What Should Be Said To The Person Dumping Their Older Dog At A Shelter

Written by a volunteer at a rescue organization: 

I do apologize if the following rant seems emotional. I am not trying to call anyone out, unless of course the shoe fits! I knew, when I was asked to become part of your wonderful ( rescue organization) there would be time my faith and patience would be tested., Animals have always been a very large part of my life. I've been so very blessed to have had spirited courageous horses, kind loyal dogs, independent warm fuzzy lap cats, funny sheep and goats, and even a few pigs that have warmed my heart. 

Yesterday a beautiful 16 yr old Collie came to us. He was surrendered because no one had time for him. After 16 years of being a loyal companion, guardian of children, confidant and protector he was discarded. We gave him the quietest kennel we could find as he looked around in fear and confusion. He didn't question or fight... he followed me with trust and dignity and the wisdom that comes with old dogs. We settled him in and started calling our friends in various rescues. Within hours we had a rescue lined up and they came today to take him to his forever home. The two ladies who came to transport him shed tears over his precious old face and beautiful soul. We all hugged knowing this would be one of the lucky ones. This beautiful dog will have the best possible final years. 

For that I am grateful but to those who do this to their beautiful old dogs I am so very appalled. The lies that are told, the excuses we hear, the sad old dogs that have given of themselves, the best they have to give, only to be handed over to strangers when they need peace and safety in their final years, all take a toll on those of us who pour our hearts into our job. There isn't one of us here who hasn't cried over ones lost. We are accused daily of being cruel and heartless because we are forced to make hard decisions due to the irresponsibility of people. We are stopped in Walmart, at dinner, and at school events to be asked" how long before you put them down?" as if that is the only reason we work at an animal shelter. And when it comes time to make that decision pets are brought here and surrendered because "we just can't do that to them" and" I thought since you do it all the time it would be easier for you". We are told "I could never work THERE I don't know how you do it"......but we wouldn't work anywhere else!! We work here because people can be cruel and irresponsible and we want only to help those who haven't a voice of their own. We work here because we know we make a difference one cute fuzzy face at a time. We work here for the puppy kisses, the soft kitty pats, and the the blessing of finding pets a new home where they will live in peace.

Leaving pets in extreme weather now against the law in Illinois image: http://s3.amazonaws.com/heirnet/photos/449/p8010053_thumb.jpg P8010053_thumb By Tamara Read more at http://www.dogheirs.com/tamara/posts/6892-leaving-pets-in-extreme-weather-now-against-the-law-in-illinois

Leaving pets in extreme weather now against the law in Illinois

 By Tamara

Read more at http://www.dogheirs.com/tamara/posts/6892-leaving-pets-in-extreme-weather-now-against-the-law-in-illinois#WhjuuhfPARs0HT4o.99It's now against the law to leave pets outside in extreme temperatures in Illinois. Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner signed legislation which makes it against the law to leave pets in hot and cold weather that will cause them injury or death.

Lawmakers had already passed the bill through the state Senate and the Illinois House earlier in the Spring, and the bill was awaiting the governor's signature. If a pet is hurt or dies as result of being left in extreme weather, a pet owner can now be charged with a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a $2,500 fine or up to one year in jail if they are found guilty.

The bill's sponsor, Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, said the law is a response to the high number of dog deaths last winter after dogs were left outside in subzero temperatures. It is hoped that the law will lead to fewer pets dying and becoming injured and help raise awareness about the animal welfare issue.

The bill number is SB125. The new legislation takes effect on January 1, 2016.

Read more at http://www.dogheirs.com/tamara/posts/6892-leaving-pets-in-extreme-weather-now-against-the-law-in-illinois#WhjuuhfPARs0HT4o.99

All Lives Matter ......

Watch: 3 pit bulls rescued from sewer drainA Cocoa police officer found three pit bulls huddled in a sewer drain on the side of the highway. Animal Services is caring for the dogs and trying to find the owners. Read the full story here: http://at.wftv.com/1GGDkgx Watch the heartwarming rescue:
Posted by WFTV Channel 9 on Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Jon Stewart and Family Open Animal Sanctuary.....

image: http://tftppull.freethoughtllc.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/jon-stewart-farm.jpg.653x0_q80_crop-smart.jpg

Middletown, NJ – In an effort to be the change he wishes to see in the world, comedian John Stewart, after stepping down as host of “The Daily Show,” has started a sanctuary for abused factory farm animals called Bufflehead Farm.

Jon and wife Tracey announced on Saturday that they will become part of Farm Sanctuary’s network of animal safe havens at the annual Farm Sanctuary gala in New York City.

“We’re getting married! Farm Sanctuary and us, we’re getting married,” Tracey told star studded crowd of roughly 500. “We bought a farm in New Jersey with the intention of starting a farm sanctuary of our own with an educational center, but what I’m announcing tonight is that our farm is actually going to be the New Jersey branch of Farm Sanctuary. We’re going to build new advocates, new curious learners, and new leaders for this very important movement.”

Bufflehead Farm, located in Middletown, New Jersey, is a 12-acre non-profit animal rescue sanctuary owned by Jon and Tracey Stewart, which will soon become home to dozens of cows, pigs, sheep, turkeys and other animals rescued from factory farms.

Jon Stewart Quits Comedy, Starts Animal Sanctuary to Rescue Abused Factory Farm Animals

By Jay Syrmopoulos

Read more at http://thefreethoughtproject.com/jon-stewart-opens-animal-sanctuary-rescue-abused-factory-farm-animals/#B3C6fDkf5MTmuZS5.99Stewart has consistently been an animal welfare advocate on his show, once devoting a comedy segment to the foolishness of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s refusal to sign a bill that would end the lifelong confinement of pigs in crates too small for them to turn around.

Tracey Stewart is known for her advocacy on animal rights, recently publishing a book on the topic.

image: http://tftppull.freethoughtllc.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Screen-Shot-2015-10-26-at-2.03.56-PM.png

According to a report by the Mother Nature Network:

The project has long been a dream for Tracey Stewart, an animal advocate and former veterinary technician, who has tirelessly worked to promote a plant-based lifestyle, animal welfare issues, and support for organizations like Farm Sanctuary.

Her new book “Do Unto Animals” (currently the No. 1 bestseller in animal husbandry on Amazon) offers more than 300 pages of beautiful illustrations and promises to give readers “insights into the secret lives of animals and the kindest ways to live with and alongside them.”

“If everyone did a bit more, if they fell in love a little bit more, so much could happen,” Tracey Stewart told The New York Times. “It doesn’t have to be going vegan. You can advocate for them. You can show tenderness. You can play music for them. I really hope people can connect with animals the way most of us did as children.”

Jon Stewart, accompanied by his wife and two children, were honored at the awards ceremony held by Farm Sanctuary, an organization founded in 1986 to combat the abuses of factory farming and encourage a new awareness and understanding about farm animals.

“I’m a little uncomfortable. I’ve spent the last 20 years immersed in the world of Washington politics and the media landscape, so I don’t know how to deal necessarily with people who have empathy,” Stewart told the all-vegan banquet at The Plaza Hotel in New York.

The consistency of the Stewarts should be applauded. Rather than simply paying lip service to a cause, they are putting in the groundwork to support their espoused beliefs.

Similarly to how Morgan Freeman turned his estate into a bee sanctuary, Stewart has shown that celebrities have the ability to not only motivate others by raising awareness about issues, but to lay the actual foundation of real world change.

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Jay Syrmopoulos is an investigative journalist, free thinker, researcher, and ardent opponent of authoritarianism. He is currently a graduate student at University of Denver pursuing a masters in Global Affairs. Jay’s work has been published on Ben Swann’s Truth in Media, Truth-Out, AlterNet, InfoWars, MintPress News as well as numerous other sites. You can follow him on Twitter @sirmetropolis, on Facebook at Sir Metropolis and now on tsu

Read more at http://thefreethoughtproject.com/jon-stewart-opens-animal-sanctuary-rescue-abused-factory-farm-animals/#B3C6fDkf5MTmuZS5.99

Women Found Guilty On 43 Counts of Felony Animal Neglect While Running Breeding Facility

Rainier breeder found guilty of animal neglect, fined $172,000

PORTLAND, Ore.  – A woman found guilty of animal neglect while running breeding facility will have to pay a $172,000 fine.

In addition to the fine, Catherine Setere can’t own domestic animals and horses for five years. the judge also ruled she cannot own animals of any kind (including livestock) for the next three years.

Law enforcement seized 118 dogs, 21 horses and a cat from a Rainier breeding facility owned by Catherine Setere back in November, 2013. 

The Columbia County Sheriff's Office was following up on a complaint that her animals were living in unhealthy conditions.

Nearly all of the animals went to the Oregon Humane Society for adoption.

Humane society officials said all of the animals were either adopted or taken to other shelters devoted to finding them homes.

Setere was found guilty on 43 counts of felony animal neglect on Monday, and the final 11 dogs being held during the case were released to the humane society.

Dog By Dog

Hello DBD subscribers! Quick update for everyone on some great screenings that are coming up in Ohio. Each screening will be proceeded by a VIP Reception (honoring individuals and groups who have made a difference in helping to end "puppy mills" and animal cruelty in Ohio), and include a Q & A with special guests afterwards. 100% of proceeds will benefit educational efforts of Ohio Voters for Companion Animals - OVCA, Rescue Me Ohio and the5414 Productions DBD Educational Fund. DETAILS:Tuesday, October 13th - Cincinnati, OH  TICKETS: http://dogbydogdocumentary.com/cincinnati/ Celebrity MC: Chris Seelbach, Cincinnati City Council Wednesday, October 14th - Columbus, OH Drexel Theatre: TICKETS: http://dogbydogdocumentary.com/columbus/ Celebrity MC: Mindy Drayer, NBC4 Friday, October 16th - Cleveland, OH Chagrin Cinemas: TICKETS: http://dogbydogdocumentary.com/cleveland/ Celebrity MC: Gordon Shell, Champion MMA Fighter and featured in the documentary, "The Dog Fighter" Gordon Shell vs. Mike Vick: FIGHT for the DOGS + Mindi Callison from Bailing Out Benji (Featured in the film), DBD Director Christopher E. Grimes, and Executive Producers Christina Ksoll and Leigh Cavich-Grimes. The second reason we are reaching out is to let our Colorado friends know that we have official joined with PBS Colorado 12 to bring DOG BY DOG into over 500,000 homes across the state! The broadcast premiere(s) are scheduled for 7:00pm and 8:30pm on Sunday, November 22, 2015! We are very excited about this latest development and are very hopeful it will open up opportunities at PBS stations across the U.S. Please keep in eye on DOG BY DOG Facebook for further announcements!  Any questions or concerns, please feel free to email us at info@5414productions.com.  Thank you! TEAM DBD

I've Loved You All My Life ....

Salt Lake City Bans Pet Store Sales of Dogs, Cats and Rabbits

By Steve Dale ( Steve Dale's Pet World )

The goal is to discourage puppy mills, and now Salt Lake County on Tuesday (October 6) became the first Utah municipality to pass an ordinance outlawing pet stores from selling dogs, cats or rabbits unless they come from animal shelters. However, adoptions from legit shelters and rescues at pet stores aren't only allowed, they're encouraged.

Salt Lake City is added to the list of over 80 cities (such as Albuquerque, NM; Chicago, IL;  Phoenix, AZ; LosAngeles, CA; Austin, TX) and a few counties doing the same. The truth is that dogs and cats (and rabbits) sold at pet stores are assuradly from puppy mills or commercial facilities. As Victoria Stilwell, spokesperson for the National Puppy Mill Project says, "If they tell you otherwise, they're lying."

The law will not affect any existing pet stores because it only applies to the unincorporated area of the county, but County Councilman Arlyn Bradshaw said he hopes the law will set a precedent for other Utah cities.

"No one's business is at stake by us passing this, but it does send a message that as a community we value our dogs, cats and rabbits, and that we want to ensure that they're not viewed solely as a product for profit," said Bradshaw, who is also executive director of the non-profit Best Friends Animal Society of Utah.

Gene Baierschmidt, executive director of the Humane Society of Utah, released a statement Tuesday in support of the council's decision. Resale of animals through pet stores has been a "contributing factor" in pet overpopulation, he said, because the animals are not spayed or neutered when they're sold.

While there was no serous push back from the pet store industry in Utah - they've begun to go to court to fight these animal protection laws.

A shop called Puppies 'N Love in Phoenix sued to challenge a similar ordinance passed in 2013, but a judge upheld it in July. U.S. District Judge David Campbell acknowledged that it will burden the business but said it was not the court's place to judge the fairness of the city ban. Similarly in Cook County, IL, the law to prevent pet store sales of dogs, cats and rabbits was upheld in court.

So far, all court challenges have overwhelmingly ruled in favor, suggesting these laws/ordinances to protect animals are indeed legal on the city and county level. Meanwhile, the wave of similar laws to what Utah has passed are sweeping the nation.

Some Lives Don't Matter Less......

Pits make Fabulous Pets ...

The sweetest thing you will ever see. The true nature of a Pitbull. ❤
Posted by Samantha Damballah on Wednesday, September 16, 2015