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
Friday, September 25, 2009
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!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Good Dog Advice
If you have a dog .... PLEASE read this and send it on. If you don't have a dog, please pass along to friends who do.
Written by: Laurinda Morris, DVMDanville Veterinary Clinic Danville , OH
This week I had the first case in history of raisin toxicity ever seen at MedVet. My patient was a 56-pound, 5 yr old male neutered lab mix that ate half a canister of raisins sometime between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM on Tuesday. He started with vomiting, diarrhea and shaking about 1AM on Wednesday but the owner didn't call my emergency service until 7AM. I had heard somewhere about raisins and grapes causing acute Renal failure but hadn't seen any formal paper on the subject.. We had her bring the dog in immediately. In the meantime, I called the ER service at MedVet, and the doctor there was like me- had heard something about it, but anyway, we contacted the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center and they said to give IV fluids at 1 & 1/2 times maintenance and watch the kidney values for the next 48-72 hours. The dog's BUN (blood urea nitrogen level) was already at 32 (normal less than 27) and creatinine over 5 (1.9 is the high end of normal). Both are monitors of kidney function in the bloodstream. We placed an IV catheter and started the fluids. Rechecked the renal values at 5 PM and the BUN was over 40 and creatinine over 7 with no urine production after a liter of fluids. At that point I felt the dog was in acute renal failure and sent him on to MedVet for a urinary catheter to monitor urine output overnight as well as overnight care. He started vomiting again overnight at MedVet and his renal values have continued to increase daily. He produced urine when given lasix as a diuretic. He was on 3 different anti-vomiting medications and they still couldn't control his vomiting. Today his urine output decreased again, his BUN was over 120, his creatinine was at 10, his phosphorus was very elevated and his blood pressure, which had been staying around 150, skyrocketed to 220 ..... He continued to vomit and the owners elected to Euthanize.
This is a very sad case - great dog, great owners who had no idea raisins could be a toxin. Please alert everyone you know who has a dog of this very serious risk. Poison control said as few as 7 raisins or grapes could be toxic. Many people I know give their dogs grapes or raisins as treats including our ex-handler's. Any exposure should give rise to immediate concern. Onions, chocolate, cocoa and macadamia nuts can be fatal, too.
Even if you don't have a dog, you might have friends who do. This is worth passing on to them.Confirmation from Snopes about the above . http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/raisins.asp
Written by: Laurinda Morris, DVMDanville Veterinary Clinic Danville , OH
This week I had the first case in history of raisin toxicity ever seen at MedVet. My patient was a 56-pound, 5 yr old male neutered lab mix that ate half a canister of raisins sometime between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM on Tuesday. He started with vomiting, diarrhea and shaking about 1AM on Wednesday but the owner didn't call my emergency service until 7AM. I had heard somewhere about raisins and grapes causing acute Renal failure but hadn't seen any formal paper on the subject.. We had her bring the dog in immediately. In the meantime, I called the ER service at MedVet, and the doctor there was like me- had heard something about it, but anyway, we contacted the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center and they said to give IV fluids at 1 & 1/2 times maintenance and watch the kidney values for the next 48-72 hours. The dog's BUN (blood urea nitrogen level) was already at 32 (normal less than 27) and creatinine over 5 (1.9 is the high end of normal). Both are monitors of kidney function in the bloodstream. We placed an IV catheter and started the fluids. Rechecked the renal values at 5 PM and the BUN was over 40 and creatinine over 7 with no urine production after a liter of fluids. At that point I felt the dog was in acute renal failure and sent him on to MedVet for a urinary catheter to monitor urine output overnight as well as overnight care. He started vomiting again overnight at MedVet and his renal values have continued to increase daily. He produced urine when given lasix as a diuretic. He was on 3 different anti-vomiting medications and they still couldn't control his vomiting. Today his urine output decreased again, his BUN was over 120, his creatinine was at 10, his phosphorus was very elevated and his blood pressure, which had been staying around 150, skyrocketed to 220 ..... He continued to vomit and the owners elected to Euthanize.
This is a very sad case - great dog, great owners who had no idea raisins could be a toxin. Please alert everyone you know who has a dog of this very serious risk. Poison control said as few as 7 raisins or grapes could be toxic. Many people I know give their dogs grapes or raisins as treats including our ex-handler's. Any exposure should give rise to immediate concern. Onions, chocolate, cocoa and macadamia nuts can be fatal, too.
Even if you don't have a dog, you might have friends who do. This is worth passing on to them.Confirmation from Snopes about the above . http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/raisins.asp
Friday, September 4, 2009
SNKC
Friday Vet Care Clinics: Sept. 11th, 18th, and 25th.
SNKC offers a low-cost vet care clinic every Friday from 10AM-4PM.
Saturday Vet Care Clinics: Sept. 12th and 19th.
SNKC offers the low-cost vet care clinic on Saturday's from 9AM-12PM. SNKC is seeking volunteer help to complete the pet registration paperwork, provide education to our clients about the services we offer and assisting our vet care staff. Additionally, we can always benefit from having some help with our building upkeep and laundry.
Pet Outreach:
PLEASE join us on Sunday, September 20th from 1PM-4PM. If it is is your first time joining us, PLEASE meet at the clinic no later than 12:30. If you have already gone on outreach with us before, please arrive by 12:45. What is Pet Outreach? We work together in teams going door-to-door in a targeted neighborhood to introduce ourselves and seek pets/families in need of our services. We also take pet supplies with us to immediately help needy pets in our community. This is a highly rewarding expereince and helps support our MASH clinic.Questions? Please email Pet Outreach Manager, Gloria Harris at gloriah@snkc.net.
Special Annoucements:
A HUGE congratulations to 2 of our employees who are making waves:GLORIA HARRIS: Please help us welcome Gloria into her new role as Customer Relations/Pet Outreach Manager. Gloria continues to be instrumental in our daily operations as we grow. Haven't met her yet? Stop by and say Hi!! Better yet...join us for Outreach and work side-by-side this outstanding woman. TAMARA SCHARFENKAMP: Please help us welcome Tamara into her new role as Director of Operations. Tamara really hit the ground running here at SNKC and has been a huge help to Michelle by taking on the needs of daily operations. She will also continue to be your point of contact for new volunteers and volunteer events.
Contact Us:
For information about these, or any SNKC volunteer events, PLEASE email Tamara for more information at tamara@snkc.net.
SNKC offers a low-cost vet care clinic every Friday from 10AM-4PM.
Saturday Vet Care Clinics: Sept. 12th and 19th.
SNKC offers the low-cost vet care clinic on Saturday's from 9AM-12PM. SNKC is seeking volunteer help to complete the pet registration paperwork, provide education to our clients about the services we offer and assisting our vet care staff. Additionally, we can always benefit from having some help with our building upkeep and laundry.
Pet Outreach:
PLEASE join us on Sunday, September 20th from 1PM-4PM. If it is is your first time joining us, PLEASE meet at the clinic no later than 12:30. If you have already gone on outreach with us before, please arrive by 12:45. What is Pet Outreach? We work together in teams going door-to-door in a targeted neighborhood to introduce ourselves and seek pets/families in need of our services. We also take pet supplies with us to immediately help needy pets in our community. This is a highly rewarding expereince and helps support our MASH clinic.Questions? Please email Pet Outreach Manager, Gloria Harris at gloriah@snkc.net.
Special Annoucements:
A HUGE congratulations to 2 of our employees who are making waves:GLORIA HARRIS: Please help us welcome Gloria into her new role as Customer Relations/Pet Outreach Manager. Gloria continues to be instrumental in our daily operations as we grow. Haven't met her yet? Stop by and say Hi!! Better yet...join us for Outreach and work side-by-side this outstanding woman. TAMARA SCHARFENKAMP: Please help us welcome Tamara into her new role as Director of Operations. Tamara really hit the ground running here at SNKC and has been a huge help to Michelle by taking on the needs of daily operations. She will also continue to be your point of contact for new volunteers and volunteer events.
Contact Us:
For information about these, or any SNKC volunteer events, PLEASE email Tamara for more information at tamara@snkc.net.
Inner Peace...
If you can start the day without caffeine,If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains, If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles, If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it, If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time, If you can take criticism and blame without resentment ,If you can conquer tension without medical help,If you can relax without liquor, If you can sleep without the aid of drugs, 
...Then You Are Probably The Family Dog! And you thought I was going to get all spiritual.
...Then You Are Probably The Family Dog! And you thought I was going to get all spiritual.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Three important Lessons in Life
1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady. During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely," said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello." I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.
2. - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain One night, at 11:30 PM, an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960's. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away... God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others.." Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole
3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve. In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "Fifty cents," replied the waitress. The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. "Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. "Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied. The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies. You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.
2. - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain One night, at 11:30 PM, an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960's. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away... God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others.." Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole
3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve. In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "Fifty cents," replied the waitress. The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. "Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. "Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied. The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies. You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.
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