an effort to support the investigation. Information sharing and joint efforts between the Henderson County Attorney's Office, Adult Probation Office, Sheriff's Office and SPCA Investigators led to Animal Control Deputy John Haverly obtaining a search warrant and animal seizure order.The warrant was executed at around 9:00 a.m. on Monday. The SPCA played an instrumental role in the execution of the order. They coordinated with the sheriff's office and provided assistance in the way of investigators, animal health care professionals and man power. Investigators seized 106 cruelly treated dogs - 83 live dogs, 22 live puppies and one deceased dog. The bodies of seven deceased dogs were also found on the property.The dogs were cruelly confined, were not receiving adequate care and were forced to live in their own filth inside a feces-filled, urine-soaked home on the property. Most of the dogs are suffering from eye discharge, flea infestation, long nails, severely matted fur and skin conditions. Approximately 60 of the dogs were confined to crates and some crates included up to seven dogs. The stench of ammonia was so intense that investigators wore personal protective equipment, including breathing apparatuses insides the home. The SPCA of Texas measured the ammonia level in the residence to be 67 parts per million. As a point of reference, any ammonia level over 20 ppm or long term exposure over 12 ppm can cause health problems in humans..."  More

Can't we all just get along?

To contact us Click HERE
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving Holiday and stuffed themselves! I traveled to NC and was the center of attention at the holiday family gathering. Everyone loved me and said what a great dog I was ... Heck Yeah! :)

I was exhausted after all the travel, and when I got home I was ready to just hang with my buddy Pickles. Here we are on a lazy, dreary Sunday morning. awwwwwww now why can't we all just get along like this... side by side and squishy faced!?

I hope you all are geared up for the holiday season. Please be safe if you are traveling, and enjoy your friends and family! I know I will!!

AND Don't forget to book your holiday pet care needs with Buckhead Pet Pals - the sooner you book the better! :)

Ciao for now!
Rocky

I'm a lucky boy

To contact us Click HERE

Hey Everybody -

  I'm a lucky dog you know.  During the school year and I'm at home during the day without any human company, I have my best buddy Mr. Pickles to hang out and play with.  And we really do play together.  My girls think its really funny to watch us playing, I just know its a ton of fun.  And in the summer time my brother and sister are home to hang with me, which makes me that happiest.

And on the occasion, I tell mom in the morning that I'm coming to the office with her.  That's where I get to see Catherine, Tiffany and play with Mr. Bill and my huge dog bone.  I mean, it really doesn't get any better than that.

Here's a pic of me and Mr. Pickles together.  Somedays when I come back from my midday walk with Laurie, Mr. P is hanging out on my bed waiting for me.  He might pretend like he doesn't enjoy me licking his head, but I know he loves it.

Hope all of you have as many great adventures during your days as I do!  And if you need a midday walk during the day like me, tell your humans to call Buckhead Pet Pals - they can help!

Peace out -
Rocky

Vet Professionals: What's on Your Bucket List?

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Alex Schroth dances the Salsa with
Amazon CARES Vet Tech Harry

Did you set goals for 2012?  Have you met them all?  Have you experienced something totally new and brave and different and exotic?  If that was on your bucket list, and you haven't met that criteria...it's your lucky day!  You have just enough time to join the final vet trip of the year with Amazon CARES. And this trip is a great one...

After a week in Iquitos serving poorer areas with spay/neuter clinics and also TNR of street dogs and cats, we will travel by boat to Caballo Cocha, just across the lake from Columbia.

During the first week you'll be staying at the super comfortable Amazon CARES lodge eating delicious food by Marlene.  Seriously, all volunteers say the best food they get is from Marlene.

During the second week, we are guests of the government.  Accommodations probably won't be so plush, and the food with be what the Peruvians eat (lots of fish, chicken and rice)!  But hey, that's all part of the adventure.

Many people met some lofty goals this year with Amazon CARES.

Dr. Jackie Imai fell in love!

Dr. Sean Pampreen went on the trip of a lifetime!

Director Molly Mednikow learned to survive without a smartphone!

Amazing friendships are formed!

And more!  What will happen when YOU come to the Amazon?


Read more about this amazing trip and apply online TODAY!   $750 is an amazing price for two weeks with almost everything included!  Check out new routes on copaair.com that fly you into Iquitos, bypassing Lima (and another flight).

A Month of Giving and Compassion

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As year end approaches, Amazon CARES is forced to face the very sad reality that we do not funds to continue. Yet, we can not close. We have over 50 dogs and cats that need homes.  We seek veterinary and non-veterinary volunteers to come to the beautiful Peruvian Amazon to help us continue and further our important work.

Closing Amazon CARES would be no easy task. People working in Peru depend on us. The animals would have no place to go. In 2012 we invested in our infrastructure and our jungle property finally has electricity!
Yet the fall-off in giving is palpable and hard. I understand the need to support victims of Hurrican Sandy and charities "at home," and at the same time I am begging you to not let this dream of compassion towards pets and all beings in the Amazon Jungle die.





  Please share our Chip-In widget.  Please chip in $20 (or more) if you can.

Sincerely,

Molly Mednikow

Diana's Story: We promised not to euthanize her.

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August 2006, Day of Rescue



September 2006

In August of 2006 Amazon CARES rescued a very ill dog from the streets.  We named her Diana, in honor of donors Diane & Greg Paschell who sponsored her.

October, 2006 Photo by Molly Wald of Best Friends Animal Society

During October of 2006 I responded to an inquiry about Diana, and wrote:  Diana is still in treatment for an eye infection and anal gland infection. Her treatment has been lengthy. She still has a bit of distrust in her eyes, which is heartbreaking. She craves human companionship, and she does not live in the kennel area. She roams free, and she sleeps on this spot on the porch of my house. At night she keeps our security guard company on his rounds!

Recently somebody abandoned a dog and her 5 month puppy at our shelter in the middle of the night. The puppy escaped, and we hoped it would be lured back by his mother. I told my employees to secure the mother to an outer fence post with this hope. Later I went looking for the dog and questioned my employees. They told me Diana was guarding her. What?

Sure enough, they had the two dogs attached by two leashes, and Diana stood her ground in the most stalwart fashion.

January, 2008Diana is the most loving, playful dog -- when she has her eye medication. She can not produce natural tears. We put natural lubricant in her eyes five times a day. She requires constant monitoring, therefore she will live out her best years at the Amazon Cares no-kill shelter!



December 2012
Over the years Diana's eye condition got much worse.  A Veterinary Opthamologist volunteered for Amazon CARES, and we made the decision to relieve the source of so much pain and irritation.  Diana was already blind, and the Veterinarian removed both of Diane's eyes.  Diane still accompanies our security guard on his nightly rounds, and she loves to bask in the sun, and then take refuge from the heat on the hard packed dirt underneath the Director's raised home on the shelter premises.  She has never been restricted to a kennel.

We made a lifetime promise to Diana.  We promised her a life with all her necessities are met, where she is walked several times a day and receives affection.  We promised not to euthanize her.  Please help us keep this promise.  We need your support now.



Sincerely,

Molly Mednikow

What does CARES stand for?

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As part of our continuing series "Why Amazon CARES Must Survive," today's blog is about the hidden meaning of our name, Amazon CARES.

As Dr. Patrick Mahaney recently noted in a blog post, “CARES” doesn’t just sound compassionate, it’s an acronym for:COMMUNITY:  CARES is rooted in the Peruvian Amazon community, with a team of Peruvian veterinarians, shelter staff and volunteers.By working with local municipalities and using existing resources, we address and solve evolving issues more efficiently.  

Peruvian volunteers visiting the no-kill shelter to help bathe our shelter animals.

ANIMAL:  Animal Birth Control (ABC) reduces the size of unwanted, roaming animal populations and the attendant suffering due to disease, starvation, injury and want that accompanies these unwanted animals.RESCUE: Many animals captured during our ABC campaigns are not healthy enough to be released. These animals are treated in our modern veterinary clinic and then transported to our no-kill shelter in nearby Cabo Lopez. Abandoned animals and countless litters of abandoned kittens and puppies are also welcome at our shelter.EDUCATION:  Humane Education is a very strong component of our work. In the jungle towns and in local schools, Peruvian Director, Bruno Antoine works tirelessly to teach children of all ages about the importance of animal and human relationships, responsible pet ownership, and the importance of respecting wildlife in their natural environment. CARES appears on TV weekly to discuss sensitivity towards animals.


SAFETY:  As a component of our education efforts we teach about dog-bite prevention and the importance of animal health as it pertains to public and environmental health. We encounter many dogs with diseases that are transmissible to the human population. We conduct campaigns against domestic violence by demonstrating the proven link between animal abuse and said violence.

Again, we ask you, please help Amazon CARES survive and thrive in 2013.  Please donate whatever amount you can.  Please copy and share our ChipIn widget.

The Saddest Blog I've Ever Written - Redux

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This blog is reprinted from May 15, 2012
Our animal shelter where we cared for 50+ dogs has been completely destroyed. See video:



We relocated all animals into a treatment building that is built on stilts.   It was a very trying 2 months as the dogs were forced to live in a very crowded space.  Healthy, sick, small, large, puppies...all were forced to live together.  We always have promoted adoption, but it is not ingrained in the culture of Iquitos.  However, the flooding provided an added impetus to get the word out.  
We had a record number of adoptions in April and May, and now we are caring for just over 20 dogs.  Incidentally, we shelter cats as well, but at another facility, in-town at our Vet Clinic.  Our dog shelter is 30 minutes away by boat or land (currently only by boat, of course) from our in-town clinic.  We got an emergency grant of $4000  from the Fundación 30 Millions d'amis (30 Million Friends) of France , and our supporters stepped up also, helping us raise an additional $1200.
Last week we completed work on a new, smaller, shelter at the highest point of our property.  It is such a relief for the remaining animals to have space to roam again.  You can see these photos on Facebook.

The effort has nearly destroyed us.  We had to cancel our April Veterinary Trip.  We are currently $500 short on paying our bills this month.  Sadly, a matching grant Donor we depended on states that we misunderstood his original grant limitations.  We hope to receive the money promised to us, but that will not occur for another 6-12 months.
I have never earned a salary as the Founder or Executive Director of Amazon CARES.  I founded and supported Amazon CARES when I sold my part in my family's 125 year old jewelry business in 2005. Since 2004 I have supported CARES, but in late 2011 my money ran out.  I have enough to live on, but not enough to continue supporting CARES in the same manner.  Despite the fact that my travel to Peru will be severely curtailed, I am currently looking for full time employment to supplement my income and keep CARES alive.  Luckily, we have a wonderful Director in Peru and a wonderful, loyal staff (at least for now...if we can't pay salaries that would probably change).
We still run very active ABC programs, and thankfully, these programs and the medicines needed are paid for by the Brigitte Bardot Foundation.
It is very hard to get grant money for shelters, however.  The WSPA doesn't believe in sheltering, for instance.  They believe that long term solutions are found through active ABC campaigns and Humane Education.  We are very involved with both of these strategies as well.  I would challenge any international animal charity of our size to rival our Humane Ed program, which has continued despite recent challenges.
However, we believe sheltering is an essential component.  Many dogs are abandoned, especially litters of puppies, or dogs suffer from infections (mange, parasites) that can be treated easily.  We have seen enormous transformations from former, sickly street dogs to beautiful, healthy adoptable pets.  We are a no-kill shelter, incidentally.

As the flood waters reside we will need to continue rebuilding our shelter.  The one we constructed quickly is well built, but too small.   We may try to salvage a small part of our old shelter, but it is preferable to continue building another small shelter building on the highest land, adjacent to what we have already built.  

We recently rescued a dog found starving to death on a small patch of dry land and surrounded by water.  His owners had abandoned him.  Even as we have improved our adoption rates, there will continue to be a need for shelter for dogs such as this rescue dog.  He will heal and be adopted, but it will require months of re-hab.  We simply refuse to euthanize him, when he is a dog with a bright future as a member of somebodys family.
Funds are badly needed for reconstruction and for dog food.

I am sad to report that the survival of CARES is a matter of weeks, not months.  There is no other charity like ours in the region.  In a matter of a few years, much of the work we have done will have come undone.

Thank you for reading this blog.  I am extremely saddened to reveal this heartbreaking news.  If you can help us with a donation of any amount, we would be very grateful.  

P.S. December 16, 2012 - I can't believe we are facing such dire economic circumstances again, and I hate to use the pity card with our supporters.  Please remember that 90% of your donation goes directly to our programs helping animals.  Our outlook for 2013 is good, if we can just get past these few months before grant money comes in.  We are a tiny charity achieving BIG goals, and we are working on doing more strategic planning for the future longevity of the charity.

Molly Mednikow
Amazon CARES Founder

Diana's Story: We promised not to euthanize her.

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August 2006, Day of Rescue



September 2006

In August of 2006 Amazon CARES rescued a very ill dog from the streets.  We named her Diana, in honor of donors Diane & Greg Paschell who sponsored her.

October, 2006 Photo by Molly Wald of Best Friends Animal Society

During October of 2006 I responded to an inquiry about Diana, and wrote:  Diana is still in treatment for an eye infection and anal gland infection. Her treatment has been lengthy. She still has a bit of distrust in her eyes, which is heartbreaking. She craves human companionship, and she does not live in the kennel area. She roams free, and she sleeps on this spot on the porch of my house. At night she keeps our security guard company on his rounds!

Recently somebody abandoned a dog and her 5 month puppy at our shelter in the middle of the night. The puppy escaped, and we hoped it would be lured back by his mother. I told my employees to secure the mother to an outer fence post with this hope. Later I went looking for the dog and questioned my employees. They told me Diana was guarding her. What?

Sure enough, they had the two dogs attached by two leashes, and Diana stood her ground in the most stalwart fashion.

January, 2008Diana is the most loving, playful dog -- when she has her eye medication. She can not produce natural tears. We put natural lubricant in her eyes five times a day. She requires constant monitoring, therefore she will live out her best years at the Amazon Cares no-kill shelter!



December 2012
Over the years Diana's eye condition got much worse.  A Veterinary Opthamologist volunteered for Amazon CARES, and we made the decision to relieve the source of so much pain and irritation.  Diana was already blind, and the Veterinarian removed both of Diane's eyes.  Diane still accompanies our security guard on his nightly rounds, and she loves to bask in the sun, and then take refuge from the heat on the hard packed dirt underneath the Director's raised home on the shelter premises.  She has never been restricted to a kennel.

We made a lifetime promise to Diana.  We promised her a life with all her necessities are met, where she is walked several times a day and receives affection.  We promised not to euthanize her.  Please help us keep this promise.  We need your support now.



Sincerely,

Molly Mednikow

Arlington's Hoarding Response Team honored

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The town’s Health and Human Services’ Hoarding Response Team is being recognized by the National League of Cities (NLC) as a model program demonstrating innovative and collaborative approaches within government.
The Arlington Hoarding Response Team is one of 27 municipal programs selected for the 2012 City Showcase — NLC’s premiere program celebrating city achievements.
The Hoarding Response Team provides emergency response, intake, referral and follow-up services for persons living in hoarded, unsafe and unsanitary living conditions in their homes. The team, comprised of representatives of multiple town departments, operates on a hazard reduction model to ensure affected residents can safely reside in their homes.
The program will be highlighted during this year’s Congress of Cities and Exposition, held in Boston, Nov. 28 to Dec. 1. During the conference, representatives from Arlington will engage in networking and knowledge sharing with colleagues from around the country..."  More

Twelve dogs being hoarded saved from Chicago fire

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• 
  

• BY: MELISSA STONEBURNER

Yesterday, as ABC7 News covered the story about the 12 dogs that were rescued from a house fire on Chicago’s Northwest Side, animal lovers all around Chicagoland sat in stunned silence. Yet another person, this time a 50-year-old man, was hoarding animals and this time the act almost eliminated 12 defenseless animals! So far only one of the dogs died from the fire.The hoarder lived on the 5000-block of West Winona in the Forest Glen neighborhood. He was taken to the hospital with burns. While no one wants a human being to suffer, it is unbelievable when we hear that animals must suffer due to people hoarding them.Sometimes the hoarding has this type of result, accidental death because of a tragedy, and sometimes death is due to the fact that the hoarders forget to even feed or provide water to the animals in their care; needless to say they are never taken to a vet, taken for a walk, or even cleaned up after. The animals end up living in utter despair; with filth and negligence..."  More

Animals in Woodbourne seized in 'worst ever' abuse

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By Victor Whitman


Fallsburg police and animal control officers removed numerous animals on Tuesday from a ramshackle trailer home in the Town of Fallsburg and charged an elderly woman and her son with animal cruelty.Police executed a search warrant at 333 Rose Road outside Woodbourne, and found goats, rabbits, geese and two dogs living in "deplorable" conditions.Virginia Wagner McCombs, 81, and Donald Wagner, 62, were charged with multiple misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty under the section of Agriculture and Markets law that refers to "overdriving, torturing and injuring" animals.When authorities arrived in the morning, two cocker spaniels were tied by a rope to a pickup truck. The rabbits were in handmade chicken coops covered with feces. Goats were crowded into fenced enclosures on muddy ground. The property was strewn with detritus and hoarded items. Large rats were running around."This is the worst I have ever seen," said Joanne Gerow, Fallsburg's animal control officer.Gerow said authorities seized two dogs, 14 goats, seven baby goats, 23 rabbits, four geese and four chickens. All the animals were taken to a rescue farm in Sullivan County. Gerow said the animals appeared to have been fed, but will be evaluated..."  More

Can't we all just get along?

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I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving Holiday and stuffed themselves! I traveled to NC and was the center of attention at the holiday family gathering. Everyone loved me and said what a great dog I was ... Heck Yeah! :)

I was exhausted after all the travel, and when I got home I was ready to just hang with my buddy Pickles. Here we are on a lazy, dreary Sunday morning. awwwwwww now why can't we all just get along like this... side by side and squishy faced!?

I hope you all are geared up for the holiday season. Please be safe if you are traveling, and enjoy your friends and family! I know I will!!

AND Don't forget to book your holiday pet care needs with Buckhead Pet Pals - the sooner you book the better! :)

Ciao for now!
Rocky

Hoarding now recognized as true mental disorder

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by Dana Rebik 


There is new hope for people whose homes become so cluttered they are hazardous.  The American Psychiatric Association is recognizing hoarding as a true mental disorder in its diagnostic manual being published in May.We first met Steven Lindenau two and a half years ago after he was featured on the A&E show “Hoarders.”“In the beginning I didn’t realize it too much because I was ignoring it.  When it started to become difficult to walk on the floor, that’s when it became an issue,” Lindenau said..."  More