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Lifeline Remains 90% Submerged from Isaac
Isaac Flooding from Lifeline Front Door
The small photo to the left here is taken from the front steps of Lifeline looking towards the 100 foot private lake on our property.
The flooded “lake” now covers over 90% of the 3 acre dog rescue facility submerged under flood waters.
Water covers the entire property past the fences on all 4 sides including the entrance gate leaving a small island of dry land around the on site manager’s home.
The public roadway is elevated and remains dry now that the storm passed.
Tropical storm Isaac was large and slow moving, so the excess rainfall was incredible in Okeechobee, Florida, compared to relatively minor 2 hours north in Orlando. The damage and cost of recovery has not been fully assessed, yet part of the shed and dog runs are flooded, some supplies may be ruined, and some fences will need to be replaced.
Before and After Photos of Flooding at Lifeline
This series of photos show the approximate extent of flooding using before and after graphics displaying original previous pix on the left, and a simulation of the flooding with transparent red overlays of areas that are submerged in water. Lifeline staff have not gone wading to get actual photographs because of safety concerns including poisonous snakes.
View each large size here and then click any for an even more detailed bigger view to see features like the gate, house, shed, and dog runs. Red areas simulate submerged property from extensive flooding.
Front Gate Entrance, Roadway, and Lifeline House
This photo is taken from the NW corner of Lifeline looking East towards the road, front gate entrance, public highway, and driveway leading to the on site home of the Lifeline Dog Rescue manager.
Lifeline Flooding of Gate, Roadway, House (before left and simulated right, click for large version)
House, Shed, Dog Runs, and Roadside Fence
This photo from the SW corner of Lifeline looking East shows the manager’s residence (barely visible behind the trees to the far left) with a small gated yard between it and the visible shed, and then the open area to fence the public highway.
Lifeline Flooding of House, Shed, Runs, Fence (before left and simulated right, click for large version)
Lifeline Private Lake and Dog Play Area
This photo, also from the SW corner of the property, is looking North and shows the large private lake and the dog play area in the distance. To put this in perspective, the last photo below is that same play area beyond the lake.
Lifeline Flooding of Lake and Play Area (before left and simulated right, click for large version)
Large Portion of the Dog Play Area
The angle of this view is from the steps of the residence looking at the Northwest corner of the property, and shows the incredible flood area of the dog play area.
Lifeline Flooding of Large Dog Play Area (before left and simulated right, click for large version)
Donations for Cleanup, Recovery, and Repairs
The team at Lifeline Dog Rescue is reluctant to ask for help, yet this unforseen disaster means donations are needed for the cleanup, recovery, and repairs. Our readers, Twitter followers, and Facebook fans have proven to be loyal and generous in helping us help more dogs. We need your help now.
Please note that no dogs were harmed or injured during the storm. All were kept safely inside the residence. However, the flooding has upset the normal routine for our dogs including play time and potty breaks. As previously stated, we must be cautious for safety reasons including the heightened danger of encountering poisonous snakes.
Updates including further assessments will be posted to our Facebook page.
You can help.
Please visit the donate page of our website and look under Donor One Time Donation in Any Amount to make your 501c3 tax deductible donation.
Since preliminary photos were posted on our Facebook page, we are certainly grateful to the people who have already stepped up and donated.
Prayers are welcomed.
UPDATE Tue P.M. – Water is NOT receding. 90% of the property is still submerged. Conditions in the residence include: the water pump is not working so no city water, a/c knocked out, and 30 dogs needing potty breaks. More rain and thunderstorms expected later today. The Water Authority reports flood gates are wide open, but the entire Okeechobee area has flooding. Thank God the 10% dry area is the property residence!
Dog Rescue or Dog Rescue Shelter
Among dog rescue advocates there is a difference between groups that operate as a dog rescue compared to a dog rescue shelter. Each is usually privately run and many are incorporated, yet not all USA based rescues are 501c3 eligible so that your adoption fee or donation is tax deductible.
The major difference between dog rescue and a dog rescue shelter like Lifeline Dog Rescue is a dog rescue shelter has a physical facility where dogs are provided housing, shelter, evaluation, care, and recreation. Here’s a slideshow of the Lifeline Dog Rescue shelter facility in Okeechobee, Florida.
Private dog rescue activities are carried out formally by corporations or informally by individual and volunteer dog rescue advocates. The structure and operations of each can vary greatly. Both use the shorter generic name “dog rescue” to describe their organization.
Here’s a comment about the Lifeline Dog Rescue facility made recently on our Facebook page:
How wonderful you actually have a shelter! I volunteer with a Weim rescue up north and we use foster homes, but sure would be great to have a facility, too. Your pups look great! All the best in placing them.
Many all volunteer dog rescue groups have a large network of approved foster parents who house and provide daily care for dogs in foster. In most cases, the dog rescue group covers expenses for any veterinary care to the foster volunteer.
Whether dog rescue or dog rescue shelter, both are no-kill options for persons looking to surrender a dog. Both provide a valuable and much needed service to rescue at risk dogs from euthanasia.
Each is better than a public kill shelter where dogs face a 50/50 chance of being put to sleep.
Dog rescue groups do great work! A volunteer dog rescue group using a network of foster homes can expand easily by adding more foster parents. A dog rescue shelter like Lifeline Dog Rescue will use foster volunteers, as well, yet requires funds if looking to expand their shelter facility once capacity is reached.
An all foster dog rescue or dog rescue shelter may be incorporated and 501c3. There is no requirement to have a facility. Informal dog rescue or foster volunteers are less likely to be 501c3 eligible, yet they are valuable to the cause of saving dogs.
As a point of comparison, public animal control shelters are primarily funded by taxpayers and run by a local city, county, or state agency. Donations for USA contributors to public shelters are tax deductible under IRS code 170(c).
We applaud dog rescue groups, other dog rescue shelters, dog rescue advocate volunteers, and even public shelters for all they do to save dogs. The mission of Lifeline Dog Rescue is all about the dogs, and we look forward to more opportunties to partner with groups, shelters, fosters, and volunteers.
Top 10 Reasons for Dog Surrenders
Please consider our advice when deciding to relinquish your dog, and the top 10 reasons for dog surrenders to animal shelters.
Your choices can affect the most positive outcome for your dog, and perhaps your conscience when compelled to give up your canine family member and companion.
The National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP) conducted interviews of staff and pet owners and collected data at animal shelters over several years.
Their research includes the following top 10 reasons people surrender their dogs to animal shelters.
- Moving – Most surrenders involve people who are moving.
- Landlord – Renters face dog ownership rules and restrictions.
- Cost – Financial issues prevent adequate care of dogs.
- Time – The time commitment for their dog becomes an issue.
- Space – The living space is inadequate for proper dog care.
- Numbers – Owners decide they have too many dogs in the home.
- Illness – The dog has medical issues due to age or illness.
- Problems – People encounter unexpected personal problems.
- Biting – The dog is affected in ways that lead to biting.
- Littermates – Placing all littermates is usually difficult.
Many of these reasons cannot be anticipated which leaves dog owners emotionally stressed while weighing options in a difficult situation.
Publicly funded animal shelters serve a cost effective choice, yet owners should realize your dog could face less than a 50/50 chance of being adopted. According to the NCPPSP the high rate of euthanization attributed by animal shelters was due to lack of the following: space, adoptions, or rescue organization support.
The typical process for pets that enter an animal shelter include examination, evaluation, and then the decision to either euthanize your dog or place it as available for adoption. Temperament, age, health, and behavior can affect that decision.
Some shelters have a policy due to overcrowding that surrendered dogs are immediately euthanized without evaluation. Yes, perfectly healthy adoptable dogs may have zero chance at adoption because there’s no room in the overloaded system.
Our advice when surrendering a dog is first contacting a private non-profit animal rescue group like Lifeline Dog Rescue. We prequalify candidates based on our specialty and current resources. Although some may refuse dogs that could pose serious problems for a new owner, those accepted are provided a safe haven without high risk compared to public shelters.
Other options we DO NOT recommend include giving the dog away to an acquaintance, placing a “Free to Good Home” ad, or simply dumping the dog in a nice neighborhood and hoping for the best. Each can result in risk that your dog will not get the chance to enjoy the life they deserve.
If you are considering giving up your dog it’s likely because of one of those top 10 reasons for dog surrenders. Do the right thing. Give your dog to people who really care, and help them help your dog by providing detailed information about their history including likes and dislikes, health, and behavior.
That way you improve their chance of being matched to the right family who is most capable for a happy adoption. View both our rescue dog surrender form and the rescue dog adoption form to see how Lifeline Dog Rescue analyzes your dog and potential adoptive parents for a suitable match.
Kuranda Discount Dog Bed Gift
You may now support Lifeline Dog Rescue with a Kuranda discount dog bed gift donated at a 28% dog rescue discount. These are high quality new dog beds that are ideal for our bigger than average Weimaraner dogs.
Kuranda offers new beds at a special 28% donation discount that you can give to registered dog rescue and shelter organizations. Donors may purchase new dog beds online at the Lifeline Dog Rescue page on Kuranda, and then the dog bed is shipped in your name directly to our rescue.
Here is a list of features from the Kuranda website:
- Keeps pets comfortable and dry off the cold, hard floor.
- Easy to keep clean and odor free.
- Last for years.
- Top choice of kennels and shelters worldwide.
- 1 year warranty
In addition, the Kuranda website suggests “Donate a bed as a gift or in memory of a loved one and we will mail a FREE Personalized Gift Card from you!”
Help us provide more comfort to these wonderful Weimaraners which will allow us to retain more funds for other essentials like food, monthly meds, and veterinary care.
Click on the Kuranda graphic above or follow the link in the second paragraph to donate today! Thanks.
Support Florida SB 818 and HB 597
Caged Weimaraner Dog Looking for Love
Lifeline Dog Rescue maintains a watch list of dogs at risk of euthanization, and actively pursue saving dogs from death row. While located in Central Florida, we have traveled well beyond 50 miles to save dogs from shelters and private owners.
Please contact your Florida state senate and house representatives and request they support Florida SB 818 and HB 597. Here are more details and a summary.
Bradenton Florida state Sen. Mike Bennett sponsored “Animal Rescue Act” SB 818, and State Rep. Joseph Abruzzo is primary sponsor of the identical House version HB 597.
SB 818: Animal Shelters and Animal Control Agencies
GENERAL BILL by Bennett; (CO-INTRODUCER) Gaetz
Animal Shelters and Animal Control Agencies; Creating the “Animal Rescue Act”; requiring any animal control agency or animal shelter that euthanizes animals to maintain a registry of animal rescue groups that are willing to accept animals that would otherwise be subject to euthanization; providing eligibility criteria for rescue groups and persons desiring to be on the euthanization registry; providing criteria under which an animal control agency or animal shelter may reject an applicant for the euthanization registry or remove a participant from the registry; requiring that certain specified information concerning an animal rescue group be included in the group’s application for inclusion on the euthanasia registry, etc.
Effective Date: July 1, 2012
Last Event: Filed on Thursday, November 03, 2011 10:43 AM
Source: www.FlSenate.gov
View the entire bill text online as originally filed: SB 818: Animal Shelters and Animal Control Agencies.
Please note that these bills affect more than just dogs. Cats, kittens, and other pets including exotic animals are at risk, and will be protected by this legislation.
Lifeline Dog Rescue specializes in the Weimaraner breed of dogs, yet we do accept other dogs including mixed breed, as well. Help save unwanted animals at risk in Florida. Support Florida SB 818 and HB 597 to let your state reps know you care.
