January Is "Train Your Dog Month"

Don't give up on your dog, train him. If you have an old dog, you can teach him new tricks. If you've gotten one for Christmas or are considering one to start the new year, this is an important tool:

	National Train Your Dog Month occurs every January to promote the importance of training and socialization.

Description

Sponsored by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (www.apdt.com), the goal of National Train Your Dog Month is to promote the importance of training and socialization to create harmonious relationships between dogs and their people. By promoting positive, science-based training which focuses on improving the bond between dogs and humans, the APDT hopes more dogs and families will lead happier lives and we can help stop the flood of dogs turned in to shelters for training and behavior issues that could be easily worked on with the assistance of a qualified professional trainer. Our 2012 event will feature a contest for APDT members on their 2012 Trainer Resolutions. We are grateful to our prize sponsor, Newtrix, Inc.

Website	http://www.trainyourdogmonth.com

Kittens Found in Storm Drain!

These siblings were crying for help and were trying to get out of a storm drain in Muscle Shoals. They are about 5 wks old. Need homes ASAP! CONTACT AMBER (256)320-9084 or jackson0488@bellsouth.net

View more pics here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2380907412234.134488.1537140522&type=1

He Needs a Forever Home!

Two Year-Old Male Dachshund

PLEASE IF YOU CAN HELP THIS DOG, CONTACT: DEBBIE AT drappuhn@aol.com.

Debbie Rappuhn, 256-335-1730

Russellville, You Have A Problem!

As I left work this morning, I traveled north on Hwy. 43. Between Lawrence Street and the edge of the business district of Russellville I saw two dead dogs...dogs that weren't there Saturday morning. The smaller one appeared to be a terrier with a red collar; I was unable to tell if the larger dog wore one. Nevertheless, someone loved at least one of the dogs...and now this former family member is dead.

Did you not love it enough to keep in your back yard? Did you just forget to close the gate? Or are you like the current Russellville mayor Troy Oliver and think no leash law is needed or wanted in your fair city?

Citizens of Russellville, I don't like to drive home with tears in my eyes because you let an innocent animal die in pain on a hot asphalt highway. Wake up! I can't vote in your town even though I often work there. You're the ones who can make a difference. Call your council member--go to the next meeting--demand a leash law.

If you treat your animals this way, I have very few hopes that you treat your human children any better...

Five Labs Found Abandoned

This handsome dog about town and four of his siblings were abandoned at the Florence Shelter. Alas, there's no room at the inn for these guys. Please share this with anyone who may have an appropriate home. This is the only love you can buy and certainly more faithful than your ex!

Location: Florence Animal Shelter
Open: 9-12, 1:30-5/M-F
Phone: 760-6676

Maisie & Crockett: A Long Awaited Update

We're happy to announce that Crockett, the pit bull mix found abandoned in Leighton, has gone to a forever home in Tennessee. Many thanks to Dr. Joe Cobb of the Colbert Animal Clinic for taking such good care of Crockett.

Maisie, that wonderful and spirited beagle, is still residing at Dr. Cobb's office in Tuscumbia. Dr. Cobb thought it best for her to spend the winter at the clinic in order for him to keep a close check on her injuries. At least that was his story--we think he just hates to see her leave.

Happily, Maisie has finally been given a clean bill of health and is ready to go to her forever home, wherever that may be. She will need an inside home with no young children. If you or someone you know can provide that home, please contact Dr. Cobb's office at 256-381-6210.

If you would like to contribute to Dr. Cobb's ongoing efforts to help and place injured animals, you may send your donations to Maisie's Fund in care of :

Colbert Animal Clinic
930 Hwy 20
Tuscumbia, AL 35674-6092

Many thanks to all who have supported Crockett and Maisie with both monetary donations and prayers.

Cisco--Whata Kid!

This is Cisco, a small terrier/bull dog mix. Cisco is currently at the Florence Lauderdale Shelter. You can visit with Cisco and other dogs Monday through Friday. You may wish to call first:

256-760-6676

Too Short a Leash: RIP Talbot

Some things require a short leash--men come to mind. Dogs do not. This weekend I lost a good friend of five years standing. He was in the palm of a friend's hand when I first met him, his face still black and his fangs bared at all of five weeks old. They named him Daytona; I called him Talbot for the werewolf he resembled.

Talbot died Saturday at the age of barely five years--much too soon for a Yorkie. He had visited with me as usual on Thursday night, putting his head on my chair and sighing until I picked him up. Saturday was a hectic day and the unneutered Talbot was in a playful mood, so playful that his mother put him on the front porch away from the unspayed miniature Yorkie inside.

He died there on the porch, or more correctly hanging from his leash over the edge of the elevated decking. His mother found him three hours later when she remembered to check on him. He was cold and stiff. They all cried, and so did I.

No dog deserves to die that way. Please neuter your pets...and please give them a long leash. Their lives depend on it.

Maisie's Corner/Crockett Update

The Connection now has Maisie's Corner up and running. If you have a pet or stray to place for adoption, please e-mail us pics and info. Many thanks.

traderconnections@yahoo.com
baylockerbie@hotmail.com

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The bulldog rescue organization in Tennessee has so far been unable to find a foster home for Crockett. If you would like to adopt this large, but loving, pit bull, please contact us.

Thanks to all who love animals!

Maisie's Page at The Connection

The Connection will soon launch Maisie's Page, where you may list your foundling furbabies free of charge. Be sure to have a photo ready to upload.



For those who asked about Crockett, the pit bull dog found abandoned in Leighton, we have good news. Crockett will be going to live at a bull dog sanctuary in the very near future. We'll be keeping you updated.

If any would like to give to Maisie's Fund for Injured Animals, please contact Trader at:

traderconnections@yahoo.com