URGENT AND BREAKING FROM PRESIDENT OF CROSSINGPATHS

These dogs pictured are heartworm positive.Once they are treated we can find them forever homes.


Maggie Mae has started her treatment, she is a pug mix that came into the shelter with a litter of puppies that got parvo and all died but one. This girl has such a wonderful nature about her and is so very gentle and kind she needs that special family that will be hers one day..

Lucas Came into the shelter along with his sister who was negative and they are so very young around a year old and loves people and is very lovable and gets along with other dogs.. Just way to young to die because of heartworms.. Will be a great family pet..

Lester This boy came into the shelter after he was picked up a hamburger place just hanging out hoping someone would give him a hamburger and a home I am sure.. He is a collie mix and around 2 years old this boy had been treated very mean because he had some bad places on him and the shelter manager said he had been hurt and we will get that checked out.. Lester stands in place and just prances for some attention wonderful nature about him as well..

All wonderful dogs and we have more. The stories are never ending and as long as people step up and help with theses wonderful dogs we will help them..And we need help now. If you can donate even a small amount. Send to CrossingPaths P.O. Box 304 Locust Fork,Al. 35097 All donations are tax deductible.


The journey is long for them but the end results all will get that special home they all deserve.. They only come to us to start that journey and the family completes that journey for them..We love them and care for them the very best we can..While in our care just waiting for that someone ..
Mary Ellen Tidwell President CrossingPaths

Baby Moose playing in sprinklers in Alaska

This had me smiling all the way.

Wolves kill Teacher...Very sad

This story is particularly sad for me since I love Wolves so much. And it's strange how an animal is much more condemned than a serial killer who is supposed to possess much more i.q. than an animal. Of course that is a subject much above my pay grade.
..............................................................
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Two wolves suspected of killing a teacher outside a rural Alaska village did not have rabies, lab tests concluded Thursday.

The animals were shot Monday from the air by state wildlife employees, who said they matched descriptions of the wolves seen where Candice Berner, 32, was killed while jogging last week.

Berner died March 8 along a road about a mile outside Chignik Lake on the Alaska Peninsula in southwest Alaska.

An autopsy concluded she had been killed by animals, and state public safety officials said wolves were suspected. Berner's body was dragged and surrounded by wolf tracks, indicating more that as many as four animals could have attacked.
Wolves recently had been spotted on the outskirts of the village of 105, prompting residents to arm themselves.

State game officials announced they would try to kill wolves in the area and two were shot from a helicopter Monday about five miles west of Chignik Lake. The carcasses were flown to Fairbanks for review by the state wildlife veterinarian and by microbiologists at the Alaska State Virology Laboratory.

Microbiologists studied the brains of the wolves and found no indication of rabies, a virus that often makes animals aggressive and more likely to bite.

"Rabies remains a risk to both people and animals living in the Alaska Peninsula, as well as in other parts of northern and western Alaska where rabies is known to exist," said Louisa Castrodale, a veterinarian and epidemiologist with the Department of Health and Social Services. Outbreaks of the virus occasionally turn up in the fox population, and foxes often tangle with sled dogs.

State health officials in 2006 detected exposure to rabies in three Western Alaska villages and some residents bitten by a rabid dog or fox, or exposed to a rabid dog's saliva, were treated with a monthlong series of inoculations.

Rabies is usually transmitted through bite wounds. The virus attacks the central nervous system, and without prompt treatment, rabies is fatal.

"Animals may bite people when they are sick," Castrodale said. "That said, animals also may bite when they are not sick but are startled, hungry or being protective of other animals around them."

The Department of Fish and Game is testing the wolf carcasses for other diseases, including distemper virus.

Department officials announced Wednesday that they were calling off the hunt for additional wolves at Chignik Lake. They said they would stay in close contact with residents and may conduct a second search in early April.

CAUGHT WITH HIS.....paws down.....

San Juan Regional Medical Center staff surprised by canine patient

Why the surprize? Dogs are intelligent.
UPDATE: The dog's family has been found.And his name is Scottie.

FARMINGTON — An unlikely patient walked into the emergency room at San Juan Regional Medical Center on Saturday night.

Hospital staff and patients were surprised when the automatic doors opened and a dog with blood on its nose and paw and a puncture hole in its rear leg walked inside.

"The irony of the situation is the dog wasn't doing well," said Robin Loev, animal control officer and park ranger. "He was drooling and appeared to be sick."

Loev responded to the emergency room at about 9:15 p.m. and found people gathered around the animal.

"The patients were giving him a cup of water when I showed up," Loev said.

The animal, a German Shepherd mix about 7 to 8 years old, did not require veterinary care.

Loev couldn't find the source of the blood and it didn't appear the dog was hit by a car. He suspects the puncture wound is from another dog bite, but it wasn't significant enough to call the veterinarian.

Loev took the dog to the Farmington Animal Shelter, where it was vaccinated and given water and a warm blanket.

"He's doing fine," said Patrick Jake, an employee at the shelter. "Everything was minor. He didn't really need immediate attention."

Loev is thankful the dog was kept inside the emergency room until he arrived.

Often people chase animals back into the street, scaring them and making it harder for animal control officers to catch them, Loev said.

Shelter officials are uncertain if someone owns the dog, which is neutered and well-behaved.

"He seems very intelligent, very smart and calm and looking like he needed help," Loev said. "I guess he went to the right place."

Shelter officials often pick up animals that wander into the hospital.

"Every so many months, we get dogs walking into the emergency room because of the automatic doors," Biesecker said.

This situation was unusual because the dog was injured, Biesecker said.

The animal did not have tags but was wearing a green collar. It will be available for adoption Wednesday unless someone claims him.

"Some of these situations that come up make you wonder just how intelligent these animals are," Loev said.

War Heroes you don't hear much about.

Donate to SPCA International's Operation Baghdad Pups program today to help us raise enough money to bring Rocky and other wartime buddies home.

An Army National Guard unit stationed in Afghanistan befriended two dogs in the fall of 2009. Since finding them, Sam and Rocky have brought a touch of home to their soldiers at the remote and desolate location where they are stationed. These two dogs have been the guy’s running buddies, confidants and distraction during the long arduous days of their deployment. At night the dogs routinely position themselves at the entrance to the men’s sleeping quarters and frequently bark to alert those inside of possible dangers.

Earlier this month the dogs were barking in a manner that drew the attention of the soldiers. When the barking persisted and the normal, “Shut up,” that would be yelled out to get the dogs to be quiet did not work, one of the guys decided to investigate. Something was different this time.

Before the soldier could make it outside there was a loud, resonating, “Boom.” The dogs had intercepted a suicide bomber, intent on detonating his device inside the building.

A witness saw Rocky attack the man, biting him in the leg and hanging on to keep the man from being able to move and gain entry into the building. When the bomb went off, Rocky was at the epicenter of the explosion.

These were not military trained dogs, but just two strays that had become fiercely loyal to the men that took them in and cared for them in an environment that is not kind to animals. In return, Sam and Rocky more than likely saved the lives of their soldiers that night and greatly reduced the injuries. Unfortunately though, Sam was so severely mangled she had to be humanely euthanized. Rocky sustained serious injuries but the base medic was able to provide treatment and this survivor is expected to make a full recovery much to everyone’s amazement.

Rocky is a wartime hero that deserves a life outside of Afghanistan for what he did. That is why SPCA International is working with the animal loving members of the unit to bring Rocky to the U.S. where he will be reunited with one of the soldiers that was injured that night. However, there are many obstacles to overcome – location, the dangers of war, uncooperative commanders and a short time frame as the unit is due to return home in the near future.

Leaving Rocky behind is not an option. Everyone that is involved in saving this amazing canine is determined to repay Rocky for his heroic deed because it is the right thing to do for a dog that was doing what he does best – taking care of his people.

Unfortunately, bringing Rocky home is not going to be easy. The SPCAI team is working every angle tirelessly to find a way to bring Rocky to safety in the U.S., but we need your help too. It is clear that this rescue will take significant funds, please support Operation Baghdad Pups right now so that we can bring Rocky and many other military mascots home.

Quotes from David:
“Rocky is the last good thing that I have here, the ONLY thing that I look forward to each day is petting him and loving on him.”

“I am soooo happy that my "good thing" is here. He is really what gets me up the morning because there aren’t that many redeeming qualities about this country or the people in it.”

Donate to SPCA International's Operation Baghdad Pups program today to help us raise enough money to bring Rocky and other wartime buddies home.

**Names have been changed to protect the dog's safety and the safety of the National Guard unit.**

An Army National Guard unit stationed in Afghanistan befriended two dogs in the fall of 2009. Since finding them, Sam and Rocky have brought a touch of home to their soldiers at the remote and desolate location where they are stationed. These two dogs have been the guy’s running buddies, confidants and distraction during the long arduous days of their deployment. At night the dogs routinely position themselves at the entrance to the men’s sleeping quarters and frequently bark to alert those inside of possible dangers.



Earlier this month the dogs were barking in a manner that drew the attention of the soldiers. When the barking persisted and the normal, “Shut up,” that would be yelled out to get the dogs to be quiet did not work, one of the guys decided to investigate. Something was different this time.



Before the soldier could make it outside there was a loud, resonating, “Boom.” The dogs had intercepted a suicide bomber, intent on detonating his device inside the building.



A witness saw Rocky attack the man, biting him in the leg and hanging on to keep the man from being able to move and gain entry into the building. When the bomb went off, Rocky was at the epicenter of the explosion.



These were not military trained dogs, but just two strays that had become fiercely loyal to the men that took them in and cared for them in an environment that is not kind to animals. In return, Sam and Rocky more than likely saved the lives of their soldiers that night and greatly reduced the injuries. Unfortunately though, Sam was so severely mangled she had to be humanely euthanized. Rocky sustained serious injuries but the base medic was able to provide treatment and this survivor is expected to make a full recovery much to everyone’s amazement.



Rocky is a wartime hero that deserves a life outside of Afghanistan for what he did. That is why SPCA International is working with the animal loving members of the unit to bring Rocky to the U.S. where he will be reunited with one of the soldiers that was injured that night. However, there are many obstacles to overcome – location, the dangers of war, uncooperative commanders and a short time frame as the unit is due to return home in the near future.



Leaving Rocky behind is not an option. Everyone that is involved in saving this amazing canine is determined to repay Rocky for his heroic deed because it is the right thing to do for a dog that was doing what he does best – taking care of his people.



Quotes from David:

“Rocky is the last good thing that I have here, the ONLY thing that I look forward to each day is petting him and loving on him.”



“I am soooo happy that my "good thing" is back. He is really what gets me up the morning because there aren’t that many redeeming qualities about this country or the people in it.”


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CROSSING PATHS GETS A LETTER FROM A THANKFUL BOY

We all know dogs can't talk don't we? Well,maybe all they need is an interpreter and this letter is interpreted for our boy Bently,by his new Mom. Bently has found a forever home.Thanks to the untiring work of Mary Ellen Tidwell.She is certainly sent from God to help those that cannot help themselves. Thank you Mary Ellen.








Dear Stepmom,Mary Ellen: I figured I'd drop you a line and let you know how I'm doing. I got to my new forever home Sat. morning after the drive from Whitehall. My Mom and Dad said "I must be the one" on the drive home. I can't read, but they were following a semi-truck on the turnpike and it said "Bentley Transport"and my Mom said that was a "sign"....We stopped by Aunt Cynthias' house to meet her. She was thrilled to meet me and said I'd fit right in with my new family. She and my Mom took me for a short walk down by the lake, when they weren't looking I found some stuff called "goose poop" and rolled right in it! I don't know about you humans but I thought I smelled pretty good! Dad said I'd be gettin a bath when I got home. Anyway I got home and met my sister Sasha and brother Fez. I'm not quite sure what to make of them, they're old......we all exchanged sniffs and wags, then the two of them talked with my parents and decided it would be okay for me to stay. I wanted to show them how fast I can run so I grabbed my rawhide bone that Aunt Robin and Lisa left for me and I raced all around the house like 9 times in a row....they weren't really impressed, so I peed on the kitchen island, that sure got mom and dads attention!!! But they said it was to be expected moving into a new home and all....Anyway Sasha and Fez have been showing me the routine about doing my business outside and I'm gettin the hang of that now.Yesterday we took my Mom to the beach to celebrate her birthday, the family said something about it being a "tradition". I don't think I have seen the ocean before but I thought it was really cool. Sasha and Fez take walks with Mom and Dad. They can't go too far because like I said, they're old...so when they get tired Dad turns around and takes them home and I continue on with my Mom. All of us walk to at least the horse farm and stop and feed them carrots and then we all get treats! It's the best! I am not sure what to make of them horses, so I sit and observe them with my tail wagging. My Mom and Dad said I'm remarkably focused for such a young dog. HELLO!!! I'm a terrier... Next week I am going to meet another Aunt, Kathy. She does something called agility training and my parents think this would be good for me since we all know that terriers need a job to do. I am a great watchdog and let anyone know who comes to the door that "this is our house"! My Dad is thrilled that I have a real bark and I am not a yapper. Like I said I'm all business. Well, my paws are kinda tired now so I'm going to take nap. Thank you all for taking such good care of me and making sure I got a good home. I attached some pictures so you can see my new family. Love to all, Bently xoxoxo

DERANGED KILLER

This is the face of a killer. Too bad we cannot make his punishment the same as what he dealth out to a helpless little animal. If this bastard gets away easy he will do it again and maybe escalate his madness.
Dudley Ramsay (right), a 25-year-old Brooklyn man was convicted by a New York City jury today for beating his five-month-old dachshund puppy 'Junior' to death.

According to charges and evidence presented by the Brooklyn District Attorney at trial before Judge Gary, the 260-pound Ramsay severely beat the puppy, later claiming that he was trying to discipline it.

Testimony at trial by an officer from the ASPCA's Humane Law Enforement agency testified that Ramsay told the officer, "I think I need help with anger management because I killed my first dog too."

How did Ramsay he beat the young puppy? According to evidence presented at trial, with repeated violence that included:
•Punching the puppy several times;
•Throwing him against a bathtub,
•Waiting several hours before taking his dachshund puppy to get medical help from a veterinarian.
The animal autopsy, or necropsy, performed on Junior after he died revealed that the young puppy had extensive internal injuries from the violent attack.

These included six fractured ribs, along with damage to the pup's lungs and liver.

Ramsay was convicted of both felony and misdemeanor charges, including:

•Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, a Class-E Felony

ENDANGERED TIGERS STARVE TO DEATH! WHERE IS THE OUTRAGE?

Siberian tigers starve to death in zoo
Two other hungry animals are reportedly shot dead after attacking keeper

BEIJING - Eleven rare Siberian tigers kept in small cages and fed only chicken bones have died of malnutrition at a cash-strapped zoo in China's frigid northeast, state media said Friday.

A manager at the Shenyang Forest Wild Animal Zoo in Liaoning province, however, said the animals had died of disease.

Siberian tigers are one of the world's rarest species, with just 300 believed remaining in the wild.Liu Xiaoqiang, vice chief of the Shenyang Wild Animal Protection Station, a local animal protection agency, was quoted by the China Daily as saying 11 of the zoo's tigers died of malnutrition in the last three months after subsisting on a meager diet of chicken bones.

Two others were shot dead by police in November after the hungry animals attacked a zookeeper, the report said.

Iron crates
The Liaoshen Evening Post, a local Shenyang newspaper, reported on its Web site that the company that owns the zoo was trying unsuccessfully to auction the zoo property, and many staffers complained they hadn't been paid in 18 months.

Wu Xi, one of the managers of the Shenyang Forest Wild Animal Zoo Co. Ltd., told The Associated Press that "various kinds of diseases" had killed 11 tigers at the zoo over the past three months.

Wu said the animals were kept in iron crates indoors because it was an unusually cold winter and the zoo had no heating. He refused to specify what diseases the animals had or respond to allegations they starved to death.

The China Daily said the zoo was mainly privately owned, though the Shenyang municipal government holds a 15 percent stake.

Xie Yan, China director for the New York-based Wildlife Conservation Society, said many Chinese zoos and wildlife parks have more tigers than they can afford to keep.
The animals are expensive to take care of because they require a lot of food and space to roam and ticket sales generally aren't enough to support them.

'Massive blow'
Xie said Chinese zoos began breeding tigers in the 1980s and captive populations increased rapidly in the 1990s. There are now about 6,000 captive tigers of various species in China, she said, but it's not clear how many of those are Siberian tigers.

"In the past two or three years, people have started to realize it's become a problem," she said, referring to zoos that have more animals than they can afford to keep.

Xie said the government should do more to regulate zoos and enforce standards for animal care. She also said birth control is needed to keep the captive tiger population at manageable levels.

Chris Chaplin, a spokesman for WWF International's Beijing office, said the news was "a massive blow" to conservation efforts.

WWF colleagues in Changchun, the capital of Jillin province, which neighbors Liaoning, were investigating the allegations, he said.

Tax Dollars at work aiding torture and abuse

Navy says 3 dogs died after contractor neglect
Mar 9 02:35 PM US/Eastern

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Navy says that three dogs died and dozens more were in poor health after being neglected by a private security contractor in Chicago that had been hired to train the dogs to detect explosives.

A team of military handlers discovered the dogs last October at a facility run by Securitas Security Services USA after the Navy terminated its $7.5 million contract.

Navy spokesman Capt. William Fenick said that of the 49 dogs discovered, two were dead and the rest were in poor health. Another dog died soon after being recovered.

Securitas Security Services did not immediately provide comment.

The incident was first reported by The Virginian-Pilot, which says it obtained a picture of one of the rescued dogs, whose rib cage and hip bones were protruding.

The discovery is the latest in a string of contracting woes for the Defense Department. Lawmakers and government watchdog groups say they are concerned that the military is relying too heavily on outside vendors to do many of the jobs that should be handled internally.

The Navy hired Lockheed Martin Corp. to help guard its installations, including the use of 49 highly specialized K-9 units to sniff out explosives. To meet the K-9 requirement, Lockheed in turn hired Securitas Security Services, headquartered in Parsippany, N.J.

But after the dogs failed to demonstrate they could perform as promised, the Navy canceled the contract in July, Fenick said. The team of handlers were sent three months later to pick up the dogs from the Securitas' dog-training facility near Chicago.

Fenick declined to say how much the Navy had already paid Lockheed under the agreement, saying that the contract details are under review.

The state of Illinois is conducting a separate investigation into the allegations.

Fenick said that of the 46 dogs that survived, eight were adopted privately and the rest were deployed at various Navy installations after having completed training.

A beautiful story

Another great success story for CrossingPaths Animal Rescue. Look at Bruin in his new forever home. From a sure death at a high kill shelter to CrossingPaths and now to this home where shortly after his arrival, a new baby and now it is Bruin's job to keep an eye on that baby. What a blessing.