(At Long Last?) On Solid Ground

(Picture Left: Morris -- an "old soul" looking for.....?)

In a very rare instance of having a foster home lined up for dog in the shelter, I went last night to the Manhattan AC&C.

It was the first time going to the shelter (alone) since experiencing a horrible episode of vertigo, dizziness and near-fainting on the subway platform several months ago.

We have of course, rescued a number of dogs since last October. But, the dogs were either transported from the Brooklyn AC&C to boarding or my vet. Or, in one case I went with friends to the Manhattan shelter and we took the bus, rather than the subway.

It was a bit unnerving yesterday while waiting on a packed subway platform for a train that was obviously delayed. When the rush-hour subway finally arrived and I had to step on with a crush of people, my legs seemed to go weak. I had to fight back a fleeting sense of terror that what happened almost three months ago, was about to happen again.

But, fortunately, the feeling this time was only temporary.

By the time the train arrived at the 110th Street station, I was reasonably together again. A quick exit from the subway station and much to my relief and surprise, the ground below my feet felt solid and normal! -- No weakness or "rocking boat" sensations!

The feeling of normalcy and relief continued as I arrived at the Manhattan AC&C and met the two young men who had offered to foster, "Morris," an older, black Chow who a shelter volunteer informed me about a couple of days ago.

The young men are partners living in an Upper West Side apartment. While there is some question with regard to the Landlord's reluctance to allow them to have a dog permanently, Charles and Ken are planning to move anyway as soon as their lease is shortly up.

In any event, with the Manhattan shelter now in a major "space" crunch due to (once again) "renovations," I didn't have the luxury of turning down this otherwise promising foster due to ambiguous apartment circumstances.

There are few adoption and rescue opportunities for older, black Chows at Animal Control -- especially when the dog needs to get out within a few days. Reality is that (rescue) beggars can't be too fussy or "anal."

Both young men were very nice and personable. They came fully prepared with good leash and collar, dog food and other supplies.

We found Morris in a smallish cage in what used to be a kitten-holding room. He had been neutered earlier in the day and seemed a bit sluggish when I removed him from the cage and we took him into the lobby of the shelter.

But, once out of the cage, Morris perked up and immediately looked all around him.

Although arriving at the Manhattan shelter as a Bronx "stray," with a severe ear infection, it was nonetheless obvious that Morris had been an owned dog. His weight was good and his coat reasonably clean and shiny.

But, the real evidence that Morris had been a owned dog was the way he anxiously looked at everyone in the lobby and towards the door, apparently and almost desperately seeking his former owner.

I always think that is sad to see in a dog. We can't explain to the forlorn creatures that their search is futile as their former people are never coming back.

"He will get over that in a few days," I explained to the Charles and Ken. "Usually the dogs will bond to their new people and memories or longings for the past quickly fade."

Nevertheless, I advised Charles and Ken to go slowly with Morris. Its important for new dogs in new situations to have time and peaceful quiet to adjust to all the sudden and major changes in their lives.

Morris was cooperative while I pulled out some loose hair on him and he seemed to be comfortable with the young men petting him. Very typical of Chows, Morris was quiet and reserved. He stood still while I took pictures and video of him.

I wondered, while taking the pictures, how old Morris really is?

The shelter indicated him to be around six-years-old.. But, the look in Morris' eyes and face gives one the feeling of an "old soul."

Once in the street, however, Morris walked alongside his new foster people with pep and vigor.

Both young men were impressed with how nicely Morris walked on the leash and that he appeared to be housebroken.

We all decided that it would be a good idea for Charles and Ken to walk Morris all the way to their Upper West Side apartment.

"It greatly reduces their stress from being in the shelter and also helps in the bonding process to take the dogs for long walks when first getting them," I advised. "Morris has a thick coat on him for the cold and he is physically in good shape. You need not worry."

I parted with Charles and Ken and their new foster dog on Lexington Avenue.

As I waited for the bus to go back home, it occurred to me how well the evening had truly gone.

Good dog, good foster people. And I didn't have one vertigo spell the entire time!

The ground below my feet, a solid slab of cement. -- I felt almost 100% of normal.

Charles and Ken's ultimate goal is to adopt a dog.

If all goes well with Morris and the apartment situation then Morris might well have found his forever home last night.

But, as said to Charles and Ken on the walk from the shelter, "Let's not worry too much about the future right now. Better to take it one day at a time."

But, if the rest of the days can go half as well as yesterday, then, for both Morris and me (and hopefully, his new adopters) then the future is indeed, looking up!

We are at last, seemingly on solid ground. -- PCA

*********

At Last!

(Picture Left: Daisy -- a long time, coming.)

"At last my love has come along," the famous Etta James song goes.

While we in rescue don't spend nights fretting about either lost or possible loves, we do worry about those animals languishing in boarding too long.

For us, one of those dogs was "Daisy," a beautiful Retriever/Chow mix rescued more than a year ago.

Daisy arrived at the AC&C after her former (elderly) owner fell on hard times. An older woman apparently, Daisy's caregiver suffered major health problems and had to give up the young, vivacious dog.

Daisy was nervous in the shelter and was slated for euthanasia due to "questionable behavior."

When agreeing to take Daisy, I figured due to her looks, age and robust health, she would not be a hard placement. She was also quite friendly and would roll on her back for belly runs.

But, I was wrong about Daisy.

Daisy was a very strong dog and hard to control on the leash (especially when meeting other dogs.) The few people I showed Daisy to shortly after her rescue, rejected her due to the dog's strength and apparent lack of leash manners.

Though originally in Manhattan boarding, about a month after her rescue, one of our other dogs was adopted and the foster person offered to take Daisy.

"Carrie" has a husband, two children, four cats and at the time, she was also fostering an older, male Cocker Spaniel.

Carrie and I both figured Daisy needed more socialization and leash training. Carrie was a very experienced dog walker and fosterer and she was kind enough to take Daisy.

Daisy did well with Carrie and her family. The beautiful Chow mix was even OK around the cats and accepted the other dog.

After having Daisy in foster about a month, a nice family from Connecticut offered to adopt her.

The family consisted of two teenage children, two cats and a mature, female dog.

The adoption seemed perfect: An active family with a house and property.

But, within the first few days of the adoption, I received calls from both the husband and wife.

Though good with all the humans in the family, Daisy was "chasing the cats" and not getting along well with their other dog.

The one thing that had concerned me about the adoption was that the people had a female dog at home. Generally speaking, when adopting a second dog, it is better to adopt an opposite sex dog. Female dogs together can be especially problematic.

Unfortunately, this was the biggest challenge we were running into with the adoption. The two female dogs seemed to battle each other over who was going to be "top dog," the situation got ugly and the family ended up separating them.

I tried to counsel and offer advice which was somewhat difficult considering Daisy had peacefully lived with cats and another (male) dog in the foster home.

So often, it is the way the humans react to and handle the challenges of a newly acquired dog that ultimately determines whether the adoption fails or succeeds. The introduction of new animals to each other usually isn't pretty.

The adults in this family seemed unable to either take control of the situation or even just take matters in stride. Usually, no matter how ugly, most animals eventually work out their differences.

But, within a couple weeks of her adoption, Daisy was returned.

This time, unfortunately, Carrie was unable to take Daisy back a second time because she had taken in a new rescue shortly after Daisy was adopted.

I had to send Daisy to boarding with a trainer in New Jersey.

That was in the early spring of last year.

Daisy has remained in boarding all of this time.

Over the many long months Daisy was in boarding, we heavily advertised her on adoption sites (including Craig's List) and I personally promoted her to those potential and qualified adopters without other pets at home.

But, only two potential adoption parties actually went to see Daisy.

According to both, the potential adopters and Ed (of Working Dogs Canine Academy) Daisy was "aloof and reserved" with the unfamiliar people and they thus rejected her.

Still more months passed and I began to worry if Daisy would ever find a loving, adoptive home.

All of our efforts with her were meeting with repeated failures.

Then, last week, I received a call from a very lovely woman inquiring on another Chow mix dog who had recently been adopted.

I told "Sue" about Daisy.

Sue and her family (husband and three adolescent children) had recently lost their Shih-Tzu of 13 years to terminal illness.

Of course I questioned the choice of a young, active dog over a breed that is not normally particularly active and strong.

But, Sue explained that the Shih-Tzu had been a rescue many years ago (after a neighbor died) and that the family sought a more active dog to run and hike with. They own a townhouse here in the city near Central Park and also have a country home.

Once again, it sounded like a potentially very good situation for Daisy. But after getting my hopes high so many times over the past year with Daisy only to see them dashed, I dared not feel optimistic.

But, yesterday the family drove out to New Jersey to meet with Daisy.

And much to my delight and surprise, they adopted the red Chow/Retriever mix.

When speaking with Ed last night, he told me that Daisy immediately gravitated towards all the members in the family and happily jumped into the car with them!

This had been a far cry from Daisy's formerly cool and cautious greetings to other potential adopters.

It seems the discerning Chow mix chose her own adopters!

Just as importantly, Ed (who does his own rescues and adoptions) felt very good about the people and seemed confident that the adoption would successfully work out.

I was still much more guarded about "assuming" anything. Though the adoption of Daisy represents a possible opening for us to do another rescue, I have to be sure the adoption has actually taken before committing us to another dog.

But, so far, the news is all good.

Sue called this morning to inform me how well things are going so far and how Daisy seems to love everyone in the family and they her.

Perhaps I had so warned Sue to "take things slowly" and to expect all kinds of difficulties and adjustments in the beginning, that she seemed genuinely surprised. Daisy was far exceeding the family's expectations!

Then again, it seems far better (to me) for people to "expect" the worse and be pleasantly surprised than vice versa.

Perhaps that is why we don't get as many adoptions as other rescue groups or shelters.

But, even with all the caution and warnings, we still get more than our share of returns.

I am just hoping that at least for Daisy this time, her need to find her forever loving home has finally come, "at last." -- PCA

*********

An Eventful Week

Two interesting events occurred this past week.

The President met with opposition Republicans -- something very unusual in the world of politics.

Leaders of the AC&C and the Mayor's Alliance met with rescuers who had questions.

As far as I know, President Obama was not tipped off beforehand with the questions he would be asked by Republicans.

But, spokespersons for the shelter and umbrella rescue organization were.

I did not vote for President Obama (I felt he lacked experience at the time), but I have been impressed with his gutsy performance as President. Perhaps its because my "expectations" were comparatively low of our new President, that I have been mostly pleased and surprised.

Likewise, my expectations of the AC&C and the Mayor's Alliance have been far lower than their own "sugar coated" and overly optimistic projections and claims.

But, I have to admit much good has been accomplished over the past decade.

Daily (ASPCA) spay/neuter vans around the city have resulted in more animals being neutered and a lower intake at the shelters -- at least for non-Pitbull dogs. (Cat intake numbers have unfortunately risen over the past year following a decade-long decline.)

Fewer animal arriving at shelters and more groups involved in rescue, results in fewer animals being euthanized.

According to claims by the AC&C and the MA, euthanasia has dropped in NYC shelters from 75% in 2002 to 39% now.

But, 39% is still a far cry from NYC becoming "no kill by 2015."

The pre-prepared question I submitted for the Thursday meeting was:

"With regard to the particular Pitbull and cat problems in NYC, how can NYC claim to be 'no kill' by 2015?"

Jane Hoffman of the Mayor's Alliance attempted to answer this question, but I felt it was more of a dodge than an enlightening reply.

Basically, the reply was that we needed more "T, N and R" (trap, neuter and release) for feral cats and for the ASPCA spay/neuter vans (and other SN services) to neuter more Pitbulls.

But, reality is that most cats arriving at city shelters are not feral cats, nor are most owners of Pitbulls willing to neuter their dogs.

Unfortunately, we were not allowed follow-up questions.

There is no question that strong spay/neuter programs eventually result in fewer animals coming into shelters and fewer animals killed.

But, in addition to easily available and affordable spay/neuter, we also need honest, no- nonsense and targeted PUBLIC HUMANE EDUCATION programs to reach those people who, even in this day and age, refuse to neuter their dogs (particularly Pitbulls) and cats. -- In other words, WHY we need to neuter pets.

Personally, I don't see that happening now as it did occur nationally throughout the 70s, 80's and 90's resulting in Intake declines in almost all shelters nationwide.

By contrast, we seem to be intimating to the public that we have "rescue" and "adoption" for all the animals entering shelters now and in my personal judgment, that will ultimately result in higher intake numbers in shelters, not lower.

That is already the unfortunate reality for cats in NYC shelters.

And despite the valiant and dedicated efforts of cat rescue groups and no-kill shelters, reality is, that we cannot "rescue" or "adopt" our way out of the cat overpopulation and pet dumping problems.

The same is true for Pitbulls.

As mentioned many times, our group is not a member of the Mayor's Alliance (though we are a "New Hope" partner to the shelter.).

I did not sign up with MA because first of all, the name itself is deceptive. (I have been informed from a colleague that the name, "Mayors Alliance" was chosen in order to "open doors" in terms of support and opportunity that ordinarily would be closed.)

Reality is, however, that the Mayor of New York City has nothing to do with animal rescue and in fact, in many ways has acted as an obstructionist to major progress. Both, Mayor Giuliani and Mike Bloomberg have kept control of our animal shelters in the hands of the Department of Health as opposed to creating a much needed and separate Animal Services agency.

The agendas of the Department of Health and the goals and objectives of animal rescue and welfare are often in conflict with each other.

The other reason I did not sign up with the Mayor's Alliance is that I felt the promise of a "no kill" New York City by (at first 2012, and now) 2015 was misleading and unrealistic to say the least.

I did not want to be part of what I felt to be a fabrication or false promise to the public.

Only time will tell whether this was truly a wise decision in terms of benefit and support versus a kind of "holding to principle."

The truth is that everyone in rescue, including myself has the same goal of an eventual "no kill" city.

The difference is that I don't see how we make such a promise to the citizens of our city and specify a particular "no kill" date when we don't have all the "ducks lined up in row" to make that goal a reality.

When I say, "ducks lined up in a row" I refer to enough and adequate full service shelters in every borough of New York City, as well as strong public humane education programs -- particularly as mandated in our city schools.

I fear that as money and funding begins to dry up (particularly in this economy) and rescues become saturated with animals they cannot "adopt" out so quickly, these decreases we currently see in shelter euthanasias will eventually level off and sadly again start to rise.

The other night, in answer to a specific question, Jane Hoffman referred to herself as "perhaps overly optimistic."

Yes, I do believe Hoffman is overly optimistic in more ways than one. -- Just as some might refer to me as "overly pessimistic."

Perhaps between the two of us, the real truth lies.

This is one area where I hope to be eventually wrong, as I now think I may have been in my initial assessment of then-Senator Obama in 2008.

But, only time will tell. -- PCA

*****

******

Adoption Blues

(Picture Left: Diamond. Loving, loyal and well behaved dog (even good with cats!). Returned from Adoption for failing to perform an impossible "job.")

The past few days continue to be frustrating.

Very few calls. And those we have been getting are almost all pleas for help:

Neglected cats and kittens in a store. Senior citizens who cannot care for their 7-year-old Pitbull anymore. A family moving to a place they cannot bring the family cats. These are just a few of the calls.

In every case, the people tell me they have called numerous no kill rescues and shelters and cannot get any help.

Unfortunately, I can't offer help either as we cannot place the animals we already have and I have no fosters to put any more dogs or cats into.

Currently, we have nine dogs in boarding.

Of the nine dogs, all but one have been returned from either foster or adoption.

Three dogs have now been in boarding almost a year.

I am extremely worried and distressed over this situation.

It makes me question our own adoption and foster contracts.

Like most reputable shelters and rescues, we guarantee that we will always take back an animal if an adoption or foster placement does not work out.

But, some people abuse that guarantee.

In recent months we have had dogs returned within a day or two of an adoption for things as minor as chasing a cat, or pulling on a leash.

If one imagines the dog returned for leash pulling was a powerful 100 lb Rottie or Pitbull, the reality is that the dog was a 27 lb Lhasa Apso.

Yes, before he finally found his forever home (two weeks ago) after being rescued three months before, our perfect and lovable Tiki had been formerly adopted and returned within 3 days for leash-pulling.

But, probably the craziest reason for a return was the woman who adopted Diamond (a lovable and wonderfully behaved Hound/Shepherd mix) to us three days following the adoption because the woman claimed she "wasn't really ready" for a dog.

Diamond had been perfect in the home. Good with the young woman's cat. Totally housebroken, quiet and loving.

But, the truth was, the woman adopted Diamond to try and fill an emotional void that was left after her Mother recently died.

In other words, Diamond had a job to do.

Unfortunately, a dog cannot "replace" a parent who dies, a spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend who rejects or abandons or even another pet who has passed on.

People don't always tell us the more complex motivations for their decision to adopt a dog or cat.

We tend to learn these things when they return the animal a few days after an adoption.

Other "complications?"

Everyone in the household not being on the same page regarding the adoption.

In those cases where it is primarily the husband or wife who wants a dog and the partner is just tacitly going along, it usually doesn't work over the long (or even short) haul. Nor, does it work when it is primarily the "kids who want a dog." I always tell the parents in these situations that THEY have to want the dog because it is THEY who will end up with all the care of the animal, regardless of what their kids "promise" or don't promise. One simply cannot depend upon or dump on children, adult responsibilities.

But, no matter how careful one is in doing adoption screenings, there are the inevitable returns.

Some people presume that with the rescue group or shelter accepting responsibility for what ultimately happens to the animal, they (the adopters) don't have to accept any.

Not even that of giving an adoption more than 2 or 3 days to work itself out. -- PCA

*********

Just Like a (Blended) Family! --The Ducks and Swans of Central Park

(Pictures: Top Left: Three white ducks who suddenly showed up in park last August. Top Right: Canadian Geese taking a stroll along pedestrian paths in summer. Bottom left: Mating pair of swans in park yesterday. Bottom right: "Family" of swans and the three white ducks!

"Light a candle or curse the darkness," a saying goes.

It would be easy to worry one's self into a frenzy these days with the number of loving animals we have in boarding who urgently need real homes and the truly scary drop in qualified adoption calls and inquiries.

But, I have decided to try and make the best of a bad situation. -- Hence, one of the main reasons for spending a lot of time in the park recently with my dogs.

Some might call that, "escapism" and they would probably be right.

I am just not sure what to do apart from worrying or obsessing about the problem. We have continually advertised our dogs and cats for adoption. We send out occasional newsletters. I write a blog.

But, apart from emailing guilt-tripping Alerts: "Either someone steps up for Fluffy or s/he dies tomorrow!" or standing on a street corner with a sign saying the same, it seems nothing else works.

And yet, as a no kill rescue group, such "alert" would be a lie were it to refer to our own animals for adoption.

So yes, it is quite a quandary these days.

But, in the midst of all this misery (especially the Euth lists and endless Alerts from Animal Control) I have somehow managed to find some sense of peace and joy.

That is, walking in Central Park with my dogs and discovering all the amazing sights and animals there!

Yesterday, our journey took us to the North End of Central Park. -- the area where I go to swim in the outdoor pool during the summer. (Lasker pool is converted to an ice skating rink during the winter!)

I haven't been to this area since the pool closed in September.

At first, it was surprising to see the crowded skating rink. It is quite extraordinary to realize the transformation of a larger-than-Olympic-size swimming pool into a winter skating rink!

But, that was only the beginning of the surprises!

There is a large duck pond adjacent to the skating rink ("Harlem Meer" I believe it is called.)

During the summer, I always loved passing by the pond and noting all the ducks and Canadian Geese. The geese were so bold, they would sometimes walk upon the grass and pedestrian paths like little humans!

But, yesterday there were two new additions to the usual assortment of birds.

A pair of male and female swans!

Surely, these creatures are among the most beautiful on earth! -- Regal, statuesque, proud and just plain gorgeous!

My eyes nearly popped out of my head with the sight of these magnificent animals. I quickly whipped out my cameras.

It was amazing the way the swans willingly swam up to and seemed to trust people. One suspects they are getting handouts on a regular basis -- perhaps not such a good thing should the birds ever approach the wrong people.

On the other hand, the swans are quite large and presumably strong. Hopefully, they could defend themselves if ever they had to.

The male swan was particularly watchful of my dog, Tina. He puffed out his feathers in order to appear even bigger than he was. Tina was of course, her excitable self when seeing these unusual and large creatures. Straining on her leash to get near the water, I had to pull Tina back. The swans did not look like ones to mess with!

But, if I was totally awed and delighted in seeing the swans, I was downright shocked to see the three white (Peaking) ducks that popped up suddenly in the pond last August!

White ducks are not indigenous to Central Park.

When thumbing through a book last week on the wildlife in Central Park, I however, read that white (Peiking) ducks are sometimes seen in the north end of the park. According to the book, the ducks either "escaped" from a live poultry market on 116th Street or are dumps from human homes.

I figured the ducks were probably abandoned Easter presents when I saw them last August and feared that they would never survive. Perhaps the native ducks and geese might attack them or, as "domestic" birds, they simply wouldn't know how to survive.

But, amazingly, not only have the white ducks survived, but they seem to be thriving!

Swimming peacefully in the water alongside the regular ducks, the white ducks seemed especially fond of staying near the swans! The five white, but unrelated birds appeared almost like a family, bearing truth to the old adage that, "Birds of a feather, flock together!"

I never expected that when leaving this area at the end of last summer's swim session, I would ever see the three white ducks again!

It was an unbelievable thrill seeing the Peaking ducks again yesterday and truly a testament to the resiliency and survivability of nature.

A friend has questioned and suggested that perhaps these white ducks are not the same ones I saw last summer.

That is possible, of course. But, I would be willing to bet the house that they are exactly the same birds.

If it were just one bird or two, there would be some doubt.

But, the way these three white ducks are so closely attached, never more than mere inches from each other leads me to conclude they are exactly the same birds I saw huddled together last August.

So frightened they were then. Barely venturing off the grass into the water.

But, now the white ducks are proud, confident, clean and seemingly very content -- especially when staying close to the swans, perhaps for that added little bit of protection.

The five white birds really did look just like a family! --PCA

"Dizzy Lizzy" No More -- (Or, Remedies Within Us)

Last night I went swimming for the first time in three months.
That may not sound like a big deal, but for me, it was huge.

The struggles with vertigo and dizziness since October have kept me far away from the indoor pool. The last time I went swimming, I experienced dizziness while swimming, as well as vertigo (false sense of the ground moving or slipping away) when in the locker room.

About a week later, I almost passed out on a subway platform when on my way to the animal shelter.

That particular episode of weakness, dizziness and vertigo landed me in the hospital overnight. The total lack of control one feels when experiencing these symptoms easily leads to panic. By the time I arrived at the Emergency Room in a cab that late October evening, I was barely able to walk without stumbling and wavering like a drunk. Doctors saw me immediately.

But, tests revealed nothing seriously wrong and I was sent home the following day with a prescription for "Zoloft" (an anti-depressant and anti-anxiety drug) which I never bothered to fill. The possible side effects of the medication included "dizziness" and it made no sense to potentially exacerbate a problem I was already experiencing big time.

Research on the Internet, as well as a previous 9-month bout with this affliction back in 2002 led me to believe the problem was mainly due to an inner ear fluid imbalance -- a fairly common problem apparently, but one which we rarely hear anything about.

Since that time I have been forcing myself to do those things that seem the most "scary" when dealing with this kind of problem. -- Long, brisk walks (with the dogs) in the park. Dancing with special emphasis on turns. And oddly enough, a "balancing" exercise that involves walking with my dogs on a fairly narrow, short, stone wall in the park. The wall is about a city block long.

The first time I stepped on the wall (which ranges from about 2 to 3 feet high), my legs went immediately weak and I was sure I would fall off. A feeling of panic washed over me.

But, with both Tina and Chance slowly walking in front of me, we were able to prevail and walk the entire length of the wall.

When finally reaching the end and jumping off, I felt this enormous sense of relief -- and victory. The ground suddenly felt very solid under my feet. I felt almost 100% of "normal!"

Since the first "wall walk" about three or four weeks back, there have been many others; each one getting just a little easier.

I realize it probably looks a little odd to passers-by. An older woman with two dogs balancing and walking on a short, narrow wall (like some kid), but it was really something important to do. -- like a kind of physical therapy. If balance is the problem, then it is balance that has to be addressed. That means doing scary or even crazy looking things.

But, I hadn't been on a subway alone since that frightening day back in late October. Nor, had I been to the indoor pool again.

But, yesterday I felt particularly embolden, especially since taking my dogs on a two hour, almost 3-mile hike in the park in the mid afternoon.

Last night, I thought to myself: "Why not? It's time to try again!"

But, I was nervous when packing my swim bag. Anxious questions began to pop up in my brain:

What if I start wavering on the subway platform? What if I go dizzy when walking down the narrow, winding staircase at the city pool? What if I get dizzy while swimming again?

I could not be sure about any of the questions -- or their answers.

But, in the end, I pushed them out of my head. It simply wasn't a time to give into fears and anxiety. If exercise was the thing making me feel better and stronger over these past few weeks, then exercise was the thing to embrace and not avoid.

I focused on the music playing through my Walkman while waiting for the train on the subway platform. I was careful to enter a subway car that would leave me closest to the street exit when getting off at 59th Street. The worst thing would be to get caught in any kind of crowd getting off the train. -- That is what happened back in October.

The subway ride went amazingly well. I was able to make a quick exit from the train, avoid a crowd and get on the street within a mere minute or two.

But, that was only the beginning.....

When arriving at the pool, I experienced some initial feelings of vertigo and dizziness when in the locker room. But, I attributed them to mostly anxiety.

The unsteady feeling continued through a quick shower and making my way to the actual pool.

Am I crazy? I wondered. Jumping in a pool when I feel so unsteady and off balance?

But, I jumped in anyway.

The real "test" would occur once I was actually in the water. I had come this far and there was no sense in chickening out now. If worse came to worse, there was a lifeguard stationed at the pool.

The water was almost shockingly cold, and one had to immediately start swimming in order to warm up.

Once swimming, a feeling of great relief swept over me. -- Everything felt normal!

I swam for about 40 minutes. Far less than I normally did over last summer, but it was like a dream come true. No dizziness. No feelings of nausea, "fading out" or panic. It was just so wonderful to be in the water again.

Back in the locker room and shower after the swim, things continued to feel great. The anxiety and unsteadiness of earlier in the evening was gone.

I realize it is probably foolhardy or presumptive to say I am totally "cured" from the vertigo spells based upon one successful swim.

Nor, would it be accurate to say that the recent progress in battling this (apparently inner ear) affliction is based entirely on exercise and "balancing therapy."

About two weeks ago, I saw a commercial on TV for an over-the-counter product designed to address "ringing in the ear."

I don't have ringing in the ear, but since the condition is related to inner ear circulation problems, I figured I would check it out.

The next day, I read the label on "Lipo-Flavonoid" (a dietary supplement, rather than drug) and it was also indicated to be helpful in dizziness/vertigo associated with the inner ear.

I had nothing to lose by trying it.

And indeed, the only thing "lost" since purchasing and using this product are the intensity and length of the vertigo spells.

Its the first time I would say a product advertised on TV turned out to be really helpful!

The funny part is, the product wasn't even advertised to be helpful in inner ear balance problems and/or vertigo!

How odd is it, that sometimes the remedies for afflictions that plague or debilitate us are right under our noses?

Under our noses in the sense of our own bodies that need to be challenged and worked or a simple (fairly inexpensive) supplement on the shelf of the local CVS.

One is tempted to wonder, what good are doctors and hospitals for the simple problems that commonly ail people or can seriously disrupt our lives?

More often than not, the real cure is ultimately within us.

I am (hopefully) "Dizzy Lizzy" no more.

******

Synchronization -- Tiki's Story

(Picture Left: Tiki, shortly after rescue.)

Back in November, we rescued a Lhasa Apso mix from Animal Control.

Normally, I don't pull many small dogs because these animals are the first to be picked by other rescues.

With the exception of Chance, my Pomeranian, It is rare for a small dog to end up on the shelter Euth list these days. If New York City has made progress in one area with companion animals, it is the fact that most little dogs entering our shelter system either go to rescue or are direct adoptions.

Nevertheless, once in a while we take a smaller dog. If the shelter is unusually full with small dogs or we don't have any for adoption, I believe it is good to have some diversity among our adoptable dogs.

We (myself and two volunteers) were at the shelter in mid November to pick up a dog who had been on the Euth list. But, while there, I asked Jesse (the New Hope Coordinator at Animal Control) if there were any smaller dogs that she particularly needed to get out. We didn't have any at that time for adoption.

The small dog ward was full and Jesse pointed out several dogs who had been there a while.

One was a 27 lb, 6-year-old, Lhasa Apso named "Tiki" (in video) who had then been at the shelter two weeks without being picked up by a rescue. At that time, Tiki seemed to be the most urgent.

It was not clear why Tiki had not already been pulled. Perhaps some rescues considered him "too big." Perhaps some were cautious with the breed. (Lhasas have a reputation for sometimes being quite feisty or "one person dogs.")

Tiki had been relinquished to the shelter by a family who claimed that he was "too costly" despite having the dog six years. Since Tiki was quite matted and dirty when surrendered to the shelter, I presumed that the former family could no longer afford the grooming that Lhasa Apsos require.

Although the family left a very good profile on Tiki ("Housebroken, Loves men, women, children, other dogs") he had unfortunately failed the food part of the SAFER ("Behavior") tests and therefore, did not make it to adoptions.

My first impression when looking at Tiki in the cage was that he was a very sweet dog. There was a softness and vulnerability about his face and eyes that seemed to be in contrast to the "Questionable" behavior status on his shelter record.

I removed Tiki from the cage and walked him in the yard in back of the shelter. Although a little withdrawn and depressed at first, Tiki quickly warmed up after spending some time with him. He responded very well to gentle petting and after a few moments, happily wagged his tail and nuzzled into me.

I told Jesse we would take him and requested that the shelter neuter him.

The next day, Jesse called to inform me that Tiki had been rejected for neutering due to him then being sick with Kennel Cough. Jesse requested that I immediately pick him up.

Fortunately, my vet had space to take in Tiki. My plan was then to leave Tiki with my vet for treatment and when healthy enough, neutering.

I picked up Tiki that day and took him to my vet. While waiting at the vet's office, I was struck by how truly endearing and well behaved Tiki was. I thought to myself: If I didn't already have two dogs at home, Tiki would be mine!" Something about this little gentle, ragamuffin leaning against my legs and peering into my eyes made my heart melt.

Although Tiki would have to stay at the vet for a while, I advertised him for adoption anyway.

I wanted to have a waiting foster or adoptive home for Tiki upon his recovery and sterilization.

Over the next few weeks, I did get a couple of decent inquiries on Tiki. But, neither were willing to wait until such time Tiki was ready to go to a new home.

Unfortunately, between Tiki's Kennel Cough which took a while to go away and my vet's very busy schedule, the whole process took longer than anticipated.

After Tiki had been at Dr. G's about six weeks, he had finally fully recovered, was neutered and ready to leave.

But, I did not have a "waiting" adoptive -- or, foster home for him.

I requested long time friend and volunteer, Kathy to temporarily foster Tiki.

Kathy has worked with me for many years. She came to me when I did cat adoptions out of Petco from late 1996 to 2000.

Kathy lives in the Bronx and is a rescuer in her own right.

Sadly, the neighborhood Kathy lives in has many strays and over the years, Kathy has picked up many cats and some dogs.

I have helped Kathy in vetting and placing some of her rescues. Kathy has helped me in many ways from transporting animals (she has a car), to doing offsight adoptions, to the occasional emergency foster.

I don't like to ask Kathy to foster because she has as many animals as I do. She also has a full time, demanding job and therefore doesn't have the time to take in a larger, younger or highly active dog.

But, in Tiki's case, I figured since he was such an "adoptable" dog, as well as being smaller in size, older and good with other animals, it would not be such an imposition to ask Kathy to temporarily take him in.

Kathy kindly obliged the request.

Unfortunately, Tiki did not turn out to be the "quick and easy adoption" I figured him to be.

Although being all the things his former family claimed him to be (fully trained, healthy and loving), Tiki's ads did not generate many adoption inquiries (this despite me advertising Tiki has part Shih-Tzu). Those inquiries that did come in on Tiki I had to turn down due to lack of experience, knowledge or resources to properly care for a high maintenance breed like Tiki's or horrible, "give away" histories with dogs -- I didn't want Tiki to experience what he had in the past: Being dumped in a pound for "cost" or lack of commitment.

I began to seriously wonder: If we can't find an adoptive home for a loving and wonderful dog like Tiki, who can we find a home for?"

Then, about two weeks ago, I received a call from a past adopter.

"Rita" had adopted a Jack Russel Terrier from me almost ten years ago.

A few months ago, the dog died after a long bout with an incurable immune system disorder.

After enduring months of grief over her lost dog, Rita felt finally ready for another one.

But, was she, I wondered?

After discussing a number of our dogs with Rita and showing her Fawn (a lovely Shepherd/Lab mix who is currently boarding at our vet) I wasn't sure exactly what Rita was looking for.

I, of course, heavily promoted Tiki to Rita as the dog I felt would be "the perfect match" for her.

"At this stage in our lives, we (mature women) don't need a dog who is going to present with major challenges or pull us down the block," I told Rita. "Tiki is a very easy, loving and balanced dog."

Rita is a mature woman around my age who lives alone in an Upper East Side, Manhattan apartment. Recently retired, Rita has the time, love and the financial resources to handle the care and maintenance needs of a dog like Tiki.

She represented a wonderful home for a wonderful dog.

But, would Rita in fact, be receptive to Tiki's warm affections and attention needs? Was she in fact, really ready for a new dog? Those were the questions I wasn't quite sure about.

Upon my suggestion, Rita did, in fact, make an appointment with Kathy to meet Tiki.

But, after meeting with Tiki, Rita was still unsure.

"She said she needed time to think about it," Kathy told me after the meeting.

"Well, Rita may still be grieving over her last dog," I replied. "She may want to look at many dogs before making a decision. Tiki is the perfect dog for her and she would be a wonderful home for him. But, is she really ready? We can't push dogs on people, Kathy -- We can't break arms. They have to come to these relizations on their own. All we can do is recommend, guide -- and hope."

I didn't hear from Rita and just assumed that once again, we had struck out with Tiki. Once more, I disappointingly wondered: If we can't find a great home for Tiki even after having him vetted, neutered, groomed and cared for in foster, who can we find a home for?"

But, this past Monday, Rita called. She sounded a little worried over the phone.

"I realize today is a holiday and I feared Tiki might get adopted by someone else," Rita told me.

I almost laughed considering we had Tiki almost two months with less than a handful of serious or qualified calls on him!

"Well, no," I replied. "We don't have a line outside the block waiting to adopt Tiki, but, I do believe, Rita he is the perfect dog for you. You'd be wise to adopt him."

Rita did adopt Tiki that day.

And so far, the news has been nothing but wonderful.

"I feel like I hit the lottery in dog adoptions!" Rita told me, happily yesterday.

And, I feel particularly good about this adoption.

This is what I envisioned and hoped for with Tiki.

He is finally a happy dog in the home he is meant to be in.

Its a great feeling to be the conduit between happiness for animals and happiness for people.

Its in fact, everything we work and strive for. -- The entire purpose of our mission in animal rescue and placement.

But, it is not always easy to find or achieve that perfect synchronization between what we want for our rescued animals and what others are seeking and capable of giving to an adopted dog or cat.

Adoptions are, after all, so complex.

They can be the right people, but sometimes, its not the right time in their lives. It can be the right animal, but many times the dog (or cat) needs time to "adjust" and fully appreciate the new circumstances and people in their lives. Are the people willing and capable to give the animal that time?

And, sometimes its good people and a good animal, but not the right situation.

No, adoptions are never "easy."

But, for those times everything "synchronizes" and falls perfectly into place, it is indeed like the rainbow following the rain! -- PCA

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