Dog Brings Possom Into The House

My dog, Carmella is the ultimate exterminator. She catches squirrels, bugs, birds, and tonight when I let her outside in the backyard and left the door open for a few minutes I heard her come in and go back out again. I decided to go back and close the door because it was getting cold in the house. The light in that room was off but I saw something on the floor that looked at first like a towel. Thinking that Carmella had taken something out of the laundry hamper I turned on the light and walked over to pick it up when I saw that it was not a towel at all but instead it had a snout, eyes, ears, and a tail! Upon close inspection I saw that it was a Possom. Its tail had a bit of blood on it and so I looked carefully to see if it was dead or just pretending to be.

It was breathing, so I knew it must be playing dead, and as I stood there a little while its eyes began to follow me and it moved its ears slightly. This is the second one Carmella has caught and tried to bring me. There was another about one year ago that she'd dropped on the back porch.

Tomorrow I finally have someone coming to address the squirrels in my sophets that have been chewing ravenously at the wood interior, so I guess this is the best time to have found this Possom. Maybe he can take it to a rehabber on his way out tomorrow and it can be re-located somewhere way out in the country.

I scooped it into Carmella's old carrier that she's grown out of, keeping my hands far away from its mouth and closed the latch on the gate as quickly as possible. It looked at me warily, opening its mouth slightly. It has a set of needle-sharp teeth, so I didn't want to leave it outside where Carmella or another dog or person could potentially get bitten, or for it to make its nest and start breeding in my attic.

It will be interesting to see what shows up over the next few days when the Atlanta Squirrel Removal company starts their trapping. I wonder whether I got the only one tonight or whether there are more Possoms in or around the house in hiding.

Animal Planet Donates Money To Villalobos Pit Bull Rescue Facility for Each Person Who Watches the show Pit Bulls and Parolees tonight at 10:00 PM EST

The reality show Pit Bulls and Parolees features Tia and her kennel staff of parolees located on 10 acres of land in the foothills of California, and a group of approximately 150 Pit Bulls rescued from all types of adverse circumstances, all in need of loving homes.

Villalobos is the largest facility of its kind in the world and its operation requires $600-$800/day to feed, house, and care for its residents. It goes through 2100 Lbs of dog food a week, and adopts out approximately 5 dogs per week to new homes! The dogs they rescue include former fighting dogs and other abused and/or neglected dogs from a variety of places. At the sanctuary all are spayed, neutered, and given love, training, and the veterinary care they need.

The vet bills alone average $30,000.00, and the monthly operating costs have increased to $15,000

The center is closed to the public except for Saturdays, but welcomes potential adopters. Those interested in adopting one of their Pit Bulls are asked to call for an appointment before coming though. Their phone number is (661) 268-0555. An e-mail form is available on their site;
http://www.vrcpitbull.com/dog/

They also have a live stream here on their Facebook page;
http://www.facebook.com/VillalobosRescueCenter?sk=app_142371818162

Although there are a number of Pit Bull rescues out there this one is particularly unique in that it has the dual purpose of offering opportunities for employment to people with a criminal record who otherwise would have a hard time finding jobs. Thus, while these parolees are being rehabilitated so are the dogs, and this meets an important need in the community. Through the exposure the television show has garnered the parolees and dogs are offered a unique chance to build back the public's trust, and go on to live happy and productive lives.

The parollees' rehab program is called The Underdawgz Inc.

Very soon tonight Animal Planet will be airing a special episode which will act as a benefit for Villalobos, partnering with ROAR; for each person tonight who watches the show Pit Bulls and Parollees Animal Planet will give a donation to the Pit Bull rescue.

So if you love Pit Bulls, or dogs in general, get your family and friends together, post this on your facebook page, tweet it, and get as many people to watch as possible, and if you can't be there at that time set your TV to tape the show. That counts too!

I know Carmella and I will be watching tonight's episode!

I will leave you with this very moving video;
http://www.youtube.com/user/vrcpitbull#p/u/9/60bA5jiPQYQ