This adorable Rotty pup along with its siblings were rescued from the woods in Chocowinity, North Carolina three weeks ago nearly dead. 

Thanks to the help of J&J Rescue their future is much brighter.  All dogs including two adult Labs were flown from Washington, North Carolina to Rhode Island where they will spend time recuperating prior to being placed for adoption. 

As many rescues and shelters battle with overcrowding some have found alternatives.  How does your shelter or rescue transport pets?  Do you have a transporting group of volunteers willing to assist? 

Many shelters are thinking outside of the box when it comes to finding innovative ways to save lives.  PetPoint has created a forum that allows shelters to communicate about transporting needs.  Feel free to check it out and get chatting with others of how we can all make a difference in the lives of shelter pets.

- Mary Bart Houston, Regional Director Shelter Outreach & Host of PetPoint Community

First stop on my travels through the west coast of Florida was the SPCA Suncoast nestled in New Port Richey.  I had the pleasure of meeting with Martha and Devlynn and learned about the great programs they're doing to educate the public on shelter pets.  As you can see from my photos, SPCA Suncoast takes the holidays seriously!

  I also got to meet Oingo and Boingo the shelter rats!  It was my first interaction with rats and I can honestly say they were sweethearts!  Except for Oingo who would prefer that I didn't stick my fingers in his home.  I completely understand. 

Next stop is Suncoast Animal League located in Palm Harbor. 

Shown above is Finnegan aka Finny the black cat who is an absolute lover boy!  He enjoyed our meeting and put his two cents in every chance he could. 

Two residents enjoying their space while this beauty posed for the camera.  I guess this photo op isn't her first.  I can see why the camera loves her. 

On to Pinellas Humane Society located in Clearwater.  They too created a holiday scene for their clients. 

     I got the chance to speak with Abby and Barbara about the plight of animals in their county.  The shelter is a no kill facility that makes every effort to find fur-ever homes for their residents.  Of course I saw many dogs that I would have taken home if only I had the space. 

After visiting Pinellas I traveled to Port Charlotte to Moises at the Animal Welfare League of Charlotte.  AWL receives thousands of animals annually and this number is soon to increase.  AWL will be the only shelter taking animals in from Charlotte County starting in 2009.

       A playground for the dogs and it provides a great place for a meet n greet for adopters. 

  AWL is only a few years old and has created a comfortable haven for unwanted and neglected pets in their community. 

 A Giving Tree is a great way to promote donations and ensure that donors will be acknowledged onsite. 

Last but not least, the Humane Society of Naples/Collier County is in the process of improving their living conditions for the animals starting in the next few months.  The new buildings will provide more space to care and treat their resident dogs and cats. 

 An agility course is offered to the dogs to strut their stuff. 

 A cozy cattery for some adult cats to socialize and stretch their legs.  And take the occasional cat nap... 

   Adoption entrance for cats.  Some cats choose to stay in a staff's office for constant attention and love. 

Happy Holidays to you and yours and many thanks to all the shelters that provided me with your time and a tour of your facilities.  You're doing amazing things in your community and should be applauded for your efforts. 

Myrtle Beach hosted SCACCA/NCAF conference at the gorgeous Kingston Plantation.  The event was a huge success!  Over 150+ attendees from both North and South Carolina came to the conference to enhance their education on animal welfare, budgets, building a positive image, and much more! 

Here are some photos from the conference.

Charlotte Humane Society and Mecklenburg County Animal Control enjoy each other's company and a good dinner at Islamorada.

Asheville Humane Society staff relaxing after lunch and preparing for the next set of classes. 

Fish aka Big Boy, Asheville Animal Control Officer, showing his more serious side at the conference. 

On the final day before departing I stopped by Alligator Adventure.  This park allows you to get up and close to hundreds of alligators in a safe environment. 

Thanks for viewing my photos!! 

PetPoint visits Alabama shelters from Cleveland to Auburn!

First stop on my six PetPoint shelter tour was Blount County Animal Shelter located in Cleveland, Alabama.

Blount County receives thousands of unwanted animals a year.   Always go to a shelter before purchasing a pet.  You'll be amazed at the amazing pets you'll find in shelters. 

Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter located in Tuscaloosa receives over 5,000 animals annually.  Tuscaloosa works with various agencies in Alabama to find placements for many of these pets.  Some of the animals from Tuscaloosa travel as far as Pennsylvania to find their new forever home.

Shelby County Humane Society located in Columbiana.  Shelby like most shelters has seen a drastic increase in pets being surrendered to shelters due to the challenging economy.  Working hard to find homes for these pets is Shelby's mission.

Montgomery Humane Society receives close to 12,000 unwanted animals a year.  They're in the midst of constructing a new extension to their existing shelter to make the animals stay more comfortable.  Montgomery has a beautiful boutique that accomodates new pet owners with their essential needs prior to taking their new family member home.

Humane Society of Elmore County can be found nestled in the town of Webtumka.  Receiving thousands of pets a year can be difficult to find permanent homes.  Always visit your local shelter when you're considering adopting a pet. 

Lee County Humane Society located in Auburn provides a safe haven to unwanted and homeless pets throughout the county.  Pictured above is Kayla, a DSH black cat, that has been at the shelter for over a year and would love nothing more than finding a real home. 

Remember they can't read or write but they sure can multiply- spay and neuter your pets and prevent pet overpopulation!!

My visit to Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter was a great start to an exciting trip through Louisiana.  I was able to meet Elena and Lee Ann who provide a safe haven to homeless and unwanted pets in their community and ensure that the shelter runs efficiently. (Website: www.jeffparish.net)

I've added some photos of the shelter and their adoptable animals.  My trip afforded me the luxury to visit New Orleans and visit the LA-SPCA and Animal Rescue New Orleans.  Both shelters are doing the most they can to help the animals of New Orleans. 

Hearing the stories of the aftermath of Katrina reminded me to be thankful for every day.  Many, many animals were lost, killed, or severely neglected/injured from the storm. 

As always, adopt a pet from your local shelter.  For more information on the shelters I visited please go to: www.la-spca.org  and www.animalrescueneworleans.org and www.stcharlesgov.net 

The streets of New Orleans in the French Quarter.  You can't go to New Orleans without discovering the French Quarter and partaking in a Ghost Tour!!