Friday, December 18, 2009
Do You Want To Support Puppy Mills ?
Almost all puppies that are in pet stores come from puppy mills. These operations are exactly what the name implies. Most mass produce puppies with money as the prime motive. Their breeding dogs are often kept in very poor conditions and are sometimes malnourished. The dogs are almost never tested for genetic diseases and may not receive vaccinations. Puppy mills often obtain their breeding dogs from people in a hurry to get rid of their dogs for some reason, often through 'free dog' ads in newspapers or public auctions. Occasionally they are stolen from their owners. Females are generally bred every heat cycle until they are worn out and then they are often sentenced to death. The horror of puppy mills is encouraged every time a puppy is bought from a puppy store. How do you know that your puppy comes from one of these places? The main reason is that almost no responsible breeders will sell puppies to pet stores. Good breeders want to make sure that their puppies go to good homes and are well cared for. They want to be actively involved in screening the home that their puppies go to. Breeders are also concerned about keeping track of their puppies after they leave the breeder's home. They will know about any health problems that their lines may carry, and will be interested in any health problems that a puppy of their breeding develops. A pet store usually never hears about their puppies once they leave the store, and generally really don't care. Buying from a pet store does not mean that you will save any money in the purchase price of the puppy either.Written by April Roberts.
What Pet Stores Don't Tell You !!!
What do you know about the breed?
Employees of pet stores generally know very little about the dogs that are in the store. They can probably tell you a little bit about the breed and then point you to a rack of generic dog books. What do you do after you bring the puppy home, only to find that this breed is not the right one for you and your family? Good breeders are full of information about the breed of puppy that you are considering. They should be able to tell you the general temperament aspects of the breed and help you predict whether this breed of dog will fit into your lifestyle. They will also be able to warn you about specific health problems that the breed is prone to and will be able to tell you what aspects the breed excels in. There is no breed of dog perfect for every person and a good breeder is concerned that their puppy goes to a home that they will fit into. Written by April Roberts!!!
Employees of pet stores generally know very little about the dogs that are in the store. They can probably tell you a little bit about the breed and then point you to a rack of generic dog books. What do you do after you bring the puppy home, only to find that this breed is not the right one for you and your family? Good breeders are full of information about the breed of puppy that you are considering. They should be able to tell you the general temperament aspects of the breed and help you predict whether this breed of dog will fit into your lifestyle. They will also be able to warn you about specific health problems that the breed is prone to and will be able to tell you what aspects the breed excels in. There is no breed of dog perfect for every person and a good breeder is concerned that their puppy goes to a home that they will fit into. Written by April Roberts!!!
The Myth About AKC Papers
The myth about AKC papers
Most pet shops would like you to believe that if a puppy is registered by the American Kennel Club, this guarantees the puppy will be healthy and a good example of the breed. This is not so. The only thing that AKC papers certify is that the puppy is a purebred and produced out of AKC registered parents. Even this can be fiction, as some producers register more puppies than are actually born in each litter to receive extra registration slips to pass out with unregisterable puppies. The parents of your puppy may be unhealthy or carriers of crippling or deadly health defects which they may have passed to their offspring- your puppy. They may also be horrible representations of the breed that you are buying. Often times the parentage of pet store puppies is also questionable due to poor record keeping. In other words, your puppy may not even be a purebred, even though it has AKC papers. Responsible breeders do register their puppies with the AKC, but that is only the beginning. This was written by April Roberts!!!
Most pet shops would like you to believe that if a puppy is registered by the American Kennel Club, this guarantees the puppy will be healthy and a good example of the breed. This is not so. The only thing that AKC papers certify is that the puppy is a purebred and produced out of AKC registered parents. Even this can be fiction, as some producers register more puppies than are actually born in each litter to receive extra registration slips to pass out with unregisterable puppies. The parents of your puppy may be unhealthy or carriers of crippling or deadly health defects which they may have passed to their offspring- your puppy. They may also be horrible representations of the breed that you are buying. Often times the parentage of pet store puppies is also questionable due to poor record keeping. In other words, your puppy may not even be a purebred, even though it has AKC papers. Responsible breeders do register their puppies with the AKC, but that is only the beginning. This was written by April Roberts!!!
Puppy mills profit on neglect of man's best friend - Columnists | Tri-City Herald : Mid-Columbia news
Puppy mills profit on neglect of man's best friend - Columnists Tri-City Herald : Mid-Columbia news: "Puppy mills profit on neglect of man's best friend
By Dan Paul, Special to the Herald
The recent raid on a Kennewick puppy mill that freed about 400 miniature American Eskimo dogs will quickly fade from local headlines and public consciousness.
It shouldn't.
Behind the innocuous phrase 'puppy mill' hides a grim reality. The vast majority of the more than 2 million puppies sold annually by retail pet stores, through classified ads or on the internet, are mass produced in abysmal conditions in these horrible mills, using breeding dogs that are caged all their lives, never to become part of a family.
Puppy mills maximize profits by churning out the highest number of dogs for the lowest possible overhead cost with scant regard for the health and well being of the parent animals and their offspring.
Hence, the growth of a wretched industry that cuts corners at every opportunity and for all practical purposes operates with few regulations and minimal oversight. If you want to report a puppy mill contact www.mda.mo.gov or call The Humane Society Hotline at 1-877-MILL-TIP and for the complete story he wrote go to the site above!!!
By Dan Paul, Special to the Herald
The recent raid on a Kennewick puppy mill that freed about 400 miniature American Eskimo dogs will quickly fade from local headlines and public consciousness.
It shouldn't.
Behind the innocuous phrase 'puppy mill' hides a grim reality. The vast majority of the more than 2 million puppies sold annually by retail pet stores, through classified ads or on the internet, are mass produced in abysmal conditions in these horrible mills, using breeding dogs that are caged all their lives, never to become part of a family.
Puppy mills maximize profits by churning out the highest number of dogs for the lowest possible overhead cost with scant regard for the health and well being of the parent animals and their offspring.
Hence, the growth of a wretched industry that cuts corners at every opportunity and for all practical purposes operates with few regulations and minimal oversight. If you want to report a puppy mill contact www.mda.mo.gov or call The Humane Society Hotline at 1-877-MILL-TIP and for the complete story he wrote go to the site above!!!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Puppies Need A Forever Home
We have 4 abandoned black lab x puppies that are in extreme need of a rescue. They need a place to go immediately. They are approx 7 to 8 weeks old. No pictures at this time but Alanna is working on that. They were brought to Alanna's and she will be leaving town for the holidays...I am full here and can't take any more in. Can you find room for them?? please...we are desperate. These are urgent.
We also have a litter of 7 Shepherd lab mixes 5 black , 2 tan, but they have people caring for them. The people are so poor they can't afford dog food but Alanna gave them food for the dogs as they taking good care of them . They also want to get their own dogs spayed but have no money. We are working on getting that done for them...if you can take in any of these dogs we will be so grateful. contact is LHolloway1948@aol.com or semoanimalrescue@gmail.com if you can help. Time is urgent. Here is a pic of the 7 shepherd lab mix puppies.They are in southern Missouri but they will find a way to get them to anyone who can adopt them or foster them!!!
Can Anyone Helps These Guys Out ???
These dogs have been at the Independence, MO way too long! Their days are numbered and they need out NOW! They are all wonderful dogs who need to get to a home (foster or permanent) for the holidays! Please look below and see if you can help one! Contact the shelter at awells@indepmo.org, jpolston@indepmo.org and call 816-325-7207 816-325-7207 . Hurry!
Patches: A09094744 Pointer mix, female, medium sized
I am a 6 yr old girl that is overwhelmed by what happened to me. My owners had too many dogs so I got kicked out! Trisha in the office here brings me up front after hours and she says I did really really great. I know sit, she is teaching me down, I do a GREAT down stay and will come when called. I am extremely cuddly and have great eye contact. $95.00
Patches: A09094744 Pointer mix, female, medium sizedI am a 6 yr old girl that is overwhelmed by what happened to me. My owners had too many dogs so I got kicked out! Trisha in the office here brings me up front after hours and she says I did really really great. I know sit, she is teaching me down, I do a GREAT down stay and will come when called. I am extremely cuddly and have great eye contact. $95.00
SPONSORED! Major: A09147247 Boxer mix, male
I am a 5 yr old male that is soft and quiet. I will look you in the eye with my big brown eyes. I am inquisitive, and self-confident. Good with kids, dogs and cats. If you are looking for an affectionate and calm dog that is me. I came here with others when our owners decided to move. I am available 11-25-09 for $95.00 I came in with Pluto (still here) and Rosie, she got adopted."
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Big Time Fun THis Saturday in St. Charles, Missouri
There will be lots and lots of puppies and kittens who are looking for a home for the holidays so come on over to the St. Charles Police Department ANimal Control Division's Third Annual Holiday pet Adoption. This event will be held from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 19, 2009 at the City ANimal Shelter. The shelter is located on 2835 West Randolph. They will be giving away a gift bag with each adoption and a complimentary photo with your newest family member will be taken free for you. If you would like additional information call (636) 949-3395 or visit stcharlescitymo.gov
Vote For Your Favorite
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE!
The 2010 Bark in the Park mascot will
-- appear on thousands of printed materials,
-- lead the Walk for the Animals Saturday, May 15 in Forest Park,
-- serve as canine spokesperson for Bark in the Park event public appearances, and
-- receive a year's supply of Purina® One dog food.
Vote for your favorite finalist now.
Voting ends 5:00 pm Central, Friday, January 15, 2010.
The 2010 Bark in the Park mascot will
-- appear on thousands of printed materials,
-- lead the Walk for the Animals Saturday, May 15 in Forest Park,
-- serve as canine spokesperson for Bark in the Park event public appearances, and
-- receive a year's supply of Purina® One dog food.
Vote for your favorite finalist now.
Voting ends 5:00 pm Central, Friday, January 15, 2010.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Most of the largest dogs I know are push overs
So many dogs get a bad rap when normally I've found the bigger they are the gentler they are.Once again proving that you can't judge a book by the cover!!!Christmas Baking Anyone???
Here's to enjoying the holidays with your pets!!! Happy Holidays from Hudson and crew!!!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
State Inspection on Herman Schindler Who Owns Pet Store On Mid RIvers Mall Drive in St. Peters
check out Schindlers latest inspection!!!!
http://acissearch.aphis.usda.gov/LPASearch/faces/pdfpage.jspx?custid=4320
April 23rd 2009, Jim Gauthier did the inspection and found no violations.
Novemeber 10th 2009, Jennifer Schmitz did the inspection --- SEVEN PAGES OF MAJOR VIOLATIONS, TO INCLUDE NUMEROUS AND SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS IN DOGS!!!
Includes, Chi with mass on abdomen; chi with enlarged and whitish eyes; Chi with 'shrunken eyes'; yorkie with dried eye discharge and red oozing skin; bull dog with oozing skin; corgi with hair loss and oozing skin; Chin with mass in the eye.
ON AND ON AND ON FOR 1 1/2 PAGES!!!! Lots of other violations also.
http://acissearch.aphis.usda.gov/LPASearch/faces/pdfpage.jspx?custid=4320
April 23rd 2009, Jim Gauthier did the inspection and found no violations.
Novemeber 10th 2009, Jennifer Schmitz did the inspection --- SEVEN PAGES OF MAJOR VIOLATIONS, TO INCLUDE NUMEROUS AND SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS IN DOGS!!!
Includes, Chi with mass on abdomen; chi with enlarged and whitish eyes; Chi with 'shrunken eyes'; yorkie with dried eye discharge and red oozing skin; bull dog with oozing skin; corgi with hair loss and oozing skin; Chin with mass in the eye.
ON AND ON AND ON FOR 1 1/2 PAGES!!!! Lots of other violations also.
Friday, December 11, 2009
C.A.P. S. Makes A Difference
A Breeder Had Stella's Vocal Cords Cut to Stifle Her Voice.
Use Your Voice to Stop This Cruel Practice in Massachusetts.
A bill is now before the Massachusetts legislature to ban devocalization—a nonessential surgery in which vocal cords are cut just to suppress or remove a dog's or cat's voice. There are serious risks regardless of the veterinarian's skill. Some animals die. Others struggle to breathe, choke on food and water, and gag uncontrollably the rest of their lives.
Sadly, this cruel practice is more common than you think. Some breeders devocalize routinely to keep many dogs under the radar or to facilitate exhibition. Occasionally, an irresponsible or uniformed pet owner will order the convenience surgery, leaving his or her 'best friend' mute or chronically hoarse. Devocalized dogs and cats don't benefit at all: They're abandoned like any other unwanted pet or breeding and show animals past their prime.
An Act Prohibiting Devocalization, House Bill 344, would put an end to this cruelty in Massachusetts. But powerful groups that profit from devocalization—the dog breeders' association and Mass. Veterinary Medical Assn.—are fighting the bill aggressively. They can kill it outright or add amendments that would make it unenforceable. Either way, helpless animals would continue to be maimed.
Use Your Voice to Stop This Cruel Practice in Massachusetts.
A bill is now before the Massachusetts legislature to ban devocalization—a nonessential surgery in which vocal cords are cut just to suppress or remove a dog's or cat's voice. There are serious risks regardless of the veterinarian's skill. Some animals die. Others struggle to breathe, choke on food and water, and gag uncontrollably the rest of their lives.
Sadly, this cruel practice is more common than you think. Some breeders devocalize routinely to keep many dogs under the radar or to facilitate exhibition. Occasionally, an irresponsible or uniformed pet owner will order the convenience surgery, leaving his or her 'best friend' mute or chronically hoarse. Devocalized dogs and cats don't benefit at all: They're abandoned like any other unwanted pet or breeding and show animals past their prime.
An Act Prohibiting Devocalization, House Bill 344, would put an end to this cruelty in Massachusetts. But powerful groups that profit from devocalization—the dog breeders' association and Mass. Veterinary Medical Assn.—are fighting the bill aggressively. They can kill it outright or add amendments that would make it unenforceable. Either way, helpless animals would continue to be maimed.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Animal welfare groups employ hotline, law to fight puppy mills - USATODAY.com
Animal welfare groups employ hotline, law to fight puppy mills - USATODAY.com: "WHY STRONGER LAWS ARE NEEDED
We asked Stephanie Shain of the Humane Society of the United States to explain why most humane groups believe federal and state laws aren't sufficient to prevent inhumane conditions at puppy mills. Here's what he says:
Federal law: 'Current federal regulations require only bare minimum standards to be met with regard to space and care. No pet owner would keep their dog in a cage 24 hours a day … yet it … is perfectly legal under the current federal law. (There are) modest requirements that do not ensure any socialization, no protection from overbreeding. (And) since the advent and increase in use of the Internet, breeders selling puppies directly to the public through websites are completely uncovered and not subject to any inspection or humane guidelines.'
State law: 'Currently in most states, law enforcement can only help dogs in puppy mills through cruelty laws. That means conditions have to deteriorate to the point of animal cruelty, that animals have to suffer mightily before anything can legally be done to help them. At the very least, agencies should have the ability to proactively visit puppy mills to check on the conditions of dogs and require improvements be made before it reaches the point of legal cruelty.'"
We asked Stephanie Shain of the Humane Society of the United States to explain why most humane groups believe federal and state laws aren't sufficient to prevent inhumane conditions at puppy mills. Here's what he says:
Federal law: 'Current federal regulations require only bare minimum standards to be met with regard to space and care. No pet owner would keep their dog in a cage 24 hours a day … yet it … is perfectly legal under the current federal law. (There are) modest requirements that do not ensure any socialization, no protection from overbreeding. (And) since the advent and increase in use of the Internet, breeders selling puppies directly to the public through websites are completely uncovered and not subject to any inspection or humane guidelines.'
State law: 'Currently in most states, law enforcement can only help dogs in puppy mills through cruelty laws. That means conditions have to deteriorate to the point of animal cruelty, that animals have to suffer mightily before anything can legally be done to help them. At the very least, agencies should have the ability to proactively visit puppy mills to check on the conditions of dogs and require improvements be made before it reaches the point of legal cruelty.'"
Monday, December 7, 2009
Who Is Your Real Friend???
Who Is your Real Friend ...
Your spouse or your dog???
Try this easy experiment to see who is...
Put your spouse and your dog in the trunk of your car....
Come back an hour later and see who is happy to see you!!!
I'm putting my money on Man's Best Friend.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Puges and Kisses
Zeus was released to us from a breeder and has had a difficult life solely being used for breeding. He will need a loving foster home to help with housebreaking and leash walking, as he has never been out of a cage before.
He needed treatment for his dry eye and had to be neutered, have a dentals,and vaccines. Now he is looking for a forever home in time for the Holidays! Go to www.compassionatepugrescue.com to see more pugs needing forever homes.
Thank you for your support. Pugs and Kisses
He needed treatment for his dry eye and had to be neutered, have a dentals,and vaccines. Now he is looking for a forever home in time for the Holidays! Go to www.compassionatepugrescue.com to see more pugs needing forever homes.
Thank you for your support. Pugs and Kisses
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Freezing pups and parents need our help
I just got a call that a man has found 11 black labs in a garage of a foreclosed home. Mom & dad dogs and 9 pups appear to be 5-6 weeks. An older neighbor is feeding them but afraid their going to get sick in this cold weather. Please reach out to see if anyone might be willing to help out here.They are in St. Genevieve, Missouri. Please help us find a safe haven for the pups and their parents....email jerdanes@yahoo.com if you can help!!!
A No Kill Nation Is Coming....
A No Kill nation is within our reach. Google this for more information on a No kill Nation .I would like to see a No Pet Store or Puppy Mill nation as well. My family just got back in town after a week cruise without us. We missed them so much but their wonderful neighbors Mark and Lori and Elaine took care of us while they were gone. Life was so boring without them around. The only exciting news was that Rick and his girlfriend Sam got engaged!!!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Gateway Pet Guardians
Gateway Pet Guardians: Gateway Pet Guardians is a 501(c)3 non-profit Animal Rescue, operating in St. Louis, MO and surrounding areas. Our rescue is currently virtual; meaning we have no actual building....all of the dogs and cats we have are in foster care. Check us out at gatewaypets.com
Adopting a friend
Gateway Pet Guardians adoption process involves an application process and probable home visit. The adoption fee is $125 for adults and $175 for puppies (this covers the pet's surgery, vet check, and up-to-date shots).
Not ready to adopt?
If you are not sure if you are ready to adopt a pet, please consider fostering! It's a great way to volunteer, and you just might meet the animal you love.
Come Visit Us!
We are based in the Soulard neighborhood of St. Louis. We have regularly scheduled adoption events throughout the month at various locations around the city. Visit our website for our information on these events!
Gateway Pet Guardians
PO Box 13243
St Louis, MO 63157
Phone: (314) 664-7398 (314) 664-7398
gatewaypetguardians@yahoo.com
Email: info@gatewaypets.com
Website: gatewaypets.com
Adopting a friend
Gateway Pet Guardians adoption process involves an application process and probable home visit. The adoption fee is $125 for adults and $175 for puppies (this covers the pet's surgery, vet check, and up-to-date shots).
Not ready to adopt?
If you are not sure if you are ready to adopt a pet, please consider fostering! It's a great way to volunteer, and you just might meet the animal you love.
Come Visit Us!
We are based in the Soulard neighborhood of St. Louis. We have regularly scheduled adoption events throughout the month at various locations around the city. Visit our website for our information on these events!
Gateway Pet Guardians
PO Box 13243
St Louis, MO 63157
Phone: (314) 664-7398 (314) 664-7398
gatewaypetguardians@yahoo.com
Email: info@gatewaypets.com
Website: gatewaypets.com
Saturday, November 21, 2009
ChipIn: SEMO Animal Rescue Alliance, Inc
ChipIn: SEMO Animal Rescue Alliance, Inc:
SEMO Animal Rescue Alliance Inc
I am raising money for my rural rescue.I have expenses that range from $700 to $1,000 that are for several dogs I am helping.
Madison that has a broke leg and pelvis. I have had her surgery and she is healing well now.
Baby Girl I am fostering for a lady who is in a abuse shelter and can't take her beloved pet. I had her spayed, vetted and hw tested. She is doing very well now.
I sent a tiny puppy to a neonatal rescue but had him at the vet on IV's and it cost me out of pocket.
Hudson knows the wonderful women who is the driving force behind this organization that does so much good for animals in Southern Missouri. She is a amazing women who works tirelessly for animals and really stretches every dollar she gets. Please join Hudson in a small donation to help them out. If you click on the address on the top it will take you right to their site.
SEMO Animal Rescue Alliance Inc
I am raising money for my rural rescue.I have expenses that range from $700 to $1,000 that are for several dogs I am helping.
Madison that has a broke leg and pelvis. I have had her surgery and she is healing well now.
Baby Girl I am fostering for a lady who is in a abuse shelter and can't take her beloved pet. I had her spayed, vetted and hw tested. She is doing very well now.
I sent a tiny puppy to a neonatal rescue but had him at the vet on IV's and it cost me out of pocket.
Hudson knows the wonderful women who is the driving force behind this organization that does so much good for animals in Southern Missouri. She is a amazing women who works tirelessly for animals and really stretches every dollar she gets. Please join Hudson in a small donation to help them out. If you click on the address on the top it will take you right to their site.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Nathan J Winograd
We have the power to build a new consensus, which rejects killing as a method for achieving results. And we can look forward to a time when the wholesale slaughter of animals in shelters is viewed as a cruel aberration of the past. We have a choice. We can fully, completely, and without reservation embrace No Kill as our future. Or we can continue to legitimize the two-pronged strategy of failure: adopt a few and kill the rest. It is a choice which history has thrown upon us. We are the generation that questioned the killing. We are the generation that has discovered how to stop it. Will we be the generation that does?This is from Nathan's website and his books he writes. He is an inspiration to all shelters who work so hard to help fabulous family pets find a new loving, forever home.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Truck Sends Hard Message
I just couldn't believe that it was legal to do that, that you could lock up a dog in a cage for its entire life and never let it out,' he said.
Passersby often give him angry looks before they realize the puppies aren't real. Then some give him thumbs-up or messages of support, he said.
He tries to drive the truck as often as possible, often taking it to Janesville to run errands or parking it in areas he knows many people will pass.
Long knows there are many reputable breeders out there, he said. But he wants to let people know about the bad ones, he said
PHOTO:
Jim Long with his puppy mill truck, meant to emulate the conditions some canine mothers are put through to produce a large quantity of puppies in their lifetime.
http://gazettextra.com/photos/2009/jul/06/18683/
Passersby often give him angry looks before they realize the puppies aren't real. Then some give him thumbs-up or messages of support, he said.
He tries to drive the truck as often as possible, often taking it to Janesville to run errands or parking it in areas he knows many people will pass.
Long knows there are many reputable breeders out there, he said. But he wants to let people know about the bad ones, he said
PHOTO:
Jim Long with his puppy mill truck, meant to emulate the conditions some canine mothers are put through to produce a large quantity of puppies in their lifetime.
http://gazettextra.com/photos/2009/jul/06/18683/
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Dogs Deserve Better
Sweet Tigger, Winnie the Pooh-Bear, Artemis, Penny and Trigger are looking for rescue/foster/forever homes! Their owner relinquished them to Dogs Deserve Better today. Tigger and Pooh-Bear were chained up 24/7, and the puppies spent most of their lives in a shed with no insulation. Now they are free and need a new place to stay.
All five are being boarded temp at the vet, but I can't afford to do it for long at $70 a day, and I have nowhere else for them to go yet. All have received exams, DHLPP, bordatella, deworming, fecals, and the adults have had rabies vax (pups are too young) and HW tests (awaiting results).
Tigger: Appx. 2 years, M, 58 pounds, vet guesses lab/pitty mix
Winnie the Pooh-Bear : Appx. 2 years, F, 44 pounds, vet guesses lab/pitty mix
Penny: Appx. 3 months, 11.3 pounds lab/pitty mix
Artemis: Appx. 3 months, 14 pounds, lab/pitty mix
Trigger: Appx. 3 months, 14.8 pounds, lab/pitty mix
All five are being boarded temp at the vet, but I can't afford to do it for long at $70 a day, and I have nowhere else for them to go yet. All have received exams, DHLPP, bordatella, deworming, fecals, and the adults have had rabies vax (pups are too young) and HW tests (awaiting results).
Tigger: Appx. 2 years, M, 58 pounds, vet guesses lab/pitty mix
Winnie the Pooh-Bear : Appx. 2 years, F, 44 pounds, vet guesses lab/pitty mix
Penny: Appx. 3 months, 11.3 pounds lab/pitty mix
Artemis: Appx. 3 months, 14 pounds, lab/pitty mix
Trigger: Appx. 3 months, 14.8 pounds, lab/pitty mix
Dogs Deserve Better
They are all very sweet dogs, playful, and offering lots of kissing and affection. Great with each other, not reactive to other dogs so far (but not tested extensively). Cats unknown. I have video as well, if you want to see how nice they are.
All dogs are in St. Louis, MO, and came from the East St. Louis area in Illinois. I can help with transport. Please let me know if any of you have room, or if you know who might. This is my first time placing dogs, so I appreciate any help you can give. They are a sweet little family of joyous dogs, and I'm sure they will make wonderful companions!
THANK YOU!!
Joan McKenna
St. Louis Area Rep
Dogs Deserve Better
760-490-4800
unchainyourdog@charter.net
All dogs are in St. Louis, MO, and came from the East St. Louis area in Illinois. I can help with transport. Please let me know if any of you have room, or if you know who might. This is my first time placing dogs, so I appreciate any help you can give. They are a sweet little family of joyous dogs, and I'm sure they will make wonderful companions!
THANK YOU!!
Joan McKenna
St. Louis Area Rep
Dogs Deserve Better
760-490-4800
unchainyourdog@charter.net
Monday, November 16, 2009
Kansas City Spay and Neutering Event
Won't you be an angel, like Jasmine, and help us with this Sunday's MASH clinic??
What is needed:
Autoclavers-2 volunteers needed from 10AM-2PM and 12PM-5PM
Post-Op-1 volunteer from1PM-5PM
Dog Recovery- 4 volunteers needed from 8AM-12PM and 12PM-5PM
LAUNDRY-1 volunteer needed from 12PM-5PM.
PLEASE EMAIL tamara@snkc.net for information or to sign-up!
What is needed:
Autoclavers-2 volunteers needed from 10AM-2PM and 12PM-5PM
Post-Op-1 volunteer from1PM-5PM
Dog Recovery- 4 volunteers needed from 8AM-12PM and 12PM-5PM
LAUNDRY-1 volunteer needed from 12PM-5PM.
PLEASE EMAIL tamara@snkc.net for information or to sign-up!
Spay and Neuter of Kansas City, Missouri
HAVE YOU HEARD??
SNKC...has a new WEBPAGE?? www.snkc.net !!!
SNKC...is partnering with a local groomer! Low-cost and part of proceeds goes to SNKC.
SNKC...LOVES Art of Pizza located at 18th and Baltimore. Present one of our coupons and 15% comes back to the pets!
SNKC...has a new WEBPAGE?? www.snkc.net !!!
SNKC...is partnering with a local groomer! Low-cost and part of proceeds goes to SNKC.
SNKC...LOVES Art of Pizza located at 18th and Baltimore. Present one of our coupons and 15% comes back to the pets!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Don't Buy Dogs From Pet Stores
I beg you not to buy your next pet from a Pet Store where 95% of the dogs are coming from Puppy Mills. Puppy Mills are breeders who mass breed dogs for profit with no concern for the breeding dog's welfare. Go to any animal expert site like Humane Society and you will see that is where I get my 95% but I just ask you NOT TO BUY A DOG UNTIL YOU SEE FIRST HAND WHERE THE PARENT DOG LIVES AND HOW THEY ARE TREATED. Since the general manager of Chesterfield Mall claims the Pet Store at their mall and Mid Rivers Mall who apparently is owned by the same people have their breeders book readily available for the public to see I asked to see it one day. After much resistance the employee let me copy the names of the breeders and their license numbers on their note pad paper since I didn't have any paper. Some of the breeders didn't have license numbers. Just looking at the first 13 of the twenty breeders they use according to the Missouri Department of Agriculture reports they had 2935 dogs which is an average of 265 dogs each. I don't know about you but that is way too many dogs for one breeder to own in my books. One of the breeders had 751 dogs....and we wonder why Missouri is known as the #1 Puppy Mill State in the United States!!! Let's not forget Pet Stores are always telling you they are coming from loving homes. Yea Right!!! We all must take a stand against the horrible treatment of dogs in puppy mills. INSIST ON SEEING THE PARENT DOGA AND WHERE THEY LIVE AND HOW THEY ARE TREATED. These puppy mill breeders love to meet you somewhere so you don't see how they treat the parent dogs. It is beyond horrible and our family saw it first hand. Saturday, November 14, 2009
Dogs Teach Us.....
Dogs can teach us so much like how to relax for one!!! Hope your having a relaxing day!!!Friday, November 13, 2009
Don't Tell Me Puppies Aren't At Shelters....
These precious babies are going to be large dogs. They are German Shepherd/Golden Retriever and Great Pyrenees mix. There are two girls and a boy and they have the sweetest personalities. They have their first set of shots, are dewormed and are getting spay and neutered on Monday and Tuesday.
They are up for adoption through the St. Charles No Kill Shelter on Pralle Lane in St. Charles, Missouri. Call Amanda Myrick at (636) 949-9918 if you are interested in adopting one. 
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Stand Up For Your Convictions
Puppy Mill Protest/Demonstration Chesterfield Mall…..
Chesterfield Missouri
Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009
1 to 2 PM
For general information on puppy mills, go to: www.petshoppuppies.org
Join us this Saturday to...........
Demonstrate against pet stores (Pampered Pets) that sell pets bred for profit…
Promote shelter pet adoptions……….
Inform the public of the puppy mill issue………
Meet across from the mall parking lot, in the lot at 300 Chesterfield Center, a red brick office building. This is across from Sears, Houlihan ' s, caddy corner to Borders, AMC, and the Cheese Cake factory. We will be holding signs in the median, along the main mall entrance off Clarkson, just past the Drury Hotel. Signs provided. No dogs please. Please RSVP in advance if possible.
Need directions?
http://www.chesterfield-mall.com/ shop/chesterfield.nsf/index
click on map & directions (top of page)
Questions? Call 314-330-1989
Chesterfield Missouri
Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009
1 to 2 PM
For general information on puppy mills, go to: www.petshoppuppies.org
Join us this Saturday to...........
Demonstrate against pet stores (Pampered Pets) that sell pets bred for profit…
Promote shelter pet adoptions……….
Inform the public of the puppy mill issue………
Meet across from the mall parking lot, in the lot at 300 Chesterfield Center, a red brick office building. This is across from Sears, Houlihan ' s, caddy corner to Borders, AMC, and the Cheese Cake factory. We will be holding signs in the median, along the main mall entrance off Clarkson, just past the Drury Hotel. Signs provided. No dogs please. Please RSVP in advance if possible.
Need directions?
http://www.chesterfield-mall.com/ shop/chesterfield.nsf/index
click on map & directions (top of page)
Questions? Call 314-330-1989
If We Can All Give A Small Amount
Friends of Hudson's know this rescue group who is trying to help this sweet baby who was found with only bird seed in his belly. He has the sweetest personality and they have incurred lots of vet bills trying to nurture him back to good health. If you could help please click on the website below & donate by PayPal.
OR mail a check made payable to: Making A Difference Rescue, Attn: Liz B & Hero, PO Box 414, Channahon, IL 60410
(in the memo mention for HERO)
If anyone feels more comfortable making a payment to the vets office directly, Yorkville Animal Hospital, please let me know & I can give you their info. I would just want to know so I can make sure the amount is taken off of our bill.
I will keep everyone posted on Hero's progress. If you can't donate please remember Hero in your prayers.....& all the others that are living the life of abuse that they too may find help & safety before it's too late!! God Bless You!
(PLEASE CONTINUE TO FORWARD ON) Thank You!
Liz B - President/Founder
(815) 258-5892 (815) 258-5892
'Making A Difference Rescue'
www.makingadifferencerescue.com
Don't breed or buy while other pets die,
Save a life, adopt one!!"
OR mail a check made payable to: Making A Difference Rescue, Attn: Liz B & Hero, PO Box 414, Channahon, IL 60410
(in the memo mention for HERO)
If anyone feels more comfortable making a payment to the vets office directly, Yorkville Animal Hospital, please let me know & I can give you their info. I would just want to know so I can make sure the amount is taken off of our bill.
I will keep everyone posted on Hero's progress. If you can't donate please remember Hero in your prayers.....& all the others that are living the life of abuse that they too may find help & safety before it's too late!! God Bless You!
(PLEASE CONTINUE TO FORWARD ON) Thank You!
Liz B - President/Founder
(815) 258-5892 (815) 258-5892
'Making A Difference Rescue'
www.makingadifferencerescue.com
Don't breed or buy while other pets die,
Save a life, adopt one!!"
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Pet Foods Aren't Always What It Seems To Be
"'The Truth About Pet Food'
http://www.healthypetbiz.com/index.php?view=video
&id=42&option=com_jomtube&Itemid=155
Could euthanized dogs and cats actually be in my pets food?
http://www.healthypetbiz.com/index.php?view=video
&id=70&option=com_jomtube&Itemid=155"
http://www.healthypetbiz.com/index.php?view=video
&id=42&option=com_jomtube&Itemid=155
Could euthanized dogs and cats actually be in my pets food?
http://www.healthypetbiz.com/index.php?view=video
&id=70&option=com_jomtube&Itemid=155"
Monday, November 9, 2009
Stop Pet Food Abuse
By taking advantage of our Pet Food Rescue Program, you will be helping put an end to what we call - pet food abuse. Many pet owners unwittingly purchase pet foods with no thought in mind other than price and pretty packaging. With the number of recalls that are happening today, it is important that a trusted source like yourself direct the consumer in what to buy. Our products have never been recalled and provide a safe, nutritious solution. Why place a pet in a home where daily nutrition will be left to chance? There are many quality minded pet food manufacturers. Unfortunately, because of regulations that guide the pet food industry, those quality minded companies are hindered from telling customers the truth about their pet foods and treats. While you might expect pet food makers to use same quality/grade of meat that you purchase for your family; many use a grade of meat known as pet grade/quality. Despite Federal law, a pet grade of meat can be from any 4-D animal; an animal that is/was diseased, dying, dead, or disabled. Even though there is a huge quality difference between a ‘pet grade’ and ‘human grade’ of meat, existing pet food regulations do NOT allow a manufacturer to tell you which one they use.
Unusual Friends
I've got to admit my fellow dogs never stop ceasing to amaze me. These two unlikely animals became fast friends and are such a great story to follow. Go on youtube to catch their story by typing in orangutan and dog friends I think. It is such a heartwarming story!!! 
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Small Paws Rescue Sends Christmas Poem
Twas the Night Before Christmas, in the Mills of Missouri
Written by: Robin Presnall of Small Paws Rescue
'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the mills,
not a puppy was stirring, it was strangely quite still.
While back at the pole, Santa readied the sleigh,
to pick up these mill dogs, it was such a long way!
The reindeer were dressing all quick in a hurry
They were headed for RESCUE, and straight for MISSOURI!
On Dasher on Dancer on Comet and Cupid.
Those pups go to Pet Shops! We know! We're not stupid!
As his sleigh did approach, the mill gates opened wide,
Santa called to them all, and they all jumped inside!
On Poodles, on Bichons, on Golden Retrievers!
Grab up the babies, we save those for grievers!
On Westies, on Lhasas, on cute Weenie Boogers,
On Shih Tzus and Scotties, they're all sweet as sugar!
On Schnauzers, and Maltese, on Wire Haired Fox Terriers!
We've got room for ALL, the more now, the merrier!
And the sleigh just grew bigger as they all made more room,
These pups lives were changing! No more gloom and doom!
While out on the lawns there arose such a clatter
The millers ran out to see what was the matter
Written by: Robin Presnall of Small Paws Rescue
'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the mills,
not a puppy was stirring, it was strangely quite still.
While back at the pole, Santa readied the sleigh,
to pick up these mill dogs, it was such a long way!
The reindeer were dressing all quick in a hurry
They were headed for RESCUE, and straight for MISSOURI!
On Dasher on Dancer on Comet and Cupid.
Those pups go to Pet Shops! We know! We're not stupid!
As his sleigh did approach, the mill gates opened wide,
Santa called to them all, and they all jumped inside!
On Poodles, on Bichons, on Golden Retrievers!
Grab up the babies, we save those for grievers!
On Westies, on Lhasas, on cute Weenie Boogers,
On Shih Tzus and Scotties, they're all sweet as sugar!
On Schnauzers, and Maltese, on Wire Haired Fox Terriers!
We've got room for ALL, the more now, the merrier!
And the sleigh just grew bigger as they all made more room,
These pups lives were changing! No more gloom and doom!
While out on the lawns there arose such a clatter
The millers ran out to see what was the matter
continuation.....
When they found their 'stock' gone, how the millers did sob,
while a Voice from above boomed, 'GO GET A REAL JOB!'
As it seemed it could not get much better than this,
I started to wake, did I dream all of this???
There was no red sleigh, no reindeer with wings.
I guess it was sadly, just one of those things,
That you dream and you dream, till one day 'twill be.
That glorious day, when the mills are history!
And I think as we tell them, and tell them again,
Soon it will be that we all know that when,
One buys from a pet shop, there are pups you don't see.
The Mama and Daddy, who are longing to be,
loved by a family, and scratched on their heads.
Not sleeping on wire, that are now called their beds.
One day it will be, oh how great that will feel!
We won't mill our puppies like paper and steel!
And I heard it exclaimed as I woke up that night,
We won't stand for this, we'll stand up and fight!
With each breath we do have and each word we do say,
we'll tell about the mills, till that glorious day,
when the mills are all outlawed, and all over Missouri,
The occupation of milling, will be but a memory.
while a Voice from above boomed, 'GO GET A REAL JOB!'
As it seemed it could not get much better than this,
I started to wake, did I dream all of this???
There was no red sleigh, no reindeer with wings.
I guess it was sadly, just one of those things,
That you dream and you dream, till one day 'twill be.
That glorious day, when the mills are history!
And I think as we tell them, and tell them again,
Soon it will be that we all know that when,
One buys from a pet shop, there are pups you don't see.
The Mama and Daddy, who are longing to be,
loved by a family, and scratched on their heads.
Not sleeping on wire, that are now called their beds.
One day it will be, oh how great that will feel!
We won't mill our puppies like paper and steel!
And I heard it exclaimed as I woke up that night,
We won't stand for this, we'll stand up and fight!
With each breath we do have and each word we do say,
we'll tell about the mills, till that glorious day,
when the mills are all outlawed, and all over Missouri,
The occupation of milling, will be but a memory.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Dirk's Fund
"Highlights - Halloween Party 10/29 5 PM
Raffle of 52' Sony TV
Silent Auction Items for Trivia Night
Claire Magnet now available
Santa Pictures November 14th (Saturday) Brentwood Salty Dog 8502 Manchester
November 22nd (Sunday) Pacific Animal Hospital 450 Flier Drive Pacific
December 5th (Saturday) Brentwood Salty Dog 8502 Manchester
December 13th (Sunday) Pacific Animal Hospital 450 Flier Drive Pacific
Call 636.257.2100 for Reservations - All proceeds to benefit Dirks Fund
Silent Auctions Items Booze for the Barrel of Booze
For Trivia Night Baskets for Men / Baskets for Children
Restaurant Gift Certificates
Gift Cards
Theme Baskets - Get Creative"
Raffle of 52' Sony TV
Silent Auction Items for Trivia Night
Claire Magnet now available
Santa Pictures November 14th (Saturday) Brentwood Salty Dog 8502 Manchester
November 22nd (Sunday) Pacific Animal Hospital 450 Flier Drive Pacific
December 5th (Saturday) Brentwood Salty Dog 8502 Manchester
December 13th (Sunday) Pacific Animal Hospital 450 Flier Drive Pacific
Call 636.257.2100 for Reservations - All proceeds to benefit Dirks Fund
Silent Auctions Items Booze for the Barrel of Booze
For Trivia Night Baskets for Men / Baskets for Children
Restaurant Gift Certificates
Gift Cards
Theme Baskets - Get Creative"
Mission - Gateway Pet Guardians
Mission - Gateway Pet Guardians: "Gateway Pet Guardians is dedicated to rescuing homeless pets in the St. Louis area, getting them great veterinary care, and finding them forever homes. We are a virtual shelter with all of our pets waiting for adoption in the care of volunteer foster families.
Gateway Pet Guardians is a 501c(3) tax-exempt organization. Donations are always greatly appreciated and are used to provide veterinary care for our foster pets, some of whom have been badly injured by automobile accidents, cruelty, neglect, or life on the street.
Donations are tax-exempt to the extent allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor for information specific to your tax situation." This is a wonderful organization that is helping so many homeless pets. If you can help them by fostering one of their pets please get ahold of them at http://www.gatewaypetguardians.com/
Gateway Pet Guardians is a 501c(3) tax-exempt organization. Donations are always greatly appreciated and are used to provide veterinary care for our foster pets, some of whom have been badly injured by automobile accidents, cruelty, neglect, or life on the street.
Donations are tax-exempt to the extent allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor for information specific to your tax situation." This is a wonderful organization that is helping so many homeless pets. If you can help them by fostering one of their pets please get ahold of them at http://www.gatewaypetguardians.com/
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-year-old)
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.He said,''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?'' The Six-year-old continued,''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.
''Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Spay & Neuter Kansas City
SNKC NEEDS volunteer support for these events in October 10/14/2009
In this Issue: Oct. 17th, 1PM-3PM- OUTREACH
Oct. 24th, 8:30AM-12PM AND 4PM-10PM- Roverlution and Crawl 4 Critters
Oct. 25th- MASH Hi P.A.W.S. Team member: October is certainly here and the weather has changed quickly! We have many events left this month that are also rolling up very quickly. Please take a moment to read through the events for this month and consider volunteering for one (or more) events!
Oct. 17th, 1PM-3PM- OUTREACH: Our team of volunteers will be meeting at the clinic this SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17th, at 12:30. Together, we will go door-to-door in search of pets and their owners that need our help. Before leaving, we will meet briefly to discuss our goal for the day. Anyone interested can then ride in our truck with us or follow us in your own car.
Oct. 24th, 8:30AM-12PM AND 4PM-10PM- Roverlution and Crawl 4 Critters: ROVERLUTION: This event is being held at the Penn Valley Dog Park from 9AM-12PM. We are in need of 2 volunteers to help represent SNKC, talk with interested people about our services and collect donations for dog toys that we will have for anyone interested. Volunteers will need to be at Penn Valley Park by 8:30AM. CRAWL 4 CRITTERS: This event is a pub crawl in the Waldo area. We need volunteers to help represent SNKC, talk with interested people about our services and collect donations for dog/cat toys that we will have for anyone interested. Oct. 25th- MASH: Sunday, October 25th, MSH clinic. We will be making a few changes to the scheduling and routine of MASH. This time around we are hosting less students and scheduling fewer animals to help ensure that the highest standards of care will be given to our guests. As such, all DOGS will be done in the morning and all CATS will be done after that. Please check the following outline for volunteer needs: Administration- (helping get people checked in/out), Need 2 people from 6:30AM-11:00AM, 1 person from 10:30AM-3PM and 1 person from 1PM-5:00PM. Pet Runners-(helping take pets to/from the surgery prep area), Need 2 volunteers from 6:30AM-11AM, 1 person from 10:30AM-3PM and 1 person from 1PM-5:00PM. Autoclaving-(getting surgery instruments/packs ready), Need 2 volunteers from 6:30AM-11AM, 2 people from 10:30AM-3PM and 2 people from 1PM-5:00PM. Pre-Op-(shaving, cleaning incision site, eye lube), Need 3 volunteers from 6:30AM-11AM, 3 people from 10:30AM-3PM and 2 people from 1PM-5:00PM. Post-Op-(cleaning suture site, flea combing, ear cleaning, e-collars), Need 3 volunteers from 6:30AM-11AM, 3 people from 10:30AM-3PM and 2 people from 1PM-5:00PM. Dog recovery-(monitoring for surgery reactions, maintaining pet comfort), Need 4 volunteers from 6:30AM-11AM, 8 people from 10:30AM-3PM and 2 people from 1PM-5:00PM. Cat recovery-(monitoring for surgery reactions, maintaining pet comfort), Need 1 volunteer from 6:30AM-11AM, 6 people from 10:30AM-3PM and 2 people from 1PM-5:00PM. AND DON'T FORGET OUR HOWL-O-WEENIE PARTY ON Oct. 31st FROM 1PM-3PM...bring your pet in their best costume and enter our contest! Contact Us: PLEASE EMAIL TAMARA@SNKC.NET TO SIGN UP FOR THESE EVENTS!!! I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ALL VERY SOON!! Spay & Neuter Kansas City, 1116 E. 59th, Kansas City, MO, 64110 816-353-0940
Friday, October 9, 2009
A new day for PA puppy mill dogs as new kennel standards take effect
Friday, October 09, 2009
By Amy Worden, Philadelphia Inquirer, Philly Dawg Blog
Today marks the end of lifetime of confinement to small cages, of paw-destroying wire cage floors, of stacked cages as high as a barn roof, of outdoor rabbit hutches, and of no veterinary care for tens of thousands of dogs in commercial kennels in Pennsylvania.
New standards governing cage size, flooring, exercise and veterinary care go into effect today for the roughly 300 licensed commercial dog kennels, most of them in Lancaster County.
Under the dog law signed a year ago by Gov. Rendell, kennel operators who keep more than 59 dogs a year, or sell one or more dogs to a pet store, must house dogs in larger cages and provide daily exercise and regular veterinary care for breeding dogs. The new law also forbids cage stacking, prohibits wire flooring in cages and imposes kennel temperature requirements.
Kennel operators were given a year to make the changes, or longer if they received waivers. The flood of waiver applications submitted to the bureau in the past few weeks suggests that many breeders did not complete the necessary work. The flood of Pennsylvania dogs on the auction markets in the midwest suggests many are downsizing to get under the 59-dog threshold, or getting out of the business altogether.
Some breeders may have been relying on a favorable ruling in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the new dog law. But that suit was thrown out last month by U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia Rambo.
For thousands of smaller licensed kennels (those with between 26 and 59 dogs), however, the old standards remain.
State dog wardens will be deployed starting today to inspect commercial kennels to ensure compliance and those who are found in violation may receive citations or could lose their licenses, according to the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement. A federal judge threw out a lawsuit filed by breeders challenging the constitutionality of the new dog law.
Jessie Smith, special deputy secretary of the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, said the stricter standards - widely regarded as the toughest in the nation - will significantly improve conditions for thousands of dogs living in kennels.
Bob Baker, an animal welfare advocate who helped draft the original Pennsylvania dog law almost 30 years ago, said "the dogs have been waiting 27 years for this day to come."
"Ever since the original Dog Law was passed in 1982 and advocates were told by the legislature this is all we can give you this year but you can come back next year to increase the standards of care," said Baker, now an investigator with the ASPCA. "Well it has been a 27 year wait for the dogs. There is no excuse for non-compliance by the breeders. They have had a free pass for 27 years to confine their dogs in tiny wire cages stacked one on top of another in dark, filthy, ammonia-filled barns."
Under an amendment pushed through by farming interests, kennel owners were given the opportunity to apply for waivers to allow up to three years additional time to improve their kennels if they showed they had made substantial improvements or could prove hardship. Justin Fleming, a spokesman for the bureau, said 93 waiver request had been submitted by the Oct. 9 deadline and decisions had been made so far on 23 applications. Fleming said he could not provide information on how many of those waivers had been granted and that the information could only be released through a right-to-know request.
The law stipulates that anyone convicted of violating the dog law in the past five years is not eligible for a waiver. A review of court records shows that 76 Lancaster kennel operators have either pleaded guilty to or been found guilty of dog law violations during that time period.
A number of kennels are either downsizing to get below the 59-dog threshold or going out of business. Nearly 400 dogs - mainly toy breeds - belonging to eight Pennsylvania commercial kennel owners were sold at an Ohio auction on Wednesday. Others are placing their unproductive breeding dogs or "surplus stock" through a program sponsored by the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association and the Federated Humane Societies of Pennsylvania and endorsed by the Department of Agriculture. (More on the Safe Harbor program tomorrow) There also have been reports of some commercial kennel owners shooting their dogs, which is illegal under the new law.
URL: http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/pets/New_kennel_standards_to_take_effect_tomorrow.html
Friday, October 09, 2009
By Amy Worden, Philadelphia Inquirer, Philly Dawg Blog
Today marks the end of lifetime of confinement to small cages, of paw-destroying wire cage floors, of stacked cages as high as a barn roof, of outdoor rabbit hutches, and of no veterinary care for tens of thousands of dogs in commercial kennels in Pennsylvania.
New standards governing cage size, flooring, exercise and veterinary care go into effect today for the roughly 300 licensed commercial dog kennels, most of them in Lancaster County.
Under the dog law signed a year ago by Gov. Rendell, kennel operators who keep more than 59 dogs a year, or sell one or more dogs to a pet store, must house dogs in larger cages and provide daily exercise and regular veterinary care for breeding dogs. The new law also forbids cage stacking, prohibits wire flooring in cages and imposes kennel temperature requirements.
Kennel operators were given a year to make the changes, or longer if they received waivers. The flood of waiver applications submitted to the bureau in the past few weeks suggests that many breeders did not complete the necessary work. The flood of Pennsylvania dogs on the auction markets in the midwest suggests many are downsizing to get under the 59-dog threshold, or getting out of the business altogether.
Some breeders may have been relying on a favorable ruling in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the new dog law. But that suit was thrown out last month by U.S. District Court Judge Sylvia Rambo.
For thousands of smaller licensed kennels (those with between 26 and 59 dogs), however, the old standards remain.
State dog wardens will be deployed starting today to inspect commercial kennels to ensure compliance and those who are found in violation may receive citations or could lose their licenses, according to the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement. A federal judge threw out a lawsuit filed by breeders challenging the constitutionality of the new dog law.
Jessie Smith, special deputy secretary of the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, said the stricter standards - widely regarded as the toughest in the nation - will significantly improve conditions for thousands of dogs living in kennels.
Bob Baker, an animal welfare advocate who helped draft the original Pennsylvania dog law almost 30 years ago, said "the dogs have been waiting 27 years for this day to come."
"Ever since the original Dog Law was passed in 1982 and advocates were told by the legislature this is all we can give you this year but you can come back next year to increase the standards of care," said Baker, now an investigator with the ASPCA. "Well it has been a 27 year wait for the dogs. There is no excuse for non-compliance by the breeders. They have had a free pass for 27 years to confine their dogs in tiny wire cages stacked one on top of another in dark, filthy, ammonia-filled barns."
Under an amendment pushed through by farming interests, kennel owners were given the opportunity to apply for waivers to allow up to three years additional time to improve their kennels if they showed they had made substantial improvements or could prove hardship. Justin Fleming, a spokesman for the bureau, said 93 waiver request had been submitted by the Oct. 9 deadline and decisions had been made so far on 23 applications. Fleming said he could not provide information on how many of those waivers had been granted and that the information could only be released through a right-to-know request.
The law stipulates that anyone convicted of violating the dog law in the past five years is not eligible for a waiver. A review of court records shows that 76 Lancaster kennel operators have either pleaded guilty to or been found guilty of dog law violations during that time period.
A number of kennels are either downsizing to get below the 59-dog threshold or going out of business. Nearly 400 dogs - mainly toy breeds - belonging to eight Pennsylvania commercial kennel owners were sold at an Ohio auction on Wednesday. Others are placing their unproductive breeding dogs or "surplus stock" through a program sponsored by the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association and the Federated Humane Societies of Pennsylvania and endorsed by the Department of Agriculture. (More on the Safe Harbor program tomorrow) There also have been reports of some commercial kennel owners shooting their dogs, which is illegal under the new law.
URL: http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/pets/New_kennel_standards_to_take_effect_tomorrow.html
Friday, October 2, 2009
Quad Cities Times Sunday:
Front Page Story on Puppy Mills!!
Good Morning fellow animal welfare advocates!
This is big news! A great article that reveals the clandestine nature of the commercial dog breeding industry was published on the front page of the Sunday QC Times!
See below.
Thank you Stephanie De Pasquale, reporter for the QC Times!!
Let's get some comments going on the newspaper's website!! Use the link in the article title to get to their website.
Be sure to thank Reps. Lykam and Bukta for taking the time to visit these facilities.
Thanks!
Mary LaHay, Director
Iowa Voters for Companion Animals
Lawmakers push to expand Iowa dog breeder oversight
Stephanie De Pasquale Posted: Sunday, September 27, 2009 2:00 am
From the road, all you can see of Mystic Rock Kennels in Keosauqua , Iowa , are five trailers and an old barn on a hill. Trees block the view of the grounds and only one small window is open on one trailer.
The kennel is surrounded by acres of corn, making it difficult to see what happens on the property.
Judy Scearcy, Mystic Rock Kennels owner, wrote that she raises "healthy happy puppies at my home" on her seller profile on www.puppyfind.com.
When Iowa Reps. Jim Lykam, D-Davenport, and Polly Bukta, D-Clinton, visited the kennel last week, 13 puppies were listed for sale. But there was no barking when Lykam knocked on the back door of the house adjacent to the kennel.
U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection reports of the facility also make multiple references to a whelping building that at times housed as many as 81 dogs and contain accounts of puppies legs falling through wire flooring.
Lykam and Bukta made the visit to the kennel because they want the state to be able to inspect breeding facilities when complaints are filed agai nst a federally licensed facility. Now, inspections can only be done by federal officials. The USDA has five inspectors who are responsible for all of Iowa in addition to other states.
As part of Lykam and Bukta's efforts, a study committee will meet Tuesday in Des Moines to refine a bill for the full legislature's consideration next year.
A green minivan without license plates sits in the driveway of the kennel, southwest of Mount Pleasant near the Missouri border. There is an odor in the air and the property, which housed 145 dogs, according to a June inspection report, is quiet. Bukta hears movement near the first trailer behind a fence. The
legislators follow the noise to find a woman who did not give her name but said she was looking after the place while Scearcy was in Iowa City for the day.
"I can't let anybody in when she's not here," the woman said. "There's no way I can do that."
Five huskies are visible in a raised outdoor run attached to a sixth trailer that wasn't visible from the road, but the woman said there are too many breeds of dogs at the facility for her to name.
"They're going to be going to an interim study committee on licensed breeders, and we're trying to get as much knowledge as we can," Lykam said.
"You're not trying20to shut people down are you?" the woman asked.
"No, no," Lykam answered.
Before leaving, Lykam left his business card with the woman who said she would have Scearcy call him to schedule a tour.
Lykam has not heard from Scearcy.
She later declined to comment for this article and the name on her www.puppyfind.com account has been changed to Christy Parks.
41 violations in two years
But what the corn fields, trees and closed windows hide, inspection reports reveal. Since receiving her license in the fall of 2007, Scearcy has accumulated 41 violations, 12 of which are repeat offenses, of the Animal Welfare Act, a set of standards for animals bred and housed in commercial breeding facilities. The standards require USDA-licensed facilities to provide animals proper housing, sanitation, food, water and protection against extreme weather. The act is considered a minimum standard of care, and licensees are encouraged to exceed them.
According to USDA inspection reports, Scearcy's violations include:
Dogs that were so severely matted they could not see.
Failure to provide veterinary care to injured or sick dogs.
Excess accumulation of feces that at times was as thick as 1 to 2 inches.
Infestations of fleas, flies and roaches.
Jagged metal edges that could harm animals.
Excessiv e rust and chewed wood surfaces that can't be sanitized.
Housing too many animals in a crate, including puppies, so that the dogs could not turn around or lie down.
The USDA inspects licensed facilities once a year and more often if there are problems. Mystic Rock Kennels has been inspected six times since Jan. 10, 2008, when her first inspection as a licensed breeder revealed 11 violations.
Dave Sacks, spokesman for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, an agency within the USDA, said breeders with a history of non-compliance can be placed under investigation where evidence will be gathered and turned over to a USDA administrative law judge, who has the power to suspend and revoke licenses.
"We're not in the business of turning a blind eye to animal abuse, so when we see patterns like this, we're going to look at them certainly a lot differently than a breeder that has a very clean record," Sacks said. "And if we see a pattern like we see here, you may soon see some information coming out that there was an investigation launched or there is some enforcement actions coming down the pike."
Some breeders invite inspections
Seventeen miles southeast in Bonaparte , Iowa , the scene is different at Juliana's Happytails. Marty Stecker, who owns the kennel with his ex-wife, Juliana Van Winkle, gave Lykam and Bukta a tour of one of four whelping buildings.
Inside the climate-co ntrolled building there were about a dozen litters of puppies with their mothers. Each litter of small breed dogs were housed in a 3-foot cube, wire bottom crate. Some crates also have removable wooden trays so the smallest of the puppies' feet don't fall through the wires. Below each crate was a slanted board that led to a drainage trough for easy cleaning.
The facility was clean, with only two fresh stools caught in the wires of two crates. Next to each enclosure is a clipboard containing detailed records of the number of puppies in the litter, their gender and date they were born, as well as a long list of vaccinations and medications and the dates they are to be administered.
Citing concern over the noise, Stecker asked the legislators not to go into the main building that houses about 260 breeding dogs and instead look over the facility through a screen door. An odor of waste was strong. Stecker said the building had not been cleaned out yet but that it is sanitized daily. The dogs appeared to be healthy, clean and groomed, and they were housed in crates that were 2 feet by 4 feet.
"It'd be nice just to have one (per enclosure), but dogs are real social animals, and they prefer to be with another dog," said Stecker, who added that they never place more than two dogs together. "USDA has formulas for how much room you can legally have, and it's a sin. They would barely have enough room to turn around in there according to their rules. "
Stecker, who breeds the dogs once every 10 to 11 months, has been in the commercial breeding business for about 12 years. While Scearcy has accumulated 41 violations in 20 months, Juliana's Happy Tails has been cited twice in three years - peeling wire in the crates and a dog that had hair loss on its legs and nose. Van Winkle had documentation that the dog was being treated with antibiotics, but the inspector wanted the dog to see a veterinarian as well.
Lykam said the Iowa Pet Breeder's Association has invited legislators to tour Knapp Creek Acres, LLC in Amana , Iowa . The facility has had a clean record of compliance with USDA regulations.
"They say you can eat off the floor there, and that's the one they want to showcase all the time," Lykam said. "But I don't think anyone is inviting us down to Keosauqua."
Also on the Web
View the inspection reports from Mystic Rock Kennels and Juliana's Happy Tails, a fact sheet on the Animal Welfare Act and the agenda for the Care of Animals in Commercial Enterprises Study Committee at www.qctimes.com.
See video of Mystic Rock Kennels and hear Iowa Reps. Jim Lykam and Polly Bukta talk about their impressions of the commercial breeding facilities at www.qctimes.tv.
To chat with Lykam about his visit to commercial breeding facilities and about the Care of Animals in Commercial Enterprises Study Committee, go to my.quadsville.com at 11 a.m. Wednesday.
Puppy mill meetings
Listening Post on the Puppy Mill Bill
When: 7 p.m. Monday
Where: Animal Rescue League of Iowa , 5452 NE 22nd St. , Des Moines
Care of A nimals in Commercial Enterprises Study Committee
When: 9 a.m. Tuesday
Where: Room 103, Supreme Court Chamber, Iowa State Capital, East 9th and Grand, Des Moines
BE SURE TO ATTEND THIS EVENT MONDAY EVE!
WE NEED YOU!!!!
THE DOGS NEED YOU!!!
Shar pei surrendered by Iowa mill.
Crippled from being housed in small cage.
OUR WEBSITE: www.iavotersforcompanionanimals.org
If you haven't already registered on our site, PLEASE DO! And be sure to indicate your state senator and house representative.
The primary purpose of our website is to find others in Iowa who want to help us get better laws to protect Iowa 's companion animals. There is an option to sign-up to receive email updates.
Iowa Voters for Companion Animals PO Box 68 St. Marys IA 50241
Front Page Story on Puppy Mills!!
Good Morning fellow animal welfare advocates!
This is big news! A great article that reveals the clandestine nature of the commercial dog breeding industry was published on the front page of the Sunday QC Times!
See below.
Thank you Stephanie De Pasquale, reporter for the QC Times!!
Let's get some comments going on the newspaper's website!! Use the link in the article title to get to their website.
Be sure to thank Reps. Lykam and Bukta for taking the time to visit these facilities.
Thanks!
Mary LaHay, Director
Iowa Voters for Companion Animals
Lawmakers push to expand Iowa dog breeder oversight
Stephanie De Pasquale Posted: Sunday, September 27, 2009 2:00 am
From the road, all you can see of Mystic Rock Kennels in Keosauqua , Iowa , are five trailers and an old barn on a hill. Trees block the view of the grounds and only one small window is open on one trailer.
The kennel is surrounded by acres of corn, making it difficult to see what happens on the property.
Judy Scearcy, Mystic Rock Kennels owner, wrote that she raises "healthy happy puppies at my home" on her seller profile on www.puppyfind.com.
When Iowa Reps. Jim Lykam, D-Davenport, and Polly Bukta, D-Clinton, visited the kennel last week, 13 puppies were listed for sale. But there was no barking when Lykam knocked on the back door of the house adjacent to the kennel.
U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection reports of the facility also make multiple references to a whelping building that at times housed as many as 81 dogs and contain accounts of puppies legs falling through wire flooring.
Lykam and Bukta made the visit to the kennel because they want the state to be able to inspect breeding facilities when complaints are filed agai nst a federally licensed facility. Now, inspections can only be done by federal officials. The USDA has five inspectors who are responsible for all of Iowa in addition to other states.
As part of Lykam and Bukta's efforts, a study committee will meet Tuesday in Des Moines to refine a bill for the full legislature's consideration next year.
A green minivan without license plates sits in the driveway of the kennel, southwest of Mount Pleasant near the Missouri border. There is an odor in the air and the property, which housed 145 dogs, according to a June inspection report, is quiet. Bukta hears movement near the first trailer behind a fence. The
legislators follow the noise to find a woman who did not give her name but said she was looking after the place while Scearcy was in Iowa City for the day.
"I can't let anybody in when she's not here," the woman said. "There's no way I can do that."
Five huskies are visible in a raised outdoor run attached to a sixth trailer that wasn't visible from the road, but the woman said there are too many breeds of dogs at the facility for her to name.
"They're going to be going to an interim study committee on licensed breeders, and we're trying to get as much knowledge as we can," Lykam said.
"You're not trying20to shut people down are you?" the woman asked.
"No, no," Lykam answered.
Before leaving, Lykam left his business card with the woman who said she would have Scearcy call him to schedule a tour.
Lykam has not heard from Scearcy.
She later declined to comment for this article and the name on her www.puppyfind.com account has been changed to Christy Parks.
41 violations in two years
But what the corn fields, trees and closed windows hide, inspection reports reveal. Since receiving her license in the fall of 2007, Scearcy has accumulated 41 violations, 12 of which are repeat offenses, of the Animal Welfare Act, a set of standards for animals bred and housed in commercial breeding facilities. The standards require USDA-licensed facilities to provide animals proper housing, sanitation, food, water and protection against extreme weather. The act is considered a minimum standard of care, and licensees are encouraged to exceed them.
According to USDA inspection reports, Scearcy's violations include:
Dogs that were so severely matted they could not see.
Failure to provide veterinary care to injured or sick dogs.
Excess accumulation of feces that at times was as thick as 1 to 2 inches.
Infestations of fleas, flies and roaches.
Jagged metal edges that could harm animals.
Excessiv e rust and chewed wood surfaces that can't be sanitized.
Housing too many animals in a crate, including puppies, so that the dogs could not turn around or lie down.
The USDA inspects licensed facilities once a year and more often if there are problems. Mystic Rock Kennels has been inspected six times since Jan. 10, 2008, when her first inspection as a licensed breeder revealed 11 violations.
Dave Sacks, spokesman for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, an agency within the USDA, said breeders with a history of non-compliance can be placed under investigation where evidence will be gathered and turned over to a USDA administrative law judge, who has the power to suspend and revoke licenses.
"We're not in the business of turning a blind eye to animal abuse, so when we see patterns like this, we're going to look at them certainly a lot differently than a breeder that has a very clean record," Sacks said. "And if we see a pattern like we see here, you may soon see some information coming out that there was an investigation launched or there is some enforcement actions coming down the pike."
Some breeders invite inspections
Seventeen miles southeast in Bonaparte , Iowa , the scene is different at Juliana's Happytails. Marty Stecker, who owns the kennel with his ex-wife, Juliana Van Winkle, gave Lykam and Bukta a tour of one of four whelping buildings.
Inside the climate-co ntrolled building there were about a dozen litters of puppies with their mothers. Each litter of small breed dogs were housed in a 3-foot cube, wire bottom crate. Some crates also have removable wooden trays so the smallest of the puppies' feet don't fall through the wires. Below each crate was a slanted board that led to a drainage trough for easy cleaning.
The facility was clean, with only two fresh stools caught in the wires of two crates. Next to each enclosure is a clipboard containing detailed records of the number of puppies in the litter, their gender and date they were born, as well as a long list of vaccinations and medications and the dates they are to be administered.
Citing concern over the noise, Stecker asked the legislators not to go into the main building that houses about 260 breeding dogs and instead look over the facility through a screen door. An odor of waste was strong. Stecker said the building had not been cleaned out yet but that it is sanitized daily. The dogs appeared to be healthy, clean and groomed, and they were housed in crates that were 2 feet by 4 feet.
"It'd be nice just to have one (per enclosure), but dogs are real social animals, and they prefer to be with another dog," said Stecker, who added that they never place more than two dogs together. "USDA has formulas for how much room you can legally have, and it's a sin. They would barely have enough room to turn around in there according to their rules. "
Stecker, who breeds the dogs once every 10 to 11 months, has been in the commercial breeding business for about 12 years. While Scearcy has accumulated 41 violations in 20 months, Juliana's Happy Tails has been cited twice in three years - peeling wire in the crates and a dog that had hair loss on its legs and nose. Van Winkle had documentation that the dog was being treated with antibiotics, but the inspector wanted the dog to see a veterinarian as well.
Lykam said the Iowa Pet Breeder's Association has invited legislators to tour Knapp Creek Acres, LLC in Amana , Iowa . The facility has had a clean record of compliance with USDA regulations.
"They say you can eat off the floor there, and that's the one they want to showcase all the time," Lykam said. "But I don't think anyone is inviting us down to Keosauqua."
Also on the Web
View the inspection reports from Mystic Rock Kennels and Juliana's Happy Tails, a fact sheet on the Animal Welfare Act and the agenda for the Care of Animals in Commercial Enterprises Study Committee at www.qctimes.com.
See video of Mystic Rock Kennels and hear Iowa Reps. Jim Lykam and Polly Bukta talk about their impressions of the commercial breeding facilities at www.qctimes.tv.
To chat with Lykam about his visit to commercial breeding facilities and about the Care of Animals in Commercial Enterprises Study Committee, go to my.quadsville.com at 11 a.m. Wednesday.
Puppy mill meetings
Listening Post on the Puppy Mill Bill
When: 7 p.m. Monday
Where: Animal Rescue League of Iowa , 5452 NE 22nd St. , Des Moines
Care of A nimals in Commercial Enterprises Study Committee
When: 9 a.m. Tuesday
Where: Room 103, Supreme Court Chamber, Iowa State Capital, East 9th and Grand, Des Moines
BE SURE TO ATTEND THIS EVENT MONDAY EVE!
WE NEED YOU!!!!
THE DOGS NEED YOU!!!
Shar pei surrendered by Iowa mill.
Crippled from being housed in small cage.
OUR WEBSITE: www.iavotersforcompanionanimals.org
If you haven't already registered on our site, PLEASE DO! And be sure to indicate your state senator and house representative.
The primary purpose of our website is to find others in Iowa who want to help us get better laws to protect Iowa 's companion animals. There is an option to sign-up to receive email updates.
Iowa Voters for Companion Animals PO Box 68 St. Marys IA 50241
Friday, September 25, 2009
Rescuers Answering Machine ....
RESCUERS ANSWERING MACHINE: Hello: You have reached ___-____, Rescue. Due to the high volume of calls we have been receiving, please listen closely to the following options and choose the one that best describes you or your situation:
Press 1 if you have a 10-year-old dog and your 15-year-old son has suddenly become allergic and you need to find the dog a new home right away.
Press 2 if you are moving today and need to immediately place your 150 pound, 8-year-old dog.
Press 3 if you have three dogs, had a baby and want to get rid of your dogs because you are the only person in the world to have a baby and dogs at the same time.
Press 4 if you just got a brand new puppy and your old dog is having problems adjusting so you want to get rid of the old one right away.
Press 5 if your little puppy has grown up and is no longer small and cute and you want to trade it in for a new model.
Press 6 if you want an unpaid volunteer to come to your home TODAY and pick up the dog you no longer want.
Press 7 if you have been feeding and caring for a "stray" for the last three years, are moving and suddenly determine it's not your dog.
Press 8 if your dog is sick and needs a vet but you need the money for your vacation.
Press 9 if you are elderly and want to adopt a cute puppy who is not active and is going to outlive you.
Press 10 if your relative has died and you don't want to care for their elderly dog because it doesn't fit your lifestyle.
Press 14 if you are calling at 6 a.m. to make sure you wake me up before I have to go to work so you can drop a dog off on your way to work.
Press 15 to leave us an anonymous garbled message, letting us know you have left a dog in our yard in the middle of January, which is in fact, better than just leaving the dog with no message.
Press 16 if you are going to get angry because we are not going to take your dog that you have had for fifteen years, because it is not our responsibility.
Press 17 if you are going to threaten to take your ten year old dog to be euthanized because I won't take it.
Press 18 if you're going to get angry because the volunteers had the audacity to go on vacation and leave the dogs in care of a trusted volunteer who is not authorized to take your personal pet.
Press 19 if you want one of our PERFECTLY trained, housebroken, kid and cat friendly purebred dogs that we have an abundance of.
Press 20 if you want us to take your dog that has a slight aggression problem, i.e. has only bitten a few people and killed your neighbor's cats.
Press 21 if you have already called once and been told we don't take personal surrenders but thought you would get a different person this time with a different answer.
Press 22 if you want us to use space that would go to a stray to board your personal dog while you are on vacation, free of charge, of course.
Press 23 if it is Christmas Eve or Easter morning and you want me to deliver an eight week old puppy to your house by 6:30 am before your kids wake up.
Press 24 if you have bought your children a duckling, chick or baby bunny for Easter and it is now Christmas and no longer cute.
Press 25 if you want us to take your female dog who has already had ten litters, but we can't spay her because she is pregnant again and it is against your religion.
Press 26 if you're lying to make one of our younger volunteers feel bad and take your personal pet off your hands.
Press 27 if your cat is biting and not using the litter box because it is declawed, but you are not willing to accept the responsibility that the cat's behavior is altered because of your nice furniture.
Press 28 if your two year old male dog is marking all over your house but you just haven't gotten around to having him neutered.
Press 29 if you previously had an outdoor only dog and are calling because she is suddenly pregnant.
Press 30 if you have done "everything" to housebreak your dog and have had no success but you don't want to crate the dog because it is cruel.
Press 31 if you didn't listen to the message asking for an evening phone number and you left your work number when all volunteers are also working and you are angry because no one called you back.
Press 32 if you need a puppy immediately and cannot wait because today is your daughter's birthday and you forgot when she was born.
Press 33 if your dog's coat doesn't match your new furniture and you need a different color or breed.
Press 34 if your new love doesn't like your dog and you are too stupid to get rid of the new friend (who will dump you in the next month anyway) instead of the dog.
Press 35 if you went through all these 'options' and didn't hear enough. This press will connect you to the sounds of tears being shed by one of our volunteers who is holding a discarded old dog while the vet mercifully frees him from the grief of missing his family.
~Author Unknown, but much appreciated
Press 1 if you have a 10-year-old dog and your 15-year-old son has suddenly become allergic and you need to find the dog a new home right away.
Press 2 if you are moving today and need to immediately place your 150 pound, 8-year-old dog.
Press 3 if you have three dogs, had a baby and want to get rid of your dogs because you are the only person in the world to have a baby and dogs at the same time.
Press 4 if you just got a brand new puppy and your old dog is having problems adjusting so you want to get rid of the old one right away.
Press 5 if your little puppy has grown up and is no longer small and cute and you want to trade it in for a new model.
Press 6 if you want an unpaid volunteer to come to your home TODAY and pick up the dog you no longer want.
Press 7 if you have been feeding and caring for a "stray" for the last three years, are moving and suddenly determine it's not your dog.
Press 8 if your dog is sick and needs a vet but you need the money for your vacation.
Press 9 if you are elderly and want to adopt a cute puppy who is not active and is going to outlive you.
Press 10 if your relative has died and you don't want to care for their elderly dog because it doesn't fit your lifestyle.
Press 14 if you are calling at 6 a.m. to make sure you wake me up before I have to go to work so you can drop a dog off on your way to work.
Press 15 to leave us an anonymous garbled message, letting us know you have left a dog in our yard in the middle of January, which is in fact, better than just leaving the dog with no message.
Press 16 if you are going to get angry because we are not going to take your dog that you have had for fifteen years, because it is not our responsibility.
Press 17 if you are going to threaten to take your ten year old dog to be euthanized because I won't take it.
Press 18 if you're going to get angry because the volunteers had the audacity to go on vacation and leave the dogs in care of a trusted volunteer who is not authorized to take your personal pet.
Press 19 if you want one of our PERFECTLY trained, housebroken, kid and cat friendly purebred dogs that we have an abundance of.
Press 20 if you want us to take your dog that has a slight aggression problem, i.e. has only bitten a few people and killed your neighbor's cats.
Press 21 if you have already called once and been told we don't take personal surrenders but thought you would get a different person this time with a different answer.
Press 22 if you want us to use space that would go to a stray to board your personal dog while you are on vacation, free of charge, of course.
Press 23 if it is Christmas Eve or Easter morning and you want me to deliver an eight week old puppy to your house by 6:30 am before your kids wake up.
Press 24 if you have bought your children a duckling, chick or baby bunny for Easter and it is now Christmas and no longer cute.
Press 25 if you want us to take your female dog who has already had ten litters, but we can't spay her because she is pregnant again and it is against your religion.
Press 26 if you're lying to make one of our younger volunteers feel bad and take your personal pet off your hands.
Press 27 if your cat is biting and not using the litter box because it is declawed, but you are not willing to accept the responsibility that the cat's behavior is altered because of your nice furniture.
Press 28 if your two year old male dog is marking all over your house but you just haven't gotten around to having him neutered.
Press 29 if you previously had an outdoor only dog and are calling because she is suddenly pregnant.
Press 30 if you have done "everything" to housebreak your dog and have had no success but you don't want to crate the dog because it is cruel.
Press 31 if you didn't listen to the message asking for an evening phone number and you left your work number when all volunteers are also working and you are angry because no one called you back.
Press 32 if you need a puppy immediately and cannot wait because today is your daughter's birthday and you forgot when she was born.
Press 33 if your dog's coat doesn't match your new furniture and you need a different color or breed.
Press 34 if your new love doesn't like your dog and you are too stupid to get rid of the new friend (who will dump you in the next month anyway) instead of the dog.
Press 35 if you went through all these 'options' and didn't hear enough. This press will connect you to the sounds of tears being shed by one of our volunteers who is holding a discarded old dog while the vet mercifully frees him from the grief of missing his family.
~Author Unknown, but much appreciated
Friday, September 18, 2009
Way To Go San Francisco & Best Friends
San Francisco is close to becoming the first large no-kill city in the United States. But there is still much work left to be done to get to that point. Three members of the city’s Commission of Animal Control and Welfare recently presented what they call “One Possible Road Map to No Kill in San Francisco.” Though most agree their plan contains some good ideas, many say it’s still lacking some key components.
When the commission began exploring the idea of making the city by the bay a no-kill community, it sought the advice of a number of animal welfare organizations, including Best Friends Animal Society.
Focus on Felines
Gregory Castle, Best Friends co-founder and interim chief executive officer, traveled to San Francisco’s City Hall this summer to speak to the commission. “It would be easy for them to become a no-kill community with some commitment,” Castle says. “They have a very high save rate — about 85 percent. There are a lot of people who feel that if they just did a few things right now, they could become the biggest city in the U.S. to become no-kill.”
Castle told the commission there are some key things that must be in place if San Francisco wants to reach the goal of becoming no-kill community. Agencies and organizations, including Animal Care and Control, government agencies, the San Francisco SPCA, veterinarians, rescues, and other no-kill organizations — must form a coalition and work together toward the same goal. And one of those organizations must be willing to step up and take leadership of the group effort, providing coordination, motivation and direction, Castle says. He says the coalition must tap all available resources, and that there is money available from foundations such as Maddie’s Fund that is currently not being used to save lives in the San Francisco community. And if San Francisco and other cities across the nation are ever to reach the goal of No More Homeless Pets, they must keep those pets from entering shelters in the first place, Castle says. That means having programs that help animals with behavioral and medical issues so they can stay in their homes or find new ones. It also means having programs that address the most commonly euthanized animals in shelters — pit bulls and feral cats. “Pit Bulls: Saving America’s Dog” and “Focus on Felines” are two of four Best Friends campaigns aimed at reaching the goal of No More Homeless Pets. Read more about the campaigns here.
Where to go from here
After spending months hearing testimony from Castle and other animal welfare advocates, commission chairwoman Sally Stephens and commissioners Angela Padilla and Andrea Brooks put together “One Possible Road Map to No Kill in San Francisco.” The plan does indeed incorporate some of the advice from Castle and others, such as creating a coalition. Among other things, it would offer free or low-cost dog training classes and would develop a fund to pay for medical and behavioral treatment of animals at Animal Care and Control. It would create a halfway house for shelter animals to stay until foster homes could be found for them. It would provide education and outreach to help end the horrible blood sport of dogfighting, and it states that landlords can’t refuse to rent to pit bull guardians. In addition, it would make trap/neuter/return (TNR) an official city policy. But many, including Castle, say the plan doesn’t go nearly far enough. Castle says the policy should be a mandate and not just a resolution. He says Animal Care and Control should be mandated to run TNR programs, and that the city should also mandate programs that address pit bulls, feral cats and animals who enter shelters sick or in need of rehabilitation.
FixSanFrancisco.org, a group made up of local animal welfare advocates and organizations, agrees.
“We believe that legislation is absolutely necessary to accomplish no kill in San Francisco,” wrote Kathleen McGarr in a letter to commissioners on behalf of the group. “No kill legislation in San Francisco is a tangible goal within our reach. It is time to ensure that all savable animals in San Francisco have a secure future.” Stephens says the road map is by no means a final document. She and the other commissioners drafted it simply to get the discussion going. She says she’s not sure whether the final plan should be a mandate.
“If it is mandated, the city is saying you have to do this,” Stephens says. “If you don’t have programs in place to support it, it becomes an empty mandate. How do you enforce it? If they don’t meet the mandate, do you fine them? The money spent on fines could be going to the animals. If there was better coordination between these groups, no-kill would happen whether there’s a mandate or not.”
Pit Bulls: Saving America’s Dog
The importance of working together Getting all of San Francisco’s local organizations to work together and coordinate their efforts could prove to be a challenge. For a long time, the San Francisco SPCA, which is celebrating its 141st anniversary this year, was considered the model for how to do things right. The organization worked closely with animal care and control to help raise the city’s save rate to the impressive 85 percent it is today. It built a brand new adoption center and was one of the first organizations to create cage-free environments. But in the last couple years, some have criticized the organization for diluting its lifesaving programs and becoming less committed to no-kill.
One of the biggest criticisms of the SFSPCA is that it brings easily adoptable animals in from outside the community while refusing to take in many of the animals from animal care and control. According to FixSanFrancisco.org, the SFSPCA brought in more than 1,000 animals from outside the city in 2008 alone.
The SFSPCA is bringing in animals that are easy to adopt while “choosing to abandon the older black dog who needs his teeth cleaned,” McGarr says. Only when San Francisco reaches the goal of saving all of its own animals should it reach out to take in animals from other communities, the letter to commissioners said. According to FixSanFrancisco.org, any road map to no-kill must also:
Establish that San Francisco shelters’ primary role is to save the lives of animals.
Fully comply with California’s Hayden Law, including the section that requires shelters to transfer animals to rescue groups that are willing to take them.
Make TNR an official city policy.
Provide free and/or affordable spay/neuter services for all of the city’s low-income companion animals.
Establish uniform criteria for determining if an animal is saved or killed.
Prohibit killing animals based on arbitrary criteria such as breed bans.
Require shelters to notify people surrendering animals about the possibility of those animals being killed.
Refuse to kill savable, surrendered animals even when requested by the guardian, unless independent assessment has been made that the animal is irremediably suffering or hopelessly ill or injured.
Require shelters to regularly report outcomes — how many animals are adopted, killed, transferred to other shelters or taken in by rescue groups — and conduct regular reporting of the outcomes. And, those statistics should be reported monthly rather than annually.
Require both public and private shelters to have fully functioning adoption programs that include such things as offsite adoptions, use of the Internet and staying open seven days a week with some evening hours.
Require shelters to involve qualified, trained volunteers in all aspects of animal saving endeavors, including fostering and socializing animals and assisting with adoptions.
Already having an 85 percent save rate, San Francisco is very close to becoming the country’s first large no-kill city. But everyone will need to work together if they’re going to make the final stretch to the finish line. Castle says the community as a whole must believe that the goal of No More Homeless Pets is possible and must be committed to getting there.
“None of it is very difficult,” Castle says. “They need to save an extra 600 animals a year.”
Written by Sandy MillerPhotos by Molly Wald
As part of Best Friends’ 25th anniversary in 2009, our goal is to double our membership, so we can double our efforts to bring about a time when all companion animals have a forever home. What can you do to help? Give the Gift of a Best Friends membership to family and friends.
When the commission began exploring the idea of making the city by the bay a no-kill community, it sought the advice of a number of animal welfare organizations, including Best Friends Animal Society.
Focus on FelinesGregory Castle, Best Friends co-founder and interim chief executive officer, traveled to San Francisco’s City Hall this summer to speak to the commission. “It would be easy for them to become a no-kill community with some commitment,” Castle says. “They have a very high save rate — about 85 percent. There are a lot of people who feel that if they just did a few things right now, they could become the biggest city in the U.S. to become no-kill.”
Castle told the commission there are some key things that must be in place if San Francisco wants to reach the goal of becoming no-kill community. Agencies and organizations, including Animal Care and Control, government agencies, the San Francisco SPCA, veterinarians, rescues, and other no-kill organizations — must form a coalition and work together toward the same goal. And one of those organizations must be willing to step up and take leadership of the group effort, providing coordination, motivation and direction, Castle says. He says the coalition must tap all available resources, and that there is money available from foundations such as Maddie’s Fund that is currently not being used to save lives in the San Francisco community. And if San Francisco and other cities across the nation are ever to reach the goal of No More Homeless Pets, they must keep those pets from entering shelters in the first place, Castle says. That means having programs that help animals with behavioral and medical issues so they can stay in their homes or find new ones. It also means having programs that address the most commonly euthanized animals in shelters — pit bulls and feral cats. “Pit Bulls: Saving America’s Dog” and “Focus on Felines” are two of four Best Friends campaigns aimed at reaching the goal of No More Homeless Pets. Read more about the campaigns here.
Where to go from here
After spending months hearing testimony from Castle and other animal welfare advocates, commission chairwoman Sally Stephens and commissioners Angela Padilla and Andrea Brooks put together “One Possible Road Map to No Kill in San Francisco.” The plan does indeed incorporate some of the advice from Castle and others, such as creating a coalition. Among other things, it would offer free or low-cost dog training classes and would develop a fund to pay for medical and behavioral treatment of animals at Animal Care and Control. It would create a halfway house for shelter animals to stay until foster homes could be found for them. It would provide education and outreach to help end the horrible blood sport of dogfighting, and it states that landlords can’t refuse to rent to pit bull guardians. In addition, it would make trap/neuter/return (TNR) an official city policy. But many, including Castle, say the plan doesn’t go nearly far enough. Castle says the policy should be a mandate and not just a resolution. He says Animal Care and Control should be mandated to run TNR programs, and that the city should also mandate programs that address pit bulls, feral cats and animals who enter shelters sick or in need of rehabilitation.
FixSanFrancisco.org, a group made up of local animal welfare advocates and organizations, agrees.
“We believe that legislation is absolutely necessary to accomplish no kill in San Francisco,” wrote Kathleen McGarr in a letter to commissioners on behalf of the group. “No kill legislation in San Francisco is a tangible goal within our reach. It is time to ensure that all savable animals in San Francisco have a secure future.” Stephens says the road map is by no means a final document. She and the other commissioners drafted it simply to get the discussion going. She says she’s not sure whether the final plan should be a mandate.
“If it is mandated, the city is saying you have to do this,” Stephens says. “If you don’t have programs in place to support it, it becomes an empty mandate. How do you enforce it? If they don’t meet the mandate, do you fine them? The money spent on fines could be going to the animals. If there was better coordination between these groups, no-kill would happen whether there’s a mandate or not.”
Pit Bulls: Saving America’s Dog
The importance of working together Getting all of San Francisco’s local organizations to work together and coordinate their efforts could prove to be a challenge. For a long time, the San Francisco SPCA, which is celebrating its 141st anniversary this year, was considered the model for how to do things right. The organization worked closely with animal care and control to help raise the city’s save rate to the impressive 85 percent it is today. It built a brand new adoption center and was one of the first organizations to create cage-free environments. But in the last couple years, some have criticized the organization for diluting its lifesaving programs and becoming less committed to no-kill.
One of the biggest criticisms of the SFSPCA is that it brings easily adoptable animals in from outside the community while refusing to take in many of the animals from animal care and control. According to FixSanFrancisco.org, the SFSPCA brought in more than 1,000 animals from outside the city in 2008 alone.
The SFSPCA is bringing in animals that are easy to adopt while “choosing to abandon the older black dog who needs his teeth cleaned,” McGarr says. Only when San Francisco reaches the goal of saving all of its own animals should it reach out to take in animals from other communities, the letter to commissioners said. According to FixSanFrancisco.org, any road map to no-kill must also:
Establish that San Francisco shelters’ primary role is to save the lives of animals.
Fully comply with California’s Hayden Law, including the section that requires shelters to transfer animals to rescue groups that are willing to take them.
Make TNR an official city policy.
Provide free and/or affordable spay/neuter services for all of the city’s low-income companion animals.
Establish uniform criteria for determining if an animal is saved or killed.
Prohibit killing animals based on arbitrary criteria such as breed bans.
Require shelters to notify people surrendering animals about the possibility of those animals being killed.
Refuse to kill savable, surrendered animals even when requested by the guardian, unless independent assessment has been made that the animal is irremediably suffering or hopelessly ill or injured.
Require shelters to regularly report outcomes — how many animals are adopted, killed, transferred to other shelters or taken in by rescue groups — and conduct regular reporting of the outcomes. And, those statistics should be reported monthly rather than annually.
Require both public and private shelters to have fully functioning adoption programs that include such things as offsite adoptions, use of the Internet and staying open seven days a week with some evening hours.
Require shelters to involve qualified, trained volunteers in all aspects of animal saving endeavors, including fostering and socializing animals and assisting with adoptions.
Already having an 85 percent save rate, San Francisco is very close to becoming the country’s first large no-kill city. But everyone will need to work together if they’re going to make the final stretch to the finish line. Castle says the community as a whole must believe that the goal of No More Homeless Pets is possible and must be committed to getting there.
“None of it is very difficult,” Castle says. “They need to save an extra 600 animals a year.”
Written by Sandy MillerPhotos by Molly Wald
As part of Best Friends’ 25th anniversary in 2009, our goal is to double our membership, so we can double our efforts to bring about a time when all companion animals have a forever home. What can you do to help? Give the Gift of a Best Friends membership to family and friends.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Know What Poisons To Keep Away From Your Dog
Since dogs are naturally curious animals, it is important to know what is poisonous to your dog. The following items are poisonous to dogs:
Toxic foods include chocolate, avocado, onions, garlic, raisins, grapes, alcoholic drinks, caffeinated beverages, macadamia nuts and chewing gum with xylitol.
Many plants (even dead or dried) are toxic to pets as well. Be aware of the toxic plants that grow in your home and surroundings.
Many types of mushrooms and garden mulch are also toxic!!!
Keep your pets off lawns or gardens that have been treated with fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides. Wipe his feet immediately if he comes in contact with any of these to avoid the possibility of him licking his paws and ingesting the poison.
Real danger to pets continues from antifreeze/coolant. Always wipe up antifreeze leaks or spills of any size as pets are attracted to sweet smells. Even a small amount of coolant is very toxic.
Store poisonous baits to rid your home of pests in places that your pet cannot access.
Many household cleaners and heavy metals such as lead found in paint chips and linoleum are very toxic to pets.
Consult with your vet before giving your dog any vitamin made for humans.
Toxic foods include chocolate, avocado, onions, garlic, raisins, grapes, alcoholic drinks, caffeinated beverages, macadamia nuts and chewing gum with xylitol.
Many plants (even dead or dried) are toxic to pets as well. Be aware of the toxic plants that grow in your home and surroundings.
Many types of mushrooms and garden mulch are also toxic!!!
Keep your pets off lawns or gardens that have been treated with fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides. Wipe his feet immediately if he comes in contact with any of these to avoid the possibility of him licking his paws and ingesting the poison.
Real danger to pets continues from antifreeze/coolant. Always wipe up antifreeze leaks or spills of any size as pets are attracted to sweet smells. Even a small amount of coolant is very toxic.
Store poisonous baits to rid your home of pests in places that your pet cannot access.
Many household cleaners and heavy metals such as lead found in paint chips and linoleum are very toxic to pets.
Consult with your vet before giving your dog any vitamin made for humans.
*****Symptoms of Poisoning in your pet can include*****
Vomiting/upset stomach
Labored or shallow breathing
drooling
increased or decreased heart rate
fever
hyperactivity or sluggishness/lethargy
increased thirst or lack of thirst or hunger
dilated pupils
stumbling or staggering
seizures or tremors
loss of consciousness
If you think your dog has ingested a dangerous substance immediately call your vet or local animal hospital. If they want you to come in be sure to bring whatever you think your pet got into so they can best treat your pooch.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Great Fundraising Idea for Rescues
Pet Junkie would like to offer your Animal Welfare Charity a way of earning money with little or no work on your part! We will create a FREE online Pet Junkie store for you. All you need to do is have a link on your website with a link Shop for great stuff for the Pet or Pet Lover in your life and (your charity) earns 35% of the sales. Go to http://www.petjunkie.com/nmhpkc to learn more.back
Pet Junkie believes that giving back is an important part of any good business. Pet Junkie offers any 501c(3) the opportunity to have their own online Pet Junkie store at no cost and with no enrollment fee. Charities will receive 25% of all sales that are placed through their online store. The charity can market their online store any way they choose. They can have online parties, share the information through their organizations newsletters and link their online store to their website. We are here to help charities promote their Pet Junkie online store any way they want to work it!
Since Animal Welfare is our passion, we offer 35% of all sales to any animal welfare charity that would like to set up an online store.
For more information, please email jamihepting@gmail.com
We look forward to hearing from you and helping you with your fundraising goals!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Important ACFA Numbers to have in case you see a Puppy Mill
Animal Care Facilities Act Program (ACFA)
(573) 751-3076 (573) 751-3076Fax: (573) 751-6919acfa@mda.mo.gov
Matt Rold, ACFA Coordinator (573) 999-2031 (573) 999-2031
Dawn Wall, Investigator II (573) 751-2494 (573) 751-2494
Patty Kempker, Administrative Office Support Assistant (573) 751-3076 (573) 751-3076
Field Staff:
Ron Praiswater, (816) 383-1830 (816) 383-1830
Joe Atteberry, (417) 425-9694 (417) 425-9694
Mary Martin, (636) 358-1690 (636) 358-1690
Doyle Heiney, (573) 776-0080 (573) 776-0080
Lennie Clayton, (417) 225-8334 (417) 225-8334
Matt Rold, (573) 999-2031 (573) 999-2031
Gary Jones, (660) 890-1213 (660) 890-1213
John Cupps, (417) 489-1214 (417) 489-1214
Vacant
Judi Riordan-Lolli, (660) 888-0322 (660) 888-0322
Stephanie McLane, (636) 541-0168 (636) 541-0168
Greg Twidwell, (573) 778-2399 (573) 778-2399
Dawn Wall, (573) 291-8721 (573) 291-8721
Olivia Bennett, (314) 277-0081
(573) 751-3076 (573) 751-3076Fax: (573) 751-6919acfa@mda.mo.gov
Matt Rold, ACFA Coordinator (573) 999-2031 (573) 999-2031
Dawn Wall, Investigator II (573) 751-2494 (573) 751-2494
Patty Kempker, Administrative Office Support Assistant (573) 751-3076 (573) 751-3076
Field Staff:
Ron Praiswater, (816) 383-1830 (816) 383-1830
Joe Atteberry, (417) 425-9694 (417) 425-9694
Mary Martin, (636) 358-1690 (636) 358-1690
Doyle Heiney, (573) 776-0080 (573) 776-0080
Lennie Clayton, (417) 225-8334 (417) 225-8334
Matt Rold, (573) 999-2031 (573) 999-2031
Gary Jones, (660) 890-1213 (660) 890-1213
John Cupps, (417) 489-1214 (417) 489-1214
Vacant
Judi Riordan-Lolli, (660) 888-0322 (660) 888-0322
Stephanie McLane, (636) 541-0168 (636) 541-0168
Greg Twidwell, (573) 778-2399 (573) 778-2399
Dawn Wall, (573) 291-8721 (573) 291-8721
Olivia Bennett, (314) 277-0081
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Oklahoma Takes A Stand Against Puppy Mills
By The Associated Press
Published: April 22, 2009
The Oklahoma Senate easily passed a bill to regulate puppy mills on Tuesday, despite heavy criticism that the measure lacked teeth and penalized good breeders.
Advertisement
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The vote was 30-16 for the bill, which puts the state Agriculture Department in charge of puppy mill regulation.
Sen. Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant, said the bill only affects "good breeders" who are registered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and will do nothing to crack down on illegal puppy mills located in remote areas.
"It isn't going to hit the mark," he said. "I would encourage you to vote against this. It is a paper tiger. It won't do anything. It's just going to make some folks feel good."
"You've got nothing in here that deals with enforcement," said Sen. Johnnie Crutchfield, D-Ardmore.
Sen. Richard Lerblance, D-Hartshorne, objected to a political maneuver cutting off amendments to the bill. He said the bill needed due process provisions to protect legitimate dog breeders.
Sen. Jerry Ellis, D-Valliant, acknowledged there are cases of animal abuse in Oklahoma, but added: "Will House Bill 1332 stop this? Absolutely not - not any more than we can stop child abuse."
"This is an example of unnecessary government regulation," Ellis said.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Lee Denny, R-Cushing, a veterinarian. It would require licensing of animal breeders who sell 35 or more cats or dogs a year.
It would be the first time the cat and dog breeding industry has been subject to state regulation.
Sen. Cliff Brannan, R-Oklahoma City, said he will take the concerns of senators to a joint conference committee, which will write the final version of the bill.
Brannan said he was not an animal rights activist and the bill "just basically sets minimum standards for dogs and cats."
Published: April 22, 2009
The Oklahoma Senate easily passed a bill to regulate puppy mills on Tuesday, despite heavy criticism that the measure lacked teeth and penalized good breeders.
Advertisement
//');
The vote was 30-16 for the bill, which puts the state Agriculture Department in charge of puppy mill regulation.
Sen. Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant, said the bill only affects "good breeders" who are registered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and will do nothing to crack down on illegal puppy mills located in remote areas.
"It isn't going to hit the mark," he said. "I would encourage you to vote against this. It is a paper tiger. It won't do anything. It's just going to make some folks feel good."
"You've got nothing in here that deals with enforcement," said Sen. Johnnie Crutchfield, D-Ardmore.
Sen. Richard Lerblance, D-Hartshorne, objected to a political maneuver cutting off amendments to the bill. He said the bill needed due process provisions to protect legitimate dog breeders.
Sen. Jerry Ellis, D-Valliant, acknowledged there are cases of animal abuse in Oklahoma, but added: "Will House Bill 1332 stop this? Absolutely not - not any more than we can stop child abuse."
"This is an example of unnecessary government regulation," Ellis said.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Lee Denny, R-Cushing, a veterinarian. It would require licensing of animal breeders who sell 35 or more cats or dogs a year.
It would be the first time the cat and dog breeding industry has been subject to state regulation.
Sen. Cliff Brannan, R-Oklahoma City, said he will take the concerns of senators to a joint conference committee, which will write the final version of the bill.
Brannan said he was not an animal rights activist and the bill "just basically sets minimum standards for dogs and cats."
WonderWeimsRescue
The Missouri * Nebraska Weimweiner Rescue group is always looking for volunteers and fosters to assist them!!! If you are looking to adopt a weimweiner and add a forever friend to your family give Angie P. a call today at 314 330-8481 or go to their website at www.wonderweimrecue.com
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Never, Never Be Afraid To Do What's Right ......
Never, never be afraid to do what's right, especially if the well being of a person or animal is at stake. Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way." Martin Luther King Jr.
Where does your dog sleep???
Forty-two percent of dogs sleep in the same bed as their humans, according to the latest research.
DEMAND JUSTICE FOR DOG LEFT TO ROT AMONG OTHER VICTIMS OF PRICHARD ANIMAL SHELTER, PRICHARD, ALABAMA
Target:
PRICHARD, ALABAMA AND MOBILE COUNTY OFFICIALS AND GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES
Sponsored by:
Netanya Nathan, citizen of the State of Alabama
A dog. Just another dog, you may say, - Yes, he was a homeless dog, with no name, existing in the shadows of human being's comfortable homes and imposing government structures, with no recorded number or the least note of remembrance. Most probable, his life began in misery, abandonment and consisted of daily courageous struggle for life on the mean streets of Prichard, Alabama. His struggle ended in the ultimate betrayal of neglect and cruelty at the hands of staff and management of a hell hole for animals, Prichard Animal (Shelter) Pound. His decaying body was discovered by unexpected visitors who were searching for their own lost dog, in the back of the stinking, feces and urine soaked facility. http://www.nbc15online.com/news/local/story/Dead-Animal-Unsanitary-Conditions-Among-Claims/6AYgpGuVkU-6wg464rb7jw.cspx The witnesses gasped at the stench, and the horrifying sight of this poor dog's rotting eyeballs oozing down his injured, gaping jaw, pestered with vermin and tolerated by other doomed animals imprisoned in the same cage, who begged with their eyes and the last wag of their weary tails for rescue.The dog, "Little No Name" I call him, has no one to remember his struggle, or undeserved elongated painful death. The other dogs and cats who lanquish here until the shot of death takes them, perhaps mercifully from their lives of nothing but a kick or a swat from the human race, have no one to turn to. If not me, if not you, WHO? Write, call and demand justice, ask for the name or recorded number, and orign of this victim of cruel animal shelter staff and managers. Tell them we WILL remember "Little No Name", and want to know why he was brought there and why he was denied medical attention, and left to rot in the place to where he fell in death. Please, "Little No Name" can struggle no more.Contact officials for justice for "Little No Name" Mobile County Commission is responsible for determining prosecution: 205 Government StreetMobile, AL 36644-1001 MOBILE COUNTY COUNTY COMMISSIONERSDist 1-Merceria L. Ludgood574-1000Dist 2-Stephen Nodine574-2000Dist 3-Mike Dean574-3000For email and telephone numbers to Prichard officials:http://www.thecityofprichard.org/
Target:
PRICHARD, ALABAMA AND MOBILE COUNTY OFFICIALS AND GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES
Sponsored by:
Netanya Nathan, citizen of the State of Alabama
A dog. Just another dog, you may say, - Yes, he was a homeless dog, with no name, existing in the shadows of human being's comfortable homes and imposing government structures, with no recorded number or the least note of remembrance. Most probable, his life began in misery, abandonment and consisted of daily courageous struggle for life on the mean streets of Prichard, Alabama. His struggle ended in the ultimate betrayal of neglect and cruelty at the hands of staff and management of a hell hole for animals, Prichard Animal (Shelter) Pound. His decaying body was discovered by unexpected visitors who were searching for their own lost dog, in the back of the stinking, feces and urine soaked facility. http://www.nbc15online.com/news/local/story/Dead-Animal-Unsanitary-Conditions-Among-Claims/6AYgpGuVkU-6wg464rb7jw.cspx The witnesses gasped at the stench, and the horrifying sight of this poor dog's rotting eyeballs oozing down his injured, gaping jaw, pestered with vermin and tolerated by other doomed animals imprisoned in the same cage, who begged with their eyes and the last wag of their weary tails for rescue.The dog, "Little No Name" I call him, has no one to remember his struggle, or undeserved elongated painful death. The other dogs and cats who lanquish here until the shot of death takes them, perhaps mercifully from their lives of nothing but a kick or a swat from the human race, have no one to turn to. If not me, if not you, WHO? Write, call and demand justice, ask for the name or recorded number, and orign of this victim of cruel animal shelter staff and managers. Tell them we WILL remember "Little No Name", and want to know why he was brought there and why he was denied medical attention, and left to rot in the place to where he fell in death. Please, "Little No Name" can struggle no more.Contact officials for justice for "Little No Name" Mobile County Commission is responsible for determining prosecution: 205 Government StreetMobile, AL 36644-1001 MOBILE COUNTY COUNTY COMMISSIONERSDist 1-Merceria L. Ludgood574-1000Dist 2-Stephen Nodine574-2000Dist 3-Mike Dean574-3000For email and telephone numbers to Prichard officials:http://www.thecityofprichard.org/
A Dog's Purpose....
Dog's Purpose
A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year old).Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolf hound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience. The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why.' Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good Life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?' The Six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.'
A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year old).Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolf hound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience. The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why.' Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good Life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?' The Six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.'
Smiling Dog Farm
You Have Now Donated $2640!
Thank you for helping us help the dogs who have no where else to go!
We're Almost There! THANK YOU EVERYONE!
Monday was a holiday, so Tuesday was the first day payroll checks could be cashed.
Your generous donations have made it possible to cover the checks that cleared today.
We are so close to our goal...
Please keep asking your friends and family to help!
Harold Says, "I was on the Euth List in Los Angeles. Guys like me -- pitbulls -- have it rough.
We get unfairly tagged as mean or aggressive... but I'm not!
And some shelters don't even allow us to be adopted --
only rescues can take us, and that makes it even harder for a pit bull to find a home!
I was out of time. They were going to kill me.
Jay saw an email about me, and offered to be my Last Resort -- if no one else offered to help.
Well, no one did and then Jay and Ricky asked their friend Robert from Bound Angels if he could help.
Robert is my friend, too!
He bailed me out of the shelter and put me on a plane for Houston. He even raised the money for my trip!
And now I am safe! Jay and Ricky said it does not matter how long it takes to find me an adoptive home.
They promised I would be safe at the farm and no one would hurt me here!
It feels good to know I will never 'run out of time' again!"
You Know Our Core Mission ...
Providing a home for dogs who have nowhere else to go!
We are often a dog's only hope.
We are the rescue that other rescues turn to, when a dog is in danger.
We try to always say "yes".
Please... ask your friends, family, business contacts --
any NONrescue "civilians" --
to consider helping us, now, so we can keep helping the dogs who need us most!
Tax Deductible Donations*
can be made through Paypal with VISA, MC, Discover Card or check:
Just click on the link http://ssomail.charter.net/do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fsmilingdogfarms.org%252FDonations_Page.html
or you can mail a check to:
Smiling Dog Farms
P.O. Box 743
Wharton, TX 77488
* Smiling Dog Farms is a 501c3 Charitable Organization, recognized by the IRS
If you have already donated-or gotten a friend to donate- THANK YOU!
We would literally not still be here, helping dogs, if not for YOU!
WEBSITE: www.smilingdogfarms.org
BLOG: www.smilingdogfarms.blogspot.com
EMAIL: http://ssomail.charter.net/do/mail/message/mailto?to=Intake%40smilingdogfarms.org
TELEPHONE: (979) 559-1062 (979) 559-1062
FAX: (979) 532-3993
Thank You!
Thank you for helping us help the dogs who have no where else to go!
We're Almost There! THANK YOU EVERYONE!
Monday was a holiday, so Tuesday was the first day payroll checks could be cashed.
Your generous donations have made it possible to cover the checks that cleared today.
We are so close to our goal...
Please keep asking your friends and family to help!
Harold Says, "I was on the Euth List in Los Angeles. Guys like me -- pitbulls -- have it rough.We get unfairly tagged as mean or aggressive... but I'm not!
And some shelters don't even allow us to be adopted --
only rescues can take us, and that makes it even harder for a pit bull to find a home!
I was out of time. They were going to kill me.
Jay saw an email about me, and offered to be my Last Resort -- if no one else offered to help.
Well, no one did and then Jay and Ricky asked their friend Robert from Bound Angels if he could help.
Robert is my friend, too!
He bailed me out of the shelter and put me on a plane for Houston. He even raised the money for my trip!
And now I am safe! Jay and Ricky said it does not matter how long it takes to find me an adoptive home.
They promised I would be safe at the farm and no one would hurt me here!
It feels good to know I will never 'run out of time' again!"
You Know Our Core Mission ...
Providing a home for dogs who have nowhere else to go!
We are often a dog's only hope.
We are the rescue that other rescues turn to, when a dog is in danger.
We try to always say "yes".
Please... ask your friends, family, business contacts --
any NONrescue "civilians" --
to consider helping us, now, so we can keep helping the dogs who need us most!
Tax Deductible Donations*
can be made through Paypal with VISA, MC, Discover Card or check:
Just click on the link http://ssomail.charter.net/do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fsmilingdogfarms.org%252FDonations_Page.html
or you can mail a check to:
Smiling Dog Farms
P.O. Box 743
Wharton, TX 77488
* Smiling Dog Farms is a 501c3 Charitable Organization, recognized by the IRS
If you have already donated-or gotten a friend to donate- THANK YOU!
We would literally not still be here, helping dogs, if not for YOU!
WEBSITE: www.smilingdogfarms.org
BLOG: www.smilingdogfarms.blogspot.com
EMAIL: http://ssomail.charter.net/do/mail/message/mailto?to=Intake%40smilingdogfarms.org
TELEPHONE: (979) 559-1062 (979) 559-1062
FAX: (979) 532-3993
Thank You!
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