Katja M. Guenther's book, " The Lives and Deaths of Shelter Animals ," offers an intimate look into a high-intake animal shelter in the United States.  Over three years of ethnographic research (see definition of this term below), she encountered thousands of animals and noted a stark contrast in their stories and survival odds.  Guenther suggests that the fate of these animals is closely tied to societal views on race, class, gender, ability, and species.  See citation for this image below. She deciphers the language and actions of the shelter's staff and volunteers, shedding light on internal power structures, breed bias, and moments of defiance and autonomy.  This book prompts us to reconsider the way we view our animal companions. Guenther's research highlights the impact of social justice on animal shelters, revealing the processes that lead to higher rates of animal euthanasia in public shelters.  Her work shows that human-created inequalities affect the d...

Sigmund the cat - photo: Detroit Community Cat Rescue. Summary This is the story of a cat named Sigmund (also known as Siggy) who was rescued by the Detroit Community Cat Rescue (DCCR). Sigmund is an orange and white tomcat who was found wandering near the shelter by Liz Haack, the DCCR Shelter Manager. When she offered him food, Sigmund eagerly accepted and allowed Liz to bring him inside the shelter. Sigmund is estimated to be between 3 and 5 years old and had likely lived outside for his entire life before being rescued. He is described as being very friendly and affectionate, with a constant purring motor. Sigmund tested positive for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), but this does not prevent him from living a normal, healthy life. After spending several months at the shelter, Sigmund was adopted by a young man who fell in love with him after reading his story. Sigmund is now living in a loving home and is very happy. Quotes from shelter manager Liz Haack, DCCR Shelter Manager s...

Location: LIVINGSTON, Texas (KTRK). Place: the SPCA shelter in Polk County. Shelter workers shaw the woman passed out on the floor of the shelter when they entered. She had cut her hair, and they believe that she had eaten some animal meds and some whiteout (presumed to mean the correction fluid).  Her clothes were on inside-out. She has caused $2,000 of damage. All the cats where in the building but outside their cages. No cats were harmed.  ASSOCIATED PAGE:  Tackle youth mental health to reduce cat abuse crimes Comment : It is sad. I feel sorry for the woman. She seems to be troubled and on a mind-altering substance of some sort. The indication is that she has animal welfare at heart. I hope that she is treated and not punished. Woman broke into animal shelter. Repairs. Screenshot.

He is described as the "Huge Stray Cat Got into a Shelter and Suddenly Talked to People". We do not know how 'Clanksy' got into the shelter. They don't say that he was brought into the shelter but that he got into it which implies that he walked into it of his own accord. But what the shelter staff love about him, and the same applies to me, is that he has this beat up male tomcat appearance with huge cheeks because he was not neutered combined with a sweet voice and the desire to be a friend. This ginger tomcat has a beautiful personality. The video has been deleted at source! Typical. But here is a montage of the fella: You'll love this chonky, jowly ginger tom street cat. Image: Pinterest. The word 'chonky' is not a typo 😉. It is a strange personality really because as a stray cat he should be more fearful of people but clearly he is not. He likes people. He wants to talk to them in his sweet voice. It's almost certain that he was fed from tim...

The Myth of Pet Overpopulation - a video by Nathan Winograd, the world leader on how to reduce animal shelter killings.  Nathan is a brilliant man. He loves detail and precision. He is energetic and motivated. He is committed. Try and stay with the video for its entire length because what he says is good stuff.