Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, March 28, 1993 TAG: 9303250240
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Karen L. Davis
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The fact is, Ebony is one very lucky kitty. She is small and quiet, about 1 year old and shiny black with bright yellow eyes.
She was dumped at the doors of the veterinary hospital at Virginia Tech, Pyska said, possibly because her owners thought she was either sick or pregnant.
A Tech employee's referral sent Ebony to Pyska's Roanoke County home, which is the site of the Roanoke Valley Animal Foundation Inc.
Ebony's condition at that time was not immediately apparent. But when she began drinking excessive amounts of water, Pyska knew something was terribly wrong. Pregnancy was ruled out. And a series of misleading laboratory tests confounded the diagnosis for some time until a kidney biopsy revealed a severe inflammation.
Now, after successful treatment and with a special diet, Ebony can live a long and healthy life, Pyska said.
Pyska has taken in many homeless animals and given them a second chance at life since she started the Roanoke Valley Animal Foundation in February 1992.
At last count, she had about 20 cats and two dogs in her home awaiting adoption. Her basement is sectioned off to accommodate them. And the quarters are kept scrupulously clean and odor-free.
"Our main objective is to give a dog or cat that second chance to life, because these animals give us much in return, such as companionship and love," Pyska said.
Pyska's foundation is inspired by the Amanda Foundation, a non-profit pet rescue organization in Los Angeles. The name Amanda means "worthy of love."
Like the Amanda Foundation, Pyska uses a network of foster homes and volunteers to rescue and nurture mistreated and abandoned pets until they can be permanently placed in loving homes.
All animals are checked out by veterinarians and given their shots. If old enough, the animals are spayed or neutered before placement.
Expenses are covered by donations and annual membership fees. Those who want to join the foundation, attend the meetings and help out may do so with a $20 individual membership or a $35 family membership. Meetings take place every other month on the fourth Thursday.
Pyska said she wants to work with area shelters to improve the plight of homeless pets. She already has had numerous referrals from the Salem Animal Shelter for people looking for a specific type of pet.
"If we know of someone who must give up their pet, we sometimes can match them up with someone else who's looking for that type of pet," Pyska said.
She also has established a pet food bank to assist low-income pet owners.
Elderly people in particular are often comforted by having a pet. But because they are on fixed incomes, many cannot afford to feed or care for them properly, Pyska said.
She has been asked to present programs on pet care at elementary schools.
Educating pet owners about their responsibilities is as important a goal for the foundation as KAREN L. DAVIS providing an alternative to euthanasia, Pyska said.
A long-range goal is to eventually sponsor periodic low-cost or free spaying and neutering clinics to help reduce the unwanted pet population.
If you would like to adopt a pet or contribute to the Roanoke Valley Animal Foundation Inc., call 890-5003, or write R.V.A.F., 214 Spring Grove Drive, Vinton, VA 24179.
Have a question for The Pet Podium? Send your questions to The Pet Podium in care of the Roanoke Times & World-News, Features Department, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010. Be sure to include your name, address and telephone number for verification.
Karen L. Davis is a pet owner and Roanoke free-lance writer. Her column runs twice a month.
by CNB