Help The Homeless

Man’s Best Friends Need Your Help! They can also change your life.

With knowledge comes responsibility. Boy do I know this. Performing volunteer work is a real eye opener. I dare say the majority of people with whom I come into contact outside of the volunteers circle know very little if anything about the lives and tribulations of homeless animals. Ever since I became involved with BARK (Bandit’s Adoption and Rescue of K9s) over two years ago, I have been hooked and unable to look back. I can’t imagine not being a part of this rescue group. It has become a part of my life. If caring for homeless animals, or even a single homeless animal, could become a small part of the lives of every adult and child, the homeless problem could be resolved. Next time you get a chance, look further into some statistics about the road more traveled by homeless animals. And then remember who the responsible parties are. Here is one statistic you'll remember. 16,000 dogs and cats are euthanized daily in U.S. public pounds through no fault of their own. That doesn’t even begin to count the ones left on streets and in deserted buildings, dumped, chained, abused…. In our state alone in 2004 (for dogs only): 60,625 dogs were euthanized (the number is higher for cats) ; 1,238 dogs died in the facility; 45,309 dogs were surrendered by owner to the pounds; 77,169 stray dogs (dumped) dogs were taken in; 28,685 stray dogs were reclaimed by their owners and it goes on and on. AND, Gas chambers are still even used in some states.

With all the free and discounted assistance available today there are very few acceptable excuses for unwanted pregnancies in pets. And with all the homeless and wonderful pets available and anxious for a home, there is no excuse to ever again buy a dog. There is no better pet than a pound or rescued pet. They are forever trying to please and say thank you. Please think about this all. We need to help make a difference.

Introducing A Few Of Our Homeless Dogs.

Below are a few of our BARK residents. These kids have been at the farm longer than we like. Think about them. We have so many others. They are all the most wonderful lovable dogs you can imagine. Maybe you or someone you know can give them a chance. I’ll add to the list at various times. If you fall in love there is always a way to get the dog to you. I have given you contact information and of course there is always me. Our web site is www.barkva.org and we are a non-profit organization. None of us get paid for our work, at least not monetarily. The dogs pay us with their love.

 

"Big Joe"
Hi! I am Big Joe and am proud to say that I am Linda's favorite BARK resident even though she loves us all. I am especially special to her because she and I have been at the BARK farm for about the same amount of time. My photo doesn't do me justice. I am really much more handsome. I am an Akita mix, being successfully treated for heartworm and ready for my new family. It isn't that I am not a good boy or a trouble maker or anything like that. I am very likeable and lovable. I am big and strong. They say I pull a lot on a leash because when I get a chance to get out of my kennel to stretch, I get excited and just love to take advantage of that time. I just need someone to help me learn what to do and not to do. I am smart. I can learn. I don't get much exposure to potential families looking to adopt not only because my size makes it tougher to get me to adoption outings, but because there are so many of us looking for homes that I have to wait my turn. The little guys are easier. So I have been waiting for that someone(s) to discover me at the BARK farm. It is a nice enough place but it is not a home. The folks are great but they are not quite like a family. And it certainly would be nice to get out and run and stretch my legs. Maybe even play catch once I learn how. I'd like to be someone's special friend - someone I can please and love and who will love me back. I want to be a part of someone's life. You can e-mail Terri@barkva.org or Diane@barkva.org if you are interested in finding out more about me. Or better yet, meeting me. You can also call Linda at 804 883 7740

 

"Tom Petty"
I am another oldie but goodie- 8 years oldish. Playful is my game and Tom Petty is my name. My sister, Janice Joplin and I arrived at BARK together about two years ago but she just recently got adopted. I am happy for her even though I miss her. But I have a new buddy and we have fun playing, entertaining one another and making mischief. I am a tall, lanky hound dog and am quite handsome even if I do say so myself. I weigh about 50 lbs, am lovable, love people and all dogs and my favorite thing is to be rubbed and loved by people who care. I am totally healthy so I am not a big expense and I don't eat much. I had a family once but they decided after one hunting season that they didn't want me any more. So they set me loose to find my own way. Not a fun time in my life. Thank goodness I found my way to BARK. The problem with hounds and beagles is that there are so many of us. We have to wait for our turn to go to the adoption outings. The competition for a wonderful hound like me to get adopted is tough. It is hard competing against cutsie, little, younger pooches. But I haven't given up hope. I'll keep on hoping that the right family will come along and grab me up. I'm ready!!!! If you want to know more about me just e-mail Terri@barkva.org or Diane@barkva.org or call Linda at 804 883 7740. I'll be waiting.

 

"Aries and Molly"
It's tough looking so much like everyone else - makes it hard to stand out in a group. You got to get to know us. That is right, us! Our names are Aries and Molly. We have been together for a long time. We love each other enormously and would love to find a home with a family together but we know we can't be quite that choosie. We trust our BARK friends to do that for us. Because we don't look all that unique, just a couple more black lab mixes, you must get to know us inside. What is that old human saying, "You can't judge a book by its cover". Well that is us. I, Aries, love and play well with all dogs but Molly is a little more pickie. She likes me best and is more selective about her other canine friends. We both love kids, people and playing. We are also both affectionate. I have heartworms BUT don't worry. As soon as I can find someone to foster me I will begin my heartworm treatment and be just great. The BARK folks are looking for a foster for me. Molly doesn't have them. We weigh 50-55 lbs. and want to find a forever loving home. We have a lot of years left to give a lot of love. To find out more about me write Terri@barkva.org or Diane@barkva.org or call Linda at 804 883 7740

 

"Zorro"
There are a lot of us lab mixes here at BARK. That trait doesn't make us seem very special does it. BUT if people would take the time, they'd see that we all have unique personalities inside. Take me for instance. My name is Zorro and I am 3-4 years old and weigh about 50-55 lbs. I am a slim boy. They say I have a most charming personality, am so sweet, laid back, not assertive, very handsome, always happy and, get this, always smiling. I do admit that I need to learn how to walk on the leash. Never had to before. My BARK family says that is the only behavior for which I need someone to help me improve. Then I'd be perfect!!!!! I have had a home at BARK for 3 years now and am grateful for that especially considering the alternative. But it is not really the kind of home of which a canine dreams. Every night I fantasize that I have been given a chance to prove my worth to a wonderful family so they decide to keep me as their pet. Will that family maybe be you? You can find out more about me at Terri@barkva.org or Diane@barkva.org or call Linda at 804 883 7740

 

"Blossom"
My name is Blossom. I like to think they named me that upon my arrival at BARK because they expected great things of me. I hope I have not let them down. I have blossomed into a lovely, playful, smart, energetic, unique 70 lb something mix doggie. I get along with most all other dogs. I am about 3-4 years old. My story is that I was found and turned into the animal shelter, the dog pound. My days were numbered. They were running out of space. As time crept closer to my last day, BARK rescued me from the shelter. They have provided me with a good home but I sure would like a real home. BARK is more like a wonderful orphanage where homeless dogs go until they find a home. We are all trying but because I am a little older than some and larger than others, I don't seem to get as many adoption inquiries. Another reason I am still at BARK is that I don't get to go to the adoption stands very often since there are so many of us waiting for a turn. So if you'd like to know more about me, you can write Terri@barkva.org or Diane@barkva.org or call Linda at 804 883 7740. Sure would be nice to live in a real home again.

Click here for the BARK web site.

Click here for the Pet Finders web site.
 

Baggage Now that I'm home, bathed, settled and fed, All nicely tucked in my warm new bed, I'd like to open my baggage - lest I forget, There is so much to carry - so much to regret. Hmmm.... Yes there it is, right on the top. Let's unpack Loneliness, Heartache and Loss, And there by my leash hides Fear and Shame. As I look on these things I tried so hard to leave - I still have to unpack my baggage called Pain. I Loved them, the others, the ones who left me. But I wasn't good enough - for they didn't want me. Will you add to my baggage? Will you help me unpack? Or will you just look at my things - And take me right back? Do you have the time to help me unpack? To put away my baggage, to never repack? I pray that you do - I'm so tired you see. But I do come with baggage - Will you still want me? by Evelyn Colbath