Showing posts with label pet adoption. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pet adoption. Show all posts

Monday, November 21, 2011

ALL CHILDREN NEED SOMEONE TO BE THANKFUL FOR IN THEIR LIVES

Kim DelGaudio

Guardian Ad Litems advocate for abused, neglected kids

November is a month for reflection, as we celebrate Thanksgiving with our families and count our blessings. November also is National Adoption Month, a good time to reflect on children who may celebrate Thanksgiving in a foster home and dream of finding a forever family. A time for contemplating children’s rights to grow and thrive in a permanent home.

Marie Fraser is the Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) for a child who has been in the foster care system for almost two years. The child was abused by a family member and has mental health issues. She has been in six placements, is on several medications and frequently lashes out at people around her. Her parents have surrendered their rights and the young teen is available for adoption.

Marie faithfully visits the child at least once a month, always checking with the doctors and therapists who work with her to make sure she is getting appropriate care. Many times when Marie visits, the child refuses to talk to her, but Marie continues her visits and advocating for the child’s rights.

Recently, Marie received a card written on pink-and-white construction paper that read: “I know I wasn’t such a good girl. But now I am and I’m sorry for treating you wrong … I just wanted you to know that now I understand you care a lot for me and I care for you too … Thanks for everything, and most of all, thanks for not giving up on me …You’re the best GAL I could ever ask for. ”

Marie hopes the girl finds a forever family soon. She will not give up.
A Guardian Ad Litem is a court-appointed advocate for children who have been abused, abandoned or neglected and are now involved in the court system. Children who have a GAL get through the system faster and with more success than children without a GAL. Brevard has 219 volunteers advocating for 630 children. Half of the GALs in Brevard are age 60 and older; half are employed.

Monday, June 13, 2011

GO GET A NEW BEST FRIEND!

Marion Pellicano Ambrose
I’m at that age where my kids are grown and I just can’t wait to be a grandmother! I want both my children to finish college, get a Masters and get a good start in their careers, but I keep hearing the pitter patter of little feet in my dreams.
My daughter finally found the solution to my problem. Today she adopted an adorable Siamese Kitty who she named Takei Tubbington. Takei is a small, thin cream colored cat with dark brown accents.  We found her at the South Brevard Animal Shelter on Otter Creek Road off US1.

Takei Tubbington
We showed up at 10am, not realizing they didn’t open until noon. We stood on the steps for a minute discussing what we should do for a few hours when the door opened and Sharon, the lady who runs the shelter, warmly welcomed us and invited us in. It was like a wonderland for cats. Large, small, skinny, fat, fluffy, bald, old and young cats roamed the entire area. Some were playing with the many toys; some were dozing on window ledges or peeking out of playhouses. All of them were happy, well fed and obviously comfortable and familiar with the ladies who work there.


Stanley is still waiting for a friend!
We walked around and met several beautiful cats, but as we stood at the front desk speaking to Sharon, a little Siamese jumped up and began snuggling with Jeanne. Sharon explained that nobody wanted this particular cat because she had a weak immune system. She didn’t have AIDS, but caught colds and illnesses more easily than the other cats. This kitty played with Jeanne’s long red hair and gazed up adoringly with her big blue “Puss in Boots” eyes! That was it! I knew I had a grand kitty!
Off to the pet store and Wal-Mart we went to get a carrier, a playhouse, bed, litter box, food, dishes, a collar and name tag, toys, toys and more toys, Kitty litter and ……more toys. We arrived back at the shelter with a trunkful of kitty goodies! Takei was ready and waiting for us. I know from this day forward, that little kitty will want for nothing. She will be loved, cared for and cherished all her little life!

Tommy and Clancy are Soul Mates and need a forever home!
But there are so many more cats and kittens left at the shelter! Most are perfectly healthy. Some have special needs, like the one with extra toes which made her paws look like chameleon feet! There was also Bessie, a lovable, beautiful kitty who happens to be HUGE!  Some of the cats are Katrina survivors, some were dumped on highways, streets or over the shelter fence, others were brought to the shelter by people who were moving or who just didn’t want a cat anymore. Whatever their story, they all have one thing in common, they would all love to be in a home with people who would love and care for them. In return, they provide love, companionship, positive energy, and someone who will be grateful and loyal to you for the rest of its life!
So why not stop by your local shelter and consider adopting a new pet. A lovable dog or cat is waiting for you to come and be his new best friend!
Here are a few National pet adoption sites, or you can contact a shelter near you.

Don't forget, June is Adopt A Cat Month!