Denver Group Which Rescued 80 Homeless Dogs From Hurricane Katrina Now Needs A
Home!
PRESS RELEASE
March 20, 2006--A Denver non-profit animal rescue group that last September
galvanized volunteers in hours to head to New Orleans and save more than 80
homeless dogs, now needs its own home.
The Misha May Foundation, dedicated to preventing the euthanasia of neglected
and untrained homeless dogs through affordable training, is one step closer to
greatly expanding its operation and vastly decreasing canine euthanasia in metro
Denver.
An ideal building in Denver has been located, according to Lorraine May,
executive director, but an additional $60,000 is needed immediately to make a
down payment and meet start-up costs. Tax-deductible donations or interest-free
loans may be made through the website at
www.mishamayfoundation.org or by mailing a check to TMMF, P.O.Box 514,
Sedalia, CO, 80135. For more information, call May at 303.239.0382.
May said she deplores the fact that euthanasia is considered an acceptable means
of population control and that it is utilized as a resolution for behavior
problems which could be modified under the right circumstances.
"Euthanasia - or a 'good death' - should be used only in the best interest of
the dog, in extreme cases of illness and suffering, or dangerous behavior beyond
rehabilitation," she added.
May said she gets requests daily from Colorado rescues and shelters,
out-of-state organizations, owners, helpful friends, and dedicated individuals
who ask her to help homeless dogs or soon-to-be homeless dogs who not only have
nowhere to go, but also need training to increase their chances for adoption.
"The answer too often must be 'no,' not until we have our own training center
and facility, " she said. "These dogs need this center and our capacity to keep
them safe, while training them to become adoptable. There is a huge need we
could more fully address in our own center."
Recent calls to Misha May included two young Rottweilers who needed
socialization; two labs, one deaf, with separation anxiety; wild puppies;
herding dogs nipping at children; a fearful, mistrusting mutt who was harshly
trained; special needs Katrina puppies, and dogs in Louisiana shelters who had
nowhere to be adopted.
Buddy, a 90 pound German Shepherd, is one of Misha May's recent successes. He
had had separation anxiety so badly that he was returned three times to a
shelter and faced euthanasia. During several months with Misha May, Buddy
developed a bond with humans, learning that they could be trusted and that he
could tolerate separations. He participated in a specific training protocol,
which requires the compassionate, relationship- building training for which
Misha May is noted. Now Buddy is ready for adoption. The Misha May Foundation
will help with his transition and be a support system for him and his new
family.
"There is no place like the one we are creating," May said. "There are a
multitude of organizations doing wonderful work. But we fill a unique niche that
is desperately needed. "
Misha May's website specifies their comprehensive approach:
Evaluation of each dog, followed by appropriate behavior modification
Options, training and rehabilitation for homeless mixed-breed dogs or
other dogs that need help until they find an ideal permanent home
Foster partnerships and innovative programs which maintain or improve
the health, social skills and overall wellbeing of dogs as they wait for an
appropriate adopter
In-depth adoption counseling coupled with a lifetime return policy
Dog related educational services that support rescue dogs as well as the
public's pets, while generating revenue that helps support our mission and
purpose
24 hour - 7 day per week care, which is above industry standards, in a
home-like environment. This helps to maintain adoptablity and psychological
well being while sustaining house training, good manners and socialization
Holistic and traditional veterinary care as appropriate
Dedication to all dogs and the groups who rescue them, not just our own
dogs; we already train dogs from many rescue groups and are expanding that
effort.
