The Animals of Mason Park Need Your Help!

The animals in Mason Park in Greater East End Houston are in trouble. There is a major problem happening in this community with animal abandonment, mistreatment and neglect. Something has to be done! We need a change. These photos were taken in just the last couple of weeks. Barrio Dogs gets emails about this area on a daily basis. We have already rescued several dogs from Mason Park, some of which were in very bad shape.

This is not a third world country--this is Houston, Texas.  Please join us in raising awareness of the horrific conditions of these animals. Instead of buying superficial holiday gifts, how about helping one of these dogs get off the street?

If you can help, please email Gina Damian at ginadamian@gmail.com or Lawrence Benavides at law4625@aol.com. Both are long-time Mason Park residents and know this area well. They can show you what they see everyday: all the many homeless and neglected animals that need help!

Buddy Before and After

It's amazing what a little TLC can do. For more information about Buddy and our other Barrio Dogs available for adoption, please check our website.

 

Greyson is Adopted!

Many best wishes to Greyson and his new family!

Emma and Sophie

Emma

Sophie

Emma and Sophie were recently rescued in Mason Park in Houston's East End, an area where the number of homeless dogs is overwhelming. Our rescues Damian, Sadie and Mason have all come from Mason Park and there are many more dogs there that need our help.

One of our volunteers spotted Emma and Sophie living in Mason Park. After trying for several hours, we were finally able to rescue these two scared girls. Barrio Dogs is sponsoring all their vetting. Emma is super friendly and is recovering from a respiratory infection but doing well. She will get her vaccinations and be spayed soon.Sophie has received her vaccines and will be spayed soon. She is still a little scared and shy but is making good progress.

Please help us with Emma and Sophie by donating to their vetting and helping us find them a forever home.

Lombardy Update

Lombardy is settling in with his new family and is already showing great improvement. We are optimistic that the future will bring good things for this formerly mistreated and neglected pup. Many thanks to Paulette Goodreau and her family for taking sweet Lombardy into their home!

Part of the Problem 4

Pitbulls For Sale? The Mason Park area strikes again. One of our volunteers reported this, saying "you really can't read this sign, but here's what it reads:  Pitbulls for sale $50  in the parking lot of Lawndale and 75th in front of Amegy Bank". They contacted non-emergency police, who we hope stopped them from selling the dogs. This practice is illegal in Harris County and needs to be illegal in Houston too!

Soldiers Reunited with Rescued Military Dogs

Great story!

Tate is Adopted!

Another adoption blessing. Tate was rescued along with Ojo in Fifth Ward Houston, Texas. He was very malnourished and underweight and rescuer Kelle Mann Davis could not leave him behind.

A big thank you to 610 Pet Lodge and Sarah Stewart Magill for fostering. Tate has been adopted by Kelle Mann Davis’ sister who has a son named Nathan and a new best friend. We are so happy for Tate and his new family!

Lombardy is Adopted!

Paulette Goodreau, Gloria Zenteno and Lombardy

It’s official.  Lombardy has been adopted by Paulette Goodreau. She read about him and had to help this poor boy. He is receiving top care from Gulf Coast Veterinary and afterwards, will join Paulette and her family.  This miracle was possible because of the many friends and supporters of Barrio Dogs; Lombardy's photo reached  Paulette and touched her heart and she knew this was meant to be.  Thank you Paulette! We  look forward to updated photos of a happier and healthier Lombardy.

Lombardy

With the help of Kelle Mann Davis this German Shepherd was rescued this morning. We took him to Abbott Animal Hospital, where the vet said he is probably only a year old and has scarcoptic mange, intestinal worms, fleas and is very underweight. He was given meds for the scarcoptic mange and worms and will receive a medicated bath tomorrow. He will have to be boarded at the vet's for a couple of weeks at least. This poor boy we are calling Lombardy was in the worse neglect we have seen in a while. Someone owned this dog and either dumped him here or a resident is denying ownership. Needless to say we will need help with this one.

Can you find it in your heart to donate towards Lombardy? You can either donate via PayPal or Google at: http://www.barriodogs.org/donations.html or call Abbott Animal Hospital @ (281) 893-5000 and sponsor Lombardy under Barrio Dogs account. Thank you!!

No More Chains - Video

Our friend Gurukarta Khalsa produced and directed this video, which features Gloria and Javier Zenteno, for our "No More Chains" program.


Barrio Dogs, Inc. in "No More Chains" from gk3halsa on Vimeo.

O-Jo and Tate

O-Jo just after his rescue

O-Jo and Tate were rescued from an area where there are many homeless dogs. They stood out because of their condition, which was worse than the others.

Tate just after his rescue

O-Jo had an severe eye injury and infection and we are grateful that Dr. Palmer at Gulfgate Animal Hospital was able to perform emergency surgery on him. All we know is that poor O-Jo had been suffering like this for some time. The surgery went well, his eye was removed and he is recovering. 

O-Jo is young, probably around two years old, and weighs 30 pounds but should weigh more. He is very sweet but scared and will need some TLC for a while. We are in need of a foster for him even if it’s just a week or two. Since we don't have a foster, he is currently in boarding. His eye infection was probably a result of a fight or something or somebody that poked him. He has gotten his vaccines and fecal and heart worm tests. 

Tate is a young pup, maybe eight months old. He has Demodec and is very malnourished. He has received his vaccines and went to boarding but could sure use a foster as well. We are not only in need of support for vetting but also boarding fees well. Please share their stories and help if you can. Thank you everyone!

O-Jo is recovering from his surgery

Tate is already looking better!

More Chained Dogs

This resident keeps her dogs chained 24x7. We have reported the situation to the authorities and are hopeful for a positive resolution.

Her beautiful but thin Golden Retriever mix was begging her to please take me off of this chain.

Small dog on a very heavy chain and the water was full of mosquitoes.

Beloved Barrio Dog is Killed

Her name was Pearla and she was a Barrio Dog. Our precious Pearla was one of our first Barrio Dogs and part of the inspiration for our organization. Her life ended tragically on October 19, 2011.

 She was feral, skittish, but kind. We loved and cared for her the best way we could. Because of the many homeless litters she had in this community, we trapped her to spay and prevent many more unwanted animals. She came from the streets and was undomesticated - we felt the best life for Pearla was to set her free, but she never left us, she never went far. She lived on our street, slept on our porch and in our yard for 7 years. Yes, 7 years. We gave her healthy food, monthly preventives, and even though she would not let us touch her – she was a part of our family. She would watch our house, protect us and her presence was with us every day.

Pearla was missing for a few days and our worse fears came true today. My elderly parents who live next door phoned us when they discovered her body across the street in front of our home. Someone had dumped her there. She had a rope around her body and she appeared to have been poisoned. Who would do this? Why would anyone do this? We called the authorities and they told us without any witnesses, without any evidence, there is nothing that can be done. Why is this? This should be against the law! The anger and frustration is beyond words. We are desperately trying to make a change for the many like Pearla. But with this support the challenge is huge. Not many can comprehend the alarming problem we see every day in this community.

We wanted much more for this sweet girl. Pray for a better life for the ones that live on in her memory.

Damian is Getting Better

Look who is is making great progress! Damian continues to improve but still needs your support. He also needs a loving forever home. He is an awesome dog who has survived some difficult times; please help us network his story!

Please Help Greyson

Greyson was discovered in September 2011 tied up on a chain in a trailer park. We are happy to report that Greyson received enough sponsors to be neutered and get all of his vaccinations. Sadly, he remained at the trailer park until recently since we had no one to take him into foster or adopt him.

We are happy to report that Greyson is no longer living at the trailer park on a chain! He is being temporarily boarded at 610 Pet Lodge until his forever home is found. 

Please help us support Greyson, either by helping us find him a foster or permanent home or by contributing to his boarding costs. He is a sweet and handsome fellow who just needs a chance at a better life. 

For more information or to help, email at us at info@barriodogs.org. Thank you!

Another Chained Dog

We have received reports of another chained puppy in the Greater East End. The "owners" have left this adorable bull terrier pup chained up like this around the clock, where he cries and howls all day. He doesn’t have a sufficient lead to move around and has no water or food on site! We have reported this and are hoping the authorities will soon pay a visit.

Seventy Malls Across the U.S.To Ban Pet Sales

GLOBAL ANIMAL EXCLUSIVE by Madison Rootenberg

Global Animal just received news that shopping center developer Macerich is banning sales of live animals in more than 70 malls across the US. This new humane policy designed to break the puppy mill business chain is taking effect nationwide within 30 days. Macerich confirmed that they will not renew the leases of existing pet stores that sell animals and in their place, are opening humane stores offering adoptions of rescued pets.

Some of the high profile shopping malls include Los Angeles’ Westside Pavilion, which is opening a rescue store this month in association with the nonprofit Friends of LA Shelters, Scottsdale’s Fashion Square, Chesterfield Towne Center in Richmond, Virginia, and Santa Monica Place.

Jennifer Peterson with a menagerie of dogs. Photo by J. Peterson

The mall developer’s pet sale ban was a year in the making and in large part, is the result of the efforts of animal activist, Jennifer Peterson. Hers is a story of how a personal experience can illuminate one’s calling and be a beacon for larger change.

Ms. Peterson grew up in Los Angeles adopting animals and surrounded herself with likeminded rescuers. When a close friend purchased a “designer” dog from BarkWorks pet store in Westside Pavilion, the animal lover became an animal activist.

“I had a gut feeling it was bad,” Peterson explains. The pet store dog became sick within a week of purchase, and Jennifer began to suspect a puppy mill connection. Jennifer Peterson contacted BarkWorks and according to Peterson, the pet store refused to take any responsibility for the sick pup.

Peterson began researching puppy mills and how the industry supplies pet stores with dogs who endure horrific conditions. She started a Facebook page called “Boycott BarkWorks,” where people could post their experiences and reactions. The page developed into a place to protest puppy mills and stores like BarkWorks that sell bred animals.

Jennifer reached out to her friend Randy Brant, who is Macerich’s VP of leasing property. Brant and others at Macerich knew little about puppy mills and were appalled by what Jennifer Peterson had shared.

“I thought if I talked to him about how terrible it is, maybe there was a chance they might go humane,” Peterson said. She contacted all 74 Macerich shopping centers to find out how many pet stores offered rescued animals for adoption versus those with dogs bred for sale. The numbers were disheartening for any animal lover.

Jennifer Peterson, Randy Brant and his wife, Dahli, worked for a year to help Macerich develop the companywide pet sale ban in their malls.

“Communities love and support adoption. We are hoping this starts a domino effect with other mall leasing companies across the country. Let’s get these shops out of business,” said Peterson.

Macerich is proud of their trailblazing pet sale ban and hope to demonstrate that animal welfare is good business. Encouraged by this landmark policy change, Peterson is redoubling her efforts to shut down the entire puppy mill industry. She’s certain it can happen by “ordinary” people getting involved.

“If you see a pet store, write a letter. Complain. Find out who the leasing company is and let them know about puppy mills. Get involved and reach out to who you know. I did something about it and I’m not special. Two years ago I had never even been to a protest. People can do it.”
[NOTE: There are two Macerich malls in Texas: Ridgmar Mall in Fort Worth and South Plains Mall in Lubbock.]

Fundraiser for Better Communities

Breed-Specific Legislation is Anti-Dog Legislation

Breed-Specific Legislation is Anti-Dog Legislation from Kim Wolf on Vimeo.

Support the Petoberfest!

Part of the Problem 3 (and Creating Your Own Solution)

These people tried to be clever and instead of selling their puppies, were "giving" them away while accepting "contributions". Barrio Dogs' friend, Anna Bermudez from Sophie’s Doggie Spa, took the people up on their offer to give away the puppies and took them away. The pups are now available for adoption; for more information, contact Anna at 832 283-2480.

Kita is Adopted

Last month, Kita was left tied up in the backyard in the 100 degree temperatures with no food or water when her "family" moved away. After a few days, a kind stranger saw her, rescued her and has been fostering her while Barrio Dogs sponsored her vetting and looked for a permanent home for her. Fortunately, Kita has now found a permanent home. Best of luck to Kita and her new owner!

More Than 250 Dogs Seized from Floyd County Kennel

Reported by: Diana Holoman
Email: dholoman@fox34.com
Last Update: 12:44 pm

The Floyd County Sheriff's department served Alphatex Kennels, outside of Lockney, with a warrant, seizing approximately 250 dogs.

"The humane society came out here, and then they told me in their opinion Alphatex Kennels was in terrible condition and that something needed to be done," Paul Raissez, Floyd County Sheriff, said. "They asked me if I would help them get a warrant to get these dogs off of the property."

Sandra Smith, co-owner of Alphatex Kennels, was in disbelief and said her facility is run the right way. She said every dog and puppy is AKC registered and up to date on all shots.

"AKC comes out here every year and they give us a clean bill of health," Smith said. "In fact, they said we had pens much bigger than required by AKC regulations."

According to the warrant, german shepherds, golden retrievers and collies along with horses will all have to go.

"Can you say it is right to tear these dogs away from the only home they've ever known?"

She said some dogs will not thrive in life without the love of their specific family.

"We've got one german shepherd that only speaks German," Smith said. "She was imported from Germany and she only speaks German commands."

Debra Avery, with the Humane Society of West Texas, said the situation presents a mixed bag.

"There are some absolutely beautiful dogs out here," Avery said. "but there are some dogs that aren't well."

Avery said each and every dog will be tested and treated for diseases such as Parvo and Distemper.

"They have told me that some of the dogs have been sold and are waiting for shipment," Avery said. "So we will investigate and check the health of those animals to find out whether those sales can be delivered or not."

Smith plead with the sheriff to allow her to keep her house pets, and one in particular who has formed a special bond with the family.

"If he leaves him, he will die," Smith said. "German shepherds die if they are taken away from whom they belong to. They bond with you and they bond for life."

Smith said bottomline this is not as bad as it looks.

"What I'm trying to say is, this is not a puppy mill situation," Smith said. "Yes, it outgrew us and it outgrew us in a big way."

In addition to the dogs, one horse in particular is catching the eye of the humane society.

"The horse is malnourished, and the horse is sick," Smith said. "It can barely walk, and it cannot put any weight on its back leg."

A court hearing is scheduled for October 3rd, and Smith said they will fight to save their kennel.

"We will be fighting this to the fullest extent of the law," Smith said.

Until then, the Humane Society of West Texas asks citizens to step up in helping to give these animals a temporary home.

Meet Louie

Louie is a beautiful, rescued bull terrier mix. He is also the GAP 1969 Demin mascot. Yay Louie and GAP!

Damian - Update

Damian is making progress. He eats well and wags his tail and body when he sees people he recognizes, so he is definitely feeling better. He is gaining weight and his hair is slowly starting to come in; however, he still has a long way to go and is continuing on the medications to treat his various ailments.

Thank you so much for your support of Damian and our other rescues. If you would like to contribute to Damian's ongoing medical treatment or to Barrio Dogs, you can do so here.

Please Help Buster

One of our dedicated fosters and volunteers witnesses more animal cruelty in her neighborhood than most should endure. She recently discovered an abandoned Beagle near Navigation and Lockwood. He is very sweet but is not doing well while he survives in the streets. He is getting beat up by other street dogs. He has bite marks on his nose and currently has a sprang leg. She has been feeding and giving him water and would love to take him in but already has six dogs and is doing more than her share.

Barrio Dogs helped with his vetting. He is heart worm positive and his sprang leg is from bites from other dogs. He also has bite marks all over him and has been prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatory meds.

Can ANYONE take this poor baby? Barrio Dogs can sponsor the vetting, provide food, kenneling and more if we can just get someone to get him off the streets and into a safe place. Poor baby; please help us network his story. For more information, contact: Sylvia @ 713 248-3705 or Gloria @ 281 732-5413. Thank you.