February 2004
 
 

 

 

 

 

View this thought-provoking film about ethics and choices in a morally ambiguous world as Sue Sternberg and her shelter staff delight in finding homes for some canines--while considering euthanasia for "unadoptable" dogs that pose a threat.

 

Shelter Dogs to Air on HBO

In December 1999, filmmaker Cynthia Wade, interested in making a film about ethics, approached shelter owner Sue Sternberg and asked if she could document the events at Sue's facility. Sternberg not only offered unrestricted access to everything that happened at the shelter, but she also entrusted Wade with complete editorial control over the project.  For more than two years, Wade filmed pet surrenders, staff meetings, temperament tests, adoptions and euthanasias. The film took approximately eight months to edit and was completed in February 2003.

Each day, hundreds of thousands of stray and unwanted dogs are born around the world. How society should care for these homeless animals -- many of whom end up at animal shelters -- is a controversial topic with significant humanitarian and public health implications.

At one rural animal shelter in upstate New York, founder Sue Sternberg and her staff respond to this crisis -- one animal at a time. As a seemingly endless stream of homeless dogs arrives at their doorstep, Sternberg and her staff navigate a world in which there are no simple solutions, and where decisions are often of a life-and-death nature.

Some of the dogs are immediately placed in wonderful, permanent homes. But there are also troubling moral dilemmas surrounding some of the "gray area" dogs. If a dog bites a shelter worker, is it ethical to adopt him out to the general public? If a dog guards his food, can he be trusted in a family with children? And what about the dogs that never find homes -- is it more humane to sentence them to a lifetime in the shelter or to euthanize them?

Filmed and edited over the course of three years, this award-winning documentary provides a fresh, provocative look at the complex, morally ambiguous world of animal sheltering. With breathtaking footage of the Catskill Mountain region, deeply intimate scenes, and a gripping exploration of real-world ethical choices, it is certain to move both dog lovers and the general public alike.

Check show times in your area on the HBO schedule for this special.


"One of the Ten Best Documentaries of 2003"
- The Boston Phoenix

"One might expect Shelter Dogs would appeal only to PETA and pet lovers,
but Cynthia Wade's heartfelt, surprisingly suspenseful pic ... has plenty to say
about society in general, with moral issues getting more complicated, not less.
This should keep them panting at docu fests for quite some time."
- Variety

"Astonishing ... a stirring, emotional, irresistible portrait... unforgettable"
- The Boston Phoenix

"A forceful message that every dog's life is a miracle"
- Orlando Weekly

"Riveting ... a tight and artful work"
- San Francisco Weekly
 

 

 

 

With a Vet Pet Insurance (VPI) policy, you can use any licensed veterinarian or specialist worldwide. There are no networks or provider lists to choose from!
Pet Insurance?  Who'd Thought Rover and Fluffy
Could Get Their Own Insurance?

Currently, there are more than 61 million dogs and 69 million cats in the U.S. There are more than 9,000 species of birds in the U.S. Approximately 300 of those are commonly kept as pets. More than 60% of U.S. households (58.2 million) own a cat or dog. There are more than 2 million pet rabbits in the U.S. and 4.6 million households own birds. More than 91% of pet owners take their dogs and cats to the veterinarian for vaccination and preventive care.  Avian care is increasing. In 1991, consumers spent $37.7 million on veterinary medical expenditures for birds. By 2002, that number had grown to $140 million.

Not only can Rover and Fluffy get health insurance but so can your:

  • Birds
  • Mice
  • Turtles
  • Lizards
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Geckos
  • Chinchillas
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  • Rabbits
  • Iguanas
  • Sugar Gliders
  • Tortoises
  • Gerbils
  • Ferrets
  • Small Chameleons
  • Hamsters
  • Potbellied Pigs
  • Hedgehogs
  • Frogs








 

 

The concept of pet insurance began more than 30 years ago in Europe. Nearly 20% of pet owners have insurance in England and 49% have insurance in Sweden. 

Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) was founded in 1980. The company sold its first policy in 1982 and has been protecting America's pets ever since.  Today, VPI is the nation's oldest and largest licensed health insurance plan for pets.  From minor problems to life-threatening situations, VPI makes necessary care and sophisticated treatments more affordable.  Thousands of medical problems and conditions are covered, including the examples shown below.

Dogs Cats Rabbits Snakes
  • Ear infections
  • Skin rashes
  • Accidents (lacerations, poisonings, fractures, sprains, wounds)
  • Gastrointestinal upsets causing diarrhea and/or vomiting
  • Cancer
  • Diabetes
  • Respiratory problems
  • Gastric torsion (bloat)
  • Heart conditions
  • Kidney and bladder infections
  • Parvovirus
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  • Abscesses
  • Bladder infections and Feline Urological Syndrome (FUS)
  • Accidents
  • Cancer
  • Heart conditions (i.e. Cardiomyopathy)
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  • Feather picking
  • Gastrointestinal problems
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  • Vague illnesses
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  • Gastroenteritis
  • Fractures
  • Eye and ear infections
  • Accidents
  • Hairballs
  • Mouth rot
  • Respiratory disease
  • Injuries from prey
  • Pneumonia
  • Spinal fractures


For more information, please contact our Shelter at 978-422-8585 or email us at staff@sterlingshelter.org and we would be happy to mail you a brochure!

You can get more details at http://www.petinsurance.com/.

 

 

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? Find out more on the History Channel.
Valentine's and Pets - Give Your Pooch or Kitty a
Toy or Treat From Our Shelter Boutique!

Know a senior who is lonely? Lookin' for love?  Please consider our Seniors for Seniors program for yourself OR someone in your family that might be looking for a new friend!

The staff realizes that companion animals are essential to keeping people healthy, vibrant and to reducing blood pressure and stress. Often times, older people need and want animals to give them love and companionship throughout their golden years. Because the staff recognizes that pets can be expensive if one is on disability, Social Security or limited income, we have come up with the Seniors for Seniors program.

The shelter will waive the adoption fee of any animal at our shelter that is 5 years or older for an adopter who is 55 years or older. The shelter will also have that pet spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated and vet checked before sending it home with the adopting family.

The average cost of this service is over $100 and the adoption fee for a dog or cat is $75. The adopting family is getting a healthy, friendly companion and saving the initial cost of any medical care and adoption fees. This program is a win/win situation for both the adopter and the pet.

Often times older animals are "overlooked" and someone takes an adolescent animal, not realizing the average lifespan is 15+ years, there are also vaccinations and tested that need to be run at an average cost of $1,000 for the first year! By adopting one of our mature animals, the family gets a great pet who is ready to go!
 

If you want to help the shelter but don't know how, please print our poster and hang it in your office, break room, lunch area, church, youth group, gym or wherever! You can download it from: http://www.sterlingshelter.org/images/stockimages/ShelterWeb.pdf.