Friday, February 25, 2011

Please Tell Me How This Happens..........



Rep. Jason Smith, who's gutting the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act, happens to be the son of dog breeders

By Peter Rugg
Jason Smith's family makes money on the dog breeding that voters want regulated.
​Well, this is a funny coincidence. Earlier this week, Missouri's House Agriculture Committee unanimously agreed on a bill that completely guts the voter-approved Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act. The committee felt that Missouri's residents just weren't educated enough to really understand how providing things like "necessary veterinary care" or removing "feces" from drinking water would be bad for dog breeders.

That committee hearing was unique because the bill's leading proponent, Rep. Jason Smith, sat in and argued for it even though he wasn't actually a member of the committee. As the majority whip, the Salem Republican can get in on any committee he wants at any time as an ex officio member. But you know what's even weirder? It turns out that Smith's mom owns a puppy mill outside Salem! Isn't that funny?

I know what you're thinking: "Wow. That is a crazy coincidence." It gets even crazier!

You know how the bill, which Smith is leading the charge to gut, is supposed to prevent unsanitary conditions and animal cruelty? Well, get this. Smith's mom, kennel owner Mary Ann Smith, was actually cited by the Humane Society of the United States as one of the 12 worst puppy mills in the state last year, or "Missouri's Dirty Dozen." The Humane Society report said Smith's operation had a history of repeatedly violating USDA regulations for more than a decade. Citations included "unsanitary conditions; dogs exposed to below-freezing temperatures or excessive heat without adequate shelter from the weather; dogs without enough cage space to turn and move around freely; pest and rodent infestations; injured and bleeding dogs, dogs with loose bloody stools who had not been treated by a vet."

Loose bloody stools, and not treated by a vet. Huh. It really is a small world, isn't it?

Surely none of this has in, any way, influenced his decision to completely ignore the will of the voters in a lawful election. Life's just funny sometimes.

Do you think this could be the truck he drives ???

Dog For Sale.........

A guy is driving around the back woods of Missouri and he sees a sign in front of a
broken down shanty-style house: 'Talking Dog For Sale ' He rings the bell and the owner appears and tells him the dog is in the backyard.The guy goes into the backyard and sees a nice looking Boston Terrier sitting there.'You talk?' he asks. 'Yep,' the Boston Terrier replies.After the guy recovers from the shock of hearing a dog talk, he says 'So, what's your story?' The Boston Terrier looks up and says, 'Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young pup..I wanted to help the government, so I told the CIA. In no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a

dog would be eavesdropping.' 'I was one of their most valuable spies for eight
years running... But the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't getting any younger so I decided to settle down. I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security, wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals.' 'I got married, had a mess of puppies, and now I'm just retired.' The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog. 'Ten dollars,' the guy says.'Ten dollars? This dog is amazing! Why on
earth are you selling him so cheap?' 'Because he's a liar. He never did any of that sh_ _.

Friday, February 18, 2011

USDA fails to crack down on puppy mills, details horrific conditions and lax enforcement
The Associated Press
By MARY CLARE JALONICK Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON May 25, 2010 (AP)
Federal investigators have uncovered grisly conditions at puppy mills around the country where dogs were infested with ticks, living with gaping wounds and in pools of feces, according to a disturbing new report that placed the blame on lax enforcement. Investigators say the Agriculture Department agency in charge of enforcing the Animal Welfare Act often ignores repeat violations, waives penalties and doesn't adequately document inhumane treatment of dogs.
In one case cited by the department's inspector general, 27 dogs died at an Oklahoma breeding facility after inspectors had visited the facility several times and cited it for violations. The review, conducted between 2006 and 2008, found more than half of those large kennels — known as puppy mills — had already been cited for violations flouted the law again.
The report recommends that the animal care unit at the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service immediately confiscate animals that are dying or seriously suffering, and better train its inspectors to document, report and penalize wrongdoing.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Tuesday the department takes the report seriously and will move to immediately improve enforcement, penalties and inspector training. He noted the investigation was conducted before his time in office and called it troubling.
"USDA will reinforce its efforts under its animal welfare responsibilities, including tougher penalties for repeat offenders and greater consistent action to strongly enforce the law," he said.
The investigators visited 68 dog breeders and dog brokers in eight states that had been cited for at least one violation in the previous three years. On those visits, they found that first-time violators were rarely penalized, even for more serious violations, and repeat offenders were often let off the hook as well. The agency also gave some breeders a second chance to correct their actions even when they found animals dying or suffering, delaying confiscation of the animals.

FOX Files : The Many Sides Of Tony La Russa - KTVI

FOX Files : The Many Sides Of Tony La Russa - KTVI

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Mark & Jamie Buehrle Are Animal Avocates....

CHICAGO -- On the family tree belonging to Mark and Jamie Buehrle, there currently is space for five children. One spot belongs to their son, Braden, and a second belongs to their daughter, Brooklyn. As for the other three? Well, those are occupied by the Buehrles' three dogs, Diesel, Drake and Duke.
There are dog lovers and then there are Mark and Jamie, who have taken this affection to another level, or in Jamie's case, a successful career in advocacy for canine rights, especially for dogs who don't have homes.

"I don't understand people who say they have kids and don't have time for their dogs anymore," said Jamie, during a recent interview at SoxFest. "I'll do anything for my dogs. The biggest thing is people have a choice where their life ends up. They can make decisions for the most part and better their life.

"Dogs don't have that choice. Animals in general don't have that voice. People abuse them, leave them in animal shelters, drop them on the side of the road and they have no voice to change it."

Jamie has made her voice heard loud and clear, from the Midwest all the way across the country. And Mark has used his fame in a highly positive manner, a pattern followed by so many charitable members of the White Sox organization, beginning at the top with chairman Jerry Reinsdorf.

The Buehrles started a program known as "Sox for Strays," which hosts local animal rescue groups throughout the season at U.S. Cellular Field. They recorded public service announcements featuring dogs available for adoption, and many Chicago residents probably saw them prominently featured on a highway billboard for the Adopt a Pet program funded by Purina.

"Let 'em Steal Home. Adopt a Pet," reads the billboard, with the Buehrles' names underneath the cutline just to the right of a picture with their three dogs. Mark mentioned how they recently got David Backes of the St. Louis Blues to pose for a similar billboard.

"We are trying to get more athletes to do that in every city or every town," Mark said. "Pose with your pet or another pet, and say 'Adopt a pet.'"

"That's a website where all different rescues can post their dogs," added Jamie of the idea behind Adopt a Pet. "It makes it user friendly. You can go on the website, put in specifically the type of dog you want and the area, and it pulls up every shelter matching the dogs with that criteria around you. It's right at your fingertips."

Hope Rescues in Alton, Ill., not too far from the Buehrles' Missouri home, stands as another organization "near and dear" to Jamie, where she has frequently assisted and there are numerous more she works with in Chicago. She does a great deal of networking via e-mails and phone calls in trying to get dogs placed, and Mark will go with her when they visit shelters to simply walk dogs and give them a chance to exercise.

Each and every group appreciates the time and energy committed by the Buehrles, not just lip service being paid by a local celebrity. Of course, it doesn't hurt having a well-known athlete and dog lover such as Mark lending his face and name to a cause.

"Here's a very ethical and community-minded sports player, and it's important for him to put his name and reputation behind it," said Cynthia Bathurst, who is the director of the non-profit Safe Humane Chicago and is the director of Safe Humane for Best Friends Animal Society. "Clearly Jamie is fabulous, and goodness knows, she knows how to get things done.

"But this is not just Michael Vick, who did something bad and tries to tell someone not to do that. It's someone who believes in it and is willing to put his name behind it."

Although the Buehrles take the phrase "dog lovers" to another level, they have a clear understanding how not everyone in the world falls in this category. Jamie's contention then becomes very basic: Just don't buy a dog, especially if there's any chance you will end up abusing or abandoning it.

"Every time I think I've heard the worst story, another one comes about," Jamie said. "It makes me jaded and makes me lose faith in humanity some time because I don't understand how people can do that to innocent animals." That comment from Jamie carries a direct line to Vick, who was presented with the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year Award this past weekend. The Buehrles would not bestow any such honor on the Eagles quarterback.
Mark and Jamie received positive press this offseason for their act of charity in paying the approximately $3,000 in medical bills for a dog found abandoned with an arrow in its side on the Illinois/Missouri border. Jamie saw the post about the dog on Hope Rescues Facebook page, and figured it was one less thing for the group to worry about, knowing they would not turn away the animal.

Eighty people put in applications for that rescued dog nursed back to health. The dog ended up with a "wonderful house" in Chesterfield, Mo., according to Jamie. In the long run, Jamie has thought about running a rescue, but she knows her heart would be bigger than it should be and lead her to take in too many dogs.
"I'd be that person that gets in over my head and try to figure out what to do with all of them," Jamie said. "I can't say no. Maybe it's not the cutest dog to me, but it is to someone else and deserves to live."
When Mark retires, Jamie plans to volunteer even more in person along with her networking through e-mail and even Facebook. Until then, Jamie and Mark will take care of their four-legged "children" along with others not directly related to them who need the assistance.

"Dogs are like your kids," Mark said. "You cuddle with them when they are going to bed, and I think they are kind of like humans.

"I'm not a big cat guy, and I'm sure there are cat lovers out there. It's something about dogs. They connect to you and they bond with you. It's your buddy."

Just Snoveling My Way Out.....

Let it snow.....Let it snow.....Let it snow......

Adopt Your Next Family Pet Through Your Local Shelters and Rescues...


Sunday, February 6, 2011

Rescue Me......


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWpHl4vSQWI This stunning boy is a German shep/chow mix. He is around 1-2yrs old, 45lbs, lots of energy, loves toys and very outgoing!! If you can help rescue this boy, please contact me at westhancockk9@mchsi.com Upper midwest transport available for him!!
RESCUE ME!!

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Free Puppy Training For Fosters....

Tracy has recently started teaching training classes again at Kim's Canines (St. Charles, I-70/94, www.KimsCanines.com ), and is working with the owner to allow 501c3 rescue foster homes with puppies to attend puppy classes for free. She is sure you know how critical that first 16-18 weeks is, and how important it is for the dogs to have positive socialization experiences; that is our primary focus, along with education and training to avoid later behavior issues such as resource guarding & biting.

There classes are open enrollment, where people can start with their puppies at any time. Classes are offered 3 times per week. All that they would ask is that if the foster home liked the training experience, that they recommend Kim's Canines for training to the final adoptors and give them some literature. The puppies need to have at least 1 vaccine (preferably 2), and a clean fecal, and be in a home environment for at least 7 days if pulled from a shelter.

If you know of reputable 501c3 groups that might be interested, please have them contact Tracy directly at tracymbuck@hotmail.com or 314-566-9038.
Tracy Buck B.S. CPDT-KA KPA-CTP

"Not to hurt our humble brethren is our first duty to them,
but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission -
to be of service to them whenever they require it." St. Francis of Assisi

Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Karen Pryor Academy - Certified Training Partner
APDT Professional Member #2007
AKC CGC Evaluator
www.TracyBuck.com

Smiling Dog Farms Rescue....

This weekend is our LAST CHANCE to raise the money we need
to continue helping dogs without hope,
who have nowhere else to go!

Our Year End Fundraiser is one of 3 big events each year
that raise the money we need to keep doing what we do.
We are VERY dependent on their success to maintain programs.

Through December 16, our donations this year were down by
$21,362
To date, you have generously donated $17,124...
That includes a $2500 Matching Grant
from a Friend of Smiling Dog Farms,
and another Matching Grant from American Dog Rescue

We still need $4238
so we can keep saying "yes" to dogs with no where else to go!
We have Sat - Sun - Mon to do it!

Can you pass this along
to someone you know who might help us?

Happy says, "We still need new monthly sponsors,
AND donations! We have until February 7-- Monday-- to meet our goal!
Read about Yvette coming to see me in Smiling Dog News at
http://smilingdogfarms.blogspot.com/ "

You donated $160 today...
So we just need $ 4238 to make our goal!

You can make a one-time donation or become a monthly sponsor at
http://smilingdogfarms.org/Donations_Page.html

We had no new sponsors sign up today.
We still need $ 670 in new monthly sponsors.
Regular Monthly Donors are the backbone of our existence.

Your $10/mo joins someone else's $10/mo
and soon it is enough money to fund our programs!

If you're getting my emails,
you probably are already a sponsor or have already donated!
We're not asking you to donate again...

You Know Our 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://smilingdogfarms.org/Donations_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 already donate as a regular, monthly Partner...
Or have gotten a friend to donate
or sign up as a monthly Partner...
Thank You!

We would literally not still be here, helping dogs, if not for YOU!

jay hellerich, executive director
smiling dog farms
a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation
p.o. box 743
wharton, texas 77488
979-559-1062

website: http://www.smilingdogfarms.org/
blog: http://smilingdogfarms.blogspot.com/
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Smiling-Dog-Farms/362328795391?v=wall

Please become a Smiling Dog Partner to Support Our Work
Your Monthly Tax-Deductible Gift Gives Hope to the Forgotten,Neglected & Rejected
Just click on http://smilingdogfarms.org/Donations_Page.html