Photos of the Animals

Many of you have asked to see photos of the animals, so I thought this would be the ideal place to begin posting them!

This is Frankie. Before Jim & Mary Lou brought her home to their ranch she spent all her time confined alone and in the dark in this little bathroom. Even then she was sweet and desperate for attention and affection.
Since they've brought her home Frankie's true personality has begun to blossom. She's smart, curious, affectionate, and an incredibly quick learner.
Just an all-around wonderful dog!

This is Hillary, in the corner of the kitchen where she used to spend most of her time. She was confined to this space, which she shared with Bingo, an 18-month old, 100 lb lab-cross that Jim and Mary Lou also brought home. Hillary is a beautiful dog. I think she looks like Healer cross, but that's just a guess. We don't know what happened to her in the past, but she so distrusts humans now that she won't let anyone near her. After a great deal of work, she has begun to take treats out of my hand before dashing off to safety, but only if the other dogs are nearby or if we are separated by the fence.
Since being moved out of the house and into the front yard she has begun to appear more relaxed and her inquisitive nature has begun to show itself. Unfortunately she is just too damaged by past experiences to let her guard down enough to be touched. She's never aggressive, she just won't let you near her, and I never press the issue. Hillary has plopped herself right down in the center of my heart and I am eternally grateful to Jay at Smiling Dog Farms for offering her a nice little condo of her own with a doggy friend to keep her company and plenty of space to run around if she decides one day she might like to do that. Thank you Jay. And take good care of my sweetheart!


Here are a few photos of some of the cats, who all stay inside the house. The air is thick with the searing smell of ammonia from years of cat pee on counter tops and floors. Until Jim & Mary Lou took over caring for these guys there were only 4 "litter boxes" (plastic tubs with some newspaper in the bottom) for 33 cats, which where emptied every few days. The smell... lingers.




















Well, it's just after 2am now and I have got to get some sleep. It's been another long day and tomorrow the quest for homes begins again. I'll post more pictures tomorrow.
As always, if you know anyone who may be able to take in even one of these little furry friends, we have about 20 cats that we still need to place by SUNDAY! So pass the word along!
All help is appreciated!
Sleep well,
Julie