I think I’ve been in a constant state of overwhelm and sleep deprivation since July 1. That was when I lost my mind and made a proposal to the city for the position of program director for Animal Care and Control. I didn’t think they’d take me up on it. Sometimes we get what we wish for — then look out.

To say there’s a lot to be done is a vast understatement. To say things are changing and we are making progress toward something positive is an accurate statement. I’m in overdrive and want things to change immediately — this is a lesson in patience for me.

Here are some of the good things that have happened in the last month. My prison proposal to put shelter dogs in Pendleton CIF was approved by the Department of Correction. Our target date is Sept. 1. Eight dogs from Anderson Care and Control, Madison County Humane Society and the Animal Protection League will be going to prison to work with the inmates. Any rescue group who puts one of its dogs in the program will then in turn rescue a shelter dog, so no matter what, eight Animal Care and Control dogs will be rescued. The dogs will be socialized and obedience trained by the inmate/handlers for two months after which time they will be available for adoption to the public.

I’m asking for individuals/businesses to sponsor a prison dog for $250. This will pay for spay/neuter, worming, heartworm test and heartworm medication, flea medication, vaccinations and other essentials for that dog. We will provide a picture of the dog you sponsor. This is tax deductible. Make checks payable to: Animal Protection League, P.O. Box 2242, Anderson IN 46016. This program has the ability to change everyone it touches. This program is saving these dogs from euthanasia and helping them get adopted into loving homes. The inmates are stepping up to help save these animals and perhaps themselves as well while they do it. They are becoming part of the solution to make Animal Care and Control something which we can be proud.

The dogs currently in Animal Care and Control need beds and there is a way for you to donate what we need. Go to www.kuranda.com and donate a bed. Click on donate a bed. You pay for it and they will send it to us directly. This will give them a little comfort by getting them off the cold hard floor.

We are setting up free roaming cat rooms as opposed to keeping all the cats in small cages. The goal is for the cats to be able to live a more normal, healthy compassionate life while they are at Animal Care and Control. We need cat trees and cat condos for our feline friends. If you have one you aren’t using, please drop it by Animal Care and Control on Dewey St. off of Eighth street or call (765) 278-0435 for someone to pick it up.

There are many wonderful animals that need forever homes at Animal Care and Control. One in particular that I will mention is Ruby the beagle. She was almost completely shut down when she came to us. She was terrified. She went to a foster home with Amber Markley and her dogs, and because of them she has become a great little dog. Amber’s dogs led her back to the land of the living. She is affectionate, happy and housebroken. Ruby needs a home. She has been spayed/neutered, vaccinated, wormed, bathed and heartworm tested. Call (765) 278-9435 if you’d like to meet her. She is truly a shelter dog success story.

And the last good thing I will mention is our VOLUNTEERS — they are wonderful. They make such a difference for the animals. Thank you. If you would like to be part of the solution, call (765) 278-9435 or e-mail maleahstringer@aol.com to find out what you can do.

NEWS FROM THE MADISON COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY

They have over 100 dogs and cats at the Humane Society. Ages range from babies to mature animals, in fact, Rhonda is hand feeding several kittens now. They would love to be able to take in every single animal that is brought to them; however, for every one that we can bring in, between 20 to 30 have had to be turned away. They hate turning any animal away. Some people understand and some become very angry. Please understand that they are doing the best they can with the resources available to them. Please encourage everyone to do their part by spay/neutering their animals so that there are fewer animals. 

Maleah Stringer, president of the Animal Protection League, is an animal massage therapist specializing in esoteric healing. She can be reached at maleahstringer@aol.com.