Lower Keys Friends of Animals (LKFOA) has friends in all the right places-- including the folks at the American Legion Hall on 5610 College Road, Stock Island-- who are throwing a big party this Saturday, April 8, from 1-5 p.m. to help LKFOA with spay and neuter costs for the animals in the lower Keys.
Live music by Lenore Troia, Steve Greeand the American Legion Band; $1 hot dogs and hamburgers; and a drawing every half-hour for great prizes including bar and restaurant tabs, a two-night stay at Atlantic Shores and the Duval Inn; and lots more!
So join the "cool cats" in town at the American Legion Hall this Saturday from 1-5 p.m. and help out LKFOA all at the same time!
by Mary Powell
Everyone knows someone who has tried to hide their pet from airline authorities so their pet could travel in the cabin with them.
And some have been successful, like my friend Patricia. She gave her little Bijon puppy a comfortable hiding space in a big black leather bag and managed to whiz through airport checkpoints from Chicago to Key West without detection. Patricia said she wouldn't allow her beloved dog to be pushed below depths in the baggage area.
"Do you know that they don't even monitor air pressure down there, especially on the `puddle-jumpers?'" she said. "His poor ears can't stand the pressure, and they won't allow him to stay with me. So I have to resort to smuggling."
But because of the volume of complaints about abuse, injury and death of pets traveling by air, a new law, signed into effect last month, has outlined new requirements for airlines handling animal transport.
According to an Associated Press release, some of the new regulations will require US airlines to provide airline employee training on animal transport handling; notify passengers about animal traveling conditions; and submit monthly reports to the DOT on animals lost, injured, or killed during travel.
This is good and bad news for pet travelers. The good news, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, is that it is a "stunning victory for animals that must travel by air." But the bad news is that some airlines may choose to stop accepting animals for transport.
The new regulations are part of an Avaiation Bill approved by the Senate and House in March. Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater said President Clinton will sign the bill into law.
So, for those of you who are planning to travel by air with your pet, call your airline a few weeks ahead of time and make sure all the necessary arrangements are made for the comfort and safety of your pet.
Or, like Patricia, try smuggling. But I wouldn't recommend it.
Patsy Cline has been at the Shelter way too long! She is at the head of the `short list' which means she won't live long unless someone adopts her soon.
Patsy is about eight years old and very mellow. She loves to ride in cars, and is described as a "mountain dog,"-- hence the name of Patsy Cline. She is a short haired, medium sized dog and very affectionate. Patsy would make a wonderful dog for someone who just likes to chill.
In hopes that she might be adopted up the Keys, Patsy has been moved to the Marathon Shelter. But she would be worth a short road trip if you're interested. Please call the shelter at 294-4857 before it's too late for Patsy.